Latest news with #RamsarConventiononWetlands
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
I live in a UK beauty spot threatened by Labour's planning bill. It could become a disaster zone
The UK needs houses. The UK needs open spaces, and wilderness. The Labour government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which cleared its second reading in the House of Commons with a majority of 256 votes, is only interested in the former. At the end of 2024, Keir Starmer declared that homes must have a higher priority than nature and the environment, as ministers outlined reforms that could allow more building on England's green belt. Housing minister Angela Rayner backed him, asserting that 'we can't have a situation where a newt is more protected than people who desperately need housing'. The populist punditry that would once have been anathema to leaders and politicians in general is designed to detract from the dire consequences if the bill is passed. Lawyers, environmental charities – including the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts – and activists have assessed that more than 5,000 of England's most vulnerable protected natural habitats are at risk of being destroyed by development thanks to Labour's new planning bill, which has been dubbed a 'licence to kill'. These would include many of the UK's favourite holiday destinations, such as areas that fall under designations like Sites of Special Scientific Interest, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, and much-loved nature-rich parts of National Parks and National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), like the New Forest and the Forest of Bowland. As I live in the Forest of Bowland, I have a stake in this debate. I live in a ribbon of farmland that lies between the Forest of Bowland proper and Pendle Hill, which is part of the same protected National Landscape. South of here is East Lancashire, one of the most densely populated parts of the UK. For residents of Burnley, Blackburn and Accrington, Bowland is the second nearest large green space, after the West Pennine Moors. But Bowland is different. As the 'Forest' in its name suggests it is a former hunting chase, and while there are some pockets of grouse moor management that still rile most ordinary residents and visitors, swathes of the park are open country, ideal for hiking, cycling and family picnics. For decades, access was complicated here, with grouse butts and private lands blocking walkers. Just two decades ago, much of Bowland was opened up to walkers for the first time when the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 gave general right of access to the public for the purposes of open-air recreation on foot. People can walk, run and – where permitted – ride bikes wherever there are paths. To be candid, Bowland doesn't have Instagram-friendly summits to bag or famous poets' houses to swoon over. It doesn't attract countless car-tourers or caravan-users. It is absolutely nothing like the Lake District or nearby Yorkshire Dales. Many of its upland areas are boggy and only the very well-acquainted would want to negotiate the steep-sided valleys or gully-riven, heather-clad slopes. But the relatively low visitor numbers are great for nature. A sizeable central section of the 300-square-mile National Landscape is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the habitats it helps to protect and its internationally important bird populations. One of these is the merlin, the UK's smallest bird of prey (it's only about the size of a thrush). On my last visit I saw one at a distance, seated – ironically – on a grouse butt. During the same half-day visit I also spotted meadow pipits, curlews, skylarks, a stonechat, a greylag goose, and nesting peregrines. The most surprising sighting was a couple of ring ouzels – a red-listed species (that is, 'of high conservation concern') and members of the thrush family that dwells on the uplands. The absolute high point was the bird for which Bowland had become famous: the hen harrier. At first I saw males and females skimming across the top of the heather. This was satisfying enough; hen harriers are among the most persecuted birds in the country. Then I was treated to a sky dance, which is when a male hen harrier performs extraordinary aerial stunts to show off to females, to warn off rival males, or – perhaps – just for fun. The one I saw did Red Arrows-style vertical leaps, back flips, twists and turns, against a clear blue sky. It was one of those moments in nature, all of five minutes, that felt life-enhancing and deeply moving. Does any of this matter as much as the desperate housing situation? Is wildlife really as important as new estates? Is it not time rural England accepted that cities can't accommodate all the new houses and flats? Would Bowland not in fact benefit from development? Am I trying to promote tourism and leisure – arguably luxuries for only some members of society – and ignoring the needs of millions of people? The honest answers to all these questions is clear to anyone who lives in places like the Forest of Bowland. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted nations on earth. How often do we hear now the distressing news that butterflies are disappearing, that once familiar birds have become near-extinct, that hedgehogs are on the same path already taken by red squirrels? Even my greenish patch within the greater Bowland area is, frankly, a classic farm-ageddon of dry-stone wall-to-wall sheep fields, with very limited birdlife and a worrying lack of insect life. The flora that lies outside the sheep-mowed areas is not particularly diverse. The trees are, as often as not, plantations of conifers. This is precisely why we need to protect, at all costs, those areas where species thrive or, at least, have a chance to revive. Bowland is the last place to reimagine how England should reside in the coming decades. As well as being an important, if imperfect, space for nature – as outlined above – it has risible road connections, no railways passing through it, and only a couple of bus services that run infrequently and never after dark. The whole area is poorly supplied with the essential, basic amenities communities need to thrive, from schools and hospitals to theatres and cinemas to local shops and places to eat and drink. Dropping blocks of beige housing – this area seems to specialise in hideous and overpriced executive homes – would at best attract some retirees. Alternatively, if truly affordable housing were built in any useful quantities, the Government would have to seriously consider a new town project of some kind. The nearest urban areas – Preston, Blackburn, Lancaster – currently have deep-set housing, social and transport problems of their own. They all take forever to reach on the winding country lanes that link, eventually, to the jammed and dangerous A59 – the one major trunk road that tears through the Ribble Valley in a blaze of boy-racers, trundling tractors and pelotons of unhappy cyclists. Try this experiment in any of the 5,000-plus precious areas and the results will be the same. The tourism and leisure, exercise and inspiration that ordinary people get from being close to birdsong and surrounded by unsullied, unpeopled emptiness will be sacrificed to cover up the deep tragedy of 40 years (and counting) or poor planning by all shades of government, national and local. Much of British wildlife is threatened. Nightingales, badgers, dormice, otters, butterflies, dragonflies, kingfishers, tufted ducks and egrets are just some of the beautiful creatures that the extant, already damaged natural areas help to conserve. If we wipe these out, and destroy the places they inhabit, what is there for people to do, to see, to admire? The wealthy will go overseas, adding air miles. The rest of us will have nowhere to stretch our legs or lungs. Bowland is no paradise, no idyll. But Labour's short-sighted and unscientific scheme to fill the hills and vales with houses, in the face of criticism from experts from many camps, will turn it into a disaster zone. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
India's Ramsar Site tally touches 91 as two more Rajasthan wetlands gain recognition
On the eve of World Environment Day, India on Wednesday added two more wetlands—Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur—to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance . With these additions, India's total count of Ramsar Sites now stands at 91. Bhupender Yadav, Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Lok Sabha MP from Alwar announced the news on X (formerly Twitter). 'This achievement is yet another testament to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji's steadfast commitment to environmental conservation,' Yadav wrote on X. 'Congratulations, India—especially the people of Rajasthan—for this significant step towards a greener tomorrow.' Great news! India's strides in environmental conservation are happening with great vigour and are powered by public participation. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2025 Prime Minister Modi also welcomed the news, describing it as a sign of 'India's strides in environmental conservation… powered by public participation and happening with great vigour.' What are wetlands? Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present either seasonally or throughout the year. These ecosystems are vital for maintaining biodiversity, mitigating floods, and filtering pollutants. They serve as habitats for a rich variety of plant and animal species—especially birds, fish, and amphibians—and are crucial to the health of the planet. Wetlands also support local economies through agriculture, fishing, and tourism, and they play an integral role in maintaining the water cycle and storing carbon, thereby helping to combat climate change. A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The convention aims to ensure the conservation and wise use of wetlands to maintain their ecological character and benefits for current and future generations. Sites awarded Ramsar status are recognised globally for their environmental, economic, and cultural value.
Arab Times
25-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait hosts the 22nd GCC Wildlife Conservation meeting
KUWAIT CITY, May 25: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) affirmed on Sunday that the 22nd meeting of the Permanent Committee for the Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife and Their Natural Habitats in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states underscores the ongoing commitment to environmental cooperation and the protection of the Gulf's natural heritage. Acting EPA Director General Nouf Behbehani told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the meeting, which commenced in Kuwait today, aligns with directives from GCC leaders to strengthen joint environmental efforts, preserve natural resources, and ensure biodiversity sustainability across the region. The gathering brings together representatives from GCC states, environmental experts, and officials from the GCC General Secretariat. Key agenda items include updating the regional environmental operational plan through 2030, discussing Kuwait's proposal to establish technical working groups for biodiversity-related environmental agreements, and preparations for the inaugural Gulf Wildlife Conference. The conference will focus on enhancing cooperation in implementing international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Additionally, discussions will cover the approval of a unified logo for Gulf Wildlife Day and the development of new mechanisms for transferring ownership of falcons and protecting wildlife. The meeting is expected to conclude with a set of recommendations and executive plans, including the adoption of a unified framework for accrediting electronic permits under the CITES Agreement and the approval of upcoming training workshops focusing on protecting threatened species and rehabilitating ecosystems. Eng. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubaie, Head of the Human and Environment Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, emphasized the significance of the meeting in achieving wildlife conservation goals and praised Kuwait's proactive role in implementing international environmental agreements. He commended the continuous efforts of GCC representatives, environmental experts, and the General Secretariat in safeguarding the Gulf environment and promoting sustainable development for future generations. The 22nd meeting reflects the GCC's enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and regional collaboration in preserving the Gulf's rich biodiversity.
Saudi Gazette
12-05-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia joins Ramsar Convention to protect wetlands and biodiversity
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), has officially joined the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, marking a major milestone in its efforts to conserve environmental resources, natural habitats, and biodiversity while advancing environmental sustainability and supporting the national economy. The Kingdom's accession reflects the NCW's leadership in developing comprehensive plans for wetland protection, including support for scientific research, monitoring, and ecosystem conservation. The center is coordinating with national partners to implement the Convention's provisions across the country. By joining Ramsar, Saudi Arabia aims to identify and manage sites eligible for the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and ensure their effective stewardship in line with international standards. Wetlands are among the world's richest ecosystems, hosting around 40% of Earth's species and storing 30% of global carbon. They are vital for water, food, and medicine supply, energy production, climate regulation, agriculture, and ecotourism. They also serve as essential stopovers for migratory waterfowl crossing continents. Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW, said: 'Wetland conservation directly impacts ecological balance, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. Saudi Arabia's accession to the Ramsar Convention is a strategic step that contributes to enhancing environmental and economic benefits.' He reiterated the center's commitment to global best practices in wetland conservation and rehabilitation, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, is the world's oldest international environmental treaty. It provides a global framework for national and cross-border cooperation in the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. It covers various wetland types, including lakes, marshes, oases, estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, and artificial sites such as reservoirs and rice fields.
Arab News
12-04-2025
- General
- Arab News
Sindh Wildlife Department reports nearly 15% drop in migratory birds amid drying wetlands
KARACHI: The number of migratory birds arriving in the wetlands of Pakistan's Sindh province has declined by nearly 15% compared to last year, according to the Sindh Wildlife Department on Saturday, raising alarm among conservationists about the impact of water scarcity and climate change on critical habitats. A recently completed 'Annual Waterfowl Survey' for the 2024–25 season recorded 545,258 migratory waterbirds at 30 major wetland sites across the province. The data show a 14.68% drop from the previous year's count of 639,122 birds, with both surveys covering around 40% of Sindh's total wetland area. 'The apparent reason for the decline in migratory bird numbers is the decrease in water bodies, as these migratory waterfowl are associated with wetlands and the availability of natural food therein,' Javed Ahmed Mehar, Conservator at the Sindh Wildlife Department, told Arab News. 'We plan to conduct a detailed study with relevant stakeholders to determine the causes of this decline [with greater certainty],' he added. Wildlife photographer Shahbaz Alam, who has documented Sindh's lakes and marshlands extensively, also attributed the drop to drying wetlands. 'These birds spend their day in the water, searching for food, and then move toward greener areas,' he said. 'With Sindh facing severe water shortages and the drying of wetlands due to climate change, the habitat is simply vanishing.' Describing the situation as 'very alarming,' Alam said he had also noticed the decline over the years. 'Where we once saw thousands [of birds], we now see only hundreds,' he told Arab News. Pakistan has 19 wetlands designated as Ramsar sites under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty named after the Iranian city where it was adopted in 1971. The convention aims to conserve globally important wetlands and promote their sustainable use. Together, these Pakistani sites span 1.34 million hectares. More than half are located in Sindh, including Keenjhar Lake, Haleji Lake, the Indus Delta, Jubho Lagoon and the Rann of Kutch. These wetlands have long served as critical stopovers for migratory birds traveling along the Indus Flyway, an avian route from Siberia and Central Asia. Among the worst-hit areas this season was the Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, which witnessed drought-like conditions, while Nareri Lagoon in Badin hosted the largest number— 155,068 birds. According to Rasheed Ahmed Khan, who led the survey, the decline is directly related to the decrease in rainfall and the reduction of water bodies and wetlands. 'Due to a severe lack of rainfall last year, almost all dams in Tharparkar remained dry. If reduced rainfall continues due to climate change, there could be a significant decrease in the future,' he warned. The survey team, comprising experts from the Sindh Wildlife Department and Zoological Survey of Pakistan, recorded over 57 species of migratory waterfowl. These included prominent sightings of Common Teal, Northern Shoveler, Indian Spot-Billed Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose and Lesser Flamingo. Endangered species like the Great White Pelican were also documented, highlighting the region's ecological significance.
