Latest news with #Environment
Egypt Today
16 hours ago
- Business
- Egypt Today
Sharm El Sheikh becomes 1st Egyptian city to Join ICLEI Global Network of Sustainable Cities
Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad and the Governor of South Sina announced Sharm El Sheikh is 1st Egyptian city to Join ICLEI Global Network of Sustainable Cities- photo taken on June 1, 2025- press photo CAIRO – 1 June 2025: In a major step toward sustainable urban development, Sharm El Sheikh has officially become the first Egyptian city (Green Sharm) and the fourth Arab city to join the ICLEI Global Network of Sustainable Cities, a milestone that underscores Egypt's commitment to environmental transformation. Coinciding with this announcement, the city launched its official sustainability platform The website will serve as a knowledge hub and interactive platform, showcasing Sharm El Sheikh's environmental achievements, community initiatives, and progress in its green transition. It also provides tourists with up-to-date information on sustainable activities and hotel accommodations in the city, said Mohamed Aliwa, Green Sharm Project Manager This achievement is the result of four years of collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, the South Sinai Governorate, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Their joint efforts have helped position Sharm El Sheikh as a model for sustainable tourism and development in the region. According to South Sinai Governor Khaled Fouda, this development reflects Sharm El Sheikh's status as the first green touristic city in Egypt and the Middle East. The transformation is built on key pillars including renewable energy, sustainable transportation, water conservation, waste management, and biodiversity protection. As part of its urgent environmental measures, the city has already banned single-use plastic bags in 50 hotels, the governor confirmed. Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad highlighted that 39 projects have been implemented to enhance the city's capacity to host international conferences, contributing to its reputation as a green destination for global dialogue. Fouad also noted that investments in renewable energy in the city have reached EGP 800 million, enabling the production of 51 megawatts of clean energy.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Science
- India Gazette
India reaffirms commitment to glacier preservation at high-level international conference in Dushanbe
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (EFCC), addressed the Plenary Session of the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation, held from May 29-31 in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the event brought together international experts, policymakers, and Ministers to deliberate on urgent actions needed to safeguard glaciers, which serve as critical freshwater reservoirs and indicators of climate change. In his address, Singh emphasised that the retreat of glaciers represents not only a warning but an immediate reality with far-reaching implications for water security, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of billions of people. Highlighting the global and regional consequences of glacial retreat, the Minister underscored that the phenomenon is accelerating, with disproportionate impacts on mountain regions such as the Himalayas. He reiterated India's deep-rooted concern, as a country intrinsically connected to the Himalayan ecosystem, and outlined a series of ongoing initiatives aimed at glacial monitoring and climate adaptation. Singh highlighted that India is undertaking strategic actions under the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) - a key component of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) - as well as the establishment of a Centre for Cryosphere and Climate Change Studies, designed to advance research and monitoring of glaciers and glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayan Region. Further, it was stated that India is leveraging advanced Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to systematically monitor changes in glacier mass, extent, and dynamics. These efforts are further strengthened through coordinated research by key national institutions, including the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, and the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE). These initiatives are crucial to advancing scientific understanding of glacier systems and supporting data-driven policy formulation for the sustainable management of India's water resources. India has strengthened disaster preparedness in the Himalayan region through improved early warning systems and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk mapping, coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Regional cooperation was underscored as vital for strengthening resilience, improving data-sharing frameworks, and fostering coordinated responses to the challenges facing mountain ecosystems, Singh informed. Addressing the global context, the Minister reaffirmed India's commitment to equity and the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) in international climate action. He emphasized that while South Asia contributes minimally to global cumulative emissions, it remains highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India continues to pursue an ambitious and balanced climate strategy. The country has made significant progress toward its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, achieving major milestones. It was emphasised that the need for differentiated and context-specific approaches to climate adaptation and mitigation, recognizing varying national circumstances, development needs, and historical responsibilities, is imperative. Concluding his address, the Minister welcomed the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation and the Decade (2025-2034) of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, and called for enhanced global cooperation, shared scientific research and increased financial and technological support for developing countries. India stands ready to strengthen partnerships, share expertise, and contribute meaningfully to collective efforts to safeguard glaciers and ensure the resilience of our shared future. (ANI)
The Wire
2 days ago
- General
- The Wire
‘Gruff Genius': Tiger Conservationist Valmik Thapar Dies At 73
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Top Stories 'Gruff Genius': Tiger Conservationist Valmik Thapar Dies At 73 Aathira Perinchery 14 minutes ago Thapar authored more than 30 books, including Tigers: The Secret Life (1989), The Last Tiger (2006) and Living With Tigers (2016). Tiger conservationist Valmik Thapar. Photo: Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Bengaluru: Valmik Thapar (73), one of India's fiercest tiger conservationists, and filmmaker and author of more than 30 books, died at New Delhi at his residence on the night of May 30, following an illness. He is survived by his wife and son. Senior Congress leader and former union environment Minister Jairam Ramesh who also was the chair of the parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, called it a 'great loss'. 'During my tenure as Chairman of the Standing Committee also he was a constant source of many valuable suggestions and advice. We had arguments but it was always an education to listen to him, full of passion and concern. He was truly an unforgettable one of a kind,' Ramesh added. Stepping into tiger conservation In the mid-1970s, Thapar's fascination for the tiger grew under the tutelage of Fateh Singh Rathore, former park director of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and National Park. Thapar spent a lot of his time at the Park, tracking, observing and studying the tigers he so loved. He also worked closely with Tiger Watch, a non-profit organisation that Rathore set up for tiger conservation in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. In 1987, Thapar founded the Ranthambore Foundation, to work closely with local communities around the Park. The Foundation launched several welfare programmes such as installing biogas plants in villages so that people would not have to go into forests for firewood, which could bring them into close proximity with tigers. Thapar authored more than 30 books, including Tigers: The Secret Life (1989), The Last Tiger (2006) and Living With Tigers (2016). Thapar was also a prolific filmmaker and wildlife presenter, and is perhaps most well-known for narrating the BBC series Land of The Tiger in 1997, in his trademark booming baritone. Thapar spent nearly five decades advocating for the tiger, and was part of more than 150 state and union government committees. Among them is the Tiger Task Force – constituted by the UPA government that was then in power, following the emptying of Sariska Tiger Reserve of all its tigers – of which he was appointed a member in 2005. 'His gruff genius is what it took for India and the world to acknowledge the tiger's magnificence' Thapar was a staunch critic of the way Project Tiger was run, and the bureaucratic hurdles that came in the way of tiger conservation. He didn't mince words, and often wrote to officials – including chief ministers and prime ministers – pointing out concerns and recommending solutions. He was also an advocate of protectionism, and believed that protected areas had to be inviolate of people; that people had to be removed from these areas to really foster tiger conservation. And yet, Thapar was clear that tigers that were dangerous had to be eliminated or taken away from parks. For instance, he was extremely vocal about how dangerous T-24 – a male tiger in Ranthambore that had killed people including forest guards and partially eaten its kills – was. In 2017, the Sanctuary Nature Foundation conferred on him their Lifetime Service Award – one among many he has received over the years. 'Author of 32 books, including four on Africa, presenter of 16 international documentary films, and an excellent orator, Valmik Thapar's gruff genius is what it took for India and the world to sit up and acknowledge the tiger's magnificence, its predicament, and the urgency for conservation. And for this, we honour him,' Sanctuary's note reads. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Two Forests Is RBI's New Plan for Bad Loans Just Another Quick Fix? India's Net Foreign Direct Investment Plummets by 96.5% to Reach Record Low Full Text: India is Getting Re-Hyphenated With Pakistan Because Under Modi We're Democratically Regressing India Needs a Clear National Security Strategy—Now More Than Ever China's Latest White Paper is on National Security in the New Era Rise in Share of Profit in GVA Has Not Translated into Increase in Wages: Report Lone NC MP in All-Party Delegations to Not Join His Group, Cites Urs at Native Village After the NEP Verdict, Education Is No Longer the Union Govt's Weapon About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kochi shipwreck: CM Stalin holds review meeting on environmental impact along T.N. coast
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin held a review meeting with officials at the State Secretariat on Friday (May 30, 2025) to discuss steps for the removal of materials that washed ashore along the coastal areas of Kanniyakumari district from the cargo ship MSC Elsa 3, which capsized nearly 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast on May 24. Mr. Stalin held discussions with officials from the Departments of Revenue, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Fisheries, and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board regarding the safe removal of plastic and other materials washing ashore in Tamil Nadu's coastal regions. The objective was to prevent any harmful effects on the public and to assess potential impacts on marine organisms and other resources. According to the official release, though no hazardous materials have washed ashore on the Tamil Nadu coast so far, Mr. Stalin directed officials to ensure coordination among various departments and volunteers for the safe removal of the objects, and to conduct studies on both the short-term and long-term environmental impacts on marine life. He also urged the public to report any suspicious objects found near the coast to the district administration or the police. Additionally, he directed the State Disaster Management Authority to continuously monitor the situation and take all necessary precautionary measures to safeguard the public. Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam; Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Supriya Sahu; Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, P. Amudha, and other senior government officials participated in the meeting.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Slap PD Act on spurious seed traders: Ponguleti
Warangal: The government will take stern action against the traders who supply and sell spurious seed, Revenue and Warangal In-charge Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said. He, along with Minister for Environment, Forests and Endowment Konda Surekha, conducted a review meeting at Hanamkonda Collectorate on Thursday, focusing on paddy procurement, Indiramma houses, Bhu Bharati, and arrangements for the Telangana Formation Day. The onus is on the district administration and the police to contain the spurious seed. The offenders will be booked under the PD Act, Ponguleti said. He said that Telangana is at the forefront in procuring paddy. 85 per cent of the paddy produced has been procured. There are some issues in paddy procurement, and a decision will be taken by the Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy, he added. Ponguleti directed the officials to speed up the construction of Indiramma houses. The house allotment proceedings should be handed over to the beneficiaries by June 6. Konda Surekha directed the task force committee to focus on spurious seed. She directed the officials to ensure the supply of seed and fertilisers to farmers, not giving any scope to black-marketers. Whip Ramachandru Naik, MLAs Yashaswini Reddy, K R Nagaraju, Gandra Satyanarayana Rao, D Madhava Reddy, Kadiyam Srihari, Revuri Prakash Reddy, MLC Anji Reddy, Mayor Gundu Sudharani, KUDA chairman E Venkatram Reddy, district collectors Satya Sharada (Warangal), P Pravinya (Hanumakonda), Rizwan Basha Shaik (Jangaon), TS Diwakara (Mulugu), Advaith Kumar (Mahabubabad) and Rahul Sharma (Bhupalpally) were among others present.
