Latest news with #green spaces
Times of Oman
18 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Duqm expands its green spaces with integrated afforestation plans
Duqm: Between 2015 and mid-2025, the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) implemented comprehensive afforestation and green space expansion plans, marking a qualitative leap in the environmental and aesthetic landscape. These efforts have transformed the city into a more livable, work-friendly, and investment-attractive environment, despite its desert nature and arid climate. In the preparatory phase (2015–2021), 3,414 trees were planted, along with 24,760 square meters of green spaces. Modern irrigation systems were installed in several plantation sites, in addition to projects connecting these sites to treated wastewater networks. This enabled the reuse of treated water, reduced fresh water consumption, and lowered operating costs. Works included greening main streets such as Sultan Said bin Taimur Street, Sai Street, and the Tourist Street. The first phase (2021–2025) witnessed major expansion, with 8,398 trees planted and 24,144 square meters of green spaces developed, all equipped with modern irrigation systems. Duqm's first agricultural nursery was also established on a 5,000-square-meter site to produce thousands of seedlings annually, supporting afforestation projects, replacing affected trees, and encouraging green initiatives. Projects covered key sites such as Sultan Qaboos bin Said Street, Airport Street, the commercial district park in Sai, and the beach park in the tourism zone. As a result, a total of 11,812 trees and nearly 48,904 square metres of green spaces have been planted during the two phases, with an implementation cost of around OMR4.4 million. Eng. Ibrahim bin Zahir Al-Rawahi, Head of the Landscaping and Gardens Department at SEZAD, stated that these efforts are part of a comprehensive vision to expand green spaces and enhance the quality of life in Duqm. The initiative aims to improve the local climate, reduce the impact of sand-laden winds, provide a natural recreational outlet for residents, visitors, and investors, and promote environmental sustainability by using treated wastewater for irrigation. He noted that the next phase will see larger-scale greening projects and the connection of additional sites to sustainable irrigation systems, reinforcing Duqm's status as a modern, fully serviced city with an attractive living and investment environment. He emphasized that expanding green spaces not only improves the local environment but also enhances Duqm's appeal as a promising tourism and investment destination. Parks and landscaped areas offer safe and comfortable environments for family activities and community events, while supporting the tourism and hospitality projects emerging in the area—demonstrating the integration of urban planning with environmental sustainability.
Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Times
Don't panic, allotment owners urged after claim plots will be sold
Owners of allotments should not panic about their land being sold off, Britain's national body for the plots has said, after Jeremy Corbyn criticised Angela Rayner for allowing councils to sell them off for housebuilding. The former Labour leader said the deputy prime minister was hammering a 'nail in the coffin' of community allotments after she approved the sale of eight of them across England in the past year. But a spokesman for the National Allotment Society (NAS) said 'don't panic and continue allotmenteering', adding that no laws had changed since Labour came to power. Sir James Cleverly, the shadow housing secretary, told The Daily Telegraph that Rayner was 'giving the green light for councils to sell off allotments' and displayed a 'complete disdain for protecting valued green spaces'.
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Cleaner air, higher property value: DPM Fadillah highlights urban biodiversity's payoff for communities
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 — Investment in urban biodiversity can yield not only economic returns but also contribute to environmental sustainability and the social well-being of communities, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He said that adopting a sustainable approach to urban development can help create a greener, cleaner environment, thereby enhancing residents' quality of life while also attracting investors and tourists. 'When we move towards urban biodiversity, we consider various aspects, including the economic perspective. Our investment isn't solely for financial returns, but also for the benefits it brings to the environment. 'Ultimately, the benefits are returned to the people living there, as it will result in cleaner air,' he told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Urban Biodiversity Conference (UBC) 2025 at the Sime Darby Convention Centre here yesterday. Fadillah said that the development of more green spaces and recreational parks in urban areas has the potential to enhance the social well-being of residents, in line with the goals of sustainable development. The Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, graced the conference, which began at 10am. Meanwhile, Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, noted that property values could also rise when developments are environmentally friendly and incorporate biodiversity considerations in urban planning. 'Return on investment will improve, as people are more likely to buy. Not just houses, but homes — real places to live, where the environment is cleaner and greener. 'A better environment will undoubtedly yield higher returns, as people are willing to pay a premium for spaces that are more environmentally friendly, user-friendly, and occupant-friendly,' he added. The Urban Biodiversity Conference (UBC) 2025, themed 'Coexistence: Shared Environments for Balance and Resilience', is organised by Sime Darby Property. The conference aims to promote the integration of biodiversity into urban planning through cross-sector collaboration, while reinforcing the commitment to sustainable development and enhancing community well-being. Earlier, Fadillah witnessed the signing ceremony of the five-year partnership on Urban Biodiversity Agreement between Sime Darby Property Berhad and the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC), aimed at strengthening efforts to conserve urban biodiversity in Bandar Elmina. Sime Darby Property was represented by its chief operating officer — Township Development Appollo Leong, while TRCRC was represented by its executive director Dr Dzaeman Dzulkifli. The strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment by both parties to adopt an ecologically-based approach to urban development, aligning with the nation's environmental priorities and global biodiversity targets. — Bernama
Telegraph
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Jeremy Corbyn is right to stick up for Britain's allotment holders
SIR – A sentence I never thought I would write is: 'I agree with Jeremy Corbyn.' He's correct, though (' Corbyn goes to war with Rayner over allotment sell-off ', report, August 5). Allotments are hugely important, especially in cities. Even where I live – an area of farms and rolling countryside – they matter enormously to their tenants, keeping many a soul sane and probably preserving many a marriage. Keith Sumner Derby SIR – At a time when we are so concerned about mental wellbeing and the problem of obesity, it is surely crazy for councils to sell off allotments and school playing fields. These should be made into protected places, and developers should look elsewhere. Mr Corbyn is right: once these recreational spaces are lost, they will never return. Dorothy Woolliscroft Attleborough, Norfolk SIR – Angela Rayner's desire to build over our green spaces appears to know no bounds. Allotments are community places, where those who are not lucky enough to own a garden can grow vegetables and enjoy the camaraderie. I am fortunate to have a garden in which to grow my vegetables, but firmly believe that others should have the right to potter around in an allotment. If Jeremy Corbyn starts a petition against these sell-offs, I will sign. Trina Golland Hatfield, Hertfordshire SIR – I suspect I'm not alone in agreeing with Jeremy Corbyn for the first time in my life about the need to fight against the selling off of allotments. We had an allotment when we lived in a flat. We enjoyed the vegetables we grew, which were organic, as well as being much fresher, tastier and cheaper than shop-bought alternatives. The exercise and friendships that came with allotmenting were also very beneficial. Graham Ashen Horsham, West Sussex SIR – I hope Mr Corbyn's excellent article on the selling of allotments is read by the councils concerned. The Inclosure Acts of the 18th and 19th centuries were indeed shameful. In ancient Rome the latifundia did a similar thing. The wealthy and powerful took land and destabilised the rural economy. Houses are needed, but they should not come at allotments' expense. Christine Cutler Aldeburgh, Suffolk SIR – Mr Corbyn talks of the joys of harvesting potatoes on a cold Sunday in February. I plant mine by Easter and harvest by October. If his are left in the ground over winter he can expect significant frost damage. David Hutchinson Nutley, East Sussex
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Four East Devon parks recognised among the best in the UK
Four parks have been recognised for their outstanding quality. Connaught Gardens and Peak Hill Slope in Sidmouth, Manor Gardens in Exmouth, Seafield Gardens in Seaton, and Seaton Wetlands have each received the Green Flag Award for 2025, marking them among the UK's best green spaces. The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. Councillor Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council's (EDDC) portfolio holder for environment, said: "Thank you to every single person involved, from staff to volunteers, for keeping these spaces beautiful, accessible and thriving. "We're proud to see four Green Flag Awards again this year and hope to grow this number in the future." The awards reflect the hard work of EDDC's Streetscene and Countryside teams, as well as volunteers who help keep the sites welcoming and well-maintained. In Exmouth, the Friends of Manor Gardens work with Streetscene staff to maintain the gardens' colourful displays. Green Flag judges were impressed by the horticultural standard and team commitment. In Seaton, a Kew Gardens-trained volunteer has helped improve sustainable planting and wildflower areas at Seafield Gardens. In Sidmouth, Streetscene staff and Sidmouth in Bloom volunteers have been praised for keeping Connaught Gardens attractive despite rain, sea air, and poor soil. Seaton Wetlands, managed by EDDC's Countryside team, welcomed more than 100,000 visitors last year, including 52 school and educational groups. The site's artificial sand martin wall successfully supported breeding birds for a second year, with several raising two broods. The Green Flag Award sets the standard for well-managed parks and green spaces across the UK and internationally. It is awarded under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
