Due to limited time in our first sustainability class, we didn't get a chance to cover some introductory topics as planned by Dr. Ling. Instead, some of our time was spent (somewhat humourously) discussing what communities we, as individuals, belong to. At first, the task of naming a community we were part of that was unique to the rest of the class was a bit daunting. However, after several of my classmates provided their answers it was apparent that a community can include anything where individuals have the same interests, hobbies, possessions or simply ideals. Class communities ranges anywhere from the municipalities in which they reside, to snow sport enthusiasts, to people with similar height specifications.
My example, was my membership in the global community of rock climbers. It reminds me that as a community with the same interests and goal of enjoying rock climbing in all different parts of the world that we can band together or the purposes of sustainability. It has been done in the past, and I am reminded specifically of the protection of a portion of Skaha Bluffs park due to the activism of the local climbing community of Pentiction and beyond. With the help of donations to the Land Conservancy and outcry from the climbing community a valuable 304 hectare portion of land would have been lost. Not only did this piece of property contain valuable forest land and many enjoyable climbing routes, but it was the sole legal access to the rest of Skaha Bluffs park. Cutting off this access meant that climbers (and hikers) were shut-out of one of the great climbing (and hiking) locations in the province.
The exercise in class reminded me of this great story and that a group working towards the same means can accomplish great feats. The preservation, environmental significance and lasting recreational legacy of Skaha Bluffs can now be enjoyed indefinitely, due in part to such a proactive community.
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