Latest news with #environmentalconservation
Arab News
18 hours ago
- General
- Arab News
Over 151m trees planted under Saudi Green Initiative
RIYADH: More than 151 million trees have been planted and 500,000 hectares of land rehabilitated under the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion in total, the Kingdom's environment minister said on Wednesday. The Kingdom has made significant progress under the National Environment Strategy, en-route to achieving Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals in conservation, water sustainability and food security, said Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadley. During a press briefing, Al-Fadley also announced the establishment of five specialized environmental centers, including the Middle East's first Regional Center for Climate Change Studies and the world's fourth Regional Center for Sand and Dust Storms. 'The Kingdom has (also) established an environmental fund that is the largest of its kind in the region, reflecting a serious commitment to supporting environmental initiatives,' the minister added. Protected terrestrial areas went from covering 4.5 percent of the Kingdom's territory to 18.1 percent, and the number of national parks has increased from 18 to 500. Since the establishment of the National Center for Environmental Compliance in 2020, more than 40,000 permits have been issued, an increase of 660 percent. Over 8,000 endangered species have been reintroduced into their natural marine habitats since 2016 as protected zones have grown by 260 percent. Monitoring services have expanded in all sectors across the Kingdom. There are now 240 air-quality monitoring stations, a new marine program to detect and respond to oil spills, and advanced meteorological sensing and prediction systems. 'We conducted 711 cloud‑seeding flights across regions and increased strategic (water) storage capacity by 600 percent,' increasing rainfall by 6.4 million cubic meters to encourage vegetation and nourish water resources, he said. New developments have been made in city-level waste management as well, with 21 strategic management plans, and the identification of 330 investment opportunities worth SR450 billion ($119.9 billion). A number of grants, incentives and environmental funds have been created to support academic collaboration and private sector innovation on mechanisms to divert 90 percent of waste from landfills by 2040. Al-Fadley also confirmed that water projects worth over SR230 billion have been completed, which includes public and private sector investments for infrastructure and reuse systems. 'Saudi Arabia was chosen by the UN Water Committee as a global model for water sustainability,' he said. The minister announced that the Kingdom was building 1,000 rainwater-harvesting dams with an annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. The Kingdom is the world's top producer of desalinated water with production capacity reaching 16.6 million cubic meters per day in late 2024, an increase of nearly 100 percent compared to 2016. And strategic water storage capacity has jumped to 600 percent, with most cities having an average supply coverage of three days rather than one. In addition to being a large producer, Saudi Arabia also delivers water to 22,000 population centers through an 18,000-km pipeline network. Reused water now makes up 32 percent of total usage. The National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation saves 120,000 cubic meters of water daily, with plans to increase it to 300,000, the minister added. Over 65 percent of those working in the water sector are citizens, and Saudi Arabia engineers make up 97 percent of engineering roles, marking an emphasis on self-reliance. The minister said 25 public–private partnership agreements were signed involving SR100 billion in investments. Energy reduction is also a big focus for the country. Since 2016, the amount of electricity consumed has been cut by half. The agricultural sector now makes up SR118 billion of the nation's gross domestic product, an 8 percent increase from the previous year, and food production increased to 12 million tonnes. Al-Fadley said a major economic and cultural achievement was that the Kingdom was now the world's top date exporter, completely self-sufficient in date production and distribution, as well as in milk and eggs. For key vegetables self-sufficiency was between 70 to 100 percent, and poultry and seafood exports were growing, he added.
Globe and Mail
19 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Oroco Deepens its ESG Commitments to the Santo Tomás Region
VANCOUVER, Canada, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oroco Resource Corp. (TSX-V: OCO; OTC: ORRCF) ('Oroco' or 'the Company') is pleased to announce it has signed a cooperation agreement with Sembrando Vida ('Sowing Life'), a flagship environmental and social program of the Government of Mexico. This joint effort is intended to strengthen environmental conservation and community development in the municipality of Choix, Sinaloa, where Oroco's Santo Tomás Project is located. Oroco and Sembrando Vida will work together to restore degraded land, promote sustainable agriculture, and contribute to regional ecological regeneration. Sembrando Vida is a federally funded program that supports smallholder farmers through agroforestry systems, reforestation, and rural development. With a focus on restoring ecosystems and reducing rural poverty, the program has helped thousands of communities across Mexico establish sustainable livelihoods while improving soil and forest health. 'This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to sustainable development and environmental integrity within our local communities,' said Craig Dalziel, Chairman of Oroco. 'We're proud to support a program that not only aligns with our ESG values but also strengthens our ties with the communities that surround Santo Tomás, as well as providing further evidence of our confidence in the future of the Santo Tomás Project. Together with Sembrando Vida, we can build an approach to local development that is as regenerative as it is responsible.' Through this collaboration, Oroco will provide material, logistical, and advisory support for local initiatives, including native tree planting, land recovery, and training for program participants. The agreement underscores growing alignment between public-sector environmental priorities and Oroco's operational philosophy. In addition to our existing community engagement efforts, this initiative reflects Oroco's broader ESG strategy as the Company undertakes its next phase of technical studies at Santo Tomás. For more information, visit: Contact: Craig Dalziel, Executive Chairman info@ 604-688-6200 ABOUT SEMBRANDO VIDA (Sowing Life) Sembrando Vida is a federal program of the Government of Mexico aimed at ecological restoration and rural development. Operated by the Ministry of Welfare, the program promotes agroforestry systems and sustainable farming to regenerate degraded lands, reduce poverty, and foster self-sufficiency among small-scale producers. More than 450,000 participants across the country are replanting forests and cultivating productive plots under this initiative. ABOUT OROCO The Company holds a net 85.5% interest in those central concessions that comprise 1,173 hectares 'the Core Concessions' of The Santo Tomaá Project, located in northwestern Mexico. The Company also holds an 80% interest in an additional 7,861 hectares of mineral concessions surrounding and adjacent to the Core Concessions (for a total Project area of 9,034 hectares, or 22,324 acres). The Project is situated within the Santo Tomás District, which extends up to the Jinchuan Group's Bahuerachi Project, approximately 14 km to the northeast. The Project hosts significant copper porphyry mineralization initially defined by prior exploration spanning the period from 1968 to 1994. During that time, the Project area was tested by over 100 diamond and reverse circulation drill holes, totaling approximately 30,000 meters. Commencing in 2021, Oroco conducted a drill program (Phase 1) at Santo Tomás, with a resulting total of 48,481 meters drilled in 76 diamond drill holes. The drilling and subsequent resource estimates and engineering studies led to a revised MRE and an updated PEA being published and filed in August of 2024, which studies are available at the Company's website and by reviewing the Company profile on SEDAR+ at The Santo Tomás Project is located within 170 km of the Pacific deep-water port at Topolobampo and is serviced via highway and proximal rail (and parallel corridors of trunk grid power lines and natural gas) through the city of Los Mochis to the northern city of Choix. The property is reached, in part, by a 32 km access road originally built to service Goldcorp's El Sauzal Mine in Chihuahua State. Additional information about Oroco can be found on its website and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at For more information, please contact: Craig Dalziel, Executive Chairman Oroco Resource Corp. Tel: 604-688-6200 Email: info@ Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain 'forward-looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' (collectively 'forward-looking statements') within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to future events or achievements of the Company, and the use of funds from the Offering, are forward-looking statements. There is no assurance that the proceeds of the Offering will be expended as contemplated. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these matters. Oroco does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements should they change, except as required by law.
Times
20-07-2025
- General
- Times
Guides invent 72 new ‘empowering' badges that reflect their lives
In September 1909 a group of young women from Peckham Rye gatecrashed a Scout rally demanding 'something for the girls' — and thus the Girl Guides was born. In the century since then, however, what that 'something' entails has shifted continually in order to reflect women's changing role in society. No more are girls awarded badges for hosting and cleaning; now they can earn badges for interior design, environmental conservation and thrifting, which are among 72 new activities unveiled as part of the organisation's drive to remain relevant to the lives of girls growing up in the 2020s and help them to feel 'empowered'. The new additions are all 'interest badges', which aim to develop hobbies rather than attain specific skills, and may be completed individually at home.
Zawya
04-07-2025
- General
- Zawya
Eritrea: Students' Summer Work Program at National Level
Mr. Fitwi Woldegergis, Director of the Students' Summer Work Program, indicated that the program is set to be conducted from 7 July to 16 August at the national level. In this 27th round of the program, about 30,000 students—including 41% female students—along with around 1,000 teachers, medical, and agricultural experts, will participate from 150 centers. Mr. Fitwi further indicated that 95% of the participants will engage in water and soil conservation activities, afforestation, preparation of holes for tree planting, road renovation, construction of terraces, and environmental sanitation at schools and surrounding areas. The remaining 5% will participate in road traffic safety and documentation work in Asmara, Keren, and Mendefera. According to the program plan, about 1.3 million tree seedlings will be planted, 1,100 km of terraces and over 41,000 cubic meters of water catchment schemes in arable lands will be constructed, and 630 km of terraces along with about 24,000 cubic meters of water catchment schemes will be renovated. Due to climate conditions, the program in the Northern and Southern Red Sea Regions commenced in the first week of June. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
Herd Of 100 Elephants Migrate To Beverly Hills In Cross-Country Journey
Herd Of 100 Elephants Migrate To Beverly Hills In Cross-Country Journey originally appeared on L.A. Mag. The Great Elephant Migration is an international art and fundraising exhibit, shedding light on Indigenous knowledge and highlighting the coexistence of people and elephants living in the densest populations of the world, as well as the importance of environmental conservation. With 100 handmade and lifesize elephant sculptures sustainably crafted from the invasive Lantana camara plant, these pieces were designed by The Real Elephant Collective, an organization consisting of over 200 Indigenous artists from the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Each elephant sculpture is modeled after a living wild elephant coexisting alongside the artisans. Behind each life-sized figure, a real elephant's name and personality are by indigenous artists, cultural institutions, and wildlife conservationists, this mobile exhibit journeyed across the country, touring spots in Newport, Rhode Island, The Meatpacking District of New York City, Miami Beach, Florida, Houston, Texas, Blackfeet Nation, Montana, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the deserts of Utah, Nevada, and California—these handcrafted sculptures are currently settled in Beverly Hills Garden Park along Santa Monica Boulevard, spanning four blocks from Rodeo Drive to Rexford Drive, and will be available for public view through August 1st of this year. From June 17th to the 26th, these elephants have stayed busy throughout the last leg of their long journey. From Blackfeet Nation, Jackson Hole, to West Yellowstone, these sculptures made their way to Salt Lake City, Zion National Park, Las Vegas, and Joshua Tree before arriving in Los Angeles. The elephants and their trucks were decked out in style; Indian lorry art, streamers, garlands, and textiles—among other embellishments—added vibrant color and a celebratory atmosphere to the ending of this country-wide trek. Along the way, notable appearances included remarks from Democratic Minority Leader Angela Romero, as well as drumming performances from the Ute Tribe, a presentation of the Key to the Las Vegas Strip by Clark County Commission Chair Tick Segerblom, and a motorized escort from The Litas, a global women's riding collective. The elephant convoy also stopped by the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills, which is undergoing its final stages of construction and will be the largest wildlife bridge in the a celebration was held on June 27th to mark the finish line of these elephants' journey. At the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, ceremonial blankets were draped on these figures, displaying a global textile collection—fittingly named "Wrapped In History"—carefully put together by Vikram Goyal, a New Delhi-based designer. From South Asian to Indigenous North American designs, this exhibit features 70 custom blankets from artisans preserving the craft of diasporic textile tradition worldwide. Ultimately, the profits from the auctioned blankets as well as the elephants themselves will fuel the goal of The Great Elephant Migration: to foster a connection between humans and the natural world. August 1st will mark the end of this elephant installation and the "Wrapped In History" textile exhibit, with an event called "Kiss Them Goodbye." This final farewell and last appeal for endangered wildlife conservation will conclude the country-wide expedition, but not without leaving a lasting impact on each area this unforgettable elephant convoy visited. As Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian stated, 'The Great Elephant Migration is more than an art installation, it's a powerful sign of unity, connecting us to the stories of wildlife and reminding us of our joint responsibility to protect our planet and wildlife. We're proud to host this meaningful exhibition that illuminates our city's values of environmental stewardship, cultural appreciation, and community connection. It will bring wonder, awareness, and a sense of meaning to our city."No doubt this sentiment resounds throughout all areas this Great Elephant Migration toured, leaving behind an excitement and enthusiasm for the ways in which wildlife and humanity can peacefully coincide. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
