Environmental groups, communities welcome pause to Shell's seismic survey
Environmental groups and the Wild Coast communities have welcomed the court's decision to halt Shell's Seismic survey off the coast of the country.
This after the High Court in Makhanda yesterday ruled that Shell must stop the activities until the second part of the interdict is heard.
The Green Connection as well as other groups filed for an urgent interdict against Shell's exploration of potential hydrocarbon reserves beneath the seabed in late November.
Strategic Lead Liz McDavid says although this will go to court, going into the new year this interdict is a significant victory.
"Maybe it will make society pause and think that as we are now leading a transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy this is the moment to stop all exploration off the coast.
READ: Court order halts Shell seismic blasting off Wild Coast, for now
Ntsindiso Nongcavu is one of the active residents living on the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape.
"We don't need mining in our coastline. all we need is proper developments to boost tourism and fishing. To the lawyer representing us as fishermen, we are proud of you."
Shell started the seismic survey off the coast between Morgans Bay and Port St Johns.
In a statement yesterday the fuel giant says they have suspended the survey in respect of the court's decision, whilst they review the judgement. It says it aims at minimising the impact of its projects on the environment and being a good neighbour to affected communities.
