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20to%20stand%20as%20an%20inspiration%20for%20other%20youths%20who%20may%20not%20have%20considered%20STEM%20opportunities.%0A%0AThe%20Bureau%20of%20Labor%20Statistics%20estimates%20that%20by%202030%20STEM%20occupations%20will%20increase%20by%2010.5%25%20compared%20to%20a%207.5%25%20growth%20in%20non-STEM%20occupations.%20That%20opens%20the%20door%20for%20innumerable%20careers%20for%20candidates%20with%20a%20strong%20foundation%20in%20science%2C%20technology%2C%20engineering%20and%20math%20(STEM).%0A%0AYet%20a%20White%20House%20study%20found%20that%20only%2020%25%20of%20high%20school%20graduates%20are%20prepared%20for%20college%20level%20coursework%20in%20a%20STEM%20major.%20It%20also%20found%20that%20less%20than%2020%25%20of%20undergraduates%20who%20declare%20plans%20to%20major%20in%20a%20STEM%20field%20actually%20graduate%20with%20a%20related%20degree.%20It%E2%80%99s%20a%20field%20of%20study%20that%E2%80%99s%20flooded%20with%20potential%20but%20short%20on%20applicants.%20And%20the%20problem%20starts%20early%20in%20the%20educational%20process.%20%0A%0AThe%20Skyhook%20Foundation%20reports%20only%2033%25%20of%20eighth%20graders%20are%20interested%20in%20STEM%20majors.%20That%20might%20come%20from%20a%20lack%20of%20inspiration%20even%20earlier%20in%20elementary%20school.%20Research%20supports%20the%20idea%20that%20if%20STEM%20topics%20aren%E2%80%99t%20engaging%2C%20the%20vast%20majority%20of%20students%20lose%20interest%20by%20fifth%20grade.%20This%20data%20highlights%20the%20need%20for%20access%20and%20emphasis%20on%20STEM-based%20education%20starting%20early%20on.%0A%0AFortunately%20for%20the%20wildlife%20and%20human%20population%2C%20Honary%20is%20one%20of%20the%20few%20who%20are%20passionate%20and%20inspired%20about%20STEM%20from%20a%20young%20age.%20When%20he%E2%80%99s%20not%20actively%20working%20to%20save%20the%20planet%2C%20Honary%20reports%20he%20enjoys%20tennis%20and%20teaches%20the%20sport%20to%20autistic%20youth.%20He%20also%20enjoys%20singing%20and%20playing%20the%20guitar%2C%20as%20well%20as%20surfing%20the%20waves%20in%20his%20hometown%20of%20Newport%20Beach%2C%20CA.%20

Teenager developed fire prevention technology

After%20Russian%20troops%20captured%20Chernobyl%20yesterday%2C%20scientists%20and%20environmental%20experts%20have%20warned%20about%20the%20potential%20ecological%20disaster%20that%20could%20unfold.%0A%0AUkrainian%20Prime%20Minister%20Denys%20Shmyhal%20said%20in%20a%20statement%20that%20the%20former%20nuclear%20power%20plant%2C%20as%20well%20as%20the%20surrounding%2030-kilometre%20Exclusion%20Zone%2C%20are%20now%20under%20armed%20Russian%20control.%0A%0AEarlier%20in%20the%20day%2C%20Ukraine%E2%80%99s%20president%2C%20Volodymyr%20Zelenskyy%2C%20said%20Ukrainian%20%E2%80%9Cdefenders%20are%20giving%20their%20lives%20so%20that%20the%20tragedy%20of%201986%20will%20not%20be%20repeated.%E2%80%9D%0A%0A%0AChernobyl%20was%20the%20site%20of%20the%20worst%20nuclear%20disaster%20in%20history%2C%20after%20a%20reactor%20exploded%20and%20spread%20radioactive%20waste%20across%20Europe%20in%20April%201986.%0A%0AIn%20recent%20years%20the%20site%20has%20become%20a%20popular%20tourism%20spot%2C%20as%20well%20as%20an%20unexpected%20environmental%20success%20story%20as%20various%20species%20began%20to%20flourish%20in%20the%20region.%0A%0AToday%2C%20radiation%20readings%20from%20Chernobyl%20are%20being%20reported%20as%20above%20average%20sparking%20global%20concern.%0A%0AWhy%20are%20environmental%20scientists%20concerned%20about%20Chernobyl%20being%20captured%3F%0AData%20from%20the%20Exclusion%20Zone%20is%20currently%20showing%20increased%20levels%20of%20gamma%20radiation.%0A%0A%0AThe%20State%20Nuclear%20Regulatory%20Inspectorate%20of%20Ukraine%20said%20%E2%80%9Ccontrol%20levels%20of%20gamma%20radiation%20dose%20rate%20have%20been%20exceeded%20at%20a%20significant%20number%20of%20observation%20points.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AOther%20experts%20have%20suggested%20that%20a%20spike%20in%20radiation%20is%20likely%20due%20to%20the%20soil%20being%20disturbed%2C%20rather%20than%20a%20reactor%20breach.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CResuspension%20of%20dust%20and%20soil%20is%20likely%20one%20of%20the%20factors%20of%20higher%20levels%20of%20radiation%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Wim%20Zwijnenburg%2C%20the%20Humanitarian%20Disarmament%20Project%20Leader%20for%20the%20Dutch%20peace%20organisation%20PAX.%0A%0AThe%20International%20Atomic%20Energy%20Agency%20(IAEA)%20has%20said%20it%20is%20following%20the%20situation%20in%20Ukraine%20%E2%80%9Cwith%20grave%20concern%E2%80%9D%2C%20but%20noted%20that%20there%20has%20been%20no%20reported%20destruction%20at%20the%20Chernobyl%20nuclear%20plant%20site.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20of%20vital%20importance%20that%20the%20safe%20and%20secure%20operations%20of%20the%20nuclear%20facilities%20in%20%5Bthe%20Chernobyl%20Exclusion%20Zone%5D%20should%20not%20be%20affected%20or%20disrupted%20in%20any%20way%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20IAEA%E2%80%99s%20Director%20General%20Rafael%20Mariano%20Grossi.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20they%20added%2C%20%E2%80%9Cit%20is%20currently%20impossible%20to%20establish%20the%20reasons%20for%20the%20change%20in%20the%20radiation%20background%20in%20the%20exclusion%20zone%20because%20of%20the%20occupation%20and%20military%20fight%20in%20this%20territory.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThis%20afternoon%20the%20IAEA%20released%20an%20updated%20statement%20saying%20the%20raised%20radiation%20levels%20are%20not%20a%20cause%20for%20concern%20right%20now.%0A%0A%22Regarding%20reports%20earlier%20today%20of%20higher%20radiation%20measurements%20at%20the%20Chornobyl%20site%2C%20Ukraine%E2%80%99s%20regulatory%20authority%20said%20that%20they%20may%20have%20been%20caused%20by%20heavy%20military%20vehicles%20stirring%20up%20soil%20still%20contaminated%20from%20the%201986%20accident%2C%22%20reads%20the%20IAEA's%20statement.%0A%0A%22The%20IAEA%20assesses%20that%20the%20readings%20reported%20by%20the%20regulator%20%E2%80%93%20of%20up%20to%209.46%20microSieverts%20per%20hour%20%E2%80%93%20are%20low%20and%20remain%20within%20the%20operational%20range%20measured%20in%20the%20Exclusion%20Zone%20since%20it%20was%20established%2C%20and%20therefore%20do%20not%20pose%20any%20danger%20to%20the%20public.%22%0A%0ACurrently%2C%20there%20is%20a%20shelter%20over%20the%20plant%20which%20was%20constructed%20to%20prevent%20the%20release%20of%20hundreds%20of%20tonnes%20of%20radioactive%20matter.%0A%0AThis%20was%20upgraded%20in%202016%20and%20the%20structure%20is%20reportedly%20able%20to%20%E2%80%9Cwithstand%20a%20tornado%E2%80%9D%20and%20stand%20for%20at%20least%20100%20years%2C%20according%20to%20the%20European%20Bank%20for%20Reconstruction%20and%20Development.%0A%0AThe%20risk%20in%20the%20zone%20is%20the%20nuclear%20waste%20stored%20in%20the%20area.%20These%20waste%20sites%20contain%20radioactive%20material%20and%20there%20are%20some%20hotspots%20inside%20the%20zone%20too.%0A%0AEpidemiology%20and%20biostatistics%20professor%20Lydia%20Zablotska%20told%20the%20Washington%20Post%20that%20staff%20working%20in%20Chernobyl%20were%20aware%20of%20these%20sites%2C%20but%20incoming%20troops%20won%E2%80%99t%20know%20the%20layout%20or%20where%20to%20avoid%20in%20the%20zone.%0A%0AThis%20could%20pot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Radiation levels at Chernobyl are rising

The%20White%20House%20has%20announced%20new%20limits%20for%20the%20biggest%20polluters%20on%20America%E2%80%99s%20roads%20including%20heavy%20trucks%20and%20delivery%20vans%20while%20rolling%20out%20investment%20for%20more%20clean%20and%20climate-friendly%20fleets%20of%20public%20and%20school%20buses.%0A%0AThe%20roll-out%20is%20part%20of%20President%20Joe%20Biden%E2%80%99s%20plan%20to%20cut%20US%20carbon%20emissions%20in%20half%2C%20from%202005%20levels%2C%20by%202030.%20Transportation%20accounts%20for%20the%20largest%20portion%20of%20the%20country%E2%80%99s%20total%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%2C%20at%20around%2029%20per%20cent.%0A%0AThe%20new%20actions%20includes%20a%20proposed%20rule%20from%20the%20Environmental%20Protection%20Agency%20(EPA)%20that%20would%20reduce%20harmful%20nitrogen%20oxides%20(NOx)%20emissions%20from%20new%20trucks%20up%20to%2090%20per%20cent%20by%202031%20over%20today%E2%80%99s%20levels.%20It%20will%20save%20roughly%202%2C000%20lives%20every%20year%2C%20eliminate%2018%2C000%20cases%20of%20childhood%20asthma%2C%20and%20lead%20to%201.1%20million%20fewer%20missed%20days%20of%20school%2C%20the%20Biden%20administration%20says.%0A%0AVice%20President%20Kamala%20Harris%20announced%20the%20package%20on%20Monday%20including%20%245.5%20billion%20to%20shift%20the%20US%20to%20low%20or%20zero-emission%20transit%20buses%20with%20about%20%241.5bn%20made%20available%20this%20year.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%E2%80%99re%20making%20the%20largest%20ever%20investment%20in%20this%20programme%20for%20buses%20and%20bus%20facilities%2C%20helping%20to%20deliver%20better%20commutes%20and%20cleaner%20air%20to%20American%20communities%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Transportation%20Secretary%20Pete%20Buttigieg%2C%20who%20joined%20VP%20Harris%20and%20EPA%20Administrator%20Michael%20Regan%20at%20the%20White%20House%20event.%0A%0ASome%20%2417%20million%20will%20be%20used%20to%20switch%20America%E2%80%99s%20iconic%20yellow%20school%20buses%20to%20all-electric%20or%20low-emission%20models%2C%20with%20%247m%20awarded%20to%20replace%20old%20diesel%20buses%20in%20underserved%20communities.%0A%0AA%20number%20of%20public%20transport%20operations%20are%20moving%20towards%20an%20electric%20bus%20fleet.%20California%2C%20New%20York%20City%20and%20Boston%20have%20all%20announced%20they%20will%20have%20switched%20over%20to%20electric%20buses%20by%20204%2C%20while%20Washington%20DC%20is%20aiming%20for%202045.%0A%0AThe%20program%20will%20also%20boost%20workforce%20training%20to%20%E2%80%9Cupskill%E2%80%9D%20transit%20workers%20to%20keep%20these%20new%20vehicles%20running.%0A%0APorts%20will%20also%20be%20part%20of%20the%20pollution-cutting%20plan%20with%20a%20focus%20on%20reducing%20emissions%20from%20heavy-duty%20road%20vehicles%20and%20rail%20that%20serve%20operations%20along%20coasts%2C%20rivers%2C%20and%20on%20the%20Great%20Lakes.%0A%0AThe%20federal%20government%20will%20also%20double%20its%20own%20number%20of%20zero-emission%20medium%20and%20heavy-duty%20vehicle%20models%20for%20federal%20agencies%2C%20with%20the%20aim%20to%20be%20100%20per%20cent%20net-zero%20by%202035.

New limits on carbon emissions for heavy trucks

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War escalates environmental problems in Ukraine

The%20new%20America%20the%20Beautiful%20Challenge%20will%20help%20tribes%2C%20territories%2C%20states%20and%20NGOs%20apply%20for%20grants%20for%20conservation%20projects.%20The%20Biden%20administration%20plans%20to%20use%20the%20new%20%241%20billion%20program%20to%20help%20reach%20its%20goal%20of%20conserving%2030%25%20of%20U.S.%20waters%20and%20lands%20by%202030.%0A%0AOver%20the%20next%20five%20years%2C%20an%20initial%20%24440%20million%20will%20fund%20the%20challenge.%20The%20Biden%20administration%20hopes%20that%20philanthropic%20and%20private%20donations%20will%20boost%20America%20the%20Beautiful%20to%20its%20%241%20billion%20target.%0A%0AThe%20program%20%E2%80%9Cwill%20help%20mobilize%20new%20investments%20in%20locally%20led%2C%20voluntary%20conservation%20and%20restoration%20projects%20across%20the%20country%2C%20while%20making%20it%20easier%20for%20communities%20to%20access%20these%20resources%2C%E2%80%9D%20Brenda%20Mallory%2C%20chair%20of%20the%20White%20House%20Council%20on%20Environmental%20Quality%2C%20said%20in%20a%20statement.%0A%0AMany%20types%20of%20terrain%20stand%20to%20gain.%20Coasts%2C%20rivers%2C%20forests%2C%20grasslands%20and%20wetlands%20are%20all%20eligible%20for%20the%20award%20money.%20Groups%20working%20on%20expanding%20outdoor%20access%2C%20helping%20animals%20navigate%20landscapes%2C%20and%20increasing%20resiliency%20to%20climate%20impacts%20such%20as%20drought%20and%20coastal%20flooding%20can%20also%20apply%20for%20funding.%0A%0APrivate%20nonprofit%20the%20National%20Fish%20and%20Wildlife%20Foundation%20will%20oversee%20America%20the%20Beautiful.%20Tribal%20and%20Indigenous-led%20projects%20have%20priority.%20Ecosystem%20restoration%20funds%20of%20%24375%20million%20came%20to%20the%20Interior%20Department%20through%20a%20bipartisan%20infrastructure%20law.%20The%20Forest%20Service%20is%20kicking%20in%20%2435%20million%20in%20grants%20for%20improving%20water%20quality%20and%20preventing%20invasive%20species.%20The%20Department%20of%20Defense%E2%80%99s%20%2425%20million%20will%20help%20preserve%20natural%20resources%20near%20military%20installations.%0A%0ANot%20everybody%20wants%20to%20conserve%20land%2C%20though.%20Several%20climate-denying%20and%20anti-fed%20groups%20are%20hosting%20a%20Stop%2030%C3%9730%20Summit%20later%20this%20month%20in%20Nebraska.%20Some%20big-name%20Republicans%20will%20be%20there%20to%20rant%20against%20the%20initiative.%20If%20you%20go%2C%20don%E2%80%99t%20expect%20any%20decent%20vegan%20refreshments.%0A%0ABut%20many%20who%20understand%20the%20program%20are%20happy.%20%E2%80%9CProtecting%2030%25%20of%20America%E2%80%99s%20lands%20and%20waters%20by%20the%20end%20of%20the%20decade%20can%20only%20be%20accomplished%20through%20partnerships%20and%20knowledge%20on%20the%20ground%20in%20all%2050%20states%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Jennifer%20Rokala%2C%20executive%20director%20of%20the%20conservation%20group%20Center%20for%20Western%20Priorities%2C%20as%20reported%20by%20HuffPost.%20%E2%80%9CThis%20billion-dollar%20commitment%20shows%20the%20administration%20is%20on%20the%20right%20track%20to%20reaching%2030%C3%9730.%E2%80%9D

Conservation projects on track to score $1B

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New Zealand aims to eradicate invasive predators

Global%20tech%20giant%20Microsoft%20has%20announced%20it%20has%20signed%20a%2010-year%20carbon%20removal%20offtake%20agreement%20with%20Swiss%20direct%20air%20capture%20firm%20Climeworks%20that%20will%20see%20it%20fund%20the%20removal%20of%2010%2C000%20tonnes%20of%20CO2%20emissions%20from%20the%20atmosphere.%0A%0AThe%20new%20long%20term%20agreement%2C%20announced%20yesterday%2C%20will%20see%20Climeworks%20become%20Microsoft's%20first%20long-term%20carbon%20removal%20supplier%2C%20and%20a%20key%20enabler%20of%20the%20tech%20company's%20mission%20to%20reach%20'negative'%20emissions%20by%202030%20and%20compensate%20for%20all%20the%20company's%20historical%20operational%20emissions%20by%20mid-century%20by%202050.%0A%0AClimeworks%2C%20which%20operates%20a%20small-scale%20DAC%20system%20in%20Iceland%2C%20said%20the%20deal%20with%20Microsoft%20is%20one%20of%20the%20largest%20DAC%20agreements%20signed%20to%20date%2C%20noting%20that%20long-term%20agreements%20would%20be%20critical%20to%20providing%20it%20with%20the%20capital%20to%20accelerate%20the%20deployment%20of%20carbon%20removal%20plants.%0A%0AThe%20firm's%20pioneering%20Orca%20plant%20removes%20CO2%20from%20the%20air%20and%20then%20stores%20under%20the%20Icelandic%20bedrock%2C%20by%20reacting%20the%20captured%20gas%20with%20rock%20to%20enable%20permanent%20sequestration.%20The%20company%20recently%20announced%20it%20had%20broken%20ground%20on%20its%20second%20plant%20-%20dubbed%20Mammoth%20-%20as%20it%20works%20to%20deliver%20%22multi-megaton%20capacity%20by%202030%22.%0A%0A%22Long-term%20commitments%20like%20this%20multi-year%20agreement%20are%20crucial%20for%20scaling%20the%20DAC%20industry%20because%20the%20guaranteed%20demand%20catalyses%20financing%20of%20our%20infrastructure%20and%20consequently%20accelerates%20the%20development%20of%20the%20required%20ecosystem%20for%20scaling%20DAC%2C%22%20said%20Christoph%20Gebald%2C%20chief%20executive%20and%20co-founder%20of%20Climeworks.%0A%0AThe%20deal%20is%20the%20second%20carbon%20removal%20contract%20inked%20between%20the%20two%20companies%2C%20coming%20nearly%20a%20year%20after%20Microsoft%20included%20Climeworks%20in%20its%20ever%20first%20carbon%20renewal%20portfolio.%0A%0ALucas%20Joppa%2C%20Microsoft's%20chief%20environmental%20officer%2C%20said%20the%20multi-year%20offtake%20agreement%20marked%20an%20%22important%20step%20in%20%5BMicrosoft's%5D%20journey%20towards%20realising%20the%20'net'%20in%20net%20zero%22.%0A%0A%22Our%20experience%20in%20purchasing%20renewable%20energy%20shows%20that%20long-term%20agreements%20can%20provide%20an%20essential%20foundation%20for%20society's%20race%20to%20scale%20new%20decarbonisation%20technologies%2C%22%20Joppa%20added.%20%22Paired%20with%20Microsoft's%20Climate%20Innovation%20Fund%20investment%20in%20Climeworks'%20direct%20air%20capture%20plant%2C%20this%20agreement%20with%20Climeworks%20can%20help%20kickstart%20the%20commercial%20and%20technical%20progress%20in%20a%20nascent%20but%20crucial%20industry%20to%20achieve%20IPCC%20targets.%22%0A%0AMicrosoft%20is%20the%20latest%20in%20a%20string%20of%20global%20companies%20to%20have%20signed%20offset%20agreements%20with%20Climeworks.%20Its%20other%20clients%20include%20global%20jewellery%20house%20Swarovski%2C%20which%20previously%20agreed%20a%20five-year%20CO2%20removal%20deal%20with%20Climeworks%2C%20insurer%20Swiss%20Re%2C%20financial%20services%20company%20Square%20Inc%2C%20and%20online%20grocer%20Ocado.%0A%0AThe%20Intergovernmental%20Panel%20on%20Climate%20Change%20(IPCC)%20has%20calculated%20that%20three%20to%2012%20billion%20tonnes%20of%20CO2%20needs%20to%20be%20removed%20from%20the%20air%20annually%20every%20year%20by%202050%20in%20order%20to%20limit%20global%20warming%20to%201.5C.%0A%0ADirect%20air%20capture%20and%20storage%20is%20expected%20to%20contribute%20a%20significant%20part%20of%20this%20emissions%20elimination%20drive%2C%20with%20a%20potential%20of%20removing%20up%20to%20310%20billion%20tons%20of%20CO2%20by%202100%2C%20according%20to%20the%20IPCC.

Microsoft inks 10-year CO2 removal deal

New%20Zealand%20has%20released%20its%20first%20national%20plan%20to%20prepare%20for%20the%20floods,%20fires%20and%20rising%20seas%20it%20expects%20to%20be%20unleashed%20by%20the%20climate%20crisis%20in%20the%20coming%20years.%0A%0AClimate%20minister%20James%20Shaw,%20releasing%20the%20plan%20on%20Wednesday,%20said%20that%20while%20New%20Zealand%20would%20do%20its%20best%20to%20start%20reducing%20emissions,%20it%20was%20also%20preparing%20for%20a%20likely%20scenario%20of%20enormous%20climate%20disruption,%20and%20said%20it%20was%20%E2%80%9Ccrucial%E2%80%9D%20the%20country%20was%20prepared.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20have%20already%20seen%20what%20can%20unfold.%20Severe%20weather%20events%20that%20had%20previously%20seemed%20unthinkable,%20even%20only%20a%20few%20years%20ago,%20are%20now%20happening%20at%20a%20pace%20and%20intensity%20we%20have%20never%20experienced%20before,%E2%80%9D%20he%20said.%20The%20plan%E2%80%99s%20release%20comes%20after%20weeks%20of%20wild%20weather%20and%20flooding%20across%20New%20Zealand.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CEven%20with%201.5%20degrees%20of%20warming,%20we%20are%20going%20to%20see%20the%20impacts%20of%20climate%20change%20on%20our%20communities%20and%20the%20way%20we%20live%20our%20lives,%E2%80%9D%20Shaw%20said.%0A%0AThe%20national%20Climate%20Adaptation%20plan%20is%20the%20country%E2%80%99s%20first,%20and%20is%20a%20sprawling%20document%20that%20provides%20a%20roadmap%20for%20trying%20to%20protect%20infrastructure,%20housing,%20cities%20and%20cultural%20treasures%20as%20the%20planet%20heats.%0A%0AMuch%20of%20the%20plan%20is%20focused%20on%20preparing%20people,%20businesses,%20local%20governments%20and%20developers%20by%20ensuring%20they%20are%20adequately%20informed%20of%20risks%20and%20have%20to%20account%20for%20those%20risks%20in%20the%20planning%20process.%20Some%20of%20the%20changes%20include%20forcing%20councils%20to%20provide%20information%20about%20climate%20risks%20to%20prospective%20homebuyers,%20making%20councils%20account%20for%20climate%20change%20in%20planning%20regulations,%20and%20creating%20national%20mapping%20and%20public%20portals%20for%20people%20to%20see%20up-to-date%20information%20on%20how%20the%20climate%20crisis%20will%20affect%20their%20area.%0A%0A%E2%80%9COur%20government%20has%20taken%20steps%20to%20support%20those%20communities%20affected,%20and%20will%20continue%20to%20do%20so,%E2%80%9D%20Shaw%20said.%20%E2%80%9CBut%20rather%20than%20having%20to%20deal%20with%20these%20events%20as%20and%20when%20they%20happen,%20what%20people%20want%20are%20the%20tools%20to%20prepare,%20so%20that%20when%20climate%20events%20occur%20their%20lives%20can%20continue.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AWhat%20the%20plan%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20provide,%20however,%20is%20an%20answer%20to%20one%20of%20the%20most%20crucial%20questions%20facing%20the%20country:%20when%20houses,%20streets%20or%20entire%20communities%20become%20uninhabitable%20due%20to%20climate%20change,%20who%20pays%20to%20shift%20them?%0A%0AThe%20question%20of%20%E2%80%9Cmanaged%20retreat%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%93%20who%20foots%20the%20bill%20when%20sea%20level%20rise%20or%20flooding%20renders%20a%20community%20unsafe%20or%20uninsurable%20%E2%80%93%20has%20become%20increasingly%20pressing%20in%20New%20Zealand.%20One%20in%20seven%20New%20Zealanders,%20or%20675,000%20people,%20live%20in%20areas%20prone%20to%20flooding,%20and%20another%2072,065%20live%20in%20areas%20projected%20to%20be%20subject%20to%20extreme%20sea%20level%20rise.%20A%202020%20government-funded%20report%20by%20Deep%20South%20Challenge%20%E2%80%93%20a%20national%20science%20collaboration%20%E2%80%93%20found%20at%20least%2010,000%20homes%20in%20New%20Zealand%E2%80%99s%20biggest%20cities%20would%20be%20in%20effect%20uninsurable%20by%202050.%20The%20government%20has%20committed%20to%20legislation%20on%20managed%20retreat%20by%20the%20end%20of%202023.%0A%0AScientists%20say%20the%20plan,%20while%20welcome,%20is%20light%20on%20detail.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CPaucity%20remains%20in%20some%20of%20the%20details,%E2%80%9D%20said%20Dr%20Luke%20Harrington,%20senior%20lecturer%20in%20climate%20change%20at%20University%20of%20Waikato.%20%E2%80%9CThere%20also%20remains%20uncertainty%20about%20how%20a%20warming%20planet%20will%20modify%20climate%20hazards%20at%20the%20neighbourhood%20scale.%20Some%20of%20these%20uncertainties%20are%20unavoidable,%20but%20many%20can%20be%20reduced%20if%20the%20right%20scientific%20questions%20are%20asked.%20Unfortunately,%20this%20is%20not%20one%20of%20the%20knowledge%20gaps%20identified,%E2%80%9D%20he%20said.%0A%0ADr%20Nick%20Cradock-Henry,%20a%20senior%20scientist%20at%20Manaaki%20Whenua%20%E2%80%93%20Landcare%20Research,%20said%20the%20new%20plan%20was%20%E2%80%9Coverdue,%20but%20welcome%E2%80%9D.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CAs%20we%20clean%20up%20following%20recent%20flooding,%20and%20face%20another%20potentially%20record-breaking%20year%20of%20extremes,%20this%20plan%20is%20a%20reminder%20that%20we%20still%20have%20a%20long%20way%20to%20go,%E2%80%9D%20he%20said.%20%E2%80%9CAdaptation%20to%20climate%20change%20is%20one%20of%20the%20most%20complex%20societal%20and%20environmental%20challenges%20we%20face,%20but%20with%20this%20plan%20we%20are%20at%20least%20moving%20in%20the%20right%20direction.%E2%80%9D

New Zealand issues climate change adaptation plan 

The%20second-ever%20Trees%20%26%20Seas%20Festival%20will%20run%20from%20September%2016%20to%2025%20with%20events%2C%20tree-plantings%20and%20beach%20cleans%20around%20the%20world.%20The%20festival%20is%20the%20brainchild%20of%20Plastic%20Oceans%20International%2C%20a%20U.S.-based%20nonprofit%20that%20works%20to%20combat%20ocean%20plastic%20pollution%20by%20empowering%20sustainable%20communities.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20recognize%20that%20ocean%20plastic%20pollution%20is%20in%20fact%20as%20much%20of%20a%20land%20issue%20as%20it%20is%20a%20ocean%20issue%2C%20highlighting%20the%20importance%20of%20collective%20efforts%20in%20a%20range%20of%20conservation%20areas%20worldwide%20to%20end%20plastic%20pollution%20as%20it%E2%80%99s%20a%20problem%20that%20must%20be%20solved%20TOGETHER%2C%20from%20local%20communities%2C%20NGOs%2C%20enterprises%20and%20governments%20worldwide%2C%E2%80%9D%20Plastic%20Oceans%20Marketing%20and%20Brand%20Manager%20Liv%20Ward%20told%20EcoWatch%20in%20an%20email.%20%0A%0AThe%20Trees%20%26%20Seas%20Festival%20is%20part%20of%20Plastic%20Oceans%E2%80%99%20Blue%20Communities%20initiative%20to%20work%20with%20local%20partners%20to%20create%20global%20change%20and%20is%20another%20example%20of%20the%20interconnectedness%20of%20human%20and%20non-human%20life%20on%20Earth.%20%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%E2%80%99re%20building%20a%20bridge%20between%20ocean%20and%20forest%20conservation%2C%20emphasizing%20that%20we%20are%20all%20one%20planet%20%E2%80%A6%20one%20environment%20%E2%80%A6%20and%20in%20the%20end%2C%20one%20global%20community%20united%20in%20our%20effort%20to%20foster%20a%20healthier%20and%20more%20just%20planet%20for%20all%2C%E2%80%9D%20Trees%20%26%20Seas%20says%20on%20its%20website.%20%0A%0AThe%20first%20Trees%20%26%20Seas%20Festival%20launched%20in%202021%20after%20it%20was%20delayed%20by%20a%20year%20because%20of%20the%20outbreak%20of%20the%20coronavirus%20pandemic.%20The%20organizers%20had%20always%20hoped%20to%20turn%20it%20into%20a%20yearly%20event%2C%20and%20the%20success%20of%20the%202021%20programming%20showed%20that%20the%20idea%20had%20landed%20in%20fertile%20soil.%20%0A%0A%E2%80%9CLast%20year%E2%80%99s%20engagement%20around%20the%20world%20exceeded%20our%20expectations%2C%20which%20was%20motivation%20to%20continue%20our%20festival%20efforts%20this%20year%2C%E2%80%9D%20Ward%20said.%20%0A%0AThe%202021%20festival%20had%20a%20physical%20%E2%80%9Chub%E2%80%9D%20in%20Chile%E2%80%99s%20Chilo%C3%A9%20Island%20in%20Patagonia%2C%20but%20also%20featured%20more%20than%20100%20free%20events%20in%2032%20places%20worldwide%20and%20led%20to%20the%20planting%20of%20100%2C000%20trees%20and%20more%20than%2025%2C000%2C000%20square%20feet%20of%20land%20and%20water%20being%20cleared%20of%20waste%2C%20according%20to%20a%20post-festival%20announcement.%20While%20the%20on-the-ground%20planting%20and%20cleaning%20efforts%20are%20important%2C%20participants%20were%20also%20excited%20to%20learn%20more%20about%20the%20ecosystems%20they%20were%20protecting.%20%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20general%20feedback%20that%20people%20gave%20was%20that%20it%20wasn%E2%80%99t%20just%20about%20the%20cleanup%20and%20reforestation%20activities%20they%20physically%20did%2C%20but%20the%20takeaways%20they%20learned%20about%20our%20environment%20and%20their%20connection%20with%20nature%20and%20other%20individuals%20empowered%20to%20make%20a%20%5Bdifference%5D%2C%E2%80%9D%20Ward%20said.%20%0A%0AIf%20the%20pandemic%20that%20delayed%20the%20festival%E2%80%99s%20first%20go%20was%20an%20example%20of%20the%20downsides%20of%20global%20connection%2C%20the%20way%20that%20the%20organizers%20worked%20around%20these%20obstacles%20is%20an%20example%20of%20that%20connection%E2%80%99s%20promise.%20%0A%0A%E2%80%9COnline%20events%20allowed%20us%20to%20reach%20and%20engage%20more%20individuals%20from%20all%20corners%20of%20the%20world%2C%20breaking%20barriers%20we%20face%20with%20in-person%20events%2C%20something%20we%20want%20to%20now%20continue%20in%20our%20future%20festivals%2C%E2%80%9D%20Ward%20said.%20%E2%80%9CWe%20made%20all%20our%20virtual%20content%20100%25%20free%20and%20available%20to%20the%20public%20to%20make%20it%20accessible%20for%20all%20those%20wanting%20to%20join%20the%20movement.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThis%20year%2C%20Trees%20%26%20Seas%20is%20returning%20with%20a%20fully%20decentralized%20program%20and%20even%20more%20ambitious%20goals.%20The%20festival%20aims%20to%20plant%20more%20than%20150%2C000%20trees%2C%20clean%20more%20than%2053%20million%20square%20feet%20of%20land%20and%20sea%20and%20educate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20children%20in%20more%20than%20100%20different%20locations.%20%0A%0A%E2%80%9COur%20hub%20this%20year%20is%20%E2%80%98planet%20earth%2Fwhere%20any%20environmentalist%E2%80%99s%20feet%20are%20standing%2C%E2%80%9D%20Ward%20said.%0A%0AOn-the-ground%20events%20include%20an%20art%20workshop%20in%20Montreal%2C%20Canada%3B%20a%20Beach%20Cleanup%20at%20the%20Carter%20Nature%20Reserve%20in%20Maine%3B%20a%20film%20screening%20in%20Riviera%20Maya%2C%20Mexico%3B%20and%20a%20combination%20cleanup%20and%20book%20talk%20in%20Pedre%C3%B1a%2C%20Spain.%20You%20can%20visit%20the%20site%E2%80%99s%20events%20map%20to%20find%20an%20activity%20near%20you.%20In%20addition%2C%20anyone%20with%20an%20internet%20connection%20can%20tune%20into%20the%20Plastic%20Oceans%20International%20panel%20discussions.%20%0A%0AHowever%2C%20if%20you%20can%E2%80%99t%20attend%20an%20event%20this%20week%2C%20don%E2%80%99t%20worry.%20Trees%20%26%20Seas%20is%20also%20organizing%20year%20round%20programming%20to%20accommodate%20the%20fact%20that%20not%20every%20community%20that%20wants%20to%20participate%20faces%20the%20same%20conditions.%20For%20example%2C%20the%202021%20hub%20of%20Chilo%C3%A9%20island%20actually%20held%20a%20pre-festival%20in%20July%20because%20it%20was%20a%20better%20time%20for%20seed-planting.%0A%0AThe%20island%20has%20lost%20more%20than%2010%2C000%20hectares%20of%20native%20woodland%20to%20human%20activity%20in%20the%20last%20ten%20years%2C%20and%20more%20trees%20succumbed%20to%20devastating%20wildfires%20in%202021.%20The%20island%E2%80%99s%20pre-festival%20was%20held%20from%20July%2021%20to%2024%20with%20a%20goal%20of%20planting%20250%2C000%20trees.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CMy%20purpose%20is%20to%20leave%20a%20mark%20here%20on%20the%20island%2C%E2%80%9D%20Javier%20Garcia%2C%20the%20founder%20of%20BlueCommunities%20member%20%C3%9C%C3%91%C3%9C%2C%20which%20organized%20the%20event%2C%20said%2C%20%E2%80%9Dfrom%20the%20reproduction%20of%20biodiversity%2C%20to%20systemic%20educational%20programs%2C%20to%20generating%20a%20virtuous%20link%20with%20the%20environment.%20%C3%9C%C3%91%C3%9C%2C%20you%20see%2C%20is%20from%20the%20indigenous%20Mapuche%20language%2C%20Mapudungun.%20It%E2%80%99s%20a%20berry%20from%20these%20southern%20parts%20which%20has%20antioxidant%20properties.%20We%20humans%2C%20we%20can%20be%20toxic%2C%20but%20if%20we%20move%20consciously%20through%20the%20world%20we%20can%20also%20remove%20toxicity.%20Like%20the%20%C3%9C%C3%91%C3%9C%20berry%2C%20we%20can%20be%20antioxidants.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AAnd%20the%20message%20of%20Trees%20%26%20Seas%20is%20that%20anyone%20can%20follow%20this%20bit%20of%20local%20wisdom%20to%20become%20an%20antioxidant%20in%20their%20own%20community%20and%20ecosystem.%20%0A%0AThe%20Trees%20%26%20Seas%20Festival%20is%20presented%20by%20Montes%20Wines%20in%20partnership%20with%20Natracare%2C%20EcoWatch%2C%20BambuuBrush%2C%20One%20Tree%20Planted%2C%20as%20well%20as%20the%20members%20of%20%20BlueCommunities%20worldwide.

Trees & Seas, Uniting Ocean & Forest Conservation

Justin%20Trudeau%20has%20urged%20China%2C%20Russia%2C%20Brazil%20and%20other%20large%20countries%20to%20massively%20expand%20protected%20areas%20for%20nature%20at%20Cop15%20while%20putting%20Indigenous%20rights%20at%20the%20heart%20of%20conservation%2C%20as%20momentum%20gathers%20behind%20a%20controversial%20target%20to%20conserve%2030%25%20of%20Earth.%0A%0AOn%20Wednesday%2C%20the%20Canadian%20prime%20minister%20committed%20C%24800m%20(%C2%A3510m)%20of%20funding%20over%20seven%20years%20for%20Indigenous-led%20conservation%20projects%20in%20his%20country%20across%20an%20area%20the%20size%20of%20Egypt%2C%20starting%20a%20%E2%80%9Cstory%20of%20reconciliation%E2%80%9D%20with%20Indigenous%20peoples.%0A%0AHe%20made%20the%20announcement%20in%20Montreal%2C%20where%20governments%20started%20negotiating%20this%20decade%E2%80%99s%20UN%20targets%20for%20protecting%20biodiversity%20yesterday.%20Canada%20is%20co-hosting%20the%20summit%20with%20China%20amid%20tensions%20between%20the%20countries.%0A%0AName-checking%20China%2C%20Russia%2C%20Brazil%20and%20the%20US%2C%20Trudeau%20said%20ensuring%20that%20the%20biggest%20countries%20expanded%20conservation%20areas%20was%20vital%20for%20a%20successful%20agreement%20at%20Cop15%2C%20and%20urged%20them%20to%20get%20behind%20a%20%E2%80%9CCanada%20level%20of%20ambition%E2%80%9D%20for%20the%20final%20text.%0A%0AA%20new%20draft%20of%20the%20agreement%20was%20published%20after%20pre-negotiations%20over%20the%20weekend%2C%20with%20at%20least%2022%20targets%20and%20four%20goals%20being%20discussed.%20Proposals%20including%20those%20on%20human%20wildlife%20conflict%2C%20trophy%20hunting%2C%20repurposing%20subsidies%2C%20nature%20restoration%20and%20expanding%20protected%20areas%20are%20under%20consideration.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20are%20putting%20forward%20a%20new%20model%20around%20conservation%20with%20Indigenous-led%20protections%20with%20government%20participation%2C%20and%20even%20drawing%20in%20private%20sector%20and%20philanthropic%20initiatives%20because%20it%20is%20powerful%2C%E2%80%9D%20Trudeau%20told%20a%20media%20roundtable%20attended%20by%20the%20Guardian%20after%20the%20Indigenous-led%20funding%20announcement.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIndigenous%20communities%20leading%20on%20this%20is%20a%20really%20good%20thing.%20What%20we%E2%80%99re%20able%20to%20do%20here%20is%20not%20just%20show%20a%20story%20of%20conservation%2C%20but%20a%20story%20of%20reconciliation%2C%20about%20recognising%20that%20it%E2%80%99s%20these%20partnerships%20that%20are%20going%20to%20be%20essential%20going%20forward%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said.%0A%0AIndigenous%20peoples%20have%20been%20found%20repeatedly%20to%20be%20the%20best%20guardians%20of%20biodiversity%2C%20and%20conservation%20projects%20led%20by%20Indigenous%20people%20have%20seen%20success%20in%20reviving%20ailing%20populations%20globally%2C%20including%20a%20recent%20effort%20to%20save%20endangered%20caribou%20in%20western%20Canada.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIt%E2%80%99s%20relatively%20easier%20for%20a%20small%20country%20to%20sign%20on%20to%20%5Bexpanding%20protected%20areas%20to%2030%25%20of%20land%20and%20sea%5D.%20But%20getting%20the%20big%20ones%20on%20board%20is%20really%20important%2C%E2%80%9D%20Trudeau%20said.%20%E2%80%9COne%20of%20the%20focuses%20that%20I%20wanted%20us%20to%20have%20at%20this%20Cop%20was%20making%20sure%20we%E2%80%99re%20engaging%20and%20calling%20out%20as%20much%20as%20possible%20those%20countries%20with%20the%20big%20sweep%20of%20land%20and%20coastal%20areas%20to%20make%20a%20difference.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20Cop15%20summit%20comes%20weeks%20after%20the%20Chinese%20president%2C%20Xi%20Jinping%2C%20publicly%20rebuked%20Trudeau%20at%20the%20G20%20and%20a%20scandal%20over%20allegations%20that%20China%20interfered%20in%20Canada%E2%80%99s%202019%20federal%20election.%0A%0ATrudeau%20said%20Canada%20was%20keen%20to%20work%20with%20Beijing%20on%20climate%20and%20biodiversity%2C%20but%20said%20his%20country%20had%20agreed%20to%20co-host%20Cop15%20after%20the%20talks%20were%20moved%20from%20China%20this%20year%20on%20the%20understanding%20they%20would%20raise%20the%20ambition%20of%20the%20final%20text.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%E2%80%99ve%20always%20said%20that%20we%20are%20going%20to%20challenge%20China%20on%20human%20rights%20and%20rule%20of%20law%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said.%20%E2%80%9CBut%20there%20are%20areas%20where%20we%E2%80%99re%20going%20have%20to%20cooperate%20with%20China%20and%20work%20collaboratively.%20The%20climate%20is%20always%20the%20example%20of%20that.%20And%20if%20we%20can%20do%20it%20on%20biodiversity%20%E2%80%A6%20then%20this%20is%20good%20for%20the%20world.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CI%20think%20you%20can%20look%20at%20the%20deliverables%20out%20of%20the%20first%20part%20of%20the%20Kunming%20Cop15%20to%20see%20that%20there%20was%20ambition%2C%20but%20I%20guess%20Canada%E2%80%99s%20level%20of%20ambition%20is%20stronger%20and%20higher%20and%20bigger%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said.%0A%0AThe%2030x30%20initiative%20%E2%80%93%20to%20protect%2030%25%20of%20land%20and%20oceans%20by%202030%20%E2%80%93%20is%20backed%20by%20a%20coalition%2C%20led%20by%20the%20UK%2C%20France%20and%20Costa%20Rica%2C%20of%20more%20than%20100%20countries%2C%20but%20has%20received%20significant%20pushback%20from%20some%20Indigenous%20groups%20and%20human%20rights%20organisations%2C%20who%20say%20it%20raises%20the%20prospect%20of%20land%20grabs%20and%20further%20violence%20against%20communities%20scientifically%20shown%20to%20best%20protect%20nature.%0A%0AOn%20the%20first%20day%20of%20formal%20negotiations%2C%20the%20idea%20of%20what%20constitutes%20a%20%E2%80%9Cprotected%20area%E2%80%9D%20was%20facing%20significant%20scrutiny.%20The%20EU%20was%20accused%20of%20trying%20to%20water%20down%20the%20target%20by%20arguing%20that%20extractive%20industries%20such%20as%20mining%20and%20drilling%20should%20be%20allowed%20in%20protected%20areas%2C%20provided%20they%20did%20not%20negatively%20affect%20biodiversity%0A%0AAn%20Lambrechts%2C%20head%20of%20the%20Greenpeace%20International%20delegation%20to%20Cop15%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CIf%20the%20EU%20successfully%20waters%20down%2030x30%2C%20it%20will%20pave%20the%20way%20for%20areas%20protected%20under%2030x30%20becoming%20areas%20protected%20on%20paper%20but%20not%20in%20reality.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AWithin%20the%2030x30%20agreement%2C%20the%20EU%20wants%2010%25%20under%20strict%20protection%2C%20but%20within%20the%20remaining%2020%25%20it%20would%20allow%20extractive%20industries%20such%20as%20mining%20and%20drilling%2C%20provided%20this%20did%20not%20have%20a%20negative%20impact%20on%20biodiversity.%0A%0ALadislav%20Miko%2C%20from%20the%20European%20Commission%2C%20who%20is%20a%20special%20biodiversity%20envoy%20from%20the%20Czech%20Republic%2C%20said%20not%20allowing%20any%20extractive%20industries%20under%2030x30%20was%20%E2%80%9Chardly%20realistic%E2%80%9D.%20He%20said%20there%20would%20be%20an%20environmental%20impact%20assessment%20to%20work%20out%20if%20the%20activity%20in%20question%20would%20damage%20biodiversity.%20%E2%80%9CGenerally%20speaking%2C%20it%20is%20excluded%2C%20but%20it%20is%20dependent%20on%20the%20status%20of%20the%20protected%20area%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said.%0A%0ANegotiations%20at%20Cop15%20are%20scheduled%20to%20run%20until%2019%20December.

C$800m for Indigenous-led conservation projects

Tobacco%20companies%20are%20to%20be%20forced%20to%20foot%20the%20bill%20for%20cleaning%20up%20the%20millions%20of%20cigarette%20ends%20that%20smokers%20discard%20every%20year%20under%20new%20environmental%20regulations%20in%20Spain.%0A%0AThe%20ruling%2C%20which%20comes%20into%20force%20this%20Friday%2C%20is%20part%20of%20a%20package%20of%20measures%20designed%20to%20reduce%20waste%20and%20increase%20recycling.%20It%20includes%20a%20ban%20on%20single-use%20plastic%20cutlery%20and%20plates%2C%20cotton%20buds%2C%20expanded%20polystyrene%20cups%20and%20plastic%20straws%2C%20as%20well%20as%20cutting%20back%20on%20plastic%20food%20packaging.%0A%0AThe%20law%20conforms%20to%20a%20European%20Union%20directive%20limiting%20the%20use%20of%20single-use%20plastics%20and%20which%20aims%20to%20oblige%20polluters%20to%20clean%20up%20the%20mess%20they%20create.%0A%0ACigarette%20manufacturers%20will%20also%20be%20responsible%20for%20educating%20the%20public%20not%20to%20discard%20their%20butts%20in%20the%20public%20space%20but%20it%20remains%20unclear%20how%20the%20clean-up%20will%20be%20implemented%20or%20what%20it%20will%20cost.%0A%0AOne%20Catalan%20study%20put%20the%20cost%20at%20between%20%E2%82%AC12-%E2%82%AC21%20per%20citizen%20per%20annum%2C%20a%20total%20of%20up%20to%20%E2%82%AC1bn%20(%C2%A3880m).%0A%0AEarlier%20this%20year%2C%20the%20Catalan%20government%20proposed%20introducing%20a%20scheme%20whereby%20cigarette%20butts%20could%20be%20redeemed%20for%20%E2%82%AC0.20%20each%2C%20which%20would%20add%20%E2%82%AC4%20to%20the%20current%20average%20price%20of%20%E2%82%AC5%20for%20a%20pack%20of%2020.%20The%20scheme%20has%20not%20yet%20been%20introduced.%0A%0AIt%20is%20assumed%20that%20the%20tobacco%20companies%20will%20pass%20on%20the%20cost%20to%20the%20consumer%2C%20providing%20one%20more%20incentive%20to%20quit%20the%20habit.%20According%20to%20last%20year%E2%80%99s%20government%20statistics%2C%20about%2022%25%20of%20Spaniards%20smoke%20(16.4%25%20of%20women%20and%2023.3%25%20of%20men)%20compared%20with%20an%20EU%20average%20of%2018.4%25.%0A%0ANevertheless%2C%20despite%20the%20large%20number%20of%20smokers%2C%20especially%20among%20young%20people%2C%20popular%20opinion%20favours%20increased%20restrictions%20on%20smoking%20in%20public%20places.%20A%20survey%20by%20the%20family%20medicine%20association%20found%20that%2085%25%20favour%20further%20restrictions%2C%20with%2072%25%20backing%20a%20ban%20on%20smoking%20on%20the%20terraces%20of%20bars%20and%20restaurants.%0A%0ACigarette%20ends%20are%20one%20of%20the%20most%20ubiquitous%20forms%20of%20litter%20and%20take%20about%2010%20years%20to%20decompose%2C%20in%20the%20process%20emitting%20toxic%20substances%20such%20as%20arsenic%20and%20lead.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20the%20Ocean%20Conservancy%20NGO%2C%20cigarette%20butts%20are%20the%20most%20common%20form%20of%20marine%20pollution%2C%20more%20even%20than%20plastic%20bags%20and%20bottles%2C%20with%20an%20estimated%205bn%20discarded%20in%20the%20ocean.%0A%0AIn%20the%20interests%20of%20public%20health%20and%20to%20reduce%20the%20number%20of%20butts%20finding%20their%20way%20into%20the%20sea%2C%20about%20500%20Spanish%20beaches%20have%20been%20declared%20smoke-free.%0A%0ALast%20year%2C%20Barcelona%20outlawed%20smoking%20in%20all%20the%20city%E2%80%99s%2010%20beaches.

Tobacco companies to pay for cigarette clean up

MPs%20have%20voted%20to%20support%20a%20controversial%20ban%20on%20importing%20hunting%20trophies%20from%20thousands%20of%20species%20into%20the%20UK%2C%20preventing%20British%20hunters%20from%20bringing%20the%20body%20parts%20of%20lions%2C%20elephants%20and%20giraffes%20into%20the%20country.%0A%0AA%20private%20member%E2%80%99s%20bill%20put%20forward%20by%20the%20Conservative%20MP%20Henry%20Smith%20and%20backed%20by%20the%20government%20received%20the%20support%20of%20parliament%20after%20years%20of%20divisive%20debate%20on%20the%20issue.%20MPs%20from%20across%20the%20political%20spectrum%20spoke%20in%20favour%20of%20the%20legislation%20before%20it%20passed.%0A%0AThe%20government%20says%20the%20law%2C%20which%20will%20now%20move%20for%20debate%20in%20the%20Lords%2C%20will%20strengthen%20the%20conservation%20of%20endangered%20species%20and%20has%20widespread%20support%20from%20the%20British%20public.%20The%20ban%20was%20part%20of%20the%202019%20Conservative%20election%20manifesto%20and%20comes%20after%20a%20high-profile%20anti-trophy%20hunting%20campaign%20backed%20by%20celebrities%20including%20Ricky%20Gervais%2C%20Brian%20May%2C%20Ed%20Sheeran%20and%20Joanna%20Lumley.%0A%0ABut%20many%20scientists%2C%20environmentalists%20and%20African%20community%20leaders%20have%20said%20the%20new%20law%20could%20inadvertently%20accelerate%20the%20loss%20of%20wildlife%2C%20and%20accused%20celebrity%20campaigners%20of%20%E2%80%9Cneocolonialism%E2%80%9D.%20They%20point%20to%20the%20contributions%20of%20regulated%20trophy%20hunting%20to%20the%20recovery%20of%20populations%20of%20black%20and%20white%20rhino%20in%20Namibia%20and%20South%20Africa%20and%20the%20snow%20leopard%20in%20Tajikistan.%0A%0AAmid%20strong%20views%20on%20both%20sides%20and%20accusations%20of%20misinformation%20from%20pro-hunting%20groups%20and%20anti-trophy%20hunting%20campaigners%2C%20MPs%20backed%20an%20amendment%20from%20Sir%20Christopher%20Chope%20to%20create%20an%20expert%20advisory%20board%20on%20the%20import%20ban.%20The%20ban%20will%20cover%20about%206%2C000%20species%20and%20include%20some%20of%20the%20most%20endangered%20and%20charismatic%20animals%2C%20including%20hippos%2C%20leopards%20and%20polar%20bears.%0A%0ABritish%20hunters%20are%20not%20a%20large%20part%20of%20the%20trophy%20hunting%20industry%20and%20the%20ban%20is%20considered%20largely%20symbolic%20by%20conservationists.%20In%202015%2C%20the%20killing%20of%20Cecil%20the%20lion%20by%20a%20trophy%20hunter%20in%20Zimbabwe%20provoked%20global%20outrage%20and%20revulsion%20at%20the%20industry%2C%20where%20hunters%20pay%20tens%20of%20thousands%20of%20pounds%20to%20shoot%20and%20pose%20with%20the%20bodies%20of%20wild%20animals.%0A%0AThe%20actor%20Peter%20Egan%2C%20a%20prominent%20anti-trophy%20hunting%20campaigner%2C%20said%20the%20vote%20was%20%E2%80%9Csensational%E2%80%9D%20news.%0A%0AClaire%20Bass%2C%20a%20senior%20director%20of%20campaigns%20and%20public%20affairs%20at%20Humane%20Society%20International-UK%2C%20also%20welcomed%20the%20vote.%20%E2%80%9CWe%E2%80%99re%20delighted%20that%20this%20extremely%20popular%20bill%20has%20passed%20its%20report%20stage%20and%20third%20reading%2C%20with%20dozens%20of%20cross-party%20MPs%20taking%20the%20floor%20in%20today%E2%80%99s%20debate%20to%20share%20their%20strong%20support%20for%20legislation%20to%20stop%20hunters%20bringing%20their%20sick%20souvenirs%20back%20to%20the%20UK.%20We%20%E2%80%A6%20look%20to%20the%20House%20of%20Lords%20to%20ensure%20swift%20passage%20of%20this%20vital%20law%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20said.%0A%0ABut%20others%20expressed%20their%20disappointment%20and%20urged%20the%20Lords%20to%20oppose%20the%20law%20in%20its%20current%20form.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20bitterly%20disappointing%20MPs%20have%20succumbed%20to%20an%20emotive%20but%20misinformed%20animal%20rights%20campaign%E2%80%9D%2C%20said%20Amy%20Dickman%2C%20an%20Oxford%20University%20professor%20who%20is%20an%20expert%20on%20lion%20conservation.%20%E2%80%9CThis%20bill%20will%20kill%20more%20animals%20than%20it%20will%20save.%20Hopes%20for%20a%20rational%2C%20evidence-based%20debate%20now%20rest%20in%20the%20House%20of%20Lords.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AMaxi%20Pia%20Louis%2C%20a%20community%20leader%20from%20Namibia%2C%20said%20she%20was%20disappointed%20that%20the%20voices%20of%20Africans%20had%20not%20been%20heard.%20%E2%80%9CBritain%20has%20ignored%20our%20numerous%20attempts%20to%20engage.%20What%20is%20the%20purpose%20of%20the%20diplomatic%20ties%20we%20supposedly%20share%3F%20This%20bill%20will%20make%20African%20communities%20poorer%20for%20many%20years%20to%20come%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20said.%0A%0AThe%20international%20biodiversity%20minister%2C%20Trudy%20Harrison%2C%20said%20the%20vote%20was%20a%20pivotal%20moment.%20%E2%80%9CUsing%20an%20internationally%20agreed%20list%20of%20species%2C%20this%20will%20play%20an%20important%20part%20in%20helping%20reverse%20the%20decline%20of%20wildlife%20across%20the%20world.%20I%20look%20forward%20to%20it%20becoming%20an%20act%20of%20parliament%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20said.%0A%0AHenry%20Smith%2C%20the%20MP%20who%20led%20the%20private%20member%E2%80%99s%20bill%2C%20said%20the%20government%20was%20delivering%20on%20its%202019%20manifesto%20commitment.%20%E2%80%9CI%E2%80%99m%20grateful%20to%20the%20government%20for%20supporting%20my%20%E2%80%A6%20bill%20and%20I%20look%20forward%20to%20it%20now%20progressing%20through%20the%20House%20of%20Lords.%20Our%20country%20does%20not%20want%20to%20be%20part%20of%20a%20trade%20in%20the%20body%20parts%20of%20endangered%20species.%20Today%20the%20Commons%20sent%20this%20message%20loud%20and%20clear%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said.

Bill banning import of hunting trophies into UK

President%20Biden%20pledged%20%241.5%20billion%20for%20international%20climate%20and%20deforestation%20funding%20on%20Thursday.%20During%20the%20virtual%20gathering%20of%20the%20Major%20Economies%20Forum%20on%20Energy%20and%20Climate%2C%20which%20collectively%20accounts%20for%20about%2080%25%20of%20global%20climate%20pollution%20and%20GDP%2C%20Biden%20said%2C%20%E2%80%9CWith%20the%20right%20commitment%20and%20follow-through%20from%20every%20nation%20%E2%80%A6%20on%20this%20call%2C%20the%20goal%20of%20limiting%20warming%20to%201.5%20degrees%20can%20stay%20within%20reach.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ABiden%20pledged%20to%20double%20the%20U.S.%20contribution%20to%20the%20Green%20Climate%20Fund%20to%20%241%20billion%20and%20said%20he%20would%20seek%20to%20secure%20%24500%20million%20for%20Brazil%E2%80%99s%20Amazon%20Fund%20to%20combat%20deforestation%20there.%0A%0ABiden%E2%80%99s%20calls%20for%20%E2%80%9Ccommitment%20and%20follow%20through%E2%80%9D%20came%20the%20day%20after%20House%20Speaker%20Kevin%20McCarthy%20said%20Republicans%20would%20raise%20the%20debt%20ceiling%20%E2%80%94%20paying%20bills%20Congress%20has%20already%20accrued%20%E2%80%94%20if%20Biden%20and%20Democrats%20agree%20to%20repeal%20wide%20swaths%20of%20the%20Inflation%20Reduction%20Act.%0A%0ADefaulting%20on%20U.S.%20debt%20would%20have%20catastrophic%20effects%20on%20the%20U.S.%20economy%20and%20destabilize%20global%20financial%20markets.%20Repealing%20major%20portions%20of%20the%20Inflation%20Reduction%20Act%20would%2C%20among%20many%20other%20things%2C%20cause%20tens%20of%20thousands%20of%20job%20losses%20in%20GOP%20states.

$1.5 bln to Fight Climate Change, Deforestation

Ecuador%20sealed%20the%20world's%20largest%20%22debt-for-nature%22%20swap%20on%20record%20on%20Tuesday%2C%20selling%20a%20new%20%22blue%20bond%22%20that%20will%20funnel%20at%20least%20%2412%20million%20a%20year%20into%20conservation%20of%20the%20Galapagos%20Islands%2C%20one%20of%20the%20world's%20most%20precious%20ecosystems.%0A%0AHaving%20bought%20back%20roughly%20%241.6%20billion%20of%20the%20country's%20debt%20at%20a%20near%2060%25%20discount%20late%20last%20week%20with%20the%20help%20of%20Credit%20Suisse%2C%20Ecuadorean%20Foreign%20Minister%20Gustavo%20Manrique%20Miranda%20said%20biodiversity%20was%20now%20a%20valuable%20%22currency%22.%0A%0ATuesday's%20%24656%20million%20%22Galapagos%20Bond%2C%22%20as%20it%20has%20been%20dubbed%2C%20will%20run%20until%202041%20and%20gave%20investors%20that%20bought%20it%20a%205.645%25%20%22coupon%22%20or%20interest%20rate%2C%20its%20bankers%20said.%0A%0AEcuador%20sovereign%20bonds%20currently%20yield%20from%2017%25%20to%2026%25%2C%20but%20the%20new%20bond%20has%20an%20%2485%20million%20'credit%20guarantee'%20from%20the%20Inter-American%20Development%20Bank%20and%20%24656%20million%20of%20political%20risk%20insurance%20from%20the%20U.S.%20International%20Development%20Finance%20Corp%20(DFC)%2C%20effectively%20making%20it%20less%20risky.%0A%0ADebt-for-nature%20swaps%20have%20proved%20successful%20in%20Belize%2C%20Barbados%20and%20the%20Seychelles%20in%20recent%20years%2C%20but%20Ecuador's%20deal%20is%20by%20far%20the%20largest%20to%20date%2C%20cutting%20the%20country's%20debt%20by%20over%20%241%20billion%20once%20the%20%24450%20million%20of%20total%20conservation%20spending%20is%20taken%20into%20account.%0A%0AThe%20driver%20has%20been%20the%20remote%20Galapagos%20Islands%2C%20some%20600%20miles%20(970%20km)%20off%20Ecuador's%20mainland%20coast%2C%20that%20inspired%20Charles%20Darwin's%20Theory%20of%20Evolution.%0A%0AMany%20species%20on%20the%20islands%2C%20including%20giant%20tortoises%2C%20marine%20iguanas%20and%20Darwin's%20finches%2C%20are%20found%20nowhere%20else%20on%20earth%20so%20their%20conservation%20is%20seen%20as%20vital.%0A%0AWhile%20Quito%20will%20pocket%20more%20than%20%241%20billion%20worth%20of%20savings%20from%20the%20buyback%20for%20other%20purposes%2C%20the%20key%20appeal%20has%20been%20the%20environmental%20benefits%20and%20the%20hope%20it%20will%20be%20a%20catalyst%20for%20other%20highly%20indebted%20but%20nature-rich%20countries.%0A%0AGiuseppe%20Di%20Carlo%2C%20director%20of%20the%20Pew%20Bertarelli%20Ocean%20Legacy%2C%20one%20of%20the%20groups%20involved%20in%20the%20deal%2C%20said%20the%20%2412%20million%20a%20year%20earmarked%20for%20conservation%2C%20plus%20another%20%245%20million%20a%20year%20being%20put%20into%20a%20fund%20that%20should%20last%20decades%2C%20were%20an%20%22extraordinary%20win%22.%0A%0AThere%20will%20be%20regular%20monitoring%20of%20the%20protection%20work%20and%20of%20%22purse%20seine%22%20and%20%22longline%22%20fishing%20vessels%20by%20a%20newly%20formed%20body%2C%20with%20Hawaii's%20Papah%C4%81naumoku%C4%81kea%20marine%20park%20seen%20as%20a%20potential%20template.%0A%0AConservation%20funding%20there%20now%20protects%20a%20200-mile%20(322-km)%20radius%20around%20the%20archipelago.%20It%20has%20helped%20revive%20local%20tuna%20and%20other%20fish%20stocks%2C%20but%20also%20increased%20catches%20further%20out%20where%20local%20fishing%20is%20still%20allowed.%0A%0AThe%20hope%20is%20for%20similar%20results%20from%20a%20new%2011%2C500-square%20mile%20(30%2C000-sq%20km)%20reserve%20Ecuador%20set%20up%20last%20year%20between%20the%20Galapagos%20and%20Costa%20Rica's%20maritime%20border%20used%20as%20a%20migratory%20corridor%20by%20sharks%2C%20whales%2C%20sea%20turtles%20and%20manta%20rays.%0A%0AScott%20Nathan%2C%20the%20chief%20executive%20of%20DFC%2C%20said%20people%20needed%20to%20%22stay%20tuned%22%20for%20similar%20deals%20in%20other%20countries%20and%20the%20Galapagos%20deal%20had%20been%20a%20long%20time%20coming.%0A%0AIt%20was%20first%20floated%20over%20three%20years%20ago.%20Final%20preparations%20occurred%20during%20a%20time%20of%20political%20turmoil%2C%20with%20Ecuador's%20National%20Assembly%20seeking%20to%20impeach%20President%20Guillermo%20Lasso%20for%20alleged%20embezzlement%2C%20which%20Lasso%20denies.%0A%0AThe%20turbulence%20boosted%20economics%20of%20the%20deal%2C%20slashing%20prices%20of%20the%20original%20bonds%2C%20although%20it%20also%20faced%20troubles%20of%20lynchpin%20lender%20Credit%20Suisse%2C%20which%20required%20an%20emergency%20takeover%20in%20March%20by%20rival%20UBS.

Ecuador seals world's largest debt-for-nature swap

From%20the%20outside%2C%20the%20Manhattan%20high-rise%20looks%20like%20any%20other%20luxury%20building%3A%20A%20doorman%20greets%20visitors%20in%20a%20lobby%20adorned%20with%20tapestry%20and%20marble.%0A%0AYet%20the%20basement%20has%20a%20set%20of%20equipment%20seen%20almost%20nowhere%20else%20in%20the%20world.%20To%20reduce%20emissions%2C%20the%20owners%20have%20installed%20twisting%20pipes%20and%20tanks%20that%20collect%20carbon%20dioxide%20from%20the%20building's%20massive%2C%20gas-fired%20boilers.%0A%0AThe%20goal%20is%20to%20stop%20carbon%20dioxide%2C%20a%20climate-warming%20gas%2C%20from%20entering%20the%20atmosphere.%20In%20such%20a%20vertical%20city%2C%20it's%20impossible%20to%20address%20climate%20change%20without%20tackling%20emissions%20from%20buildings.%20So%20building%20owners%20must%20make%20dramatic%20cuts%20starting%20next%20year%20or%20face%20escalating%20fines%20under%20a%20new%20law%20which%20affects%20some%2050%2C000%20structures%E2%80%94more%20than%20half%20the%20buildings%20in%20the%20city.%20Other%20cities%20such%20as%20Boston%20and%20Denver%20passed%20similar%20laws.%0A%0ATo%20comply%2C%20some%20property%20managers%20are%20installing%20carbon%20capture%20systems%2C%20which%20strip%20out%20carbon%20dioxide%2C%20direct%20it%20into%20tanks%20and%20prepare%20it%20for%20sale%20to%20make%20carbonated%20beverages%20or%20soap.%20In%20this%20case%2C%20the%20carbon%20dioxide%20is%20sold%20to%20a%20concrete%20manufacturer%20in%20Brooklyn.%0A%0A%22Time%20is%20not%20on%20our%20side%2C%20and%20this%20type%20of%20solution%20can%20be%20installed%20quickly%2C%20cost-effectively%20and%20without%20a%20major%20disruption%2C%22%20said%20Brian%20Asparro%2C%20chief%20operating%20officer%20of%20CarbonQuest%2C%20which%20built%20the%20system.%0A%0ACritics%20say%20buildings%20should%20be%20switched%20to%20electricity%20instead.%0A%0A%22Carbon%20capture%20doesn't%20actually%20reduce%20emissions%3B%20it%20seeks%20to%20put%20them%20somewhere%20else%2C%22%20said%20Anthony%20Rogers-Wright%2C%20director%20of%20environmental%20justice%20at%20New%20York%20Lawyers%20for%20the%20Public%20Interest.%0A%0AIt's%20unclear%20whether%20carbon%20capture%20will%20be%20recognized%20by%20New%20York%20City%20as%20a%20qualifying%20emissions%20reduction%3B%20the%20city%20has%20not%20decided.%0A%0ACapturing%20the%20culprit%0A%0AIn%20the%20Manhattan%20building's%20basement%2C%20two%20500-horsepower%20boilers%20rumble%2C%20burning%20natural%20gas%20and%20releasing%20carbon%20dioxide.%20The%20boilers%20produce%20roughly%20half%20the%20building's%20emissions.%20The%20other%20half%20are%20generated%20at%20power%20plants%20where%20the%20building%20buys%20electricity.%20The%20carbon%20capture%20system%2C%20Asparro%20said%2C%20is%20trapping%20about%2060%25%20of%20the%20boilers'%20emissions.%0A%0A%22Boilers%20like%20this%20are%20installed%20everywhere%2C%20in%20schools%20and%20hospitals%20around%20the%20world%2C%22%20Asparro%20said.%0A%0ACarbon%20dioxide%20and%20other%20gases%20flow%20from%20the%20boilers%20over%20a%20special%20material%20that%20separates%20out%20the%20carbon%20dioxide%20in%20a%20system%20that%20occupies%20two%20former%20parking%20spaces.%20Then%20it's%20compressed%20and%20cooled%20to%20minus-10%20degrees%20Fahrenheit%20(minus-23%20Celsius)%2C%20turning%20it%20to%20liquid.%0A%0APipes%20lead%20to%20spigots%20outside%20the%20building%2C%20where%20a%20truck%20loads%20up%20with%20the%20liquefied%20CO2%20and%20takes%20it%20to%20a%20concrete%20manufacturer%20in%20Brooklyn.%0A%0AThe%20apartment%20building%20is%20trying%20to%20reduce%20energy%20in%20other%20ways%2C%20too%2C%20said%20Josh%20London%2C%20senior%20vice%20president%20at%20Glenwood%20Management%20Corp.%20It%20has%20computerized%20motors%2C%20fans%20and%20pumps%2C%20LED%20lighting%20and%20battery%20storage.%20The%20company%20plans%20to%20install%20carbon%20capture%20systems%20in%20five%20more%20buildings%20this%20year.%0A%0ANearly%2070%25%20of%20New%20York%20City's%20large%20buildings%20have%20steam%20boilers%20like%20these%20that%20run%20on%20natural%20gas%20or%20oil%2C%20according%20to%20NYC%20Accelerator.%0A%0AThe%20city%20law%20requires%20all%20buildings%20over%2025%2C000%20square%20feet%20to%20reduce%20emissions.%20In%20Minnesota%2C%20Radisson%20Blu%20Mall%20of%20America%2C%20a%20hotel%2C%20has%20installed%20a%20system%20that%20captures%20carbon%20dioxide%20that's%20eventually%20used%20to%20make%20soap.%0A%0AMineralizing%20into%20concrete%0A%0AOver%20in%20Brooklyn%2C%20the%20floor%20shakes%20as%20yellow%20machines%20churn%20at%20Glenwood%20Mason%20Supply%20Company%20Inc.%2C%20a%20concrete%20maker%20unrelated%20to%20Glenwood%20Management%20Corp.%20Grey%20concrete%20blocks%20rattle%20down%20a%20conveyor%20under%20a%20din%20of%20metal%20gears%20and%20motors.%0A%0AA%20truck%20arrives%20with%20liquefied%20carbon%20dioxide%20and%20then%2C%20using%20equipment%20provided%20by%20a%20company%20called%20CarbonCure%2C%20it's%20compressed%20and%20turned%20into%20a%20solid.

NYC skyscrapers turning to carbon capture

Countries%20moved%20a%20step%20closer%20on%20Saturday%20to%20getting%20a%20fund%20off%20the%20ground%20to%20help%20poor%20states%20damaged%20by%20climate%20disasters%2C%20despite%20reservations%20from%20developing%20nations%20and%20the%20United%20States.%0A%0AThe%20deal%20to%20create%20a%20%22loss%20and%20damage%22%20fund%20was%20hailed%20as%20a%20breakthrough%20for%20developing%20country%20negotiators%20at%20United%20Nations%20climate%20talks%20in%20Egypt%20last%20year%2C%20overcoming%20years%20of%20resistance%20from%20wealthy%20nations.%0A%0ABut%20in%20the%20past%2011%20months%2C%20governments%20have%20struggled%20to%20reach%20consensus%20on%20the%20details%20of%20the%20fund%2C%20such%20as%20who%20will%20pay%20and%20where%20the%20fund%20will%20be%20located.%0A%0AA%20special%20U.N.%20committee%20tasked%20with%20implementing%20the%20fund%20met%20for%20a%20fifth%20time%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi%20this%20week%20-%20following%20a%20deadlock%20in%20Egypt%20last%20month%20-%20to%20finalise%20recommendations%20that%20will%20be%20put%20to%20governments%20when%20they%20meet%20for%20the%20annual%20climate%20summit%20COP28%20in%20Dubai%20in%20less%20than%20four%20weeks'%20time.%20The%20goal%20is%20to%20get%20the%20fund%20up%20and%20running%20by%202024.%0A%0AThe%20committee%2C%20representing%20a%20geographically%20diverse%20group%20of%20countries%2C%20resolved%20to%20recommend%20the%20World%20Bank%20serve%20as%20trustee%20and%20host%20of%20the%20fund%20-%20a%20tension%20point%20that%20has%20fuelled%20divisions%20between%20developed%20and%20developing%20nations.%0A%0AHousing%20a%20fund%20at%20the%20World%20Bank%2C%20whose%20presidents%20are%20appointed%20by%20the%20U.S.%2C%20would%20give%20donor%20countries%20outsized%20influence%20over%20the%20fund%20and%20result%20in%20high%20fees%20for%20recipient%20countries%2C%20developing%20countries%20have%20argued.%0A%0ATo%20get%20all%20countries%20on%20board%2C%20it%20was%20agreed%20the%20World%20Bank%20would%20serve%20as%20interim%20trustee%20and%20host%20of%20the%20fund%20for%20a%20four-year%20period.%0A%0AJennifer%20Morgan%2C%20Germany's%20special%20climate%20envoy%2C%20said%20in%20a%20post%20on%20X%20that%20Berlin%20%22stands%20ready%20to%20fulfil%20its%20responsibility%20-%20we're%20actively%20working%20towards%20contributing%20to%20the%20new%20fund%20and%20assessing%20options%20for%20more%20structural%20sources%20of%20financing%22.%0A%0AOthers%20were%20less%20optimistic.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20a%20sombre%20day%20for%20climate%20justice%2C%20as%20rich%20countries%20turn%20their%20backs%20on%20vulnerable%20communities%2C%22%20said%20Harjeet%20Singh%2C%20head%20of%20global%20political%20strategy%20at%20nonprofit%20Climate%20Action%20Network%20International.%0A%0A%22Rich%20countries%20...%20have%20not%20only%20coerced%20developing%20nations%20into%20accepting%20the%20World%20Bank%20as%20the%20host%20of%20the%20Loss%20and%20Damage%20Fund%20but%20have%20also%20evaded%20their%20duty%20to%20lead%20in%20providing%20financial%20assistance%20to%20those%20communities%20and%20countries.%22%0A%0AThe%20committee%20also%20recommended%20that%20developed%20countries%20be%20urged%20to%20continue%20to%20provide%20support%20to%20the%20fund%2C%20but%20failed%20to%20resolve%20whether%20wealthy%20nations%20would%20be%20under%20strict%20financial%20obligation%20to%20do%20chip%20in.%0A%0A%22We%20regret%20that%20the%20text%20does%20not%20reflect%20consensus%20concerning%20the%20need%20for%20clarity%20on%20the%20voluntary%20nature%20of%20contributions%2C%22%20a%20U.S.%20State%20Department%20official%20told%20Reuters.%0A%0AThe%20U.S.%20attempted%20to%20include%20a%20footnote%20clarifying%20that%20any%20contributions%20to%20the%20fund%20would%20be%20voluntary%2C%20but%20the%20committee%20chair%20did%20not%20allow%20it.%20The%20U.S.%20objected%20to%20that%20denial.%0A%0ASultan%20al-Jaber%2C%20who%20will%20preside%20over%20the%20COP28%20talks%2C%20said%20he%20welcomed%20the%20committee's%20recommendations%20and%20that%20they%20would%20pave%20the%20way%20for%20an%20agreement%20at%20COP28.

World Bank to host climate loss and damage fund

On%20Friday%2C%20Indonesia%20said%20palm%20oil%20companies%20operating%20inside%20forested%20areas%20would%20be%20fined%20a%20total%20of%20%24310%20million%2C%20reported%20Reuters.%0A%0AIndonesia%20and%20Malaysia%20are%20responsible%20for%20most%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20palm%20oil%20production%20%E2%80%94%2085%20percent%20%E2%80%94%20a%20major%20driver%20of%20deforestation%2C%20the%20Yale%20Center%20for%20Business%20and%20the%20Environment%20said.%20Deforestation%20accounts%20for%2020%20percent%20of%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%20worldwide.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CClearing%20for%20oil%20palm%20plantations%20has%20been%20the%20largest%20single%20cause%20of%20deforestation%20in%20Indonesia%20over%20the%20past%20two%20decades%2C%E2%80%9D%20a%202021%20report%20by%20technology%20consultancy%20TheTreeMap%20and%20Greenpeace%20said.%20%E2%80%9CIt%20includes%20production%20forests%2C%20which%20are%20subject%20to%20limited%20economic%20activity%2C%20such%20as%20forest%20product%20extraction.%20It%20also%20covers%20forests%20for%20protecting%20watersheds%20and%20conservation%20forests%2C%20which%20include%20nature%20reserves%20and%20the%20country%E2%80%99s%20national%20parks.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AFirman%20Hidayat%2C%20deputy%20coordinating%20minister%20for%20maritime%20affairs%20and%20investment%2C%20said%20more%20than%20%2430.7%20million%20in%20fines%20had%20already%20been%20issued%2C%20but%20did%20not%20provide%20the%20names%20of%20the%20companies%20that%20had%20been%20sanctioned%2C%20Reuters%20reported.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CMuch%20of%20the%20deforestation%20related%20to%20palm%20oil%20has%20occurred%20with%20companies%20and%20individuals%20setting%20fire%20to%20the%20landscape.%20In%202015%2C%20fires%20raged%20for%20months%20in%20Indonesia%2C%20severely%20impacting%20Indonesian%20and%20Singaporean%20air%20quality%2C%20displacing%20wildlife%2C%20and%20leading%20experts%20to%20assert%20that%20Indonesia%20was%20now%20a%20bigger%20contributor%20to%20climate%20change%20than%20the%20U.S.%20Palm%20oil%20development%20is%20also%20happening%20largely%20in%20biodiversity%20hotspots%2C%20threatening%20crucial%20species%20and%20habitats%2C%E2%80%9D%20the%20Yale%20Center%20for%20Business%20and%20the%20Environment%20said.%0A%0AEarlier%2C%20this%20year%2C%20the%20Indonesian%20Supreme%20Court%20upheld%20a%20fine%20of%20%2461%20million%20against%20oil%20palm%20company%20PT%20Rafi%20Kamajaya%20Abadi%20after%20massive%20plantation%20fires%20destroyed%20an%20area%20seven%20times%20bigger%20than%20New%20York%E2%80%99s%20Central%20Park%2C%20Mongabay%20reported.%0A%0AIn%20November%2C%20Indonesia%20said%20approximately%20494%2C210%20acres%20of%20oil%20palm%20plantations%20had%20been%20identified%20in%20forest-designated%20areas%2C%20according%20to%20Reuters.%20These%20forests%20are%20expected%20to%20be%20turned%20back%20over%20to%20the%20state%20for%20reconversion%20into%20forests.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CAs%20palm%20oil%20production%20expands%2C%20companies%2C%20NGOs%2C%20governments%2C%20and%20local%20communities%20are%20all%20trying%20to%20navigate%20how%20to%20leverage%20the%20benefits%20of%20palm%20oil%E2%80%99s%20efficient%20yields%20with%20the%20consequences%20of%20its%20production.%20As%20with%20any%20major%20resource%20system%2C%20the%20picture%20is%20complex%2C%E2%80%9D%20the%20Yale%20Center%20for%20Business%20and%20the%20Environment%20said.%0A%0AIn%202020%2C%20Indonesia%20issued%20rules%20regarding%20the%20legality%20of%20palm%20oil%20plantations%20being%20operated%20in%20forested%20areas%20in%20order%20to%20straighten%20out%20their%20governance.%20The%20measures%20were%20needed%2C%20officials%20said%2C%20since%20some%20companies%20had%20been%20managing%20the%20land%20for%20years.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20the%20rules%2C%20companies%20had%20until%20November%202%2C%202023%2C%20to%20pay%20fines%20and%20submit%20paperwork%20in%20order%20to%20get%20the%20right%20to%20cultivate%20their%20plantations.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20even%20though%208.1%20million%20acres%20of%20Indonesia%E2%80%99s%20almost%2042%20million%20acres%20of%20oil%20palm%20plantations%20have%20been%20discovered%20to%20be%20in%20areas%20designated%20as%20forests%2C%20only%20owners%20of%20a%20total%20of%204.13%20million%20acres%20have%20been%20identified.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20story%20of%20Brazil%20after%202012%20warns%20us%20that%20gains%20in%20forest%20protection%20are%20fragile%2C%20and%20easily%20lost%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Helen%20Bellfield%2C%20deputy%20director%20of%20palm%20oil%20supply%20chain%20initiative%20Trase%2C%20as%20Mongabay%20reported%20separately%20last%20year.%20%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20the%20time%20to%20intensify%20both%20government%20and%20private%20sector%20efforts%2C%20such%20as%20strengthening%20the%20ISPO%20%5BIndonesian%20Sustainable%20Palm%20Oil%5D%20standard%20and%20stepping%20up%20implementation%20of%20zero%20deforestation%20commitments%2C%20including%20more%20detailed%20traceability%20reporting.%E2%80%9D

Indonesia to Fine Palm Oil Companies $310 Million

The%20new%20'compost%20obligatoire'%20rules%20came%20into%20force%20on%201%20January%202024.%20Here's%20what%20they%20entail.%0A%0AAs%20of%201%20January%202024%2C%20organic%20waste%20recycling%20is%20mandatory%20in%20France%20under%20new%20'compost%20obligatoire'%20rules.%0A%0AWith%20support%20from%20the%20government%E2%80%99s%20Green%20Fund%2C%20municipalities%20must%20provide%20residents%20with%20ways%20to%20sort%20bio-waste%2C%20which%20includes%20food%20scraps%2C%20vegetable%20peels%2C%20expired%20food%20and%20garden%20waste.%0A%0AHouseholds%20and%20businesses%20are%20required%20to%20dispose%20of%20organic%20matter%20either%20in%20a%20dedicated%20small%20bin%20for%20home%20collection%20or%20at%20a%20municipal%20collection%20point.%20Previously%2C%20only%20those%20who%20generated%20over%20five%20tonnes%20of%20organic%20waste%20per%20year%20were%20required%20to%20separate%20it.%0A%0AThe%20waste%20will%20then%20be%20turned%20into%20biogas%20or%20compost%20to%20replace%20chemical%20fertilisers.%20Alternatively%2C%20it%20can%20be%20composted%20at%20home.%0A%0AThe%20obligation%20is%20currently%20on%20local%20authorities%20to%20provide%20an%20easy%20means%20for%20households%20to%20compost%20or%20separate%20organic%20waste.%0A%0AWhile%20facilities%20are%20rolled%20out%2C%20there%20will%20not%20be%20fines%20imposed%20for%20non-compliance.%20It%20is%20yet%20to%20be%20seen%20whether%20stricter%20rules%20will%20be%20imposed%20in%20future.%20%0A%0A%3Cb%3EOne-third%20of%20household%20waste%20is%20bio-waste%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AOrganic%20waste%20from%20food%20and%20gardens%20accounts%20for%20almost%20one-third%20of%20household%20waste.%20When%20it%20is%20mixed%20with%20other%20rubbish%2C%20it%20typically%20ends%20up%20in%20landfills%20or%20incinerators%2C%20where%20it%20produces%20heat-trapping%20greenhouse%20gases%20like%20methane%20and%20CO2.%0A%0AFood%20waste%20is%20responsible%20for%20about%2016%20per%20cent%20of%20the%20total%20emissions%20from%20the%20EU%20food%20system%2C%20according%20to%20the%20European%20Commission.%20Globally%2C%20food%20loss%20and%20waste%20generates%20around%208%20per%20cent%20of%20all%20human-caused%20emissions%20annually%2C%20the%20UN%20says.%0A%0AIt%20can%20also%20contaminate%20packaging%20destined%20for%20recycling%20like%20paper%2C%20plastic%20and%20glass.%0A%0AIn%202018%2C%20only%2034%20per%20cent%20of%20the%20EU%E2%80%99s%20total%20bio-waste%20was%20collected%2C%20leaving%2040%20million%20tonnes%20of%20potential%20soil%20nutrients%20to%20be%20discarded%2C%20according%20to%20NGO%20Zero%20Waste%20Europe.%0A%0AIn%20France%2C%20an%20estimated%2082%20kg%20of%20compostable%20waste%20per%20person%20is%20thrown%20away%20each%20year.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EIs%20bio-waste%20separation%20mandatory%20in%20other%20European%20countries%3F%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AUnder%20the%20EU%E2%80%99s%20Waste%20Framework%20Directive%2C%20bio-waste%20collection%20is%20being%20encouraged%20this%20year%2C%20but%20it%20stops%20short%20of%20setting%20mandatory%20targets.%0A%0AIn%20many%20European%20countries%2C%20organic%20waste%20separation%20has%20already%20been%20implemented%20at%20the%20municipal%20level.%0A%0AMilan%20in%20Italy%20has%20been%20running%20a%20residential%20food%20waste%20collection%20programme%20since%202014.%20Households%20were%20given%20dedicated%20bins%20and%20compostable%20bags%20to%20kick%20off%20the%20scheme.%0A%0AElsewhere%2C%20taxes%20or%20bans%20on%20incinerating%20bio-waste%20have%20encouraged%20similar%20schemes%2C%20with%20separate%20bins%20and%20home%20composting%20widespread%20in%20Austria%2C%20the%20Netherlands%20and%20Belgium.%0A%0AThe%20UK%20announced%20plans%20to%20roll%20out%20separate%20food%20waste%20collection%20in%202023.%20It%20remains%20voluntary%20for%20households%20in%20England%2C%20but%20is%20more%20strictly%20enforced%20in%20Wales%20and%20for%20business%20owners.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EHow%20to%20sort%20your%20bio-waste%3C%2Fb%3E%0AIdeally%2C%20all%20waste%20-%20including%20organic%20matter%20-%20should%20be%20kept%20to%20a%20minimum.%0A%0AThis%20can%20be%20achieved%20through%20careful%20meal%20planning.%20Consuming%2C%20freezing%20or%20preserving%20food%20before%20it%20expires%20along%20with%20using%20every%20part%20of%20an%20ingredient%20also%20help%20to%20reduce%20waste.%20Some%20food%20waste%20can%20even%20be%20repurposed%20into%20animal%20feed.%0A%0AAny%20food%20waste%20that%20cannot%20be%20saved%20or%20repurposed%20should%20be%20either%20composted%20or%20separated%20for%20collection.%20This%20includes%20uneaten%20food%20scraps%2C%20baked%20goods%2C%20dairy%20products%2C%20eggshells%2C%20fruit%20and%20vegetables%20and%20their%20peels%2C%20mouldy%20food%2C%20pet%20food%2C%20raw%20and%20cooked%20meat%20and%20fish%2C%20bones%2C%20tea%20and%20coffee%20grounds.%0A%0ALiquids%2C%20non-food%20products%20and%20packaging%20should%20not%20be%20placed%20in%20bio-waste%20bins.

France implements compulsory composting

In%20late%202023%2C%20the%20federal%20government%2C%20British%20Columbia%20and%20the%20First%20Nations%20Leadership%20Council%20signed%20a%20%241%20billion%20Nature%20Agreement%20to%20protect%2030%25%20of%20B.C.'s%20lands%20by%202030.%0A%0AThe%20agreement%20stressed%20the%20full%20collaboration%20of%20Indigenous%20Peoples%20in%20alignment%20with%20the%20United%20Nations%20Declaration%20on%20the%20Rights%20of%20Indigenous%20Peoples.%0A%0AThe%20Nature%20Agreement%20follows%20a%20series%20of%20historic%20federal%20investments%20in%20nature%20conservation%20over%20the%20past%20several%20years.%20Like%20the%20previous%20announcements%2C%20the%202023%20Nature%20Agreement%20includes%20funding%20for%20Indigenous%20Protected%20and%20Conserved%20Areas%2C%20or%20IPCAs.%0A%0AEnvironment%20Minister%20Steven%20Guilbeault%20stated%20about%20the%20agreement%2C%20%22I%20think%20people%20will%20look%20at%20this%20agreement%20and%20say%2C%20'OK%2C%20this%20is%20how%20it%20needs%20to%20be%20done%20going%20forward%20now%20in%20Canada'%E2%80%A6%20It's%20nature%2C%20it's%20conservation%2C%20it's%20restoration%2C%20but%20it's%20also%20about%20reconciliation.%22%0A%0AHowever%2C%20despite%20advances%20in%20Canadian%20conservation%20policy%20and%20practice%2C%20our%20research%20has%20shown%20that%20First%20Nations%20advancing%20IPCAs%20can%20still%20face%20significant%20challenges.%0A%0AUnless%20Canadian%20governments%20meaningfully%20address%20these%20challenges%2C%20the%20reconciliatory%20potential%20of%20IPCAs%E2%80%94and%20new%20funding%20agreements%20intended%20to%20support%20them%E2%80%94will%20be%20undermined.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EIndigenous%20protected%20and%20conserved%20areas%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AIPCAs%20present%20vast%20opportunities%20for%20nature%20conservation%20and%20reconciliation.%20However%2C%20they%20also%20face%20multiple%20pressures.%20Unlike%20regular%20parks%20and%20protected%20areas%20in%20Canada%2C%20IPCAs%20are%20established%20and%20maintained%20by%20First%20Nations%2C%20M%C3%A9tis%20and%20Inuit%20governments.%0A%0AIndigenous%20governments%20establish%20IPCAs%20under%20their%20own%20Indigenous%20laws%2C%20while%20some%20also%20choose%20to%20pursue%20protection%20under%20Canadian%20law.%0A%0AIPCAs%20are%20varied%2C%20but%20typically%20support%20ecological%20restoration%20or%20protection%20and%20local%20economic%20development%20while%20centering%20Indigenous%20cultures%2C%20languages%2C%20knowledge%20and%20laws.%20At%20the%20heart%20of%20IPCAs%20is%20Indigenous%20governance%20over%20lands%20and%20waters%20for%20future%20generations.%0A%0AThe%20Indigenous-led%20conservation%20movement%20in%20Canada%20is%20gaining%20momentum%20along%20with%20growing%20awareness%20of%20how%20wilderness%20conservation%20has%20disenfranchised%20Indigenous%20Peoples%20through%20displacement%2C%20criminalization%20and%20limiting%20access.%0A%0ASimultaneously%2C%20efforts%20to%20advance%20reconciliation%20in%20Canada%20and%20recognize%20inherent%20Indigenous%20rights%20are%20more%20widespread.%0A%0AWhile%20a%20few%20First%20Nations%20in%20B.C.%20established%20the%20first%20tribal%20parks%20in%20the%20early%201980s%2C%20IPCAs%20have%20been%20emerging%20across%20the%20country%20since%202018%2C%20some%20with%20support%20from%20federal%20funding%20programs.%0A%0AIn%202018%2C%20the%20Indigenous%20Circle%20of%20Experts%2C%20a%20national%20Indigenous-led%20advisory%20group%2C%20advocated%20for%20IPCAs%20as%20a%20solution%20for%20Canada%20to%20achieve%20its%20nature%20conservation%20targets%20while%20advancing%20reconciliation%20with%20Indigenous%20Peoples.%0A%0ASince%202018%2C%20Environment%20and%20Climate%20Change%20Canada%20has%20funded%2059%20Indigenous-led%20conservation%20proposals%20and%20a%20First%20Nations%20National%20Guardians%20Network.%0A%0A%3Cb%3ERoadblocks%20to%20reconciliation%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AOne%20of%20the%20biggest%20challenges%20for%20IPCAs%20is%20the%20pressure%20of%20resource%20extraction.%20Even%20once%20an%20IPCA%20is%20declared%2C%20it%20may%20not%20be%20safe%20from%20resource%20extraction%2C%20as%20was%20the%20case%20with%20Dasiqox%20Nexwagwez%CA%94an%2C%20an%20IPCA%20in%20B.C.%0A%0ACanadian%20governments%20continue%20to%20grant%20tenures%20and%20licenses%20to%20companies%20for%20logging%2C%20mining%2C%20fish%20farms%20and%20other%20impactful%20activities%20inside%20IPCAs%20against%20the%20wishes%20of%20Indigenous%20nations.%0A%0AThese%20actions%20go%20against%20the%20United%20Nations%20Declaration%20on%20the%20Rights%20of%20Indigenous%20Peoples%20and%20its%20foundational%20principle%20of%20free%2C%20prior%20and%20informed%20consent.%20Canada%20and%20B.C.%20have%20both%20implemented%20legislation%20on%20the%20declaration.%0A%0AThis%20dynamic%20is%20not%20surprising%20since%20many%20Indigenous%20nations%20establish%20IPCAs%20precisely%20because%20Canadian%20governments%20do%20not%20respect%20their%20governance%20and%20decision-making%20authority%20around%20extractive%20industry.%0A%0AIndigenous%20governments%20are%20sometimes%20forced%20to%20compensate%20companies%20by%20buying%20out%20tenures%20to%20ensure%20protection%20of%20their%20IPCAs.%0A%0AWhile%20there%20are%20examples%20of%20tenure%20buyouts%20that%20enabled%20Indigenous%20nations%20to%20establish%20IPCAs%2C%20these%20are%20extremely%20costly%2C%20impractical%20and%20should%20not%20be%20considered%20the%20norm.%0A%0AAnother%20option%20is%20for%20%22cooling-off%20periods%22%20that%20pause%20resource%20extraction%20while%20IPCA%20planning%20and%20negotiations%20are%20underway.%0A%0AThese%20challenges%20are%20particularly%20acute%20in%20instances%20where%20IPCAs%20are%20not%20designated%20under%20Canadian%20protected%20area%20legislation.%20The%20vast%20majority%20of%20Canadian%20governments%20have%20not%20created%20new%20legislation%20or%20amended%20existing%20legislation%20to%20explicitly%20enable%20the%20designation%20and%20protection%20of%20IPCAs.%0A%0AThis%20means%20that%20Indigenous%20governments%20seeking%20additional%20legal%20protection%20for%20their%20IPCAs%20must%20make%20do%20with%20regular%20protected%20area%20designations%20that%20limit%20Indigenous%20authority%2C%20even%20under%20co-management%20arrangements.%0A%0AIndigenous%20governments%20establishing%20IPCAs%20also%20face%20financial%20struggles.%20Previous%20federal%20investments%20in%20Indigenous-led%20conservation%20revealed%20high%20demand%20for%20funds%20but%20resulted%20in%20only%20a%20small%20percentage%20of%20projects%20getting%20funding%2C%20sometimes%20due%20to%20IPCA%20visions%20clashing%20with%20resource%20extraction%20aims.%0A%0AA%20further%20issue%20is%20that%20funding%20is%20only%20for%20IPCA%20establishment%20and%20not%20ongoing%20stewardship.%0A%0AAt%20the%20core%20of%20these%20challenges%20are%20fundamental%20conflicts%20regarding%20the%20Crown's%20continued%20assertion%20of%20its%20ultimate%20authority.%20This%20assertion%20is%20in%20spite%20of%20the%20Canadian%20government's%20own%20guidance%20for%20reconciliation%20and%20legal%20pluralism%E2%80%94including%20the%20recognition%20of%20Indigenous%20rights%20and%20building%20equal%20relationships%20with%20Indigenous%20Peoples.%0A%0A%3Cb%3ESystemic%20change%20will%20advance%20reconciliation%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0ACanadian%20governments%20increasingly%20view%20IPCAs%20as%20a%20means%20of%20meeting%20their%20conservation%20targets%20under%20the%20Convention%20on%20Biological%20Diversity%E2%80%94especially%20the%20goal%20of%20protecting%2030%20percent%20of%20Canada's%20lands%20and%20waters%20by%202030.%20This%20requires%20roughly%20doubling%20the%20total%20protected%20area%20in%20Canada.%0A%0AAt%20the%20recent%20COP28%20climate%20conference%2C%20parties%20underscored%20the%20need%20to%20take%20action%20on%20biodiversity%20loss%2C%20climate%20change%20and%20land%20degradation%20in%20a%20%22coherent%2C%20synergetic%20and%20holistic%20manner.%22%20This%20includes%20cutting%20global%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%20by%2043%20percent%2C%20compared%20to%202019%2C%20by%202030%20in%20order%20to%20keep%20global%20warming%20under%201.5%C2%B0C.%0A%0AWhile%20the%20most%20recent%20conservation%20funding%20announcement%20is%20commendable%2C%20it%20is%20unclear%20how%20the%20%24500%20million%20of%20new%20federal%20funding%2C%20which%20includes%20previously%20announced%20funds%2C%20will%20be%20distributed.%20Additionally%2C%20internal%20government%20records%20allegedly%20show%20that%20B.C.%20may%20use%20the%20agreement%20to%20avoid%20federal%20efforts%20to%20protect%20species%20at%20risk%20in%20the%20province.%0A%0AThe%20challenges%20IPCAs%20surface%20can%20be%20embraced%20as%20catalysts%20for%20reconciliation.%20This%20involves%20changing%20mindsets%2C%20behaviors%2C%20practices%2C%20policies%20and%20laws%20at%20multiple%20scales.%20It%20is%20the%20kind%20of%20transformative%20work%20that%20the%20Truth%20and%20Reconciliation%20Commission%20called%20for%20in%20all%20sectors%20of%20society.%0A%0AIPCAs%20offer%20tremendous%20potential%20for%20addressing%20the%20biodiversity%20and%20climate%20crises%20and%20repairing%20relationships%20with%20Indigenous%20Peoples.%0A%0AAs%20such%2C%20how%20Canadian%20governments%20and%20the%20conservation%20sector%20respond%20to%20the%20roadblocks%20encountered%20by%20Indigenous%20governments%20advancing%20IPCAs%20is%20crucial.%20Only%20by%20assisting%20these%20initiatives%20can%20we%20build%20meaningful%20and%20lasting%20IPCAs%20which%20not%20only%20restore%20and%20protect%20ecosystems%20but%20also%20advance%20reconciliation%20through%20Indigenous%20governance%2C%20laws%2C%20and%20knowledge%20systems.

Historic nature conservation agreement

Satellite%20monitoring%20is%20a%20key%20aspect%20of%20the%20bill%20meant%20to%20prevent%20spills%20in%20the%20sea.%0A%0AShip%20owners%20and%20operators%20will%20face%20greater%20accountability%20for%20their%20environmental%20impact%20after%20MEPs%20and%20EU%20governments%20agreed%20tougher%20standards%20to%20prevent%20pollution%20in%20European%20seas%2C%20following%20a%20political%20agreement%20struck%20in%20Brussels%20on%20Thursday%20evening%20(February%2015).%0A%0AThe%20deal%20reached%20by%20MEPs%20and%20EU%20governments%20included%20a%20broadening%20of%20the%20range%20of%20substances%20that%20cannot%20be%20discharged%20from%20ships%2C%20to%20sewage%2C%20garbage%20and%20residues%20from%20the%20scrubbers%20used%20to%20remove%20toxic%20substances%20from%20exhaust%20funnels.%0A%0AMEP%20Sara%20Cerdas%20(Portugal%2FS%26D)%2C%20who%20was%20part%20of%20the%20parliamentary%20negotiating%20team%2C%20said%20the%20deal%20will%20mean%20%E2%80%9Cmore%20robust%20sanctioning%E2%80%9D%20measures%20for%20vessels%20that%20pollute%20the%20ocean%2C%20more%20closely%20aligning%20EU%20law%20with%20its%20international%20obligations%20on%20prevention%20of%20pollution.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20new%20rules%20introduce%20criminal%20sanctions%20for%20ships%20that%20commit%20pollution%20crimes%20and%20the%20inclusion%20of%20new%20polluting%20substances%2C%20such%20as%20pellets%2C%E2%80%9D%20added%20Cerdas.%0A%0AThe%20issue%20of%20plastic%20pellet%20pollution%20gained%20prominence%20earlier%20this%20year%20after%20million%20of%20tiny%20particles%20washed%20up%20on%20Spanish%20beaches%20after%20containers%20fell%20from%20a%20cargo%20ship%20during%20heavy%20weather.%0A%0AThis%20came%20after%20the%20European%20Commission%20had%20already%20proposed%20to%20revise%20the%202005%20Ship-Source%20Pollution%20Directive%20in%20June%20last%20year%2C%20in%20a%20bid%20to%20align%20various%20EU%20maritime%20bills%20with%20international%20regulations%2C%20to%20simplify%20reporting%20obligations%2C%20and%20to%20prevent%20fragmentation%20of%20regulations%20between%20EU%20countries.%0A%0ANational%20governments%20will%20now%20need%20to%20introduce%20mechanisms%20to%20impose%20%E2%80%9Cdissuasive%20fines%E2%80%9D%20for%20all%20the%20ships%20found%20in%20breach%20of%20the%20new%20rules%2C%20in%20line%20with%20with%20criminal%20sanctions%20set%20out%20in%20EU%20environmental%20crime%20legislation%20adopted%20last%20November.%0A%0AMEP%20Marian-Jean%20Marinescu%20(Romania%2FEPP)%2C%20who%20as%20rapporteur%20was%20lead%20negotiator%20for%20the%20parliament%2C%20said%20it%20was%20important%20that%20the%20penalties%20%E2%80%9Creflect%20the%20seriousness%20of%20the%20offenses%E2%80%9D%20so%20as%20to%20act%20as%20a%20%E2%80%9Ctrue%20deterrent%E2%80%9D.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CMember%20states%20must%20not%20falter%20in%20their%20duty%20to%20safeguard%20our%20marine%20environment.%20We%20need%20a%20concentrated%20effort%2C%20utilising%20advanced%20technologies%20like%20satellite%20monitoring%20and%20on-site%20inspections%2C%20to%20stamp%20out%20illegal%20discharges%20effectively%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Marinescu%2C%20referring%20to%20the%20European%20satellite%20CleanSeaNet%2C%20operated%20by%20the%20European%20Maritime%20Safety%20Agency%2C%20which%20tracks%20vessels%20and%20monitors%20for%20oil%20spills.%0A%0AThe%20concept%20of%20satellite%20monitoring%20to%20prevent%20marine%20pollution%20has%20been%20backed%20by%20the%20NGO%20Seas%20at%20Risk%2C%20whose%20senior%20shipping%20policy%20officer%20Lucy%20Gilliam%20said%20it%20was%20%E2%80%9Cgood%20to%20see%20new%20laws%20keeping%20up%20with%20the%20times%E2%80%9D.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20revision%20further%20aligns%20with%20the%20goals%20of%20MARPOL%2C%20a%20global%20treaty%20on%20marine%20pollution%20from%20ships%2C%20covering%20more%20types%20of%20pollution%20like%20waste%2C%20plastic%2C%20and%20discharge%20from%20scrubbers%2C%E2%80%9D%20added%20Gilliam.%0A%0ARecalling%20that%20around%2080%25%20of%20all%20international%20trade%20is%20fulfilled%20by%20deep%20sea%20maritime%20transport%2C%20the%20European%20Shippers%E2%80%99%20Council%20(ESC)%2C%20representing%20cargo%20carriers%2C%20applauded%20the%20political%20agreement.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CFor%20shippers%2C%20it%20is%20very%20important%20that%20there%20are%20transparent%20tools%20which%20enables%20them%20to%20identify%20spillage%20of%20fuel%2C%20pollution%20by%20garbage%2C%20or%20underwater%20noise%2C%E2%80%9D%20Godfried%20Smit%2C%20ESC%E2%80%99s%20secretary-general%20told%20Euronews.%0A%0ASmit%20said%20the%20satellite%20CleanSeaNet%20is%20already%20instrumental%20in%20providing%20key%20data%2C%20and%20added%20ESC%E2%80%99s%20members%20were%20encouraged%20to%20monitor%20information%20carefully%20when%20choosing%20a%20shipping%20line%20to%20carry%20their%20containers.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIn%20general%2C%20we%20see%20that%20a%20very%20high%20percentage%20of%20carriers%20are%20quite%20compliant%20with%20the%20present%20rules%2C%20and%20are%20expected%20to%20be%20with%20the%20future%20ones%2C%E2%80%9D%20added%20Godfried%2C%20noting%20the%20better%20the%20available%20data%2C%20the%20more%20shippers%20can%20also%20be%20held%20accountable%20for%20their%20choice%20of%20carrier.%0A%0AThe%20agreement%20reached%20on%20pollution%20from%20shipping%20now%20awaits%20formal%20endorsement%20by%20the%20EU%20Council%20and%20the%20Parliament%20before%20entering%20into%20force.

Lawmakers Set Tough Rules for Marine Pollution

Mercury%20and%20particulate%20pollution%20from%20Australia%E2%80%99s%20largest%20coal-fired%20power%20station%20soared%20last%20year%2C%20prompting%20an%20environmental%20group%20to%20argue%20it%20would%20be%20%E2%80%9Cabsurd%20and%20harmful%E2%80%9D%20for%20the%20New%20South%20Wales%20government%20to%20extend%20its%20operations.%0A%0AOrigin%20Energy%E2%80%99s%202%2C880-megawatt%20Eraring%20power%20station%2C%20slated%20by%20the%20company%20to%20close%20in%20August%202025%2C%20reported%20mercury%20pollution%20jumped%20130%25%20in%202022-23%20compared%20with%20the%20previous%20year%2C%20according%20to%20data%20from%20the%20national%20pollution%20inventory.%20The%20heavy%20metal%20permanently%20damages%20brains%20and%20kidneys%2C%20especially%20those%20of%20children.%0A%0AThe%20plant%2C%20near%20Lake%20Macquarie%2C%20also%20reported%20an%2088%25%20increase%20in%20PM2.5%20particle%20(particles%20with%20a%20diameter%20of%202.5%20micrometres%20or%20less)%20pollution.%20Emissions%20of%20PM10%20particles%20(particles%20with%20a%20diameter%20of%2010%20micrometres%20or%20less)%20emitted%20by%20Eraring%20also%20rose%2016%25%2C%20while%20sulfur-dioxide%20pollution%20rose%2015%25.%0A%0ATwo%20other%20NSW%20power%20stations%20also%20reported%20large%20increases%20of%20toxic%20pollutants.%20Sulfur-dioxide%20emissions%20from%20Delta%20Electricity%E2%80%99s%20Vales%20Point%20plant%20rose%2047%25%2C%20while%20AGL%20Energy%E2%80%99s%20Bayswater%20power%20station%20posted%20a%2048%25%20rise%20in%20mercury%20pollution%20and%20a%2032%25%20increase%20in%20PM2.5%20particle%20emissions.%0A%0AThe%20not-for-profit%20legal%20group%20Environment%20Justice%20Australia%20said%20the%20emissions%20increases%20came%20even%20as%20electricity%20output%20from%20NSW%E2%80%99s%20power%20stations%20fell%202.9%25%20in%202022-23%20from%20a%20year%20earlier.%20Output%20at%20Eraring%20was%20up%2010.7%25%2C%20increased%204%25%20at%20Vales%20Point%20and%20fell%205.2%25%20at%20Bayswater%20%E2%80%93%20changes%20smaller%20than%20the%20rise%20of%20their%20key%20pollutants.%0A%0A%0AMike%20Campbell%2C%20an%20executive%20member%20of%20the%20Central%20Coast%20Community%20Environment%20Network%2C%20called%20for%20action%20to%20stop%20continued%20pollution%20from%20coal-fired%20power%20stations.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CNow%20is%20the%20time%20to%20phase%20out%20polluting%20coal%20power%20and%20replace%20it%20with%20renewable%20energy%20that%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20harm%20human%20health%20or%20the%20climate%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said.%0A%0A%E2%80%9COur%20community%20has%20had%20enough%20of%20the%20asthma%2C%20the%20heart%20disease%2C%20the%20babies%20born%20with%20serious%20health%20conditions%20all%20related%20to%20air%20pollution%20from%20coal%20power%20stations.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20NSW%20government%20is%20expected%20to%20announce%20soon%20whether%20it%20will%20subsidise%20Origin%20to%20extend%20part%20or%20all%20of%20the%20Eraring%20plant%20to%20reduce%20the%20risk%20of%20blackouts%20during%20high-demand%20periods.%20One%20energy%20analyst%20has%20put%20the%20likely%20cost%20at%20%24150m%20a%20year.%20Environmental%20Justice%20Australia%20said%20it%20would%20be%20%E2%80%9Cabsurd%20and%20harmful%E2%80%9D%20to%20extend%20the%20life%20of%20the%20facility.%0A%0ATony%20Chappel%2C%20chief%20executive%20of%20the%20NSW%20Environment%20Protection%20Authority%2C%20said%20his%20agency%20would%20soon%20finalise%20a%20public%20review%20of%20all%20power%20station%20licences%20in%20the%20state%2C%20which%20it%20started%20late%20last%20year.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20follows%20the%20introduction%20of%20tightened%20air%20emission%20limits%2C%20including%20for%20mercury%2C%20and%20strengthened%20monitoring%20and%20reporting%20requirements%20on%20licence%20variations%20for%20all%20coal%20fired%20power%20stations%20in%20July%202020%2C%E2%80%9D%20Chappel%20said.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20latest%20report%20shows%20a%20decrease%20in%20major%20air%20emissions%20in%202022-23%20due%20to%20lower%20quantities%20of%20coal%20being%20burned%20and%20a%20downward%20trend%20in%20particle%20emissions%2C%20with%20significant%20decreases%20since%20the%20installation%20of%20best%20practice%20filtration%20systems.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AAn%20EPA%20spokesperson%20added%20that%20coal%20plants%20did%20not%20exceed%20their%20licence%20limits%20for%20mercury%20pollution%20in%20the%202022-23%20year.%20However%20EnergyAustralia%E2%80%99s%20Mt%20Piper%20power%20station%20and%20Vales%20Point%20did%20report%20minor%20breaches%20for%20solid%20particles%20and%20sulfur%20dioxide%2C%20respectively.%20Those%20breaches%20were%20deemed%20administrative%20in%20nature.%0A%0ANSW%E2%80%99s%20mercury%20emissions%20were%20also%20below%20the%20highest%20levels%20reported%20from%20power%20stations%20in%20Victoria%20and%20Queensland.%0A%0AGuardian%20Australia%20approached%20the%20NSW%20government%20and%20the%20Environment%20Protection%20Authority%20for%20comment.%0A%0AAn%20Origin%20spokesperson%20said%20the%20company%20was%20%E2%80%9Ccommitted%20to%20safely%20operating%20our%20power%20assets%20and%20we%20aim%20to%20minimise%20their%20impact%20on%20the%20environment%20and%20communities%E2%80%9D.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20closely%20monitor%20emissions%20performance%20and%20Eraring%20continues%20to%20remain%20well%20beneath%20its%20emissions%20licence%20limits%2C%E2%80%9D%20the%20spokesperson%20said%2C%20adding%20that%20the%20pollution%20changes%20reflected%20%E2%80%9Can%20increase%20in%20Eraring%E2%80%99s%20output%20in%20order%20to%20meet%20the%20power%20needs%20of%20the%20market%E2%80%9D.%0A%0AA%20spokesperson%20for%20AGL%20said%20the%20company%20had%20not%20exceeded%20emissions%20limits%20during%20the%20year%3A%20%E2%80%9CAt%20the%20Bayswater%20power%20station%2C%20we%20use%20several%20methods%20to%20limit%20air%20emissions%20from%20our%20operations%20such%20our%20continuous%20emissions%20monitoring%20systems%20and%20baghouse%20filtration%20plant.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ASteve%20Gurney%2C%20a%20Delta%20spokesperson%2C%20said%20EJA%E2%80%99s%20claims%20were%20%E2%80%9Chighly%20selective%E2%80%9D%2C%20noting%20Vales%20Point%E2%80%99s%2010%25%20increase%20in%20mercury%20pollution%20in%202022-23%20overlooked%20a%2027%25%20reduction%20in%20the%20previous%20year.%0A%0AGurney%20said%20the%20NSW%20government%E2%80%99s%20annual%20air%20quality%20statement%20found%20the%20state%20%E2%80%9Cexperienced%20the%20best%20air%20quality%20on%20record%20across%20many%20measures%20in%202022%E2%80%9D%2C%20with%20no%20days%20of%20%E2%80%9Cextremely%20poor%20air%20pollution%20levels%E2%80%9D.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CAmbient%20air%20quality%20continues%20to%20be%20very%20good%20in%20the%20area%20around%20Vales%20Point%20as%20well%20as%20all%20of%20Lake%20Macquarie%20and%20the%20Central%20Coast%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said%2C%20adding%20Australia%E2%80%99s%20sulfur%20dioxide%20was%20%E2%80%9Cone%20of%20the%20tightest%20in%20the%20world%E2%80%9D.%0A%0AThe%20Australian%20Energy%20Council%2C%20a%20lobby%20group%20representing%20the%20big%20generators%2C%20said%20overall%20PM2.5%20emissions%20were%20down%203.7%25%20for%20the%20year%20and%20were%20about%20one-fifth%20lower%20over%20the%20past%20five%20years.%0A%0ABut%20overall%20mercury%20emissions%20showed%20%E2%80%9Can%20unexpected%20increase%20last%20year%20of%20almost%2011%25%20after%20four%20consecutive%20years%20of%20decreases%E2%80%9D%2C%20the%20council%20said.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CA%20range%20of%20factors%20can%20result%20in%20noticeable%20shifts%20in%20emissions%2C%20particularly%20year-on-year%2C%20such%20as%20demand%20and%20availability%20of%20plant%2C%E2%80%9D%20a%20council%20spokesperson%20said.%20%E2%80%9CPlant%20performance%20will%20also%20depend%20on%20how%20often%20they%20are%20dispatched%20by%20the%20market%20operator%2C%20changes%20in%20the%20operations%20of%20the%20plant%20and%20the%20quality%20of%20the%20coal%20used.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20council%20said%20coal-fired%20power%20stations%20supplied%2063.4%25%20of%20Australia%E2%80%99s%20electricity%20in%202022-23%2C%20down%200.6%20percentage%20points%20for%20the%20year.

Mercury pollution at eraring power plant rose 130%

Divers%20at%20a%20Netherlands%20zoo%20on%20Monday%20began%20work%20to%20create%20a%20%22Noah's%20Ark%22%20of%20coral%20as%20part%20of%20a%20global%20effort%20to%20preserve%20coral%20reefs%20by%20building%20reserve%20populations%20in%20aquaria.%0A%0AWith%20corals%20under%20threat%20globally%20from%20climate%20change%2C%20overfishing%20and%20pollution%2C%20conservationists%20at%20Burgers'%20Zoo%20in%20the%20city%20of%20Arnhem%20are%20creating%20a%20back-up%20of%20endangered%20species.%0A%0AThe%20coral%20could%20be%20reintroduced%20to%20its%20original%20habitat%20when%20conditions%20improve%2C%20said%20Nienke%20Klerks%2C%20a%20biologist%20at%20the%20zoo.%0A%0A%22This%20project%20is%20making%20a%20kind%20of%20back-up%20of%20corals%20so%20in%20case%20they%20die%20out%20in%20the%20wild%2C%20we'll%20still%20have%20them%20in%20aquaria%2C%22%20Klerks%20said.%0A%0ABecause%20of%20the%20slow%20growth%20rates%20of%20corals%20-%20which%20can%20range%20from%20several%20millimeters%20to%20several%20centimeters%20a%20year%20-%20it%20would%20be%20years%20before%20any%20coral%20could%20be%20returned%20to%20the%20wild.%0A%0AEven%20then%2C%20conditions%20would%20have%20to%20improve%20first%20for%20the%20coral%20to%20thrive%2C%20she%20added.%0A%0AThe%20zoo%20has%20worked%20on%20building%20the%20coral%20reserve%20together%20with%20the%20Oceanographic%20Museum%20of%20Monaco%20and%20two%20French%20aquaria%2C%20and%20Klerks%20hopes%20more%20zoos%20will%20join%20the%20project.

Dutch zoo creates coral 'Noah's Ark'

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Lake District Valley named national nature reserve

European%20Union%20countries%20approved%20a%20flagship%20policy%20to%20restore%20damaged%20nature%20on%20Monday%2C%20after%20months%20of%20delay%2C%20making%20it%20the%20first%20green%20law%20to%20pass%20since%20European%20Parliament%20elections%20this%20month.%0A%0AThe%20nature%20restoration%20law%20is%20among%20the%20EU's%20biggest%20environmental%20policies%2C%20requiring%20member%20states%20to%20introduce%20measures%20restoring%20nature%20on%20a%20fifth%20of%20their%20land%20and%20sea%20by%202030.%0A%0AEU%20countries'%20environment%20ministers%20backed%20the%20policy%20at%20a%20meeting%20in%20Luxembourg%2C%20meaning%20it%20can%20now%20pass%20into%20law.%0A%0AThe%20vote%20was%20held%20after%20Austria's%20environment%20minister%2C%20Leonore%20Gewessler%20of%20the%20Greens%2C%20defied%20her%20conservative%20coalition%20partners%20by%20pledging%20to%20back%20the%20policy%20-%20giving%20it%20just%20enough%20support%20to%20pass.%0A%0A%22I%20know%20I%20will%20face%20opposition%20in%20Austria%20on%20this%2C%20but%20I%20am%20convinced%20that%20this%20is%20the%20time%20to%20adopt%20this%20law%2C%22%20Gewessler%20told%20reporters.%0A%0AThe%20policy%20aims%20to%20reverse%20the%20decline%20of%20Europe's%20natural%20habitats%20-%2081%25%20of%20which%20are%20classed%20as%20being%20in%20poor%20health%20-%20and%20includes%20specific%20targets%2C%20for%20example%20to%20restore%20peat%20lands%20so%20they%20can%20absorb%20CO2%20emissions.%0A%0AThe%20move%20by%20Austria's%20minister%20angered%20Chancellor%20Karl%20Nehammer's%20conservative%20People's%20Party%2C%20which%20opposes%20the%20law.%20The%20OVP%20minister%20for%20EU%20affairs%2C%20Karoline%20Edtstadler%2C%20said%20Gewessler's%20vote%20in%20favour%20would%20be%20unconstitutional.%0A%0ABelgium%2C%20which%20holds%20the%20EU's%20rotating%20presidency%20and%20chairs%20meetings%20of%20ministers%2C%20said%20the%20Austrian%20government%20dispute%20would%20not%20affect%20the%20legality%20of%20the%20EU%20ministers'%20vote.%0A%0AEU%20countries%20and%20the%20European%20Parliament%20negotiated%20a%20deal%20on%20the%20law%20last%20year%20but%20it%20has%20come%20under%20fire%20from%20some%20governments%20in%20recent%20months%20amid%20protests%20by%20farmers%20angry%20at%20costly%20EU%20regulations.%0A%0AFinland%2C%20Hungary%2C%20Italy%2C%20the%20Netherlands%2C%20Poland%20and%20Sweden%20voted%20against%20the%20law%20on%20Monday.%20Belgium%20abstained.%0A%0AEU%20countries%20had%20planned%20to%20approve%20the%20policy%20in%20March%20but%20called%20off%20the%20vote%20after%20Hungary%20unexpectedly%20withdrew%20its%20support%2C%20wiping%20out%20the%20slim%20majority%20in%20favour.%0A%0ACountries%20including%20the%20Netherlands%20had%20raised%20concerns%20the%20policy%20would%20slow%20the%20expansion%20of%20wind%20farms%20and%20other%20economic%20activities%2C%20while%20Poland%20on%20Monday%20said%20the%20policy%20lacked%20a%20plan%20for%20how%20nature%20protection%20would%20be%20funded.

Green light for EU nature restoration law

More%20than%20116%20miles%20of%20California%E2%80%99s%20stunning%20coastline%20is%20in%20the%20process%20of%20becoming%20designated%20as%20part%20of%20the%20Chumash%20Heritage%20National%20Marine%20Sanctuary%20%E2%80%94%20the%20third%20largest%20in%20the%20country.%0A%0AThe%20designation%20process%20reached%20a%20major%20milestone%20last%20week%20when%20the%20final%20environmental%20impact%20statement%20(FEIS)%20for%20the%20marine%20sanctuary%20was%20released.%0A%0AUnder%20the%20preferred%20alternative%20of%20the%20National%20Oceanic%20and%20Atmospheric%20Administration%20(NOAA)%2C%20the%20Chumash%20Heritage%20Sanctuary%20would%20cover%204%2C543%20square%20miles%20of%20offshore%20and%20coastal%20waters%20along%20more%20than%20100%20miles%20of%20the%20central%20coast%20of%20California%2C%20a%20press%20release%20from%20NOAA%20said.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20a%20huge%20moment%20for%20the%20Chumash%20People%20and%20all%20who%20have%20tirelessly%20supported%20our%20campaign%20over%20the%20years%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Violet%20Sage%20Walker%2C%20Northern%20Chumash%20Tribal%20Council%20chairperson%2C%20in%20the%20press%20release.%20%E2%80%9CMy%20father%2C%20the%20late%20Chief%20Fred%20Collins%2C%20began%20the%20journey%20to%20protect%20these%20sacred%20waters%2040%20years%20ago%2C%20and%20we%20have%20been%20so%20proud%20to%20continue%20his%20work.%20I%20am%20delighted%20to%20celebrate%20his%20vision%2C%20today%E2%80%99s%20success%2C%20and%20the%20future%20of%20our%20People%20who%20will%20always%20be%20connected%20to%20past%2C%20present%20and%20future%20by%20this%20special%20stretch%20of%20coastline%20and%20the%20true%20magic%20its%20waters%20hold.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ATheo%20FEIS%20comes%20almost%20a%20decade%20after%20Tribes%2C%20Indigenous%20Peoples%2C%20leaders%20in%20the%20community%2C%20organizations%2C%20state%20and%20local%20officials%2C%20businesses%20and%20members%20of%20Congress%20began%20the%20designation%20process.%20The%20environmental%20impact%20statement%20evaluates%20the%20projected%20environmental%2C%20economic%20and%20social%20effects%20the%20proposed%20sanctuary%20would%20have%2C%20as%20well%20as%20reflects%20the%20public%20input%20given%20during%20multiple%20stakeholder%20engagements.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CEfforts%20to%20make%20the%20Chumash%20Heritage%20National%20Marine%20Sanctuary%20the%20first%20Indigenous-focused%20sanctuary%20nomination%20have%20spanned%20many%20years%20%E2%80%94%20and%20today%E2%80%99s%20milestone%20is%20the%20product%20of%20committed%20individuals%20working%20together%20across%20backgrounds%2C%20across%20sectors%20and%20across%20governments%20to%20advance%20co-stewardship%20while%20respecting%20Indigenous%20Knowledge%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Brenda%20Mallory%2C%20chair%20of%20the%20White%20House%20Council%20on%20Environmental%20Quality.%20%E2%80%9CUnder%20President%20Biden%20and%20Vice%20President%20Harris%E2%80%99s%20leadership%2C%20we%20will%20achieve%20a%20lasting%20legacy%20that%20accounts%20for%20a%20shared%20and%20common%20heritage%20for%20all%20to%20treasure%20while%20also%20building%20a%20clean%20energy%20future%20and%20combating%20the%20climate%20crisis.%E2%80%9D%20%0A%0AThe%20proposed%20sanctuary%20would%20become%20the%2017th%20in%20the%20National%20Marine%20Sanctuary%20System%2C%20contributing%20to%20the%20Biden-Harris%20Administration%E2%80%99s%20America%20the%20Beautiful%20initiative.%20The%20initiative%20supports%20local%20conservation%20efforts%20to%20preserve%20and%20restore%20a%20minimum%20of%2030%20percent%20of%20the%20country%E2%80%99s%20lands%20and%20waters%20by%20the%20end%20of%20the%20decade%0A%0A%E2%80%9CToday%2C%20our%20Administration%20is%20taking%20a%20critical%20step%20toward%20designating%20the%20first%20Indigenous-proposed%20National%20Marine%20Sanctuary%2C%E2%80%9D%20Vice%20President%20Kamala%20Harris%20said%20in%20the%20press%20release.%20%E2%80%9CAs%20a%20Senator%2C%20I%20was%20proud%20to%20support%20efforts%20to%20create%20the%20Chumash%20Heritage%20National%20Marine%20Sanctuary%20off%20California%E2%80%99s%20coast%20to%20honor%20our%20commitments%20to%20Indigenous%20communities%20and%20promote%20natural%20spaces.%E2%80%9D%20%0A%0AThe%20sanctuary%20would%20recognize%20and%20celebrate%20the%20connections%20of%20Indigenous%20Peoples%20to%20the%20region%2C%20as%20well%20as%20be%20managed%20with%20active%20Tribal%20and%20Indigenous%20community%20involvement%20that%20encompasses%20Indigenous%20knowledge%2C%20values%20and%20traditions.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20sanctuary%20is%20anticipated%20to%20bring%20comprehensive%20community-%20and%20ecosystem-based%20management%20to%20nationally%20significant%20natural%2C%20historical%2C%20archeological%20and%20cultural%20resources%20%E2%80%94%20including%20kelp%20forests%2C%20rocky%20reefs%2C%20sandy%20beaches%2C%20underwater%20mountains%20and%20more%20than%20200%20shipwrecks%2C%E2%80%9D%20the%20press%20release%20said.%0A%0AThe%20National%20Environmental%20Policy%20Act%20requires%20NOAA%20to%20wait%2030%20days%20following%20publication%20of%20the%20FEIS%20before%20it%20can%20make%20its%20final%20decision%20regarding%20designation.%0A%0ANational%20marine%20sanctuaries%20promote%20the%20protection%20and%20long-term%20conservation%20of%20the%20region%E2%80%99s%20natural%20and%20cultural%20resources%20that%20local%20economies%20rely%20on.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CEvery%20tribal%20nation%20across%20the%20country%20maintains%20a%20significant%20cultural%20tie%20to%20its%20aboriginal%20lands%20and%20waters.%20Sadly%2C%20for%20many%2C%20those%20connections%20have%20been%20difficult%20to%20reach.%20But%20today%2C%20with%20this%20announcement%2C%20the%20Chumash%20people%20take%20great%20strides%20in%20restoring%20our%20connection%20to%20our%20maritime%20history%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Kenneth%20Kahn%2C%20chairperson%20of%20the%20Santa%20Ynez%20Band%20of%20Chumash%20Indians%2C%20a%20planned%20co-steward%20of%20the%20sanctuary.%0A%0AAs%20outlined%20in%20the%20FEIS%20preferred%20alternative%2C%20the%20national%20marine%20sanctuary%E2%80%99s%20boundaries%20would%20not%20include%20places%20that%20are%20planned%20sites%20for%20offshore%20wind%20turbines%20or%20wind%20energy%20transmission%20cables.%20However%2C%20a%20potential%20proposed%20sanctuary%20expansion%20would%20be%20considered%20by%20NOAA%20in%20the%20future%2C%20after%20approval%20of%20the%20transmission%20cables.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20Chumash%20Heritage%20National%20Marine%20Sanctuary%20will%20be%20a%20step%20forward%20for%20communities%20and%20nature%20alike%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Governor%20of%20California%20Gavin%20Newsom%20in%20the%20press%20release.%20%E2%80%9CBy%20respecting%20and%20supporting%20tribal%20leadership%20and%20stewardship%2C%20we%20are%20bringing%20California%20one%20step%20closer%20to%20meeting%20our%20aggressive%20clean%20energy%20goals%20while%20protecting%20biodiversity%20%E2%80%94%20and%20above%20all%20else%2C%20honoring%20the%20land%20and%20waters%20alongside%20those%20who%20have%20stewarded%20this%20area%20since%20time%20immemorial.%E2%80%9D

New national marine sanctuary of California

The%20regional%20assembly%20of%20Portugal's%20Azores%20Islands%20approved%20the%20creation%20of%20the%20largest%20protected%20marine%20area%20in%20the%20North%20Atlantic%20to%20reach%20international%20conservation%20goals%20well%20ahead%20of%20time.%0A%0AThe%20approval%20late%20on%20Thursday%20places%20the%20archipelago%20at%20the%20forefront%20of%20global%20ocean%20conservation%20that%20aims%20to%20achieve%20the%20goals%20set%20by%20the%20United%20Nations%20of%20protecting%2030%25%20of%20the%20Earth's%20land%20and%20sea%20by%202030%20under%20a%20global%20pact%20adopted%20last%20year.%0A%0AThe%20network%20will%20encompass%20almost%20300%2C000%20square%20kilometres%20(115%2C830%20square%20miles)%20and%20ensures%20the%20preservation%20of%20underwater%20mountain%20ranges%20and%20vulnerable%20marine%20ecosystems%2C%20including%20deep-sea%20corals%2C%20hydrothermal%20vents%20and%20marine%20species.%0A%0A%22We%20have%20acted%20in%20advance%20of%20the%20international%20conservation%20goals%20for%202030%20with%20the%20creation%20of%20the%20largest%20marine%20park%20in%20the%20North%20Atlantic%2C%20with%20fully%20protected%20areas%20and%20highly%20protected%20areas%2C%22%20Bernardo%20Brito%20e%20Abreu%2C%20adviser%20to%20the%20Azorean%20government%20on%20maritime%20affairs%20told%20Reuters%20on%20Friday.%0A%0AHe%20explained%20that%20half%20of%20the%20network%20would%20be%20designated%20as%20a%20fully%20protected%20area%2C%20which%20means%20fishing%20activities%20are%20not%20allowed.%20In%20the%20other%20half%2C%20designated%20as%20a%20highly%20protected%20area%2C%20only%20very%20selective%20fishing%20will%20be%20allowed.%0A%0AThe%20nine-island%20archipelago%20is%20an%20autonomous%20region%20roughly%201%2C500%20km%20(932%20miles)%20west%20of%20mainland%20Portugal%20and%20home%20to%20unique%20marine%20biodiversity.%0A%0AThe%20Azores%20government%20chief%20Jose%20Manuel%20Bolieiro%20said%20the%20region%20was%20leading%20by%20example%20at%20national%2C%20European%20and%20international%20levels%20in%20the%20management%20and%20protection%20of%20its%20waters%20and%20%22making%20a%20significant%20contribution%20to%20Portugal%20meeting%20the%20international%20targets%20for%20the%20decade%22.%0A%0A

Azores create largest marine protected area

After%2016%20years%20of%20efforts%20by%20grassroots%20organizations%2C%20local%20Puerto%20Rico%20communities%20are%20celebrating%20the%20establishment%20of%20the%20country%E2%80%99s%20new%20marine%20protected%20area%20(MPA)%2C%20Jardines%20Submarinos%20de%20Vega%20Baja%20y%20Manat%C3%AD.%20%0A%20%0AThe%20new%20marine%20reserve%20on%20Puerto%20Rico%E2%80%99s%20north%20coast%20will%20protect%2077%20square%20miles%20of%20marine%20biodiversity%2C%20a%20press%20release%20from%20the%20Wildlife%20Conservation%20Society%20(WCS)%20said.%20The%20project%20was%20a%20collaboration%20between%20local%20communities%20and%20authorities%20and%20environmental%20organizations.%0A%0AMore%20than%2014%20endangered%20species%20live%20amongst%20the%20reserve%E2%80%99s%20mangroves%20and%20seagrass%20beds%2C%20including%20the%20Greater%20Caribbean%20Manatee.%20Beneath%20its%20blue-green%20waters%20is%20one%20of%20the%20largest%20Elkhorn%20coral%20colonies%20in%20the%20Caribbean%2C%20as%20well%20as%20a%20variety%20of%20other%20coral%20species%20and%20endangered%20and%20threatened%20marine%20life%2C%20a%20press%20release%20from%20the%20Surfrider%20Foundation%20said.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20a%20victory%20for%20the%20people%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Ricardo%20Laureano%2C%20leading%20member%20of%20nonprofit%20Vegabaje%C3%B1os%20Impulsando%20Desarrollo%20Ambiental%20Sustentable%20(VIDAS)%2C%20in%20the%20WCS%20press%20release.%20%E2%80%9CThese%20ecosystems%20nourish%20us%20and%20sustain%20our%20quality%20of%20life.%20It%20took%2016%20years%20of%20hard%20work%2C%20starting%20in%202007%2C%20to%20get%20here.%20Over%20the%20years%2C%20we%20rallied%20neighbors%2C%20knocked%20on%20doors%2C%20and%20engaged%20local%20and%20national%20leaders%20to%20highlight%20the%20critical%20need%20to%20protect%20this%20Reserve.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AA%20local%20ecotourism%20industry%20and%20small-scale%20fisheries%20flourish%20in%20the%20area%2C%20and%20local%20communities%20have%20hope%20that%20the%20formal%20co-management%20of%20the%20Jardines%20sanctuary%20as%20an%20MPA%20will%20safeguard%20its%20waters%20as%20a%20thriving%20source%20of%20income%20and%20food%20for%20generations%20to%20come.%20%0A%20%0AA%20coalition%20of%20local%20groups%20led%20by%20VIDAS%20%E2%80%94%20including%20Sociedad%20de%20Ambiente%20Marino%2C%20Surfrider%20Puerto%20Rico%2C%20Puerto%20Rico%20Sea%20Grant%20and%20Para%20la%20Naturaleza%20%E2%80%94%20brought%20the%20Jardines%20conservation%20movement%20to%20fruition%2C%20with%20the%20support%20of%20WCS%20and%20other%20international%20partners.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20Jardines%20MPA%20represents%20a%20critical%20point%20of%20connectivity%20within%20the%20greater%20Caribbean.%20Since%202018%2C%20WCS%20has%20joined%20forces%20with%20the%20Caribbean%20Biological%20Corridor%20(CBC)%20%E2%80%93%20an%20intergovernmental%20platform%20that%20brings%20together%20the%20countries%20of%20the%20Greater%20Antilles%20%E2%80%93%20to%20advance%20and%20scale%20up%20marine%20conservation%20in%20the%20region.%20As%20part%20of%20this%20initiative%2C%20WCS%20supported%20local%20partners%20in%20Puerto%20Rico%20that%20worked%20with%20VIDAS%20to%20strengthen%20the%20Jardines%20MPA%20proposal%20and%20bring%20it%20across%20the%20finish%20line%2C%E2%80%9D%20WCS%20said.%20%E2%80%9CAs%20the%20coalition%20looks%20ahead%2C%20securing%20funding%20and%20scientific%20support%20for%20designing%20a%20participatory%20management%20process%20is%20crucial.%20A%20formal%20legal%20framework%2C%20co-management%20agreements%20with%20local%20agencies%2C%20and%20a%20recurring%20budget%20will%20be%20essential%20for%20the%20project%E2%80%99s%20longevity.%E2%80%9D%20%0A%20%0AThe%20next%20step%20for%20the%20Jardines%20MPA%20will%20be%20developing%20a%20co-management%20strategy.%0A%0A%E2%80%9COur%20dream%20is%20for%20Jardines%20to%20be%20co-managed%20by%20the%20people%20who%20know%20it%20best%20%E2%80%94%20the%20local%20communities%2C%E2%80%9D%20Mariela%20Declet-Perez%2C%20leader%20of%20Descendants%20United%20for%20Nature%2C%20Adaptation%2C%20and%20Sustainability%2C%20said%20in%20the%20WCS%20press%20release.%20%E2%80%9CWe%20aim%20to%20create%20co-management%20agreements%20that%20balance%20sustainable%20resource%20use%2C%20conservation%2C%20research%2C%20and%20eco-tourism.%20This%20will%20take%20time%2C%20but%20we%20are%20committed%20to%20supporting%20VIDAS%20and%20our%20local%20partners%20to%20ensure%20long-term%20success.%E2%80%9D%20%0A%20%0ACommunity%20leaders%20hope%20the%20success%20of%20the%20MPA%20inspires%20others%20to%20conserve%20their%20natural%20wonders.%20%0A%20%0A%E2%80%9CTo%20other%20coastal%20communities%20around%20the%20world%2C%20our%20message%20is%20clear%3A%20never%20stop%20fighting%20for%20your%20ecosystems%2C%E2%80%9D%20Laureano%20said.

New marine reserve established in Puerto Rico

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is%20another%20victory%20in%20a%20patchwork%20of%20fights%20to%20restore%20our%20ocean%20and%20rebuild%20wildlife%20populations.%22

Italy's Po Delta saved from offshore drilling

Norway%20agreed%20on%20Sunday%20to%20stop%20the%20first%20round%20of%20licensing%20for%20Arctic%20deep-sea%20mining%20following%20pressure%20from%20the%20Socialist%20Left%20Party%20(SV)%2C%20reported%20The%20Guardian.%0A%0AThe%20small%20leftwing%20party%20refused%20to%20support%20the%20government%E2%80%99s%20budget%20if%20it%20did%20not%20halt%20deep-sea%20mining%20exploration%20licenses%20scheduled%20for%20next%20year.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20puts%20a%20stop%20to%20the%20plans%20to%20start%20deep-sea%20mining%20until%20the%20end%20of%20the%20government%E2%80%99s%20term%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20SV%20party%20leader%20Kirsti%20Bergst%C3%B8%2C%20as%20The%20Guardian%20reported.%0A%0AThe%20announcement%20came%20after%20over%20a%20year%20of%20pressure%20from%20scientists%2C%20environmental%20activists%20and%20the%20international%20community%2C%20a%20press%20release%20from%20Greenpeace%20said.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20a%20huge%20win!%20After%20hard%20work%20from%20activists%2C%20environmentalists%2C%20scientists%20and%20fishermen%2C%20we%20have%20secured%20a%20historic%20win%20for%20ocean%20protection%2C%20as%20the%20opening%20process%20for%20deep%20sea%20mining%20in%20Norway%20has%20been%20stopped.%20The%20wave%20of%20protests%20against%20deep%20sea%20mining%20is%20growing.%20We%20will%20not%20let%20this%20industry%20destroy%20the%20unique%20life%20in%20the%20deep%20sea%2C%20not%20in%20the%20Arctic%20nor%20anywhere%20else%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20deep-sea%20mining%20campaigner%20Haldis%20Tjeldflaat%20Helle%20with%20Greenpeace%20Nordic%2C%20in%20the%20press%20release.%0A%0AAt%20the%20beginning%20of%202024%2C%20Norway%20became%20the%20first%20nation%20to%20approve%20commercial%20deep-sea%20mining.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20the%20country%E2%80%99s%20coalition%20government%2C%20preparatory%20work%20%E2%80%94%20such%20as%20setting%20regulations%20and%20conducting%20environmental%20impact%20assessments%20%E2%80%94%20would%20continue%20while%20the%20licenses%20were%20suspended%2C%20reported%20The%20Guardian.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20will%20be%20a%20postponement%2C%E2%80%9D%20Prime%20Minister%20of%20Norway%20Jonas%20Gahr%20St%C3%B8re%2C%20a%20member%20of%20the%20Labour%20party%2C%20told%20private%20broadcaster%20TV2.%0A%0ANorway%20is%20being%20sued%20by%20WWF%20over%20its%20plans%20to%20allow%20companies%20to%20mine%20an%20area%20of%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20square%20miles%20for%20deep-sea%20minerals%20without%20taking%20proper%20measures%20to%20adequately%20investigate%20the%20consequences.%0A%0AThe%20Norwegian%20Environment%20Agency%20said%20the%20impact%20assessment%20did%20not%20provide%20a%20sufficient%20legal%20or%20scientific%20basis%20for%20deep-sea%20mining.%0A%0AA%20worldwide%20moratorium%20on%20deep-sea%20mining%20has%20been%20called%20for%20by%20over%20900%20ocean%20scientists.%0A%0AEarlier%20this%20year%2C%20Europe%E2%80%99s%20parliament%20expressed%20concern%20over%20Norway%E2%80%99s%20decision%20to%20allow%20the%20destructive%20activities%20and%20called%20on%20Norwegian%20member%20states%20to%20back%20a%20moratorium.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThere%20will%20be%20no%20announcement%20of%20exploration%20rights%20for%20deep-sea%20mining%20in%202024%20or%202025%2C%E2%80%9D%20SV%20said%20in%20a%20statement%2C%20as%20AFP%20reported.%0A%0ANorway%E2%80%99s%20government%20said%20a%20study%20confirmed%20that%20a%20substantial%20store%20of%20minerals%20and%20metals%20%E2%80%94%20including%20copper%20and%20rare%20earth%20elements%20%E2%80%94%20were%20discovered%20on%20its%20continental%20shelf.%20These%20metals%20are%20necessary%20for%20the%20transition%20away%20from%20fossil%20fuels%2C%20it%20argued.%0A%0AA%2032-member%20coalition%2C%20including%20France%2C%20Brazil%2C%20the%20United%20Kingdom%2C%20Canada%20and%20Germany%2C%20has%20called%20for%20a%20deep-sea%20mining%20moratorium%20in%20international%20waters.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CMillions%20of%20people%20across%20the%20world%20are%20calling%20on%20governments%20to%20resist%20the%20dire%20threat%20of%20deep%20sea%20mining%20to%20safeguard%20oceans%20worldwide.%20This%20is%20a%20huge%20step%20forward%20to%20protect%20the%20Arctic%2C%20and%20now%20it%20is%20time%20for%20Norway%20to%20join%20over%2030%20nations%20calling%20for%20a%20moratorium%20and%20be%20a%20true%20ocean%20champion%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Louisa%20Casson%2C%20campaigner%20for%20Greenpeace%20International%20Stop%20Deep%20Sea%20Mining%2C%20in%20the%20press%20release.%0A%0ADeep-sea%20mining%20is%20devastating%20to%20marine%20ecosystems%2C%20producing%20toxic%20sediment%20plumes%20that%20choke%20the%20unique%20sea%20life%20that%20lives%20on%20the%20bottom%20of%20the%20ocean%20floor%20while%20creating%20disruptive%20noise%20pollution%20and%20turning%20the%20seabed%20into%20a%20barren%20wasteland.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CStopping%20the%20Norwegian%20deep%20sea%20mining%20plans%20is%20an%20important%20step%20in%20stopping%20this%20industry%20from%20destroying%20life%20at%20the%20bottom%20of%20the%20sea.%20Any%20government%20that%20is%20committed%20to%20sustainable%20ocean%20management%20cannot%20support%20deep%20sea%20mining.%20It%20has%20been%20truly%20embarrassing%20to%20watch%20Norway%20positioning%20itself%20as%20an%20ocean%20leader%2C%20while%20planning%20to%20give%20green%20light%20to%20ocean%20destruction%20in%20its%20own%20waters%2C%E2%80%9D%20Helle%20said%20in%20the%20press%20release.

Norway suspends deep-sea mining plans

Farmland%20in%20England%20will%20be%20reduced%20by%20more%20than%2010%25%20by%202050%20under%20government%20plans%2C%20with%20less%20meat%20produced%20and%20eaten%20by%20the%20country%E2%80%99s%20citizens.%20%0A%20%0AThe%20environment%20secretary%2C%20Steve%20Reed%2C%20launched%20the%20government%E2%80%99s%20blueprint%20for%20land%20use%20change%20on%20Friday%2C%20designed%20to%20balance%20the%20need%20to%20build%20infrastructure%20and%20meet%20nature%20and%20carbon%20targets.%20%0A%20%0AGrassland%2C%20used%20to%20rear%20livestock%2C%20faces%20the%20largest%20reduction%20under%20government%20plans.%20This%20meant%2C%20Reed%20said%2C%20people%20would%20be%20encouraged%20to%20eat%20less%20meat.%20%0A%20%0AReed%20explained%3A%20%E2%80%9CI%E2%80%99ll%20speak%20to%20consumers%20about%20the%20choices%20that%20they%E2%80%99re%20taking%20there.%20We%20know%20we%20need%20to%20develop%20a%20food%20strategy.%20If%20we%20can%20give%20parents%20better%20information%20to%20make%20better%20informed%20choices%2C%20they%20will%20do%20that.%20I%E2%80%99m%20sure%20that%20there%20will%20be%20no%20mandate%20from%20government%20about%20that%2C%20but%20I%E2%80%99m%20sure%20those%20informed%20choices%20will%20then%20affect%20what%20farmers%20grow%2C%20and%20producers%20and%20manufacturers%20provide%2C%20to%20meet%20the%20demands%20as%20that%20changes.%E2%80%9D%20%0A%20%0AHe%20added%20that%20farmland%20that%20was%20currently%20flooded%20most%20years%20should%20not%20be%20used%20for%20growing%20food%20and%20could%20potentially%20be%20put%20to%20better%20use%20if%20it%20was%20restored%20for%20nature.%20%0A%20%0AReed%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CInto%20the%20future%20it%20is%20probably%20not%20a%20good%20idea%20to%20keep%20growing%20crops%20in%20fields%20like%20that%2C%20because%20your%20investment%20will%20get%20destroyed.%20But%20what%20a%20great%20location%2C%20perhaps%2C%20to%20plant%20more%20vegetation%2C%20more%20trees%2C%20to%20help%20reduce%20flooding%20in%20a%20nearby%20urban%20area.%E2%80%9D%20%0A%20%0AReed%20added%20that%20while%20the%20government%20was%20%E2%80%9Cnot%20going%20to%20tell%20farmers%20what%20to%20do%E2%80%9D%2C%20%E2%80%9Clevers%20and%20incentives%E2%80%9D%20would%20be%20used%20to%20ensure%20land%20was%20used%20in%20the%20most%20efficient%20way.%20%0A%20%0AGovernment%20officials%20have%20produced%20maps%20of%20England%20showing%20where%20there%20is%20the%20most%20potential%20for%20different%20types%20of%20nature%20restoration%2C%20and%20where%20it%20is%20best%20to%20farm.%20Farmland%20will%20be%20used%20more%20intensively%20under%20the%20guidelines%2C%20producing%20more%20food%20in%20less%20space.%20Some%20areas%20have%20been%20highlighted%20that%20need%20to%20be%20protected%2C%20such%20as%20rare%20peatland%20and%20places%20with%20high%20potential%20for%20woodland%20to%20be%20grown.%20%0A%20%0ASome%20arable%20land%20will%20be%20lost%20under%20the%20plans%2C%20as%20large%20areas%20next%20to%20rivers%20will%20have%20to%20be%20kept%20free%20for%20the%20government%20to%20meet%20its%20river%20cleanliness%20targets%2C%20for%20example%20with%20trees%20planted%20to%20soak%20up%20nutrient%20pollution%20in%20the%20waters.%0A%0AMartin%20Lines%2C%20the%20chief%20executive%20of%20the%20Nature%20Friendly%20Farming%20Network%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CFor%20too%20long%2C%20land%20use%20has%20been%20viewed%20in%20narrow%20or%20binary%20terms%2C%20often%20pitting%20food%20production%20against%20nature%2C%20or%20farming%20against%20biodiversity%20restoration.%20We%20must%20acknowledge%20that%20most%20of%20our%20land%20can%20deliver%20on%20multiple%20fronts%2C%20safeguarding%20food%20production%2C%20mitigating%20climate%20change%20and%20protecting%20nature.%20The%20focus%20must%20be%20on%20maximising%20the%20benefits%20land%20can%20provide%20by%20embracing%20its%20multifunctionality%2C%20rather%20than%20limiting%20it%20to%20single%20uses.%E2%80%9D%20%0A%20%0AThe%20National%20Farmers%E2%80%99%20Union%20warned%20that%20the%20framework%20should%20not%20hinder%20farmers%20in%20producing%20food.%20Tom%20Bradshaw%2C%20the%20NFU%E2%80%99s%20president%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9COver%20the%20past%2018%20months%2C%20the%20UK%20farming%20industry%20has%20taken%20a%20battering.%20Volatile%20input%20costs%2C%20commodity%20prices%20on%20the%20floor%20in%20some%20sectors%2C%20a%20reduction%20in%20direct%20payments%2C%20one%20of%20the%20wettest%20periods%20in%20decades%2C%20and%20a%20brutal%20budget%20delivered%20by%20this%20government.%20All%20have%20left%20their%20mark%20and%20have%20put%20homegrown%20food%20production%20under%20serious%20pressure.%20It%E2%80%99s%20imperative%20this%20framework%20does%20not%20further%20restrict%20farmers%E2%80%99%20ability%20to%20produce%20the%20nation%E2%80%99s%20food.%E2%80%9D%20%0A%20%0AIn%20recent%20weeks%2C%20environmental%20groups%20have%20been%20concerned%20that%20the%20government%20is%20pitting%20growth%20against%20the%20climate%20and%20the%20target%20of%20net%20zero%20by%202050.%20But%20Reed%20made%20a%20full-thr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Farmland in England to be reduced by more than 10%

By%202050%2C%20sea%20levels%20along%20the%20United%20States%20coast%20are%20expected%20to%20rise%20by%200.25%20to%200.30%20meters%2C%20increasing%20flooding%20in%20low-lying%20areas.%20Due%20to%20its%20unique%20geography%20and%20infrastructure%20network%2C%20the%20Florida%20Keys%20is%20particularly%20at%20risk%20of%20climate%20hazards%20such%20as%20sea%20level%20rise%2C%20hurricanes%20and%20flooding.%20Since%202015%2C%20the%20Florida%20Keys%20has%20experienced%20four%20hurricanes%20%E2%80%93%20Irma%20(2107)%2C%20Ian%20(2022)%2C%20Helene%20(2024)%20and%20Milton%20(2024).%0A%0ANature-based%20solutions%2C%20such%20as%20restoring%20mangroves%20and%20coastal%20strands%2C%20can%20help%20mitigate%20these%20risks%20by%20stabilizing%20shorelines%2C%20improving%20ecosystems%20and%20enhancing%20resilience%20to%20flooding%20and%20hurricanes.%20These%20solutions%2C%20alongside%20hybrid%20approaches%20and%20soft%20armoring%2C%20which%20uses%20natural%20materials%20like%20plants%2C%20sand%20dunes%2C%20or%20rocks%20to%20protect%20shorelines%20from%20erosion%2C%20offer%20effective%2C%20site-specific%20protection.%0A%0AWhile%20living%20shorelines%20are%20beneficial%2C%20they%20require%20careful%20design%20and%20planning%20to%20optimize%20their%20effectiveness.%0A%0AResearchers%20from%20Florida%20Atlantic%20University%2C%20in%20collaboration%20with%20The%20Nature%20Conservancy%2C%20created%20a%20new%20tool%20to%20identify%20the%20most%20effective%20shoreline%20stabilization%20methods%20to%20prevent%20erosion%20and%20protect%20the%20Florida%20Keys%20from%20damage%20caused%20by%20natural%20forces%20like%20waves%2C%20tides%20and%20storms.%20Maintaining%20the%20shape%20and%20integrity%20of%20the%20shoreline%20reduces%20the%20risk%20of%20further%20erosion%20while%20protecting%20ecosystems%2C%20properties%20and%20infrastructure.%0A%0AThe%20goal%20is%20to%20guide%20decisions%20on%20using%20vegetated%20shorelines%20or%20combining%20them%20with%20structures%20to%20reduce%20waves%2C%20prevent%20erosion%20and%20protect%20Florida%20Keys%20communities%20from%20storms.%0A%0AResults%20of%20the%20study%2C%20published%20in%20the%20Journal%20of%20Marine%20Science%20Engineering%2C%20reveal%20that%20nearly%208%25%20of%20the%20approximately%202%2C550%20kilometers%20of%20shoreline%20in%20the%20Florida%20Keys%20is%20suitable%20for%20nature-based%20solutions%20%E2%80%93%20mangrove%20planting%2C%20oyster%20reefs%20and%20beach%20dune%20vegetation%20%E2%80%93%20or%20hybrid%20solutions%20%E2%80%93%20some%20combination%20of%20hard%20structures%20and%20vegetation.%20Conversely%2C%20roughly%2025.1%25%20of%20the%20Florida%20Keys%20shoreline%20was%20deemed%20unsuitable%20for%20nature-based%20approaches%2C%20and%20approximately%2067%25%20is%20already%20vegetated%20or%20represents%20some%20other%20type%20of%20natural%20shoreline.%0A%0AFor%20the%20study%2C%20researchers%20designed%20a%20GIS-based%20multi-criteria%20decision%20tool%20that%20facilitates%20coastal%20restoration%20and%20integrates%20nature-based%20solutions%20into%20conventional%20shoreline%20armoring.%20They%20combined%20spatial%20analysis%20tools%20with%20expert%20input%20to%20develop%20a%20weighted%20suitability%20score%20for%20various%20types%20of%20shoreline%20reinforcement%20where%20feasible.%20By%20integrating%20data%20on%20existing%20shoreline%20types%20%E2%80%93%20sourced%20from%20an%20updated%20version%20of%20NOAA%E2%80%99s%20NOS%20Environmental%20Sensitivity%20Index%20%E2%80%93%20along%20with%20wind%20and%20wave%20exposure%20and%20physical%20environmental%20factors%2C%20they%20generated%20a%20composite%20Shoreline%20Relative%20Exposure%20Index.%20Based%20on%20this%20assessment%2C%20broadly%20defined%20categories%20of%20project%20types%20were%20recommended%20for%20various%20combinations%20of%20shoreline%20features%20and%20flood%20risk%20conditions.%20%0A%0AExperts%20who%20completed%20the%20survey%20covered%20coastal%20engineering%2C%20stormwater%20management%2C%20marine%20biology%2C%20habitat%20restoration%2C%20community%20resilience%2C%20urban%20planning%20and%20sustainability.%20The%20data%20was%20used%20to%20calculate%20scores%2C%20which%20were%20analyzed%20through%20a%20machine-learning%20model%20to%20identify%20the%20best%20stabilization%20options%20for%20different%20shoreline%20types%2C%20including%20developed%2C%20undeveloped%20and%20protected%20areas.%0A%0AFindings%20indicate%20that%20while%20conventional%20seawall%20armoring%20is%20needed%20in%20some%20areas%20of%20the%20Florida%20Keys%20coastline%2C%20hybrid%20and%20living%20shorelines%20should%20be%20prioritized%20where%20possible%20to%20protect%20people%2C%20habitats%20and%20resources.%20This%20requires%20involvement%20from%20private%20stakeholders%20and%20coordination%20among%20public%20entities%20to%20strengthen%20coastal%20resilience.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CImplementing%20innovative%20shoreline%20stabilization%20methods%20is%20crucial%20as%20environmental%20shifts%20and%20population%20growth%20are%20expected%20to%20exacerbate%20floo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New way to protect the Florida Keys’ shorelines

The%20creative%2C%20cobblestoned%20Dutch%20city%20of%20Breda%20has%20officially%20become%20the%20first%20National%20Park%20City%20in%20the%20European%20Union.%0A%0AOfficially%20designated%20by%20the%20National%20Park%20City%20Foundation%20in%20May%2C%20Breda%20joins%20London%2C%20Adelaide%20and%20Chattanooga%20as%20the%20fourth%20member%20of%20a%20growing%20global%20movement%20to%20make%20urban%20areas%20greener%2C%20healthier%20and%20more%20connected%20to%20nature.%0A%0AThis%20new%20status%20recognises%20more%20than%20a%20decade%20of%20work%20to%20restore%20wetlands%2C%20green%20its%20streets%20and%20bring%20residents%20into%20the%20process.%20%20%0A%0AIt%20also%20signals%20a%20shift%20in%20how%20cities%20across%20Europe%20redefine%20their%20relationship%20with%20nature.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EWhat%20is%20a%20National%20Park%20City%3F%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AThe%20National%20Park%20City%20initiative%20was%20launched%20in%20the%20UK%20in%202019%20to%20promote%20nature-connected%2C%20environmentally%20just%20urban%20living.%0A%0ACities%20don%E2%80%99t%20need%20to%20meet%20traditional%20national%20park%20criteria.%20Instead%2C%20they%20must%20show%20a%20city-wide%20commitment%20to%20sustainability%2C%20biodiversity%20and%20public%20access%20to%20green%20space.%0A%0ABreda%E2%80%99s%20application%20caught%20the%20attention%20of%20assessors%20with%20its%20strong%20environmental%20leadership%2C%20citizen%20engagement%20and%20urban%20planning%20that%20places%20nature%20at%20its%20core.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CI%20absolutely%20loved%20exploring%20Breda%20and%20learning%20about%20all%20the%20things%20they%20are%20doing%20to%20make%20their%20city%20greener%2C%20healthier%20and%20wilder%20%E2%80%93%20from%20restoring%20a%20river%20through%20the%20middle%20of%20the%20city%20to%20innovative%20community%20food%20growing%20programmes%2C%20tiny%20forests%20set%20up%20by%20schools%2C%20wildlife-friendly%20gardens%20and%20public%20art%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Daniel%20Raven-Ellison%2C%20founder%20of%20the%20National%20Park%20City%20Foundation.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CI%20am%20sure%20that%20people%20of%20all%20ages%20and%20backgrounds%20in%20Breda%20will%20be%20inspired%20by%20becoming%20a%20National%20Park%20City%20and%20want%20to%20explore%20how%20they%20can%20be%20part%20of%20its%20growth%20and%20story.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ABreda%20is%20now%20the%20fourth%20city%20to%20earn%20National%20Park%20City%20status%2C%20joining%20London%2C%20Adelaide%20and%20most%20recently%20Chattanooga.%20Nine%20other%20cities%20are%20currently%20working%20towards%20it%2C%20too.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EWhat%20did%20Breda%20do%20to%20earn%20the%20title%3F%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0ABreda%20has%20long%20prioritised%20nature-based%20solutions%2C%20from%20transforming%20quaysides%20into%20biodiverse%20urban%20gardens%20to%20replacing%20concrete%20tiles%20with%20grass%2C%20flower%20beds%20and%20trees.%0A%0AToday%2C%2060%20per%20cent%20of%20Breda%20is%20made%20up%20of%20green%20space%2C%20from%20historic%20forests%20like%20the%20Mastbos%20%E2%80%93%20one%20of%20the%20oldest%20in%20the%20Netherlands%20%E2%80%93%20to%20nature%20reserves%2C%20parks%20and%20waterways.%20By%202030%2C%20local%20leaders%20aim%20to%20make%20it%20one%20of%20the%20most%20nature-rich%20cities%20in%20Europe.%0A%0ABut%20the%20status%20also%20reflects%20a%20buy-in%20from%20residents.%0A%0AThe%20city%20has%20become%20a%20leader%20in%20green%20design%2C%20using%20nature-based%20solutions%20to%20improve%20liveability%20and%20manage%20climate%20risks.%20And%20residents%20have%20been%20active%20participants%20in%20that%20process%2C%20often%20greening%20their%20own%20streets%2C%20installing%20rooftop%20gardens%20and%20developing%20green%20schoolyards%2C%20according%20to%20Breda%20Stad%20in%20een%20Park%2C%20a%20grassroots%20movement%20that%20helped%20to%20lead%20the%20city%E2%80%99s%20efforts%20to%20become%20a%20National%20Park%20City.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20title%20is%20a%20recognition%20for%20the%20many%20residents%2C%20entrepreneurs%20and%20organisations%20who%20are%20committed%20to%20greening%20Breda%20and%20an%20inspiration%20to%20continue%20doing%20so%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Joost%20Barendrecht%2C%20chairman%20of%20Breda%20Stad%20in%20een%20Park.%20%20%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIt%E2%80%99s%20an%20incentive%20to%20make%20more%20%5Bpeople%5D%20enthusiastic%20about%20getting%20started%20with%20greenery.%20It%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20always%20have%20to%20be%20big.%20A%20%5Bsimple%5D%20garden%20is%20a%20nice%20contribution.%E2%80%9D%0A%0A%3Cb%3EWhy%20this%20matters%20for%20Europe%E2%80%99s%20cities%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AAcross%20the%20EU%2C%20cities%20are%20increasingly%20stepping%20in%20the%20same%20direction%20as%20Breda.%0A%0AFrom%20car-free%20zones%20inParis%20to%20flood-proofing%20efforts%20inCopenhagen%2C%20local%20leaders%20are%20responding%20to%20climate%20change%20and%20declining%20biodiversity%20with%20initiatives%20that%20aim%20to%20make%20urban%20settlements%20greener%2C%20more%20livable%20and%20future-ready.%0A%0AFor%20example%2C%20access%20to%20green%20space%20significantly%20reducesheat-related%20health%20risks%20%E2%80%93%20a%20benefit%20Breda%20now%20exemplifies%20and%20otherEuropean%20cities%20might%20seek%20to%20emulate.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CLondon%20and%20Breda%20are%20the%20first%20National%20Park%20Cities%20in%20Europe%2C%20but%20there%E2%80%99s%20no%20shortage%20of%20others%20that%20want%20and%20need%20to%20be%20greener%2C%20healthier%2C%20wilder%2C%20cooler%20and%20fairer%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Raven-Ellison.%20%0A%0A%E2%80%9CNational%20Park%20Cities%20are%20helping%20to%20show%20the%20way%2C%20forming%20strong%20relationships%20and%20exchanging%20optimism%2C%20ideas%2C%20knowledge%20and%20energy.%E2%80%9D

Breda becomes 4th National Park City in the world

Water%20began%20flowing%20from%20a%20pipe%20onto%20hundreds%20of%20acres%20of%20dry%2C%20sunbaked%20lake%20bed%20as%20California%20officials%20filled%20a%20complex%20of%20shallow%20ponds%20near%20the%20south%20shore%20of%20the%20Salton%20Sea%20in%20an%20effort%20to%20create%20wetlands%20that%20will%20provide%20habitat%20for%20fish%20and%20birds%2C%20and%20help%20control%20lung-damaging%20dust%20around%20the%20shrinking%20lake.%0A%0AThe%20project%20represents%20the%20state's%20largest%20effort%20to%20date%20to%20address%20the%20environmental%20problems%20plaguing%20the%20Salton%20Sea%2C%20which%20has%20been%20steadily%20retreating%20and%20leaving%20growing%20stretches%20of%20dusty%20lake%20bottom%20exposed%20to%20the%20desert%20winds.%0A%0ACalifornia%20Natural%20Resources%20Secretary%20Wade%20Crowfoot%20celebrated%20what%20he%20called%20a%20major%20milestone%20as%20water%20cascaded%20into%20a%20newly%20constructed%20basin%20and%20spread%20across%20cracked%20soil%20Thursday%2C%20launching%20one%20of%20the%20first%20portions%20of%20a%20long-promised%20project%20that%20was%20delayed%20for%20years%20because%20of%20challenges%20such%20as%20insufficient%20staff%20and%20the%20need%20to%20negotiate%20land-use%20agreements.%0A%0A%22This%20project%2C%20this%20water%20will%20suppress%20harmful%20dust%20as%20the%20Salton%20Sea%20recedes.%20It%20will%20also%20provide%20thousands%20of%20acres%20of%20habitat%20for%20wildlife%2C%20for%20birds%20that%20use%20this%20as%20a%20rest%20stop%20on%20the%20Pacific%20Flyway%2C%22%20Crowfoot%20said.%0A%0A%22It's%20proof%20positive%20that%20difficult%20things%2C%20difficult%20projects%20are%20possible%2C%22%20he%20said.%20%22I'm%20proud%20of%20our%20progress%20stabilizing%20the%20sea%20for%20communities%20and%20for%20nature%20down%20here%2C%20with%20so%20much%20more%20work%20ahead.%22%0A%0AThe%20habitat%20area%20in%20Imperial%20County%20is%20being%20filled%20with%20water%20after%20an%20adjacent%20area%20called%20East%20Pond%20received%20its%20first%20water%20in%20April.%20In%20the%20coming%20weeks%2C%20state%20officials%20said%20the%20flooding%20of%20these%20sections%20will%20bring%20to%20fruition%20the%20first%202%2C000%20acres%20of%20the%20Species%20Conservation%20Habitat%20Project%2C%20a%20central%20effort%20in%20California's%20plan%20for%20improving%20conditions%20at%20the%20state's%20largest%20lake.%0A%0AThe%20%24200%20million%20project%20was%20originally%20envisioned%20to%20cover%204%2C100%20acres%2C%20for%20which%20the%20bulk%20of%20construction%20has%20been%20completed.%20The%20state's%20latest%20plan%2C%20however%2C%20calls%20for%20expanding%20the%20project%20to%20more%20than%209%2C000%20acres%2C%20using%20an%20additional%20%24245%20million%20in%20federal%20funds%20that%20the%20state%20secured%20in%202022.%0A%0AThe%20Salton%20Sea%20covers%20more%20than%20300%20square%20miles%20in%20Imperial%20and%20Riverside%20counties.%20It%20lies%20about%20242%20feet%20below%20sea%20level%20in%20the%20Salton%20Trough%2C%20which%20over%20thousands%20of%20years%20has%20cycled%20between%20filling%20with%20Colorado%20River%20water%20and%20drying%20out.%0A%0AFrom%201905-07%2C%20the%20Colorado%20flooded%20in%20the%20region%2C%20filling%20what%20became%20known%20as%20the%20Salton%20Sea.%20The%20lake%20has%20since%20been%20sustained%20by%20water%20draining%20off%20farms%20in%20the%20Imperial%20Valley%2C%20but%20it%20has%20been%20shrinking%20since%20the%20early%202000s%2C%20when%20the%20Imperial%20Irrigation%20District%20began%20selling%20a%20portion%20of%20its%20Colorado%20River%20water%20to%20growing%20urban%20areas%20under%20an%20agreement%20with%20agencies%20in%20San%20Diego%20County%20and%20the%20Coachella%20Valley.%0A%0AThe%20lake's%20level%20has%20declined%20by%20about%2013%20feet%20since%202003.%20Its%20water%20is%20now%20about%20twice%20as%20salty%20as%20the%20ocean%20and%20continues%20to%20get%20saltier%20with%20evaporation%2C%20a%20shift%20that%20has%20caused%20drastic%20declines%20in%20fish%20and%20bird%20populations.%0A%0AAlong%20the%20dry%20shorelines%2C%20windblown%20dust%20contributes%20to%20harmful%20air%20pollution%20in%20low-income%2C%20predominantly%20Latino%20communities%2C%20where%20people%20suffer%20from%20asthma%20and%20other%20respiratory%20illnesses%20at%20high%20rates.%0ACalifornia's%2010-year%20plan%20for%20the%20Salton%20Sea%2C%20which%20came%20out%20in%202017%2C%20called%20for%20building%20nearly%2030%2C000%20acres%20of%20dust-control%20projects%20and%20wetland%20habitat%20around%20the%20lake%20by%202028.%20The%20state%20has%20lagged%20far%20behind%20those%20goals.%0A%0AThe%20newly%20inaugurated%20wetlands%20project%20has%20been%20in%20the%20works%20for%20more%20than%20a%20decade%20and%20is%20long%20overdue%2C%20said%20Eric%20Montoya%20Reyes%2C%20executive%20director%20of%20the%20nonprofit%20group%20Los%20Amigos%20de%20la%20Comunidad.%0A%0A%22We%20acknowledge%20all%20of%20the%20hard%20work%20and%20obstacles%20surpassed%20to%20produce%20the%20first%20significant%20milesto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ng%2C%20Esquivel%20said%2C%20the%20Salton%20Sea%20%22has%20been%20seen%20as%20an%20unfortunate%20liability%2C%20when%20in%20fact%20it%20is%20one%20of%20California's%20greatest%20assets.%22%20This%20ongoing%20project%2C%20he%20said%2C%20%22is%20turning%20the%20page%20on%20that%20narrative.%22%0A%0AAnother%20smaller%20effort%20is%20planned%20on%20the%20lake's%20east%20shore%20near%20the%20community%20of%20Bombay%20Beach.%20The%20group%20Audubon%20California%20has%20announced%20that%20it%20will%20receive%20a%20%245.2%20million%20grant%20from%20the%20California%20Wildlife%20Conservation%20Board%20to%20support%20a%20564-acre%20wetland%20habitat%20project%20on%20that%20part%20of%20the%20lakeshore.%0A%0AAndrea%20Jones%2C%20the%20group's%20director%20of%20bird%20conservation%20and%20interim%20executive%20director%2C%20said%20the%20project%20%22will%20ensure%20that%20these%20wetlands%20continue%20to%20provide%20refuge%20for%20species%20facing%20habitat%20loss%20and%20climate%20change%20challenges.%22

Salton Sea restoration hits major milestone

A%20ban%20on%20deep-sea%20fishing%20in%20parts%20of%20the%20Atlantic%20rich%20with%20marine%20life%20has%20been%20upheld%20by%20the%20EU%E2%80%99s%20General%20Court.%0A%0AIt%20means%20these%20areas%20will%20remain%20restricted%20to%20help%20preserve%20vulnerable%20species%20and%20ecosystems.%20The%20decision%20comes%20after%20the%20same%20court%20ruled%20last%20month%20in%20a%20German%20case%20that%20Marine%20Protected%20Areas%20must%20be%20protected%20from%20bottom%20trawling.%0A%0ASeparate%20legal%20actions%20were%20filed%20by%20the%20Spanish%20government%20and%20fishermen%20from%20Galicia%20and%20Asturias%20who%20challenged%20a%202016%20EU%20rule%20that%20banned%20fishing%20with%20nets%20and%20longlines%20in%2087%20areas%20of%20the%20Atlantic%20off%20the%20coasts%20of%20Spain%2C%20Ireland%2C%20Portugal%20and%20France.%0A%0AWhen%20the%20rules%20came%20into%20effect%20in%202022%2C%20Spain%20sued%20the%20European%20Commission%2C%20claiming%20that%20it%20failed%20to%20consider%20the%20economic%20damage%20to%20fishermen.%20It%20also%20questioned%20the%20scientific%20methods%20used%20to%20determine%20how%20banned%20fishing%20gear%20and%20protected%20areas%20were%20chosen.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EProtecting%20vulnerable%20species%20in%20the%20deep%20sea%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AThe%20rules%20were%20adopted%20by%20the%20EU%20to%20conserve%20fish%20stocks%20in%20the%20deep%20sea%20and%20to%20protect%20marine%20life%20from%20fishing%20gear%20being%20dragged%20along%20the%20sea%20floor.%0A%0AAmong%20other%20things%2C%20these%20regulations%20outlaw%20the%20controversial%20fishing%20practice%20of%20bottom%20trawling%20below%20a%20depth%20of%20800%20metres%20in%20these%20parts%20of%20the%20north-east%20Atlantic.%0A%0ASpecies%20found%20at%20depth%20in%20the%20oceans%2C%20such%20as%20alfonsinos%2C%20black%20scabbardfish%2C%20roundnose%20grenadier%2C%20red%20seabream%20and%20some%20shark%20species%2C%20collapse%20quickly%20because%20they%20are%20vulnerable%20to%20fishing%20and%20slow%20to%20reproduce%2C%20according%20to%20the%20EU.%0A%0AThe%20court%20stressed%20that%20the%20decision%20to%20protect%20these%20areas%20was%20in%20line%20with%20EU%20law.%20In%20its%20ruling%2C%20it%20said%20that%20the%2087%20areas%20were%20chosen%20because%20of%20the%20%E2%80%9Cproven%20or%20provable%20presence%20of%20protected%20species%E2%80%9D.%0A%0ADue%20to%20the%20vulnerability%20of%20these%20areas%2C%20it%20said%20that%20regulators%20were%20not%20required%20to%20assess%20whether%20some%20kinds%20of%20fishing%20gear%20were%20less%20damaging%20or%20the%20economic%20impact%20on%20fishermen.%0A%0AThe%20ruling%20also%20allows%20the%20European%20Commission%20to%20continue%20using%20scientific%20input%20from%20the%20International%20Council%20for%20the%20Exploration%20of%20the%20Sea%20in%20determining%20future%20conservation%20areas.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EEnvironmental%20lawyers%20%E2%80%98heartened%E2%80%99%20by%20court%20ruling%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0ALawyers%20from%20environmental%20organisation%20ClientEarth%20say%20the%20ruling%20is%20likely%20to%20have%20a%20positive%20impact%20on%20other%20legal%20cases%20on%20bottom%20trawling%20happening%20across%20the%20EU.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20now%20too%20much%20evidence%20about%20the%20damage%20wrought%20by%20wide-scale%2C%20repeat%20bottom%20trawling%20to%20ignore%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20ClientEarth%20ocean%20lawyer%20Francesco%20Maletto.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20are%20heartened%20to%20see%20the%20EU's%20General%20Court%20again%20uphold%20the%20principles%20of%20legal%20protection%2C%20keeping%20these%20areas%20of%20the%20ocean%20safe%20from%20harm%2C%20and%20ensuring%20healthy%20fish%20and%20marine%20wildlife%20populations.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AClientEarth%20and%20others%20have%20launched%20legal%20action%20against%20multiple%20national%20governments%2C%20as%20well%20as%20bringing%20complaints%20to%20the%20EU%20itself%2C%20over%20the%20failure%20to%20tackle%20harmful%20fishing%20taking%20place%20in%20Marine%20Protected%20Areas.%20At%20last%20count%2C%20no%20EU%20country%20had%20a%20definitive%20roadmap%20to%20ban%20bottom%20trawling%20in%20zones%20designated%20for%20official%20protection.%0A%0AAfter%20footage%20of%20bottom%20trawling%20from%20the%20film%20Ocean%20with%20David%20Attenborough%20shocked%20the%20world%2C%20calls%20for%20action%20have%20heightened.%20Some%20commitments%20to%20ban%20the%20practice%20have%20emerged%20from%20the%20UN%20Ocean%20Conference%20this%20week%20in%20Nice%2C%20with%20the%20UK%20and%20France%20making%20initial%20commitments%20to%20crack%20down%20on%20the%20practice.%0A%0A

EU court backs ban on atlantic deep-sea fishing

The%20Greek%20Prime%20Minister%20announced%20the%20creation%20of%20two%20new%20marine%20parks%20in%20the%20Ionian%20and%20South%20Aegean%20Seas.%0A%0AKyriakos%20Mitsotakis%20announced%20the%20new%20parks%20in%20a%20television%20message%2C%20which%2C%20alongside%20their%20environmental%20goals%2C%20also%20have%20diplomatic%20implications.%0A%0AGiven%20the%20diplomatic%20tension%20with%20Libya%20and%20Turkey%20over%20maritime%20zones%2C%20the%20announcement%20indicates%20that%20the%20Greek%20side%20considers%20the%20Turcolibian%20Memorandum%20invalid%20and%20unsubstantiated%20in%20practice%2C%20as%20it%20has%20said%20many%20times%20and%20in%20all%20international%20forums.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3E'Among%20the%20largest%20marine%20protected%20areas%20in%20the%20entire%20Mediterranean'%3C%2Fh2%3E%0AIn%20his%20message%2C%20the%20Greek%20Prime%20Minister%20referred%20exclusively%20to%20the%20protection%20of%20the%20marine%20environment.%0A%0A%22The%20sea%20has%20always%20been%20the%20silent%20power%20of%20Greece.%20It%20is%20part%20of%20who%20we%20are%20-%20it%20has%20shaped%20our%20culture%20and%20history%2C%20nourishes%20our%20people%20and%20nurtures%20our%20spirit%2C%22%20he%20said.%0A%0A%22Last%20month%2C%20at%20the%20UN%20Conference%20on%20Oceans%20on%20the%20Mediterranean%20coast%20of%20France%2C%20I%20made%20a%20promise%20-%20to%20honour%20this%20unique%20maritime%20heritage%20and%20protect%20it%20for%20future%20generations.%22%0A%0AHe%20said%20he%20was%20delivering%20on%20that%20promise%20by%20creating%20two%20new%20national%20marine%20parks%20-%20one%20in%20the%20Ionian%20Sea%20and%20one%20in%20the%20Southern%20Cyclades.%0A%0AMitsotakis%20added%20that%20these%20parks%20%22will%20be%20among%20the%20largest%20marine%20protected%20areas%20in%20the%20entire%20Mediterranean%22%20and%20will%20allow%20Greece%20to%20reach%20its%20target%20of%20protecting%2030%20per%20cent%20of%20its%20territorial%20waters%20by%202030%20much%20earlier%20than%20originally%20planned.%0A%0A%22They%20will%20become%20vast%20refuges%20of%20life%20beneath%20the%20waves.%20They%20will%20also%20help%20to%20preserve%20ecosystems%2C%20restore%20balance%20and%20set%20a%20bold%20new%20standard%20for%20marine%20protection%2C%22%20he%20said.%0A%0A%22And%20perhaps%20most%20importantly%2C%20within%20these%20maritime%20zones%2C%20the%20highly%20destructive%20practice%20of%20trawling%20will%20be%20banned.%22%0A%0AMitsotakis%20added%20that%20Sir%20David%20Attenborough's%20new%20'Ocean'%20documentary%20had%20%22reinforced%20%5Bhis%5D%20commitment%20to%20do%20more%20in%20managing%20the%20sea%20-%20to%20redefine%20our%20relationship%20with%20it.%20Not%20as%20owners.%20But%20as%20custodians%22.%0A%0A%22We%20will%20protect%2C%20yes.%20But%20we%20will%20also%20educate%2C%20collaborate%20and%20lead%2C%22%20he%20said.%0A%0A%22Working%20with%20local%20communities%2C%20local%20fishermen%2C%20scientists%2C%20and%20international%20partners%2C%20we%20will%20make%20these%20parks%20examples%20of%20what%20is%20possible.%20By%20doing%20so%2C%20Greece%20can%20become%20a%20voice%20of%20the%20sea%20in%20Europe%20and%20beyond.%0A%0A%22Because%20when%20we%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecohubmap.com%2Flist%2FNGO%2Focean%2FGreece%22%3Eprotect%20our%20ocean%3C%2Fa%3E%2C%20we%20protect%20our%20own%20future.%22%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EWhat%20does%20the%20creation%20of%20national%20marine%20parks%20really%20mean%3F%3C%2Fh2%3E%0AParks%20are%20established%20on%20the%20basis%20of%20strict%20environmental%20criteria%2C%20which%20help%20to%20facilitate%20their%20integrated%20and%20effective%20management.%20The%20area%20is%20treated%20in%20an%20integrated%20manner%20and%20allows%20for%20better%20regulation%20of%20permitted%20uses%20and%20activities.%0A%0AIn%20the%20national%20marine%20parks%2C%20trawling%20will%20be%20completely%20banned%2C%20and%20additional%20measures%20and%20restrictions%20are%20foreseen%20to%20effectively%20protect%20the%20most%20vulnerable%20habitats%20and%20species.%0A%0AThey%20will%20be%20monitored%20using%20an%20integrated%20surveillance%20system%20-%20including%20drones%2C%20radar%2C%20satellite%20imagery%20and%20more%20-%20by%20Greece's%20Natural%20Environment%20and%20Climate%20Change%20Agency%20OFYPEKA.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EHow%20big%20will%20the%20new%20marine%20parks%20be%3F%3C%2Fh2%3E%0AThe%20boundaries%20of%20marine%20parks%20were%20identified%20following%20the%20respective%20Specific%20Environmental%20Assessments%20(SEAs)%2C%20which%20are%20subject%20to%20public%20consultation%20in%20accordance%20with%20national%20and%20EU%20legislation%2C%20based%20on%20their%20ecological%20and%20environmental%20value.%0A%0AThe%20two%20parks%20include%20and%20integrate%20scattered%20protected%20areas%20already%20belonging%20or%20under%20inclusion%20in%20the%20European%20Natura%202000%20network.%0A%0AThe%20South%20Aegean%20National%20Marine%20Park%201%20-%20Southern%20Cyclades%20includes%2018%20existing%20Natura%202000%20sites%2C%20and%20the%20Ionian%20National%20Marine%20Park%20includes%2024%20sites.%0A%0AThe%20parks%20are%20coherent%20and%20geographically%20defined%20in%20order%20to%20allow%20for%20monitoring%20and%20effective%20management%20for%20their%20effective%20protection.%0A%0ATheir%20extent%20even%20exceeds%20the%20initial%20announcements%20made%20by%20the%20Prime%20Minister%20at%20the%209th%20Our%20Ocean%20Conference%20in%20April%20last%20year.%0A%0AThat%20announcement%20suggested%20marine%20parks%20covering%20a%20total%20area%20of%2022%2C000%20km2%20(14%2C000%20km2%20in%20the%20Ionian%20Sea%20and%208%2C000%20km2%20in%20the%20Southern%20Aegean).%0A%0AToday%2C%20on%20the%20basis%20of%20the%20respective%20specific%20environmental%20studies%2C%20the%20area%20has%20increased%20by%2025%20per%20cent%20to%20about%2027%2C500%20km2%20(about%2018%2C000%20km2%20and%209%2C500%20km2%20respectively).

Greece to create two national marine parks

The%20UK%20government%20has%20confirmed%20that%20burning%20on%20England%E2%80%99s%20deep%20peatlands%20will%20be%20banned%20in%20a%20major%20step%20to%20restore%20vital%20habitats%2C%20protect%20rare%20wildlife%2C%20and%20reduce%20both%20air%20pollution%20and%20flood%20risks.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EWhy%20peatlands%20matter%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0APeatlands%2C%20often%20referred%20to%20as%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%20%22natural%20carbon%20store%2C%22%20play%20a%20crucial%20role%20in%20the%20fight%20against%20climate%20change.%20They%20act%20like%20giant%20sponges%2C%20storing%20an%20estimated%203.2%20billion%20tonnes%20of%20carbon%20across%20the%20UK.%20Healthy%20peat%20absorbs%20and%20retains%20water%2C%20helping%20prevent%20flooding%20downstream.%20However%2C%20when%20drained%20or%20burned%2C%20these%20carbon-rich%20soils%20dry%20out%2C%20releasing%20harmful%20greenhouse%20gases%20into%20the%20atmosphere%20instead%20of%20storing%20them.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EThe%20problem%3A%20damaged%20and%20degraded%20peat%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AAccording%20to%20official%20government%20figures%2C%2080%25%20of%20England%E2%80%99s%20peatlands%20are%20degraded%20due%20to%20burning%2C%20drainage%2C%20and%20intensive%20land%20use%2C%20particularly%20for%20grouse%20shooting.%20Burning%20is%20often%20carried%20out%20to%20encourage%20new%20plant%20growth%20for%20grouse%20to%20feed%20on%2C%20but%20this%20practice%20destroys%20habitats%2C%20threatens%20rare%20species%20such%20as%20adders%2C%20toads%2C%20and%20ground-nesting%20birds%2C%20and%20worsens%20air%20pollution.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EPrevious%20rules%20fell%20short%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AEarlier%20legislation%20introduced%20by%20the%20Conservative%20government%20only%20restricted%20burning%20on%20certain%20designated%20sites%2C%20such%20as%20Sites%20of%20Special%20Scientific%20Interest%20(SSSIs)%2C%20and%20only%20on%20peat%20deeper%20than%2040cm.%20Many%20ecologists%20warned%20the%20rules%20were%20too%20weak%2C%20leaving%20huge%20areas%20of%20deep%20peat%20unprotected.%20Countryside%20groups%20criticized%20the%20restrictions%20as%20an%20%E2%80%9Cattack%20on%20grouse%20shooting%2C%E2%80%9D%20while%20conservationists%20argued%20that%20the%20measures%20failed%20to%20protect%20fragile%20ecosystems.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EWhat%20the%20new%20ban%20means%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AFrom%2030%20September%2C%20the%20updated%20law%20will%20extend%20protection%20to%20all%20peatlands%20deeper%20than%2030cm%20%E2%80%93%20not%20just%20those%20on%20SSSIs%20%E2%80%93%20covering%20more%20than%20676%2C000%20hectares%2C%20up%20from%20the%20current%20222%2C000%20hectares.%20This%20expansion%20will%20significantly%20reduce%20the%20destruction%20caused%20by%20routine%20burning.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EProtecting%20England%E2%80%99s%20%E2%80%9Camazon%20rainforest%E2%80%9D%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AEnvironment%20Minister%20Mary%20Creagh%20described%20peatlands%20as%20%E2%80%9CEngland%E2%80%99s%20Amazon%20rainforest%2C%E2%80%9D%20stressing%20their%20importance%20for%20biodiversity%2C%20climate%20protection%2C%20and%20flood%20prevention.%20She%20warned%20that%20burning%20peat%20releases%20dangerous%20smoke%2C%20damages%20ecosystems%2C%20and%20makes%20the%20land%20more%20vulnerable%20to%20wildfires.%20The%20new%20restrictions%2C%20she%20said%2C%20will%20help%20restore%20and%20rewet%20peat%2C%20making%20them%20more%20resilient%20in%20the%20long%20term.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EConservation%20groups%20welcome%20the%20change%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20move%20has%20been%20widely%20praised%20by%20environmental%20groups.%20Beccy%20Speight%2C%20Chief%20Executive%20of%20the%20RSPB%2C%20said%20the%20extended%20ban%20is%20a%20%E2%80%9Chugely%20positive%20step%E2%80%9D%20for%20nature%2C%20climate%20action%2C%20water%20quality%2C%20and%20flood%20management.%20She%20emphasized%20that%20burning%20peatlands%20is%20damaging%20on%20every%20level%20and%20that%20restoring%20them%20is%20essential%20to%20meet%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%20climate%20and%20biodiversity%20goals.

UK expands peatland burning ban to cut carbon

At%20the%20southern%20edge%20of%20South%20America%E2%80%94where%20dense%20subantarctic%20forests%20meet%20frozen%20oceans%20and%20ancient%20glaciers%E2%80%94Chile%20is%20moving%20forward%20with%20plans%20to%20establish%20a%20new%20national%20park%20dedicated%20to%20conserving%20rare%20wildlife%20and%20fragile%20ecosystems.%0A%0AThe%20proposed%20Cape%20Froward%20National%20Park%20would%20be%20located%20on%20the%20Brunswick%20Peninsula%2C%20overlooking%20the%20historic%20Strait%20of%20Magellan%2C%20and%20would%20cover%20approximately%20150%2C000%20hectares.%20The%20protected%20area%20would%20encompass%20native%20forests%2C%20peat%20bogs%2C%20glaciers%2C%20and%20extensive%20coastal%20zones%2C%20creating%20one%20of%20the%20most%20ecologically%20diverse%20conservation%20areas%20in%20the%20region.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20Benjam%C3%ADn%20C%C3%A1ceres%2C%20wildlife%20coordinator%20at%20Rewilding%20Chile%2C%20the%20peninsula%20represents%20a%20complex%20network%20of%20interconnected%20marine%2C%20coastal%2C%20and%20terrestrial%20habitats.%20He%20emphasized%20that%20careful%20regulation%20of%20industrial%20activity%20and%20tourism%20is%20essential%20to%20safeguard%20these%20sensitive%20environments.%20Despite%20their%20strength%2C%20these%20ecosystems%20rely%20on%20balance%20and%20play%20a%20critical%20role%20as%20sanctuaries%20for%20species%20facing%20extinction.%0A%0AThe%20conservation%20initiative%20is%20led%20by%20Rewilding%20Chile%2C%20a%20foundation%20established%20by%20the%20late%20environmental%20philanthropist%20Douglas%20Tompkins%2C%20founder%20of%20The%20North%20Face.%20In%20November%2C%20the%20organization%20transferred%20approximately%20127%2C000%20hectares%20of%20privately%20protected%20land%20to%20the%20Chilean%20government%2C%20contingent%20upon%20the%20official%20creation%20of%20the%20national%20park%20within%20a%20two-year%20timeframe.%0A%0AOnce%20established%2C%20the%20park%20would%20protect%20the%20southernmost%20continental%20population%20of%20the%20endangered%20huemul%20deer%2C%20a%20national%20symbol%20of%20Chile.%20Its%20surrounding%20waters%20also%20support%20a%20thriving%20marine%20ecosystem%2C%20serving%20as%20a%20feeding%20ground%20for%20whales%2C%20sea%20lions%2C%20and%20orcas%2C%20and%20sustaining%20a%20rich%20oceanic%20food%20web.%0A%0AProject%20coordinator%20Gabriela%20Garrido%20stated%20that%20government%20officials%20expect%20to%20complete%20the%20legal%20decree%20in%20the%20coming%20months.%20The%20new%20park%20would%20become%20part%20of%20an%208-million-hectare%20Patagonian%20conservation%20corridor%2C%20joining%20existing%20protected%20areas%20such%20as%20Kaw%C3%A9sqar%20National%20Park%20and%20Alberto%20de%20Agostini%20National%20Park.%0A%0ARewilding%20Chile%E2%80%99s%20director%2C%20Carolina%20Morgado%2C%20noted%20that%20the%20park%20is%20designed%20not%20only%20for%20environmental%20preservation%20but%20also%20for%20sustainable%20economic%20development.%20As%20the%20first%20national%20park%20within%20the%20municipality%20of%20Punta%20Arenas%2C%20it%20is%20expected%20to%20boost%20eco-tourism%20and%20create%20long-term%20opportunities%20for%20local%20communities.%0A%0APlans%20for%20Cape%20Froward%20National%20Park%20include%20well-designed%20hiking%20trails%2C%20visitor%20facilities%2C%20and%20designated%20camping%20areas%2C%20ensuring%20responsible%20tourism%20while%20maintaining%20the%20integrity%20of%20one%20of%20Chile%E2%80%99s%20most%20pristine%20natural%20landscapes.

Chile plans cape froward national park

A%20major%20blue%20carbon%20conservation%20project%20has%20officially%20begun%20in%20Sierra%20Leone%2C%20aiming%20to%20protect%20and%20restore%20extensive%20mangrove%20forests%20while%20generating%20carbon%20credits%20for%20climate%20mitigation.%20This%20initiative%20marks%20one%20of%20the%20most%20ambitious%20efforts%20on%20the%20West%20African%20coast%20to%20harness%20the%20climate%20benefits%20of%20blue%20carbon%20ecosystems%E2%80%94coastal%20habitats%20that%20store%20vast%20amounts%20of%20carbon%20in%20their%20soils%20and%20vegetation.%20%0A%0AThe%20scheme%20covers%20tens%20of%20thousands%20of%20hectares%20of%20mangroves%20within%20the%20Sherbro%20River%20Estuary%2C%20a%20critical%20ecological%20zone%20supporting%20biodiversity%20and%20coastal%20communities.%20Mangrove%20forests%20are%20globally%20recognized%20for%20their%20ability%20to%20sequester%20carbon%20far%20more%20efficiently%20than%20many%20terrestrial%20forests%2C%20making%20them%20valuable%20for%20both%20climate%20action%20and%20sustainable%20development.%20%0A%0AA%20central%20part%20of%20the%20project%E2%80%99s%20framework%20is%20a%20benefit-sharing%20agreement%20signed%20with%20over%20200%20local%20communities.%20Under%20this%20arrangement%2C%20participating%20coastal%20villages%20will%20receive%20a%20significant%20share%20(around%2040%25)%20of%20carbon%20credit%20revenue%20generated%20from%20the%20sale%20of%20offsets%20on%20voluntary%20markets%E2%80%94ensuring%20that%20financial%20gains%20flow%20directly%20to%20the%20people%20living%20in%20and%20around%20the%20mangrove%20zones.%20%0A%0ATo%20reduce%20local%20dependence%20on%20mangroves%20for%20fuel%20and%20construction%20materials%2C%20the%20project%20includes%20alternative%20livelihood%20and%20sustainable%20technology%20support%2C%20such%20as%20efficient%20cookstoves%20and%20fish-smoking%20ovens.%20These%20measures%20are%20designed%20to%20cut%20down%20on%20mangrove%20wood%20harvesting%20while%20improving%20living%20standards.%20%0A%0AProject%20developers%20expect%20the%20initiative%20to%20remove%20or%20avert%20millions%20of%20tonnes%20of%20CO%E2%82%82%20equivalent%20over%20its%20lifetime%2C%20positioning%20Sierra%20Leone%20as%20a%20leader%20in%20community-driven%20blue%20carbon%20approaches%20in%20Africa.%20Sales%20of%20the%20first%20credits%20are%20projected%20to%20begin%20by%20late%202026%2C%20with%20revenue%20shared%20transparently%20among%20communities%2C%20developers%2C%20and%20national%20stakeholders.%20%0A%0AThis%20initiative%20not%20only%20contributes%20to%20global%20climate%20mitigation%20efforts%20but%20also%20strengthens%20local%20economies%20and%20coastal%20resilience%2C%20highlighting%20the%20dual%20ecological%20and%20social%20value%20of%20protecting%20mangrove%20ecosystems.

Major blue carbon project begins in Sierra Leone

Agrotools%2C%20a%20Brazilian%20company%20specializing%20in%20agricultural%20intelligence%20and%20land-use%20data%2C%20is%20set%20to%20complete%20what%20it%20claims%20will%20become%20the%20largest%20environmental%20services%20payment%20platform%20in%20the%20world.%20The%20initiative%20follows%20the%20approval%20of%20a%20subsidized%20loan%20from%20the%20Brazilian%20government%2C%20according%20to%20company%20executives.%0A%0AThe%20new%20platform%20is%20designed%20to%20financially%20reward%20farmers%20for%20conserving%20native%20vegetation%20on%20their%20properties.%20Instead%20of%20clearing%20land%20for%20agriculture%20or%20livestock%2C%20landowners%20can%20earn%20market-based%20lease%20payments%20by%20preserving%20forests%20and%20natural%20ecosystems%2C%20explained%20Bernardo%20Pires%2C%20Agrotools%E2%80%99%20head%20of%20government%20relations.%0A%0AFunding%20for%20these%20payments%20will%20come%20from%20corporations%20and%20public%20institutions%20that%20are%20legally%20required%20to%20offset%20their%20carbon%20emissions.%20The%20platform%20acts%20as%20a%20bridge%20between%20these%20buyers%20and%20rural%20landowners%2C%20particularly%20in%20regions%20recognized%20as%20some%20of%20the%20planet%E2%80%99s%20most%20important%20carbon%20sinks.%0A%0AAgrotools%20estimates%20that%20approximately%20280%20million%20hectares%20of%20native%20vegetation%20are%20located%20within%20privately%20owned%20farms%20across%20Brazil.%20While%20roughly%2070%20million%20hectares%20are%20legally%20eligible%20for%20deforestation%2C%20the%20company%20notes%20that%20about%2030%20million%20hectares%20of%20this%20land%20has%20strong%20agricultural%20potential%20due%20to%20favorable%20soil%20quality%2C%20climate%2C%20and%20infrastructure.%0A%0AThe%20company%20believes%20that%20many%20farmers%20will%20opt%20for%20predictable%20lease%20income%20rather%20than%20expanding%20soy%20cultivation%20or%20cattle%20ranching%20in%20environmentally%20sensitive%20areas%20such%20as%20the%20Amazon%20rainforest%20and%20the%20Cerrado%20biome.%20This%20approach%20reduces%20exposure%20to%20debt%20and%20climate-related%20risks%20while%20helping%20limit%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions%20linked%20to%20global%20warming.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20model%20delivers%20exactly%20what%20farmers%20have%20been%20asking%20for%2C%E2%80%9D%20Pires%20said.%20%E2%80%9CBeing%20compensated%20for%20providing%20environmental%20services.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20launch%20comes%20at%20a%20critical%20time%20for%20Brazil%E2%80%99s%20agricultural%20sector.%20Pressure%20to%20expand%20farmland%20has%20increased%20after%20major%20global%20grain%20traders%20withdrew%20from%20an%20Amazon%20conservation%20agreement%20tied%20to%20tax%20benefits%20in%20Brazil%E2%80%99s%20largest%20agricultural%20state.%20At%20the%20same%20time%2C%20falling%20commodity%20prices%2C%20expensive%20credit%2C%20and%20rising%20input%20costs%20have%20created%20challenging%20conditions%20for%20producers.%0A%0ASoybean%20farming%20and%20cattle%20ranching%20remain%20the%20primary%20contributors%20to%20deforestation%20in%20Brazil%2C%20a%20major%20food%20supplier%20to%20markets%20including%20China%2C%20the%20United%20States%2C%20and%20Europe.%0A%0AAgrotools%20projects%20that%20the%20platform%20could%20attract%20up%20to%20%2415%20billion%20in%20investment%20over%20the%20next%20five%20years.%20If%20successful%2C%20it%20would%20help%20protect%20an%20area%20of%20high-value%20agricultural%20land%20estimated%20to%20be%20nearly%20seven%20times%20larger%20than%20the%20Netherlands.%20These%20projections%20are%20based%20on%20average%20annual%20payments%20of%20%24100%20per%20hectare%20for%20preserved%20native%20vegetation.%0A%0AThe%20environmental%20services%20platform%2C%20along%20with%20another%20Agrotools%20initiative%2C%20received%20funding%20approval%20through%20Brazil%E2%80%99s%20government-backed%20%E2%80%9CEco%20Invest%E2%80%9D%20program%2C%20reinforcing%20the%20country%E2%80%99s%20push%20toward%20sustainable%20agriculture%20and%20climate%20finance.

Brazil launches world’s environmental platform

The%20Welsh%20Government%20has%20officially%20approved%20a%20groundbreaking%20new%20environmental%20law%20designed%20to%20safeguard%20nature%20and%20reverse%20wildlife%20decline%20across%20Wales.%0A%0AThe%20newly%20passed%20legislation%20introduces%20stronger%20environmental%20oversight%20and%20sets%20ambitious%20biodiversity%20recovery%20targets.%20Its%20core%20objective%20is%20to%20halt%20species%20loss%2C%20rebuild%20ecosystems%2C%20and%20ensure%20long-term%20protection%20of%20Wales%E2%80%99%20natural%20environment.%0A%0AEnvironmental%20and%20conservation%20organisations%20have%20praised%20the%20move%2C%20describing%20it%20as%20a%20major%20breakthrough%20for%20wildlife%20protection%20in%20Wales.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EWhat%20Is%20the%20environment%20(principles%2C%20governance%20and%20biodiversity%20targets)%20Wales%20bill%3F%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20new%20law%20%E2%80%94%20formally%20titled%20the%20Environment%20(Principles%2C%20Governance%20and%20Biodiversity%20Targets)%20(Wales)%20Bill%20%E2%80%94%20establishes%20a%20comprehensive%20framework%20to%20improve%20environmental%20governance%20and%20biodiversity%20conservation.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ECreation%20of%20the%20office%20of%20environmental%20governance%20Wales%20(OEGW)%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AA%20central%20feature%20of%20the%20bill%20is%20the%20formation%20of%20a%20new%20independent%20watchdog%3A%20the%20Office%20of%20Environmental%20Governance%20Wales%20(OEGW).%0A%0AThis%20body%20will%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Investigate%20environmental%20complaints%20submitted%20by%20members%20of%20the%20public%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Monitor%20and%20assess%20the%20performance%20of%20the%20Welsh%20Government%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Scrutinise%20public%20authorities%20and%20certain%20private%20companies%20operating%20in%20Wales%2C%20including%20water%20providers%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Offer%20guidance%20and%20recommendations%20to%20improve%20environmental%20standards%0A%0AThe%20OEGW%20is%20designed%20to%20hold%20decision-makers%20accountable%20and%20ensure%20environmental%20laws%20are%20properly%20enforced.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ENew%20biodiversity%20targets%20and%20nature%20recovery%20goals%20for%202050%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20legislation%20also%20introduces%20legally%20binding%20biodiversity%20targets%20aimed%20at%20reversing%20ecological%20damage.%20The%20Welsh%20Government%20has%20set%20a%20long-term%20goal%20of%20achieving%20clear%20and%20measurable%20nature%20recovery%20by%202050.%0A%0AWith%20one%20in%20five%20species%20in%20Wales%20currently%20facing%20extinction%20risk%2C%20the%20new%20framework%20prioritises%20increasing%20native%20species%20populations%20and%20strengthening%20ecosystem%20resilience.%0A%0ADeputy%20First%20Minister%20Huw%20Irranca-Davies%20described%20the%20bill%20as%20a%20%E2%80%9Clandmark%20moment%E2%80%9D%20for%20Wales%2C%20emphasising%20the%20urgent%20need%20to%20address%20the%20climate%20and%20biodiversity%20crises.%20He%20highlighted%20that%20communities%20across%20the%20country%20are%20already%20experiencing%20more%20frequent%20flooding%2C%20heatwaves%2C%20and%20wildfires%20%E2%80%94%20impacts%20linked%20to%20environmental%20degradation%20and%20climate%20change.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20the%20Deputy%20First%20Minister%2C%20the%20legislation%20provides%20the%20tools%20necessary%20to%20take%20decisive%20action%20against%20these%20growing%20threats.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EConservation%20groups%20welcome%20the%20new%20Welsh%20environmental%20law%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ALeading%20conservation%20charities%20have%20strongly%20endorsed%20the%20bill%2C%20calling%20it%20a%20historic%20step%20forward%20for%20nature%20protection%20in%20Wales.%0A%0AAlexander%20Phillips%20of%20WWF%20Cymru%20said%20the%20legislation%20represents%20a%20significant%20milestone%20after%20nearly%20a%20decade%20of%20campaigning.%20He%20noted%20that%20the%20bill%20aligns%20Wales%20with%20international%20biodiversity%20commitments%20and%20strengthens%20its%20global%20environmental%20leadership.%0A%0AMeanwhile%2C%20Annie%20Smith%20of%20RSPB%20Cymru%20stressed%20that%20recent%20reports%20have%20revealed%20the%20severe%20scale%20of%20wildlife%20loss%20and%20underinvestment%20in%20nature%20conservation.%20She%20said%20the%20new%20legal%20framework%20must%20drive%20immediate%20and%20meaningful%20action%20to%20reverse%20environmental%20decline.%0A%0AConservationists%20agree%20that%20urgent%20implementation%20will%20be%20key%2C%20as%20Wales%20faces%20mounting%20ecological%20challenges%20and%20biodiversity%20loss.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EWhy%20the%20Welsh%20environment%20bill%20matters%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThis%20new%20environmental%20law%20positions%20Wales%20as%20a%20leader%20in%20nature%20recovery%20and%20sustainable%20governance.%20By%20creating%20independent%20oversight%2C%20strengthening%20biodiversity%20targets%2C%20and%20committing%20to%20long-term%20ecosystem%20restoration%2C%20the%20Welsh%20Government%20aims%20to%20secure%20a%20healthier%20natural%20environment%20for%20future%20generations.%0A%0AWith%20climate%20pressures%20intensifying%20and%20wildlife%20populations%20under%20threat%2C%20the%20Environment%20Bill%20marks%20a%20pivotal%20step%20toward%20restoring%20Wales%E2%80%99%20natural%20heritage.

Wales passes landmark environment bill

Portugal%20has%20been%20ordered%20to%20pay%20a%20%E2%82%AC10%20million%20fine%20by%20the%20Court%20of%20Justice%20of%20the%20European%20Union%20(CJEU)%20for%20failing%20to%20meet%20its%20legal%20obligations%20under%20EU%20environmental%20law.%20The%20ruling%20also%20imposes%20a%20daily%20penalty%20of%20%E2%82%AC41%2C250%20until%20the%20country%20fully%20complies%20with%20a%20prior%202019%20judgment%20related%20to%20biodiversity%20conservation%20and%20habitat%20protection.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EMaximum%20penalty%20to%20enforce%20compliance%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20EU%E2%80%99s%20top%20court%20confirmed%20that%20the%20maximum%20financial%20sanction%20was%20applied%20to%20compel%20Portugal%20to%20end%20its%20ongoing%20breach%20of%20the%20EU%20Habitats%20Directive.%20According%20to%20the%20ruling%2C%2055%20protected%20sites%20remain%20non-compliant%2C%20despite%20a%20court%20order%20issued%20seven%20years%20ago.%0A%0AThe%20daily%20fine%20breaks%20down%20to%20%E2%82%AC750%20per%20unprotected%20site.%20For%20each%20site%20brought%20into%20full%20compliance%2C%20the%20penalty%20will%20decrease%20by%20%E2%82%AC750%20per%20day%2C%20creating%20a%20direct%20financial%20incentive%20for%20immediate%20corrective%20action.%0A%0AIn%20its%20official%20statement%2C%20the%20court%20emphasized%20the%20severity%20of%20the%20infringement%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThese%20are%20particularly%20serious%20violations%20of%20EU%20environmental%20legislation%2C%20in%20which%20Portugal%20has%20persisted.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20court%20highlighted%20that%20Portugal%20is%20home%20to%20exceptional%20ecological%20diversity%2C%20including%2099%20habitat%20types%20and%20335%20species%20safeguarded%20under%20the%20Habitats%20Directive.%20Judges%20stressed%20that%20the%20protection%20of%20these%20ecosystems%20is%20vital%20to%20the%20European%20Union%E2%80%99s%20shared%20natural%20heritage.%0A%0AGiven%20the%20prolonged%20duration%20of%20non-compliance%20and%20Portugal%E2%80%99s%20financial%20capacity%2C%20the%20court%20determined%20that%20a%20%E2%82%AC10%20million%20lump%20sum%20was%20justified.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EOngoing%20dispute%20over%20EU%20habitats%20directive%20compliance%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20European%20Commission%20has%20spent%20years%20pressing%20Portugal%20to%20designate%20and%20properly%20protect%20areas%20identified%20as%20Sites%20of%20Community%20Importance%20(SCI).%20These%20sites%20were%20required%20to%20be%20classified%20as%20Special%20Areas%20of%20Conservation%20(SAC)%20under%20EU%20law.%0A%0AUnder%20the%20Habitats%20Directive%2C%20EU%20member%20states%20must%20formally%20designate%20SACs%20within%20six%20years%20of%20identifying%20them%20and%20implement%20conservation%20measures%20to%20safeguard%20rare%20ecosystems%20and%20vulnerable%20species.%0A%0AIn%202019%2C%20the%20court%20ruled%20that%20Portugal%20had%20failed%20to%20designate%2061%20protected%20areas%20across%20the%20Atlantic%20and%20Mediterranean%20biogeographical%20regions.

EU fines Portugal €10m over biodiversity

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Lusatian lakes transform former coal mines

Leaders%20from%20Central%20Asia%20have%20taken%20a%20significant%20step%20toward%20environmental%20cooperation%20by%20joining%20forces%20to%20protect%20the%20fragile%20ecosystem%20of%20the%20Caspian%20Sea.%20During%20a%20recent%20regional%20summit%2C%20representatives%20emphasized%20the%20urgent%20need%20for%20collective%20action%20to%20address%20environmental%20threats%20and%20preserve%20biodiversity%20in%20one%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20most%20unique%20inland%20bodies%20of%20water.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EGrowing%20environmental%20concerns%20in%20the%20Caspian%20Region%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20Caspian%20Sea%2C%20bordered%20by%20several%20nations%20including%20Kazakhstan%2C%20Turkmenistan%2C%20and%20others%2C%20has%20been%20facing%20increasing%20ecological%20pressure%20in%20recent%20years.%20Issues%20such%20as%20declining%20water%20levels%2C%20pollution%20from%20industrial%20activity%2C%20and%20the%20loss%20of%20marine%20life%20have%20raised%20alarms%20among%20scientists%20and%20policymakers%20alike.%0A%0AExperts%20warn%20that%20without%20coordinated%20intervention%2C%20the%20region%20could%20experience%20irreversible%20damage.%20The%20shrinking%20shoreline%20and%20disruption%20of%20habitats%20are%20already%20impacting%20local%20economies%2C%20particularly%20fishing%20communities%20that%20depend%20on%20the%20sea%20for%20their%20livelihoods.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ERegional%20cooperation%20takes%20center%20stage%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AIn%20response%20to%20these%20challenges%2C%20Central%20Asian%20nations%20are%20strengthening%20collaboration%20efforts%20aimed%20at%20environmental%20protection.%20The%20latest%20meeting%20highlighted%20the%20importance%20of%20shared%20responsibility%20and%20cross-border%20initiatives%20to%20tackle%20common%20ecological%20threats.%0A%0AKey%20topics%20discussed%20included%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Reducing%20industrial%20pollution%20entering%20the%20Caspian%20Sea%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Protecting%20endangered%20species%20and%20marine%20ecosystems%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Monitoring%20water%20levels%20and%20climate-related%20changes%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Promoting%20sustainable%20economic%20practices%20in%20coastal%20areas%0A%0AOfficials%20stressed%20that%20environmental%20issues%20cannot%20be%20solved%20by%20one%20country%20alone%2C%20making%20regional%20unity%20essential%20for%20long-term%20success.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EFocus%20on%20biodiversity%200reservation%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AOne%20of%20the%20central%20goals%20of%20the%20initiative%20is%20to%20safeguard%20the%20Caspian%20Sea%E2%80%99s%20rich%20biodiversity.%20The%20region%20is%20home%20to%20unique%20species%2C%20including%20the%20endangered%20Caspian%20seal%20and%20several%20types%20of%20sturgeon%2C%20which%20are%20vital%20both%20ecologically%20and%20economically.%0A%0AConservation%20strategies%20discussed%20at%20the%20summit%20include%20expanding%20protected%20areas%2C%20improving%20wildlife%20monitoring%20systems%2C%20and%20enforcing%20stricter%20regulations%20on%20fishing%20and%20industrial%20activities.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EA%20step%20toward%20sustainable%20development%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ABeyond%20environmental%20protection%2C%20the%20cooperation%20effort%20reflects%20a%20broader%20commitment%20to%20sustainable%20development%20across%20Central%20Asia.%20By%20aligning%20policies%20and%20sharing%20resources%2C%20participating%20countries%20aim%20to%20balance%20economic%20growth%20with%20ecological%20responsibility.%0A%0AInternational%20organizations%20and%20environmental%20experts%20have%20welcomed%20the%20initiative%2C%20noting%20that%20regional%20partnerships%20are%20critical%20in%20addressing%20global%20environmental%20challenges%20such%20as%20climate%20change%20and%20biodiversity%20loss.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ELooking%20ahead%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AWhile%20the%20agreement%20marks%20important%20progress%2C%20leaders%20acknowledge%20that%20implementation%20will%20be%20key.%20Continued%20dialogue%2C%20transparent%20policies%2C%20and%20long-term%20investment%20will%20be%20necessary%20to%20ensure%20meaningful%20results.%0A%0AThe%20united%20approach%20signals%20a%20promising%20shift%20in%20how%20Central%20Asian%20nations%20address%20shared%20environmental%20concerns%E2%80%94offering%20hope%20for%20the%20future%20of%20the%20Caspian%20Sea%20and%20the%20diverse%20ecosystems%20it%20supports.

Central Asia unites to protect Caspian Sea

The%20entire%20River%20Wye%20catchment%20has%20officially%20been%20recognised%20as%20a%20living%20ecosystem%20with%20fundamental%20rights%20under%20a%20groundbreaking%20charter%20%E2%80%94%20the%20first%20initiative%20of%20its%20kind%20in%20the%20UK.%20Environmental%20advocates%20believe%20this%20landmark%20decision%20could%20play%20a%20major%20role%20in%20restoring%20the%20heavily%20polluted%20river%20and%20protecting%20its%20future.%0A%0AThe%20new%20River%20Wye%20Charter%20was%20unveiled%20during%20a%20community%20gathering%20at%20the%20Hay-on-Wye%20Literary%20Festival%20on%20Sunday.%20The%20charter%20establishes%20several%20core%20rights%20for%20the%20river%2C%20including%20the%20right%20to%20flow%20naturally%2C%20maintain%20biodiversity%2C%20remain%20free%20from%20pollution%2C%20regenerate%20its%20ecosystems%2C%20benefit%20from%20a%20healthy%20catchment%2C%20and%20have%20legal%20representation.%20Campaigners%20describe%20the%20agreement%20as%20a%20major%20milestone%20in%20efforts%20to%20preserve%20one%20of%20Britain%E2%80%99s%20most%20treasured%20waterways.%0A%0ALocal%20authorities%20including%20Herefordshire%20Council%20and%20Powys%20County%20Council%20have%20already%20adopted%20the%20charter%2C%20while%20Gloucestershire%20and%20Monmouthshire%20councils%20are%20expected%20to%20follow%20soon.%20Once%20fully%20implemented%2C%20the%20charter%20will%20cover%20the%20River%20Wye%E2%80%99s%20entire%20130-mile%20journey%2C%20stretching%20from%20the%20Cambrian%20Mountains%20in%20central%20Wales%20to%20Chepstow%20and%20the%20Bristol%20Channel.%0A%0AJackie%20Charlton%2C%20Powys%20County%20Council%E2%80%99s%20cabinet%20member%20for%20environmental%20sustainability%2C%20emphasized%20the%20river%E2%80%99s%20importance%20to%20local%20communities%2C%20culture%2C%20and%20nature.%20She%20stated%20that%20adopting%20the%20charter%20sends%20a%20strong%20message%20that%20the%20health%20of%20the%20River%20Wye%20must%20be%20safeguarded%20for%20future%20generations%20through%20cooperation%20between%20councils%2C%20organisations%2C%20and%20residents.%0A%0AThe%20project%20was%20created%20through%20collaboration%20across%20the%20Wye%20catchment%20and%20reflects%20the%20rapidly%20expanding%20global%20%E2%80%9Crights%20of%20nature%E2%80%9D%20movement.%20Similar%20legal%20protections%20have%20already%20been%20granted%20to%20rivers%20in%20countries%20such%20as%20Ecuador%2C%20Canada%2C%20and%20New%20Zealand.%20In%20the%20UK%2C%20the%20House%20of%20Lords%20is%20also%20reviewing%20proposals%20to%20redefine%20nature%20legally%20%E2%80%94%20shifting%20ecosystems%20from%20being%20treated%20as%20property%20and%20resources%20to%20entities%20with%20inherent%20rights.%0A%0AAlthough%20large%20sections%20of%20the%20River%20Wye%20%E2%80%94%20known%20as%20Afon%20Gwy%20in%20Welsh%20%E2%80%94%20already%20hold%20protected%20conservation%20status%2C%20the%20river%20has%20faced%20severe%20ecological%20decline%20over%20the%20past%20decade.%20Environmental%20groups%20warn%20that%20pollution%20from%20intensive%20poultry%20farming%2C%20combined%20with%20sewage%20discharges%2C%20has%20released%20excessive%20nutrients%20into%20the%20water.%20This%20has%20triggered%20widespread%20algae%20blooms%2C%20fungal%20growth%2C%20and%20invasive%20weeds%20that%20are%20damaging%20aquatic%20habitats%20and%20suffocating%20wildlife.%0A%0AThe%20environmental%20crisis%20surrounding%20the%20River%20Wye%20has%20now%20become%20one%20of%20the%20largest%20pollution%20cases%20ever%20brought%20before%20the%20UK%20high%20court.%20More%20than%204%2C500%20residents%20and%20workers%20from%20areas%20surrounding%20the%20Wye%2C%20Lugg%2C%20and%20Usk%20rivers%20are%20pursuing%20legal%20action%20against%20major%20poultry%20producer%20Avara%20Foods%20and%20Welsh%20Water%20(D%C5%B5r%20Cymru)%2C%20accusing%20the%20companies%20of%20contributing%20to%20river%20pollution%20and%20demanding%20large-scale%20cleanup%20measures.%20Both%20organisations%20deny%20responsibility%20for%20the%20contamination.%0A%0AAngela%20Jones%2C%20an%20environmental%20campaigner%20from%20Symonds%20Yat%2C%20welcomed%20the%20adoption%20of%20the%20charter%20but%20warned%20that%20the%20River%20Wye%20remains%20dangerously%20close%20to%20ecological%20collapse.%20She%20argued%20that%20while%20the%20charter%20is%20an%20important%20symbolic%20achievement%2C%20urgent%20action%20is%20still%20required.%20According%20to%20Jones%2C%20stronger%20regulation%20of%20industrial%20poultry%20farming%2C%20stricter%20nutrient%20pollution%20controls%2C%20tougher%20enforcement%20against%20polluters%2C%20and%20substantial%20investment%20in%20river%20restoration%20are%20essential%20to%20saving%20the%20ecosystem%20before%20irreversible%20damage%20occurs.%0A%0AIn%202025%2C%20ecologist%20Dr%20Louise%20Bodnar%20became%20the%20first%20official%20%E2%80%9Cvoice%E2%80%9D%20of%20the%20River%20Wye%2C%20securing%20a%20formal%20voting%20position%20on%20the%20Wye%20Catchment%20Nutrient%20Management%20Board%20to%20represent%20the%20river%E2%80%99s%20environmental%20interests%20directly.%0A%0AThe%20River%20Wye%20Charter%20marks%20the%20first%20river%20rights%20charter%20in%20Wales%20and%20the%20first%20initiative%20in%20the%20UK%20to%20cover%20an%20entire%20river%20catchment.%20In%202024%2C%20the%20River%20Ouse%20in%20Sussex%20became%20the%20first%20UK%20river%20to%20receive%20formal%20rights%20recognition%20after%20Lewes%20District%20Council%20adopted%20a%20similar%20environmental%20charter%20aimed%20at%20protecting%20the%20waterway.

River Wye gains legal rights in UK first

Singapore-based%20climate%20solutions%20developer%20Thryve.Earth%20has%20secured%20major%20long-term%20carbon%20removal%20agreements%20with%20Google%2C%20McKinsey%2C%20and%20Tencent%2C%20supporting%20an%20ambitious%20agroforestry%20initiative%20in%20Indonesia%20that%20aims%20to%20remove%20more%20than%20635%2C000%20tonnes%20of%20CO%E2%82%82%20while%20restoring%206%2C000%20hectares%20of%20degraded%20land.%0A%0AThe%20landmark%20agreements%20represent%20Google%E2%80%99s%20largest%20carbon%20removal%20commitment%20to%20date%20and%20Tencent%E2%80%99s%20first%20investment%20in%20a%20nature-based%20carbon%20removal%20project%20outside%20China%2C%20highlighting%20growing%20corporate%20demand%20for%20high-integrity%20climate%20solutions.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ERestoring%20Indonesia%E2%80%99s%20degraded%20landscapes%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AEstablished%20in%202022%2C%20Thryve.Earth%20develops%20nature-based%20carbon%20removal%20projects%20across%20South%20and%20Southeast%20Asia%20by%20restoring%20degraded%20ecosystems%20and%20improving%20biodiversity.%20Its%20latest%20initiative%20is%20located%20in%20Sulawesi%2C%20Indonesia%2C%20a%20globally%20significant%20biodiversity%20hotspot%20known%20for%20its%20carbon-rich%20tropical%20forests%20that%20have%20suffered%20extensive%20degradation%20due%20to%20shifting%20agriculture%2C%20soil%20erosion%2C%20invasive%20plant%20species%2C%20and%20unsustainable%20land%20use.%0A%0AThe%20restoration%20strategy%20focuses%20on%20transforming%20degraded%20grasslands%20into%20productive%20agroforestry%20systems%20that%20combine%20environmental%20recovery%20with%20sustainable%20agriculture.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EMulti-layer%20agroforestry%20approach%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20project%20will%20implement%20a%20diverse%20farming%20model%20designed%20to%20maximize%20carbon%20sequestration%20while%20generating%20long-term%20economic%20value%20for%20local%20communities.%0A%0AThe%20upper%20canopy%20will%20feature%20sugar%20palm%20and%20timber%20trees%2C%20while%20the%20middle%20layer%20will%20include%20crops%20such%20as%20coffee%2C%20avocado%2C%20papaya%2C%20and%20bananas.%20Annual%20crops%20including%20corn%20and%20chili%20peppers%20will%20be%20cultivated%20at%20ground%20level%2C%20creating%20a%20resilient%20multi-tier%20agricultural%20ecosystem.%0A%0AThis%20integrated%20approach%20is%20expected%20to%20improve%20land%20productivity%2C%20enhance%20ecosystem%20resilience%2C%20and%20support%20sustainable%20livelihoods.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EEnvironmental%20and%20community%20benefits%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ABeyond%20capturing%20atmospheric%20carbon%2C%20the%20Sulawesi%20project%20is%20expected%20to%20deliver%20significant%20ecological%20and%20social%20benefits.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20Thryve.Earth%2C%20restoring%20the%20landscape%20will%20improve%20soil%20quality%2C%20reduce%20wildfire%20risks%2C%20increase%20biodiversity%2C%20and%20create%20healthier%20ecosystems.%20The%20initiative%20will%20also%20generate%20stable%20employment%20opportunities%20for%20nearby%20communities%20through%20nursery%20operations%2C%20tree%20planting%2C%20invasive%20species%20removal%2C%20land%20maintenance%2C%20and%20other%20restoration%20activities.%0A%0ALocal%20farmers%20are%20expected%20to%20benefit%20from%20more%20diversified%20and%20resilient%20income%20sources%20through%20participation%20in%20the%20agroforestry%20program.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EHigh-quality%20carbon%20removal%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ARon%20Steinherz%2C%20Co-Founder%20and%20Chief%20Operating%20Officer%20of%20Thryve.Earth%2C%20emphasized%20that%20restoring%20degraded%20landscapes%20requires%20strong%20operational%20execution%20backed%20by%20rigorous%20monitoring.%0A%0AHe%20noted%20that%20combining%20high-quality%20seedlings%2C%20standardized%20field%20practices%2C%20and%20transparent%20verification%20across%20every%20hectare%20enables%20the%20company%20to%20provide%20reliable%2C%20measurable%2C%20and%20long-lasting%20carbon%20removal%20while%20delivering%20meaningful%20benefits%20for%20local%20communities.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ELong-term%20offtake%20agreements%20support%20project%20growth%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThese%20agreements%20are%20Thryve.Earth%E2%80%99s%20first%20corporate%20carbon%20removal%20offtake%20contracts%20and%20provide%20the%20financial%20certainty%20needed%20to%20scale%20the%20project%20by%20guaranteeing%20future%20carbon%20credit%20purchases.%0A%0AThe%2010-year%20commitments%20include%20more%20than%20335%2C000%20tonnes%20of%20carbon%20removal%20purchased%20by%20Google%20and%20McKinsey%20through%20the%20Symbiosis%20Coalition%2C%20while%20Tencent%20has%20separately%20committed%20to%20purchasing%20300%2C000%20tonnes%20of%20carbon%20removals.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ESymbiosis%20coalition%20expands%20into%20agroforestry%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20Indonesian%20initiative%20becomes%20the%20third%20carbon%20removal%20project%20supported%20by%20the%20Symbiosis%20Coalition%20and%20its%20first%20focused%20on%20agroforestry.%0A%0AJulia%20Strong%2C%20Executive%20Director%20of%20the%20Symbiosis%20Coalition%2C%20said%20the%20project%20demonstrates%20that%20strong%20community%20engagement%20and%20ecosystem%20restoration%20are%20fundamental%20drivers%20of%20successful%2C%20high-integrity%20carbon%20removal%20initiatives.%0A%0A%20She%20added%20that%20long-term%20purchasing%20commitments%20provide%20developers%20like%20Thryve.Earth%20with%20the%20confidence%20needed%20to%20expand%20restoration%20efforts%20and%20accelerate%20the%20growth%20of%20the%20global%20carbon%20removal%20market.

Major carbon deal for Indonesia forests

Western%20Sydney%20is%20set%20to%20welcome%20a%20major%20new%20protected%20area%20with%20the%20creation%20of%20Gulguer%20National%20Park%2C%20a%20vast%20conservation%20reserve%20designed%20to%20safeguard%20endangered%20wildlife%2C%20preserve%20Aboriginal%20cultural%20heritage%2C%20and%20provide%20more%20outdoor%20recreation%20opportunities%20for%20one%20of%20Australia's%20fastest-growing%20regions.%0A%0ALocated%20west%20of%20Bringelly%2C%20the%20new%20national%20park%20will%20span%20approximately%201%2C100%20hectares%2C%20making%20it%20one%20of%20the%20largest%20protected%20natural%20areas%20in%20Western%20Sydney.%20The%20reserve%20will%20combine%20two%20existing%20conservation%20areas%20with%20around%20700%20hectares%20of%20newly%20acquired%20land%2C%20previously%20used%20for%20farming%20and%20rural%20residential%20development.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EOne%20of%20Western%20Sydney's%20largest%20national%20parks%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AOnce%20officially%20established%2C%20Gulguer%20National%20Park%20will%20cover%20an%20area%20more%20than%20three%20times%20larger%20than%20Sydney's%20Centennial%20Parklands%2C%20offering%20residents%20significantly%20expanded%20access%20to%20nature%20while%20protecting%20valuable%20ecosystems%20from%20future%20urban%20expansion.%0A%0AThe%20project%20forms%20a%20key%20part%20of%20New%20South%20Wales'%20long-term%20environmental%20strategy%2C%20balancing%20rapid%20population%20growth%20with%20biodiversity%20conservation%20across%20the%20Cumberland%20Plain.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ESafe%20haven%20for%20threatened%20australian%20wildlife%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20new%20national%20park%20will%20provide%20critical%20habitat%20for%20at%20least%2028%20threatened%20native%20species%2C%20strengthening%20conservation%20efforts%20in%20Western%20Sydney.%20Among%20the%20protected%20wildlife%20are%20the%20powerful%20owl%2C%20Australia's%20largest%20nocturnal%20bird%20of%20prey%2C%20and%20the%20southern%20greater%20glider%2C%20a%20species%20facing%20increasing%20habitat%20loss.%0A%0AThe%20park%20also%20supports%20several%20rare%20and%20highly%20localized%20species%2C%20including%20unique%20native%20land%20snails%20found%20only%20within%20this%20region%2C%20highlighting%20the%20area's%20exceptional%20ecological%20value.%0A%0ABy%20securing%20these%20habitats%20under%20national%20park%20status%2C%20the%20land%20receives%20one%20of%20Australia's%20highest%20levels%20of%20environmental%20protection%2C%20ensuring%20native%20flora%20and%20fauna%20can%20thrive%20for%20generations.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EPreserving%20aboriginal%20cultural%20heritage%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AGulguer%20National%20Park%20is%20named%20after%20a%20Gundungurra%20word%20describing%20the%20swirling%20movement%20of%20water%20during%20high%20flows%20in%20the%20Nepean%20River%2C%20reflecting%20the%20area's%20deep%20cultural%20connection%20to%20Country.%0A%0AThe%20protected%20landscape%20contains%20numerous%20sites%20of%20Indigenous%20significance%2C%20including%20ancient%20rock%20art%2C%20sandstone%20shelters%2C%20axe-grinding%20grooves%2C%20cultural%20artefacts%2C%20and%20traditional%20gathering%20and%20trading%20locations.%20Conserving%20these%20places%20helps%20preserve%20thousands%20of%20years%20of%20Aboriginal%20history%20while%20respecting%20the%20cultural%20heritage%20of%20the%20Traditional%20Owners.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EA%20landscape%20rich%20in%20history%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ABeyond%20its%20ecological%20importance%2C%20the%20park%20features%20dramatic%20sandstone%20gorges%2C%20the%20remains%20of%20a%20historic%20Girl%20Guides%20campsite%2C%20and%20remnants%20of%20the%20former%20Silverdale%20Hill%20Climb%20racing%20circuit%2C%20which%20attracted%20motorsport%20enthusiasts%20from%20the%201950s%20through%20the%201980s.%0A%0AThese%20historical%20landmarks%20add%20another%20dimension%20to%20the%20visitor%20experience%20while%20showcasing%20the%20region's%20diverse%20heritage.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ESupporting%20sustainable%20growth%20in%20Western%20Sydney%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20establishment%20of%20Gulguer%20National%20Park%20is%20part%20of%20the%20broader%20Cumberland%20Plain%20Conservation%20Plan%2C%20which%20also%20includes%20the%20recently%20created%20Georges%20River%20Koala%20National%20Park%20(Warranmadhaa).%0A%0AThe%20conservation%20strategy%20is%20intended%20to%20balance%20environmental%20protection%20with%20the%20construction%20of%20approximately%2073%2C000%20new%20homes%20planned%20across%20Western%20Sydney%20over%20the%20coming%20decades.%20By%20preserving%20key%20natural%20landscapes%20while%20accommodating%20urban%20development%2C%20the%20initiative%20aims%20to%20create%20healthier%2C%20more%20sustainable%20communities.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ERecreation%20opportunities%20for%20local%20communities%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AIn%20addition%20to%20conservation%2C%20Gulguer%20National%20Park%20will%20provide%20new%20recreational%20facilities%20for%20residents%20and%20visitors.%20Plans%20include%20upgraded%20campgrounds%2C%20scenic%20walking%20trails%2C%20and%20cycling%20tracks%2C%20creating%20more%20opportunities%20for%20people%20to%20experience%20nature%20close%20to%20home.%0A%0ASeveral%20visitor%20facilities%20are%20already%20in%20place%2C%20with%20the%20park%20expected%20to%20be%20fully%20accessible%20to%20the%20public%20within%20the%20next%20six%20months.%0A%0AAs%20Western%20Sydney's%20population%20continues%20to%20expand%2C%20Gulguer%20National%20Park%20will%20play%20an%20increasingly%20important%20role%20in%20protecting%20biodiversity%2C%20conserving%20Indigenous%20heritage%2C%20and%20delivering%20much-needed%20green%20space%20for%20future%20generations.

Sydney creates major new national park

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e%20Ellinikon%20Park%3F%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AAt%20approximately%20two%20million%20square%20metres%2C%20or%20200%20hectares%2C%20The%20Ellinikon%20Park%20will%20rank%20among%20Europe's%20largest%20major%20urban%20green%20spaces%20and%20is%20expected%20to%20become%20its%20biggest%20coastal%20urban%20park.%0A%0AIts%20scale%20becomes%20clearer%20when%20compared%20with%20several%20internationally%20known%20parks.%0A%0ALondon's%20Hyde%20Park%20covers%20approximately%20142%20hectares%2C%20meaning%20Ellinikon%20will%20be%20about%2040%25%20larger.%20Berlin's%20Tiergarten%2C%20at%20roughly%20210%20hectares%2C%20is%20similar%20in%20overall%20size.%0A%0A%20Brussels'%20Parc%20du%20Cinquantenaire%20covers%20around%2030%20hectares%2C%20making%20the%20Greek%20development%20almost%20seven%20times%20larger.%0A%0ANew%20York's%20Central%20Park%20remains%20significantly%20bigger%20at%20approximately%20341%20hectares%2C%20or%20around%201.7%20times%20the%20size%20of%20Ellinikon.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EA%20massive%20green%20space%20connected%20directly%20to%20the%20sea%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AWhat%20particularly%20distinguishes%20The%20Ellinikon%20Park%20from%20many%20other%20large%20European%20urban%20parks%20is%20its%20coastal%20location.%0A%0AWhile%20famous%20parks%20such%20as%20Hyde%20Park%20and%20Tiergarten%20are%20surrounded%20by%20dense%20city%20development%2C%20Ellinikon%20will%20connect%20directly%20with%20approximately%20two%20kilometres%20of%20coastline%20along%20the%20Athenian%20Riviera.%0A%0AIts%20200-hectare%20footprint%20will%20also%20dwarf%20Barcelona's%20Parc%20de%20la%20Ciutadella%2C%20which%20occupies%20roughly%2031%20hectares%2C%20and%20will%20be%20almost%20four%20times%20the%20size%20of%20Greece's%20planned%20fully%20developed%20Faliro%20Bay%20redevelopment%2C%20estimated%20at%20around%2054%20hectares.%0A%0ALarger%20coastal%20landscapes%20exist%20elsewhere%20in%20Europe%2C%20but%20many%20are%20protected%20forests%20or%20national%20parks%20rather%20than%20purpose-built%20urban%20parks.%20Examples%20include%20Tuscany's%20Parco%20della%20Sterpaia%20and%20the%20enormous%20Pembrokeshire%20Coast%20National%20Park%20in%20Wales.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EThe%20Ellinikon%20%D1%81ould%20%D1%96et%20a%20%D1%82ew%20%D1%96tandard%20for%20urban%20parks%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20transformation%20of%20a%20former%20airport%20into%20a%20200-hectare%20coastal%20ecosystem%20represents%20a%20major%20shift%20in%20how%20large%20redevelopment%20sites%20can%20be%20integrated%20into%20climate%20adaptation%20strategies.%0A%0AInstead%20of%20simply%20adding%20greenery%20to%20a%20new%20urban%20district%2C%20The%20Ellinikon%20Park%20combines%20extensive%20planting%2C%20recycled%20wastewater%2C%20smart%20irrigation%2C%20heat-reducing%20routes%2C%20natural%20drainage%2C%20recycled%20construction%20materials%20and%20digital%20environmental%20monitoring.%0A%0AWith%20its%20first%20sections%20expected%20to%20open%20in%202027%20and%20development%20continuing%20through%202030%2C%20the%20project%20could%20provide%20an%20important%20real-world%20example%20of%20how%20major%20cities%20can%20use%20urban%20parks%20to%20address%20extreme%20heat%2C%20water%20shortages%2C%20biodiversity%20loss%20and%20flooding%20while%20creating%20accessible%20public%20spaces.