Latest news with #Rainforest
ABC News
4 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Babinda Boulders locals want more safety measures to prevent deaths
A tranquil, turquoise stream surrounded by rainforest, birdsong and boulders — it's the kind of place people travel across the world to visit. Floating in the water or watching the stream rush between the rocks, modern life seems a thousand miles away. To get to these spots, though, you must first pass several striking signs, warning that 21 people have died here since 1916, with the latest death occurring last year. The vast majority — 84 per cent — of those who have died at Babinda Boulders (Bunna Binda), were male, and 53 per cent were aged between 18 and 24. Locals say that despite renewed safety measures, more action is needed to prevent further tragedies. Most of the deaths have occurred downstream from the designated "safe swimming" zones, in areas including those known as Devil's Pool and The Chute. Visitors and locals alike have sometimes slipped or sunk to their deaths after mistaking flat water, bubbling pools or narrow streams as low-risk areas. It's a danger the traditional owners, the Madjandji People, know is intrinsic to this place, and dates back to the story of how this place was created. Madjandji Aboriginal Corporation chairJamie Satani said the landscape was formed by a tragedy, when a young woman named Oolana was promised to an older man, but fell in love with a man named Dyga from a visiting tribe. Mr Satani said the pair ran away together, up the river, but the tribes found them at the site that is now the Boulders. "If she could not have Dyga … no-one could have her, so then she threw herself into the waters and, today, that spirit is still there, searching for a lover." Mr Satani said this moment caused the boulders to form, and it became a sacred story place for the Madjandji People. He said the impact of every death was felt across the region. "The moment that happens, it sends an uneasy feeling through the community … it's an awful feeling" he said. Local woman Leanne Thompson knows the rocks well. She grew up a stone's throw from the famous waterhole and spent many afternoons and weekends exploring the area with friends. "It's a pretty special, magical place, and each and every time you swam here, you definitely got like an afterglow," she said. But the darker side was never far from mind. "There were times when I was a child where I had nightmares about when you would hear the ambulance coming to do a body retrieval, and you found they had jumped across The Chute, or they got caught in a siphon or a sieve," she said. Years later, in 2008, after the death of a naval officer at the site, Ms Thompson decided something needed to change. Ms Thompson spent years trawling through archives, old newspaper records and coroners' reports. Using the information she uncovered, she successfully campaigned in 2022 to have the Cairns Regional Council launch a safety review of the site. Her tenacity also led to newer, more graphic signage being installed. The review found high risks from large siphons, or sieves, in areas upstream from Devil's Pool, which, to the untrained eye, appear to be merely small areas of bubbling water. "They suck [swimmers] down underground into subterranean caverns," Ms Thompson said. Ms Thompson says the best way to picture The Chute is to imagine the wide area of water upstream, forced to pass through a crack in the rocks. The narrow opening visible at the surface may be only a metre or two wide, however, beneath the surface, the rock has been more heavily eroded, creating a cavern where fast, aerated water rushes through, plunging many metres. Sergeant Doug Godden has worked in Babinda for many years and has coordinated several body retrievals at the Boulders. He says there are specific dangers in the water course that differ from most swimming holes. "The amount of oxygen that's in the [water], caused by the turbulence, makes it very, very difficult to swim because there's no pressure to push up to get yourself out of the water," Sergeant Godden said. He added that obstacles under the water, such as rocks and logs, "could either cause you to strike them and fall unconscious or [you could] be trapped underneath them". He said police had started regular patrols of the no-go areas over the past few years, with the aim of educating visitors and swimmers rather than punishing them. "The water course is stunning, and you can see the attraction," he said. Sergeant Godden said the signs, patrols and other information campaigns were making a difference, but one preventable death was one too many. Musician Will Clift was visiting Babinda Boulders with his girlfriend in 2021, when they heard someone screaming. A young woman had fallen into The Chute, and her friend was yelling for help but there was nothing anyone could do. The body of 19-year-old Chloe Narelle Bailey was found the next day. Mr Clift said the trauma of the accident stayed with him for years. "I found that I was having flashbacks and couldn't sleep," he said. Local councillor Brett Moller, who has been visiting the Babinda Boulders since he was a child, said there had been three deaths in the nine years since he was elected. He said as well as working with tourism bodies to get the message out, council was also hoping to work with National Parks to develop access to other natural swimming areas. Councillor Moller said the increase in crocodile sightings in the lower creeks and freshwater rivers meant areas where people used to swim were no longer safe. "So they're now congregating at the Boulders, at Josephine [Falls], at freshwater creeks, [and] that's putting a lot of pressure on that natural environment," he said. Both Ms Thompson and Mr Satani believe that promoting the Indigenous story may also make people think twice about swimming in the no-go areas. "Come out for a great day, enjoy it, and we want you to come and leave here safe, [and] return home."
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Discover Europe's Irresistible Chocolate & Biscuits Crafted with Ethical and Sustainable Agricultural Practices -- Now Available in Canada
TORONTO, July 24, 2025 /CNW/ -- Canadians looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while staying true to their values can now experience a new standard in premium snacking. The " Premium European Products: Better Knowledge, Better Choices" campaign is proud to bring to Canada a collection of ethically crafted chocolates, biscuits, and confections made with certified ingredients and rooted in sustainability, authenticity, and European tradition. The chocolate and biscuit industry in Europe, particularly in Latvia, is driven by heritage but increasingly future-focused. Latvian producers have responded to rising environmental concerns by transforming supply chains—integrating certified ingredients, improving eco-friendly packaging, and offering traceability every step of the way. Since 2019, sugar used in these products is FSA-certified, meeting high environmental and social standards. Chocolate products Chocolate products comprise a diverse array of delectable treats featuring chocolate as a key ingredient. Cocoa, a key ingredient in chocolate production, highlights a commitment to sustainability through a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance. The cocoa is responsibly sourced, meeting the rigorous standards of the Rainforest Alliance Certified program. This certification ensures ethical agricultural practices, supports human rights, combats deforestation, and aids cocoa farmers. With over 80 percent of the cocoa being certified, chocolate products prioritize ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship. In the creation of chocolate and other confections, sugar is a vital raw material, providing sweetness and texture. Since 2019, chocolate products have been produced using certified sugar derived from high-quality sugar beets, meeting the standards of the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA). This dedication to sustainability is evident throughout their production process, ensuring that every indulgent treat is not only delicious, but also, sourced ethically and sustainably. Biscuits Biscuits are a type of baked pastry typically made from flour, sugar, fat (such as butter or oil), and leavening agents (such as baking powder or baking soda). They vary in texture, ranging from crispy or crunchy to softer or chewier, depending on the ingredients and baking technique. Biscuits and wafers are produced using sugar certified by the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA), sourced from high-quality sugar beets. This commitment to sustainability ensures ethical and responsible sourcing practices without implying any health benefits. Why Canadian Consumers (and Retailers) Should Pay Attention Chocolate is a Canadian favourite: Canadians consume an average of 6.4 kg of chocolate per person per year, placing the country among the top 10 globally (Mordor Intelligence, 2024). Sustainability is a purchasing driver: According to Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, 70% of Canadian consumers say they are more likely to buy sustainably produced food. Premium appeal: With beautiful packaging, heritage recipes, and clean-label positioning, these products are ideal for gourmet retailers, gift boxes, and conscious consumers. Canadian-Inspired Recipe: Dark Chocolate & Maple Biscuit Bark Ingredients: 200g Premium European dark chocolate (80% Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa) 2 tbsp pure Canadian maple syrup Crushed European butter biscuits Pinch of sea salt Method: Melt the chocolate gently, stir in maple syrup. Spread onto parchment paper, top with crushed biscuits and sea salt. Chill, break into pieces, and enjoy with a glass of local Pinot Noir or ice wine. Join the Movement: Connect with Premium European Products We invite Canadian food professionals, chefs, retailers, and distributors to explore collaboration opportunities with the "Premium European Products" campaign. For more information on where to find these premium products or to learn how to partner with the campaign, please visit email us to [email protected] or follow us on social media: ETHEAS and LDC invite Canadian importers, distributors, and foodservice leaders to explore these exceptional European products and form collaborations that support shared goals of quality, transparency, and sustainability. About "PREMIUM EUROPEAN PRODUCTS" PROGRAM The campaign:" Premium European Products: Better Knowledge, Better Choices" is co-funded by the European Union and managed by the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS) and the Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC). It aims to promote exquisite added-value products in Canada, South Korea, and Malaysia, including PDO olive oils, table olives, dried grapes, saffron, hard cheese, gum, and gum oil from Greece, as well as dairy products, candied fruits, chocolates, confectionery, and salty snacks from Latvia. Spanning from 2024 to 2026, the program seeks to significantly elevate the profile of European products in these markets through a four-pronged approach: raising awareness, enhancing recognition among consumers, increasing consumption, and boosting exports to Canada, Malaysia, and South Korea. The beneficiaries: The National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS), established by the Greek State Law, coordinates over 300 agricultural cooperatives across Greece, representing about 80% of the total turnover of such cooperatives. It focuses on rural and cooperative development, supports member activities domestically and internationally, issues opinions on agricultural matters, supervises cooperative promotion, and conducts educational activities. The Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC), established in 1995, represents Latvian milk producers and aims to protect their interests. It consists of 17 members producing approximately 80% of industrially produced milk in Latvia.
Forbes
20-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Why ProSocial AI Is ProPlanetary AI. A Promise For Planetary Harmony
Green lungs of planet Earth. 3d rendering of a clean lake in a shape of lungs in the middle of ... More virgin forest. Concept of nature and rainforest protection, nature breathing and natural co2 reduction. We have come to a remarkable moment in human history. On one side, artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize how we understand and interact among each other and with our environment. On the other, we face what scientists call the "Great Acceleration", a period where human activity has pushed six of nine planetary boundaries beyond safe limits, including climate change, biodiversity loss and biogeochemical flows, threatening the very foundations of life on Earth. But what if these two realities aren't opposing forces? What if AI, guided by the right human intentions, could help us write a new chapter where technology and nature exist in harmony rather than conflict? The Planetary Health Imperative A recent commentary in The Lancet makes a compelling case for connecting planetary boundaries with planetary health, the understanding that human wellbeing depends entirely on Earth's natural systems. The authors argue that destabilizing our planet's life-support systems fundamentally threatens human health in ways we're only beginning to understand, with health impacts occurring even before planetary boundaries are transgressed. Four cornerstones are proposed for integration: recognizing that Earth system destabilization threatens human health, centering justice for vulnerable populations, accounting for true costs and benefits of environmental policies, and developing integrated science communication to build broader support for change. Critically, each planetary boundary requires comprehensive health risk assessment, something that demands permanent platforms for transdisciplinary collaboration between Earth system scientists, health researchers and affected communities. Consider the interconnected web, much like the World Wide Web itself, where each strand is linked to another: climate change affects food security, which influences migration patterns, and in turn, impacts mental health and social stability. Novel chemicals alter hormone systems, while biodiversity loss weakens nature's ability to regulate diseases. Ocean acidification threatens protein sources for billions. Each boundary crossed sends a ripple through this vast, complex system, much like how a single change on one webpage can ripple across the entire internet. Within this reality lies an opportunity. The very systems thinking that allows us to trace these connections also points toward solutions. This is where AI's potential becomes truly interesting — it functions as the network's protocol, capable of navigating and optimizing these connections, finding solutions faster and more efficiently – and helping us restore balance to the web that sustains us. Minds Behind Machines The neuralgic feature is that AI is not neutral. It amplifies human values, priorities and ways of thinking. If humankind continues to allow the approach to AI development to be dominated by extractive mindsets, viewing nature as a resource to be optimized and controlled, we'll create systems that perpetuate our current trajectory toward planetary collapse. But if we can find the way to make a conscious effort to ground AI development in what Indigenous wisdom has long understood; that human and planetary health are inseparable, we open possibilities for genuinely transformative technology. This shift requires what the Lancet commentary calls "overcoming the root causes of the intertwined environmental, health, and justice crises" by "changing the mindsets that created them and embracing the interconnectedness of all people and nature." AI As Nature's Ally Imagine AI systems designed with this ecological wisdom at their core. Instead of maximizing short-term profits, they could optimize for long-term planetary health. Instead of treating symptoms, they could address root causes of environmental degradation. We're already seeing glimpses of this potential. AI is helping restore degraded ecosystems by analyzing satellite imagery to identify optimal reforestation sites. It's revolutionizing agriculture by enabling precision farming that uses fewer resources while maintaining yields. Climate models powered by machine learning are providing surprising insights into Earth system dynamics. But the real transformation can happen only when we scale this thinking and recognize the co-benefits that emerge when we align technology with planetary health. The Lancet commentary emphasizes that policies to mitigate Earth system destabilization often have immediate and long-term health benefits, making them more compelling and cost-efficient. Picture AI systems that can: The Shadow Side We Cannot Ignore Still – we must also confront the paradox of using AI to support planetary health: AI's current trajectory is accelerating the very problems it could help solve. Data centers accounted for roughly 1.5% of global electricity consumption in 2024, and this amount is expected to double by 2030 because of AI use. The numbers are staggering. AI-specific servers in data centers are estimated to have used between 53 and 76 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, enough to power more than 7.2 million US homes for a year. Water consumption is equally concerning: Google's water consumption jumped 20% in 2024, while data centers in the United States use about 7,100 liters of water for each megawatt-hour of energy they consume – that's enough to run 70 loads of laundry in an average washing machine The land footprint is expanding rapidly too. Companies have leased nearly 3 gigawatts of data-center capacity in North America in the first half of 2024, which is up from 1.4 gigawatts in the first half of 2023. Combined investments from Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Apple alone will exceed $450 billion in 2025. Types of energy production that had been discontinued in many places, from coal to nuclear energy are being brought back to satisfy the gigantic energy appetite of our growing artificial treasure chest. This isn't sustainable. If we continue on this path, AI will become a major driver of environmental degradation rather than a solution to it. And here we have answers already. We urgently need to steer AI development deliberately, not only toward efficiency but people and planet-oriented responsibility. This means investing in renewable energy to power data centers, building AI models that require less energy and water, and enforcing stricter corporate environmental performance standards that preserve livelihoods and ecosystems. ProSocial AI is proplanetary AI and vice-versa. But none of this will happen without serious governance reforms. Governments, regulators, and international bodies must step in to set clear environmental limits on AI development and hold tech companies accountable. With the right rules and incentives in place, AI can reduce its own footprint while accelerating solutions for planetary health—instead of becoming a driver of further harm. The Justice Imperative Justice is central to the planetary health approach. Environmental changes impact everyone, but they disproportionately weigh on future generations, Indigenous peoples and already marginalized communities. Differently put – those who contributed least to the problems are the ones who bear the biggest burden. It is time to address this lack of justice – and absence of logic. The same lack of fairness applies to AI development. We cannot create prosocial AI – AI systems that are tailored, trained, tested and targeted to bring out the best in and for people and planet, without including the voices and needs of those most affected by both environmental degradation and technological change. This means involving diverse communities in AI governance, ensuring equitable access to AI benefits and designing systems that strengthen rather than undermine local autonomy and traditional knowledge. A Planetary Framework For Transformation Moving forward requires a holistic understanding of humanity's relationship with nature, and the planet. It is time for a large-scale approach to cultivate individual and institutional understanding of what's at stake – and mobilize action. In this endeavor we also need a new narrative that positions AI not as humanity's replacement but as our partner in planetary healing. The path forward can be summarized in the acronym PLANET: Prioritize regenerative design, Build AI systems that restore rather than deplete natural systems, starting with dramatically reducing the energy and resource footprint of AI infrastructure itself. Lead with justice, Center equity and community voice in AI development, ensuring that technological solutions strengthen rather than undermine local autonomy and traditional knowledge. Align with nature's wisdom, Design AI systems that mimic natural processes: circular, adaptive, resilient, and focused on long-term stability rather than short-term optimization. Navigate complexity, Use AI's pattern recognition capabilities to understand and work with Earth's interconnected systems rather than trying to control them. Engage communities, Make AI development a participatory process that includes diverse voices, especially those most affected by environmental and technological change. Transform systems, Use AI to enable fundamental shifts in how we organize food, energy, transportation and economic systems around planetary health principles. The Triple Promise Of Prosocial AI We stand at a threshold where AI could become humanity's most loyal ally in planetary healing, but only if we understand what "prosocial AI" truly means. It's not just about making AI more helpful or ethical. It's about creating technology that is simultaneously pro-people, pro-planet, and pro-potential. Pro-people means AI that strengthens communities rather than displacing them, that amplifies human wisdom rather than replacing it, and that ensures the benefits of technological advancement flow to those who need them most, not just those who can afford them. Pro-planet means AI systems designed within ecological limits, that regenerate rather than degrade natural systems, and that treat Earth's boundaries not as constraints to overcome but as the fundamental parameters for sustainable innovation. Pro-potential means AI that unlocks humanity's capacity for collective intelligence, creativity, and cooperation — helping us imagine and build futures we couldn't create alone. A commitment to prosocial AI could awaken our collective potential as Earth's conscious participants rather than its unconscious destroyers. A Regenerative Future Awaits Imagine waking up fifty years from now in a world where AI has helped deliver the greatest regeneration in human history. Cities breathe like forests. Oceans teem with life. The climate has stabilized. Communities thrive in diversity and dignity. Technology serves life, not the other way around. This isn't utopian fantasy — it's entirely possible with the tools we have today, guided by the wisdom we've always had. The question isn't whether we can build this future, but whether we'll choose to. Every line of code written, every algorithm trained, every AI system deployed is a vote for the kind of world we want to create. We can continue down the path of extraction and acceleration, or we can choose regeneration and wisdom. The Earth is waiting. The technology is ready. The only question left is: are we? The future isn't something that happens to us — it's something we co-create, one choice after another. And right now, we have the chance to get it right. Not just for the planet. Not just for people. But for the boundless potential that emerges when technology and nature move together in planetary harmony.
Buzz Feed
24-06-2025
- Buzz Feed
Beyond The Zoo: Your Guide To Exploring Singapore's Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Okay, buckle up, wildlife warriors and adventure seekers! Forget everything you thought you knew about Singapore's animal kingdom. We're about to dive deep, way beyond the typical zoo visit, into a whole new realm of wild wonder: the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Whether it's your first visit to this tropical paradise or not, get ready for an exhilarating experience. Mandai isn't just a collection of animal enclosures; it's an immersive, multi-faceted experience designed to connect you with nature in ways you never imagined. Think of it as a sprawling, living classroom, an adrenaline-pumping playground, and a tranquil escape, all rolled into one. So, what exactly is the Mandai Wildlife Reserve? Picture this: a massive, lush expanse in the northern part of Singapore, home to not one, not two, but multiple world-class wildlife parks. We're talking about the iconic Singapore Zoo, the mesmerising Night Safari, the breathtaking River Wonders, the highly anticipated Bird Paradise and the new Rainforest Wild Asia. It's an ambitious, visionary project that's transforming how we interact with and appreciate the natural world. For a first-time visitor, the sheer scale might seem daunting, but trust us, it's easily navigable and totally worth every minute. Each park offers a unique perspective on wildlife, from up-close encounters with majestic creatures to nocturnal adventures under the stars. Imagine cruising down a river replica encountering giant pandas, or embarking on a thrilling safari after dark to see elusive creatures in their naturalistic habitats. Visit the must-see new spots right now: 1. Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree Now, for those of you who like to elevate your experiences (and who doesn't?!), Mandai is stepping up its game in a major way. Forget roughing it; we're talking about indulging in pure luxury amidst the wild. Get ready to swoon over the brand-new Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, an eco-friendly sanctuary that promises an unparalleled stay. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the rainforest, surrounded by lush greenery, with the promise of a gourmet meal and a refreshing dip in an infinity pool overlooking the canopy. This isn't just a hotel; it's an immersion into nature with all the creature comforts you could ever dream of. Perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring, or for simply luxuriating in the serene ambiance. 2. Cavern Restaurant If your taste buds are tingling, prepare for a culinary adventure like no other. Mandai is also introducing a Cavern Restaurant – yes, you read that right,it's Singapore's first and only cave restaurant inspired by Malaysia's Mulu Caves. Picture dining in a unique, subterranean setting, with stunning geological features and a menu that reflects the natural surroundings. It's bound to be an unforgettable gastronomic experience, a perfect cap to your wild day. 3. Rainforest Wild Asia Rainforest Wild Asia, Singapore's newest wildlife park, offers an immersive adventure through diverse Southeast Asian rainforest habitats. Visitors can explore zones like The Karsts with free-roaming langurs and the Malayan tiger's domain at Rock Cascade. Beyond animal spotting, thrill-seekers can enjoy adventure activities like the Wild Apex Adventure's via ferrata climb, the exhilarating Canopy Jump, and the Wild Cavern Adventure's abseiling experience. The park emphasises conservation and education, providing unique close encounters with endangered ditch your preconceived notions of a "zoo trip" and get ready for an epic adventure. Mandai Wildlife Reserve is redefining what it means to connect with nature, offering something truly extraordinary for every type of explorer. Are you ready to go wild?
Time Out
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Here's what to expect at the new Singapore Oceanarium that's opening at Resorts World Sentosa in July 2025
We've already seen exciting new attractions pop up this year, from Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore to Rainforest Wild Asia at Mandai. Joining the list this July is the highly anticipated opening of the Singapore Oceanarium – the rebranded version of the former S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa. Set to open on July 23, 2025, the refreshed attraction is three times larger than before, with 22 themed zones spotlighting different aspects of marine life. Visitors can explore everything from shallow waters to deep-sea habitats, as well as travel through time from prehistoric oceans to present-day waters. Highlights include the Ocean Wonders zone, filled with thousands of mesmerising moon jellies, and Singapore's Coast, which recreates our local mangrove ecosystems with interactive displays. Other features include life-sized models of prehistoric sea creatures, a reconstruction of the whale fall ecosystem, and a massive 36-metre-wide screen projecting reef manta rays and zebra sharks gliding through. Visitors can swing by the Singapore Oceanarium Store for ocean-themed souvenirs, books and pop-ups by local brands. There's also Explorer's Nook, a themed café serving light bites and pastries.
