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Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Health
- Times of Oman
Environment Authority organises international workshop on safe management of hazardous chemicals
Muscat: The Environment Authority is organising a two-day international workshop on safe management of hazardous chemicals. The workshop, which takes place in Muscat, seeks to achieve sound management of chemicals as a basic pillar of sustainable development, in line with the strategic approach and objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The opening of the workshop was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. Held in cooperation with the UN Environment Programme and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the workshop constitutes a step forward towards the implementation of the provisions of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. It offers a practical guide on how to find suitable alternatives for mercury and to cut down the risks associated with the use of this substance, which is classified as hazardous to health and the environment. The workshop included the launch of the "National Strategy for Integrated Management of Hazardous Chemicals in the Sultanate of Oman". It highlights global practices and the outcome of studies and research in the field. The "National Strategy for Integrated Management of Hazardous Chemicals' constitutes a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. It plays a significant role in achieving the desired balance between the three dimensions of sustainable development: The economic dimension, social dimension and environmental dimension. The Strategy emerges as a national roadmap on managing chemicals in a safe and orderly manner, including production, manufacturing, handling, transportation, storage, processing and disposal hazardous materials. The workshop reviews 18 working papers on Oman's experience in the sound management of chemicals and mercury, the challenges involved in the management mercury, the systems and technologies used in the process of treatments and the relationship between plastics and persistent organic pollutants. The working papers also define the role of the Directorate General of Customs (which monitors chemicals at border crossings), standard procedures for transporting and storing hazardous materials and mercury, as well as the risks of using mercury in the field of farming. The workshop looks into a report on preliminary assessment of the propagation of mercury and outlines the national strategy on the management chemicals in the Sultanate of Oman.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lewis Pugh tackles waters where Jaws was filmed
Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh is braving a great white shark hotspot on the 50th anniversary of the movie Jaws to highlight the importance of protecting the species. Pugh, from Plymouth, Devon, began his 60-mile (901km) 12-day swim around Martha's Vineyard, an island off Massachusetts in the US, where the blockbuster was filmed, on Thursday. It is the 55-year-old's latest feat after swimming the full length of the Hudson River in New York to raise awareness of water quality in 2023 and he also swam under Antarctic ice in 2020 to show the changes caused by climate change. The activist said the challenge was "going to test my body and my mind". Pugh said: "I'm a swimmer, I readily admit that I'm frightened of sharks - but I'm really frightened of a world without sharks, they're essential for a healthy ocean." He said if an apex predator was removed from the land it would lead to a huge increase in other species. That situation would lead to overgrazing and cause "ecological collapse", he said. Pugh said the direct threat to sharks was overfishing. "One hundred million sharks are killed every year, so on average that's 274,000 every day. It's ecocide," he said. "But I think the greatest threat is indifference, it's the belief that sharks really don't matter, that this catastrophic crash in their numbers will not ultimately impact you. "It will, because they're guardians of the oceans, and oceans are essential for all life on earth." More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon He called for an end to the killing of sharks for their fins, oil, meat and sport. "The challenge with sharks is they have been the most vilified out of all predators, the most feared out of all predators, and so I want to carry this message to other countries, to other swims in other countries where populations are crashing," he said. He said he supported the creation and enforcement of marine protected areas to meet the "30x30" target to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. The challenge comes ahead a UN ocean conference in France in June, where governments will address immediate action towards ocean conservation, the sustainable use of marine resources and the target. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, chief executive of the Global Environment Facility, said: "As a lifelong surfer and conservationist, I've seen first-hand how the ocean supports our communities. "Apex species like sharks not only signal the health of our oceans, they help maintain it. "When sharks are at risk, so are we." Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Lewis Pugh swims the Hudson in water quality fight Climate activist finishes first ice sheet swim
The Star
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Botswana launches 5-year anti-poaching strategy to combat wildlife crime
GABORONE, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Botswana on Wednesday launched a five-year national anti-poaching strategy to address wildlife crime and promote biodiversity conservation while balancing sustainable livelihoods and land use. Speaking during the launch of the National Anti-Poaching Strategy in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, Botswanan Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi said the strategy underscores Botswana's commitment to tackling illegal wildlife trade, now recognized as a global organized crime driven by demand for ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales, and other wildlife trophies. Poaching and illegal wildlife trade are no longer just local or regional concerns, but have evolved into an organized and lucrative global problem, Mmolotsi said, emphasizing that illegal wildlife trafficking requires regional collaboration and coordinated international efforts. Funded by the Global Environment Facility and supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the strategy, which involves a funding of 26 million Botswanan pula (about 1.9 million U.S. dollars), targets poaching threats to species like lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos and elephants. It prioritizes coordination among law enforcement agencies, integrated land-use planning, sustainable land management, and community involvement, recognizing local populations near protected areas as vital partners in conservation. UNDP Botswana Resident Representative Balazs Horvath stressed that empowering communities is critical to sustaining anti-poaching efforts and safeguarding ecosystems. According to the UNDP, the launch of the revised strategy marks Botswana's renewed and elevated commitment to the fight against illegal wildlife trade. It also represents a strategic move to entrench anti-poaching efforts within the national governance structure.
Zawya
02-04-2025
- General
- Zawya
Empowering Zimbabwe's drylands: how the Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (DSL-IP) project is transforming lives
AFRICA In Zimbabwe's drylands, a remarkable transformation is underway, thanks to the GEF-7 Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (DSL-IP). Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this collaborative initiative is empowering local communities to achieve the "four betters" outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. At the center of the DSL-IP project are the newly established Community Seed Banks (CSBs), which serve as "centers of excellence" for sustainable land and forest management. These CSBs showcase a unique four-in-one model, integrating forestry restoration, soil and land conservation, farmer field schools, tree nurseries, orchards, and solar-powered boreholes. "The Vanyoro Community Seed Bank is a real demonstration of a center of excellence which is the equivalent of the village business units, which are being promoted by the government, and we believe it will have a transformative impact on the lives of the people in this region." explained Patrice Talla, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, at the launch of Vanyoro Community Seed Bank, in Zaka. 'With this model the community seed bank will support the accomplishment of the four betters," he added. The integration of renewable energy solutions at the Community Seed Bank, such as the solar-powered borehole that supplies clean and safe water to the farmer field school, nursery, livestock and about 296 households (2072 people) in the community is a testament to the project's commitment to environmental sustainability. "This renewable energy is one of the sustainable measures promoted by the project," added Patrice Talla. Empowering local communities The DSL-IP project's holistic approach extends beyond just environmental interventions. It also places a strong emphasis on community empowerment and collaboration. "This program demonstrates His Excellency's (President Emerson Mnangagwa's) mantra that we all need to have a whole-of-government approach, and that no one and no place should be left behind," said the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira "The complexity of land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change cannot be managed by one institution alone, but requires everyone in every institution to pull in one direction," added the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Sithembiso Nyoni, emphasizing the importance of partnerships. Beneficiary Voices The impact of the DSL-IP project is already being felt by the local communities. Farmer Leonard Rugwevera, who has been involved in the project's Farmer Field Schools and also chairperson of Vanyoro Community Seed bank, shared his experience; "Before the project, we struggled to grow enough food to feed our families. But now, with the sustainable farming techniques and access to the seed bank, we're able to produce more nutritious and indigenous crops that suit our climate and environment. My children are healthier, and I'm able to sell the surplus at the local market, which has improved our household income." Another community seed bank member, Edzai Mazhara, highlighted the project's environmental benefits: "The tree nursery and woodland management practices have helped us restore the degraded land around our village. We're seeing more wildlife returning, and the soil is healthier, which is improving our crop yields. It's amazing to see how these small changes can have such a big impact on our community." A shift is also underway as households are finding new opportunities to improve their livelihoods through the value addition of non-timber forest products. "We used to just collect the fruits and sell them in the local market for very little. But now we are drying them, making jams and juices, and selling them for much higher prices," said Roselyn Musasa, a smallholder farmer. "This extra income has allowed me to send my children to school and improve our living conditions." The DSL-IP project has been instrumental in supporting these efforts, working with communities to provide training on processing, packaging and marketing a variety of forest products like herbs, honey and edible wild plants. "Before, a lot of these resources would go to waste. But now we are learning how to turn them into valuable products that we can sell," explained village elder, who is a member of Marula Zimbabwe a Forest and Farm Producer Organisation (FFPOs) in Ward 15, Chivi. Marula Zimbabwe has been value adding the Marula fruit making various products including wine, nuts, marula butter, marula soda and other Non-Timber Forest Products like Zumbani (Lippia javanica) and mufa ndichimuka ( Myrothamnus flabellifolius) tea. "The forestry school clubs like the one here at Poshai Primary School have also been great, getting the younger generation involved in conservation and adding value to what the forests provide," added Precious Magwaza the DSL-IP project coordinator. By empowering rural households to derive greater economic benefit from their natural resources, the project is not only transforming lives but also incentivizing sustainable forest management for the long-term. Towards a sustainable future The DSL-IP project's success is a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven development. By integrating the four betters framework, the initiative is not only improving livelihoods but also contributing to Zimbabwe's broader sustainable development goals. "This demonstrates the power of collaboration and the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach," said the FAO Subregional Coordinator. "By working together, we can achieve transformational change and ensure a more sustainable future for the people of Zimbabwe." As the project continues to expand, 'the government is committed to documenting the lessons learned and sharing them with other communities, both within Zimbabwe and across the region. The goal is to replicate this model in other provinces, ultimately covering the entire country with similar interventions,' said the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Sithembiso Nyoni. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa. Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. 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Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delegates reach unprecedented agreement funding international efforts to protect wilderness: 'I come out of the meeting ... optimistic'
Global delegates have finalized an ambitious plan to raise at least $200 billion annually to protect nature. The agreement, led by negotiators from the BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — represents a crucial step toward preserving biodiversity and supporting environmental efforts worldwide. The deal is designed to fund efforts to halt and reverse the loss of wildlife and natural ecosystems. It builds on the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework established in 2022, which set out various environmental targets. Delegates also agreed on technical rules for monitoring progress toward these targets and committed to publishing national reports of their plans ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. COP16 President Colombian Environment Minister Susana Muhamad hailed the agreement as a win for multilateralism and for nature. "From Cali to Rome, we have sent a light of hope that still the common good, the environment and the protection of life and the capacity to come together for something bigger than the national interest is possible," she said. Another key part of the agreement involves determining whether a new biodiversity fund is needed or an existing fund, such as the one run by the Global Environment Facility, is good enough. The need for action has never been clearer. Data from the World Wide Fund For Nature's 2024 Living Planet Report revealed that the average size of wildlife populations has dropped by 73% since 1970. With the agreement in place, negotiators have expressed optimism. Maria Angelica Ikeda of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted how compromise played a role in achieving a positive result, especially for developing nations. "Everyone with the spirit of compromise made concessions, and in general for developing countries the result was very positive," she said. "I come out of the meeting happy and optimistic," she added. While there are challenges ahead, with concerns about cuts to international aid from major funders, including the U.S., this agreement marks an important step in ensuring that vital biodiversity projects receive the financial support they need. With continued collaboration, this plan hopes to empower countries to protect nature, benefiting people and the environment for years to come. Which of these environmental causes would you be most interested in supporting with a financial donation? Promoting clean energy Protecting clean air Advancing forest conservation Fighting climate change Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
