Latest news with #InternationalEarthDay
Express Tribune
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Who will save Karachi's green belt?
While International Earth Day was marked on April 22, just four days before that, the Climate Action Centre held an important session on saving Karachi's agricultural land in Malir. Otherwise, in the next few decades, the mega city would be uninhabitable. Researcher Virsa Pirzado, activist Hafeez Baloch, and Geographer/Urban planning expert Akhtar Rasool were the speakers at the event. Educationist Abira Ashfaq moderated the session, Malir at Risk-Exposing the Destruction of Karachi's Green Belt. According to the CAC media release, the session aims to raise awareness and mobilise action against the rapid environmental degradation in Malir — one of Karachi's last remaining green belts. The event highlighted the consequences of unchecked mega-projects such as Education City, gated housing societies, illegal mining, and industrial expansion that are devastating Malir's ecosystem, which has historically supported forests, farms, rivers, and mountain ranges. "This isn't just about land," said a spokesperson for Climate Action Center Karachi. "It's about people, food, water, and the right to a livable city. From the indigenous farmers of Gadap to the delicate ecosystems of Kirthar National Park, our natural and cultural heritage is under attack." In the same vein, Virsa has been involved with research and she shared her findings from surveying and interviewing the people of different villages in Malir. " I saw the helplessness, there are thousands of villagers there, and they can't breathe because of the polluted air. We spoke to them and saw how to legally pursue this case, and we found out that the government has given the land to Education City, and they are building these campuses on agricultural land, destroying the natural ecosystem and the farming land. "Similarly the waste from AKUH is being burned and disposed of in the incinerator there, and people had no idea what was being burned, their consent was never even part of the equation despite them bearing the brunt of the practice as their air is unbreathable now."
The Citizen
26-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Anti-poaching K9 camp opens in Kruger National Park
An anti-poaching K9 camp was officially opened at the Mdluli Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Tuesday. The camp, whose opening coincided with International Earth Day 2025, will be a base of operations for rangers and their K9 counterparts, working together in the fight against poaching in the KNP. The executive manager of Mdluli Safari Lodge, Chris Schalkwyk, said the establishment of the special K9 camp proves that with good relationships and local and international cooperation, a huge difference can be made in conservation. The camp will operate under the Mdluli Conservation and Anti-Poaching Reserve, which is inside the fenced area of the park, near Pretoriuskop. 'It is responsible for patrolling 24km of the western boundary fence of the KNP. This is done with the support of Genesis K9, SANParks and the SANParks Honorary Rangers, who are doing excellent work in assisting with the removal of snares and alien plants in the park,' said Schalkwyk. 'Donations from our Italian partner and tour operator company, il Diamante, facilitated by Davide Bomben, and other gracious donors from Italy have made our dream of a K9 anti-poaching camp become a reality,' added Schalkwyk. During the opening, certificates of appreciation for support and donations were handed over to SANParks, SANParks Honorary Rangers Lowveld Region, il Diamante, Bomben, Café Rider, SoSimple Solar, Ges'in, Fondazione LAC, Beauval Nature and Mdluli Safari Lodge. A special demonstration by the Genesis K9 Rangers, featuring the incredible Axel, also took place during the event. Axel is a five-year-old Belgian Malinois tracking dog, capable of scenting humans, explosives, firearms and rhino horns. In attendance were the Mdluli Safari Lodge Partnerships' board chairperson, Nelly Mdhluli, Mdluli Safari Lodge Group CEO Malcom Segal, Genesis K9 Group CEO Thys Klein, SANParks Regional Ranger in Maroela South, Tinyiko Golele and others. In thanking the initiative's supporters, Schalkwyk said that contributions to the 24/7 unit have already resulted in several successes, including the arrest of four suspects, the training of more than 40 rangers, and the removal of almost 3 000 snares and around 150 alien plants. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Delhi Confidential: Muted Affair
A day after the Pahalgam terror attack, an event planned for Wednesday to launch a department of biotechnology-funded HPV testing kit was a muted affair. Initially, there were talks that the event, which was attended by the Union Science Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, would be cancelled. However, it was later referred to as a scientific review instead of launch. Floral arrangements on the dias at the venue were also removed. The minister also did not take a photograph with the kit, which is a norm at such events. Mourning, Miss Amid a three-day national mourning following the death of Pope Francis, senior ministers could not attend International Earth Day engagements on Tuesday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah did not participate in the 'Save Earth' conclave on bamboo and sustainability, organised by Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture and Latur-based Phoenix Foundation. The Delhi government, too, postponed an event to launch 330 electric-buses, which Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were to attend. Poll Anxiety BJP members in the Delhi unit hopeful of being elected as district presidents are anxious due to lack of clarity on the election for the 14 posts. The party is currently in the process of electing 256 mandal presidents — posts a notch below that of a district president. The election for the mandal presidents is mandated to be accomplished before the process to elect district presidents can begin.
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Science
- Zawya
QF's Earthna Summit returns to Doha for Second Edition
Participants from over 100 countries attended the first day of the Summit to discuss sustainable solutions for arid and hot environments Doha, Qatar: The Earthna Summit 2025 officially commenced today in Doha under the theme 'Building Our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge', bringing together local and global leaders, experts, policymakers, and youth from more than 100 countries. Organized by the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), and in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Summit coinciding with International Earth Day in Msheireb, Doha. Addressing the event, Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Subaie said that Earthna Summit provides an important strategic platform for enhancing dialogue and coordinating efforts to address the challenges of climate change, especially in countries with hot and arid climates, most notably the GCC states. He noted the importance of dialogue and the exchange of visions based on traditional knowledge and diverse cultures in developing sustainable solutions that combine the past and the future and enhance international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. The opening session included the inaugural Earthna Prize ceremony, where four exceptional projects were honored for their outstanding environmental stewardship rooted in traditional knowledge. The Earthna Summit opening ceremony also featured an inspiring keynote by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who shared his vision for leveraging social innovation to drive sustainable development. During the day's program, Justin Mundy, Chair of Earthna, emphasized the importance of uniting global voices to address shared sustainability challenges, particularly the urgent need to reimagine climate finance. 'This year's Earthna Summit comes at a critical time—midway between COP29 and COP30,' he said. 'It's more than a gathering; it's a catalyst for action. By bringing together knowledge holders, innovators, and decision-makers, we create a space where ideas converge and evolve into tangible solutions.' Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Executive Director of Earthna, echoed this sentiment, saying, 'Summit attendees are united by common challenges, shared aspirations, and a commitment to measurable impact. By providing a platform that encourages dialogue, we hope to build a legacy of sustainability for future generations to carry forward.' The Summit also hosted the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism Conference, convening global experts to explore urban development rooted in traditional architecture. Earthna Village: Celebrating Sustainability Rooted in Local Tradition As the first day of the Earthna Summit came to a close, the heart of the gathering came to life with the opening of the Earthna Village. At its center, the Agora Sessions featured a dynamic lineup of speakers, including Dr. Damilola Olawuyi, UNESCO Chairholder and Professor of Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of QF; Hamza Yassin, wildlife cameraman and presenter; and Charlene Ruto, a passionate climate change activist with the SMACHS Foundation. These sessions fostered open dialogue on sustainable futures rooted in cultural context and lived experience. Attendees also engaged in hands-on workshops and exhibits, exploring traditional water conservation, natural cooling techniques, and time-honored weaving and farming practices. The Earthna Village offered a space to discover how traditional knowledge can inform and inspire future solutions. As Earthna Summit 2025 continues for a second day of dialogue, sessions, and keynotes, participants will explore deeper intersections of culture, climate, and innovation—building collective momentum toward a more sustainable future, rooted in both tradition and innovation. Research and Reports Unveiled at the Earthna Summit 2025 The first day of the Earthna Summit featured the release of several key research and policy publications focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Semiotics of Nature, jointly developed by Earthna and HBKU's College of Islamic Studies, explores the connections between nature, semiotics, and spirituality, promoting an environmental ethic rooted in both faith and science. Towards the Development of a Sustainability Framework for Qatar, produced by Earthna, Wealth Fair Economics, and the University of Sussex Business School, introduces Inclusive Wealth as a foundation for balanced development. Carbon Emissions Reduction Strategies for Qatar - A policy dossier co-authored by Earthna and the Middle East Council on Global Affairs examines carbon reduction strategies aligned with Qatar's National Vision 2030. Earthna's brief 'Qatar's Ecology: An Assessment with Recommendations' assesses Qatar's ecological landscape and offers actionable recommendations for sustainability. The Earthna report 'Traditional Knowledge in Water Resource Management' highlights traditional water management practices from Oman, Spain, Peru, and Ethiopia, underscoring their role in climate resilience and community-led conservation. Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna) is a non-profit policy, research, and advocacy organisation, established by Qatar Foundation (QF) to promote and enable a coordinated approach to environmental, social, and economic sustainability and prosperity. Earthna is a facilitator of sustainability efforts and action in Qatar and other hot and arid countries, focusing on sustainability frameworks, circular economies, energy transition, climate change, biodiversity and ecosystems, cities and the built environment, and education, ethics, and faith. By bringing together technical experts, researchers, government and non-government organisations, businesses, civil society, and policy and decision-makers, Earthna fosters collaboration, innovation, and positive change. Using their home Education City as a testbed, Earthna develops and trials sustainable solutions and evidence-based policies for Qatar and hot and arid regions. The organisation is committed to combining modern thinking with traditional knowledge, contributing to the well-being of society by creating a legacy of sustainability within a thriving natural environment. For more information about Earthna please visit: To stay up to date on our social media activities, follow our accounts on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: Qatar Foundation – 30 Years of Unlocking Human Potential Qatar Foundation (QF) is a non-profit organisation which, for 30 years, has supported the sustainable human, social, and economic development of Qatar through entities, programs, and initiatives focused on education, science and research, and community development. QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of Qatar, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, who shared the vision of providing quality education for everyone in Qatar. In the three decades since, this vision has evolved into a globally unique, multidisciplinary ecosystem of knowledge – offering opportunities for lifelong learning, fostering innovation, and empowering people to be socially engaged citizens and drivers of positive change. This diverse but interconnected ecosystem comprises a world-class education landscape spanning the full spectrum of learning from pre-school to post-doctoral level; research, innovation, and policy centres addressing some of the world's greatest challenges facing the world; alongside community facilities for people of all ages to seek knowledge, embrace active lifestyles, and expand their horizons within QF's Education City, spanning 12 square kilometres in Doha, Qatar. With its efforts concentrated on generating impact in five key areas – progressive education, sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, precision health, and social progress – QF remains committed, as it has been for the past 30 years, to investing in Qatar and its people, and contributing to shaping a better world for all. For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, please visit: To stay up to date on our social media activities, follow our accounts on: Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn For any media inquiries, please contact: pressoffice@
NZ Herald
21-04-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Bay of Plenty's Mountfort family combines farming with conservation
'When I was growing up, there were two things I wanted to be – a farmer, and I liked conservation. 'I was always spending time in nature. I liked going out and on bush walks, both Antonia and I have always loved that.' As second-generation farmers at the farm, their focus has been conservation, and at the forefront of their minds is passing the land on in better condition than when they began. Together with Brent's parents, Chris and Antoinette Mountfort, the foursome planted 40,000 native trees and fenced off 80ha of the 267ha farm, including 6ha of deer-fenced land for natives to thrive and a further 32ha planted out in pine. Mountfort said all this wasn't achieved overnight, and there was a lot more to come. He's quick to remind any farmer reading that in doing so, it hasn't touched any of the productive farmland, which farms 130 Angus cattle, 650 ewes and 250 hoggets. Nationally, sheep numbers have reduced significantly from 50 million to 27 million in 30 years and on four million hectares less land. Reflecting on 55 years of International Earth Day this April 22, Mountfort said there wasn't enough recognition for what many Kiwi farmers were doing off their own backs – and bank accounts – for the environment. 'They don't get enough credit because so many people don't even know what is going on on these farms. 'You also get people who build a perception, and they don't want to get out and check because it may challenge their perceptions.' Statistics back him up. In New Zealand, 24% of our native vegetation is on sheep and beef farmland. Not only that, but the country also has one of the smallest environmental footprints of any red meat production internationally. Kiwi sheep and beef farmers have reduced their absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 35% since 1990, and there is significant investment going into further reducing emissions. The New Zealand sheep and beef sector has a goal of net carbon neutrality by 2050 and is already a long way towards achieving this while it continues to invest in further emissions reduction initiatives. Mountfort said that for the majority of farmers, this effort was done out of pride for the land and had nothing to do with any rulebooks thrown at them. In fact, he argued that it would take the fun out of it. 'The bit I worry about is the more they regulate it, the more they will take the joy out of it. 'At the end of the day, that is the legacy we want to leave for our future generation, and that's important. 'We don't want to leave this place bare. Farmers talk about it all the time, about leaving the land in a better spot in the way they found it. 'We can enhance this area and make it better than it was before. 'We are not stripping the profitable parts of the farm, we are leaving the farming operation a way out of it; you are being more productive on the productive land.' Mountfort had been researching what vegetation, natives, and bush were historically on the Puriri farmland and putting it back little by little. This has meant turning the wetlands back into wetlands, conserving the soil to stop erosion, fencing out the pests, and planting rātā, rimu, pukatea and kohekohe. He said the regional council, the QEII Trust and local help had been key to getting the land on its way back to its original condition. 'For the majority of farmers, it is just out of kind, it is putting your own time in. 'But people see what we are doing and want to be involved. 'It's a community doing it, schools up here, it is a win-win. 'If schools want to come up and have a look at the conservation, they are totally welcome.' He is happier for it, too. 'There is a lot of talk about mental health, but getting out in the bush is perfect for it. Advertise with NZME. 'If it is a bummer of a day, you can drop down into the bush there, and within five minutes, you feel a bit more centred.' One way the Mountforts actively support their wider community is by allowing groups to visit the farm for projects and demonstrations of good farming practices. The family demonstrate that a thriving farm can also be a cornerstone of environmental conservation. That is, 'fencing it off' because you are told to isn't enough when it comes to conserving the land. 'They will fence it off, but when it comes to biodiversity, it won't change at all if it is just fenced off,' he said. 'You have got to manage it just like the rest of the farm. 'We are in a situation where kids walking through the bush would think it is nice and lush and they wouldn't realise that at times 80% of the plants that would have been there are no longer there.' But at just 58, he's going to do his best to get it all back for future generations. 'I am only a young buck for a sheep and beef farmer, really.'
