In a ceremony presided over by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the African Risk Capacity Group, in the presence of Representatives of Partners organisations (Ambassador of Germany to Malawi), and of the UN system (WFP and UNDP country directors), delivered a symbolic US$14.2 million … [Read more...]
Artists and environmentalists start conversation about conservation
Art has a key role to play in supporting and promoting conservation, particularly in Southern Africa. This was the core premise of a thought-provoking event called “Art and Conservation – a Southern African Dialogue” held at the Alliance Française in Johannesburg on 15 June. The event showcased a photographic exhibition and the work of contemporary South African artist, … [Read more...]
Developing a sustainable venison sector in Africa
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations says that wild meat possesses several added advantages over domesticated species in terms of range usage, physiological and ecological adaptations to the African environment, disease tolerance and productivity, crediting it among the healthiest meats available. This year as part of the annual Taste of Game campaign, … [Read more...]
Climate-resilient seeds for smallholder adaptation
Climate change is threatening food security in many tropical countries, where a large proportion of food is produced by vulnerable smallholder farmers. Interventions are available to offset many of the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture, and they can be tailored to local conditions often through relative modest investments. However, little quantitative … [Read more...]
Protecting African wild dogs in KwaZulu-Natal
On Saturday 2nd April 2022, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) in KwaZulu-Natal released it's newest pack of African Wild Dogs, which is composed of four 3 year old males who were originally brought into the reserve from Tswalu Kalahari Reserve at the end of 2020, and two 2 year old females born in HiP. African Wild Dogs are Southern Africa’s most endangered carnivore with an … [Read more...]
Taking climate action now can secure our future
Human-induced climate change is causing dangerous and widespread disruption in nature and affecting the lives of billions of people around the world, despite efforts to reduce the risks. People and ecosystems least able to cope are being hardest hit, said scientists in the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, released last month. “This report is … [Read more...]
Greater collaboration needed between Africa and Europe
As part of a global organisation that advances worldwide solutions to the climate crisis, we recognise that the sixth summit of European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) heads of state and government, taking place on 17–18 February 2022 in Brussels, presents opportunities that can potentially benefit the whole of society on both continents. There is now a greater need than … [Read more...]
Ambitious global plastics treaty sorely needed
To slow the climate crisis, we must end our reliance on single-use plastics. The same fossil fuel companies that have destroyed our climate have continued to see profits grow through their expanded production of single-use plastics. Almost all plastic is produced from fossil fuels, so we can strike a significant blow to these companies by phasing out single-use plastics … [Read more...]
Helping African fashion entrepreneurs launch their brands globally
A six-week, intensive digital programme called Re-roll Station hopes to help African fashionistas launch their brands into the global market. The aim is to provide creative entrepreneurs with actionable steps to grow brands that are environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and profitable. Re-roll is the brainchild of Cher Potter and Kesiena Harry. Harry is the Programs … [Read more...]
Homegrown technology provides water to communities in need
The Vumela Fund, established by FNB Business and Edge Growth, today announced a new investment in Kusini Water, a cleantech enterprise that provides clean drinking water to local communities and corporates by manufacturing mobile, solar-powered water purification systems made from locally sourced macadamia nut shells and nanotechnology. The investment will enable Kusini … [Read more...]
Countdown to disaster for the Wild Coast
As the countdown begins to Shell’s seismic survey off the east coast of South Africa, conservationists are up in arms and are trying to beat the clock in efforts to stop Shell from following through with this operation. Shell announced their plans to commence seismic surveys along the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast, an area renowned for its high marine biodiversity, in just less … [Read more...]
Open burning of waste: time for urgent action
More than a million premature deaths a year due to air pollution, waste and open burning is one of the critical issues contributing to increasing levels of pollution especially in urban areas. Countries should call time on the common practice of open burning waste in order to mitigate climate impact, environmental pollution and to improve the health of billions of people who … [Read more...]
Accelerating climate-smart development in Africa
The London School of Economics and Political Science’s Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, the University of Stirling and the African Conservation Development Group (ACDG) have partnered to launch forestLAB, a multi-disciplinary research hub that aims to find climate-smart solutions for sustainable development in Africa. The forestLAB … [Read more...]
