Earlier this year, Sea Shepherd journeyed into Antarctica, unveiling the horrific reality of industrial krill fisheries. As 2024 looms, they are gearing up to return, more committed than ever to safeguard this fragile ecosystem. In February 2023, Sea Shepherd's vessel, the Allankay, sailed into the frigid waters of the Antarctic to renew their commitment to protect the … [Read more...]
Norway opening Arctic waters to deep sea mining
Against massive protest from activists, scientists, fisheries and the international community, the Norwegian government is moving forward with the planned opening of Arctic waters to deep sea mining. Frode Pleym, Head of Greenpeace Norway, said: “This is a disaster for the ocean, and shameful for Norway. The Norwegian government is not only ignoring hundreds of concerned … [Read more...]
Progressive new alliance seeks personhood status for Antarctica
At COP28 the working group is campaigning for the recognition of the region's fundamental legal rights. This is an international team of 25 experts moving to safeguard Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The progressive new initiative was formally introduced in conjunction with the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, during the event “A Global Movement Advancing … [Read more...]
School NPO unveils innovative ablution project
In recognition of World Toilet Day, Save Our Schools Non Profit Organisation (SOS NPO) announced the launch of a ground-breaking ablution project that aims to address critical water, sanitation, and hygiene barriers in the community of Bloekombos, Kraaifontein. This transformative initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of SOS NPO, Esor Construction, … [Read more...]
Releasing our seafood to save our sea life
World Fisheries Day is celebrated every year on 21 November throughout the globe. While fishing communities and aquatic consumers salute their delight for maritime produce; climate and plant-based advocates highlight the vital importance of preserving our sea life and environments. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, 90 percent of the global fish … [Read more...]
SA doesn’t need expensive nuclear power
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) says the mini pebble-bed modular reactors (PBMR) have been under development and not come into operation for decades. The previous PBMR programme was abandoned in 2010 due to ballooning costs of around R10bn. The multi-faith organisation says that independent policy analysts and finance institutions agree … [Read more...]
The Ocean: Nature’s Wellbeing Therapy
The ocean, with its rhythmic ebb and flow, has a profound impact on human well-being and can be incredibly healing. The frequency of the ocean, in the form of its waves, sounds, and even the negative ions it releases, offers numerous benefits to our physical and mental health. Let’s explore how the frequency of the ocean contributes to healing and boosts overall … [Read more...]
Civil society remains resolved to oppose offshore oil and gas
In response to the Draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (DESIA) for TEEPSA’s proposed offshore production right and environmental authorisation applications for Block 11B/12B (22 September 2023), the organisations point out that, since certain aspects of the project has been excluded, not all the potential negative impacts have been accounted for or considered in … [Read more...]
African litter reduction campaign aims for continental impact
A unique African-centric litter reduction campaign which is being piloted in South Africa will – once trialled and tested – be scaled and used throughout the continent. According to marine conservation non-profit Sustainable Seas Trust (SST), its flagship litter-reduction campaign, Operation Clean Spot (OCS), aims to reduce land-based litter by up to 90% in some communities. … [Read more...]
Guterres appeals for ‘sustained’ humanitarian access to Gaza
With essential supplies running out in Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday appealed for humanitarian access to the besieged enclave. “For nearly two weeks the people of Gaza have gone without any shipments of fuel, food, water, medicine, and other essentials. Disease is spreading. Supplies are dwindling. People are dying,” he said at a press conference in … [Read more...]
Biden administration announces $82 million for right whale conservation
The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has announced USD 82 million (EUR 77 million) for North Atlantic right whale conservation and recovery efforts. Of the total, USD 36 million (EUR 34 million) will be used for monitoring and modeling, roughly half of which will be dedicated to passive acoustic monitoring along the U.S.East Coast. An additional USD 20 million … [Read more...]
Water crisis threatens food security and sustainability
Water, the world's most precious yet undervalued resource, lies at the heart of a mounting global crisis that threatens not only food security, but also human and planetary health, warns a new report by WWF. Released on World Food Day, The High Cost of Cheap Water uncovers a stark reality: the annual economic value of water and freshwater ecosystems is estimated to be US$58 … [Read more...]
Rewiring food systems to soften climate impacts
To make more progress in the fight against hunger, the world needs to make at-risk communities less vulnerable to climate shocks and other emergencies, according to the UN World Food Programme. “If we want to break out of the never-ending cycle of crisis and response, we need to address the root causes of hunger by multi-year, long-term projects that shield communities from … [Read more...]
