The West Coast of South Africa is home to thousands of endemic plant and animal species that are found nowhere else in the world. The area is known as a biodiversity hotspot and it is essential that we protect those without a voice. There are indigenous communities that have been exploited for many years and whose ancestors walked these lands long before any of us were around. In addition, there are a number of pristine beaches and world-class surf spots that will be destroyed or shut off from the public should the mining activities go ahead, and a clear example of what could happen lies a bit further north, in the Northern Cape. View a gallery of beautiful imagery from the area below.