Threats: Coastal Developments, Accessibility, Overcrowding
Bells Beach is the world’s first “Surfing Recreation Reserve” and enjoys global iconic status due to the majestic coastal beauty, ancient indigenous resonance and world class waves that feather on the horizon in corduroy lines and pump through the famous Bells Bowl.
On 3 November 1971 Bells was officially named “Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve” to clearly define “recreational surfing” as the priority activity in the Reserve. Recreational surfing continues to be the primary activity at Bells and recreational surfers are far and away the most frequent users of the Reserve. The environmental values and indigenous heritage also continue to illuminate the heart and soul of Bells Beach and surrounds.
Unfortunately Bells Beach is on the endangered waves list due to serious threat from:
– Inappropriate forms of commercial tourism that is costly and fails to capture trade for local business
– Further development of infrastructure to accommodate commercial tourism and unsustainable levels of visitation within Bells Reserve
– Growing pressure for larger and more frequent events, along with permanent event infrastructure and clearing of natural vegetation to accommodate events within Bells Reserve
– Clearing of natural vegetation and installation of permanent infrastructure for irregular user groups
– “Rural Conservation Zone” amendments that now allow significant commercial development throughout the hinterland immediately surrounding Bells Reserve
– Massive local population growth without clear vision or management strategies in place
In addition, natural environmental processes exacerbated by climate change are already having a graphic impact on Bells Beach, as shown in this video produced by the local Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast Branch:
Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast Branch, Surfers Appreciating Natural Environment (SANE – the core environmental stewards of Bells Reserve since the 1980s – www.sanesurfers.org), Bells Beach Preservation Society (BBPS – www.savebellsbeach.com), and a number of concerned locals have been collaborating on a vision to create the Bells Beach Surf Sanctuary. The vision is being formed in consultation with the recognised Traditional Owners of Bells and in essence aims to:
Respect, protect and cultivate the environmental values, indigenous heritage
and recreational surfing experience of Bells Beach now and for all future generations
Achieving our vision will also serve to optimise the environmental, cultural, social, recreational and economic values of Bells and surrounds.
Together the local and global surfing community can achieve the Bells Beach Surf Sanctuary vision. For all the latest updates and information on how you can help to respect, protect and cultivate the heart and soul of Bells Beach now and for all future generations please…
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