Latest news with #GreenList
The Star
2 days ago
- General
- The Star
Pin Supu forest reserve is Malaysia's first terrestrial site on prestigious conservation list
KOTA KINABALU: The Pin Supu Forest Reserve in Kinabatangan, Sabah, is the first terrestrial site in Malaysia to be included into the Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This listing recognises excellence in conservation and protected area management, marking a significant achievement for Pin Supu. Sabah chief conservator of forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said the certification, which was issued in May and valid for a period of five years, places Pin Supu Forest Reserve as among the world's best-managed and most effectively governed protected areas. 'More importantly, this reserve is jointly managed by the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) in collaboration with Kopel Berhad, a community-based cooperative in Kinabatangan,' he added. He said Pin Supu is a Class VI Virgin Forest Reserve, encompassing 4,620 hectares, surrounded by five villages to assist in conservation projects. A 10-year joint forest management agreement (2016-2026) was established between the Sabah government through the SFD and Kopel Berhad. Kugan said this partnership has brought positive outcomes, including nature-based tourism development that benefit local communities and promote sustainable forest management within the Kinabatangan area. He said the journey towards Green List certification began with the formal application in 2021. 'Over the course of four years, the site underwent a rigorous multi-phase process (application phase and candidate phase) to complete the 50 indicators required for the certification. 'This included comprehensive self-assessments, evidence submission through the Compass platform, independent expert evaluations by the expert assessment group for the Green List (EAGL), and a final review and verification by an independent reviewer,' said Kugan. The key milestone was the EAGL site visit, followed by the final reviewer verification in December 2024, he added. He reiterated that managing Pin Supu with the involvement of surrounding communities has given numerous positive impacts – environmental, social and economic benefits, including biodiversity conservation, local empowerment, and income growth. 'This shows the success of joint efforts in promoting environmental sustainability. This IUCN recognition is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the Sabah Forestry Department and local community in particular Kopel Berhad,' Kugan said. Earlier in 2022, the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (Simca), also in Sabah, was recognised as the country's first marine IUCN Green Listed Area.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Sabah's Pin Supu Forest Reserve makes history as Malaysia's first terrestrial IUCN Green Listed Site
The Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan. SANDAKAN: The Pin Supu Forest Reserve (FR) in Kinabatangan has been officially recognised as the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, a prestigious global recognition awarded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for excellence in conservation and protected area management. Pin Supu FR is the first terrestrial site in Malaysia to be IUCN Green Listed. The certificate, issued in May 2025, is valid for a period of five years. Earlier in 2022, the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA), also in Sabah, was recognised as the country's first marine IUCN Green Listed Area. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, pointed out that this achievement places Pin Supu Forest Reserve as among the world's best-managed and most effectively governed protected areas. More importantly, this reserve is jointly managed by the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) in collaboration with KOPEL Berhad, a community-based cooperative in Kinabatangan. Pin Supu is a Class VI Virgin Forest Reserve, encompassing 4,620 hectares, surrounded by five villages to assist in conservation projects A 10-year joint forest management agreement (2016-2026) was established between the Sabah State Government through the SFD and KOPEL Berhad. This partnership has brought positive outcomes, including nature-based tourism development that benefit local communities and promote sustainable forest management within the Kinabatangan area. The journey towards Green List certification began with the formal application in 2021. Over the course of four years, the site underwent a rigorous multi-phase process (application phase and candidate phase) to complete the 50 indicators which included comprehensive self-assessments, evidence submission through the COMPASS platform, independent expert evaluations by the Expert Assessment Group for the Green List (EAGL), and a final review and verification by an independent reviewer. The key milestone was the EAGL site visit, followed by the final reviewer verification in December 2024. Kugan reiterated that managing Pin Supu with the involvement of surrounding communities has given numerous positive impacts – environmental, social and economic benefits, including biodiversity conservation, local empowerment, and income growth. This shows the success of joint efforts in promoting environmental sustainability. This IUCN recognition is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the Sabah Forestry Department and local community in particular KOPEL Berhad. The IUCN Green List is a global initiative by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) that recognizes and promotes well-managed, effectively governed, and fairly operated protected and conserved areas. Its main goal is to encourage and reward conservation success by assessing areas against globally consistent standards of good governance, sound design and planning, effective management, and positive conservation outcomes.
United News of India
14-05-2025
- General
- United News of India
Laos intensifies efforts to get global recognition for Nakai-Nam Theun National Park
Vientiane, May 14 (UNI) Laos is ramping up efforts to secure international recognition for Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, one of the country's largest and most ecologically diverse protected areas that is home to numerous animal and bird species, in order to tackle environmental threats. Authorities are focusing on illegal hunting, unauthorised harvesting of forest products, and human encroachment in protected zones. Reforestation programmes are being expanded, and government agencies have been urged to improve livelihoods in surrounding villages as part of a broader conservation strategy, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, reports Xinhua. 'This isn't just about forest protection—it's about building a future where people and nature can coexist sustainably,' said Savanh Chanthakoumane, Executive Director of the park, according to Pha Khao Lao. Covering over 427,000 hectares across Khammuan and Bolikhamxay provinces, Nakai-Nam Theun is one of the largest and most ecologically diverse protected areas in Laos. It supports a wide range of habitats—from evergreen to montane forests—and is home to over 90 mammal species, more than 400 bird species, and dozens of amphibians, reptiles and fish. Designated a key biodiversity area within the Indo-Burma hotspot, the park has long been recognised for its global significance. It was ranked as a priority for biodiversity conservation in 2001 and, by 2008, identified as one of Southeast Asia's richest regions for endemism. At the recent 17th meeting of the park's management committee, chaired by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr Lien Thikeo, officials approved an application to join the IUCN Green List—a certification recognising best practices in protected area management. 'This is a significant milestone in our efforts to gain international recognition,' said Chanthakoumane. 'But more importantly, it sets a standard that other protected areas in Laos can follow.' Jake Brunner, head of IUCN's Indo-Burma Group, described the Green List as 'a powerful tool that recognises and supports well-managed conservation areas, while strengthening local capacity through collaboration.' In parallel, the Lao government is preparing to nominate the park for UNESCO World Heritage status. If successful, Nakai-Nam Theun would become a national model for forest and biodiversity conservation—aligning with Laos' broader commitment to green and sustainable development. UNI ANV RN
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Hyderabad students turn to New Zealand as US dreams dim
HYDERABAD: Is the United States' loss turning into New Zealand's gain? City-based consultancies certainly think so. According to them, the island nation has seen a sharp 300% rise in enquiries from local students seeking overseas higher education opportunities-a surge linked largely to recent changes in US immigration norms. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Breaking from tradition, many Hyderabad students are now considering courses in dairy and agricultural sciences in New Zealand, in addition to the usual tech-related programmes, consultancies said. 'No mood for risks' "This shift is primarily due to the changing situation in the US, as well as in Canada and the UK. Students are in no mood to take any risks by heading to these countries and are exploring safer options like New Zealand, Australia, and Germany," said Ajaya Kumar Vemulapati, who runs an overseas education consultancy in the city. Ajaya Kumar noted that enquiries for New Zealand have jumped from about four or five per year to 35-40 this year alone. Subhakar Alapati, founder-director of Global Tree, echoed this trend: "Many are showing interest in courses such as food technology and dairy science-both at the undergraduate and master's levels." New Zealand's appeal extends beyond acaemics. Faster visa processing, a post-study work visa for up to three years, and a clear pathway to permanent residency are major draws for students. "I did not want to go to the US because of the changing immigration rules, long visa wait times, and political uncertainties," said Chavva Prasanth, who plans to pursue a master's degree in food technology from Auckland. "Canada too has become less attractive because of the recent cap on international student intake, rising cost of living, and new financial requirements for visas. So, I felt New Zealand was the better option." Paladugu Saketh, who will be heading to New Zealand's North Island in July, shared a similar view. "There is a shortage of skilled food technologists in New Zealand," he said. "Also, these roles are on New Zealand's Green List (formerly the Skill Shortage List), making it easier to obtain permanent residency."
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Backing Teachers: Teacher Registrations Funded
Press Release – New Zealand Government The Government has committed funding of $53 million in Budget 2025 to cover fees through to 2028, including any increases the Teaching Council may implement through their current fee review. Minister of Education The Government is backing New Zealand's teaching workforce by funding teacher registrations and practising certificates, acknowledging the vital role educators play in driving positive change in classrooms. 'We know the most important aspect of a child's education is the quality of the teacher in front of them. Teachers have stepped up to implement our ambitious reform programme that's delivering real change in the classroom. They are teaching a new world-leading curriculum as well as embracing structured approaches to literacy and maths to ensure better outcomes for our children. They are supporting students to gain vital secondary qualifications that will prepare them for the future. This initiative is a direct recognition of the ongoing hard work, dedication, and professionalism of teachers across the country,' Education Minister Erica Stanford says. The Government has committed funding of $53 million in Budget 2025 to cover fees through to 2028, including any increases the Teaching Council may implement through their current fee review. From July 1, teachers will save up to $550 when applying for registration or renewing their practising certificate. This initiative will benefit around 40,000 fulltime and part time school and early learning teachers in the first year of funding and approximately 115,000 across the three years. 'As we work to raise standards and restore trust in the education system, it is important that we support the teaching workforce leading this reform. The Government has promised to remove this cost, and we have delivered'. Since coming into office, the Government has introduced and maintained many initiatives to attract and retain teachers: • Doubled the numbers of paid School Onsite Training Programme places to 1200, paying out $21,500 for each place, through Budget 2024 • Supporting 352 teachers to return to the classroom since October 2024 by covering the costs of their practising certificates or limited authority to teach fees (LAT) • Ongoing marketing campaigns, in NZ and overseas, that are focussed on attracting increasing numbers of teachers to teaching in NZ • Added primary and secondary teachers to the straight to residence pathway on the Green List with 1400 teachers arriving from overseas in 2024 • Continued to fund relocation packages of up to $10,000 for qualified teachers who are overseas to move to New Zealand with 891 teachers supported in 2024. • Continued to fund more than 400 scholarships to encourage in to, and support people through, teacher training. • Supported 130 beginning or returning teachers through the BeTTER Jobs Programme in the 2024/2025. • Funded ongoing targeted marketing campaigns that have seen approximately 2,000 newly graduated teachers join the workforce this year. 'This Government is determined to raise achievement and close the equity gap so all children get an equal chance to thrive. Enabling more teachers to do what they do best in the classroom is another step to achieving this,' Ms Stanford says.
