In recognition of United Nations World Toilet Day, Save Our Schools Non Profit Organisation (SOS NPO) announced the launch of a ground-breaking ablution project that aims to address critical water, sanitation, and hygiene barriers in the community of Bloekombos, Kraaifontein. This transformative initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of SOS NPO, Esor … [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...]
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...]
Guterres appeals for ‘sustained’ humanitarian access to Gaza
With essential supplies running out in Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday appealed for humanitarian access to the besieged enclave. “For nearly two weeks the people of Gaza have gone without any shipments of fuel, food, water, medicine, and other essentials. Disease is spreading. Supplies are dwindling. People are dying,” he said at a press conference in … [Read more...]
Biden administration announces $82 million for right whale conservation
The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has announced USD 82 million (EUR 77 million) for North Atlantic right whale conservation and recovery efforts. Of the total, USD 36 million (EUR 34 million) will be used for monitoring and modeling, roughly half of which will be dedicated to passive acoustic monitoring along the U.S.East Coast. An additional USD 20 million … [Read more...]
Water crisis threatens food security and sustainability
Water, the world's most precious yet undervalued resource, lies at the heart of a mounting global crisis that threatens not only food security, but also human and planetary health, warns a new report by WWF. Released on World Food Day, The High Cost of Cheap Water uncovers a stark reality: the annual economic value of water and freshwater ecosystems is estimated to be US$58 … [Read more...]
Rewiring food systems to soften climate impacts
To make more progress in the fight against hunger, the world needs to make at-risk communities less vulnerable to climate shocks and other emergencies, according to the UN World Food Programme. “If we want to break out of the never-ending cycle of crisis and response, we need to address the root causes of hunger by multi-year, long-term projects that shield communities from … [Read more...]
New book connects humans to the ocean
We are thrilled to announce the release of "Captain Fanplastic & the Black Mermaid," a groundbreaking book that aims to educate readers about the pervasive issue of marine litter and emphasises our interconnectedness with the world's oceans. Authored by Ruben Hazelzet, Social Behaviour Change Expert & Head of Programme at Captain Fanplastic, this book serves as a … [Read more...]
Why is South Africa not harnessing Hydropower?
After trudging through almost two decades of the country’s long term decline in power production, 2023 has seen some of the worst rolling blackouts to date. Yes, there has been positive progress in the renewable energy sector, but it’s simply not enough. We should be including hydro solutions with existing solar projects to get us off the back foot and potentially ahead of … [Read more...]
Clean-up and Recycle SA Week a resounding success
Clean-Up and Recycle SA Week was once again a huge success. The annual event, which took place from the 11 - 16 September, brought together communities, organisations, and individuals from across the nation to tackle plastic pollution and promote responsible recycling. Spring cleaning our environment "This year's event has been an incredible success and it was once again … [Read more...]
