Another stellar line-up of conferences, seminars and public lectures took place at this year’s Sustainability Week (17 to 19 June 2014), at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. The Tshwane Green Outreach Programme was launched on Tuesday, 17 June 2014 as Councillor Kgosientso Ramokgopa (left), Executive Mayor of Tshwane, explained the city’s vision for 2055. … [Read more...]
Kenya’s biggest elephant killed by poachers
Satao lived in Tsavo East National park in southeast Kenya and was celebrated as one of the last surviving great tuskers, bearers of genes that produce bull elephants with huge tusks reaching down to the ground. This news follows hard on the heels of the slaughter of another legendary tusker, Mountain Bull, deep inside the forests of Mt. Kenya. Of all the elephants that … [Read more...]
Great Barrier Reef mega ports approved
Five mega ports will be allowed along the Queensland coast, Australia, mainly in areas near the Great Barrier Reef. Abbot Point, one of the world's biggest coal terminals, has been declared a port development priority area. The declaration comes only six months after green groups lost a battle to stop 3m cubic metres of dredge spoil from being dumped in the reef marine … [Read more...]
Teaming up with the cheetahs
On World Environment Day there is a sudden escalation of environmental actions. Trees are planted, recycling started in homes and businesses. Hopefully this inspiration lasts and is translated into good daily habits. Sadly much is soon afterwards replaced by our big enemy – complacency. In our office every day is devoted to the environment, as everyone’s should be, if … [Read more...]
Kruger Park elephant killed for its ivory
A dead bull elephant whose tusk had been hacked off was discovered by rangers in the Kruger National Park. The head of the South African national parks rangers, Johan Jooste, said it was likely the bull was shot on purpose for its tusks. He said rangers patrolling the area noticed footprints of about four individuals leaving the park leading towards Mozambique. The park's … [Read more...]
Indonesian forest fire solution far from reality
Peatlands are perhaps the world’s most critical carbon stores and are typically saturated with water, but become prone to fire when cleared and drained for industrial scale plantations for palm oil and pulp and paper. Protecting Indonesia’s carbon rich peatlands is key to reducing the chance of fires responsible for the Haze Wave, but there is still no legal protection of … [Read more...]
Birthplace of rhino reservation under threat
The world’s greatest rhino sanctuary is under threat. Plans are underway to build an open-cast coal mine just 40 metres from of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi park. Rangers fear it will destroy the wilderness and clear the way for poachers, who have butchered nearly 400 rhinos in South Africa this year alone, but we can stop it if we act now. Conservationists, scientists and local … [Read more...]
Inspiration and effort recognised in KZN
Nikki Brighton received a certificate for outstanding commitment and contribution to the natural environment of KwaZulu Natal, in recognition of her efforts to promote the cause of conservation in the province. This happened at the KZN Conservancies Association AGM recently. Despite being relatively new to the Conservancy movement, Nikki has had a big impact. Dargle … [Read more...]
Recognizing World Fish Migration Day in the Amazon’s waters
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...]
Greentalent competition looking for our researchers
The search is on for the next Green Talents who will gain exclusive access to the hot-spots of sustainable development in Germany. Last year Pretoria University researcher Heinrich Badenhorst was amongst 25 young researchers from around the world who were honoured as 2013’s Green Talents. Sustainable development is among the most important challenges of our time. Striving … [Read more...]
Khoryug takes on environmental protection of Himalayas
Following the conclusion of teachings on Nagarjuna’s Letter to a Friend, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, presented Khoryug; a newly formed association of Kagyu Buddhist monasteries carrying out environmental projects under his leadership. Khoryug, Tibetan for Environment, and short form for Rangjung Khoryug Sungkyob Tsokpa, is an association of Tibetan … [Read more...]
Time for transition in South Africa
“In Transition 2.0” is a film that offers hope and resilience in challenging times. It was a pleasure to be part of the audience at the Eco Film Festival this month at the Labia in Gardens. For me the film presents a tried and tested opportunity for change. Very real change from a grassroots movement that is starting to gain ground in a time when we are looking for answers to … [Read more...]
