Protecting and preserving South African aeolianite surfaces from graffiti

Charles W Helm,Guy H.H Thesen,Carina J.Z Helm,Mark G Dixon,Jan A Venter,Richard M Cowling,Martin G Lockley,Willo Stear,Hayley C Cawthra,Curtis W Marean,Jan C De Vynck

doi:10.4102/koedoe.v63i1.1656

Charles W Helm, Guy H.H Thesen + Show 9 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v63i1.1656

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Abstract

Pleistocene aeolianite surfaces on the South African coastline, which occur in national parks, other protected areas, as well as unprotected areas, are of profound scientific, cultural, palaeoenvironmental and heritage importance. A threat is posed to these surfaces by the increasing presence of graffiti, which may deface or destroy fossil tracksites and other evidence of events that transpired on these surfaces when they were composed of unconsolidated sand tens of thousands of years ago. Increased awareness of the importance of this heritage resource is desirable, along with the development of strategies to prevent further damage.

Highlights

Pleistocene aeolianite surfaces on the South African coastline, which occur in national parks, other protected areas, as well as unprotected areas, are of profound scientific, cultural, palaeoenvironmental and heritage importance
A threat is posed to these surfaces by the increasing presence of graffiti, which may deface or destroy fossil tracksites and other evidence of events that transpired on these surfaces when they were composed of unconsolidated sand tens of thousands of years ago
The graffiti transects the only example we have observed far of a Late Pleistocene lagomorph trackway. Another area that we have examined in the Goukamma Nature Reserve (Helm et al 2018b:89–101), which comprises a dense concentration of fossil tracksites, including the longest long-horned buffalo trackway far identified, contains its share of graffiti

Summary

Introduction

Pleistocene aeolianite surfaces on the South African coastline, which occur in national parks, other protected areas, as well as unprotected areas, are of profound scientific, cultural, palaeoenvironmental and heritage importance. Aeolianite surfaces on the South African coastline are of profound scientific, cultural, palaeoenvironmental and heritage importance, and a threat is posed to these surfaces by graffiti artists.

Results

Conclusion