CONSERVATION AREAS

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Natural Inheritance

The Wild Coast has special and unique environmental qualities that are of intrinsic worth in their own right, and are also key tourism resources. Along the coast are important and environmentally sensitive areas such as nature reserves, marine reserves, the Pondoland Coast (which is especially noted as a sensitive area with very high levels of endemic species and biodiversity), indigenous coastal forests, muti/ethnobotanical plants, marine and estuarine resources, erodable soils and sand dunes, some of which contain titanium ore deposits. The coast also possesses a rich archaeological and cultural heritage.

Geology and Landform

The constraints are due to the limited potential for groundwater extraction, the hilly topography of most parts, the erodable Beaufort and Ecca Soils that are widespread in some areas and the titanium mineral deposits that are located in very sensitive dune ecosystems. The opportunities with regard to the geology are that the area is generally suitable for foundations, and the geology helps to create a scenically beautiful landscape. In general, the southern areas have the more gentle and developable topography.

Nature Conservation Office

The main information and booking office for Wild Coast nature reserves is the Nature Conservation Office in Umtata on the corner of York and Victoria streets. Here you can book for some reserves, get maps and travel information.

Wild Coast Community Tourism Initiative

Postal Address: PO Box 18171, Quigney 5211, South Africa

Physical Address: Tourism Centre, Eastern Cape Tourist Board, Quigney, East London 5211, South Africa

Telephone: +27 43 7222203
Fax: +27 43 7222219
info@wildcoast.org.za