A new global environmental fund marks a major step towards securing the wellbeing of biodiversity in developing countries and will help to ensure sustainable utilization of their natural resources, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Friday. The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, launched at the Global Environmental Facility Assembly in Vancouver, Canada, … [Read more...]
The forest and paper industry’s role in greener products
Tackling various issues from growing trees to trends in paper packaging, a roundtable discussion was hosted on 5 July by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA). The discussion was chaired by award-winning author and Talk Radio 702 presenter Gugu Mhlungu, and featured representatives of Sappi Southern Africa, Mondi Zimele, Mpact, and Woolworths. The … [Read more...]
MMSEZ a major threat to biodiversity in Limpopo
In an effort to create widespread awareness about the plight of communities living in and around the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve in Limpopo, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg wrapped-up World Environment Month by hosting a special public screening of the short-film MMSEZ - The Promise of Progress and Peril. The 6-minute production captures the voices and concerns of those people … [Read more...]
Anglican Consultative Council signs Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
On World Environment Day (5 June 2023), the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Anthony Poggo, joined a growing chorus of faith leaders, indigenous peoples, civil society leaders, youth, cities, lawmakers, academics, and scientists calling for a global treaty to phase out fossil fuels and support a just transition powered by clean energy and a sustainable future … [Read more...]
Climate change boosting mosquito migration in Africa
Over the last century, malaria-carrying mosquitoes have been migrating across Africa and scientists warn that climate change could be to blame. From data that date back 120 years, researchers have been able to plot the movement of Anopheles mosquito populations in sub-Saharan Africa, and they found they are moving deeper into southern Africa and to higher elevations than … [Read more...]
Join the Race For Trees
Combine your passion for making a positive impact on our environment with this prestigious race and raise funds for Greenpop’s restoration projects. How does it work? The first 5 people to raise or commit to 40 trees (R4800) will receive: Race entry to Two Oceans Ultra Marathon 2023 A special Greenpop Tree Certificate with the forest coordinates of where your trees … [Read more...]
Development should not threaten people’s daily bread
On Saturday, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg launched the Mulambwane Eco-Mapping Report with partner organisations. The report raises awareness about the importance of conserving and protecting our natural resources and nature, including heritage and sacred sites in response to the proposed Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ). The event also highlighted the threats … [Read more...]
DRC’s forests-for-oil sale reeks of neocolonialism
Forests are losing out to fossil fuels and foreign finance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). On July 28, the country’s government auctioned 27 oil blocks and three gas blocks overlapping with some of the world’s most sensitive ecosystems, after signalling its intent in April. The blocks cutting through carbon-rich peatlands, the Virunga national park and other … [Read more...]
EU Deforestation law leaves much to be desired
Ministers in the Environment Council voted today to weaken the EU Deforestation law, despite citizens, scientists and companies asking for nature destruction-free products on the EU market. “The Council negotiating position has as many holes as a swiss cheese but unfortunately it does not taste that good. An effective law must not offer loopholes for companies to circumvent … [Read more...]
First successful rooting of Yellow Peeling Plain Tree
2022 has been an incredible year for SANBI and conservation horticulturist and tree expert Mpendulo Gabayi from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Mpho Mathalauga (horticulturist) from KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, and Ntsakisi Masia (seed collector - Millennium Seed Bank Partnership) from Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden as they were triumphant in their … [Read more...]
Number of wildfires to rise by 50% by 2100
Climate change and land-use change are projected to make wildfires more frequent and intense, with a global increase of extreme fires of up to 14 per cent by 2030, 30 per cent by the end of 2050 and 50 per cent by the end of the century, according to a new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and GRID-Arendal. The paper calls for a radical change in government … [Read more...]
Preparing for fire season
Currently the wildfire that started at Lourensford Estate in Somerset West rages forth into the mountains. Unseasonal hot, dry conditions turned wild vegetation into a tinder box. This is happening more frequently as global warming escalates. The number of wildfires worldwide is forecast to rise by 50% by 2100. Read more about that here and be prepared. Climatic … [Read more...]
Beetle wages ecological destruction in SA
The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle poses a significant threat to what makes South Africa’s biodiversity unique. It could potentially be one of South Africa’s largest ecological tragedies, judging by the number of trees it has killed since arriving in 2017. No remedy has yet been discovered for this devastating threat. The infestation is spreading nationwide. It is … [Read more...]
