"We are deeply concerned about our Earth because she is suffering from increasing destruction despite all the discussions, international meetings, facts and figures and warning signs from Earth."
This forms part of the intoduction to a statement issued by the Custodians of Sacred Sites from four African countries working together to revive tribal traditions and protect their sacred sites and territories. They have released a statement of Common African Customary Laws to protect these sacred places and bring their message to an increasingly detached modern world.
Wind farms appear to be less harmful to the environment than burning fossil fuels, because they do not directly generate greenhouse gas emissions. But for birds and bats, wind farms can be potential death traps.
The controversial "peripheral development zone" for the Kruger National Park has been approved, which will allow a lavish hotel to be established within the Malelane gates, despite protests from the public.
It may no longer make economic or environmental sense to pursue forestry endeavours using conifers in the Western Cape. If local plantations are to be maintained, invasive pine trees will continue to spread, the Cape’s water supply will continue to dwindle and the unique natural diversity of the fynbos region will be changed forever.
Deforestation is just one of many crises facing the world. It is closely related to environmental crises such as climate change. Modern human relationships with nature are profoundly dysfunctional and, on the current trajectory, can only lead to a global ecological catastrophe.
CapeNature is currently in negotiations with the Tierkranz Trust which will see the Dwars River under formal protection through the establishment of a Protected Environment.
New norms and standards for marking rhino horn and trophy hunting will be implemented immediately, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said on Monday.
Government will start targeting foreigners who come to South Africa for rhino trophy hunting, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said on Wednesday.
The latest hope for saving South Africa's rhinos from poachers is state-of-the-art United States military surveillance equipment used in the wars waged in Afghanistan and Iraq.
On its travels through South Africa the Climate Train has been creating unique spaces for community members - notables and ordinary people alike- to engage in meaningful discussions around climate change and the lively Pretoria was certainly no exception.
These days few can dispute mankind is in dire need of alternative, renewable and sustainable energy sources. Few can moreover argue the necessity for energy development that does not come at the adverse auxiliary cost to the environment.
South African vultures are in serious trouble, especially the Cape Vulture, which is critically endangered, with only 2900 breeding pairs remaining. Reasons for their decline are varied, but include problems such as pylon injuries, malicious poisonings, muti killings and insufficient food sources.
'The quota this year has been set for 85 000 baby seals that are still nursing from their mothers€™ teats. These are beaten to death with pick handles so that their fur pelts may be sold for US $7.00 A further 6 000 adult bull seals will be shot at point blank range so that their penises can be used to make an ineffective aphrodisiac,€ said Pat Dickens, co-ordinator of Sea Shepherd South Africa, at a protest against seal clubbing in Namibia held at the V&A Waterfront recently.
There is a war going on in Antarctica, and South Africa€™s Rosie Kunneke is one of the soldiers fighting the good fight. She recently returned to the country after 94 days at sea, participating in the world famous reality television series Whale Wars.
The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) in Forests to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
Several international groups have joined forces and are calling for a consumer boycott of all Namibian produce, sport and tourism, which includes de Beers diamonds, The Rugby World Cup, Heineken and Guinness. The boycott has the backing of a number of South African celebrities, including Miss South Africa.
With rhinos on the brink of extinction, it is no surprise that amazing conservation efforts are attempted in Africa to save them. Enough so to be noticed by an international panel of judges. Raoul du Toit, International Rhino Foundation€™s African Rhino Programme Coordinator, has received the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize (Africa).
Last week three more rhinos died in the Kruger National Park. The demand for illegal rhino horn this time also claimed the life of a calf. Gunshots were heard and rangers went to investigate. Tragically, it was too late: The poachers were already sawing the horns off one of the rhinos.
Maties PAW (Promoting Animal Welfare) hosted a nail painting event on Friday 8 April in Stellenbosch to raise awareness and get students to join hands in the fight against rhino poaching. More than 300 rhinos have been killed this year, which means one is poached every 21 hours!
Learn about endangered turtles, ornithology careers, Africans penguins and many other fascinating members of our earth at the FREE Biodiversity Expo from 5 to 8 May at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
