//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Film%20database.html Here are previews of some of the films that have been produced over the last few years. All have been broadcast (unless otherwise indicated) on national and international television and reached many millions of people across the world. Some countries will not show more controversial pieces, so we are using all media routes, including the internet, to create a platform and spread the word. iWeb 1.1.2 //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Film%20database_files/SealsStill8.png //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Film%20database.html 60 Here are previews of some of the films that have been produced over the last few years. All have been broadcast (unless otherwise indicated) on national and international television and reached many millions of people across the world. Some countries wi Here are previews of some of the films that have been produced over the last few years. All have been broadcast (unless otherwise indicated) on national and international television and reached many millions of people across the world. Some countries will not show more controversial pieces, so we are using all media routes, including the internet, to create a platform and spread the word. //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/602DD72F-EF6A-431B-B574-2FABD864C9BD.html //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/602DD72F-EF6A-431B-B574-2FABD864C9BD.html Mon, 2 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0200 <a href="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/602DD72F-EF6A-431B-B574-2FABD864C9BD_files/Naked%20bike%20ride.mp4"><img src="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Images/Naked%20bike%20ride.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:150px; height:150px;"/></a>Environmental campaigners rely on a number of different strategies to get their message to a wider audience. They organise bold and expensive campaigns, the likes of Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd are familiar with, sending ships down to Antarctica, chasing the Japanese whaling fleets, and are often pu 00:04:30 Environmental campaigners rely on a number of different strategies to get their message to a wider audience. They organise bold and expensive campaigns, the likes of Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd are familiar with, sending ships down to Antarctica, chasing Environmental campaigners rely on a number of different strategies to get their message to a wider audience. They organise bold and expensive campaigns, the likes of Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd are familiar with, sending ships down to Antarctica, chasing the Japanese whaling fleets, and are often putting themselves and others at great risk. At the other end of the spectrum, protests can be as effective, and cost almost nothing, provided they are packaged well. One such protest that appeals to the voyeur in all of us is ‘naked bike riding for the environment’. This is a non-violent form of protest that is developing somewhat of a cult following worldwide. Through the power of the internet, groups are springing up all over the world. No less than 50 events took place globally in 2006 and the brainchild behind the whole concept, is a South African by the name of Conrad Schmidt who resides in Canada. With practically no money, a very simple web-site and the seed of an idea, a group always turns up at the proposed event. No less than 800 at the last ride through the streets of London. No arrests were made, the 5000 odd spectators were thoroughly entertained, if not by the intended message. A film was made about the event, that got to the final stages of the Wildscreen festival in the campaign category. We caught up with the organiser of the event Jesse Schust, who has been arrested many times in the past for environmental demonstrations. He is well versed in non-violent demonstrations and saw riding bicycles naked through the streets of London as the ideal demonstration against the fossil fuel burning excesses, especially in the automotive industry, where automobile manufacturers in the States are even giving up to 3000$ in fuel vouchers in an attempt to lure people to buy gas guzzlers. We also chatted to the filmmaker Johnny Zapatos and the difficulties he had to face getting the story together. With zero budget for the production, it was a labour-of-love which made it to the screens of one of the biggest Natural History Film Festivals in the world. Click here to visit the world naked bike ride site. Aims of media campaign Produce a 13 min film featuring the work and message of Johnny and Jesse. Give it a media platform and direct people to their site. To do Give media support to people wanting to start events in other parts of the world. (Starting with South Africa) //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/A441762C-C52D-48A4-9B61-62C66D742FE9.html //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/A441762C-C52D-48A4-9B61-62C66D742FE9.html Sun, 15 May 2005 00:00:00 +0200 <a href="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/A441762C-C52D-48A4-9B61-62C66D742FE9_files/Silence%20of%20the%20Zams.mp4"><img src="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Images/Silence%20of%20the%20Zams.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:150px; height:150px;"/></a>The Bull Shark or Zambezi as it is known in South Africa, became the centre of a heated battle, between those who claimed there are plenty of them, and kill them for the sport, and the another group who argue that this approach is simply unacceptable. Denise Milton, ran a commercial fishing operatio 00:05:02 The Bull Shark or Zambezi as it is known in South Africa, became the centre of a heated battle, between those who claimed there are plenty of them, and kill them for the sport, and the another group who argue that this approach is simply unacceptable. Den The Bull Shark or Zambezi as it is known in South Africa, became the centre of a heated battle, between those who claimed there are plenty of them, and kill them for the sport, and the another group who argue that this approach is simply unacceptable. Denise Milton, ran a commercial fishing operation openly advertising that people could come and catch and kill sharks for fun (hunting trophy). The divers, headed by Mike Frazer being more conservation minded, had been swimming with these Bull sharks, recognising some individuals resident on the reef for over 15 years, strongly opposed the idea. Aims of the Film/Media campaign To assist Sharklife to stop Denise exploiting a loophole in the law. We gave them the necessary media platform to highlight the plight of these magnificent animals. In a high court action, Sharklife won the case and could continue openly campaigning against the senseless slaughter. Results/outcome Film “Silence of the Zams”, broadcast on SABC and the rest of Africa. For whatever reason, Denise no longer advertises her Shark Hunt, at the time of writing it was thought that she had ceased all commercial fishing operations. Sharklife has gone from strength to strength and has a strong membership base. We also wanted to Inform the public, especially Australians, that sharks are being eaten up by them. “Flake and Chips” is actually Shark. //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/2DE29AFD-98EA-41CF-A164-E152E3467A51.html //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/2DE29AFD-98EA-41CF-A164-E152E3467A51.html Sun, 4 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0200 <a href="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/2DE29AFD-98EA-41CF-A164-E152E3467A51_files/Hunting%20johan.mp4"><img src="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Images/Hunting%20johan.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:150px; height:150px;"/></a>Quinton Martins became fascinated by the Cape Leopard, perhaps the most elusive of Africa’s big cats, after spotting their tracks whilst hiking in the Cederberg. What followed was perhaps the most exciting and challenging journey any young biologist could ever dream to take. He dedicated his life t 00:01:44 Quinton Martins became fascinated by the Cape Leopard, perhaps the most elusive of Africa’s big cats, after spotting their tracks whilst hiking in the Cederberg. What followed was perhaps the most exciting and challenging journey any young biologi Quinton Martins became fascinated by the Cape Leopard, perhaps the most elusive of Africa’s big cats, after spotting their tracks whilst hiking in the Cederberg. What followed was perhaps the most exciting and challenging journey any young biologist could ever dream to take. He dedicated his life to studying these amazing creatures. The project has gone on to be one of the most successful of its type, enjoying support from a huge range of people. Business has also extended a hand to ensure success and sustainability. “Hunting Johan”, is a documentary about collaring the biggest of the known Cederberg Leopards, the frustrations, the doubts and ultimate victory. The Cape Leopard Trust was established with the primary objective of facilitating and promoting research in support of conserving predator diversity in the Western Cape. The conservation strategies include several bio-geographical research projects, advisory services relating to farmer-predator interactions and fostering new eco-tourism initiatives. It also supports an environmental education component and includes a programme of community involvement with future emphasis being on job creation amongst disadvantaged communities within the Cederberg area. From the outset the objectives of the trust have revolved around adopting the leopard as a flagship species to: Study, understand and highlight the plight of these animals, and other threatened predators Find effective and sustainable ways to alleviate farmer-predator conflict in the Cape. This work is of crucial benefit to South African National Parks (SANP) and Cape Nature (CN) in their future predator management strategies, as well as to the general health of the natural environment. Aims of the media campaign To give the Cape Leopard Trust a media platform to broaden their support base To inform and encourage farmers of the alternatives to the cruel ‘Gin” trap What has been done The production of the 34 minute film ‘Hunting Johan’. We supplied DVD’s for the project to distribute. The production of a promo film to be used at fund raising events. To Do Ongoing media support //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/0ACDD86A-BA8B-43F5-8859-7953514BB9F9.html //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/0ACDD86A-BA8B-43F5-8859-7953514BB9F9.html Mon, 4 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0200 <a href="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/0ACDD86A-BA8B-43F5-8859-7953514BB9F9_files/Hyena%20Man.mp4"><img src="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Images/Hyena%20Man.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:150px; height:150px;"/></a>The ancient town of Harar, eastern Ethiopia, plays host to a truly amazing spectacle which happens just after sunset on the outskirts of town. Yusuf takes centre stage, Illuminated by the congregated car headlights. The surrounding mountains of Harar are home to many Hyenas and for the curious visit 00:01:32 The ancient town of Harar, eastern Ethiopia, plays host to a truly amazing spectacle which happens just after sunset on the outskirts of town. Yusuf takes centre stage, Illuminated by the congregated car headlights. The surrounding mountains of Harar are The ancient town of Harar, eastern Ethiopia, plays host to a truly amazing spectacle which happens just after sunset on the outskirts of town. Yusuf takes centre stage, Illuminated by the congregated car headlights. The surrounding mountains of Harar are home to many Hyenas and for the curious visitors, this is the best show in town. Most people experience wild apex predators in a game-viewing vehicle with a professional game ranger. There is always a barrier, even if only the open topped vehicle. This is the only place in the world to encounter these animals this close-up. They are always a bit shy at first, but soon the lure of chunks of meat breaks down all in-bred caution and Yusuf is surrounded by a hungry pack. Wild predators have become very reliant on the town’s folk for food. Feeding Wild Hyenas in Harar goes back many generations, long before any tourists showed interest. The origins of it were apparently an attempt to protect the children of the town, some of whom had fallen prey to the hyenas under the cloak of darkness. Just when everyone thinks they have seen the climax of the show, it’s time for a bit of audience participation. The Hyenas come ever closer, the lights not bothering them at all. One has to be constantly reminded that this is indeed a wild animal. They tolerate humans for the sake of a free meal. Even with no tourists about Yusuf still feeds them, just to keep the routine going and to stop them from straying too far away. When the Hyenas have had their fill, they slip back into the shadows. Definitely Ethiopia’s most photographed wildlife attraction. Aims of media campaign Ethiopia has a vast and mostly untapped tourist potential and this is something a little different. Not all agree with the principle of feeding, and habituating wild Hyenas, but ultimately the community is directly benefiting financially, which often doesn’t happen in traditional game lodge set-ups. To Do Continue to give a platform to lesser known Wildlife experiences. //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/64B1D283-5952-4712-A0D6-C43B92922A6E.html //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/64B1D283-5952-4712-A0D6-C43B92922A6E.html Mon, 1 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0200 <a href="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/64B1D283-5952-4712-A0D6-C43B92922A6E_files/Sardine%20Run.mp4"><img src="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Images/Sardine%20Run.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:150px; height:150px;"/></a>It’s not quite certain why, every year around June/July, there is a mass migration of Sardines up the east coast of South Africa. Described by some as “The greatest shoal on earth”, witnessing this wildlife spectacle is a remarkable experience. Shoals of sardines often many 100’s of meters wide, mov 00:02:04 It’s not quite certain why, every year around June/July, there is a mass migration of Sardines up the east coast of South Africa. Described by some as “The greatest shoal on earth”, witnessing this wildlife spectacle is a remarkable e It’s not quite certain why, every year around June/July, there is a mass migration of Sardines up the east coast of South Africa. Described by some as “The greatest shoal on earth”, witnessing this wildlife spectacle is a remarkable experience. Shoals of sardines often many 100’s of meters wide, move northwards towards and sometimes even past Durban. It’s a feeding frenzy as Sharks, Dolphins and other game fish that repeatedly torpedo into the blur of movement. To top it all, quite literally, the aerial assault is what gives away the position of the vulnerable shoals. Gannets, Gulls and other sea birds don’t have to be particularly accurate as they dive bomb into the silvery mass. Soon they are so stuffed, that taking off is not an option anymore, at least not until their digestive juices have taken affect. No one knows exactly why the Sardine run occurs. Some reason that it is part of the necessary breeding cycle, as the sardines are spawning the whole way. Their young are sure to have a better chance in the warmer currents further north away from there traditional feeding grounds, in the icy Arctic-influenced ocean, further south. Sometimes the Sardine Run doesn’t take place at all. One can often see a direct correlation between water temperature and the arrival of these vast shoals. Back in 2004 we predicted that maybe other influences were being ignored. The total allowable catch further south, in the path of the spawning northward moving sardines, seemed too high and we questioned it at the time. History has proved us right as the pelagic fishing industry has all but collapsed in 2007, the fishing industry is up in arms, quotas were frozen for ages and jobs are on the line. Aims of media campaign To get the public to try and understand this annual spectacle is something future generation may never experience. To get the law makers and allocators of quotas to realise what is happening. To Do Fisheries worldwide are in a dire predicament. We will continue to support and give a platform to all organisations attempting to protect marine resources. //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/565B5FD0-DAC5-487B-B942-1B98F67A65C2.html //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/565B5FD0-DAC5-487B-B942-1B98F67A65C2.html Sat, 1 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0200 <a href="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/565B5FD0-DAC5-487B-B942-1B98F67A65C2_files/Hunters%20being%20hunted.mp4"><img src="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Images/Hunters%20being%20hunted.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:150px; height:150px;"/></a>Sea Shepherd Conservation Society make waves wherever they go. As very pro-active law enforces of the high seas as they call themselves. Bart Smithers of ecoeye learnt of their heroics in Antarctica where they chased the Japanese whaling fleet out of the Whale Sanctuary. They limped back to Cape tow 00:01:58 Sea Shepherd Conservation Society make waves wherever they go. As very pro-active law enforces of the high seas as they call themselves. Bart Smithers of ecoeye learnt of their heroics in Antarctica where they chased the Japanese whaling fleet out of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society make waves wherever they go. As very pro-active law enforces of the high seas as they call themselves. Bart Smithers of ecoeye learnt of their heroics in Antarctica where they chased the Japanese whaling fleet out of the Whale Sanctuary. They limped back to Cape town in their ship the Farley Mowat, on their last dregs of fuel, and were immediately arrested and detained by ports authorities. (for not having the correct paperwork) Aims of the Film/Media Campaign Inform the public what they were doing and how they were now being unjustly detained. Result/outcome There was a public outcry on learning of their plight. The film Hunters become Hunted (broadcast in SABC and the rest of Africa.) won the top environmental film award in the world. The 2007 Genesis Brigitte Bardot award for International Film and Television, presented by the Humane Society in Hollywood. The team from Sea Shepherd, ecoeye and SABC receive the award. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society have used the film successfully as their main fund-raising piece. //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/66215977-BF4D-4279-98C8-D2AF05A7DD46.html //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/66215977-BF4D-4279-98C8-D2AF05A7DD46.html Sun, 25 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0200 <a href="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/66215977-BF4D-4279-98C8-D2AF05A7DD46_files/Meerkat%20Magic.mp4"><img src="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Images/Meerkat%20Magic.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:150px; height:150px;"/></a>Grant M. Mc Ilrath has been researching Meerkats for over 11 years and runs the only wild Meerkat conservation project in the world. None of the Meerkats on his project have ever been fed. They are all habituated simply by highly selective ethical neuro-linguistic programming habituation techniques 00:01:45 Grant M. Mc Ilrath has been researching Meerkats for over 11 years and runs the only wild Meerkat conservation project in the world. None of the Meerkats on his project have ever been fed. They are all habituated simply by highly selective ethical neuro-l Grant M. Mc Ilrath has been researching Meerkats for over 11 years and runs the only wild Meerkat conservation project in the world. None of the Meerkats on his project have ever been fed. They are all habituated simply by highly selective ethical neuro-linguistic programming habituation techniques that require many years to implement and constant care to maintain. (using sounds to get them used to him.) After researching the animals for years he realised the potential of introducing the public to Meerkats as ‘symbols’ of conservation. The tours he now runs, experiencing wild Meerkats, fund research and help promote both conservation and alternative land usage in the Oudtshoorn area. Tourists are totally astounded as they get within an arms length of these amazing creatures, and actually accompany them on their morning forage. Meerkats primarily rely on their sense of smell to locate prey underground, having a group of humans trudging along noisily next to them doesn’t present a problem at all. They seem to simply filter out human presence completely, but are always vigilant to other dangers like birds of prey, and will dart for the nearest cover even if the bird is many hundreds of metres away and they are surrounded by camera wielding tourists. Grant believes generally, tourists are too focused on the big five and can have a far more interesting wildlife ‘experience’ getting to understand some of the lesser known and often misunderstood ‘shy five’ as he calls them. Which includes the Porcupine, Aardwolf, Ant bear, Bat Eared Fox and of course the Meerkat. He has over the years published many scientific papers in Meerkat ecology with Cambridge University. People are always initially very happy with their Meerkat ‘pets’, but soon find them impossible to accommodate in a confined domestic environment. They get increasingly aggressive toward other domestic animals and their human tormentors. Releasing them back into the wild is almost impossible as the strict Meerkat, hierarchy is closed to outsiders. Aims of the Film/Media Campaign To get the general public not to consider a Meerkat as a desirable pet but rather appreciate them, together with the rest of the ‘Shy Five’, in their natural environment. Result/outcome Production of a 14 min film, broadcast on 50/50 “Meerkat Magic” Produce a DVD for Meerkat Magic project Click here to go to the MeerKat Magic web site. //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/8EC874D6-B2DE-4664-9CD4-4037B8E0E4FB.html //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/8EC874D6-B2DE-4664-9CD4-4037B8E0E4FB.html Sun, 1 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0200 <a href="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/8EC874D6-B2DE-4664-9CD4-4037B8E0E4FB_files/Seal%20Clubbing.mp4"><img src="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Images/Seal%20Clubbing.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:150px; height:150px;"/></a>The plight of seals world wide, the relentless clubbing suffered in predominantly Canada and Namibia, where over 400 000 animals are collectively butchered, is a subject very close to our heart. We have been very successful in keeping the eyes of the world watching. Two half hour documentaries on SA 00:02:58 The plight of seals world wide, the relentless clubbing suffered in predominantly Canada and Namibia, where over 400 000 animals are collectively butchered, is a subject very close to our heart. We have been very successful in keeping the eyes of the worl The plight of seals world wide, the relentless clubbing suffered in predominantly Canada and Namibia, where over 400 000 animals are collectively butchered, is a subject very close to our heart. We have been very successful in keeping the eyes of the world watching. Two half hour documentaries on SABC and the rest of Africa in as many years, a third in production. (covering what is happening Internationally) One could say ecoeye was born, from our witnessing the brutal slaying of Seal Pups and is desperate to do something about it. (hence the logo) Aims of the Film/Media Campaign So many hours of footage get shot of especially the Canadian clubbing yet according to HSUS in a recent interview, it never gets on television in that country. We aim to change that. We also want to let the world know what is going on in Namibia and aid any organisations in their attempt to halt the barbaric practice Result/outcome We have worked together with organisations like Seal Alert, the HSUS, and Sea Shepherd getting material they have often sourced to package it in such a way that broadcasters do show the films. To date we have been very successful getting these films aired, aiding Seal Alert with their campaign and even personally delivering material to the Prime Minister of Namibia, informing him what the International community thought of Seal Clubbing. //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/CF593352-3B8E-49EB-9029-C9D60D2A3A6A.html //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/CF593352-3B8E-49EB-9029-C9D60D2A3A6A.html Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0200 <a href="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/CF593352-3B8E-49EB-9029-C9D60D2A3A6A_files/Namibian%20Seals%20July%202007.mp4"><img src="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Images/Namibian%20Seals%20July%202007.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:150px; height:150px;"/></a>In July 2007 ecoeye went to Namibia to get the latest information on the plight of the seals. From filming and watching seal behaviour on the beaches where the clubbing occurs we noticed there were very few pup’s on the beaches. Locals who know the seals told us that the young pups have learnt not 00:06:19 In July 2007 ecoeye went to Namibia to get the latest information on the plight of the seals. From filming and watching seal behaviour on the beaches where the clubbing occurs we noticed there were very few pup’s on the beaches. Locals who know th In July 2007 ecoeye went to Namibia to get the latest information on the plight of the seals. From filming and watching seal behaviour on the beaches where the clubbing occurs we noticed there were very few pup’s on the beaches. Locals who know the seals told us that the young pups have learnt not to come too far up the beach so that they can escape to the water easily, but the result is they can’t suckle from their mothers and are getting very thin. Tourists are being used to habituate the seals to human contact and then the clubbers can take advantage of this when they go to kill them. Large patches of blood are left on the beach and on the pathways where the tourists walk. They are told by the park officials that these are the result of Hyena or Jackal kills. As well as this we recorded hidden camera footage of a local lodge offering anyone the opportunity to shoot seals in the morning for $40. When the tourists found out what was happening they where horrified. They had all come to see the seals and enjoy being with these animals. After visiting the beaches we attended a meeting of Seal Alert, Sea Shepherd and the NSPCA with the Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angulas and prepared some of what we had found to present to him. A meeting at the beginning of August was offered by the PM to discuss the matter further. //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/687C5B71-9259-4D72-BAB2-8C9B23AE0CB3.html //www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/687C5B71-9259-4D72-BAB2-8C9B23AE0CB3.html Mon, 20 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0200 <a href="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/687C5B71-9259-4D72-BAB2-8C9B23AE0CB3_files/Net%20profit.mp4"><img src="//www.ecoeye.org/ecoeye/Film%20database/Images/Net%20profit.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:150px; height:150px;"/></a>The exploitation of natural resources has the potential to lift third world countries out of dire economic predicaments. Hydrocarbons, oil and natural gas are seldom out of the news, with wars being waged to secure these precious commodities. Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world, 00:04:48 The exploitation of natural resources has the potential to lift third world countries out of dire economic predicaments. Hydrocarbons, oil and natural gas are seldom out of the news, with wars being waged to secure these precious commodities. Mozambique i The exploitation of natural resources has the potential to lift third world countries out of dire economic predicaments. Hydrocarbons, oil and natural gas are seldom out of the news, with wars being waged to secure these precious commodities. Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world, and the centre of a growing controversy between environmentalists and big business, as companies move in to tap the potentially vast gas and oil reserves. Given the magnitude of the potential income, the government is tempted to ignore, or at least disregard, any potential environmental damage caused by the petrochemical industry.  They focus on maximising profit, even if this is only in the short term. As long term income earners, the tourism sector and the fishing industry are often of secondary consideration when stacked up against huge short term hydrocarbon profits.   The island chain of the Bazaruto Archipelago, originally declared a wildlife sanctuary to protect the scarce Dugong population, is the centre stage of a growing conflict. Late last year over 40 Dolphins washed up dead on Benguera Island. Although strandings of marine mammals are fairly common in the world, they aren’t that common in east Africa.  Since the 1940’s there have been very few recorded incidences but recently, within a six month period, there were two major ones. The Benguera incident, and an even more catastrophic stranding, further north, in Zanzibar where over 600 Dolphins washed up six months earlier. No major natural underwater disturbance was recorded at the time, and the animals all seemed to be in good condition. Many people, especially in the tourism sector in Vilanculos, the small town adjacent this archipelago, are convinced the strandings are caused by seismic testing and, since Sasol own the concession blocks near the Mozambique strandings, the finger pointed in Sasol’s direction. In many parts of the world seismic testing has received harsh criticism, and has even been blamed for triggering some of the catastrophic natural events, especially tsunamis.   Whilst Sasol is complying with the World Bank requirements for this kind of environmentally hazardous work, and have even been cited as an example of ‘best practice’ for their inclusion of different stake-holders in public forum debates, many have said this is simply window-dressing and they are merely informing those affected of what they are doing. Sasol admit that marine life will be damaged and set aside a budget to compensate fishermen for loss of income. The fishermen are delighted as they see the short-term benefit of having cash in hand without having to work for it.  The only dissenting voice is the tourism sector, who are mostly white entrepreneurs from abroad, mostly from South Africa and Zimbabwe.  They are nervous to speak out publicly for fear of loosing their temporary work permits.   Clearly pressure from these groups, and the media, are starting to have some affect on Sasol. Sasol have split the sea-based seismic testing into off-shore and in-shore zones and have recently completed their off-shore work. The recommendation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was that Sasol postpone the offshore seismic work, especially during turtle breeding season.  Sasol chose to ignore this.   Sasol claim to be postponing in-shore work until further research has been done. The tourism sector representatives think this is unlikely to be the cause of the delay and it is more likely that a suitable contractor for this specialised in-shore work can’t be found.   When the seismic work is concluded, the inevitable drilling will commence. Whether it is for natural gas, or oil, a degree of pollution is going to occur. “Will it totally decimate the fragile eco-system?”  This is the question on everyone’s mind. Sasol could m