South Africa court stops Shell from off-shore oil search
Environmentalists claimed that Shell's divisive seismic ocean surveys were harmful to marine life and ecology, and they will no longer be permitted. Shell has the right to appeal still.
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
The oil company Shell's permission to conduct off-shore oil and gas exploration in a vulnerable ecological area has been canceled by a South African court, marking a significant victory for environmentalists and coastal communities.
For years, environmentalists have contended that exploring the Wild Coast region, a 250 km (155 mi) stretch of undeveloped coastline, could endanger marine life.
The government's decision to award Shell exploration rights in the region in 2014 was overturned by the court. It also planned for the rights to be renewed in 2021.
Environmentalists claimed that Shell's divisive seismic ocean surveys were harmful to marine life and ecology, and they will no longer be permitted. Shell has the right to appeal still.
Coastal communities have fought for Wild Coast eco-tourism that is sustainable rather than drilling for oil and gas.
