Latest news with #EWT
The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
Northern Cape farm becomes safe haven for world's smallest tortoise
A century-old farm in the Northern Cape is now a safe haven for the world's smallest tortoise species, which is native to South Africa. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) has registered the first conservation servitude aimed at protecting the critically endangered speckled dwarf tortoise. The Witness reports that the Lokenburg Conservation Servitude, located on the Lokenburg farm in the Northern Cape, is now officially protected, safeguarding not only the dwarf tortoise but the broader ecosystem it inhabits. The servitude is the result of a partnership between EWT and the Nel family, who have owned the land for six generations. 'Specific tortoise conservation management areas have been designated within this servitude, where targeted management actions and development restrictions will be in place,' said the EWT. Species-focused conservation actions will also take place across the broader landscape and include management of the Pied Crow populations in the area, which are unnaturally high, and, through excessive predation, are driving the tortoise populations to extinction. The speckled dwarf tortoise is endemic to tiny remnant patches of habitat stretching along South Africa's west coast to the inland areas of Namaqualand. Although the broader region is vast, viable tortoise populations remain extremely isolated. Lokenburg lies in the district of Nieuwoudtville, a region renowned for its springtime floral displays and rich biodiversity. According to the EWT, the farm is particularly significant for two reasons – it was the first in the area to receive title deeds in 1774, and it's the only property to have dwellings built by every generation of the family who have lived there. Current owners Nelmarie and Herman Nel farm sheep, cattle and rooibos tea. They recently joined the South African Essential Oil Producers with plans to expand this sector sustainably, benefitting both their community and the environment. But their biggest contribution may be the preservation of biodiversity. The Lokenburg Biodiversity Management Plan, developed in partnership with EWT, lays out conservation actions, agricultural restrictions and training plans that will ensure the continued protection of the land and its wildlife. '[The plan] ensures, through collaboration, that no detrimental forms of development, or agricultural activities, will take place within the focal areas,' said the EWT. South Africa has more tortoise species than any other country. Nine of the 13 southern African tortoise species are found in the arid Karoo region where they face multiple threats, including habitat loss and degradation, predation, illegal collection and uncontrolled fires. Other species earmarked for future monitoring include the endangered Ludwig's Bustard and Martial Eagle, along with vulnerable species such as the secretary bird and Verreaux's eagle. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
IOL News
4 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Durban conservationist battles wetland destruction
DURBAN conservationist Nonkazimlo Mafa is the Urban Ecology Project Manager in the Threatened Endangered Species Unit. Image: Supplied. DURBAN conservationist Nonkazimlo Mafa is working hard to protect endangered amphibians only found in the wetlands, like the Pickersgill reed frog and the Kloof frog. Mafa is the Urban Ecology Project Manager in the EWT's Threatened Endangered Species Unit. Her main focus is wetland habitat protection which she does by implementing biodiversity stewardship programmes in the eThekwini region. 'What we do on a daily basis is waste management, removing invasive alien plants and working with the community to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands, and environmental education in schools.' DURBAN conservationist Nonkazimlo Mafa in the field. Image: Supplied. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Mafa has two sites in Durban; Adam's Mission in Amanzimtoti and Widenham in Umkomazi which was recently declared a protected environment. 'The main reason I'm in this job is my love of nature, love of disadvantaged communities. I was born and raised in such a setup, realising that people do not actually appreciate the land that they have and the opportunities that it comes with. Instead, some will just opt to go to big cities looking for jobs. But you can actually make money out of the land that you have in a sustainable way. You can make money, without destroying nature.' She says the EWT is looking into recycling initiatives in the areas where she works because illegal waste dumping in the wetlands is a major problem. The EWT has already installed containers to resolve the issue. 'The amount of waste that we receive daily, shows that people are actually just throwing away everything. They do not have a plan of how to minimise the waste.' Mafa says she didn't know that studying conservation was a possibility until she had completed her studies in agricultural extension which she describes as community development in natural sciences. She went on to do an internship with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) which leads and coordinates research, and monitors the state of biodiversity in South Africa. 'They were looking for community development in a nature conservation space. So, that's how I actually got in.' Mafa says the most challenging part of her job is to get the buy-in of the communities where she works, who are suspicious about her role, because of their past experiences. 'You find fear within the communities to commit to what we're trying to bring to them, because they are afraid that we might be grabbing their land like it used to happen in the past. You need quite an extensive amount of time to get their trust first, and also to show that you respect them. You have to observe the protocols, you have to observe how the tribal authorities actually function.' She says it's very different from operating in a professional environment because even when you are chairing meetings, you have to observe certain 'tribal rules'. 'Sometimes you find resistance because you're a woman. So, you have to go the extra mile because in most cases, in those tribal authorities, you'll find that there are only men.' Waste pollution and illegal developments are currently the biggest threats to the environment where she works. 'People just build everywhere. Sometimes they build on the intact wetlands, or you'll just find people digging out the wetlands either for crops or they just want to create a pathway." She says the wetlands are decreasing which it's what her unit is trying to prevent because 'every hectare counts'. 'I would like people to know and understand that nature conservation is not only for us. It is actually the responsibility of everyone who's living to live in harmony, I would say. To be able to co-exist with nature, we mustn't take for granted what the frogs do, you can't just kill it. We also need to expose children to nature conservation, we don't need to wait until they've grown.' Her advice to women who are considering her field; 'Don't limit yourself. It is a very broad sector so you must be open-minded and willing to learn. And most importantly, just be respectful and chase opportunities. You have to be able to adjust, it requires you to be a down-to-earth person, and be able to co-exist with different interest groups, like professionals, someone who has never been to school, and also the elderly."
IOL News
4 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Zanne Brink's mission to save the drylands
Zanne Brink works in the most arid parts of the country. Image: Supplied. ZANNE Brink works in the remote, sun-scorched corners of South Africa, where rainfall is scarce and wildlife fight to survive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Brink is the manager of the EWT's Drylands Strategic Conservation Landscape. Her office spans more than 11,000 km² of unforgiving terrain. Her mission? To protect some of the most fragile, and forgotten, species on the planet. Brink's team focuses on the conservation and promotion of South Africa's semi-arid regions, which make up approximately 60% of the country. She says the Drylands are among the country's most expansive and ecologically important landscapes, and that despite extreme heat, low rainfall, and water scarcity, these arid ecosystems are home to remarkable and often endangered species. Zanne Brink is the manager of the EWTs Drylands Strategic Conservation Landscape. Image: Supplied. 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 ✕ 'Unfortunately, due to the system being semi-arid, there are numerous threats impacting on land and communities. Our work is focused on mitigating these impacts through a number of efforts to include advocating sustainable practices and raising awareness of species and the need for long-term conservation efforts.' Her work involves collaborating with farmers and local communities on issues ranging from mining and prospecting to conservation and the illegal trade in succulents, reptiles, and other small animals. She also focuses on preventing desertification through habitat restoration. 'We also focus on species often not known due to their small size (insects or Golden moles for example), or due to their habits (nocturnal species such as the Riverine Rabbit), and we advocate for their habitat protection to ensure the survival of the species within their delicate habitats. Our approach is inclusive, pragmatic, innovative and science based,' says Brink. She recently played a key role in securing the EWT's first wholly initiated conservation servitude, the Lokenburg Conservation Servitude in the Northern Cape, to protect one of South Africa's most threatened tortoise species. Brink says her path began on a farm, where she developed an early curiosity about insects, moles, birds, and small mammals she found in the veld. 'In my career pursuit, I took on various roles to ensure I built up experience, and exposure to various aspects I would never have chosen to do for myself. I soon realised that conservation, business, and agriculture all work in similar settings, but often talk past each other, due to 'wording' and as they say – 'sector lingo'.' Understanding these gaps, she focused on developing skills to bring sectors together and help ease tensions between landowners and government. 'I enjoy my work, and I love showing people the beauty we have around us, in some cases on a scientific level, and others in just appreciating the small things we often take for granted. Working in isolated areas is not for everyone. But once you immerse yourself into your environment, you see how reliant we are on each other.' She's spent years working in South Africa's Drylands and says it's not an easy space — challenges like lack of infrastructure and poor communication are constant. But with the help of strong networks, she's helped implement conservation agriculture, promote long-term conservation of land, and upskill those around her. Currently, one of the biggest threats to the Drylands is the wave of land-use applications; from mining to green energy developments, threatening fragile habitats. "Currently my team, along with numerous landowners, stakeholders and other NGOs are commenting on applications to ensure our critical biodiversity areas receive the needed support when addressing such applications. This means supporting interested and affected parties within public participation processes and advising on legislative requirements where requested and ensuring our species concerns are raised.' Brink says women often underestimate their place in conservation, and don't always support each other enough through mentoring or encouragement. 'We often feel the need to push boundaries to prove our worth within the field. There will always be space to be a ground breaker, but at the end of the day, as a woman, you have stepped into the role that you have, based on your abilities. That is something we need to celebrate.' And her message to women keen to follow her path? 'Be yourself. Never stand back for a challenge, that is how you will learn. Your weaknesses do not define you, but how you handle it, does. Always use the opportunities to learn from others that have forged the path, and upskill yourself, ensuring you can be the best you are.'
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Helium One Global Ltd Announces Confirmation of NED Appointment and Board Change
Helium One Global Ltd ("Helium One" or "the Company") Confirmation of Non-Executive Director Appointment and Board Change LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / / July 30, 2025 / Helium One Global (AIM:HE1), the primary helium explorer in Tanzania with a 50% working interest in the Galactica-Pegasus helium development project in Colorado, USA is pleased to announce that further to its announcement on 3 July 2025, which disclosed Mr Nishant Dighe would join the Board as a Non-Executive Director, the requisite regulatory due diligence has now been completed and accordingly Mr Dighe has joined the Board with immediate effect. Further information in accordance with Rule 17 and AIM Rules Schedule 2(g) disclosures relating to Mr Nishant Dighe is set out at the end of this announcement. In addition, Helium One Global are also pleased to announce that Sarah Cope, currently the Company's Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, is moving into the Executive role of Head of Governance and Compliance. Sarah will remain on the board in her new role and is an experienced Director with over 20 years of experience in investment banking and as Nomad / Broker at Cantor Fitzgerald, RFC Ambrian, FinnCap Ltd and RBC Capital Markets. Sarah has been a member of the Board of Helium One since the Company's admission to AIM in December 2020. For further information please visit the Company's website: Contact Helium One Global Ltd Lorna Blaisse, CEO Graham Jacobs, Finance and Commercial Director +44 20 7920 3150 Panmure Liberum Limited (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker) Scott Mathieson Nikhil Varghese +44 20 3100 2000 Zeus Capital Limited (Joint Broker) Simon Johnson Louisa Waddell +44 20 3829 5000 Tavistock(Financial PR) Nick Elwes Tara Vivian-Neal +44 20 7920 3150 AIM Rules Schedule 2(g) disclosures for Nishant Dighe Mr Nishant Dighe holds no ordinary shares of nil par value each in the Company Current directorships and partnerships: - Cecilia Properties Ltd- Petroleum Analytics Limited Past directorships and partnerships held within the last 5 years: - Rak Gas LLC- Rak LPG LLC- Gulf Rak Oil LLC There are no further disclosures required in accordance with Rule 17 or Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules. Notes to Editors Helium One Global, the primary helium explorer in Tanzania with a 50% working interest in the Galactica-Pegasus helium development project in Colorado, USA. The Company holds helium licenses within two distinct helium project areas, across two continents. With an expanding global footprint, the company has the potential to become a strategic player in resolving a supply-constrained helium market. The Company's flagship southern Rukwa Project is located within the southern Rukwa Rift Basin in south-west Tanzania. This project entering a full appraisal and development stage following the success of the 2023/24 exploration drilling campaign, which proved a helium discovery at Itumbula West-1 and, following an extended well test ("EWT"), successfully flowed 5.5% helium continually to surface in Q3 2024. Following the success of the EWT, the Company filed a Mining Licence ("ML") application with the Tanzania Mining Commission in September 2024. The 480km2 ML has now been offered to the Company and was officially accepted in March 2025. The Company also owns a 50% working interest in the Galactica-Pegasus helium development project in Las Animas County, Colorado, USA. This project is operated by Blue Star Helium Ltd (ASX: BNL) and has successfully completed a six well development drilling campaign in H1 2025. The completion of the development programme is a key component of the broader Galactica-Pegasus development strategy; aimed at progressing the helium and CO2 discoveries to near-term commercial production. This programme has seen a systematic approach to developing the extensive Lyons Formation reservoir. The programme has delivered encouraging results, in line with expectations, consistently encountering good helium (up to 3.3% He) and CO2 concentrations in the target formation and demonstrating promising flow potential. The next steps will see the Galactica wells tied into initial production in Q4 2025. Helium One is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange with the ticker of HE1 and on the OTCQB in the United States with the ticker HLOGF. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ or visit SOURCE: Helium One Global Ltd View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Wildlife biotech researcher leaves cutting-edge legacy
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is saddened by the sudden passing of a former colleague and a leader in the use of assisted reproductive technology for wildlife conservation, Dr Paul Bartels. Bartels was born on February 22 in 1956, and passed away on July 9. Bartels' research work was considered of strategic importance, resulting in the Wildlife Biological Research Centre moving from the EWT to the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria under the National Research Foundation. It later became the National Wildlife Biobank under the South African National Biodiversity Institute in Pretoria. Based at the National Zoological Gardens campus in Pretoria, SANBI Biobank is an international institution with samples from over 40 countries. He initiated the Save Magaliesberg Species Project in partnership with the Wildlife and Environment Society of SA, and volunteers and students of the Tshwane University of Technology's Department of Nature Conservation. Eleanor Momberg, spokesperson for the Trust, said that Bartels was a pioneer in this cutting-edge field, that merges science and conservation by aiming to futureproof the genetic composition of captive and wild gene pools when wildlife populations may not be able to do this naturally. 'His vision led to the establishment of the first wildlife biobank in Africa. The Wildlife Biological Resource Centre was established in 1996 as a working group within the trust. The centre was dedicated to the collection, processing, banking, use, and distribution of wildlife biomaterials for biodiversity conservation and biotechnology development.' Starting from humble beginnings as a small research project based out of the Tompi Seleka Agricultural College in the former Lebowa (Limpopo), where he worked as a wildlife veterinarian and lecturer in animal health, the project quickly grew. The project provided a learning platform for students from across the globe and spearheaded the development of biotech to safely and effectively collect, store and potentially reuse the reproductive materials of wildlife species such as lions, buffalo, eland, bontebok, blesbok, elephant and rhino. In 1998, the centre made global history with the birth of the world's first artificially inseminated wildlife baby, an eland female called Graca, after South Africa's then first lady. Graca was conceived via artificial insemination using the sperm that had been collected post-mortem from an eland bull that had died four hours before semen collection. The semen was then frozen and used over a year later to inseminate an eland cow at the Johannesburg Zoo. Graca made history by showing the world that the genetics from wild species can still play a role in maintaining genetic diversity, even after the donor animal has died before collection. He also used his 25 years' experience in wildlife tissue banking to found a company to produce meat in a laboratory that would contribute to food security. As an avid entrepreneur, he founded WildBio Co, which uses cutting-edge scientific research and innovation to produce cell lines for wildlife conservation, food security and novel product development; and later CryoWild, a non-profit organisation. WildBio developed the world's largest African species biobank for accelerating the development of the biomedical, food tech and biotech industries. He was recently appointed as a research fellow at Stellenbosch University's Department of Animal Science, where he led cutting-edge work in cellular agriculture biobanking, as well as serving as a lecturer in wildlife management at the Tshwane University of Technology. 'Paul worked for the EWT for more than a decade, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of this visionary leader in biotech and wildlife conservation. 'We are, however, eternally grateful for the legacy he leaves in the form of cutting-edge science, dozens of empowered and highly trained scientists, an African wildlife biobank and leading science. 'All of this can be used to save wildlife, support ethically and sustainably food security and secure the genetic diversity and future of dozens of threatened African wildlife species,' closed Momberg. ALSO READ: WATCH: Raw sewage continues to pollute Moreleta Spruit, no action from metro Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
