Since 2016, WWF has been working with one of the largest social media platforms in the world to address wildlife trafficking by detecting and removing illicit activity that fuels wildlife trade. As part of this effort, Facebook has launched a new pop-up interstitial alert message that informs users about illegal wildlife trade when certain wildlife-related search words are … [Read more...]
Scientists call for change in marine environmental assessment
Oceans Not Oil (ONO) hails an advisory produced by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)’s Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE) on the use of deep-sea seismic surveys to explore for oil and gas deposits in South African waters. In the scope of SAGE’s mandate, an “emergency” is defined as "a serious, unexpected, and potentially dangerous situation that has … [Read more...]
Stop the imminent seismic survey off the Western Cape coast
Civil society movement We Are South Africans has begun the process to seek an interdict to stop Australian company Seismic Searcher from its 2D/3D seismic survey, planned to commence off the Western Cape coast on 15 January. A Reconnaissance Permit in terms of Section 74 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) was granted by the Petroleum … [Read more...]
California frogs proposed for species protection
In response to a Center for Biological Diversity petition and lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed Endangered Species Act protection for four populations of foothill yellow-legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada and central and Southern California. This stream-dwelling frog species has disappeared from more than 50% of its historic habitat in the state. “At … [Read more...]
Lawsuit to protect polar bears from Arctic oil exploration
The Center For Biological Diversity has filed a formal notice of intent to sue the U.S. Department of the Interior and Bureau of Land Management for failing to protect imperilled polar bears from an oil exploration project in the Western Arctic. “Every new oil well in the Arctic is another step toward the polar bear’s extinction,” said Kristen Monsell, a senior attorney at … [Read more...]
Help researchers photograph endangered butterflies
Butterflies have an extraordinary power over us. For centuries, these delicate and colorful creatures have enchanted us with their beauty. Sadly, in recent times, butterflies and moths’ populations have plummeted to the point that numerous species could disappear from the face of the earth. Friend of the Earth, an initiative of the World Sustainability Organisation, has … [Read more...]
No wild animal jumps through burning hoops
It sounds like a cliché but I am passionate about the big cats. Hence we are happy to share a story about the work of one sanctuary that has been a haven for rescued big cats. With the tiger being synonymous with Slumberland, they recently supported Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary's educational efforts with a donation of R10 000. Please read more about Slumberland's … [Read more...]
Protection urgently needed for Atlantic humpback dolphin
The National Marine Fisheries Service announced today that it would begin a status review to determine whether the highly imperiled Atlantic humpback dolphin should be protected under the Endangered Species Act. The agency’s decision came in response to a September petition filed by the Animal Welfare Institute, Center for Biological Diversity and VIVA Vaquita. Atlantic … [Read more...]
Reducing vertebrate mortality on electric fences
Pangolin.Africa, the Tikki Hywood Foundation and the Kalahari Wildlife Project, in collaboration with Stafix electric fence and security company, are currently working on a ground-breaking new project in an effort to drastically reduce the accidental electrocution of pangolins on electrified fences. These electrical installations - prevalent on game reserves, private game … [Read more...]
African Youth Summit: Our Africa, Our Ocean, Our Future
The Youth for Marine Protected Areas (Youth4MPAs) held the first-ever virtual African Youth Summit in August 2021, an opportunity for over 500 youth from across the African Continent to come together over two days and unpack ocean protection from an African perspective. The summit was conceived by the youth, for the youth, with the objective of designing an inclusive … [Read more...]
West Coast oil exploration opposed by civil society
This week, The Green Connection submitted its comments critiquing several aspects of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, particularly the lack of procedural fairness, as well as the conclusions reached – notwithstanding information gaps and scientific uncertainty – that should form part Tosaco Energy’s request to undertake various activities in Block 1, off the … [Read more...]
Choose sustainable seafood this Heart Awareness Month
September is Heart Awareness Month and one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is to eat fish 2 to 3 times a week. With campaign ‘#FeelGoodSeafood’, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in partnership with Irvin & Johnson (I&J), encourage South Africans to take care of their hearts and our ocean. Up to 80 percent of heart disease and stroke can be prevented … [Read more...]
Extraction’s devastating impact on small-scale fishers
The Green Connection’s (GC) first ever Oceans Tribunal – which took place on 21-22 September 2021 – was marked by heart-wrenching stories and presentations from small-scale fishers and other communities whose livelihoods are being destroyed by extractive industries. Part of its ‘Who Stole Our Oceans’ campaign, the Tribunal – attended by more than 200 people – aims to … [Read more...]
