Every year on December 11, International Mountain Day serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to appreciate and protect our planet’s majestic landscapes.
Celebrated globally since 2003, the day shines a light on the vital importance of mountains, both as majestic natural wonders and as essential ecosystems supporting the lives of millions.
This year's theme, “Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation, and youth,” calls for recognition of the resilience of mountain communities and the innovative strategies they've developed to combat climate change, alleviate poverty, and preserve biodiversity.
Mountains are often referred to as natural jewels, vital to life on Earth. They are home to 15% of the world’s population and harbour about half of the globe's biodiversity hotspots. These awe-inspiring formations provide fresh water for more than half of humanity, playing a critical role in agriculture, clean energy, and even medicine.
In Cape Town, Table Mountain exemplifies this significance, boasting over 2,000 (mostly endemic) plant species and diverse wildlife. Selma Hercules, Executive Director of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC), passionately states, “International Mountain Day is the perfect opportunity to recommit ourselves to protecting Table Mountain for generations to come. Every single resident and visitor can make a difference.”
TMACC has garnered international acclaim for its commitment to sustainable tourism and its efforts to protect the historic mountain that serves as its backdrop. Visitors to this world-renowned site are given the chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest of the world's six floral kingdoms, home to over 9,000 plant species, with 69% endemic to the region.
Hercules emphasised the pivotal role that visitors play in preserving the mountain’s ecological wonder.
“A key element of our approach is to involve every visitor and every member of staff in the process, and to help them embrace their role as co-stewards of the mountain and its rich heritage,” she said.
As the summer season envelops the region, Hercules reminds the public of the integral relationship between fire and the survival of Table Mountain's ecosystems. Each year, the region experiences a fire season lasting from spring through autumn. Many local species are adapted to depend on these fires, using them as a means to stimulate germination.
“These periodic fires are a natural feature of the mountainous landscape, rejuvenating the biome by clearing out old growth to give way for new growth,” she said.
She implored visitors to act responsibly by avoiding lighting fires and by promptly reporting any smoke or flames they may encounter.
Recently, TMACC hosted its annual 'Take a Hike Day', which not only focused on cleaning up the mountain but also aimed to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards conservation.
“It was more than just a clean-up. It was about creating a shared sense of purpose and knowing we are all playing a part in preserving this extraordinary landmark. We thank the 223 participants who helped us collect 58.78kg of rubbish and trash off our mountain,” Hercules proudly said.
As visitors flock to Table Mountain this summer, Hercules encourages them to pause and appreciate the beauty of this New7Wonders of Nature gem.
“Take a moment to acknowledge the beauty and splendour of this jewel and help us protect it for future generations,” she said.