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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Eastern Cape communities demand people-centred solutions
About 250 people from Uitenhage, Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, Oyster Bay and beyond – a collaboration between Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and the Eastern Cape Combined Environmental Forum – marched to Gqeberha City Hall on Tuesday to bring attention to their deteriorating quality of life because of severe water-access issues, in addition to persistent load shedding. Affected … [Read more...]
Believe in better for a more sustainable future
WWF South Africa is proud to announce its Believe in Better campaign, an inspiring call to action designed to ignite hope for a brighter, more sustainable future in our cherished nation. As South Africa approaches the 2024 elections, this campaign serves as a powerful reminder of our shared national vision—to heal the wounds of the past and pave the way for a brighter, more … [Read more...]
Another legal challenge emerges for Karpowership SA
Last week, The Green Connection and Natural Justice challenged the decision of Minister of the Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), Barbara Creecy, to allow Karpowership to submit a Generic Environmental Management Programme (GEMPr) for Saldanha Bay. The organisations argue, in a letter to the DFFE, that the decision is unlawful. The DFFE has admitted that the views … [Read more...]
