Earlier this year, Sea Shepherd journeyed into Antarctica, unveiling the horrific reality of industrial krill fisheries. As 2024 looms, they are gearing up to return, more committed than ever to safeguard this fragile ecosystem. In February 2023, Sea Shepherd's vessel, the Allankay, sailed into the frigid waters of the Antarctic to renew their commitment to protect the … [Read more...]
Norway opening Arctic waters to deep sea mining
Against massive protest from activists, scientists, fisheries and the international community, the Norwegian government is moving forward with the planned opening of Arctic waters to deep sea mining. Frode Pleym, Head of Greenpeace Norway, said: “This is a disaster for the ocean, and shameful for Norway. The Norwegian government is not only ignoring hundreds of concerned … [Read more...]
Progressive new alliance seeks personhood status for Antarctica
At COP28 the working group is campaigning for the recognition of the region's fundamental legal rights. This is an international team of 25 experts moving to safeguard Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The progressive new initiative was formally introduced in conjunction with the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, during the event “A Global Movement Advancing … [Read more...]
Richard’s Bay Karpowership environmental authorisation taken on appeal
Environmental and social justice organisations groundWork (gW) and the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) have submitted an appeal against the environmental authorization (EA) granted to the project in October 2023. The appeal is directed to Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Barbara … [Read more...]
Environmental Impact Assessment guide launched
All Rise are excited to share that, together with the South African affiliate of IAIA, IAIAsa, they have launched a bilingual Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guide in English and isiZulu. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a study that predicts and assesses the impacts that a development is likely to have on the environment and on people, their health and … [Read more...]
Releasing our seafood to save our sea life
World Fisheries Day is celebrated every year on 21 November throughout the globe. While fishing communities and aquatic consumers salute their delight for maritime produce; climate and plant-based advocates highlight the vital importance of preserving our sea life and environments. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, 90 percent of the global fish … [Read more...]
SA doesn’t need expensive nuclear power
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) says the mini pebble-bed modular reactors (PBMR) have been under development and not come into operation for decades. The previous PBMR programme was abandoned in 2010 due to ballooning costs of around R10bn. The multi-faith organisation says that independent policy analysts and finance institutions agree … [Read more...]
The Ocean: Nature’s Wellbeing Therapy
The ocean, with its rhythmic ebb and flow, has a profound impact on human well-being and can be incredibly healing. The frequency of the ocean, in the form of its waves, sounds, and even the negative ions it releases, offers numerous benefits to our physical and mental health. Let’s explore how the frequency of the ocean contributes to healing and boosts overall … [Read more...]
Civil society remains resolved to oppose offshore oil and gas
In response to the Draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (DESIA) for TEEPSA’s proposed offshore production right and environmental authorisation applications for Block 11B/12B (22 September 2023), the organisations point out that, since certain aspects of the project has been excluded, not all the potential negative impacts have been accounted for or considered in … [Read more...]
EU aims to restore 20% of land and sea by 2030
Negotiators from the Parliament and Council have reached a provisional political agreement on the EU nature restoration law. The new law, agreed with member states, sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. Nature restoration targets Co-legislators agreed on an EU target to … [Read more...]
Wildlife ACT recognised for nature-positive tourism
Responsible Tourism Partnership has announced that South African conservation organisation, Wildlife ACT, has been awarded first place for ‘Best for Nature-Positive Tourism’ at the prestigious WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards for 2023. Having won Gold at the WTM Africa World Responsible Tourism earlier this year, Wildlife ACT was then entered into the pool of regional … [Read more...]
SA cruise ship company recognised for environmental excellence
MSC Cruises has become the first major line to be awarded the Green Marine Europe Certification, a voluntary environmental certification programme for the maritime industry. Green Marine Europe is a partnership between North American environmental certification programme Green Marine and the Surfrider Foundation, a leading European Union NGO in ocean and maritime … [Read more...]
African litter reduction campaign aims for continental impact
A unique African-centric litter reduction campaign which is being piloted in South Africa will – once trialled and tested – be scaled and used throughout the continent. According to marine conservation non-profit Sustainable Seas Trust (SST), its flagship litter-reduction campaign, Operation Clean Spot (OCS), aims to reduce land-based litter by up to 90% in some communities. … [Read more...]
