Latest news with #Forestry
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific Island Countries Endorse 'Growing The Pacific 2050' Strategy, Advancing Resilient And Inclusive Agrifood Systems
31/05/2025 Nuku'alofa, Tonga - Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry from Pacific Island countries endorsed the Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy for Agriculture and Forestry today at the 4th Meeting of the Pacific Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry, held in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The 4th Ministerial Meeting concluded the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF), hosted by the Kingdom of Tonga and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pacific Community (SPC). The Growing the Pacific 2050 Strategy is anchored in five interwoven strategic pathways — healthy, regenerative, secure, integrated, and enabled — which collectively guide transformative action across the agriculture and forestry sectors. These pathways underpin eight catalytic initiatives (2025–2030), which include promoting One Health and regenerative practices; advancing afforestation and climate-resilient systems; strengthening biosecurity and agrobiodiversity; supporting agribusiness and exports; and enhancing data, knowledge, and education systems to build future talent. This endorsement marks a major milestone in the region's collective commitment to building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agrifood systems for the future. The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of Tonga, Honourable Dr Siosiua Moala Halavatau set the tone for the ministerial meeting in his opening remarks by urging continued collaboration among Pacific Islands to tackle shared challenges such as out-migration, an aging farmer population, and climate change. 'Agriculture and forestry are vital for the Pacific, as they are the backbones of our economies and the foundation of our food security. But they face significant challenges,' said Dr Halavatau. 'Partnership brings us together today in a genuine effort to work together towards a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient future for Pacific peoples and countries.' FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, Guangzhou Qu, who reaffirmed FAO's support for the region, emphasized that traditional practices and knowledge in the Pacific provide scalable solutions for climate resilience and sustainable production. 'Guided by examples from across our Pacific nations, we envision a future where healthy soils thrive, farmer organizations lead, transparent data informs our decisions, and biodiversity flourishes,' said Qu. 'By empowering our youth and integrating indigenous knowledge, we can drive innovation that transforms Pacific agrifood systems, leaving no one behind.' SPC's Deputy Director-General (Science and Capability), Dr Paula Vivili, reiterated the cultural significance of food in the Pacific. 'Let us also not forget that food is identity in the Pacific. Our region has immense food heritage and genetic wealth. We must protect it, celebrate it, and build systems that ensure its benefits for Pacific people,' he said. 'Today, through discussions on invasive species, climate-informed food systems planning, and domestic production, we are collectively shaping strategies that are tailored, timely, and rooted in national priorities,' added Vivili. The transformation of agriculture and forestry for more regeneration, productivity, and resilience was the central theme of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry. This biannual week-long event was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Sinaitakala Tukuaho of the Kingdom of Tonga. PWAF brought together governments, NGOs, community-based organizations, and the private sector to chart a transformative path for agriculture and forestry in the region. Hosted by the Government of Tonga's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, PWAF served as an essential platform for sharing knowledge, aligning strategies, and driving collective action toward resilient and sustainable food systems across the Pacific. The fifth PWAF will be hosted by the Solomon Islands in 2027, as agreed by Pacific countries and territories. FAO and SPC, as key technical and resource partners in the region, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pacific Island Countries in tackling climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, working collaboratively in building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Government Backs Commercial Forestry With Practical Rule Changes
Press Release – New Zealand Government Public consultation opens this week on proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF), aimed at restoring national consistency and protecting the sectors right to operate. Minister of Forestry The Government is taking firm action to ensure commercial forestry – one of New Zealand's most productive and sustainable export sectors – is not stifled by red tape and inconsistent council rules Minister of Forestry Todd McClay announced today. Public consultation opens this week on proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF), aimed at restoring national consistency and protecting the sector's right to operate. 'Our fibre sector – from forestry to wood processors – plays a crucial role in New Zealand's economy, particularly in regional communities,' Mr McClay says. 'These changes are about getting foresters and wood processors back in the driver's seat and stopping councils from using their plans to rewrite the rules on forestry through the back door.' The current NES-CF was designed to provide a nationally consistent framework for managing the environmental effects of plantation forestry. However, recent changes have allowed councils to bypass that intent by imposing more stringent rules without justification – a trend that is now undermining investment and confidence in the sector. Key proposed changes include: Clarifying regulation 6(1)(a) to tighten the conditions under which a council can impose rules that are more stringent than national direction. Repealing regulation 6(4A), which currently gives councils broad discretion to override the NES-CF for afforestation without justification. Strengthening slash management by requiring a Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment as part of all harvest management plans, and considering refining requirements to remove all slash above a certain size from forest cutovers. Tidying up the NES-CF with minor amendments to remove duplication and improve clarity for foresters and councils alike. 'We are hearing loud and clear from the forestry sector – and from regional New Zealand – that the current rules aren't working,' Mr McClay says. 'Too many councils are starting to use vague discretion to block or delay forestry operations that meet national environmental standards. That's not what the system was designed for, so we're fixing it.' The forestry sector has been vocal about the need for a consistent regulatory environment that enables long-term planning and sustainable growth. These proposed changes are intended to support that vision while still managing environmental risks, including from storm events and slash. 'This Government backs the fibre sector – and that means making sure regulation is clear, practical, and nationally consistent,' Mr McClay says. 'Whether you're planting trees, harvesting them, or processing them into world-leading products, you shouldn't be subject to a different set of rules just because of which council you happen to fall under.' Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is now open via the Ministry for the Environment's website and will run until 27 July 2025. Note: The National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) set consistent baseline environmental rules for plantation forestry across New Zealand. The Government is proposing targeted amendments to restore national consistency, support forestry productivity, and improve slash management.
CBC
6 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Most of Labrador under high to extreme risk of wildfires
Most of Labrador is under a high to extreme risk of wildfires, according to the province's fire hazard map on Wednesday. Jordan Brown, the NDP MHA for Labrador West, says residents in his area aren't surprised to see their region under an extreme warning on the map. "The whole winter, we commented on how little snow we're getting," Brown said in an interview Wednesday. Environment Canada data shows that only 257.1 centimetres of snow has fallen in Labrador throughout the 2024-25 season, compared to about 388 centimetres last year. Approximately 412.2 centimetres fell in Labrador during 2020-21. The data indicates a trend of diminishing snowpack in the area. Snowpack is a compressed accumulation of snow that melts over time — sometimes months after the last snowfall — moistening the ground underneath it and providing water to vegetation when the weather is typically dry. The drier the ground is, the higher the risk of it burning. Brown said Forestry Minister Lisa Dempster called him shortly after the interview and informed him that a water bomber will be in Labrador West for the next three days. "It doesn't take much to set a fire in the forest at this time of year," he said. He's urging residents to "learn from last year" by being cautious and preparing to evacuate if the time comes. Brown nearly lost his own home in the fires last summer. "I'm like anybody who should be prepared," he said. "We're completely surrounded by forest." Western Canada, too, is feeling the force of this fire season. More than 4,000 Saskatchewan residents evacuated their homes due to wildfires this week. Several communities in Manitoba have declared states of emergency or have evacuated. Labrador City Deputy Mayor Mitchell Marsh says his community feels more prepared to deal with fires this year than they were last year. This time, Marsh said, there is a complete evacuation plan expected to be in place by mid-June. "We all know last year was a little hectic," Marsh told CBC News. "I still am very proud of how we did, but five hours of hecticness, we can definitely control that a little better." The deputy mayor said the western portion of Labrador is more vulnerable when the ground is "yellow and crunchy," so he's hoping for some rain and green vegetation before a fire can break out. Like other officials, Marsh is urging residents to be proactive. There is a complete fire ban active in Labrador City, but Marsh also says it's important to be mindful of heat coming from ATVs and other vehicles, and to be careful when in the woods. On the island, Justice and Public Safety Minister John Haggie attended an event at the Gander Fire and Rescue Training Grounds Wednesday morning. He says education is an essential part of preparing for potential wildfires, and that firefighters are prepared. The minister said the province has the resources to handle multiple significant fires simultaneously. "I think there is a real desperate need for people to realize just how risky it can be to have an uncontained fire in the province anywhere at the moment," Haggie said.
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Japan to Supply Lower-Priced Reserve Rice to Rural Areas Amid Price Surge
TOKYO, May 28 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- The Japanese government has pledged to supply reserve rice to rural areas at lower prices, in response to soaring retail costs and high demand from major retailers, Kyodo news agency reported. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries said on Wednesday that it will ensure the stockpiled rice is distributed more broadly and stably by giving priority to small retailers, after suspending bulk orders from large chains. 'We will continue with our efforts to make sure reserve rice will reach people living in rural areas as much as possible,' said Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi during a parliamentary session, hinting at potential purchase limits for large retailers. bootstrap slideshow The move came after around 70 major retailers submitted requests totalling over 200,000 tonnes -- two-thirds of the 300,000 tonnes made available -- just one day after the launch of the new release scheme on Monday. The ministry has since stopped accepting new orders from major retailers and will allocate the remaining 100,000 tonnes to small supermarkets and local rice shops. Applications are expected to reopen as early as Friday, with the government covering transport costs. Currently, only major retailers that handle over 10,000 tonnes of rice annually can make bulk purchases under the ministry's criteria. The government has been under pressure to stabilise food prices, as the average price of retail rice has doubled compared to a year ago. Earlier stockpile releases through auction failed to curb the spike, prompting the government to adopt direct sales to retailers. Major players such as Aeon Co, Ito-Yokado Co and Rakuten Group Inc have purchased rice under the new scheme. However, most opted for 2022 harvest stocks, leaving the 2021 rice supply for smaller businesses.
IOL News
7 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Minister orders removal of wrecked and abandoned vessels by June 16
Half sunken boats are seen at Hout Bay Harbour. Picture Henk Kruger/ Independent Media FILE Image: Henk Kruger/ Independent Media / FILE Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George has directed the urgent removal of wrecked and abandoned vessels that pose significant risks to navigation, marine ecosystems, and the safety of coastal communities. In a statement on Tuesday, the department said George was taking steps to address longstanding environmental and safety complexities in South Africa's proclaimed fishing harbors, including Gordons Bay, Lamberts Bay, Saldanha Bay, St Helena Bay, and Hout Bay. 'For too long, these derelict vessels have been a blight on our harbors, endangering our marine environment and the safety of those who rely on these waters,' said George. 'I am committed to reversing this legacy of neglect and ensuring our coastal infrastructure supports both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.' Under the authority of the Wreck and Salvage Act 94 of 1996, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has issued Marine Information Notice MIN 08-25, directing the owners of identified wrecks to remove their vessels by June 16, 2025. Failure to comply by this date will result in further action by the authorities, with costs recoverable from the owners as stipulated in the Act. 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 ✕ The department said the initiative reflects the Minister's dedication to restoring the integrity of South Africa's coastal infrastructure. 'Our harbors are vital to our coastal communities and marine ecosystems. By removing these wrecks, we are safeguarding our oceans for future generations and creating safer, more sustainable hubs for maritime activities,' said George. The department said in consultation with SAMSA, it will ensure that the process is conducted responsibly, prioritising environmental protection and compliance with legal frameworks. George called on all vessel owners to cooperate fully with the directive and contact SAMSA promptly to arrange compliance by the deadline. 'I urge vessel owners to act swiftly and responsibly to meet the June 16, 2025 deadline,' George said. The SAMSA Marine Information Notice MIN 08-25 is available at or contact SAMSA at marinenotices@ for more information. Cape Times
