Latest news with #GreenLeaf
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- The Hindu
21 hospitality facilities in Alappuzha receive Swachhata Green Leaf rating
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, along with the Swachh Bharat Mission, has awarded the Swachhata Green Leaf rating to 21 hospitality facilities in Alappuzha district. A total of 27 hospitality establishments in the district, including hotels, resorts, restaurants and homestays, were evaluated for the Green Leaf rating. Among them, one resort received the prestigious 5-star Green Leaf rating. Ten establishments were awarded a 3-star rating, while another 10 received a 1-star rating. Suchitwa Mission Achieving the Green Leaf rating is expected to help the establishments gain better international recognition. The rating process is coordinated by the Suchitwa Mission. In the first phase, facilities with five or more beds that completed a self-assessment through the online portal developed by the State government were considered for the Green Leaf rating. The rating is based on criteria such as the presence of scientific systems for managing solid and liquid waste in accordance with existing regulations, and infrastructure for the scientific treatment of non-biodegradable waste.
The Sun
17-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
KKDW launches green practices guidebook for 281 TVET institutions
LENGGONG: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has launched the TVET@KKDW Green Practices Implementation Guidebook, providing a structured approach for 281 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to adopt sustainable practices. Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang stated that the guidebook was developed by the Technical Working Group Committee, which includes representatives from all KKDW-linked TVET institutions. 'The committee has held strategic discussions since May 22 to strengthen green practices and transform campuses into environmentally responsible spaces,' she said during the initiative's launch at Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA. The guidebook focuses on energy and water efficiency, sustainable waste management, low-carbon transportation, green building design, and integrating sustainability into curricula. 'These components align with UNESCO's 2017 guide on greening TVET institutions,' Rubiah added. Implementation will occur in phases, with progress measured against sustainable development goals. Awareness sessions have already been conducted to familiarise institutions with the guidebook's framework. Additionally, KKDW will introduce a Green Leaf rating system, grading institutions from one to five leaves based on performance. 'Institutions scoring 51 to 100 percent will receive ratings, while those below 50 percent must improve their efforts,' Rubiah explained. - Bernama
Barnama
17-07-2025
- General
- Barnama
KKDW Launches TVET@KKDW Green Practices Implementation Guidebook
REGION - NORTHERN > NEWS LENGGONG, July 17 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has launched the TVET@KKDW Green Practices Implementation Guidebook, outlining a clear roadmap for executing green practices across 281 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under its purview. Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said the guidebook was developed by the Technical Working Group Committee for the TVET@KKDW Green Practices Management Framework, comprising representatives from all the TVET institutions. 'The committee has held a series of strategic discussions since May 22, aimed at strengthening green practices and transforming these institutions into progressive, environmentally responsible green campuses. bootstrap slideshow 'As a result, the ministry agreed to develop this guidebook to provide all its TVET institutions with a clear, structured and systematic direction for implementing sustainable practices effectively and comprehensively,' she said at the launch of the TVET@KKDW Green Practices initiative at Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA today. Rubiah said the guidebook outlines key components including energy and water efficiency, sustainable waste management, low-carbon transportation, green building design and the integration of sustainability education into the curriculum. 'These components align with the principles and approaches outlined by UNESCO in its 2017 publication, Greening Technical and Vocational Education and Training: A Practical Guide for Institutions,' she said. She added that the initiative will be implemented in phases and assessed using objective indicators in line with long-term sustainable development goals. 'As a starting point, the Technical Working Group Committee has conducted several engagement sessions to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the green practices outlined in the guidebook,' she said. Rubiah also announced that KKDW will introduce a Green Leaf rating system to assess TVET institutions based on their performance.
India.com
03-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- India.com
Explore Thiruvananthapuram: Tips For An Eco-Conscious Vacation
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, has beaches, hills, temples, and mosques all in one place. Because this city is so beautiful, many tourists try to visit it. Thiruvananthapuram's clean eco-friendly steps such as ecotourism, allows visitors to appreciate the wonders of nature around them. From saving the environment to helping the local people, an eco-friendly trip to this city does it all. You can find more tips on how to make and plan for such a vacation below. 1. Eco Friendly Hotels While on a trip, planning is almost everything. One of the best ways to offset carbon emissions is by booking hotels that have a verified eco friendly status. Make sure to choose from Thiruvananthapuram's list of eco-friendly homestays and resorts that utilize solar energy, participate in waste management, and conserve water just like 'The Raviz Kadavu' or 'Poovar Island Resort.' During your stay, seek places that meet these standards. Green Leaf and EarthCheck are two certifications to look out for, as these hotels are more likely to provide meals that have a smaller environmental impact such as food from local farms. 2. Use Public Transport or Hire E-Vehicles The mode of transport selected has the greatest effect on the environment within any area. You can skip private car rentals and opt for buses or CNG auto rickshaws instead. Furthermore, you can also use electric bicycles and scooters which are becoming fashionable in the area. While cycling around Thiruvananthapuram, you will be able to appreciate many places while keeping your carbon footprint low. It is simpler for tourists to embrace environmentally friendly travel because services such as Yulu provide bike rentals. 3. Enjoy The Environmental Splendors Without Causing Any Damage Attractions in Thiruvananthapuram include Kovalam beach, Ponmudi hills, and Neyyar wildlife sanctuary among others. These places must be visited and enjoyed with the Leave No Trace rules in mind. Always take reusable water bottles with you, do not throw away garbage and leave it littered around, and do not bother the animals. Nature walks with local guides are effective in providing information about the country's flora and fauna in a sustainable way. And instead of using a car to see the sights, go for quieter options like bird watching and trekking for less noise pollution and less disruption to the habitat. 4. Buy Products From Local Artisans And Businesses Eco tourism also involves boosting the local economy. Be sure to buy souvenirs handmade by locals instead of cheap imitations sold at stores. Check out places like Connemara Market or other handicraft emporiums for genuine Kerala coir mats, wooden carvings, and traditional jewelry. Eating at small family-run restaurants instead of international chains ensures your money directly benefits the community. Furthermore, the local small scale restaurants prepare authentic Kerala dishes using local fresh ingredients. 5. Join In Community Tourism Projects Community based tourism projects offer travelers the opportunity to interact and make a positive impact on the local people. Various projects like the Responsible Tourism Mission Kerala help connect the tourists to villages by offering farm stays and cultural programs. Engaging in such activities increases the understanding and respect residents and visitors have for one another. You may be fortunate to be engaged in some grassroots endeavors such as traditional crafts making, paddy farming, or witnessing a Kathakali performance. 6. Reduce The Use of Plastics Travelers are an integral part of combating plastic pollution, which has become a defining phenomenon of our age. Hence, before reaching the city of Thiruvananthapuram, ensure that you have cloth bags, bamboo utensils, and metal straws instead of single use plastic. Several restaurants and coffee shops in the city now encourage customers to bring their own cups or containers. In addition, it is also important to carry a refillable water bottle and see some places around the city that can allow you to fill filtered water. All of these practices ensure that you do your part in keeping Thiruvananthapuram's beauty intact. 7. Learn About Local Initiatives in Conservation Being aware of the environmental challenges that impact the region of Thiruvananthapuram is sure to make your travel a lot more responsible. The city has a number of NGOs that work around the clock to conserve endangered wildlife and rehabilitate them back to the wild. A case in point is the Chendamangalam rehabilitation center which houses and treats injured elephants, while the Agasthyamala biosphere reserve works on protecting lesser known species of plants and animals. You could volunteer with these organizations or even support them with donations. Even if you don't travel there, making other people aware of these initiatives leads to positive changes in the longer run. Bonus Tip: Understand and Follow Important Cultural Traditions and Customs Tourism doesn't have direct consideration on environmental sustainability, however, it is important culture is followed. When attending temples such as the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, ensure that you dress conservatively. Other practices, like removing shoes before entering temple premises, asking for permission when taking pictures of people, and so on, also require attention. Local customs are very important and once appreciated, goodwill follows, marking a cordial relationship between tourists and the locals. Conclusion In order to achieve a memorable eco-friendly vacation in Thiruvananthapuram, it is important to put an effort in planning from every facet of the journey. From choosing the right accommodation and transportation to daily activities and how to best interact with the locals. Employing eco-friendly means, engaging community projects, and lowering your carbon emissions, will guarantee an unforgettable holiday aligned with ethics. The captivating scenery and the friendly nature of the people in Thiruvananthapuram provides both sides of the coin, adventure and responsibility. So get ready, practice eco-friendly tourism, and go on a trip to this picturesque city with a positive attitude
CNA
25-04-2025
- General
- CNA
Ukraine's Black Sea coast is suffering from war damage, affecting birds and marine life
World The war in Ukraine has contaminated huge swathes of its territory but ecologists fear the damage is not contained to just land, but in the ocean as well. Ukraine's Tuzlivski Lymany National Nature Park, with its 44km-long sandbar and 13 estuaries, is a haven for nearly a million migratory birds. But the sanctuary is under threat. The nature reserve, situated on a narrow strip of the Black Sea, is among Ukraine's wildlife parks sustaining environmental impact from the ongoing war. Ukraine has been fighting to fend off Russian forces since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion in 2022. Ivan Rusev, head of the park's science department, has been studying the impact of war on the park's wildlife. He said 30,000 birds have died since December 2024 following an oil spill caused by two Russian tankers in the Black Sea's Kerch Strait. Rusev also blamed Russian drones for spooking flamingos, forcing them to abandon their nests and giving gulls the opportunity to decimate last year's colony. 'Drones, they stay (for) one or two minutes but during this period, very aggressive gulls, like yellow-legged gulls, come to this colony and destroy all the nests,' he said. '400 nests were destroyed fully by these gulls.' Rusev added that while drones and missiles pose a threat from the air, mines and sonar are harming sea life. The scientist said it is stressful to work when there is ongoing bombing. 'We saw so many dolphins, dead dolphins on the shoreline,' said Rusev, adding that dolphin carcasses have become an increasingly common sight along the Black Sea coast. Researchers estimate that at least 80,000 dolphins in the Black Sea have died as a direct result of the war. The death of such marine life is just one example of what park researchers call environmental war crimes committed by Moscow. Animals walk next to defensive barriers installed at Ukraine's Tuzlivski Lymany National Nature Park. The park is currently closed to the public due to security concerns, but researchers, including its director Iryna Vykhrystiuk, are staying to document these alleged crimes. She said it is their duty to collect information on the environmental damage and inform the world as much as possible. HEAVY COST OF ECOCIDE The presence of mines in Ukraine's economic zone has restricted commercial fishing, with many restaurants in the port city of Odesa relying on imports. Scientists and activists also said the impact of the 2023 Kakhovka dam explosion on the Dnipro River could last for decades, even if the war ended tomorrow. The Dnipro is a major river that flows through Ukraine and empties into the Black Sea. Vladislav Balinskiy, head of environmental advocacy group Green Leaf, said activists noticed a huge increase in pollutant concentrations such as heavy metals, pesticides and other contaminants. Ukrainian prosecutors are investigating 247 cases of environmental war crimes with 14 classified as ecocide – mass destruction of the environment, including the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. The estimated cost of the damage exceeds US$85 billion. Ecologist Oleg Listopad from the National Interests Advocacy Network said tapping into frozen Russian assets is necessary to fund rehabilitation efforts. 'We know there are US$300 million frozen in European banks. It is Russian money... let us use them,' said the environmental expert.
