Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Don Pinnock
Published on 2024-02-25 20:42:43
Willem Boshoff, a man passionate about preserving the beauty of the forests around him, sits under a turkey berry tree in Newlands Forest in Cape Town. His tall figure, greying beard, and warm demeanor are complemented by the serene atmosphere of the forest. The aroma of brewing tea fills the air, a fitting companion to the tannin-rich forest floor. Behind him stands a majestic wild almond tree, its sprawling branches resembling an octopus reaching out to the sky. The forest floor is covered in a golden carpet of fallen leaves, while the living leaves above rustle with the harmonious cacophony of birds going about their daily routines.
As Willem and I converse, he expresses his deep love for the forest and his commitment to protecting it. The forest, however, was not always in such a pristine state. Willem recounts the devastation he witnessed when he first encountered the aftermath of illegal bark stripping in 2019. Lush trees, some centuries old, had been stripped bare, leaving gaping wounds in the once-vibrant forest canopy. The sight deeply affected him, prompting him to take action to save the forest he held dear.
Driven by his passion for conservation, Willem joined forces with like-minded individuals to form the Newlands Forest Conservation group. Together, they devised a creative solution to combat the rampant bark stripping plaguing the forest. By painting the trees with a non-intrusive grey PVA mixture, they were able to deter the strippers effectively. Over the course of six months, they painted thousands of trees, preserving the mature specimens that are crucial to the forest’s ecosystem.
Willem’s efforts have yielded remarkable results, with not a single painted tree falling victim to bark stripping since the inception of the project. The once looming threat to Newlands Forest has been significantly reduced, thanks to the dedication and ingenuity of Willem and his team. However, the challenge of protecting the forest from illegal activities remains a constant battle, with limited resources and the vast expanse of the park posing logistical challenges.
Despite the obstacles, Willem remains committed to his cause, advocating for greater support and funding for conservation efforts in Table Mountain National Park. He emphasizes the importance of public engagement and responsibility in preserving these natural spaces for future generations to enjoy. Willem’s passion for the trees, particularly the endangered species like assegai and stinkwood, shines through in his tireless efforts to protect them from harm.
As we conclude our conversation, Willem reflects on the beauty of the forest as a whole, recognizing the interconnectedness of its diverse ecosystem. His dedication to saving the trees and the forest they inhabit is a testament to his heartfelt commitment to conservation. Through his actions and advocacy, Willem Boshoff serves as a beacon of hope for the preservation of our natural heritage.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
