Latest news with #EGD
The Citizen
3 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Hall revamp brightens Fulton School
FULTON School for the Deaf proudly unveiled its beautifully renovated school hall recently – an exciting transformation that marks a new chapter in the school's long-standing history of excellence. Located in the Upper Highway area, Fulton School opened its doors in 1959 as KwaZulu-Natal's first school for the deaf. Today, it continues to provide both academic and residential support to deaf learners from the age of three up to Grade 12. Principal Odette Swift expressed her deep appreciation for the hall's transformation, describing the pre-renovation space as tired and poorly lit. 'The dim lighting made it especially difficult for learners during exams held on overcast days – particularly in subjects like Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD), Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy, which require precision and focus,' she explained. Also read: Gillitts Primary and Fulton School for the Deaf come together to celebrate World Hearing Day She added that the school hall plays a significant role in creating first impressions: 'It's one of the first spaces visitors encounter, and we're so proud that it now reflects the vibrant, caring, and high-achieving spirit of Fulton School.' The project came to life during a discussion centred on strengthening maths and science education and promoting STEM subjects. During an initial meeting with automotive parts manufacturer Mahle and the Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CASME), the conversation broadened to include overall school development. It was then that Jolene van Heerden of Mahle asked about other areas in need of support – particularly those related to infrastructure. 'We highlighted the hall as a key project,' said Swift. 'The walls were dull and peeling, the wooden finishes needed attention, and the entire space lacked the energy and warmth our learners deserve. Despite their pride in the school, the run-down state of the hall affected both morale and motivation.' Thanks to Mahle and their contractors, Top Deck Projects, the hall underwent a remarkable transformation – completed during the school holidays to avoid disruption. 'Work started with cleaning and repainting the roof tiles, barge boards, and gutters. Interior and exterior walls were repaired, cracks filled, old paint stripped away, and surfaces given a fresh coat of paint,' she said. Lighting was also a major upgrade, handled by Dolphin Coast Electrical, who replaced the outdated system with bright, energy-efficient fixtures. 'The new lighting not only creates a comfortable learning environment in any weather, but also helps reduce our electricity costs,' Swift noted. In closing, Swift extended heartfelt thanks on behalf of the entire Fulton community: 'We are incredibly grateful to Mahle, CASME, Top Deck Projects, and Paint and Beyond (Hillcrest) for their generous donation of paint, varnish, and materials. Your contributions have given our learners a space that inspires pride, purpose, and possibility.' For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here
Agriland
27-05-2025
- Science
- Agriland
Study: EU livestock density limits would mostly affect pig sector
Implementing livestock density limits results in reduced EU livestock numbers, particularly affecting the pig sector, with subsequent decreases in production of animal products and increases in market prices. That's according to a study published by the European Joint Research Centre (JRC), authored by researchers Maria Bielza, Franz Weiss, Jordan Hristov, and Thomas Fellman. The study found that livestock density limits reduce nitrogen surplus, especially in hotspot regions. The European Green Deal (EGD) and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms aim to achieve substantial environmental and climate objectives, requiring changes in agricultural practices. The researchers explained that livestock density limits could be one of the measures to reduce adverse environmental impacts associated with intensive livestock production, particularly nitrogen pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Their study examined the effects of imposing maximum limits on livestock units (LSU) per hectare of utilised agricultural area across the EU. The analysis focuses on both the economic and environmental impacts of livestock density restrictions, with particular emphasis on their influence on production, nitrogen surplus, ammonia emissions, nitrate leaching, and GHG emissions. Study on livestock density limits Using the Common Agricultural Policy Regional Impact Analysis (CAPRI) model, a detailed agricultural sector model, the study simulates impacts of different livestock density thresholds (2 LSU/ha and 1.4 LSU/ha) at regional and grid levels. The model facilitated an evaluation of the potential changes in production, market prices, trade dynamics, and environmental indicators, providing a comprehensive view of the policy's potential outcomes. The study stated: 'The need to maintain the livestock sector intensity within certain limits was already acknowledged in the 1992 MacSharry reform of the CAP, where compliance with stocking density thresholds was necessary to receive beef support.' A maximum threshold of 1.4 LSU/ha of forage or grassland areas has been proposed for grazing animals to define extensive livestock farming, and is one of the values used in various CAP Strategic Plans (e.g., coupled income support in France, eco-schemes in Germany and Ireland, Agri-Environment and Climate Measures in Belgium-Wallonia). A 2 LSU/ha threshold has been used to approximate the value of 170kg N/ha from manure in the organic farming regulation and the CAP. This threshold was first introduced in the 1992 CAP reform for the special premium for male bovines and the suckler cow premium, together with the 1.4 LSU/ha limit for the additional extensification premium. Additional requirements as part of cross-compliance were introduced in the 2003 CAP reform, following the legislative standards of 2 LSU/ha in the Agenda 2000 and a maximum of 170kg N/ha from manure in the Nitrates Directive. The study outlines that despite continued support and efforts to limit livestock density across the EU, several member states and regions considerably exceed recommended nitrogen limits. Findings According to the findings, implementing livestock density limits results in reduced EU livestock numbers, particularly affecting the pig sector, followed by beef with dairy least affected. Lower supply of animal products leads to a general increase in producer and consumer prices. Producer price increases (see graph below) are highest for pigmeat, eggs and beef according to the research. Source: 'Impacts of reduced livestock density on European agriculture and the environment' published by JRC Farming practices shift toward extensification, with environmental benefits including reductions in ammonia emissions, nitrates leaching, and nitrogen surplus. However, a considerable amount of GHG emissions reduction in the EU could be offset by emission leakage to non-EU regions, diminishing the net global environmental benefits, according to the researchers. The study's findings offer insights for EU policymakers and agricultural stakeholders into the complexities associated with enforcing livestock density limits. The authors explained that the results underscore the importance of balancing agricultural production with environmental sustainability and highlight the need for comprehensive strategies that account for both local and global environmental impacts. The study suggests that integrated measures are essential to achieving the EGD's ambitious environmental objectives.
