In April 2005, the Minister of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Mr. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, voiced concern over the growing impact that off-road activities were having on the environment, and called upon the off-road community (with specific reference to the 4x4 Trail Industry and “irresponsible” 4x4 vehicle owners "whose activities continue to damage sensitive sections of our inland environment") to develop ways to regulate themselves, before he was forced to take unilateral action.

Legislation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Section [24] Guidelines) provides for any person, institution, company, et al, that has permitted or caused any development that may be deemed illegal in terms of the Environmental Conservation Act, as read with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations in 1997, to complete an application for amnesty by July 6 or face a R5 million fine or a 10-year jail sentence.

Although damage to the environment has widely been reported as a 4x4 problem there are many millions of hectares of land under the control of farmers who have been blissfully unaware that this legislation applies to them.To tell a fourth generation farmer whose family has owned the land that he lives on -since the 1800s that he may not clear a field, make a campsite or a new track to visit his sheep elicits a response of sheer incredulity.

Our best estimate is that between 50% and 70% of routes in South Africa are in contravention of the NEMA to some degree. There are even routes that have ‘been approved’ by local Conservation officers, whose owners/operators may incorrectly believe that they are operating legally.

Moreover, it s not only the 4x4 routes that fall foul of the legislation: as reported widely in the media and parliamentary speeches; property developers, small businesses and major industries are all required to comply. Even low-cost RDP housing schemes that may have been developed in contravention of the EIA regulations are affected.In the past few years many developers and operators trying to follow legal procedures have faced delays of up to 3 years for a relative simple, small scale development; many small businessmen cannot afford to spend between R50 000 and R100 000 on an EIA, scoping report and consultants and then still wait two years for an answer.

REAL ISSUES

Environmental legislation and requirements has been with us for years. If you asked any farmer if he is allowed to build a new dam or to clear pristine veldt for cultivation, 9 out of 10 times, the response would be “No”. If the same farmer is asked if he is allowed to develop an existing harvesting route into a 4x4 trail in order to earn additional income, the response will be:  “Yes – why not”.

As citizens of South Africa it is our responsibility to be law abiding and to comply with legislation. This does not mean that we have to agree with it all, but again, it places the responsibility on us to become actively involved in the shaping thereof. We cannot plead ignorance!

If clients (clubs, individuals etc.) visit our trail and causes damage to the environment, our property and our image, we cannot cry foul! We may not be responsible, but we are accountable!

SAROOF

The development and operation of a 4x4 Trail and Destination is not an easy task – and even though we as farmers are conservationist by heart, it requires special skill and knowledge to do this successfully. Furthermore, in order to be economical viable and environmentally sustainable, it is impossible to approach it as just another “farm activity”. It must be run as a business! Our business is not just another economic entity and activity, but one who is trading in International Heritage and National Biodiversity. It requires extreme care and skill.

The South African Route Owners and Operators Forum was established in February 2005 by a small group of Trail Owners and Industry role players who realised the need to address the opportunities, challenges and problems facing the 4x4 Trail Industry. The primary objective behind the establishment of the Route Owners Forum is to provide a single voice to represent 4WD Route Owners and to ensure that route owners got the necessary advice and support in terms of the development and operation of their business which is subject to any number of environmental laws.

Following a focused national awareness campaign, where more than 300 Trail Owners was targeted through electronic mail and the printed media, 104 Route Owners joined SAROOF since March 2005. These routes collectively represent:

SAROOF’s CHALLENGE