For the past 50 years, human activities have dramatically reduced biodiversity across the globe. We have, through our actions, extinguished our habitats and reduced populations of plants and wild animals by up to 60% so that today, our natural resources and the species on our planet are under threat – from us. In fact, the negative impact we have made is astounding. Just … [Read more...]
Large illegal logging operation uncovered in Mozambique
In October 2019 a successful security operation led to the arrest of several suspects involved in a large illegal logging operation in Mozambique’s Coutada 4, a hunting concession that lies on the northern border of Zinave National Park. After hearing what sounded like chainsaw operations in an area where logging is strictly prohibited and having suspicions confirmed by … [Read more...]
Ecological restoration conference coming to Cape Town
The Society for Ecological Restoration is organizing the 8th World Conference on Ecological Restoration. It will be held in Cape Town from 24 - 28 September 2019. SER2019 connects researchers, practitioners, policymakers, industry professionals, and students with backgrounds in natural and social sciences, environmental engineering, urban and regional planning, natural … [Read more...]
Celebrate female farmer of the year on Women’s Day
“Closing the gender gap in agricultural inputs alone could lift 100–150 million people out of hunger,” said Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. Saturday is National Women’s Day, where we commemorate contributions by women in South Africa to improving the lives of others. Sphiwe Machika, a young female farmer (29), from Rethabiseng in … [Read more...]
Seeds come home after 100 years
On 10 February 1911 Harold Pearson proclaimed “this is the place!” This was to become the Kirstenbosch Garden, which recently celebrated its 100th birthday. “We at KEW believe there is no technological reason why any plant species should go extinct. That should be our hypothesis: that no plant species should go extinct while we can prevent it.” So said Dr. Paul Smith from … [Read more...]
All of life is infused with spirit
Custodians of Sacred Sites from four African countries are working together to revive tribal traditions and protect their sacred sites and territories. They have released a statement of Common African Customary Laws to protect these sacred places and bring their message to an increasingly detached modern world. The Nanyuki Custodian Meeting in Kenya has drawn up a statement … [Read more...]
Youth debate Mother Earth’s rights
"The Earth Forum and exploration of the Charter enabled me to gain a deeper appreciation for nature, making me realise the desperate need for environmental education in vulnerable and poor communities,' said Youth Forum leader, Sofuthi Balungile (22) about his experience on the Climate Train at its first stop in Worcester. Sofuthi described the afternoon in a round table … [Read more...]
Tension mounts as Brazilian Indians retake land
A community of Guarani Indians in Brazil has retaken part of its ancestral land in an act of desperation, having lived by the side of a highway for a year and a half. The Guarani marched back to their land last week, unwilling further to endure the appalling living conditions they have been subject to on the roadside. The Indians of Laranjeira Nanderu community had their … [Read more...]
