Robyn Britz ct18558

In this essay I will be exploring the environmental issue that is the threat against our biodiversity, and specifically fynbos, due to the presence of invasive species in The Western Cape of South Africa. The Western Cape is unique due to the endemic presence of fynbos and holds a rich array of flora and fauna. These alien animals and plants pose a great threat in destroying this ecological balance and therefore causing a great loss to our environment. I will be discussing the various threats that fynbos face and organisations that deal with the issue. I will also be looking at various contrasting media campaigns about fynbos and invasive species and analysing them against an alternative argument which has been presented by scientists.

South Africa is one of the world's six floral kingdoms and is the smallest and richest per area unit. The vegetation spanning the country holds over 9000 species of plants with around 6200 being endemic.[Wild Cliff] Fynbos is known for its exceptional level of biodiversity and therefore attracts a lot of tourists interested in visiting The Cape, to experience it. Tourism is a large source of income for the South African economy and the scenic beauty of Table Mountain and its natural essence plays a large role in this attraction.

Table Mountain was the focus of a recent campaign to promote it being named one of the 7 wonders of nature. Table Mountain in many ways symbolises the centre of biodiversity and rich Cape Flora and Fauna for many. The campaign teamed with various South African celebrities such as Conrad Jantjes and Soli Philander and encouraged many to vote. This campaign drew a lot of attention and media coverage and with this tourism. In order to maintain tourism and the beauty of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Floral Kingdom alike, research, investigation and measures have to be put in place in order to protect it. [IOL TRAVEL 2011]

[Enviropedia]

Threats against Fynbos

The first major threat to fynbos is the invasive alien species of vegetation. With the increase of global travel there is an evident increase of these foreign plants, being brought into South Africa. These invasive plants are highly adaptable and take root in countries with similar climates to their originating country. 198 species of alien plants have been identified in South Africa [David J McDonald] “Less than 20% of this region is pristine area which exists in disconnected fragments that cannot maintain the ecological processes required for species survival. This region has therefore obtained the dubious global recognition as a leading site for species extinctions. ” [WWF South Africa]

The natural occurrence of the relocation of natural organisms across happens naturally because of various reasons. In history many plans were shipped from Europe to North America, both for agriculture and ornamental uses. Invasive species also travel by accident, through clothing, packing and shipping. These relocated species then both survive and begin to adapt and grow while others do not.[TIEE]

When these invasive alien plant species are introduced into our environment they spread rapidly and begin to remove and take the place of the indigenous vegetation. The pests and parasites that would control these species of plants are not present and therefore they continue to grow and spread with very few obstacles. (Cape Town Gov)

The first threat these alien plants present to the fynbos is the fact that they are not as well adapted to the dry and sandy soil conditions of the Western Cape and therefor use up the a large amount of the available water. [David J McDonald. 2004]

The second threat is that specific alien species burn at a much higher temperature than the fynbos. Therefore the fynbos seeds, found in the soil very near to the surface, are destroyed. This leaves the alien seeds ready and free to grow once the fire is over. The most recent South Africa Yearbook states that alien plants have to this date invaded 8% of the country, over 10 million hectares with their number, over the next 15 years, projected to double.[Enviornment. 2010]

[DEMOTIX]

Fynbos is also home to many species of small mammals that require it to survive. These mammals include chacma, baboons, grysbok and dassies. It also presents six endemic bird species, is also home to the world’s second rarest tortoise, the geometric tortoise and hosts 29 endemic species of frogs.[UWC] These animals, many found in Cape Town exclusively, face a great threat as their natural food and environment is slowly being destroyed.

There is a lack of data about these alien plants. “Invasive alien plants are concentrated in the Western Cape, along the eastern seaboard, and into the eastern interior, but there is a shortage of accurate data on abundance within this range.” (Richardson, DM and Van Wilgen, BW. 2004) A recently media article talks about Michelle van der Bank, who is the project leader at Johannesburg University, who is setting out across the Western Cape with a team of team of botanists and zoologists, in April 2012, to identify alien animal and plant species in biodiversity hotspots. She stated that “South Africa faces one of the largest problems with invasive plant species in the world, with the fynbos biome being a particular vulnerable vegetation type.” [IOL NEWS 2012]

More information on invasive species’ threat to fynbos needs to be gathered and over time organisations and campaigns have been formed to gather this information in order to provide the public with up to date and accurate information. “It is therefore critical that such assessments be expanded and methodological tools disseminated in order to provide the basic data and information necessary for informed decision-making regarding the prevention, eradication and control of invasive species.”[GISP]

Organisations

There are various organisations looking at the issue of alien vegetation, doing research and creating awareness. An organisation was launched in 1995 which is generating a lot of attention when it comes to fynbos research, education and conservation is the Working for Water Programme led by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and the Alien Vegetation Clearing Programme of the Table Mountain National Park.

[RAINHARVEST]

When they launched they focused on dealing with both the issue of alien plants and unemployment by utilising social development. They focus on taking this environmental issue and creating jobs around it for woman, the youth and the disabled. They not only conduct research on the alien vegetation but also deal with the root of the problem and create awareness campaigns surrounding the issue and therefore educate the population. They also work towards creating stricter border security measures to introduction of new of alien plants into the country.

The fact that this organisation is creating employment is important especially in South Africa where the level of unemployment is high. Taking something like fynbos conservation and restoration and training people to be sustainable and protect the environment is a great initiative and will have a positive impact on social structures and communities involved.

Another of these organisations is Cape Town Green Map who is an organisation dedicated to providing tourists and locals a map with eco-friendly information and hotspots to visit. They supply maps with information about where to recycle and many other “green” topics with regards to our country. They keep up to date on what the city is doing and feed back to the public on environmental prospects. They stated that “The City is working towards a future invasive alien animal and plant-free city.”[Cape Town Green Map]

[CAPE TOWN GREEN MAP]

Cape Town Green Map is a highly useful tool to be on the market in South Africa, a lot of people aim to be more environmentally conscious but do not know what to do and how to do it. This map helps the average person find the tools and training to live a more environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle.

Global Thoughts

Invasive species are a problem not only in South Africa but all over the globe. They present a threat against the biodiversity and ecosystems in many countries. “On average, around 50 non-native species are having a negative impact on existing plants and animals in each country, ranging from nine in Equatorial Guinea to a massive 222 in New Zealand.” [Guardian UK]

These species in turn kill out and overcrowd the areas where the native species grow. They do this through predation, parasitism, disease, and competition [Chornesky and Randall 2003].

Another large issue that we face with invasive species is the transportation of diseases. “Many non-native species can act as reservoirs for disease, including insects, rodents, and birds, which carry diseases such as yellow fever and malaria.”[Environmental Governance]

Climate change, which is a very large topic in the media in recent times, is also effected by the invasion of species. “Biological changes caused by heightened levels of carbon dioxide and variations in temperature and precipitation patterns will have major impacts on the distribution and population levels of species, in addition to the composition and relationships between species in ecosystems.” [Environmental governance] Climate change supposedly poses a large threat to the environment, earth and humans as a whole, and this is why it is a highly debated issue in recent media. After the film documentary “The Inconvenient Truth” was widely received across the globe, many are now concerned about global warming and its effect on the environment.

Economic development is also put under threat by invasive species; countries spend millions of dollars on eradicating and managing the issue that often puts their crops and forests under threat. “Introduced plant, animal, and microbe species cause

from US$ 55 billion to 248 billion per year in losses to world agriculture.” [Bright, 1999] Therefore economic hardship is present in many countries as a result and economic growth and sustainable development are greatly hindered. [GISP]

Advert and Media Campaigns

            The Fynbos Land Protection Campaign

The first large media campaign is The Fynbos Land Protection Campaign which was launched by The Table Mountain Fund, started by WWF South Africa, at their annual gala evening on 1 October 2010. [Cape Action] The Fynbos Land Protection Campaign’s main aim is to raise funds and awareness to preserve and expand the Cape’s remaining pristine fynbos areas. Their focus is on reclaiming Cape Town’s scenic beauty and flourishing ecosystem.

They support a system of “natural corridors” selected through scientific research processes. They have taken on a very systematic and well thought out plan to support the ecosystem and address the areas facing the most threat. “Our targeted and scientific approach ensures that every Rand spent through the Campaign provides the most effective conservation outcome in the Western Cape.”[WWF South Africa]

The campaign has two main processes. The first involves the purchase of land in these corridors to maintain pristine fynbos ecosystems or areas that are facing major threat. This involves large upfront capital and often appealing to selling landowners with environmental concerns. This process has great rewards and the improvements and restorations of the ecosystem are substantial.[Table Mountain Fund]

The second is their Stewardship Approach in which a contract is signed by both the landowners and Cape Nature. Once this agreement is signed the landowner is then responsible for monitoring and protecting the biodiversity on their land. They remove all alien vegetation and protect against erosion and fires. This in turn also has a positive effect on social structure in rural areas and employment as farmers often take on more labourers to monitor and work on the fynbos. [Table Mountain Fund]

The positive effect on the community and influence on society to not only let someone else take over and do it, but the training of farmers and workers to do it themselves adds to greater social environmental growth. South Africans can learn to be sustainable and productive while ensuring that biodiversity and a natural regular ecosystem remains.

The campaign manages an active Facebook and Twitter page, they aim to keep in touch with the community and create awareness. They recently had an idea that raised funds as well as the international media spot light. An online auction was held for the winner having the privilege of naming a blue iris flower which grows on the coast of Saldahna Bay which flowers once a year in August. It gained wide media focus and a large amount of coverage. “London newspapers even recommended that naming the iris after Kate Middleton would be an ideal gift from Prince William to his soon to be bride.” Mike and Rose Hainebach from Cape Town were the winning bidders with R550 000 being the paid amount. The money went towards the fund and to protecting the Cape floral kingdom. [South Africa Portfolio Travel Blog . 2011]

This initiative was extremely clever; through this whole auction awareness was raised as to why the right of title for this flower was being sold. Funds are needed to protect the fynbos ecosystem and people where exposed to this fact across the globe. The fact that R550 000 was the winning bid shows the public that it is important to care about the environment and put our money to good use when it comes to giving back to nature.

This auction also allowed the public to feel that sense of ownership and know that it is for the good of the public and that fynbos belongs to the earth and to the people of Cape Town. This sense of ownership and feeling like you can actually do something and make a difference is often the driving factor for people to be productive and proactive.

            Pick n Pay and Flower Valley Conservation Trust

In a recent 2012 Pick n Pay advert Flower Valley Conservation Trust is mentioned. Flower Valley Conservation Trust goal is to improve the way that wild fynbos is harvested for selling. They do this in order to maintain and protect the ecosystem and in turn sustain business for years to come. Wild Fynbos harvesting supports natural systems and the sales and exports of the flora is economically valued at R10 000 per year. [Fynbos Hub]

In this very uplifting and feel good advert released by Pic n Pay, the message is “looking for goodness” by where they show where they source their products to sell to the consumer. Having environmentally sustainable production is a very popular topic and the average person is becoming more and more aware of branding. Brands with a transparent production chain are favoured and people like to know what they are purchasing.

[Flower Valley Conservation Trust]

The lighting, angles and music gives the viewer that feeling of warmth and security of home. The use of the Protea, being the national flower, added a recognisable element that everyone can connect with. The filming, lighting, actors and various other techniques used when making the advert are done in a way to create a specific mood and setting. These techniques work in manipulating the viewer to feel a specific way about what they are discussing. It is not straight forward, it is adapted and edited for the viewer to have the desired response. A response, for this video in particular, of care and love for the environment and the community and in turn leading you to associate that with the way you think and feel about Pic n Pay. Therefore increasing brand loyalty and good associations with consumer brand acknowledgment

The fact that the advert highlights the correct care and harvesting of this threatened biome is important and it generates the much needed attention to the topic. The way in which it was placed alongside products that promote social development, training and growth, constructs it in a positive light.

         

          Hungry Pests

The third media campaign I want to talk about is an international Public Service Announcement campaign which was generated to draw attention to the issue of invasive species, specifically pests, in The United States of America. The campaign was launched by The United States Department of Agriculture in April 2012.[Hungry Pests]

The advert shows a human alien figure whose body is made up of millions of pests. He is hitchhiking on the side of the road and talks to the camera like a human. The advert gives these pests a voice and shows them in a very odd and unusual figure. He speaks about “sampling the local fair” and how he wants “just a taste of your fields and forests.”  He is constructed to look scary and alien, in order for the viewer to be scared and realise that it is not natural for pests to be outside of their designated areas. They also make it very clear in the advert that it is human’s fault that these invasive species travel to unwanted destinations through the way we pack and move our personal belongings. It frames the issue in a way for the viewer to want to take responsibility and the fact that we need to be careful of this issue in our own personal capacity.

In comparison to the other adverts highlighting natural diversity and protection of the environment and plants, the Hungry Pests advert takes on a more direct and confrontational approach with their alien pest figure. This scares the viewer and gives the problem a recognisable and relatable form, whereas the other two South African media campaigns, namely The Fynbos Land Protection Campaign and the Pick n Pay advert take on a more conservative approach. This is probably due to the fact that the only way to deal with the invasive species, destroying fynbos, is to restore the land that is under threat.

Through my research I discovered that South Africa could benefit from creating more hands on and direct campaigns for the conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom, this could lead to attention and in turn funding. Cape Town’s biodiversity is by far the richest and therefore we should have strong campaigns boosting the awareness of its conservation. South Africa should have stricter boarder control policies and monitor what enters the county. They should create videos to train the people who work on the boarders to correctly check the fresh produce and plants getting transported. This is a difficult thing for a poorer country to focus on and this is why the problem has escalated so rapidly.

Alternative Argument

A journal posted in the Environmental Conservation by a cultural scientist Dr. Jeanine Pfeiffer stirred up a debate around whether there is adequate research on the cultural impact of invasive species. They set out on a scientific study and were expecting to only discover negative impacts due to previous research. “In reality the exact nature of the impact of an invasive species depends on many factors, most of which haven’t been systematically studied.” [Digital Journal 2009]

Through this study they unpacked that invasive species help cultures which have been displaced to survive. Asian immigrants in the United States and West African descendants in Latin America rely on foreign species to maintain the traditions of their homelands. They use the invasive species in their food, rituals and medicine, which allows for the rituals of their homelands to continue in their new location. [Digital Journal 2009]

This in turn shows us that all the media and information we hear about invasive species is claims making. The lack of scientific evidence and research leaves one to know that there are definitely holes in what we know about the environmental issue. The Hungry pests advert campaign is therefore a form of claims making, stating only the disastrous facts that these pests have, when this is not actually 100% scientifically proven. The advert is framed in a way to only highlight the negative and not the possible positive impacts.

Although the majority of the impacts of invasive species are negative in South Africa, one in particular does have a positive effect on the economy by creating jobs and employment. The muscle, which brings in revenue for local fishermen and fishing communities when sold, is an invasive species. “From an economic perspective, the invasion of M.galloprovincialis has had considerably positive impacts, because the entire mussel culture industry in South Africa is based on this alien species.” [Robinson, TB. 2005]

As with any argument there are two sides to the effect of invasive species on the environment of South Africa as well as globally. Only with more research and studies will we get closer to the truth. The problem is so large, broad and in some cases microscopic and hard to trace that it becomes something that we just watch unravel before our eyes. This is why what the organisations in connection with the community who are doing work for the preservation of fynbos are a great aid to country ensuring economic growth through tourism remains.  

A team of scientists, Tomás Carlo, Jason Gleditsch, at Penn State University have discovered that certain invasive plants that are introduced by humans can have positive ecological outcomes. Proving opposite to prevailing ideas, in some cases invasive species can be beneficial to a specific ecosystem.[Science Daily 2011]

Clearly an alternative argument can be drawn up, as with any story. We can base our opinion on what the media tells us but it is crucial to look at both sides of the argument and then form an opinion. Everything we are told is framed and constructed to convey the intended opinion and message of the teller. One has to conduct their own research in order to form a well-rounded opinion on any topic.

In conclusion, fynbos faces great threat whether we agree with the current scientific facts presented or not. More research does have to be done to paint the whole picture and many organisations, taking a hand on approach, are in the process of doing so. For the sake of South Africa’s economy, fynbos needs to be maintained and preserved. Species across the globe have gone extinct because of ignorance and lack of action before it was too late. The action needed to preserve this biome is crucial as it is endemic and could one day be non-existent. The media in South Africa need to create better awareness and create campaigns focused on making sure that everyone has knowledge of the problem that fynbos faces with regards to invasive species as well as other factors. Before I wrote this essay, I myself just thought of fynbos as a dry bush that grows everywhere. I have become desensitised and through this essay I was exposed to information about fynbos that I never knew about. This is interesting and clearly depicts that more people should discover the true facts about fynbos for themselves.

 References:

 A Lot of Mouths to Feed (:60) - YouTube . 2012. A Lot of Mouths to Feed (:60) - YouTube . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PRmdzi-smoY. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

About | Cape Town Green Map. 2012. About | Cape Town Green Map. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.capetowngreenmap.co.za/about. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

Alien Invasive Plants in South Africa | Sustainable Development & Environmental Awareness. 2012. Enviropedia – Rethinking Reality [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.enviropaedia.com/topic/default.php?topic_id=14. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

Alien species invading our gardens, 2010, IOL.co.za [ONLINE]Available at:http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/science/environment/alien-species-invading-our-gardens-1.1270943 [Accessed 23 April 2012]

Blog – Vote for Table Mountain. 2012. Blog – Vote for Table Mountain. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.votefortablemountain.com/blog/. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

Bright, C., 1999. Invasive species: pathogens of globalization. For.Pol. 1999, 51–64.

Chornesky, E. A., and J. M. Randall, The Threat of Invasive Species to Biological Diversity, Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 90, 67-76, 2003.

  

David M. Richardson and Brian W. van Wilgen, Invasive alien plants in South Africa: how well do we understand the ecological impacts? South African Journal of Science 100, January/February 2004

Economic Impacts of Invasive Alien Species: A Global Problem with Local Consequences. (GISP) 2012.[ONLINE] Available

Enviro Facts guide to Fynbos. 2009. Enviro Facts guide to Fynbos. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.bcb.uwc.ac.za/envfacts/fynbos/. [Accessed 23 April 2012]

Fynbos Vegetation on the Cape Peninsula - South Africa. 2012. Fynbos Vegetation on the Cape Peninsula - South Africa. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.southafrica-travel.net/westcape/cape_00.htm. [Accessed 23 April 2012]


Garden Route Fire | Demotix.com. 2012. Garden Route Fire | Demotix.com. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.demotix.com/news/3590/garden-route-fire. [Accessed 23 April 2012]

Hungry Pests. 2012 Hungry Pests [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.hungrypests.com/index.php [Accessed 23 April 2012]

Invasive alien plants in South Africa: how well do we understand the ecological impacts?. 2012. Researchspace: [ONLINE] Available at:http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/handle/10204/2088?mode=full&submit_simple=Show+full+item+record. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

Invasive plants can create positive ecological change. 2011. Science Daily. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110211095555.htm. [Accessed 23 April 2012]

Invasive plants spreading ‘too fast’ for eradication - Environment South Africa. 2010. Environment. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.environment.co.za/weeds-invaders-alien-vegetation/invasive-plants-spreading-too-fast-for-eradication.html. [Accessed 23 April 2012]

 Invasive Species. 2010. Global Environmental Governance Project. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.environmentalgovernance.org/research/issues/invasive-species/. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

 Invasive species threat growing globally, experts warn | Environment | guardian.co.uk . 2010. guardian.co.uk . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jan/22/invasive-species-threat. [Accessed 23 April 2012]

Name the Iris Auction Raises R550 000 for Fynbos Preservation | South Africa Portfolio Travel Blog . 2011.  South Africa Portfolio Travel Blog . [ONLINE] Available at: http://travelblog.portfoliocollection.com/Blog/Name-the-Iris-Auction-Raises-R550-000-for-Fynbos-Preservation. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

Our Successes | Table Mountain Fund. 2012. Our Successes | Table Mountain Fund. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.tablemountainfund.org.za/successes/. [Accessed 23 April 2012].


 Pick n Pay Advert - YouTube . 2012. Pick n Pay Advert - YouTube . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7lW4H1dh0E&feature=player_embedded. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

Robinson TB., Griffiths CL, Marine alien species of South Africa — status and impacts, African Journal of Marine Science, 27(1): 297–306, 2005.

Smart Living Handbook 4th Edition. 2011. Cape Town Government. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/EnvironmentalResourceManagement/Documents/Smart_Living_Handbook_Eng_04_Biodiversity_section_4thEd_2011-05.pdf. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

The Cape Floral Kingdom. 2012. Wildcliff Nature Reserve: The Cape Floral Kingdom. [ONLINE] Available at:http://wildcliff.org/flora/cape_floral_kingdom.html. [Accessed 23 April 2008].

Table Mountain makes Seven Wonders list - Travel News | IOL Travel | IOL.co.za. 2011. Travel News | IOL Travel | IOL.co.za. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.iol.co.za/travel/travel-news/table-mountain-makes-seven-wonders-list-1.1176898. [Accessed 23 April 2012]

What are the Impacts of Introduced Species? (Overview). 2004. TEACHING ISSUES AND EXPERIMENTS IN ECOLOGY (Overview). [ONLINE] Available at:http://tiee.ecoed.net/vol/v1/figure_sets/species/species_overview.html. [Accessed 23 April 2012]

What is the Real Impact of Invasive Species?. 2009. Digital Journal. [ONLINE] Available at:http://digitaljournal.com/article/267940#ixzz1siqqr85g. [Accessed 23 April 2012].


Working for Water Programme is Working » Rainharvest.co.za | Rainharvest.co.za. 2012. Working for Water Programme is Working » Rainharvest.co.za | Rainharvest.co.za. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.rainharvest.co.za/2010/03/working-for-water-programme-is-working/. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

 Working with fynbos | Fynbos Hub. 2012. Working with fynbos | Fynbos Hub. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.fynboshub.co.za/working-with-fynbos/. [Accessed 23 April 2012]

  

WWF South Africa - Fynbos. 2012. WWF South Africa - Fynbos. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.wwf.org.za/what_we_do/outstanding_places/fynbos/. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

WWF and TMF launch land protection campaign. 2010. C.A.P.E.. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.capeaction.org.za/index.php?C=enews&A=display&id=364. [Accessed 23 April 2012].

at:http://www.cabi.org/Uploads/File/CABIDotOrg/GISP%20report/gispeconomicstudies071607(2).pdf. [Accessed 23 April 2012]