Anti-mining campaign at Wakkerstroom

Wakkerstroom is a special place for birds, birders and BirdLife South Africa. It is an Important Bird Area and the breeding site for several rare and endemic birds, such as Rudd's Lark. In 1999, BirdLife South Africa set up a resource centre in Wakkerstroom, offering accommodation, conference facilities and bird guide training.

When news broke that the Department of Minerals and Energy had issued prospecting permits for torbanite and coal mining in Wakkerstroom, BirdLife South Africa stood up and said 'No!'. Our policy and advocacy division has worked exceptionally hard to raise funds and to take legal action to prevent the destruction of one of the best birding places, with absolutely irreplaceable habitat, critical to the survival of several bird species (and other animals). The work is ongoing, but so far, so good!