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Mail & Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- Mail & Guardian
A fifth of world's wetlands may vanish by 2050, scientists warn
The destruction of wetlands affects water availability, biodiversity, climate stability and the wellbeing of all life, including people's livelihoods. Photo: File This is according to a This puts up to $39 trillion in ecosystem benefits at risk, more than any other ecosystem. The report found that since 1970, at least 400 million hectares of wetlands have been lost — that is 22% of the global total. And nearly a quarter of those that have survived are in a degraded state, a figure that is increasing. Degradation is now as pressing a concern as outright loss, the report said, warning that these losses significantly affect water availability, biodiversity, climate stability and human well-being. The report was launched before the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, which starts on Wednesday. Despite covering just 6% of the Earth's surface, wetlands provide ecosystem services that include clean water, food production, flood protection and carbon storage that total more than 7.5% of global GDP. They also support a disproportionately high share of livelihoods across sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture and tourism. Yet every year, 0.52% of wetlands are lost, undermining efforts to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. The report noted that these losses are unevenly distributed, with the highest rates occurring in low-income regions where wetlands are more ecologically critical and closely linked to local livelihoods, food systems and water supplies. National reports submitted under the Convention on Wetlands and global citizen science data confirm that the ecological condition of wetlands is deteriorating in most regions, particularly in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. But their situation is increasingly worsening in Europe and North America. The wetland types that have experienced the most significant historical declines include inland marshes, peatlands and lakes. Despite their immense value, wetlands continue to be lost or degraded at an alarming rate, 'threatening our collective future', wrote Musonda Mumba, secretary-general of the convention, in the report's foreword. 'The data presented in this outlook are sobering,' she said. 'Wetland degradation is widespread across all regions. Millions of hectares have been lost. Many freshwater species remain at risk.' The societal costs — from reduced access to clean water and increased vulnerability to disasters to rising emissions — are escalating. 'The economic value of the wetlands lost in the last 50 years exceeds $5.1 trillion, yet this figure does not fully reflect their intrinsic worth or cultural significance. While restoration is essential, prevention is more cost-effective. Once degraded, wetlands are expensive and difficult to restore,' Mumba noted. Cumulative pressures, including land-use change, pollution, agricultural expansion, hydrological disruption, invasive species and the effect of climate change — such as rising sea levels and drought — are driving these declines. 'These drivers are frequently interlinked, leading to nonlinear and difficult-to-reverse degradation processes,' the report said. National reports to COP15 showed that 74% of countries are undertaking wetland restoration to some extent, 66% have national targets in place, and more than 70% have identified priority sites. 'However, progress is uneven, and only a limited number of countries are implementing restoration at sufficient scale,' the report said. It detailed how vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society receive fewer of the benefits of wetlands than those with greater assets (such as property rights, financial capital and social status), but are also more dependent upon the goods and services provided by natural wetlands. 'Similarly, when wetlands are converted to other land uses, notably intensive agriculture or built infrastructure, ownership of the benefits tends to be held privately and by those with greater assets, while the cost of losing the wetland ecosystem services tends to fall on the disadvantaged … 'Additionally, disadvantaged groups tend to be more reliant upon regulating services provided by wetlands, such as flood protection and clean water, because they tend to live in more vulnerable areas and have less access to alternative (engineered) options.' Peatlands store more carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem yet many are degraded and now emit greenhouse gases rather than storing them. Coastal wetlands, such as mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes, sequester carbon rapidly, and buffer coastlines from rising sea levels and storms. Inland wetlands, such as rivers, lakes and marshes, regulate water flows to help prevent flooding and sustain water supplies during droughts. The report said that without urgent investment in these systems, climate goals will remain out of reach. Four pathways are outlined to reversing wetland loss and 'unlocking nature-positive investment'. These include integrating wetland value in decision-making; recognising wetlands as key to the global water cycle — for their role in storing, filtering, and regulating water; embedding wetlands in innovative financing mechanisms — including carbon markets, resilience bonds and blended finance; and mobilising public and private resources for wetland restoration. The report features a wide selection of case studies that demonstrate progress is possible — and prevention is cheaper than restoration, which can cost anywhere from $1 000 to $70 000 a hectare depending on the ecosystem. In Zambia's Kafue Flats, an A national case study from South Africa highlights the new automated wetland condition assessment methodology developed through the The innovative approach involves 'GIS automation and stakeholder validation to provide a scalable, cost-effective way of tracking wetland ecosystem conditions across the country', the report noted. Coenraad Krijger, the chief executive of Wetlands International, said in a statement that the report is a sobering read, but 'it does showcase pathways to a brighter future — if we all work together'.
Canada Standard
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Canada Standard
Access to Nature Shouldn't Be a Privilege
In Canadian politics, few ideas cut across party lines as cleanly as how much we love nature. Policies on protecting our environment-and opinions about what harms it-vary widely. But you can bet that any campaign ad, throne speech or holiday message is likely to include a reference to the Maple Leaf along with the Rocky Mountains, our prairies and forests, the Great Lakes, our coastlines or the High Arctic. Nature is used as a kind of shorthand for who we are and what we value, writes Mathieu Roy for Policy Options. But, he adds, when a new government puts that belief as a core item in its agenda, as Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals appear to have done, we must ask: What does it mean to say nature is central to Canadian identity and what would it take to translate that into reality? This is not just a philosophical question. It's a call to action. If we take the claim seriously-and we should-it carries at least three practical obligations: expanding access to nature for all Canadians, protecting more of the land that defines us, and building natural infrastructure, like parks and trails, to connect us to nature-and each other. Most Canadians agree that nature is part of who we are, as evidenced in a recent poll by EKOS, a public-opinion research firm. But for many, being able to enjoy nature daily is limited or out of reach. Urbanization, neighbourhoods with few parks, trails that can only be reached easily with a car and the rising cost of living make it harder for people to experience the physical and mental benefits of time spent outdoors. If nature is a core part of our identity, access to it shouldn't be a privilege. It should be a right. View our latest digests That means investing in public spaces that bring nature closer to where people live, including more green spaces, trails and community-led outdoor programming. Such funding is fundamental to fostering a deeper connection with nature, promoting belonging, improving health and supporting local culture. To protect nature-a pillar of the Liberal campaign platform in the April election-we need more than regulations. Under a global biodiversity framework agreed to in 2022 at the COP15 conference in Montreal, Canada has committed to increasing access to green spaces (forests, parks and agricultural land) and blue spaces (lakes, rivers and wetlands), especially in urban areas. It has also promised to integrate nature into how we live plan and build. This target recognizes that people need to care about nature to protect it and are more likely to do so when nature is a part of their everyday lives. No government can achieve this goal alone. Partnerships with Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations and local experts play an important role in supporting a connection to nature and making conservation a mainstream, dinner-table subject. We need to build natural infrastructure that reflects who we are and what we care about. Prioritizing the country's network of trails is a strong example. They support low-carbon transportation, protect green spaces, act as firebreaks during climate emergencies, provide corridors for wildlife and stimulate local economies. These aren't soft benefits. They are measurable returns on public investment and serve to anchor nature in our daily lives. The ecological benefits of the Trans Canada Trail are valued at an estimated $82 million annually. On top of that are the health benefits for the 2.6 million Canadian adults who use it, estimated to save $1.7 billion in health-care costs. Too often treated as an afterthought, this kind of infrastructure unites a country and reflects public values. It deserves centre stage in our national vision. National parks systems, trail networks or innovative public transportation routes all illustrate how shared infrastructure can transcend utility and become a source of collective pride. The Carney government has an opportunity to lead on this front by championing projects that not only connect Canadians but embody our shared values and reflect our deep connection to the land. Investing in the relationship between people and nature is one of the most powerful and unifying choices the new government can make if it wants to fulfil its promise to protect the environment, grow our economy and embrace our national identity. That means going beyond a mention of the Maple Leaf during question period. It means working to embed nature into the lives of Canadians through improved access, robust protection and sustainable development. This post originally appeared on Policy Options under a Creative Commons licence. Source: The Energy Mix
Canada News.Net
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Canada News.Net
Access to Nature Shouldn't Be a Privilege
In Canadian politics, few ideas cut across party lines as cleanly as how much we love nature. Policies on protecting our environment-and opinions about what harms it-vary widely. But you can bet that any campaign ad, throne speech or holiday message is likely to include a reference to the Maple Leaf along with the Rocky Mountains, our prairies and forests, the Great Lakes, our coastlines or the High Arctic. Nature is used as a kind of shorthand for who we are and what we value, writes Mathieu Roy for Policy Options. But, he adds, when a new government puts that belief as a core item in its agenda, as Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals appear to have done, we must ask: What does it mean to say nature is central to Canadian identity and what would it take to translate that into reality? This is not just a philosophical question. It's a call to action. If we take the claim seriously-and we should-it carries at least three practical obligations: expanding access to nature for all Canadians, protecting more of the land that defines us, and building natural infrastructure, like parks and trails, to connect us to nature-and each other. Most Canadians agree that nature is part of who we are, as evidenced in a recent poll by EKOS, a public-opinion research firm. But for many, being able to enjoy nature daily is limited or out of reach. Urbanization, neighbourhoods with few parks, trails that can only be reached easily with a car and the rising cost of living make it harder for people to experience the physical and mental benefits of time spent outdoors. If nature is a core part of our identity, access to it shouldn't be a privilege. It should be a right. That means investing in public spaces that bring nature closer to where people live, including more green spaces, trails and community-led outdoor programming. Such funding is fundamental to fostering a deeper connection with nature, promoting belonging, improving health and supporting local culture. To protect nature-a pillar of the Liberal campaign platform in the April election-we need more than regulations. Under a global biodiversity framework agreed to in 2022 at the COP15 conference in Montreal, Canada has committed to increasing access to green spaces (forests, parks and agricultural land) and blue spaces (lakes, rivers and wetlands), especially in urban areas. It has also promised to integrate nature into how we live plan and build. This target recognizes that people need to care about nature to protect it and are more likely to do so when nature is a part of their everyday lives. No government can achieve this goal alone. Partnerships with Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations and local experts play an important role in supporting a connection to nature and making conservation a mainstream, dinner-table subject. We need to build natural infrastructure that reflects who we are and what we care about. Prioritizing the country's network of trails is a strong example. They support low-carbon transportation, protect green spaces, act as firebreaks during climate emergencies, provide corridors for wildlife and stimulate local economies. These aren't soft benefits. They are measurable returns on public investment and serve to anchor nature in our daily lives. The ecological benefits of the Trans Canada Trail are valued at an estimated $82 million annually. On top of that are the health benefits for the 2.6 million Canadian adults who use it, estimated to save $1.7 billion in health-care costs. Too often treated as an afterthought, this kind of infrastructure unites a country and reflects public values. It deserves centre stage in our national vision. National parks systems, trail networks or innovative public transportation routes all illustrate how shared infrastructure can transcend utility and become a source of collective pride. The Carney government has an opportunity to lead on this front by championing projects that not only connect Canadians but embody our shared values and reflect our deep connection to the land. Investing in the relationship between people and nature is one of the most powerful and unifying choices the new government can make if it wants to fulfil its promise to protect the environment, grow our economy and embrace our national identity. That means going beyond a mention of the Maple Leaf during question period. It means working to embed nature into the lives of Canadians through improved access, robust protection and sustainable development.
Egypt Today
16-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt, Canada strengthen environmental cooperation with focus on green transition and climate action
File- Egyptian Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad - press photo CAIRO – 16 May 2025: Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad held a meeting with Canadian Ambassador to Egypt Louis Dumas and his accompanying delegation to discuss ongoing and future cooperation on environmental issues at both national and multilateral levels. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Raouf Saad, Advisor to the Minister on Multilateral Agreements, and Soha Taher, Head of the Central Administration for International Cooperation and Climate Change. Fouad praised the long-standing and distinguished environmental partnership between Egypt and Canada, highlighting Canada's early support in building Egypt's environmental capabilities, particularly in data management through the development of an environmental information system, which played a crucial role in understanding and addressing complex environmental challenges. The discussions covered collaborative efforts at the multilateral level, particularly during the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) held in Canada, where both countries worked together to establish a global biodiversity framework. The two sides praised the joint cooperation during the COP27 Climate Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh and COP28 in Dubai, where Egypt and Canada jointly led consultations on climate finance, resulting in an agreement to scale up climate funding. The minister presented Egypt's vision for green transformation, which centers on raising ambition, encouraging green investment, and engaging the private sector. She emphasized Egypt's aspiration to become a regional hub for green hydrogen and renewable energy, leveraging its significant natural capital and reaffirmed the state's commitment to inclusive green transition, supported by the government, civil society, and local communities alike. She also referenced presidential directives issued since 2018 to ensure active youth and women participation in environmental efforts, beyond mere awareness. Notable examples include small-scale waste management projects and the conservation of natural reserves, she said. The 'Eco Egypt' campaign was cited as a successful initiative promoting eco-tourism through youth and entrepreneur engagement. The minister elaborated on Egypt's policy approach to tackling plastic pollution, a pressing global and national challenge. She mentioned the Cabinet's approval of extended producer responsibility regulations for plastic bags under the Waste Management Law, alongside changes in production standards and the introduction of alternatives. A public awareness campaign on reducing single-use plastics is being prepared, in line with World Environment Day's theme of reducing plastic pollution, she said. The role of education in addressing environmental challenges was also a key topic. Fouad stressed the importance of integrating global environmental issues such as biodiversity and climate change into the national education system. Egypt has already incorporated these topics into school curricula and welcomed Canadian interest in developing technical education that includes environmental and sustainability components, she said. The Canadian ambassador commended the historical depth of Egyptian-Canadian relations and expressed Canada's intention to support Egypt's green transition. He highlighted areas of potential cooperation, including technical education aligned with environmental sustainability, smart agriculture, and research partnerships aimed at addressing environmental priorities.
Arab News
25-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Our environment is a treasure — and our legacy
As we mark Saudi Environment Week 2025 under the theme 'Our environment is a treasure,' I find myself reflecting not just on the beauty of the land and seascapes we are fortunate stewards of, but on the responsibility that comes with them. Not long ago, I stood shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues — our CEO John Pagano among them — knee-deep in the warm, shallow waters of the Red Sea coast, planting mangrove seedlings. It was not a photo opportunity. It was a hands-on reminder that the environmental commitments we speak about in boardrooms must be lived and felt on the ground. Watching each person, from senior leaders to team members, dig, plant, and share stories that day drove home an important truth: real change. At Red Sea Global, this spirit informs our approach to regenerative tourism. Rather than simply minimizing harm, we seek to leave these extraordinary places better than we found them — enhancing biodiversity, restoring habitats, and building resilience. The momentum behind nature-positive development is growing globally, and Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront. The World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts that the Kingdom will welcome more than 150 million visitors annually by 2030, with travel and tourism contributing more than 12 percent to national gross domestic product. In 2024, inbound tourism spending reached a record SR154 billion ($41 billion) — the highest in the Kingdom's history — according to the Saudi Tourism Authority. But the future of tourism cannot only be about visitor numbers. The UN has declared the 2020s the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, calling on all sectors to prioritize nature recovery. At the same time, landmark agreements such as the Global Biodiversity Framework at COP15, which commits nations to protecting 30 percent of land and sea territory by 2030, are redefining the minimum standard for responsible development. Most recently, Saudi Arabia hosted the UN Convention to Combat Desertification — COP16 — in Riyadh, where world leaders came together to address land degradation and drought resilience. The Kingdom's leadership helped catalyze more than $12 billion in pledges through the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, affirming that environmental stewardship is no longer a sideline issue — it is central to economic resilience, public health, and regional stability. Against this backdrop, regenerative tourism is fast becoming the global benchmark. Our flagship destination, The Red Sea, was master-planned with the help of the largest marine spatial planning simulation ever undertaken in the region. The outcome? A clear decision to limit development to just 22 of the region's more than 90 islands — leaving the vast majority of this pristine archipelago untouched. This approach reflects our commitment to safeguarding biodiversity, preserving fragile ecosystems, and ensuring that tourism development remains sustainable and low-impact for generations to come. We have also committed to achieving a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040, focusing on restoring critical habitats such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. Regeneration is not a project. It is a mindset. And it is one we are proud to champion — not because it is easy, but because it is essential. Raed Albasseet Our renewable energy program is already one of the largest of its kind globally for a tourism destination. More than 760,500 photovoltaic panels power our operations, supported by one of the world's largest off-grid battery storage systems. These are not pilot projects — they are part of the day-to-day reality across our resorts. Our work supports the ambitions of the Saudi Green Initiative, which pledges to plant 10 billion trees and protect 30 percent of Saudi Arabia's land and sea by 2030. But we believe this must go beyond policy commitments and become a lived experience for visitors and communities alike. That is why we have embedded regeneration into how we design experiences. Visitors can snorkel among healthy reefs, kayak through mangrove channels, and — like my colleagues and I did — participate directly in restoration activities, connecting personally with the landscapes they have come to admire. Regeneration is not a project. It is a mindset. And it is one we are proud to champion — not because it is easy, but because it is essential. With Saudi Arabia having hosted COP16, the first time this pivotal conference was held in the region, the spotlight was rightly placed on solutions that address desertification, land degradation, and drought resilience. These are the very issues we are working to address through regenerative tourism models that prioritize water-efficient landscaping, habitat rehabilitation, and climate adaptation. I am confident that the Kingdom's leadership at COP16 will serve as a catalyst for greater shared learning and international collaboration, because, while environmental challenges know no borders, neither should the solutions. When I planted those mangrove seedlings alongside my colleagues, I could not help but think about the long game. Mangroves take years to mature. Their full benefit to marine life, to coastal protection, to carbon sequestration, will be felt by those who come long after us. That, to me, is what regeneration is truly about. It is about decisions made today that will shape the experiences and opportunities of tomorrow. It is about choosing to be good ancestors. As the Kingdom's tourism sector continues to grow and welcome millions more visitors each year, we have a rare opportunity to not just meet global standards but redefine them. We can show the world that tourism can be an engine for restoration and demonstrate that the environment is a treasure to be cherished and passed on. I believe this is the legacy worth striving for. Real change can only be achieved through genuine collaboration, grounded humility, and purposeful action. • Raed Albasseet is group chief environment and sustainability officer at Red Sea Global.
