Latest news with #environmentalprotection
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Health
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Iraq Probes Fish Die-off in Southern Marshes
Iraqi authorities on Monday launched a probe into a mass die-off of fish in the southern marshlands, the latest in a string of such events in recent years. One possible cause for the localized die-off could be a shortage of oxygen sparked by low water flow, increased evaporation and rising temperatures fueled by climate change. Another possible reason could be chemicals used by fishermen to make it easier to catch their prey, local officials and activists told AFP. AFP images showed large quantities of silver fish floating in the marshlands of Ibn Najm near the southern city of Najaf. Buffaloes could be seen surrounded by dead fish, trying to cool themselves off in the water. "We have received several citizens' complaints," said chief environmental officer in Najaf, Jamal Abd Zeid, adding that a technical inspection team had been set up. An AFP photographer at the site saw a team of civil servants collecting water from the marshland. Among the issues the team was tasked with probing, Abd Zeid said, were a shortage of water, electrical fishing and the use by fishermen of "poisons". For at least five years, Iraq has been hit by successive droughts fueled by climate change. Authorities also blame the construction of dams by neighboring Iran and Türkiye for the drastic drop in flow in Iraq's rivers. The destruction of Iraq's natural environment is only the latest layer of suffering imposed on a country that has endured decades of war and political oppression. "We need lab tests to determine the exact cause" of the fish die-off, said environmental activist Jassim al-Assadi. A lack of oxygen caused by low water flow, heat, evaporation and wind were all possible reasons, he said. He said agricultural pesticides could also have led to the mass die-off. Probes into other similar events showed the use of poison in fishing led to mass deaths. "It is dangerous for public health, as well as for the food chain," Assadi said. "Using poison today, then again in a month or two... It's going to accumulate."
Al Arabiya
2 days ago
- Health
- Al Arabiya
Iraq probes mass die-off of fish in southern marshlands
Iraqi authorities on Monday launched a probe into a mass die-off of fish in the southern marshlands, the latest in a string of such events in recent years. One possible cause for the localized die-off could be a shortage of oxygen sparked by low water flow, increased evaporation and rising temperatures fueled by climate change. Another possible reason could be chemicals used by fishermen to make it easier to catch their prey, local officials and activists told AFP. AFP images showed large quantities of silver fish floating in the marshlands of Ibn Najm near the southern city of Najaf. Buffaloes could be seen surrounded by dead fish, trying to cool themselves off in the water. 'We have received several citizens' complaints,' said chief environmental officer in Najaf, Jamal Abd Zeid, adding that a technical inspection team had been set up. An AFP photographer at the site saw a team of civil servants collecting water from the marshland. Among the issues the team was tasked with probing, Abd Zeid said, were a shortage of water, electrical fishing and the use by fishermen of 'poisons.' For at least five years, Iraq has been hit by successive droughts fueled by climate change. Authorities also blame the construction of dams by neighboring Iran and Turkey for the drastic drop in flow in Iraq's rivers. The destruction of Iraq's natural environment is only the latest layer of suffering imposed on a country that has endured decades of war and political oppression. 'We need lab tests to determine the exact cause' of the fish die-off, said environmental activist Jassim al-Assadi. A lack of oxygen caused by low water flow, heat, evaporation and wind were all possible reasons, he said. He said agricultural pesticides could also have led to the mass die-off. Probes into other similar events showed the use of poison in fishing led to mass deaths. 'It is dangerous for public health, as well as for the food chain,' Assadi said. 'Using poison today, then again in a month or two... It's going to accumulate.'
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Panama says First Quantum copper mine maintenance plan is not a restart
PANAMA CITY, May 30 (Reuters) - Panama has approved First Quantum Minerals' maintenance plan for its closed copper mine in the country, but not a re-start of the site, a top trade official said on Friday. Trade and Industry Minister Julio Molto said the plan included environmental safety measures that were necessary following the abrupt shut-down by government order under the prior administration in late 2023. "The mine is not being reopened. We're authorizing the implementation of the care and safe management plan to ensure it is environmentally protected," Molto told a press conference. He said First Quantum ( opens new tab would carry out the plan, but did not specify the cost or how long it was expected to take. Molto noted that government officials working with the Environment Ministry would monitor the process, aiming to ensure that stockpiled copper could eventually be shipped. He said that experts estimate that process could take three to six months, accounting for environmental measures. "Supervision will be carried out to ensure that this material can be extracted and processed in the best possible way so that it can then be exported," Molto said. Canadian First Quantum in March said it would suspend arbitration proceedings over the mine, aiming to restart talks with the Panama government over the future of the site. The closure of the Cobre Panama mine, which had contributed 1% to global copper production, has impacted both Panama's and the company's financial prospects.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
North Atlantic right whale found entangled in St. Lawrence estuary
Fisheries and Oceans Canada says an entangled North Atlantic right whale has been spotted on the north shore of the St. Lawrence estuary.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Oman national strategy to tackle hazardous chemicals unveiled
Muscat – A national strategy was launched on Wednesday to ensure safe and integrated management of hazardous chemicals, marking a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals under Oman Vision 2040. The strategy was unveiled at an international workshop – Safe Management of Hazardous Chemicals – held in Muscat organised by Environment Authority (EA) in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme and Global Environment Facility. The two-day event was inaugurated by Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. 'The national strategy aims to promote the sound management of chemicals at all stages by effectively utilising global practices, the results of studies and research, and supporting the efforts of the international community to control the circulation of chemicals,' said Mohammed bin Majid al Kasbi, Director of Chemicals and Waste Management Department at EA. He said the strategy is designed to balance economic growth, social welfare and environmental protection – the three pillars of sustainable development. The strategy outlines a framework for managing chemicals throughout their lifecycle, from production and handling to transport, storage, processing and disposal. It also addresses environmental and health risks associated with pollution and emissions to protect both people and ecosystems. Beyond regulation, the strategy focuses on building national capacity, enhancing emergency preparedness and strengthening international cooperation. It calls for a unified chemical management system backed by clear policies, legal instruments and enforcement mechanisms. The workshop has brought together experts from various sectors to explore chemical safety as a core component of environmental sustainability. A total of 18 working papers will be presented, covering areas such as mercury management, hazardous waste treatment technologies, the link between plastics and persistent organic pollutants, and the role of customs in monitoring chemical imports. Participants will also review emergency response protocols and the environmental impact of mercury use in agriculture. Dr Mohammed bin Saif al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Affairs at EA, said the event aligns with ongoing efforts to foster collaboration among public and private sectors and international partners. 'This workshop complements the efforts of the authority in promoting and developing the sound management of hazardous chemicals through the exchange of expertise between relevant entities in the public and private sectors, as well as the international community, to preserve human health and the environment,' Kalbani said. He added that the sultanate has launched the Comprehensive Initial Assessment Report on Mercury and its Compounds in Oman after joining the Minamata Convention, a global agreement to reduce mercury pollution. The report tracks mercury across its lifecycle and helps the country meet international obligations. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
