A British geographer used a geographic information system (GIS) and other techniques to map the wilderness continuum in the UK. Her intent was to identify the wildest and most remote areas in the UK. The problem she faced was this: should she publish and draw attention to many wild areas (particularly in Scotland) that are presently unprotected so that they may be formally protected by law (there are currently plans afoot to extend the National Park system of England and Wales into Scotland), while knowing full well that she will simultaneously by drawing these areas to the attention of the recreationalist lobby looking for a wilderness experience? If the work is not published, then the risk is that these areas may go unprotected when park boundaries are formalised.

A river tumbles through forested ravines and rocky gorges towards the sea. The state hydro-electricity commission sees the falling water as untapped energy. Building a dam across one of the gorges would provide three years of employment for a thousand people and longer-term security for twenty or thirty. The dam would store enough water to ensure that the state could economically meet its energy needs for the next decade. This would encourage the establishment of energy-intensive industry thus further contributing to employment and economic growth.

The rough terrain of the river valley makes it accessible only to the reasonably fit, but it is nevertheless a favoured spot for bush-walking. The river itself attracts the more daring whitewater rafters. Deep in the sheltered valleys are stands of rare Huon Pine, many of the tress being over a thousand years old. The valley and gorges are home to many birds and animals, including an endangered species of marsupial mouse that has seldom been found outside the river valley. There may be other rare plants and animals as well, but no one knows, for scientists are yet to investigate the region fully.

Should the dam be built?

Steve Wyn Williams

Feb 2000

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