Latest news with #KBA
IOL News
a day ago
- General
- IOL News
Celebrating World Conservation Day: South Africa's commitment to biodiversity
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of KwaZulu-Natal's hives of biodiversity. Image: iSimangaliso Wetland Park On World Conservation Day, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) joined the global community in emphasising the crucial need for conserving our planet's natural resources and biodiversity. Observed annually on 28 July, this day serves as a poignant reminder that a healthy environment is fundamental to a robust society. As global populations approach eight billion today, with projections indicating over nine billion by 2037, the pressure on the planet's natural systems has reached unprecedented levels. Critical resources such as air, water, soil, minerals, and biodiversity are being consumed at an unsustainable pace, threatening the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth. In a bid to combat this escalating crisis, one of the most effective strategies has been the identification and management of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). These critical sites play a vital role in promoting the global persistence of biodiversity. KBAs are recognised as the most significant locations on Earth for a variety of species and their habitats across terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems. In South Africa, the KBA programme is a collaborative initiative led by SANBI and BirdLife South Africa, bringing together a host of conservation experts, researchers, and institutions. Since 2017, the country has undertaken a comprehensive and scientifically rigorous process to reassess and update its list of KBAs, aligning with internationally agreed standards. 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. 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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. Next Stay Close ✕ The discovery of Cephalostatin-1 highlights the untapped potential of South Africa's marine biodiversity and underscores the need to preserve these waters. Image: File / Pexels Notably, South Africa has the honour of being the first country in the world to apply all eleven global KBA criteria, reaffirming its leadership in biodiversity science and policy. In 2024, the KBA Secretariat approved a remarkable 263 terrestrial sites across the nation. These areas were selected based on the presence of specific species and ecosystems deemed vital for global biodiversity, known as 'triggers.' A total of 3,486 species and 323 ecosystems contributed to the qualification of these areas as KBAs, which encompass diverse landscapes, ranging from the endemic Fynbos of the Kogelberg to the seabird breeding colonies of the Prince Edward Islands, all covering more than 357,000 km². Pangolins are now the world's most illegally traded wild mammal with more than a million poached over the past decade. Image: Alexis Kriel The significance of these sites extends beyond national borders; they are invaluable treasures with global importance. They provide an international framework that prioritises conservation efforts and guides decision-makers, land managers, and communities in protecting the ecosystems that matter most. As South Africa celebrated World Conservation Day, SANBI reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to science-based conservation, encouraging public awareness on the sustainable use of natural resources. The ongoing identification and management of KBAs remains a crucial endeavour to safeguard the nation's megadiverse natural heritage for the benefit of future generations.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Fatima Jinnah Academy wins playoff
A view of the boys basketball match between Amjad Ali Academy and Javed Memon Academy held on Friday night. PHOTO: KBA Three more matches were decided in SSWMB Inter-Academy Basketball Tournament on Friday night. In the girls' third-place playoff, Fatima Jinnah Academy triumphed over Dr. Ruth Pfau Academy with a final score of 10-6. For the winning side, Umeema led the charge with 6 points, while Angele and Ghina added 2 points each. From the runner-up team, Atika, Fabiha Tariq, and Anaya each scored 2 points. In the boys' category, the tournament entered the semi-final stage. Amjad Ali Academy defeated Javed Memon Academy by 22-16. Abdul Samad contributed 12 points, Sameer Saleem scored 8, and Abdul Hadi added 2 points for the winning team. On the opposing side, Hasan Iqbal scored 8, Hadis Shahid 5, and Raza Abbas 2 points. In another thrilling encounter, Abdul Nasir Academy overpowered Rashid Ali Malik Academy with an identical score of 22-16. Mohammad Moaz dominated with 15 points, Muneeb followed with 14, and Mohammad Bilal added 2 points. From the losing side, Mohammad Zaid put in 10 points, Umar Khan 4, and Mohammad Raza 2 points. Before the matches, Additional Commissioner Karachi Asadullah Khoso was introduced to the players and officials. The tournament is being held under the patronage of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab and jointly organized by KB and Firdous Ittehad.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Rana Liaquat Academy, SBB Academy in final
Rana Liaquat Ali Academy defeated Dr. Ruth Pfau Academy by 8-6 points while Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Academy triumphed over Fatima Jinnah Academy by 13-9 points to reach the final of the SSWMB Inter-Academy basketball event on Thursday night. The tournament is being held under the patronage of Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui, and jointly organized by the Karachi Basketball Association (KBA) and Firdous Ittehad at the International Abdul Nasir Basketball Court. In today's semi-finals, PPP leader Munir Iqbal Gaddi was present as the chief guest. Notable attendees included Allam Muhammad Khan, Amir Sharif, Zahid Malik, and other respected personalities. In the first girls' semi-final, for the winners Rana Liaquat Academy, Amna Ashraf, who has shown exceptional performance throughout the tournament, scored 4 points, while Afza Ali and Ayeza added 2 points each. For the runner-up team, Fabiha Tariq scored 4 points, with Atika and Jheel contributing one point each. In the second semi-final, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Academy triumphed . Key performers for the winning team included Fariha (4 points), Simran (5 points), and Fatima (2 points). For the opposing side, Umeema and Angel each scored 4 points, while Ghina added 1 point. In the boys' competition, Mumtaz Ahmed Academy narrowly defeated Brigadier Rasheed Ali Malik Academy by 31-29 points. Rising talent Abdul Rafi led the winning side with 20 points, supported by Ahmed Ali with 7 and Abdul Hadi with 2 points. On the runner-up team, Raza Amjad scored 16 points, Umar Khan 8, and Mohammad Zahid also contributed 8 points. Speaking on the occasion, Munir Iqbal Gaddi assured KBA of full support on behalf of himself and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He announced that the basketball court under construction in UC-5 will be handed over to KBA on September 6 under the leadership of KBA President Ghulam Abbas Jamal Advocate, with Secretary Zahid Malik appointed as its supervisor.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Ruth Pfau, BB Shaheed Academy win
KBA Women's Wing Secretary Zaeem Khatun presents Shaheed Zulfiqar Bhutto Award for Excellence to SSWMB GM Maryam Tariq on Thursday. Director Sports Comm Karachi Ghulam Mohammad Khan, KBA Secretary Zahid Malik and SBA Vice Chairman Younus Qureshi are also seen. PHOTO: KBA Dr. Ruth Pfau Academy defeated Abida Toosi Academy by 10-4 while Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Academy beat Shaheed Pilot Officer Maryam Mukhtar Academy in the SSWMB Trophy Inter-Academy Girls & Boys Basketball Tournament at the International Abdul Nasir Basketball Court on Thursday. The tournament has been organized under the patronage of Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui and under the auspices of the Karachi Basketball Association (KBA) in collaboration with Firdous Ittehad. In the first match, Dr. Ruth Pfau Academy defeated Abida Toosi Academy with a score of 10-4. From the winning team, Aniba scored 6 points, while Jheel and Atiqa contributed 2 points each. For the runners-up, Urooj scored 2 points, and Hafsa and Umm-e-Hani scored 1 point each. In the second match, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Academy triumphed over Shaheed Pilot Officer Maryam Mukhtar Academy with a commanding 22-6 win. Fatima led the charge for the winning side with 12 points, while Fareeha and Simran added 4 and 2 points respectively. From the opposing team, Hadisha, Deeba, and Barira each scored 2 points. The third match saw a close contest where Amjad Ali Academy edged past Mohammad Khan Academy by 35-29 points. Sameer Saleem scored an impressive 20 points for the winners, followed by Abdul Samad with 12 and Adil Hadi with 2. For the runners-up, Hassan Ali scored 15, Yash Kumar 10, and Abdul Rafi 4 points.
Express Tribune
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
SSWMB Basketball tourney begins
Girls and boys basketball teams are seen with chief guest Maryam Tariq and KBA officials on the first day of SSWMB Inter-Academy Girls and Boys Basketball Tournament at Abdul Nasir courts on Tuesday. PHOTO: KBA Fatima Jinnah Academy defeated Ruth Pfau Academy by 10-5 In the opening girls' match of the SSWMB Inter-Academy Girls and Boys Basketball Tournament which was inaugurated in a colorful ceremony by organisation's General Manager Maryam Tariq. For the winning team, Angel and Umema scored 4 points each while Ghina added two points. From the runner-up side, Aqeeka scored 3 points and Fabiha Tariq and Yasra contributed 1 point each. The event, jointly organised by the Karachi Basketball Association (KBA) and Firdous Ittehad, was graced by distinguished guests including Ghulam Muhammad Khan, Muhammad Ikhlaq, Rotarian Sadaf Jahan, SBA's SVC Younus Fureshi, KBA Secretary Zahid Malik, SBA Secretary Amir Sharif, and Zaeema Khatoon among others. In the second girls' match, Rana Liaquat Ali Academy edged out Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Academy in a thrilling contest, winning 7-6. Amina Ashraf led the scoring for the winners with 5 points, while Aniqa and Ayeza scored one each. For the runner-up team, Dania, Fatima Idrees, and Simran each scored 2 points. In the boys' match, Javed Memon Academy defeated Mohammad Khan Academy with a final score of 32-21. Haris Shahid was the top scorer with 14 points, followed by Hasan Iqbal with 8 and Raza Rafiq with 7. For the opposing team, Hasan Ali scored 12, Yash Kumar 5, and Abdul Rafi 4 points.
