Latest news with #ConventiononBiologicalDiversity
IOL News
23-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Can SA balance development and conservation? Insights from the National Biodiversity Offset Conference
CEO of SANBI, Shonisani Munzhedzi, DG of DFFE, Noma Tshabalala, Deputy Resident Representative at the UNDP South Africa Country Office, Gloria Kiondo and CEO of SANParks, Hapiloe Sello at the DFFE's environmental conservation conference at the DBSA on May 22, 2025. Image: Supplied, Michael Mokoena DFFE The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) on Thursday embarked on the first day of two-day-long National Biodiversity Offset conference at the Southern African Development Bank (DBSA) in Midrand, Gauteng. This conference was held in collaboration with the DBSA, South African Biodiversity Institute, and aimed to facilitate engagement among stakeholders and communities. During her remarks at the conference, Director General of the DFFE, Nomfundo Tshabalala, said: "We as DFFE, working with our entities, understand that we have to strike a balance between development and conserving the biodiversity and ecosystem of our country." DFFE director General, Noma Tshabalala addressing the DFFE's environmental conservation conference Image: Supplied, Michael Mokoena, DFFE Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Tshabalala emphasised that people, entities, and businesses should follow protocol when dealing with land and the environment to avoid violating the regulations and causing harm to the environment. "We have a website which will show the geographic landscape of South Africa, showing where there is development, and what it is that you're investing in as you develop an area, to ensure that you offset and you don't deplete conservation in that area," Tshabalala remarked The department's spokesperson, Michael Mokoena, said: "Biodiversity offsetting is one of the ways in which South Africa's Protected and Conservation Areas can be expanded, thereby promoting conservation. It also helps to secure ecologically sustainable development as it mitigates the adverse impact of economic and social development on biodiversity." According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, South Africa's biodiversity is in great danger of extinction, with the National Red List assessments indicating that 10% of South Africa's birds and frogs, 20% of mammals, and 13% of plant species are threatened. The DFFE has attributed this to pollution, climate change, global warming, and the expansion of residential and industrial land. The Convention on Biological Diversity warned: "The loss and degradation of South Africa's biodiversity has serious implications for society and the economy. Natural ecosystems provide many essential services, such as the provision of clean water and air, prevention of soil erosion, pollination of crops, provision of medicinal plants, nutrient cycling, provision of food and shelter, as well as meeting spiritual, cultural, aesthetic, and recreational needs." IOL NEWS
Kuwait Times
22-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Biodiversity protection a shared responsibility for sustainability: EPA
KUWAIT: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) reaffirmed Thursday that the protection of biodiversity is a collective responsibility and a moral and humanitarian obligation, requiring unified national and global efforts to secure a prosperous present and a sustainable future for generations to come. Acting Director General of the EPA Nouf Behbehani made the remarks during a ceremony marking the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD), organized by the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), and the National Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In her address, Behbehani noted that IBD, observed annually on May 22, commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity during the landmark 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The summit, she said, marked a pivotal moment in global environmental governance with the adoption of three major conventions: the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), forming the foundation of international environmental sustainability efforts. Behbehani highlighted that this year's celebration is held under the theme 'Be Part of the Plan,' which calls for harmonizing development with nature and underscores the urgent need to redefine humanity's relationship with the environment. She emphasized that safeguarding biodiversity is vital to ensuring food and water security, climate stability, and public health. She outlined four key pillars of the national biodiversity campaign: raising public awareness on the importance of biodiversity; updating national strategies in alignment with international frameworks; strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration to fulfill obligations under global environmental treaties; and encouraging development initiatives that prioritize environmental protection and long-term sustainability. Representing KOTC's Acting CEO Sheikh Khaled Ahmed Al-Malik Al-Sabah, Acting Director of the Health, Safety and Environment Group Mohammed Mirza reiterated the company's longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. He affirmed KOTC's active role in promoting sustainable practices and supporting national initiatives aligned with Kuwait's environmental vision. Mirza highlighted the company's achievements, including the full operation of its LPG filling branches in Shuaiba and Umm Al-Aish using solar energy. He also pointed to the environmental compliance of the company's fleet, which adheres to international maritime regulations such as ballast water treatment systems and emission reduction measures. KOTC, he added, remains engaged in various environmental initiatives, including coastal cleanups, awareness campaigns, tree planting, recycling, and climate change mitigation. Meanwhile, Dr Wijdan Al-Oqab, Chairperson of the IUCN National Committee and President of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), emphasized Kuwait's international commitment to biodiversity through its ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the submission of national reports. She called for a serious re-evaluation of the current environmental situation in the country and advocated for a shift from an exploitative relationship with nature to a balanced and cooperative approach. Dr Al-Oqab lauded the EPA's executive role in implementing environmental legislation and monitoring adherence to global agreements, in addition to the contributions of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and civil society organizations in advancing environmental awareness. She further praised KEPS' pioneering efforts in public education, including the production of Arab-recognized environmental documentaries such as 'Every Day a Bird' and 'Every Day a Plant,' which have documented Kuwait's wildlife and now serve as valuable scientific and educational resources across the Arab world and within Kuwaiti schools. The event underscored a unified call for action to protect biodiversity as a cornerstone of sustainable development and environmental resilience. — KUNA
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Science
- Barnama
UniSZA Researcher Discovers Nest Of Red-Bellied Eagle
Anuar said the discovery of the raptor's nest was also very significant because it was not only the first in Malaysia, but also rarely recorded globally. According to him, the data will be used for conservation biology research, biodiversity monitoring and forest ecosystem assessment. "This important discovery contributes to global conservation efforts, in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity, which promotes the conservation of biodiversity as the basis for sustainable development.
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
UniSZA researcher discovers rare red-bellied eagle nest in Terengganu
KUALA NERUS: In a remarkable discovery, Anuar McAfee, a research fellow at the East Coast Environmental Research Institute of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), successfully located a nest of the elusive red-bellied eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii) in the forests of Terengganu last February. The nest, found atop a 57-metre-high tree, marks the first recorded sighting of its kind in Malaysia. Anuar, who is a member of the Terengganu branch of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), said the discovery is highly significant for Malaysia's ornithological records, a branch of zoology dedicated to the study of birds. He said the presence of the red-bellied eagle is a clear indicator that the ecology of Terengganu's forests remains healthy and capable of sustaining wildlife species at the top of the food chain. "The red-bellied eagle is a predator listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list as a near-threatened species. "This species can be found in mature forests and highland forests in South Asia and Southeast Asia," he said in a statement today. Anuar said the discovery of the raptor's nest was also very significant because it was not only the first in Malaysia, but also rarely recorded globally. According to him, the data will be used for conservation biology research, biodiversity monitoring and forest ecosystem assessment. "This important discovery contributes to global conservation efforts, in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity, which promotes the conservation of biodiversity as the basis for sustainable development. "The conservation of the animal's habitat in Malaysia is important to ensure that the biodiversity we have is protected for future generations to see," he said
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Science
- The Sun
UniSZA researcher discovers nest of red-bellied eagle
KUALA NERUS: In a remarkable discovery, Anuar McAfee, a research fellow at the East Coast Environmental Research Institute (ESERI) of Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA), successfully located a nest of the elusive red-bellied eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii) in the forests of Terengganu last February The discovery of the nest on a 57-metre-high tree is the first recorded in the country. Anuar, who is a member of the Terengganu branch Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), said the discovery is highly significant for Malaysia's ornithological records, a branch of zoology dedicated to the study of birds. He said the presence of the red-bellied eagle is a clear indicator that the ecology of Terengganu's forests remains healthy and capable of sustaining wildlife species at the top of the food chain. 'The red-bellied eagle is a predator listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list as a near-threatened species. 'This species can be found in mature forests and highland forests in South Asia and Southeast Asia,' he said in a statement today. Anuar said the discovery of the raptor's nest was also very significant because it was not only the first in Malaysia, but also rarely recorded globally. According to him, the data will be used for conservation biology research, biodiversity monitoring and forest ecosystem assessment. 'This important discovery contributes to global conservation efforts, in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity, which promotes the conservation of biodiversity as the basis for sustainable development. 'The conservation of the animal's habitat in Malaysia is important to ensure that the biodiversity we have is protected for future generations to see,' he said
