“Don’t accept no for an answer. Defy the rules! It’s the only way we’re going to make the change.” This was the opening statement by Prof Gunter Pauli, Blue Economy entrepreneur from Belgium, who was the keynote speaker at the international Student Environmental Network summit hosted by the Stellenbosch University. He has written 20 books, published in 34 languages, … [Read more...]
US threatens to pull foreign aid over GM seeds
It’s better to be poor and humble than to accept tainted foreign aid from the US government, say El Salvadorian farmers. When it comes to the future of El Salvadorian agriculture it’s better to build from within than to accept corporate handouts. Despite citizens struggling with poverty, El Salvadorian representatives refuse US aid in fear of making matters worse. Farmers … [Read more...]
Russia requests international GMO watchdog
Russian lawmakers advocate creation of an international UN agency not only to strictly control the turnover of GMO products worldwide, but with a top priority mission to scrutinize how consuming GMO foods would affect human health in the long run. Aggressive distribution of GMO worldwide is raising huge concerns for human health, said Russian Federation Council speaker … [Read more...]
New law seeks to punish GMO producers
A draft law submitted to the Russian parliament seeks to impose punishment up to criminal prosecution to producers of genetically-modified organisms harmful to health or the environment. The draft legislation submitted on Wednesday amends Russia's law regulating GMOs and some other laws and provides for disciplinary action against individuals and firms, which produce or … [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...]
Soil: the law of return
The thin mantle of Soil that covers our Earth is what feeds and nurtures us. We are innately and inextricably connected to soil for our survival, for like humans it contains the universal life-force without which we would not survive. Only a fertile soil contains the billions of amazing and diverse creatures and microbes, from earthworms to fungi, which provide the energy … [Read more...]
Living Hope Centre helps develop skills and build food security
From the outside, the Living Hope Farm tunnels in Masipumelele, Cape Town, look just like any large vegetable tunnel filled with lush growth. Look inside and you will see texts from the Bible hanging between the tall rows of tomatoes. Joey, the farm operations manager from Tennessee, explained that during the difficult early days spent mastering farming skills, he was … [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...]
New conservation agriculture manual to launch in Kenya
The first manual in conservation agriculture specifically designed for Muslim farmers in Africa will be launched in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday March 27 - providing a tool to introduce millions of Muslim farmers to sustainable farming practices for the first time. Islamic Farming: A Manual for Conservation Agriculture is a brand new curriculum that integrates Qur’anic … [Read more...]
Ilegal mine accused of polluting irrigation water
A Gupta-linked colliery has been accused of polluting the Olifants River, a vital source of water for food crop irrigation on farms around Delmas. The modern story of Mpumalanga is of the war between farming and mining. Its rich soil, crisscrossed by streams and rivers, is one of South Africa's breadbaskets. Exports from here go around the world. But beneath the green … [Read more...]
Laingsburg hit by worst flood in 33 years
Laingsburg is again under siege, hit by what some say is the worst flooding since the terrible flood of 33 years ago that wiped out half the buildings in town. On Wednesday, the N1 was closed for several hours as farms were cut off and crops submerged. Communication systems were failing amid dramatically rising river levels and some homes had to be evacuated. A joint … [Read more...]
SA water challenge Part 2: Conflicts over water interests
The challenges with water as our life giving and most threatened resource, especially in Africa, continues to be one of our core focus areas of this year. In our last issue Green Times student Allen Tshautshau examined the scope of this crucial issue. In this article he analyses the conflicts arising from competition for water. The current water scarcity has induced … [Read more...]
UNESCO publishes climate change guidebook for journalists
African media can and should do more to tell the story of climate change, observes a new UNESCO publication, titled Climate Change in Africa: A Guidebook for Journalists. “This guidebook is part of UNESCO’s overall effort to raise awareness of the interdisciplinary core of climate change, and how journalists can reflect that in their practices”, says Fackson Banda, UNESCO … [Read more...]
