The Amazon basin—with its vast rainforests and river systems—is the most bio-diverse place on earth and, not surprisingly, a region rich in discovery. Newly described plant and animal species are a frequent occurrence. The recent video documentation of a newly discovered fish migration is a much rarer event and particularly noteworthy this weekend as we celebrate World Fish … [Read more...]
Save the oceans, feed the world
What's a marine biologist doing talking about world hunger? Well, says Jackie Savitz, fixing the world's oceans might just help to feed the planet's billion hungriest people. In an eye-opening talk, Savitz tells us what’s really going on in our global fisheries right now — it’s not good — and offers smart suggestions of how we can help them heal, while making more food for … [Read more...]
Handwoven dew collecting tower aims to ease Africa’s water crisis
There are many places around the world where finding clean drinking water is a time-consuming and even dangerous daily task, with women and children walking for miles at a stretch to bring back what they can find - and often, it's water that's been contaminated by human and animal waste. Helping local people gain access to clean and abundant water Inspired by a native … [Read more...]
Happy Earth Day All!
I fight not for the saving of the planet, for She did not elect me, I fight not to save Humankind, for they chose me not; I fight, in the process of self-induced human global suicide, On behalf of those innocents who suffer in the process... While one child goes hungry, while one sister cannot walk safely, while one person is homeless, while a single animal dies in the … [Read more...]
No whale meat shipment allowed in Durban port
This week the cargo ship Alma, carrying 2,000 tons of endangered fin whale meat from Iceland, has decided not to enter the South African port of Durban. The ship was en route to Japan to deliver its condemnable cargo in Tokyo and wanted to resupply halfway. It would have met public outrage. In three days over 21,000 South Africans joined Greenpeace in its request to the … [Read more...]
Japan to stop killing whales says international court
Japan has cancelled its annual Antarctic whaling hunt for the first time in more than a quarter of a century, in line with a UN court ruling that the program was a commercial activity disguised as science. Tokyo said it would honour Monday's judgement by the international court of justice (ICJ) in The Hague, but did not exclude the possibility of future whaling … [Read more...]
City cancels Princess Vlei shopping centre project
The City of Cape Town has listened to the community and decided that the proposal for a shopping centre on the Princess Vlei land is inappropriate and will cancel the project. As an inclusive city, we urge residents to work with us to develop an alternative vision for this land. The City of Cape Town has decided to cancel the proposed sale of a portion of the land at … [Read more...]
Yes to the Princess, No to the Mall
Imagine a people’s park where we can come together to picnic, enjoy nature, be creative and listen to great music? Help us make this happen at Princess Vlei. Come and enjoy: Spectacular live bands including the internationally acclaimed John Wizards and Isongo Livingstone High Jazz Band and our favourite DJ, Rozzano Great food on sale, or bring your own Pony rides … [Read more...]
Arctic thaw is spreading wildlife diseases
In recent years, the Arctic has been warming at an unexpected rate — faster than anywhere else on the planet. This has boosted the melting of ice on land and covering much of the Arctic Ocean. The extra melt water has begun eroding natural barriers that once separated parasites from potential hosts, new data show. The result: Animals are becoming infected with new … [Read more...]
Celebrating World Wetlands Day in KZN
On 2 February, The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, led South Africa’s World Wetlands Day celebrations at the Mbongolwane Sports Field, Eshowe, in KwaZulu-Natal. The Deputy Minister was joined by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, Dr BM Radebe; Executive Mayor of Uthungulu, Thembeka Mchunu; and … [Read more...]
Tourism industry urged to raise awareness
World Wetlands Day on 2 February marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in Ramsar, Iran. The aim of the convention is to protect the World’s highly sensitive and declining natural wetlands and to raise awareness of the importance and value of wetlands to people around the globe. The Convention has been signed by almost all national governments … [Read more...]
ANC mayor sacked over Brits water crises
The African National Congress (ANC) mayor of the North West province’s Madibeng municipality has been axed following violent service delivery protests last week over a water shortage in Mothutlung township, during which four people died in clashes with police. The seat of the municipality is Brits, a town in the country’s platinum belt, where a crippling strike by members of … [Read more...]
Molewa responds to SA water crisis investigation
Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa has responded to an Eyewitness News investigation into the state of South Africa’s water crisis. Speaking to 702 Talk Radio’s John Robbie, Molewa says government has adequate resources and will continue supplying communities with water. She says maintaining existing infrastructure is key. “Most of them are things we … [Read more...]
