In%20Scotland%2C%20the%20River%20Dee%20Board%20and%20Trust%20and%20fisheries%20are%20planting%20millions%20of%20trees%20along%20rivers%20to%20help%20save%20wild%20salmon%20from%20the%20effects%20of%20global%20warming.%0A%0AScotland%E2%80%99s%20rivers%20are%20already%20becoming%20too%20warm%20in%20the%20summer%20for%20wild%20salmon%20to%20spawn%2C%20putting%20more%20pressure%20on%20these%20cold-water%20fish.%20Wild%20salmon%20prefer%20water%20temperatures%20around%2010%C2%B0C%20(50%C2%B0F)%20and%20cannot%20withstand%20the%20heat%20of%20waters%20at%2033%C2%B0C%20(91.4%C2%B0F).%0A%0AFisheries%20noted%20the%20lowest%20rod%20catch%20of%20salmon%20in%202018%2C%20when%20water%20temperatures%20for%20about%2070%25%20of%20rivers%20reached%20a%20temperature%20of%2023%C2%B0C%20(73.4%C2%B0F)%20at%20least%20one%20day%20of%20the%20summer%20that%20year%2C%20causing%20heat%20stress%20for%20the%20fish.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThese%20rivers%20and%20burns%20are%20the%20nursery%20grounds%20for%20young%20fish%20and%20it%E2%80%99s%20the%20young%20fish%20which%20will%20be%20affected%20by%20summer%20temperatures%20%E2%80%93%20their%20feeding%20and%20growth%20rates%20are%20affected%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Lorraine%20Hawkins%2C%20river%20director%20for%20the%20Dee%20District%20Salmon%20Fishery%20Board.%20%E2%80%9CIf%20it%20gets%20hotter%2C%20we%20will%20see%20fish%20dying.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ATree%20cover%20can%20help%20cool%20water%20temperatures%2C%20but%20according%20to%20Marine%20Scotland%20scientists%2C%20only%20about%2035%25%20of%20rivers%20in%20Scotland%20have%20enough%20tree%20cover%20for%20the%20cooling%20effect.%0A%0AThe%20River%20Dee%20Board%20and%20Trust%20has%20planted%20thousands%20of%20trees%20along%20the%20River%20Dee%20and%20its%20tributaries%20since%202013%2C%20with%20plans%20to%20plant%20over%201%20million%20trees%20in%20this%20area%20by%202035.%20Planted%20trees%20will%20include%20juniper%2C%20aspen%2C%20birch%2C%20willow%2C%20and%20Scots%20pine.%20Fisheries%20are%20also%20joining%20to%20plant%20millions%20more%20trees%20along%20remote%20streams%20and%20rivers%20to%20further%20help%20conserve%20the%20wild%20salmon%20population.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%E2%80%99ve%20seen%20situations%20where%20the%20temperatures%20in%20our%20rivers%20are%20approaching%20critical%20levels%20for%20our%20salmon%2C%20temperatures%20that%20they%20can%E2%80%99t%20tolerate%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Alan%20Wells%2C%20the%20director%20of%20Fisheries%20Management%20Scotland.%20%E2%80%9CThis%20will%20get%20worse.%20We%20need%20to%20grow%20trees%20now%20to%20create%20that%20cooling%20shade.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AAside%20from%20providing%20shade%2C%20the%20trees%20are%20also%20expected%20to%20boost%20biodiversity%20by%20providing%20habitat%20for%20insects%20and%20small%20animals.%20They%20can%20also%20help%20control%20flooding%20and%20manage%20nutrients%20for%20the%20soil%20and%20water.%0A%0AWhile%20planting%20trees%20will%20help%20reduce%20water%20temperatures%2C%20wild%20salmon%20face%20a%20host%20of%20threats%2C%20including%20the%20lack%20of%20food%20due%20to%20climate%20change%2C%20dams%2C%20increasing%20populations%20of%20seals%2C%20sea%20lice%20from%20fish%20farms%2C%20bycatching%20and%20poor%20water%20quality.%20Salmon%20are%20considered%20protected%20in%20Scotland%2C%20and%20they%20are%20included%20in%20the%20list%20of%20OSPAR%20threatened%2Fdeclining%20species%20and%20the%20Scottish%20Biodiversity%20List.%0A%0AIn%20addition%20to%20the%20tree%20planting%20initiatives%2C%20the%20Scottish%20government%20has%20laid%20out%20an%20action%20plan%20to%20protect%20salmon%20by%20improving%20water%20quality%2C%20controlling%20and%20preventing%20invasive%20species%2C%20managing%20salmon%20exploitation%20and%20working%20with%20international%20partners%20to%20save%20Atlantic%20salmon%20and%20other%20marine%20species.

Scotland hopes to save wild salmon by planting

In%20two%20years%2C%20Iceland%20will%20officially%20hang%20up%20its%20harpoon.%20%0A%0AThe%20country%2C%20one%20of%20only%20three%20in%20the%20world%20that%20allows%20commercial%20whaling%2C%20will%20end%20the%20controversial%20practice%20when%20current%20quotas%20expire.%20%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThere%20are%20few%20justifications%20to%20authorize%20whale%20hunting%20beyond%202024%2C%E2%80%9D%20Minister%20of%20Fisheries%20and%20Agriculture%20Svand%C3%ADs%20Svavarsd%C3%B3ttir%20said%20Friday%20in%20Iceland%E2%80%99s%20Morgunbla%C3%B0i%C3%B0%20newspaper%2C%20as%20CNN%20reported.%0A%0AIceland%E2%80%99s%20current%20three-year%20hunting%20quota%20lasts%20from%202019%20to%202023%20and%20permits%20the%20hunting%20of%20up%20to%20209%20fin%20whales%20and%20217%20minke%20whales%2C%20according%20to%20an%20AFP%20story%20published%20by%20The%20Guardian.%20However%2C%20so%20far%20during%20this%20period%2C%20hunters%20have%20only%20killed%20one%20whale%3A%20a%20minke%20in%202021.%20Svavarsdottir%20said%20this%20showed%20that%20the%20practice%20had%20little%20economic%20benefit.%20One%20major%20reason%20is%20that%20Japan%2C%20which%20was%20once%20a%20major%20market%20for%20Icelandic%20whale%20meat%2C%20resumed%20its%20own%20commercial%20whaling%20in%202019.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CJapan%20has%20been%20the%20largest%20buyer%20of%20%5BIcelandic%5D%20whale%20meat%2C%20but%20its%20consumption%20is%20declining%20year%20by%20year.%20Why%20should%20Iceland%20take%20the%20risk%20of%20continuing%20fishing%20that%20has%20not%20yielded%20economic%20benefits%2C%20in%20order%20to%20sell%20a%20product%20that%20is%20in%20low%20demand%3F%E2%80%9D%20she%20asked%2C%20as%20CNN%20reported.%0A%0AIn%20fact%2C%20in%20some%20ways%20whaling%E2%80%99s%20controversial%20status%20has%20hurt%20Iceland%20economically.%20For%20example%2C%20U.S.%20retailer%20Whole%20Foods%20ceased%20promoting%20Icelandic%20products%20for%20a%20period%20in%20protest.%0A%0AConservation%20groups%20celebrated%20the%20news.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20obviously%20hugely%20welcome%20news%E2%80%A6%20and%20not%20before%20time.%20Icelandic%20whalers%20have%20killed%20hundreds%20of%20whales%20in%20recent%20years%2C%20despite%20almost%20zero%20domestic%20demand%2C%E2%80%9D%20Vanessa%20Williams-Grey%20of%20Whale%20and%20Dolphin%20Conservation%20told%20BBC%20News.%0A%0ADuring%20Iceland%E2%80%99s%20last%20full%20whaling%20season%2C%20146%20fin%20whales%20and%20six%20minke%20whales%20were%20killed%2C%20according%20to%20AFP.%20%0A%0AThe%20International%20Whaling%20Commission%20banned%20all%20commercial%20whaling%20in%201986%2C%20according%20to%20CNN.%20Iceland%20left%20the%20IWC%20in%201992%2C%20rejoined%20in%202002%20while%20announcing%20a%20%E2%80%9Creservation%E2%80%9D%20about%20the%20ban%20and%20then%20resumed%20commercial%20whaling%20in%202006.%20Since%201986%2C%20More%20than%201%2C700%20minke%2C%20fin%20and%20sei%20whales%20have%20been%20slaughtered%20in%20the%20country.%20%0A%0AFin%20whales%20are%20the%20second-largest%20whale%20species%20in%20the%20world%2C%20according%20to%20AFP%2C%20while%20minke%20whales%20are%20one%20of%20the%20smallest.%20Fin%20whales%20are%20considered%20vulnerable%20by%20the%20International%20Union%20for%20Conservation%20of%20Nature%20Red%20List%2C%20while%20sei%20whales%20are%20endangered%20and%20minke%20whales%20are%20considered%20a%20species%20of%20Least%20Concern.%20%0A%0AOnce%20Iceland%E2%80%99s%20decision%20goes%20into%20effect%2C%20the%20only%20two%20countries%20to%20allow%20commercial%20whaling%20will%20be%20Norway%20and%20Japan%2C%20according%20to%20BBC%20News.%20

Iceland to Ban Commercial Whaling by 2024

More%20than%2060%20organisations%20have%20launched%20a%20new%20campaign%20calling%20for%20a%20%22legal%20right%22%20to%20be%20able%20to%20access%20nature%20to%20form%20a%20key%20part%20of%20the%20Government's%20ongoing%20Levelling%20Up%20reforms.%0A%0AOrganisations%20including%20Friends%20of%20the%20Earth%2C%20Greenpeace%2C%20WWF%20UK%20and%20the%20Wildlife%20Trusts%20have%20today%20(21%20February)%20launched%20a%20new%20campaign%20urging%20the%20government%20to%20increase%20access%20to%20nature%20for%20all%20parts%20of%20the%20UK.%0A%0AIn%20total%2C%20more%20than%2060%20organisations%20have%20formed%20the%20%E2%80%9CNature%20for%20Everyone%E2%80%9D%20campaign%2C%20claiming%20that%20people%20have%20a%20legal%20right%20to%20access%20nearby%20nature%20hotspots.%0A%0AThe%20coalition%20has%20launched%20a%20petition%20and%20written%20to%20Secretary%20of%20State%20Michael%20Gove%20calling%20for%20Government%20to%20improve%20access%20to%20natural%20spaces%20as%20part%20of%20the%20Levelling%20Up%20agenda.%20This%20would%20include%20legal%20duties%20for%20developers%20and%20public%20bodies%20to%20provide%20access%20for%20both%20green%20and%20blue%20spaces%20for%20citizens.%20The%20organisations%20are%20also%20calling%20for%20funding%20to%20be%20extended%20through%20the%20Levelling%20Up%20Fund.%0A%0AThe%20coalition%20claims%20that%20increasing%20access%20to%20nature%20would%20offer%20increased%20physical%20and%20mental%20health%20benefits%2C%20with%20an%20urban%20fund%20of%20%C2%A35.5bn%20over%20the%20next%20three%20years%20able%20to%20deliver%20%C2%A3200bn%20in%20NHS%20savings%2C%20while%20creating%2040%2C000%20jobs%20and%20access%20to%20nature-rich%20spaces%20for%203%2C500%20deprived%20communities.%20Improving%20the%20quality%20of%20local%20natural%20spaces%20is%20also%20vital%20to%20help%20meet%20Government%20targets%20to%20protect%2030%25%20of%20land%20for%20nature%20by%202030%20and%20halt%20the%20decline%20in%20species%20by%202030%2C%20the%20organisations%20add.%0A%0ADr%20Richard%20Benwell%2C%20CEO%20of%20Wildlife%20and%20Countryside%20Link%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CThe%20Government%20says%20levelling%20up%20means%20pride%20of%20place%20and%20equal%20opportunity.%20But%20for%20many%20people%2C%20this%20ends%20the%20moment%20they%20step%20out%20of%20their%20door.%20So%20many%20lives%20are%20worsened%20or%20shortened%20by%20disconnection%20from%20nature.%20So%20many%20could%20be%20improved%20by%20the%20chance%20to%20get%20active%2C%20get%20together%20and%20get%20in%20touch%20with%20nature.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CUnless%20levelling%20up%20includes%20a%20legal%20right%20to%20healthy%20local%20natural%20spaces%2C%20it%20will%20surely%20fail.%20This%20is%20the%20Government%E2%80%99s%20chance%20to%20show%20that%20the%20benefits%20of%20nature%20are%20truly%20everyone%E2%80%99s%20to%20enjoy.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ALevelling%20Up%0A%0AThe%20full%20Levelling%20Up%20White%20Paper%20documents%20were%20published%202%20February%20by%20the%20Department%20for%20Levelling%20Up%2C%20Housing%20and%20Communities%20(DLUHC).%20The%20statement%20and%20summary%20are%20headlined%20by%20a%20commitment%20to%20deliver%20system%20change%20across%20the%20UK%2C%20closing%20economic%20discrepancies%20between%20and%20within%20regions.%0A%0AThere%20is%20also%20a%20focus%20on%20educational%20discrepancies%20and%20differences%20in%20healthcare%20and%20crime%20rates%2C%20as%20well%20as%20access%20to%20things%20like%20high-speed%20internet%20and%20quality%20housing.%20Headline%20commitments%20include%20boosting%20public%20investment%20in%20R%26D%20in%20the%20Midlands%2C%20North%2C%20South%20West%2C%20Scotland%2C%20Wales%20and%20Northern%20Ireland%20by%2040%25%20this%20decade%3B%20providing%20%C2%A32.6bn%20to%20local%20authorities%20and%20ensuring%20that%20each%20UK%20region%20is%20host%20to%20a%20%E2%80%9Cglobally%20competitive%20city%E2%80%9D.%0A%0ADetailed%20in%20the%20documents%20are%20three%20new%20%E2%80%98Innovation%20Accelerator%E2%80%99%20programmes%20focused%20on%20Greater%20Manchester%2C%20the%20West%20Midlands%20and%20the%20Glasgow%20City-Region%20specifically.%20Collectively%2C%20the%20schemes%20will%20get%20%C2%A3100m%20of%20funding%20from%20Government%20coffers.%20Greater%20Manchester's%20scheme%20will%20focus%20on%20materials%20innovation%20and%20healthcare%3B%20the%20focus%20in%20the%20West%20Midlands%20will%20be%20mobility%20and%20public%20health%2C%20and%20Glasgow%20will%20be%20supported%20to%20accelerate%20work%20in%20manufacturing-related%20innovations.%20%0A%0AGreen%20groups%20were%20quick%20to%20criticise%20the%20lack%20of%20focus%20on%20nature%20and%20climate%20in%20the%20Whitepaper.%0A%0ABuilding%20on%20those%20criticisms%2C%20the%20new%20coalition%20of%20charities%20and%20green%20groups%20have%20now%20called%20for%20nature%20to%20be%20placed%20at%20the%20heart%20of%20the%20levelling%20up%20agenda.%20Specifically%2C%20the%20group%20cites%20new%20research%2C%20also%20published%20today%2C%20that%20shows%20that%20two-thirds%20of%20British%20adults%20(66%25)%20say%20more%20or%20better%20natural%20spaces%20would%20increase%20their%20quality%20of%20life.

Organisations call to 'Legal right to nature'

Up%20to%2099%2C000%20hectares%20of%20land%20in%20England%2C%20from%20city%20fringes%20to%20wetlands%2C%20will%20be%20focused%20on%20supporting%20wildlife%20in%20five%20major%20%E2%80%9Cnature%20recovery%E2%80%9D%20projects%2C%20the%20government%20has%20said.%0A%0AThe%20five%20landscape-scale%20projects%20in%20the%20West%20Midlands%2C%20Cambridgeshire%2C%20the%20Peak%20District%2C%20Norfolk%20and%20Somerset%20aim%20to%20help%20tackle%20wildlife%20loss%20and%20the%20climate%20crisis%2C%20and%20improve%20public%20access%20to%20nature.%0A%0AThey%20will%20share%20an%20initial%20%C2%A32.4m%20pot%20from%20the%20Department%20for%20the%20Environment%2C%20Food%20and%20Rural%20Affairs%20and%20Natural%20England%2C%20for%20work%20to%20create%20new%20habitats%2C%20manage%20land%20for%20nature%20and%20carbon%20storage%20and%20increase%20footpaths%20and%20connect%20with%20communities%2C%20with%20further%20funding%20expected%20from%20other%20sources%20and%20partners.%0A%0AIt%20is%20hoped%20the%20nature%20recovery%20schemes%2C%20which%20include%20existing%20nature%20reserves%20and%20the%20wider%20landscape%2C%20will%20extend%20across%2099%2C200%20hectares%20of%20land%20(245%2C000%20acres)%20in%20total%20over%20time%20%E2%80%93%20equivalent%20in%20size%20to%20all%20219%20current%20national%20nature%20reserves.%0A%0AWork%20in%20the%20projects%20will%20range%20from%20converting%20farmland%20into%20chalk%20grassland%20to%20restoring%20%E2%80%9Cdewponds%E2%80%9D%20and%20managing%20wetlands%20and%20other%20land%20sustainably.%0A%0AProjects%20will%20also%20develop%20plans%20to%20work%20with%20communities%20in%20cities%20and%20deprived%20areas%20to%20improve%20their%20access%20to%20nature%2C%20including%20creating%20new%20green%20areas%20and%20improved%20footpaths%20and%20bridleways.%0A%0AThe%20environment%20minister%20Rebecca%20Pow%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CThese%20five%20projects%20across%20England%20are%20superb%20examples%20of%20exciting%2C%20large-scale%20restoration%20that%20is%20critically%20needed%20to%20bring%20about%20a%20step-change%20in%20the%20recovery%20of%20nature%20in%20this%20country.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThey%20will%20significantly%20contribute%20to%20achieving%20our%20target%20to%20halt%20the%20decline%20in%20species%20abundance%20by%202030%20and%20our%20commitment%20to%20protect%2030%25%20of%20our%20land%20by%202030%2C%20enabling%20us%20to%20leave%20the%20environment%20in%20a%20better%20state%20than%20we%20found%20it.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20Natural%20England%20chair%2C%20Tony%20Juniper%2C%20added%3A%20%E2%80%9CNature%20recovery%20can%20only%20occur%20if%20we%20take%20action%20at%20scale%2C%20and%20that%20can%20only%20work%20through%20partnerships.%20These%20five%20landmark%20projects%20will%20seek%20to%20recover%20species%20and%20habitats%20through%20collaboration%20among%20a%20wide%20range%20of%20landowners%20and%20organisations%2C%20delivering%20benefits%20for%20wildlife%2C%20local%20economies%2C%20adaptation%20to%20climate%20change%20and%20for%20public%20wellbeing.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20five%20projects%20are%3A%0A%0APurple%20Horizons%0AA%20scheme%20extending%20across%20up%20to%2010%2C000%20hectares%20on%20the%20fringes%20of%20the%20West%20Midlands%20conurbation%20and%20focusing%20on%20restoring%20and%20connecting%20fragmented%20heathlands%20to%20create%20a%20mosaic%20of%20heathlands%2C%20wetlands%2C%20woodlands%20and%20grasslands.%20It%20will%20link%20up%20existing%20protected%20areas%2C%20work%20with%20local%20landowners%20to%20deliver%20habitat%20creation%20and%20carbon%20storage%2C%20and%20is%20developing%20a%20plan%20for%20connecting%20with%20communities%20in%20the%20deprived%20areas%20of%20Walsall%20to%20deliver%20green%20areas%20where%20they%20will%20have%20the%20greatest%20health%20benefits.%0A%0ASomerset%20Wetlands%0AAdvertisement%0A%0AA%20project%20extending%20across%20as%20much%20as%2060%2C000%20hectares%20of%20the%20Somerset%20Levels%20and%20Moors%20with%20a%20long-term%20aim%20to%20restore%20ecological%20processes%20across%20moors%2C%20wetlands%20and%20coast.%20Managing%20the%20wetlands%20sustainably%20will%20maintain%20carbon-storing%20peatland%2C%20boost%20green%20tourism%2C%20reduce%20pollution%20and%20improve%20resilience%20to%20floods%20and%20drought.%20In%20the%20first%20year%2C%20partners%20will%20deliver%2011%20projects%20working%20with%20landowners%2C%20restoring%20habitats%20and%20storing%20carbon.%0A%0ACambridge%20Nature%20Network%0AThis%20scheme%20aims%20to%20develop%20wildlife-rich%20and%20accessible%20habitats%20in%20and%20around%20the%20city%20of%20Cambridge%20covering%209%2C200%20hectares%2C%20making%20existing%20nature%20sites%20bigger%2C%20better%20and%20more%20connected.%20It%20will%20include%20converting%20farmland%20into%20new%20chalk%20grassland%2C%20creating%20a%20new%20meadow%20and%20establishing%20new%20woodlands%2C%20as%20well%20as%20tree%20planting%20and%20meadow%20restoration%20in%20the%20city%20itself.%0A%0AWye%20Valley%2C%20Peak%20District%0AThe%20project%20covers%2010%2C000%20hectares%2C%20including%20nearly%201%2C400%20hectares%20of%20existing%20protected%20areas%20and%20priority%20habitat.%20In%20its%20first%20year%2C%20project%20partners%20the%20National%20Trust%2C%20Derbyshire%20Wildlife%20Trust%2C%20Peak%20District%20National%20Park%20Authority%20and%20Natural%20England%20will%20focus%20on%20restoring%20dewponds%20to%20support%20amphibians%20and%20bugs.%20Baseline%20surveys%20will%20assess%20habitats%20and%20opportunities%20for%20private%20investment%20in%20boosting%20nature%20under%20rules%20which%20require%20developers%20to%20deliver%20%E2%80%9Cnet%20gains%E2%80%9D%20for%20biodiversity%20as%20part%20of%20their%20schemes%2C%20while%20nature%20recovery%20packs%20for%20500%20residents%20will%20help%20them%20connect%20with%20nature.%0A%0AWendling%20Beck%2C%20Norfolk%0AThis%20project%20near%20Dereham%20aims%20to%20transform%20farmland%20and%20its%20river%20valley%20across%2010%2C000%20hectares%20through%20restoring%20and%20creating%20habitat%20and%20adopting%20more%20sustainable%20farming%20practices.%20A%20project%20partnership%20of%20local%20farmers%2C%20Norfolk%20Wildlife%20Trust%20and%20Norfolk%20county%20council%2C%20supported%20by%20others%2C%20is%20creating%20and%20enhancing%20grassland%2C%20heathland%2C%20woodland%20and%20wetland%20to%20boost%20wildlife%20from%20turtle%20doves%20to%20green%20winged%20orchids.%20It%20is%20piloting%20a%20scheme%20for%20biodiversity%20net%20gain%20credits%20and%20also%20plans%20to%20provide%20permissive%20access%20and%20links%20to%20the%20Norfolk%20Trails%20Network.

99000 ha of land earmarked for nature restoration

The%20U.S.%20House%20of%20Representatives%20has%20passed%20the%20Recovering%20America%E2%80%99s%20Wildlife%20Act%20in%20a%20231%20to%20190%20vote.%20The%20bill%20would%20allocate%20over%20%241.3%20billion%20in%20program%20funding%20for%20conservation%20efforts%2C%20with%2015%25%20of%20funds%20designated%20specifically%20for%20federally%20listed%20endangered%20species.%0A%0AThe%20bill%2C%20which%20passed%20the%20House%20on%20June%2014%2C%20would%20provide%20states%2C%20territories%20and%20Tribes%20with%20funding%20to%20protect%20the%20more%20than%201%2C600%20threatened%20and%20endangered%20species%20in%20the%20U.S.%20Although%20vulnerable%20species%20are%20defined%20and%20given%20some%20degree%20of%20protection%20within%20the%20Endangered%20Species%20Act%2C%20that%20law%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20provide%20enough%20funding%20to%20help%20maintain%20and%20restore%20populations%20for%20these%20threatened%20and%20endangered%20species.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CToo%20many%20people%20don%E2%80%99t%20realize%E2%80%A6%20that%20roughly%20one-third%20of%20our%20wildlife%20is%20at%20increased%20risk%20of%20extinction%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20lead%20House%20sponsor%20Debbie%20Dingell%20(D-Mich.)%2C%20as%20reported%20by%20NPR.%0A%0AThe%20Recovering%20America%E2%80%99s%20Wildlife%20Act%20is%20an%20amendment%20to%20the%20Pittman-Robertson%20Wildlife%20Restoration%20Act%20of%201937.%20This%20act%20let%20states%20tax%20firearm%20and%20ammunition%20sales%20amid%20declines%20in%20wildlife%20that%20was%20being%20hunted%2C%20and%20the%20tax%20money%20went%20to%20help%20conserve%20these%20wildlife%20populations.%20But%20the%20Pittman-Robertson%20act%20does%20not%20provide%20enough%20money%20to%20help%20conserve%20non-game%20species.%0A%0AAlthough%20more%20than%201%2C600%20species%20are%20federally%20recognized%20as%20endangered%2C%20there%20are%20more%20than%2012%2C000%20species%20considered%20threatened%2C%20rare%2C%20or%20otherwise%20vulnerable%20within%20state%20agencies.%20The%20new%20funding%20could%20help%20states%20better%20protect%20both%20federally%20listed%20and%20state-identified%20species.%0A%0A%E2%80%9C%5BHunting%20and%20fishing%20revenues%5D%20haven%E2%80%99t%20provided%20the%20necessary%20funding%20for%20everything%20that%E2%80%99s%20at%20stake%20now%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Sara%20Parker%20Pauley%2C%20president%20of%20the%20Association%20of%20Fish%20and%20Wildlife%20Agencies%20and%20director%20of%20the%20Missouri%20Department%20of%20Conservation.%20%E2%80%9CThere%20are%20at%20least%2012%2C000%20different%20species%20in%20need%20of%20proactive%20efforts%20to%20prevent%20them%20from%20becoming%20endangered.%20There%20are%20all%20these%20needs%20out%20there%20that%20the%20current%20funding%20structure%20is%20not%20capable%20of%20tackling.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AStates%20already%20have%20plans%20for%20how%20to%20allocate%20the%20funding%2C%20following%20a%20federal%20grant%20program%20from%202000.%20In%20general%2C%20funds%20would%20likely%20go%20to%20habitat%20restoration%2C%20planting%20for%20pollinators%2C%20building%20wildlife%20crossings%20and%20more.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIn%20some%20cases%2C%20we%20know%20what%20to%20do%20but%20we%20lack%20the%20resources%20to%20do%20it%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Hannah%20Anderson%2C%20lead%20wildlife%20diversity%20officer%20for%20the%20Washington%20Department%20of%20Fish%20and%20Wildlife.%20%E2%80%9CIn%20other%20cases%2C%20we%20don%E2%80%99t%20know%20what%20to%20do%20and%20we%20lack%20the%20resources%20to%20figure%20it%20out.%20Right%20now%2C%20we%E2%80%99re%20only%20able%20to%20scratch%20the%20surface.%20This%20bill%20would%20allow%20us%20to%20do%20that%20proactive%20work%20early%20and%20avoid%20the%20triage%20place%20of%20Endangered%20Species%20Act%20listings.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20bill%20has%20bipartisan%20support%2C%20but%20some%20critics%20are%20against%20a%20permanent%20spending%20program.%20The%20White%20House%20has%20released%20an%20official%20statement%20in%20support%20of%20the%20Recovering%20America%E2%80%99s%20Wildlife%20Act.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CAs%20the%20urgency%20of%20addressing%20a%20rapidly%20warming%20climate%2C%20mass%20extinction%2C%20and%20other%20conservation%20challenges%20increases%2C%20it%20is%20important%20that%20strong%20and%20innovative%20action%20is%20taken%20to%20ensure%20that%20fish%20and%20wildlife%20managers%20are%20provided%20with%20the%20tools%20they%20need%20to%20carry%20out%20science-based%20conservation%20actions%20that%20are%20so%20important%20to%20healthy%20populations%20of%20fish%20and%20wildlife%2C%E2%80%9D%20the%20statement%20said.%0A%0AU.S.%20Sen.%20Martin%20Heinrich%20has%20introduced%20a%20companion%20bill%20in%20the%20Senate%20that%20has%2035%20co-sponsors%20and%20bipartisan%20support%20as%20of%20May%202022.

U.S. House Passes New Wildlife Conservation Fund

In%20an%20unprecedented%20show%20of%20solidarity%2C%20communities%20in%20the%20Amazon%2C%20NGOs%20and%20local%20governments%20are%20teaming%20up%20to%20protect%20Ecuador%E2%80%99s%20rainforest.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CSome%20previous%20local%20governments%20have%20not%20put%20much%20interest%20in%20people%20and%20nationalities%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Daniel%20Dahua%2C%20President%20of%20the%20Andwa%20Nationality%20of%20Pastaza%20in%20Ecuador.%20%E2%80%9CWe%20as%20nationalities%20have%20needs%20in%20the%20territory%20%5Bbut%5D%20the%20willingness%20to%20act%20on%20our%20behalf%20among%20politicians%20did%20not%20exist.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20new%20collaboration%20between%20Ecuador%E2%80%99s%20government%20and%20Indigenous%20groups%20seeks%20to%20change%20this.%0A%0AA%20REDD%2B%20project%20in%20Ecuador%E2%80%99s%20Pastaza%20region%20has%20paved%20the%20way%20for%20an%20even%20greater%20collaboration%2C%20named%20the%20Amazonian%20Platform%20for%20Forests%2C%20Climate%20and%20Human%20Wellbeing.%20It%20aims%20to%20combat%20climate%20change%2C%20protect%20critical%20ecosystems%20and%20threatened%20species%2C%20and%20improve%20the%20well-being%20of%20the%20people%20who%20live%20in%20the%20region.%0A%0AEcuador%E2%80%99s%20groundbreaking%20conservation%20and%20implementation%20plan%0A%0AFor%20the%20first%20time%20the%20Provincial%20Government%20of%20Pastaza%2C%20the%20Minister%20of%20Environment%20and%20Water%20(MAATE)%20and%20NGOs%20are%20working%20together%20in%20a%20collaborative%20way%20within%20the%20province%20to%20carry%20out%20the%20REDD%2B%20Plan%2C%20incorporating%20the%20vision%20of%20the%20Indigenous%20nationalities%20who%20live%20in%20Pastaza.%0A%0AREDD%2B%20is%20a%20framework%20created%20by%20the%20United%20Nations%20Framework%20Convention%20on%20Climate%20Change%20(UNFCCC)%20Conference%20of%20the%20Parties%20(COP).%20It%20aims%20to%20reduce%20emissions%20from%20deforestation%20and%20forest%20degradation%2C%20promote%20the%20sustainable%20management%20of%20forests%2C%20and%20conserve%20forest%20carbon%20stocks%20in%20developing%20countries.%0A%0AWhich%20groups%20are%20joining%20to%20protect%20Ecuador%E2%80%99s%20forests%20and%20why%20is%20it%20significant%3F%0A%0AIndigenous%20peoples%20and%20local%20communities%20manage%20at%20least%20one%20quarter%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20lands%20and%2080%20per%20cent%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20biodiversity.%20They%20are%20integral%20in%20the%20fight%20against%20climate%20change%2C%20yet%20too%20often%20are%20overlooked%20by%20governments.%0A%0AIn%20the%20Pastaza%20region%2C%20seven%20Indigenous%20nationalities%20have%20joined%20forces%20with%20local%20provinces%20to%20protect%20the%20forest.%20This%20marks%20the%20first%20time%20in%20Ecuador%20that%20a%20provincial%20government%20and%20Indigenous%20communities%20have%20signed%20agreements%20to%20work%20together%20to%20reduce%20deforestation%20and%20forest%20degradation.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20time%20we%20are%20participating%20and%20collaborating%20in%20the%20planning%20and%20we%20always%20coordinate%20in%20order%20to%20strengthen%20activities%20in%20the%20territory%20and%20satisfy%20our%20direct%20needs%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Dahua.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20want%20to%20see%20this%20collaboration%20between%20the%20government%20and%20nationalities%20so%20that%20we%20are%20taken%20into%20account.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ANature%20and%20Culture%20International%20(NCI)%20-%20an%20international%20nonprofit%20that%20works%20with%20Latin%20American%20communities%20to%20conserve%20the%20local%20environment%20-%20is%20supporting%20the%20project.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CIndigenous%20people%20are%20the%20rightful%20owners%20of%20most%20of%20the%20provincial%20territory%2C%20including%20the%20most%20critical%20areas%20to%20save%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Bruno%20Paladines%2C%20Mosaic%20Coordinator%20at%20NCI.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20believe%20Indigenous%20people%20are%20the%20ones%20who%20can%20best%20conserve%20these%20areas%20using%20their%20ancestral%20knowledge%20and%20their%20own%20vision%20of%20governance%20and%20land%20management.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AWhy%20is%20it%20important%20to%20protect%20Ecuador%E2%80%99s%20rainforest%3F%0A%0AThe%20Amazonian%20Platform's%204.5-million-hectare%20forest%20acts%20as%20an%20important%20biological%20corridor%20and%20carbon%20reserve.%20Located%20in%20the%20east%20of%20the%20country%2C%20Pastaza%20is%20home%20to%20Ecuador%E2%80%99s%20largest%20and%20best%20conserved%20forest.%20Covering%2094%20per%20cent%20of%20the%20province%2C%20the%20region%E2%80%99s%20forests%20capture%20more%20than%20858%20million%20tonnes%20of%20carbon%20annually%20-%20nearly%20double%20Canada%E2%80%99s%20entire%20footprint%20in%202018.%0A%0APastaza%20is%20also%20home%20to%20a%20wide%20array%20of%20plant%20and%20animal%20groups%2C%20from%20amphibians%20to%20trees%20to%20insects.%20A%20single%20hectare%20in%20the%20region%20may%20contain%20more%20tree%20species%20than%20are%20native%20to%20the%20continental%20United%20States%20and%20Canada%20combined.%0A%0AWhat%20threats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Сreating virtuous synergies to safeguard Amazonia

The%20e-commerce%20giant%20first%20launched%20the%20%E2%82%AC100m%20fund%20in%202019%20with%20the%20intention%20of%20supporting%20%E2%80%9Cimmediate%20actions%E2%80%9D%20that%20have%20co-benefits%20for%20climate%20and%20nature.%20These%20actions%20include%20the%20conservation%2C%20restoration%20and%20creation%20of%20forests%2C%20green%20spaces%2C%20wetlands%20and%20peatlands.%0A%0ASubsequently%2C%20in%20the%20latter%20half%20of%202021%2C%20Amazon%20confirmed%20that%20one-fifth%20of%20the%20fund%20would%20be%20allocated%20in%20Europe.%20Today%20(3%20October)%2C%20it%20has%20confirmed%20plans%20for%20the%20first%20UK-based%20projects%20it%20will%20support%20through%20the%20Fund%2C%20with%20a%20total%20of%20%C2%A32.85m%20of%20backing.%0A%0AIn%20Greater%20London%2C%20Amazon%20will%20provide%20%C2%A3750%2C000%20to%20the%20London%20Wildlife%20Trust%E2%80%99s%20%E2%80%98Rewild%20London%E2%80%99%20fund.%20Rewilding%20involves%20reinstating%20natural%20processes%20to%20landscapes%20and%20habitats%20that%20have%20deteriorated%2C%20providing%20a%20home%20for%20flora%20and%20fauna.%0A%0AThe%20funding%20will%20support%2020%20rewilding%20projects%20in%20collaboration%20with%20owners%20and%20managers%20of%20nature%20sites.%20The%20London%20Wildlife%20Trust%20was%20launched%20in%202021%20by%20the%20office%20of%20the%20Mayor%20of%20London%2C%20Sadiq%20Khan%2C%20and%20has%20provided%20a%20total%20of%20%C2%A3600%2C000%20to%20projects%20to%20date.%0A%0AAmazon%20has%20additionally%20committed%20%C2%A32.1m%20to%20the%20Woodland%20Trust%E2%80%99s%20%E2%80%98Emergency%20Tree%20Fund%E2%80%99.%20The%20Fund%20was%20created%20to%20award%20grants%20to%20local%20authorities%20whose%20residents%20do%20not%20have%20sufficient%20access%20to%20nature%2C%20so%20that%20they%20could%20create%20or%20expand%20forests%20and%20green%20spaces.%20With%20Amazon%E2%80%99s%20financial%20support%2C%20grants%20will%20be%20provided%20to%20six%20local%20authorities.%20These%20grants%20should%20collectively%20enable%20the%20planting%20of%20450%2C000%20trees%20and%20the%20creation%20of%2011%20new%2C%20permanent%20jobs.%0A%0AGrants%20will%20be%20provided%20to%20Doncaster%20Council%2C%20Scotland%E2%80%99s%20International%20Environment%20Centre%2C%20the%20West%20of%20England%E2%80%99s%20%E2%80%98Enduring%20Roots%20and%20New%20Shoots%E2%80%99%20project%2C%20Mid%20and%20East%20Antrim%20Borough%20Council%2C%20the%20West%20Midlands%20Combined%20Authority%20and%20Wrexham%20County%20Borough%20Council.%0A%0AThe%20Woodland%20Trust%E2%80%99s%20chief%20executive%20Dr%20Darren%20Moorcroft%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CWith%20the%20droughts%20this%20year%2C%20it%20has%20shown%20us%20it%20has%20never%20been%20more%20important%20to%20look%20at%20how%20we%20adapt%20to%20the%20changing%20climate%20in%20this%20country.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AAt%20a%20meeting%20of%20the%20National%20Drought%20Group%20last%20month%2C%20documents%20were%20circulated%20stating%20that%20large%20parts%20of%20England%20are%20likely%20to%20remain%20in%20an%20official%20drought%20into%202023.%20While%20rainfall%20has%20met%20or%20exceeded%20average%20levels%20in%20September%20in%20most%20regions%2C%20after%20a%20hot%20and%20dry%20summer%2C%20conditions%20underground%20remain%20very%20dry%20across%20the%20south%20west%20and%20south%20east.%0A%0ADr%20Moorcroft%20added%3A%20%E2%80%9CWhilst%20we%20can%20plant%20and%20protect%20trees%20on%20our%20land%2C%20we%20cannot%20tackle%20this%20alone%20and%20it%20needs%20to%20be%20done%20in%20a%20strategic%20way%20across%20large%20areas.%20This%20funding%2C%20thanks%20to%20generous%20support%20from%20Amazon%2C%20gets%20to%20the%20heart%20of%20the%20matter%20by%20targeting%20councils.%20With%20so%20many%20financial%20strains%20it%20can%20be%20tough%20for%20them%20to%20take%20action%20in%20this%20area.%20The%20Emergency%20Tree%20Fund%20will%20give%20them%20the%20tools%20to%20create%20and%20plan%20for%20more%20woodland%2C%20combining%20our%20expertise%20in%20unlocking%20land%20for%20woodland%20creation%20and%20management%20%E2%80%93%20making%20a%20difference%20to%20people%E2%80%99s%20lives%20on%20a%20large%20scale.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AAmazon%20has%20stated%20that%20it%20chose%20the%20Woodland%20Trust%20and%20the%20London%20Wildlife%20Trust%20to%20support%20as%20they%20both%20%E2%80%9Chave%20a%20history%20of%20science-based%20and%20community-focused%20work%20that%20has%20a%20meaningful%20and%20lasting%20impact%20on%20biodiversity%E2%80%9D.

Amazon committes £2.8m for UK nature projects

The%20Australian%20government%20plans%20to%20make%20an%20area%20about%20the%20size%20of%20Germany%20in%20the%20Southern%20Ocean%20a%20marine%20zone%2C%20strengthening%20protections%20around%20Macquarie%20Island%20for%20millions%20of%20penguins%20and%20seals.%0A%0AThe%20environment%20minister%2C%20Tanya%20Plibersek%2C%20announced%20that%20the%20government%20wants%20to%20triple%20the%20size%20of%20the%20Macquarie%20Island%20marine%20park%2C%20describing%20it%20as%20a%20globally%20significant%20contribution%20to%20marine%20conservation%20that%20would%20put%20388%2C000%20sq%20km%20under%20high%20protection.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CMacquarie%20Island%20Marine%20Park%20is%20a%20remote%20wildlife%20wonderland%20%E2%80%93%20a%20critical%20habitat%20for%20millions%20of%20seabirds%2C%20seals%20and%20penguins%2C%E2%80%9DPlibersek%20said.%20%E2%80%9CExpanding%20and%20increasing%20the%20protection%20of%20the%20waters%20surrounding%20Macquarie%20Island%20will%20allow%20us%20to%20better%20manage%20this%20important%20ecosystem%20for%20the%20future.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20island%20between%20Tasmania%20and%20Antarctica%20is%20an%20important%20feeding%20and%20breeding%20ground%20for%20seabirds%2C%20penguins%20and%20seals.%0A%0AThe%2034km-long%20strip%20of%20land%20and%20surrounding%20waters%20are%20habitat%20for%20species%20including%20royal%20penguins%2C%20southern%20rockhopper%20penguins%2C%20subantarctic%20fur%20seals%2C%20southern%20elephant%20seals%2C%20black-browed%20albatrosses%20and%20grey%20petrels.%0A%0AThe%20government%20will%20open%20the%20proposal%20for%20public%20consultation%20and%20says%20the%20plan%20will%20allow%20for%20the%20continuation%20of%20the%20small%20Patagonian%20toothfish%20fishery.%0A%0APlibersek%20said%20the%20expansion%20of%20the%20marine%20park%20would%20increase%20the%20amount%20of%20protected%20area%20in%20Australia%E2%80%99s%20oceans%20to%2048.2%25.%0A%0AThe%20announcement%20was%20welcomed%20by%20conservationists%3A%20%E2%80%9CIf%20approved%20it%20will%20provide%20a%20refuge%20to%20help%20the%20island%E2%80%99s%20iconic%20species%20adapt%20to%20the%20changing%20climate%2C%E2%80%99%E2%80%9D%20said%20Emily%20Grilly%2C%20the%20Antarctic%20conservation%20manager%20at%20WWF-Australia.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20announcement%20is%20an%20important%20contribution%20to%20conservation%20in%20the%20oceans%20of%20the%20southern%20hemisphere%20%E2%80%93%20a%20region%20where%20dramatic%20climate%20change%20impacts%20may%20threaten%20unique%20wildlife.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AFiona%20Maxwell%2C%20the%20national%20oceans%20manager%20for%20the%20Pew%20Charitable%20Trusts%2C%20said%20the%20original%20marine%20park%20had%20been%20established%20in%201999%20and%2024%20years%20on%20was%20overdue%20for%20renewal.%20The%20proposal%20%E2%80%9Censures%20the%20region%20gets%20the%20level%20of%20protection%20it%20deserves%E2%80%9D.%0A%0ATooni%20Mahto%2C%20campaigns%20director%20at%20the%20Australian%20Marine%20Conservation%20Society%2C%20said%20the%20proposed%20expansion%20would%20be%20%E2%80%9Ca%20major%20contribution%20towards%20international%20efforts%20to%20conserve%20the%20Southern%20Ocean%E2%80%9D.%0A%0AThe%20ocean%E2%80%99s%20rich%20wildlife%20were%20struggling%20to%20adapt%20to%20rapid%20change%20caused%20by%20rising%20ocean%20temperatures%20as%20well%20as%20other%20threats%20such%20as%20fishing%2C%20she%20said.%0A%0ABut%20the%20fishing%20industry%20said%20it%20was%20concerned%20about%20the%20proposal%2C%20with%20Seafood%20Industry%20Australia%20describing%20it%20as%20%E2%80%9Can%20ocean-grab%20funded%20by%20international%20activists%20with%20no%20basis%20in%20science%2C%20designed%20to%20tarnish%20the%20sustainably%20managed%20Toothfish%20Fishery%E2%80%9D.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20redesign%20of%20the%20park%20represents%20a%20serious%20overreach%20by%20the%20Minister%20that%20will%20send%20shockwaves%20through%20the%20Australian%20communities%20and%20regions%20who%20rely%20on%20marine%20estates%20for%20employment%2C%20tourism%20and%20recreation%2C%E2%80%9D%20the%20association%E2%80%99s%20chief%20executive%20Veronica%20Papacosta%20said.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20nothing%20more%20than%20a%20green-washed%20PR%20stunt%20designed%20to%20garner%20the%20support%20of%20the%20Greens%20and%20teal-independents%2C%20while%20making%20the%20eNGOs%20happy.%E2%80%9D

Marine park the size of Germany in Southern Ocean

The%20US%20Department%20of%20Transportation%20is%20rolling%20out%20funding%20for%20wildlife%20crossings%20along%20busy%20roads.%20Studies%20show%20than%20more%20than%20350%20million%20vertebrate%20animals%20are%20killed%20by%20traffic%20in%20the%20US%20each%20year.%0A%0AMeanwhile%2C%20about%20200%20people%20are%20killed%20each%20year%20in%20collisions%20involving%20wildlife%20and%20vehicles%20in%20the%20US%2C%20according%20to%20federal%20officials.%0A%0ANow%2C%20Indigenous%20groups%20as%20well%20as%20state%20and%20local%20governments%20will%20have%20access%20to%20%24350%20million%20(%E2%82%AC320)%20to%20combat%20the%20issue.%0A%0AThis%20amounts%20to%20the%20largest%20investment%20in%20road%20and%20bridges%20in%20a%20generation.%20It%E2%80%99s%20also%20the%20largest%20single%20sum%20ever%20allocated%20to%20address%20vehicle-wildlife%20collisions.%0A%0AThe%20federal%20infrastructure%20funds%20will%20be%20used%20to%20track%20animals%2C%20build%20wildlife%20corridors%20along%20roads%20and%20add%20warning%20signs%20for%20drivers.%0A%0AFederal%20officials%20say%20the%20first-of-its-kind%20pilot%20program%20will%20open%20the%20door%20for%20communities%20that%20may%20not%20have%20previously%20had%20access%20to%20money%20for%20such%20projects.%0A%0AWhich%20states%20will%20tap%20into%20the%20funding%3F%0A%0AMany%20Western%20states%20-%20including%20Colorado%2C%20Arizona%2C%20Utah%20and%20Nevada%20-%20have%20already%20invested%20substantially%20in%20wildlife%20crossings%20%0A%0ASince%20these%20states%20have%20existing%20legislation%20on%20crossings%2C%20they%20are%20likely%20to%20gain%20access%20to%20federal%20funding%20to%20build%20them%2C%20advocates%20say.%0A%0ACalifornia%20is%20among%20the%20Western%20states%20with%20new%20legislation.%20It%20broke%20ground%20last%20year%20on%20what%20it%20bills%20as%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20largest%20crossing%20-%20a%20bridge%20over%20a%20major%20Southern%20California%20highway%20for%20mountain%20lions%20and%20other%20animals%20hemmed%20in%20by%20urban%20sprawl.%0A%0ANew%20Mexico%20also%20joined%20the%20effort%20this%20spring%2C%20setting%20aside%20%24100%20million%20(%E2%82%AC91m)%20for%20conservation%20projects.%20That%20includes%20building%20the%20state's%20first%20wildlife%20highway%20overpasses%20for%20free-roaming%20cougars%2C%20black%20bears%2C%20bighorn%20sheep%20and%20other%20creatures.%0A%0AThe%20funding%20will%20be%20rolled%20out%20over%20the%20next%20five%20years%2C%20with%20the%20first%20round%20of%20grants%20being%20issued%20this%20year.%20%0A%0AHow%20are%20the%20locations%20of%20wildlife%20crossings%20determined%3F%0A%0ATo%20determine%20the%20best%20locations%20for%20crossings%2C%20some%20states%20are%20tracking%20local%20wildlife.%0A%0AIn%20New%20Mexico%2C%20wild%20animals%20are%20involved%20in%20around%20900%20crashes%20per%20year.%0A%0AWildlife%20managers%20in%20the%20tribal%20community%20of%20Santa%20Ana%20Pueblo%20have%20been%20collecting%20data%20on%20the%20movement%20of%20animals%20across%20the%20area.%20They%20have%20documented%20casualties%20along%20busy%20highways%20that%20cut%20through%20tribal%20boundaries.%0A%0ABy%20collaring%20mountain%20lions%2C%20bear%2C%20elk%20and%20other%20species%20over%20the%20last%20decade%2C%20they%20have%20collected%20more%20than%20one%20quarter%20of%20a%20million%20GPS%20location%20points.%20That%20data%20has%20helped%20to%20create%20maps%20showing%20where%20animals%20want%20to%20cross.%20%0A%0AAt%20one%20point%2C%20more%20than%20a%20dozen%20lions%20were%20found%20to%20be%20crossing%20the%20area.%20These%20included%20one%20that%20travelled%20more%20than%20885%20kilometres%20from%20Santa%20Ana%20to%20Mesa%20Verde%20National%20Park%20and%20Ute%20Mountain%20Ute%20tribal%20lands%20in%20southern%20Colorado%20in%20search%20for%20a%20new%20home%20range.%0A%0AThe%20development%20of%20more%20crossings%20will%20create%20climate%20refuges%20for%20animals%20like%20these%2C%20as%20well%20as%20improving%20safety.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWhat%20we%E2%80%99re%20seeing%20is%20wildlife%20moving%20into%20new%20areas%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20US%20Congresswoman%20Melanie%20Stansbury%2C%20a%20New%20Mexico%20Democrat.%20%E2%80%9CAnd%20so%20projects%20like%20this%20will%20help%20wildlife%20reconnect%20on%20the%20land%20to%20historic%20spaces%20and%20the%20spaces%20that%20will%20sustain%20them%20ecologically%20as%20they%E2%80%99re%20facing%20climate%20change.%E2%80%9D

350$ mln for wildlife crossings along busy roads

The%20world%E2%80%99s%20first%20rewilding%20centre%20has%20been%20opened%20near%20one%20of%20Scotland%E2%80%99s%20most%20famous%20lochs%20%E2%80%93%20with%20the%20charity%20behind%20the%20project%20hoping%20it%20can%20show%20how%20nature%20recovery%20can%20inspire%20people%20as%20well%20as%20benefit%20rural%20communities%20and%20create%20jobs.%0A%0AThe%20Dundreggan%20Rewilding%20Centre%20in%20Glenmoriston%2C%20near%20Loch%20Ness%20in%20the%20Scottish%20Highlands%2C%20will%20host%20a%20series%20of%20events%20on%20Saturday%20to%20celebrate%20its%20opening.%0A%0AThe%20centre%2C%20eight%20miles%20from%20the%20loch%20on%20the%20A887%2C%20is%20designed%20to%20offer%20a%20gateway%20for%20visitors%20to%20explore%20the%2010%2C000-acre%20Dundreggan%20estate%2C%20where%20charity%20Trees%20for%20Life%20is%20restoring%20the%20Caledonian%20forest%20and%20its%20wildlife.%0A%0ASteve%20Micklewright%2C%20chief%20executive%20of%20Trees%20for%20Life%2C%20said%20for%2015%20years%20%E2%80%9CDundreggan%20has%20been%20a%20beacon%20for%20rewilding%20our%20landscapes%E2%80%9D%20and%20that%20%E2%80%9Cnow%20it%20will%20be%20a%20beacon%20for%20rewilding%20people%20too%E2%80%9D.%0A%0AHe%20added%3A%20%E2%80%9CWe%20want%20to%20breathe%20life%20into%20the%20huge%20potential%20of%20the%20Highlands%20to%20help%20nature%20return%20in%20a%20major%20way%20%E2%80%93%20providing%20people%20from%20all%20walks%20of%20life%20with%20fantastic%20experiences%20while%20supporting%20re-peopling%2C%20boosting%20social%20and%20economic%20opportunities%2C%20and%20tackling%20the%20climate%20and%20nature%20emergencies.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ASome%2020%20new%20jobs%20have%20been%20created%20by%20the%20project%2C%20Trees%20for%20Life%20said%2C%20and%20it%20is%20hoped%20the%20centre%20will%20continue%20to%20boost%20the%20local%20economy%20as%20people%20not%20only%20visit%20but%20also%20stay%20in%20the%2040-bedroom%20accommodation%20building%20on%20site.%0A%0AThe%20charity%20said%20the%20centre%2C%20which%20features%20a%20tree%20sculpture%20of%20reclaimed%20metal%20by%20artist%20Helen%20Denerley%2C%20offers%20a%20gateway%20to%20the%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecohubmap.com%2Flist%2FNGO%2Fforest%2Fall%22%3Ewild%20forest%3C%2Fa%3E%20with%20fully%20accessible%20trails%2C%20child-friendly%20forest%20experiences%2C%20and%20more%20adventurous%20walks.%0A%0AThere%20are%20displays%20in%20English%20and%20Gaelic.%0A%0ALaurelin%20Cummins-Fraser%2C%20the%20centre%E2%80%99s%20director%2C%20said%20it%20is%20%E2%80%9Cembedded%20in%20the%20landscape%20and%20the%20community%E2%80%9D.%0A%0AShe%20added%3A%20%E2%80%9CIts%20design%20is%20inspired%20by%20Gaelic%20heritage%20and%20history%2C%20and%20by%20the%20Caledonian%20forest%20%E2%80%93%20with%20verticals%20representing%20trees%2C%20changing%20light%20to%20reflect%20how%20light%20plays%20in%20woodlands%2C%20and%20materials%20and%20colours%20conjuring%20up%20bracken%20and%20forest%20bark.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ADundreggan%20is%20part%20of%20Affric%20Highlands%2C%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%20largest%20rewilding%20landscape%20which%20will%20potentially%20cover%20more%20than%20500%2C000%20acres.

Loch Ness: Word's first rewilding centre opens

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Novel conservation plan of Niue

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10000 oysters to be released off Whitburn coast

In%20northeast%20Colombia%2C%20police%20guard%20warehouses%20stacked%20high%20with%20confiscated%20timber%20with%20a%20noble%20new%20destiny%3A%20transformation%20into%20homes%20for%20bees%20beleaguered%20by%20pesticides%20and%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecohubmap.com%2Flist%2FNGO%2Fclimate%2FColombia%22%3Eclimate%20change%3C%2Fa%3E.%0A%0AThe%20illegally%20harvested%20wood%20is%20used%20in%20the%20Santander%20department's%20%22Timber%20Returns%20Home%22%20initiative%2C%20building%20hives%20since%202021%20to%20house%20the%20little%20pollinators%20so%20critical%20to%20human%20survival.%0A%0ASo%20far%2C%20the%20project%20has%20seen%20about%20200%20cubic%20meters%20(7%2C060%20cubic%20feet)%20of%20wood%20transformed%20into%201%2C000%20bee%20hives%2C%20with%20another%2010%2C000%20planned%20for%20the%20next%20phase%2C%20according%20to%20the%20Santander%20environmental%20authority.%0A%0APreviously%2C%20confiscated%20timber%20was%20turned%20into%20sawdust%2C%20donated%20to%20municipalities%20for%20projects...%20and%20sometimes%20just%20left%20to%20rot.%0A%0ANow%20it%20is%20being%20repurposed%20to%20help%20address%20the%20%22extremely%20serious%20problem%22%20of%20possible%20bee%20extinction%2C%20said%20biologist%20German%20Perilla%2C%20director%20of%20the%20Honey%20Bee%20Impact%20Foundation.%0A%0AAbout%20three%20quarters%20of%20crops%20producing%20fruits%20or%20seeds%20for%20human%20consumption%20depend%20on%20pollination%2C%20but%20the%20UN%20has%20warned%20that%2040%20percent%20of%20invertebrate%20pollinators%E2%80%94particularly%20bees%20and%20butterflies%E2%80%94risk%20global%20extinction.%0A%0A%22The%20main%20threat%20is%20that%20we%20will%20run%20out%20of%20trees%20and%20there%20will%20be%20no%20flowers%2C%20because%20without%20flowers%20there%20are%20no%20bees%2C%20without%20bees%20there%20are%20no%20humans%2C%20and%20we%20will%20run%20out%20of%20food%2C%22%20said%20beekeeper%20Maria%20Acevedo%2C%20one%20of%20the%20beneficiaries%20of%20the%20project.%0A%0AIn%202023%20alone%2C%20she%20told%20AFP%2C%20she%20lost%20more%20than%20half%20of%20her%20hives.%20She%20blames%20pesticides%20used%20in%20nearby%20production%20of%20crops%20such%20as%20coffee.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EMultiple%20threats%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AAccording%20to%20official%20data%2C%20some%203%2C000%20hives%2C%20each%20able%20to%20house%20around%2050%2C000%20bees%2C%20die%20off%20in%20Colombia%20each%20year.%20Laboratory%20tests%20found%20traces%20of%20the%20insecticide%20fipronil%20in%20most%20of%20the%20dead%20insects.%0A%0AColombia%20has%20issued%20a%20ban%20on%20fipronil%E2%80%94already%20banned%20in%20Europe%20and%20restricted%20in%20the%20United%20States%20and%20China%E2%80%94starting%20February%202024.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20the%20UN's%20Food%20and%20Agriculture%20Organization%2C%20higher%20temperatures%2C%20droughts%2C%20floods%20and%20other%20extreme%20events%20caused%20by%20climate%20change%20reduces%20nectar-bearing%20flowers%20that%20bees%20feed%20on%2C%20and%20studies%20have%20also%20linked%20bee%20infertility%20to%20heat%20stress.%0A%0AThe%20Santander%20environmental%20authority%20seizes%20some%201%2C000%20cubic%20meters%20of%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecohubmap.com%2Fhot-spot%2Fdeforestation-in-colombia%2Fahr1s4ml6cae15d%22%3Eillegally%20felled%20timber%3C%2Fa%3E%20in%20anti-trafficking%20operations%20in%20Santander%20every%20year.%0A%0AThe%20country%20lost%20123%2C517%20hectares%20(305%2C200%20acres)%20of%20trees%20in%202022%2C%20mainly%20in%20the%20Amazon%E2%80%94the%20world's%20largest%20rainforest.%0A%0ANearly%20half%20of%20all%20timber%20traded%20in%20Colombia%20is%20of%20illegal%20origin%2C%20according%20to%20the%20environment%20ministry.

Bee-friendly twist to Colombia’s illicit logging

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France orders fishing ban to protect dolphins

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Palau, Chile first to ratify UN High Seas Treaty

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Forestry England to rewild 8,000 hectares of land

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sites%2C%20creating%20a%20network%20of%20oyster%20reefs%20that%20will%20join%20together.%20%0A%20%0AOne%20perhaps%20unlikely%20target%20for%20the%20conservationists%20is%20offshore%20wind%20%E2%80%93%20beneath%20each%20wind%20turbine%20is%20metres%20of%20scour%20protection%2C%20boulders%20used%20to%20protect%20the%20base%20of%20the%20structure%2C%20which%20are%20excellent%20sites%20for%20oysters.%20%0A%20%0A%E2%80%9CIf%20we%20can%20pull%20this%20off%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Hancock%2C%20%E2%80%9Cyou%20can%20do%20this%20anywhere%E2%80%9D.

Restoring native oysters in the Humber estuary

The%20Biden%20administration%20on%20Friday%20announced%20the%20creation%20of%20the%20Chumash%20Heritage%20National%20Marine%20Sanctuary%20along%20California's%20central%20coast%2C%20a%20victory%20for%20the%20Chumash%20tribe%20that%20pursued%20the%20designation%20for%20a%20decade.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EWHY%20IT'S%20IMPORTANT%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AThe%20newly%20formed%20sanctuary%20is%20part%20of%20U.S.%20President%20Joe%20Biden's%20goal%20to%20protect%2030%25%20of%20U.S.%20lands%20and%20waters%20by%202030.%0A%0A%3Cb%3ECONTEXT%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AThe%20sanctuary%20excludes%20areas%20where%20transmission%20cables%20and%20other%20infrastructure%20to%20support%20planned%20offshore%20wind%20facilities%20could%20be%20installed%2C%20the%20National%20Oceanic%20and%20Atmospheric%20Administration%20(NOAA)%20said%20in%20a%20statement.%20The%20agency%2C%20a%20division%20of%20the%20Department%20of%20Commerce%2C%20said%20it%20will%20consider%20expanding%20the%20sanctuary%20after%20the%20cables%20have%20been%20laid.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EBY%20THE%20NUMBERS%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0AThe%20Chumash%20Heritage%20National%20Marine%20Sanctuary%20comprised%20of%204%2C543%20square%20miles%20of%20coastal%20waters%20along%20116%20miles%20between%20San%20Luis%20Obispo%20and%20Santa%20Barbara%20counties.%20It%20is%20the%20fifth%20marine%20sanctuary%20to%20be%20designated%20in%20California%20and%20the%20third%20largest%20in%20the%20United%20States.%0A%0A%3Cb%3EKEY%20QUOTE%3C%2Fb%3E%0A%0A%22Generations%20of%20U.S.%20land%20and%20water%20policies%20have%20placed%20Native%20Americans%20at%20a%20great%20disadvantage%20throughout%20our%20history%2C%22%20said%20Kenneth%20Kahn%2C%20chairman%20of%20the%20Santa%20Ynez%20Band%20of%20Chumash%20Indians.%20%22Today's%20announcement%20is%20a%20sign%20that%20things%20are%20changing.%20The%20Chumash%20tribal%20government%20never%20relinquished%20its%20aboriginal%20right%20to%20manage%20our%20traditional%20homelands.%20We%20are%20grateful%20that%20NOAA%20recognizes%20this%20inherent%20sovereignty%20and%20welcomed%20us%20as%20a%20co-steward%20of%20the%20sanctuary%20that%20bears%20our%20name.%22

US unveils marine sanctuary off California coast

Bee-killing%20pesticides%20are%20to%20be%20banned%20by%20the%20UK%20government%2C%20as%20ministers%20set%20out%20plans%20to%20outlaw%20the%20use%20of%20neonicotinoids.%20%0A%20%0AHowever%2C%20the%20highly%20toxic%20neonicotinoid%20Cruiser%20SB%20could%20be%20allowed%20for%20use%20next%20year%2C%20as%20ministers%20are%20considering%20applications%20from%20the%20National%20Farmers%E2%80%99%20Union%20and%20British%20Sugar.%20%0A%20%0AThis%20powerful%20pesticide%20poisons%20bees%20by%20destroying%20their%20nervous%20systems.%20Prof%20Dave%20Goulson%2C%20a%20bee%20expert%20at%20the%20University%20of%20Sussex%2C%20has%20said%20that%20one%20teaspoon%20of%20the%20chemical%20is%20enough%20to%20kill%201.25%20billion%20honeybees.%20Even%20at%20non-fatal%20doses%20it%20can%20cause%20cognitive%20problems%20that%20make%20it%20hard%20for%20bees%20to%20forage%20for%20nectar%2C%20and%20the%20chemicals%20can%20stay%20in%20the%20soil%20for%20years.%20%0A%20%0AMinisters%20say%20they%20have%20identified%20legislative%20options%20that%20would%20legally%20prevent%20the%20future%20use%20of%20three%20specific%20neonicotinoids%20%E2%80%93%20clothianidin%2C%20imidacloprid%20and%20thiamethoxam%20%E2%80%93%20entirely.%20%0A%20%0APaul%20de%20Zylva%2C%20nature%20campaigner%20at%20Friends%20of%20the%20Earth%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CAn%20end%20to%20the%20previous%20government%E2%80%99s%20annual%20pantomime%20of%20granting%20the%20%E2%80%98emergency%E2%80%99%20use%20of%20these%20deeply%20harmful%20pesticides%20is%20long%20overdue.%20But%20we%E2%80%99re%20not%20out%20of%20the%20woods%20yet%20%E2%80%93%20the%20government%20must%20follow%20through%20by%20fully%20committing%20to%20a%20complete%20ban%20come%20January.%20And%20it%20must%20go%20even%20further%20still%2C%20by%20scrapping%20the%20current%2C%20weak%20national%20pesticides%20action%20plan%20and%20instead%20produce%20a%20credible%20version.%E2%80%9D%20%0A%20%0AThe%20former%20environment%20secretary%20Michael%20Gove%20promised%20in%202017%20that%20ministers%20would%20use%20Brexit%20to%20stop%20the%20use%20of%20pesticides%20that%20destroy%20bee%20populations.%20%0A%20%0AInstead%2C%20the%20EU%20banned%20all%20emergency%20authorisations%20of%20neonicotinoid%20pesticides%2C%20while%20since%202021%20the%20UK%20government%20has%20allowed%20the%20emergency%20use%20of%20thiamethoxam%20every%20year.%20%0A%20%0AWhile%20the%20pesticides%20are%20banned%20for%20general%20use%2C%20there%20is%20emergency%20authorisation%20during%20weather%20conditions%20when%20a%20pest%20called%20virus%20yellows%20thrives%20on%20sugar%20beet%20plants.%20These%20conditions%20have%20been%20met%20in%20the%20UK%20every%20year.%20%0A%20%0AThe%20Department%20for%20Environment%2C%20Food%20and%20Rural%20Affairs%20is%20under%20investigation%20by%20the%20Office%20for%20Environmental%20Protection%20watchdog%20after%20the%20previous%20government%20authorised%20the%20use%20of%20the%20pesticide%20for%20this%20year.%0A%0AGreenpeace%20UK%E2%80%99s%20policy%20director%2C%20Doug%20Parr%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CThere%20should%20be%20no%20place%20in%20this%20country%20for%20pesticides%20that%20poison%20our%20bees%2C%20period.%20So%20it%E2%80%99s%20good%20to%20see%20ministers%20confirming%20their%20commitment%20to%20a%20complete%20ban%20on%20these%20bee-killing%20chemicals%2C%20but%20now%20they%20should%20waste%20no%20time%20in%20bringing%20it%20into%20effect.%E2%80%9D%20%0A%20%0AThe%20environment%20minister%20Emma%20Hardy%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CWe%20are%20delivering%20on%20our%20promise%20to%20ban%20toxic%20bee-killing%20pesticides%20and%20ending%20the%20long-term%20decline%20of%20our%20wildlife.%20A%20healthy%20environment%20is%20vital%20to%20our%20food%20and%20economic%20security.%20Protecting%20bees%20by%20stopping%20the%20use%20of%20damaging%20neonicotinoids%20is%20an%20important%20step%20in%20supporting%20the%20long-term%20health%20of%20our%20environment%20and%20waterways%2C%20and%20our%20farming%20sector.%E2%80%9D

United Kingdom to ban bee-killing pesticides

Scientists%20at%20The%20Ohio%20State%20University%20have%20developed%20a%20new%20device%20known%20as%20Underwater%20Zooplankton%20Enhancement%20Light%20Array%20(UZELA)%2C%20which%20will%20help%20promote%20more%20feeding%20sources%20for%20coral%20restoration.%0A%0AUZELA%20is%20a%20submersible%2C%20programmable%20light%20that%20can%20be%20deployed%20at%20a%20site%20for%20up%20to%20six%20months%20on%20one%20battery.%20If%20the%20devices%20need%20any%20maintenance%2C%20trained%20divers%20can%20easily%20handle%20this.%20UZELA%20turns%20on%20for%20about%20one%20hour%20per%20night%2C%20and%20the%20emitted%20light%20helps%20increase%20concentrations%20of%20zooplankton%20while%20minimizing%20artificial%20light%20disruption%20to%20other%20marine%20species.%20This%20allows%20corals%20more%20feeding%20opportunities%2C%20according%20to%20the%20scientists.%20%0A%0AThe%20team%20tested%20the%20device%20near%20two%20native%20corals%20in%20Hawaii%2C%20Montipora%20capitata%20and%20Porites%20compressa.%20After%20running%20the%20UZELA%2C%20the%20amount%20of%20locally%20concentrated%20zooplankton%20increased%20seven-fold%2C%20while%20the%20coral%20feeding%20rates%20increased%20between%2010-%20and%2050-fold.%20The%20scientists%20published%20their%20findings%20in%20the%20journal%20Limnology%20and%20Oceanography%3A%20Methods.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CCoral%20reefs%20house%20one-third%20of%20all%20marine%20species%2C%20yet%20occupy%20less%20than%201%25%20of%20the%20ocean%2C%E2%80%9D%20Andr%C3%A9a%20Grottoli%2C%20lead%20author%20of%20the%20study%20and%20earth%20sciences%20professor%20at%20The%20Ohio%20State%20University%2C%20said%20in%20a%20statement.%20%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20disproportionately%20responsible%20for%20ocean%20health%20and%20we%E2%80%99re%20at%20risk%20of%20losing%20them.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ACoral%20reefs%20are%20threatened%20by%20extreme%20heat%20stress.%20Last%20year%2C%20the%20U.S.%20National%20Oceanic%20and%20Atmospheric%20Administration%20(NOAA)%20warned%20that%20the%20world%20was%20experiencing%20its%20fourth%20mass%20coral%20bleaching%20event%2C%20which%20is%20when%20the%20corals%20lose%20symbiotic%20algae%20that%20provide%20nutrients%20to%20the%20corals%20because%20of%20extreme%20heat.%20From%20February%202023%20to%20April%202024%2C%20NOAA%20found%20that%20about%2060.5%25%20of%20global%20corals%20had%20experienced%20bleaching.%20%0A%0ABleaching%20can%20make%20coral%20more%20vulnerable%20to%20disease%20and%20die-off%2C%20and%20water%20temperature%20and%20conditions%20must%20return%20to%20normal%20for%20algae%20to%20return%20to%20coral.%20However%2C%20by%20concentrating%20zooplankton%20near%20coral%2C%20they%20can%20feed%20and%20obtain%20nutrients%20to%20help%20their%20road%20to%20recovery.%0A%0AWith%20such%20great%20threats%20facing%20coral%20reefs%2C%20the%20study%20authors%20noted%20that%20UZELA%20is%20only%20one%20temporary%20solution%20to%20the%20plight%20of%20reef%20systems.%20For%20now%2C%20it%20could%20work%20in%20some%20of%20the%20most%20vulnerable%20and%20important%20reef%20systems%20to%20boost%20restoration%20efforts%20until%20more%20substantial%20actions%20are%20taken%20to%20minimize%20stressors%20that%20trigger%20bleaching.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThink%20of%20it%20as%20a%20band-aid%20for%20about%20a%20couple%20decades%2C%E2%80%9D%20Grottoli%20said.%20%E2%80%9CIt%20can%20protect%20some%20corals%20in%20some%20places%2C%20sometimes.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ACurrently%20the%20UZELA%20devices%20are%20made%20by%20hand%2C%20but%20the%20scientists%20are%20collaborating%20with%20a%20local%20engineering%20company%20to%20redesign%20UZELA%20for%20scalability.%20The%20updated%20device%20could%20be%20ready%20within%20one%20to%20three%20years%2C%20according%20to%20Grottoli.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CWe%20are%20not%20mitigating%20climate%20change%20fast%20enough%20to%20save%20coral%2C%20and%20UZELA%20is%20not%20going%20to%20instantly%20save%20coral%20reefs%2C%E2%80%9D%20Grottoli%20said.%20%E2%80%9CBut%20it%20is%20an%20exciting%20solution%20that%20will%20buy%20us%20time%20as%20we%20work%20toward%20a%20more%20sustainable%20environment.%E2%80%9D%0A

Novel tool boosts coral reef conservation

Shotgun%20pellets%20and%20bullets%20that%20contain%20lead%20are%20to%20be%20banned%20for%20almost%20all%20uses%2C%20ministers%20have%20said%2C%20in%20a%20long-awaited%20announcement%20welcomed%20by%20wildlife%20groups.%0A%0AThe%20restrictions%20will%20be%20phased%20in%20over%20three%20years%20from%202026%2C%20rather%20than%20the%20five%20set%20out%20in%20an%20official%20report%20last%20year%2C%20prompting%20some%20shooting%20organisations%20to%20say%20replacement%20ammunition%20may%20not%20be%20fully%20available%20in%20time.%0A%0AThe%20change%20to%20the%20law%2C%20announced%20by%20the%20environment%20minister%20Emma%20Hardy%2C%20will%20outlaw%20shotgun%20pellets%20containing%20more%20than%201%25%20lead%2C%20and%20bullets%20that%20have%20more%20than%203%25.%0A%0AAmmunition%20using%20lead%20has%20long%20been%20identified%20as%20a%20significant%20pollutant%20and%20a%20particular%20risk%20to%20waterbirds.%20The%20Wildfowl%20and%20Wetlands%20Trust%20(WWT)%20estimates%20that%20about%20100%2C000%20waterbirds%20in%20the%20UK%20die%20every%20year%20from%20lead%20poisoning.%0A%0AThe%20ban%20is%20%E2%80%9Ca%20huge%20day%20for%20wildlife%2C%20particularly%20the%20migratory%20waterbirds%20who%20call%20our%20wetlands%20their%20home%E2%80%9D%2C%20said%20the%20WWT.%0A%0ACampaigners%20say%20birds%20often%20eat%20discarded%20lead%20pellets%2C%20confusing%20them%20for%20seeds%20or%20grit.%0A%0AA%202022%20report%20found%2099.5%25%20of%20pheasants%20killed%20using%20shotgun%20pellets%20contained%20lead%2C%20showing%20that%20previous%20efforts%20to%20persuade%20shooters%20to%20voluntarily%20use%20different%20ammunition%20types%20had%20achieved%20little.%0A%0AThe%20ban%2C%20which%20will%20apply%20in%20England%2C%20Scotland%20and%20Wales%2C%20follows%20recommendations%20in%20December%20last%20year%20by%20the%20Health%20and%20Safety%20Executive%2C%20which%20said%20lead%20ammunition%20should%20be%20phased%20out%20over%20five%20years.%0A%0AThe%20HSE%20proposals%20followed%20a%20public%20consultation.%0A%0AThe%20British%20Association%20for%20Shooting%20and%20Conservation%20(BASC)%20said%20it%20backed%20the%20overall%20change%2C%20but%20disagreed%20with%20the%20recommended%20timetable%20being%20shortened%20by%20two%20years.%0A%0AThe%20three-year%20transition%20was%20happening%20on%20the%20assumption%20that%20the%20ammunition%20was%20readily%20available%2C%20Terry%20Behan%20from%20the%20BASC%20said.%20%E2%80%9CThat%20is%20not%20the%20case%20for%20commercial%20and%20supply%20reasons%20beyond%20our%20sector%E2%80%99s%20control.%20We%20urge%20government%20to%20adhere%20to%20a%20five-year%20timescale%20proposed%20by%20the%20Health%20and%20Safety%20Executive.%E2%80%9D%0A%0ATim%20Bonner%2C%20the%20chief%20executive%20of%20the%20Countryside%20Alliance%2C%20said%20his%20organisation%20also%20backed%20the%20wider%20change%2C%20while%20saying%20the%20shorter%20transition%20period%20would%20be%20%E2%80%9Cchallenging%20for%20ammunition%20manufacturers%E2%80%9D.%0A%0AHe%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20an%20important%20step%20for%20the%20future%20of%20shooting%2C%20which%20will%20benefit%20the%20countryside%20and%20rural%20economy.%20The%20alliance%20has%20long%20advocated%20a%20move%20away%20from%20lead%20ammunition%2C%20which%20is%20necessary%20and%20beneficial.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AHardy%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CBritain%20is%20a%20proud%20nation%20of%20nature%20lovers%2C%20but%20our%20rivers%20are%20heavily%20polluted%2C%20and%20majestic%20birds%20are%20declining%20at%20an%20alarming%20rate.%20This%20new%20ban%20on%20lead%20in%20ammunition%20for%20most%20uses%20will%20help%20reverse%20this%20%E2%80%93%20rejuvenating%20pride%20in%20our%20countryside%20by%20protecting%20precious%20birdlife%20and%20cleaning%20up%20rivers.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CNon-lead%20alternatives%20are%20readily%20available%2C%20and%20we%E2%80%99ll%20continue%20to%20work%20closely%20with%20the%20shooting%20sector%20throughout%20this%20transition.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AJames%20Robinson%2C%20the%20head%20of%20birdlife%20charity%20the%20RSPB%2C%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CLong%20known%20to%20be%20a%20poison%2C%20we%20have%20campaigned%20for%20decades%20to%20have%20lead%20ammunition%20removed%20from%20use.%20This%20move%2C%20whilst%20long%20overdue%20and%20stopping%20short%20of%20a%20full%20ban%2C%20will%20mean%20that%20Britain%20will%20become%20a%20safer%20place%20for%20millions%20of%20birds%20and%20other%20wildlife.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThere%20is%20an%20exemption%20for%20the%20outdoor%20shooting%20of%20permitted%20birds%20and%20animals%20using%20small-calibre%20bullets%2C%20because%20of%20a%20lack%20of%20suitable%20non-lead%20alternatives.%20Also%20exempt%20are%20airguns%2C%20and%20ammunition%20used%20by%20elite%20athletes%2C%20the%20military%2C%20police%20and%20in%20outdoor%20target%20shooting%20ranges%20with%20risk%20management%20measures.

New limits on lead ammunition to curb pollution

Australian%20conservation%20groups%20are%20celebrating%20a%20landmark%20victory%20after%20the%20NSW%20Government%20confirmed%20the%20long-awaited%20Great%20Koala%20National%20Park%20(GKNP)%20will%20officially%20go%20ahead%20on%20the%20Mid-North%20Coast%20of%20New%20South%20Wales.%0A%0AIn%20a%20major%20announcement%2C%20Premier%20Chris%20Minns%20declared%20a%20temporary%20moratorium%20on%20logging%20within%20the%20park%20boundaries%20effective%208%20September%202025.%20Alongside%20the%20moratorium%2C%20the%20government%20revealed%20the%20final%20park%20boundary%20and%20unveiled%20a%20%24146%20million%20funding%20package%20to%20establish%20the%20reserve%2C%20support%20local%20forestry%20workers%2C%20and%20invest%20in%20regional%20communities.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EA%20generational%20win%20for%20koalas%20and%20forests%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20fight%20for%20the%20GKNP%20has%20spanned%20decades%2C%20with%20conservationists%20working%20tirelessly%20to%20protect%20critical%20koala%20habitat%20near%20Coffs%20Harbour.%20The%20idea%20of%20a%20dedicated%20national%20park%20for%20koalas%20first%20surfaced%20more%20than%20ten%20years%20ago%2C%20but%20momentum%20surged%20after%20the%20catastrophic%202019%E2%80%9320%20Black%20Summer%20bushfires%2C%20which%20devastated%20koala%20populations%20across%20the%20east%20coast.%0A%0APressure%20further%20mounted%20when%20the%20koala%20(Phascolarctos%20cinereus)%20was%20officially%20listed%20as%20endangered%20in%202022%2C%20sparking%20urgent%20calls%20for%20stronger%20habitat%20protection.%0A%0AThe%20new%20GKNP%20will%20cover%20176%2C000%20hectares%20of%20state%20forest%20and%20link%20with%20existing%20reserves%20to%20form%20a%20massive%20476%2C000-hectare%20protected%20area%E2%80%94one%20of%20the%20largest%20national%20parks%20in%20NSW.%20The%20park%20is%20expected%20to%20safeguard%20around%2020%25%20of%20the%20state%E2%80%99s%20surviving%20koala%20population%2C%20spanning%20Clarence%20Valley%2C%20Bellingen%20Shire%2C%20Coffs%20Harbour%2C%20Nambucca%20Valley%2C%20and%20Kempsey%20Shire.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20about%20turning%20the%20tide%20on%20koala%20extinction%2C%E2%80%9D%20Premier%20Minns%20said.%20%E2%80%9CWe%E2%80%99re%20protecting%20these%20forests%20while%20making%20sure%20workers%2C%20businesses%2C%20and%20communities%20are%20supported.%E2%80%9D%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EProtecting%20biodiversity%20hotspots%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AEnvironment%20Minister%20Penny%20Sharpe%20highlighted%20that%20the%20GKNP%20will%20protect%20far%20more%20than%20koalas.%20The%20park%20encompasses%20old-growth%20forests%20listed%20among%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20top%20biodiversity%20hotspots%2C%20providing%20habitat%20for%20more%20than%20100%20threatened%20species%2C%20including%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Southern%20greater%20glider%20(Petauroides%20volans)%0A%E2%80%A2%20Powerful%20owl%20(Ninox%20strenua)%0A%E2%80%A2%20Spotted-tailed%20quoll%20(Dasyurus%20maculatus)%0A%E2%80%A2%20Rufous%20bettong%20(Aepyprymnus%20rufescens)%0A%E2%80%A2%20Sooty%20owl%20(Tyto%20tenebricosa)%0A%E2%80%A2%20Rufous%20scrub-bird%20(Atrichornis%20rufescens)%0A%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThese%20forests%20are%20irreplaceable.%20This%20decision%20ensures%20koalas%20and%20countless%20other%20species%20survive%20into%20the%20future%2C%E2%80%9D%20Sharpe%20said.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EConservationists%20applaud%20historic%20decision%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20announcement%20has%20been%20hailed%20as%20one%20of%20the%20most%20significant%20conservation%20wins%20in%20a%20generation.%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20National%20Parks%20Association%20praised%20the%20move%20as%20vital%20for%20koalas%2C%20gliders%2C%20and%20clean%20water%20catchments%20while%20also%20opening%20opportunities%20for%20eco-tourism.%0A%E2%80%A2%20Wilderness%20Society%20called%20the%20GKNP%20%E2%80%9Ca%20fighting%20chance%20for%20koalas%E2%80%99%20survival.%E2%80%9D%0A%E2%80%A2%20Nature%20Conservation%20Council%20NSW%20welcomed%20the%20%E2%80%9Cevidence-based%20decision%E2%80%9D%20after%20decades%20of%20advocacy.%0A%E2%80%A2%20Greens%20MP%20Sue%20Higginson%20said%20the%20result%20belongs%20to%20%E2%80%9Ccommunities%2C%20First%20Nations%20leaders%2C%20scientists%2C%20and%20forest%20defenders%20who%20never%20gave%20up.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AWilderness%20Australia%20described%20it%20as%20the%20biggest%20forest%20protection%20milestone%20in%2025%20years%2C%20while%20the%20North%20East%20Forest%20Alliance%20estimated%20the%20GKNP%20will%20protect%2012%2C000%20koalas%2C%20allowing%20their%20populations%20to%20recover%20as%20habitats%20regenerate.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EChallenges%20ahead%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ADespite%20the%20celebrations%2C%20conservation%20groups%20stressed%20there%20is%20still%20much%20work%20to%20be%20done.%20Critics%20pointed%20to%20ongoing%20deforestation%20in%20southern%20NSW%2C%20where%20native%20forests%20continue%20to%20be%20logged%20primarily%20for%20woodchipping%2C%20with%20state-owned%20companies%20fined%20millions%20for%20breaches%20since%202020.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CProtecting%20the%20Great%20Koala%20National%20Park%20is%20an%20extraordinary%20step%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20South%20East%20Forest%20Rescue%E2%80%99s%20Scott%20Daines%2C%20%E2%80%9Cbut%20destruction%20continues%20elsewhere%2C%20and%20the%20fight%20for%20our%20forests%20isn%E2%80%99t%20over.%E2%80%9D

Great Koala National Park approved in NSW

A%20groundbreaking%20new%20law%20has%20nearly%20tripled%20the%20protected%20marine%20area%20within%20the%20Hauraki%20Gulf%20%2F%20T%C4%ABkapa%20Moana%2C%20New%20Zealand%E2%80%99s%20largest%20and%20most%20iconic%20marine%20park.%20Spanning%20more%20than%201.2%20million%20hectares%20around%20Auckland%20and%20the%20Coromandel%20Peninsula%2C%20the%20gulf%20is%20now%20entering%20a%20new%20era%20of%20conservation.%0A%0AWhile%20this%20is%20a%20milestone%20for%20marine%20protection%2C%20it%20comes%20with%20compromises%E2%80%94most%20notably%2C%20the%20continuation%20of%20certain%20commercial%20fishing%20practices%20in%20some%20zones%2C%20which%20has%20sparked%20debate%20among%20conservationists.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EExpanding%20marine%20protection%20in%20the%20Hauraki%20Gulf%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20Hauraki%20Gulf%20%2F%20T%C4%ABkapa%20Moana%20Marine%20Protection%20Bill%2C%20recently%20passed%20by%20Parliament%2C%20increases%20the%20proportion%20of%20the%20gulf%20under%20protection%20from%206%25%20to%2018%25.%20The%20new%20law%20extends%20two%20existing%20marine%20reserves%20and%20introduces%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%2012%20High%20Protection%20Areas%20(HPAs)%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%205%20Seafloor%20Protection%20Areas%20(SPAs)%0A%0AThese%20zones%20safeguard%20a%20broader%20range%20of%20marine%20habitats%2C%20including%20soft%20sediment%20ecosystems%20that%20were%20previously%20underrepresented.%20They%20also%20strengthen%20opportunities%20for%20customary%20M%C4%81ori%20management%2C%20enhancing%20the%20connection%20between%20environmental%20and%20cultural%20restoration.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20the%20inclusion%20of%20allowances%20for%20commercial%20ring-net%20fishing%20within%20some%20HPAs%20weakens%20their%20fully%20protected%20status.%20This%20makes%20it%20harder%20for%20New%20Zealand%20to%20meet%20its%20Global%20Biodiversity%20Framework%20goal%20of%20conserving%2030%25%20of%20marine%20environments%20by%202030.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EUnderstanding%20the%20three%20levels%20of%20protection%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20new%20legislation%20establishes%20three%20main%20categories%20of%20marine%20protection%3A%0A%0A1.%20Marine%20Reserves%20%E2%80%93%20Completely%20%E2%80%9Cno-take%E2%80%9D%20zones%20where%20all%20forms%20of%20extraction%20are%20prohibited.%0A%0A2.%20High%20Protection%20Areas%20(HPAs)%20%E2%80%93%20Allow%20restoration%20and%20customary%20M%C4%81ori%20practices%20while%20limiting%20damaging%20activities.%0A%0A3.%20Seafloor%20Protection%20Areas%20(SPAs)%20%E2%80%93%20Focus%20on%20preserving%20seafloor%20habitats%20while%20allowing%20non-destructive%20activities%20such%20as%20mid-water%20fishing.%0A%0AAll%20three%20types%20aim%20to%20reduce%20destructive%20practices%20like%20bottom%20trawling%2C%20dredging%2C%20and%20the%20dumping%20of%20waste.%20Protecting%20the%20seafloor%20is%20essential%20for%20carbon%20storage%2C%20nutrient%20cycling%2C%20fish%20nurseries%2C%20and%20overall%20ecosystem%20health.%0A%0AHPAs%2C%20in%20particular%2C%20promote%20M%C4%81ori-led%20management%20and%20allow%20active%20restoration%20projects%20such%20as%20removing%20invasive%20kina%20(sea%20urchins)%20and%20reseeding%20native%20shellfish%20beds.%20Many%20are%20located%20near%20regions%20undergoing%20significant%20land-based%20restoration%2C%20helping%20strengthen%20land-to-sea%20ecological%20connections.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ELessons%20from%20New%20Zealand%E2%80%99s%20first%20marine%20reserve%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20Cape%20Rodney%E2%80%93Okakari%20Point%20(Goat%20Island)%20Marine%20Reserve%2C%20established%2050%20years%20ago%2C%20was%20the%20nation%E2%80%99s%20first%20legislated%20marine%20reserve%20and%20sits%20on%20the%20northeast%20coast%20of%20the%20Hauraki%20Gulf.%20Under%20the%20new%20law%2C%20it%20will%20quadruple%20in%20size%2C%20offering%20a%20rare%20opportunity%20to%20study%20the%20long-term%20impacts%20of%20marine%20conservation.%0A%0AThis%20reserve%20has%20shown%20that%20protecting%20predator%20species%20such%20as%20snapper%20and%20rock%20lobster%20helps%20maintain%20ecological%20balance%E2%80%94preventing%20sea%20urchins%20from%20overgrazing%20kelp%20forests.%20Larger%20fish%20also%20contribute%20more%20significantly%20to%20reproduction%20and%20fishery%20replenishment%2C%20meaning%20protected%20areas%20can%20boost%20fish%20stocks%20even%20beyond%20their%20borders.%0A%0AThe%20expansion%20of%20Goat%20Island%20and%20Te%20Whanganui-A-Hei%20(Hahei)%20reserves%20will%20deepen%20scientific%20understanding%20of%20how%20reef%20and%20sediment%20ecosystems%20interact%20to%20sustain%20biodiversity.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EAccelerating%20marine%20conservation%20in%20a%20changing%20climate%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20Hauraki%20Gulf%20faces%20mounting%20pressures%20from%20overfishing%2C%20pollution%2C%20invasive%20species%2C%20and%20climate%20change.%20Despite%20decades%20of%20efforts%E2%80%94including%20the%20Hauraki%20Gulf%20Marine%20Park%20Act%202000%20and%20the%20Sea%20Change%20%E2%80%93%20Tai%20Timu%20Tai%20Pari%20plan%20(2016)%E2%80%94successive%20State%20of%20the%20Gulf%20reports%20show%20that%20its%20ecosystems%20continue%20to%20decline.%0A%0AThis%20new%20legislation%20represents%20a%20critical%20step%20forward%2C%20but%20much%20more%20is%20needed.%20Stronger%20coordination%20between%20science%2C%20policy%2C%20and%20management%20is%20essential%20to%20prevent%20ecological%20tipping%20points%20and%20to%20restore%20the%20mauri%20(life%20force)%20of%20the%20gulf.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EBeyond%20the%20law%3A%20the%20path%20to%20true%20restoration%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AWhile%20the%20new%20protections%20address%20key%20threats%20such%20as%20overfishing%20and%20seafloor%20disturbance%2C%20many%20stressors%20originate%20on%20land%E2%80%94particularly%20sediment%20runoff%2C%20nutrient%20pollution%2C%20and%20microplastics.%20Without%20tackling%20these%2C%20the%20gulf%E2%80%99s%20recovery%20will%20remain%20slow%20and%20incomplete.%0A%0AEqually%2C%20the%20law%20does%20not%20directly%20protect%20fish%2C%20seabirds%2C%20and%20marine%20mammals%20that%20rely%20on%20the%20gulf%E2%80%99s%20open%20waters.%20A%20holistic%2C%20ecosystem-based%20management%20approach%20is%20needed%E2%80%94one%20that%20recognizes%20the%20interdependence%20between%20ecological%20health%2C%20cultural%20identity%2C%20and%20economic%20prosperity.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EFinal%20thoughts%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20expansion%20of%20protected%20areas%20in%20the%20Hauraki%20Gulf%20is%20a%20historic%20victory%20for%20New%20Zealand%E2%80%99s%20marine%20conservation%2C%20but%20it%E2%80%99s%20only%20the%20beginning%20of%20the%20journey.%20True%20recovery%20will%20depend%20on%20sustained%20collaboration%20between%20communities%2C%20scientists%2C%20iwi%2C%20and%20policymakers%E2%80%94to%20ensure%20that%20T%C4%ABkapa%20Moana%20thrives%20for%20generations%20to%20come.%0A

New law expands Hauraki Gulf marine protection

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%20recognizing%20stingless%20bees%20as%20Peru%E2%80%99s%20native%20bee%20species%E2%80%94a%20critical%20step%20under%20Peruvian%20environmental%20law.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ECompetition%20from%20aggressive%20invasive%20bees%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AResearch%20also%20revealed%20a%20growing%20threat%20from%20Africanised%20honeybees%2C%20originally%20developed%20in%20Brazil%20during%20the%201950s.%20These%20aggressive%20hybrids%20now%20outcompete%20stingless%20bees%20for%20nesting%20sites%20and%20resources.%0A%0AIn%20Peru%E2%80%99s%20Avireri%20Vraem%20Biosphere%20Reserve%2C%20Indigenous%20elders%20described%20how%20Africanised%20bees%20had%20overtaken%20traditional%20stingless%20bee%20habitats%2C%20sometimes%20attacking%20humans%20and%20forcing%20communities%20to%20abandon%20beekeeping%20sites.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ELegal%20rights%20for%20bees%20set%20global%20precedent%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AIn%20October%2C%20the%20municipality%20of%20Satipo%20became%20the%20first%20in%20the%20world%20to%20pass%20an%20ordinance%20granting%20legal%20rights%20to%20stingless%20bees.%20A%20second%20municipality%2C%20Nauta%20in%20the%20Loreto%20region%2C%20followed%20in%20December.%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Under%20the%20new%20laws%2C%20stingless%20bees%20are%20entitled%20to%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20The%20right%20to%20exist%20and%20reproduce%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Protection%20of%20their%20natural%20habitat%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Pollution-free%20environments%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Ecologically%20stable%20climate%20conditions%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Legal%20representation%20in%20cases%20of%20environmental%20harm%0A%0AEnvironmental%20law%20experts%20say%20the%20ordinances%20establish%20a%20legal%20framework%20requiring%20habitat%20restoration%2C%20pesticide%20regulation%2C%20climate%20adaptation%20strategies%2C%20and%20expanded%20scientific%20research.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EGrowing%20international%20momentum%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AA%20global%20petition%20calling%20for%20nationwide%20protection%20has%20already%20gathered%20hundreds%20of%20thousands%20of%20signatures%2C%20and%20conservation%20groups%20in%20Bolivia%2C%20the%20United%20States%2C%20and%20Europe%20are%20exploring%20similar%20legal%20approaches%20for%20wild%20bees%20in%20their%20regions.%0A%0AIndigenous%20leaders%20say%20the%20law%20validates%20centuries%20of%20traditional%20knowledge.%20%E2%80%9CThe%20stingless%20bee%20gives%20us%20food%20and%20medicine%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Ash%C3%A1ninka%20leader%20Apu%20Cesar%20Ramos.%20%E2%80%9CProtecting%20it%20also%20protects%20our%20culture%2C%20our%20rainforest%2C%20and%20our%20future.%E2%80%9D

Amazon stingless bees granted legal rights

Florida%20residents%20reacted%20with%20outrage%20last%20summer%20after%20a%20widely%20shared%20video%20showed%20fishermen%20near%20Panama%20City%20capturing%20a%20massive%20manta%20ray%20%E2%80%94%20a%20species%20listed%20as%20federally%20threatened%20%E2%80%94%20and%20hauling%20it%20onto%20their%20vessel.%0A%0APublic%20anger%20intensified%20once%20it%20was%20revealed%20that%20the%20capture%20had%20been%20officially%20authorized.%20The%20Florida%20Fish%20and%20Wildlife%20Conservation%20Commission%20(FWC)%20had%20approved%20a%20permit%20allowing%20Dynasty%20Marine%20Associates%2C%20an%20aquarium%20supply%20company%2C%20to%20remove%20the%20manta%20ray%20from%20state%20waters%20and%20transport%20it%20to%20a%20SeaWorld%20facility%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi.%0A%0ARecorded%20by%20the%20crew%20of%20a%20dolphin%20tour%20boat%2C%20the%20footage%20exposed%20a%20little-known%20but%20long-standing%20policy%20that%20permits%20Florida%20authorities%20to%20approve%20the%20capture%20of%20protected%20marine%20species%20%E2%80%94%20including%20sharks%20and%20rays%20%E2%80%94%20for%20commercial%20display%20and%20entertainment%20purposes%20worldwide.%0A%0ANow%2C%20Florida%20lawmakers%20from%20both%20parties%20say%20that%20policy%20must%20end.%0A%0ARepublican%20State%20Sen.%20Ileana%20Garcia%20of%20Miami%20and%20Democratic%20Rep.%20Lindsay%20Cross%20of%20St.%20Petersburg%20have%20introduced%20legislation%20that%20would%20prohibit%20the%20capture%20and%20transport%20of%20threatened%20or%20endangered%20marine%20animals%20from%20Florida%20waters%20for%20aquariums%20and%20educational%20exhibitions.%0A%0AThe%20proposal%2C%20titled%20the%20Marine%20and%20Aquatic%20Native%20Threatened%20Animal%20(MANTA)%20Protection%20Act%2C%20aims%20to%20overhaul%20Florida%E2%80%99s%20Special%20Activity%20Licenses%20program.%20Lawmakers%20argue%20the%20reforms%20are%20overdue%20and%20would%20shift%20the%20state%E2%80%99s%20focus%20from%20corporate%20interests%20to%20the%20conservation%20of%20vulnerable%20marine%20wildlife.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CFloridians%20were%20stunned%20to%20discover%20that%20capturing%20endangered%20or%20threatened%20marine%20animals%20for%20exhibition%20remains%20legal%2C%20despite%20existing%20federal%20and%20state%20protections%2C%E2%80%9D%20Cross%20said%20in%20a%20statement.%20%E2%80%9CThis%20legislation%20closes%20that%20loophole%20and%20ensures%20these%20animals%20%E2%80%94%20many%20already%20nearing%20extinction%20%E2%80%94%20remain%20in%20their%20natural%20ocean%20habitats%20rather%20than%20confined%20to%20tanks%20overseas.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20legislation%20follows%20mounting%20pressure%20on%20the%20wildlife%20commission.%20In%20August%2C%20a%20bipartisan%20group%20of%20state%20and%20federal%20lawmakers%20formally%20urged%20the%20agency%20to%20reevaluate%20its%20licensing%20practices.%0A%0AFWC%20Chair%20Rodney%20Barreto%20responded%20in%20September%2C%20stating%20that%20the%20commission%20plans%20to%20begin%20a%20formal%20rulemaking%20process%20in%20early%202026.%20He%20also%20confirmed%20that%20the%20agency%20had%20temporarily%20paused%20issuing%20new%20permits%20for%20capturing%20federally%20protected%20shark%20and%20ray%20species.%0A%0ADespite%20those%20assurances%2C%20lawmakers%20moved%20forward%20with%20their%20own%20statutory%20solution.%0A%0AAlicia%20Prygoski%2C%20strategic%20legislative%20affairs%20manager%20for%20the%20Animal%20Legal%20Defense%20Fund%2C%20praised%20the%20bills%2C%20calling%20the%20existing%20policy%20a%20%E2%80%9Cdeeply%20troubling%20loophole.%E2%80%9D%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThese%20animals%20suffer%20immensely%20when%20removed%20from%20the%20wild%20and%20confined%20to%20small%20aquariums%20for%20entertainment%2C%E2%80%9D%20Prygoski%20said.%20%E2%80%9CSuch%20practices%20further%20endanger%20species%20that%20are%20already%20under%20severe%20population%20stress.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AFlorida%E2%80%99s%202026%20legislative%20session%20begins%20Tuesday%20and%20will%20last%2060%20days.%0A%0AIt%20remains%20unclear%20how%20companies%20that%20benefit%20from%20these%20permits%20%E2%80%94%20including%20SeaWorld%20%E2%80%94%20will%20respond%20to%20the%20proposed%20ban.%20The%20company%20did%20not%20respond%20to%20a%20request%20for%20comment%20as%20of%20Friday%20afternoon.%0A%0AAn%20FWC%20spokesperson%20said%20the%20agency%20does%20not%20comment%20on%20pending%20legislation.%0A%0AEnvironmental%20advocacy%20group%20Defenders%20of%20Wildlife%2C%20which%20collaborated%20with%20lawmakers%20on%20the%20bill%E2%80%99s%20language%2C%20welcomed%20the%20filing%20of%20the%20House%20version.%20With%20support%20from%20both%20chambers%2C%20the%20proposal%20is%20now%20officially%20bipartisan.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CFlorida%20has%20long%20been%20a%20leader%20in%20marine%20conservation%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Katherine%20Sayler%2C%20the%20organization%E2%80%99s%20Southeast%20representative.%20%E2%80%9CThis%20legislation%20will%20ease%20pressure%20on%20threatened%20species%20in%20our%20waters%20and%20help%20ensure%20their%20long-term%20recovery.%E2%80%9D

Florida lawmakers target marine animal capture

The%20Convention%20on%20the%20Conservation%20of%20Migratory%20Species%20of%20Wild%20Animals%20(CMS)%20has%20officially%20expanded%20its%20global%20protection%20list%2C%20adding%2040%20new%20migratory%20species%2C%20including%20the%20iconic%20snowy%20owl%E2%80%94widely%20recognized%20from%20the%20Harry%20Potter%20films.%0A%0AThis%20milestone%20decision%20was%20finalized%20during%20the%20COP15%20summit%20on%20migratory%20species%2C%20held%20in%20Campo%20Verde%2C%20Brazil.%20The%20event%20gathered%20delegates%20from%20132%20nations%20along%20with%20representatives%20from%20the%20European%20Union%2C%20making%20it%20one%20of%20the%20most%20significant%20international%20conferences%20focused%20on%20wildlife%20conservation%20and%20biodiversity%20protection.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ENewly%20protected%20species%20under%20CMS%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AAmong%20the%20species%20granted%20enhanced%20international%20protection%20are%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20The%20snowy%20owl%20(Bubo%20scandiacus)%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20The%20Hudsonian%20godwit%20(Limosa%20haemastica)%2C%20a%20long-distance%20migratory%20shorebird%20facing%20extinction%20risks%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20The%20great%20hammerhead%20shark%20(Sphyrna%20mokarran)%2C%20a%20critically%20endangered%20marine%20predator%0A%0AThe%20updated%20list%20also%20includes%20terrestrial%20mammals%20such%20as%20the%20striped%20hyena%20(Hyaena%20hyaena)%20and%20aquatic%20species%20like%20the%20giant%20otter%20(Pteronura%20brasiliensis)%2C%20reflecting%20a%20broad%20effort%20to%20safeguard%20biodiversity%20across%20ecosystems.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EGlobal%20conservation%20commitments%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ACountries%20that%20are%20signatories%20to%20the%20CMS%20treaty%20are%20legally%20required%20to%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Protect%20endangered%20migratory%20species%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Preserve%20and%20restore%20critical%20habitats%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Remove%20barriers%20to%20migration%20routes%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Collaborate%20internationally%20to%20ensure%20species%20survival%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EBiodiversity%20crisis%20and%20urgent%20warnings%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20summit%20took%20place%20in%20Campo%20Verde%2C%20located%20in%20Brazil%E2%80%99s%20Pantanal%20wetlands%E2%80%94one%20of%20the%20most%20biodiverse%20regions%20on%20Earth%20within%20the%20southern%20Amazon%20basin.%0A%0AA%20report%20released%20ahead%20of%20the%20conference%20revealed%20alarming%20trends%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Nearly%2049%25%20of%20CMS-listed%20species%20are%20experiencing%20population%20declines%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Approximately%2025%25%20face%20a%20high%20risk%20of%20global%20extinction%0A%0AIn%20addition%2C%20a%20separate%20UN%20assessment%20highlighted%20a%20severe%20decline%20in%20migratory%20freshwater%20fish%20populations.%20These%20species%20are%20vital%20not%20only%20for%20maintaining%20river%20ecosystems%20but%20also%20for%20supporting%20millions%20of%20people%20who%20depend%20on%20them%20for%20food%20and%20livelihoods.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EKey%20threats%20to%20migratory%20species%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AMajor%20environmental%20pressures%20continue%20to%20endanger%20migratory%20wildlife%20worldwide%2C%20including%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Habitat%20destruction%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Overfishing%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Water%20pollution%20across%20major%20river%20systems%E2%80%94from%20the%20Amazon%20to%20the%20Danube%0A%0AThese%20threats%20disrupt%20natural%20migration%20patterns%20and%20jeopardize%20species%20that%20undertake%20some%20of%20the%20longest%20journeys%20in%20the%20animal%20kingdom.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EBrazil%E2%80%99s%20role%20in%20global%20environmental%20leadership%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ABrazil%20has%20recently%20played%20a%20central%20role%20in%20global%20environmental%20efforts.%20In%20addition%20to%20hosting%20this%20CMS%20summit%2C%20the%20country%20also%20hosted%20the%20COP30%20climate%20conference%20in%20Bel%C3%A9m%2C%20further%20solidifying%20its%20position%20as%20a%20key%20player%20in%20international%20conservation%20and%20climate%20action%20initiatives.%0A

UN protects 40 migratory species worldwide

The%20UK%20government%20has%20announced%20a%20major%20%C2%A390%20million%20investment%20aimed%20at%20protecting%20some%20of%20England%E2%80%99s%20most%20vulnerable%20native%20species%20from%20extinction.%20This%20landmark%20funding%20initiative%20is%20being%20described%20by%20the%20Department%20for%20Environment%2C%20Food%20%26%20Rural%20Affairs%20(Defra)%20as%20the%20largest%20financial%20commitment%20ever%20made%20toward%20species%20conservation%20in%20the%20country.%0A%0AThe%20funding%20will%20support%20a%20wide%20range%20of%20conservation%20efforts%2C%20including%20reintroduction%20programs%20and%20population%20recovery%20projects%20for%20species%20such%20as%20birds%2C%20beavers%2C%20insects%2C%20marine%20life%2C%20and%20other%20endangered%20wildlife%20across%20England.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EMajor%20funding%20breakdown%20for%20conservation%20efforts%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AOut%20of%20the%20total%20investment%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20%C2%A360%20million%20will%20be%20distributed%20to%20hundreds%20of%20local%20conservation%20projects%20through%20Natural%20England%E2%80%99s%20Species%20Recovery%20Programme%20over%20the%20next%20three%20years.%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20%C2%A330%20million%20will%20be%20allocated%20to%20enhance%20biodiversity%20across%20England%E2%80%99s%20national%20forest%20estate.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20Defra%2C%20this%20funding%20boost%20will%20accelerate%20efforts%20to%20restore%20ecosystems%2C%20improve%20habitats%2C%20and%20strengthen%20wildlife%20populations%20nationwide.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EGovernment%20pledges%20to%20reverse%20nature%20decline%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AEnvironment%20Secretary%20Emma%20Reynolds%20emphasized%20the%20importance%20of%20the%20initiative%2C%20calling%20it%20a%20long-term%20commitment%20to%20reversing%20environmental%20damage%20and%20preserving%20biodiversity%20for%20future%20generations.%0A%0AThe%20urgency%20is%20clear%3A%20the%20UK%20is%20currently%20ranked%20among%20the%20most%20nature-depleted%20nations%20globally.%20Studies%20reveal%20that%20wildlife%20populations%20have%20dropped%20by%20approximately%2033%25%20since%201970%2C%20while%20nearly%20one%20in%20six%20species%20faces%20the%20threat%20of%20extinction.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EMeeting%20environmental%20targets%20and%20legal%20commitments%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20new%20investment%20is%20part%20of%20a%20broader%20government%20strategy%20to%20meet%20legally%20binding%20environmental%20goals.%20These%20include%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Halting%20the%20decline%20in%20species%20abundance%20by%202030%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Reducing%20the%20risk%20of%20species%20extinction%20by%202042%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Protecting%2030%25%20of%20land%20and%20marine%20areas%20for%20nature%20conservation%20by%202030%0A%0AHowever%2C%20environmental%20organizations%20have%20warned%20that%20the%20UK%20is%20not%20currently%20on%20track%20to%20meet%20these%20targets%2C%20highlighting%20the%20need%20for%20urgent%20action.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EFocus%20on%20habitat%20restoration%20and%20species%20reintroduction%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20Species%20Recovery%20Programme%20will%20prioritize%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Habitat%20restoration%20projects%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Captive%20breeding%20initiatives%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Reintroduction%20of%20endangered%20species%20into%20the%20wild%0A%0AThese%20efforts%20aim%20to%20rebuild%20biodiversity%2C%20restore%20natural%20landscapes%2C%20and%20protect%20fragile%20ecosystems%20such%20as%20ancient%20woodlands%20and%20chalk%20streams.%0A%0ANatural%20England%20is%20expected%20to%20confirm%20the%20list%20of%20funded%20projects%20for%20the%202026%E2%80%932029%20period%20in%20May%2C%20with%20early%20indications%20suggesting%20support%20for%20a%20wide%20range%20of%20species.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EIncreased%20funding%20compared%20to%20previous%20years%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThis%20latest%20funding%20round%20more%20than%20doubles%20previous%20investment%20levels.%20Between%202023%20and%202026%2C%20%C2%A332.2%20million%20supported%20over%20600%20species%2C%20including%20water%20voles%2C%20hazel%20dormice%2C%20and%20oystercatchers.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EProven%20success%20in%20wildlife%20recovery%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ATony%20Juniper%2C%20Chair%20of%20Natural%20England%2C%20highlighted%20that%20species%20decline%20can%20often%20be%20reversed%20with%20the%20right%20approach.%20He%20pointed%20to%20successful%20conservation%20efforts%20that%20have%20brought%20species%20such%20as%20red%20kites%2C%20pool%20frogs%2C%20and%20large%20blue%20butterflies%20back%20from%20the%20brink%20of%20extinction.%0A%0AHe%20stressed%20that%20combining%20scientific%20research%20with%20strong%20partnerships%20has%20proven%20highly%20effective%20in%20restoring%20threatened%20species%20to%20stable%20populations.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EMeasurable%20impact%20of%20conservation%20programs%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ANatural%20England%20reports%20that%20its%20recovery%20initiatives%20have%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Helped%20protect%20over%201%2C000%20species%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20Prevented%20the%20extinction%20of%20at%20least%2035%20species%20within%20the%20UK%0A%0ARecent%20successes%20include%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20The%20return%20of%20red-billed%20choughs%20breeding%20in%20Kent%20after%20more%20than%20200%20years%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20The%20reintroduction%20of%20black%20grouse%20in%20North%20Yorkshire%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20The%20comeback%20of%20the%20large%20marsh%20grasshopper%20in%20the%20Norfolk%20Broads%20after%2085%20years%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ENew%20campaign%3A%20%E2%80%9CWild%20again%3A%20restoring%20England%E2%80%99s%20wildlife%E2%80%9D%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AAlongside%20the%20funding%20announcement%2C%20Defra%20has%20launched%20a%20new%20national%20campaign%20titled%20%E2%80%9CWild%20Again%3A%20Restoring%20England%E2%80%99s%20Wildlife.%E2%80%9D%20The%20initiative%20aims%20to%20raise%20awareness%20and%20drive%20action%20to%20protect%20and%20restore%20the%20country%E2%80%99s%20natural%20environment.

UK invests £90M to protect wildlife in England

More%20than%2015%20million%20juvenile%20oysters%20are%20set%20to%20be%20introduced%20into%20the%20North%20Sea%20as%20part%20of%20one%20of%20the%20largest%20marine%20rewilding%20initiatives%20ever%20undertaken%20in%20UK%20waters.%20The%20ambitious%20effort%20aims%20to%20restore%20native%20oyster%20populations%20and%20rebuild%20a%20vital%20marine%20habitat%20near%20Orkney.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ERestoring%20oyster%20reefs%20in%20the%20UK%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AUsing%20an%20innovative%20cultivation%20technique%2C%20the%20project%20focuses%20on%20re-establishing%20a%20large%20oyster%20reef%20that%20experts%20believe%20will%20trigger%20a%20powerful%20%E2%80%9Ctrophic%20cascade%E2%80%9D%E2%80%94a%20chain%20reaction%20of%20environmental%20benefits%20that%20enhances%20biodiversity%20and%20strengthens%20the%20marine%20ecosystem.%0A%0AMarine%20specialist%20Richard%20Land%2C%20who%20is%20leading%20the%20initiative%2C%20explained%20that%20the%20impact%20will%20extend%20far%20beyond%20the%20seabed.%20According%20to%20him%2C%20the%20restoration%20will%20support%20fish%20populations%2C%20improve%20conditions%20for%20marine%20mammals%2C%20and%20benefit%20seabirds%2C%20ultimately%20revitalizing%20the%20entire%20coastal%20environment.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EA%20blueprint%20for%20coastal%20ecosystem%20recovery%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20project%20is%20a%20collaborative%20effort%20involving%20the%20Green%20Britain%20Foundation%2C%20Nature%20Restoration%20Fund%2C%20Marine%20Fund%20Scotland%2C%20and%20North%20Bay%20Innovations.%20Scientists%20and%20conservationists%20hope%20it%20will%20serve%20as%20a%20model%20for%20oyster%20restoration%20across%20the%20UK%20and%20Europe%2C%20helping%20to%20revive%20degraded%20coastal%20ecosystems.%0A%0AHistorically%2C%20oyster%20reefs%20were%20a%20cornerstone%20of%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%20marine%20environment.%20In%20some%20areas%20of%20the%20North%20Sea%2C%20they%20once%20covered%20vast%20regions%20comparable%20in%20size%20to%20Wales.%20However%2C%20during%20the%2019th%20century%2C%20oysters%20became%20a%20staple%20food%20source%2C%20leading%20to%20massive%20overharvesting.%20Between%201840%20and%201850%2C%20London%20alone%20consumed%20an%20estimated%20700%20million%20oysters.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EDecline%20of%20oyster%20populations%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThis%20intense%20exploitation%2C%20combined%20with%20industrial%20pollution%2C%20climate%20change%2C%20and%20habitat%20destruction%20caused%20by%20shipping%20activities%2C%20led%20to%20a%20dramatic%20collapse%20in%20oyster%20numbers.%20The%20loss%20of%20these%20reefs%20disrupted%20marine%20biodiversity%2C%20causing%20what%20scientists%20describe%20as%20a%20%E2%80%9Cnegative%20ecological%20cascade%E2%80%9D%20that%20damaged%20entire%20ecosystems.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EClimate%20benefits%20and%20carbon%20capture%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AToday%2C%20restoration%20efforts%20offer%20a%20chance%20to%20reverse%20this%20damage.%20Research%20suggests%20that%20oyster%20reefs%20can%20play%20a%20significant%20role%20in%20carbon%20sequestration%2C%20helping%20to%20mitigate%20climate%20change%20while%20improving%20water%20quality.%0A%0ADale%20Vince%2C%20founder%20of%20the%20Green%20Britain%20Foundation%2C%20highlighted%20the%20environmental%20potential%20of%20the%20project.%20The%20initial%20phase%20aims%20to%20establish%20around%2015%20million%20oysters%20across%20100%20hectares%2C%20which%20could%20absorb%20up%20to%2076%20tonnes%20of%20CO%E2%82%82%20annually.%0A%0AHowever%2C%20the%20long-term%20goal%20is%20even%20more%20ambitious.%20Once%20the%20oyster%20beds%20begin%20reproducing%20naturally%2C%20their%20carbon%20capture%20capacity%20could%20increase%20dramatically%E2%80%94potentially%20exceeding%20initial%20estimates%20by%20more%20than%201%2C000%20times%20within%2015%20years.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EHow%20the%20oyster%20rewilding%20process%20works%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20Orkney-based%20initiative%20uses%20a%20specialized%20method%20to%20grow%20oysters%20onshore.%20Juvenile%20oysters%20are%20first%20cultivated%20on%20plates%20enriched%20with%20calcium%20carbonate.%20Once%20mature%20enough%2C%20these%20plates%20are%20transferred%20into%20the%20sea%20and%20suspended%20on%20long%20lines%2C%20protecting%20the%20oysters%20from%20predators.%0A%0AAs%20they%20grow%2C%20the%20oysters%20form%20complex%20reef%20structures%20that%20provide%20habitats%20for%20a%20wide%20variety%20of%20marine%20species%2C%20including%20scallops%2C%20algae%2C%20seaweed%2C%20mollusks%2C%20and%20other%20invertebrates.%20These%20reefs%20significantly%20boost%20biodiversity%20and%20strengthen%20the%20resilience%20of%20coastal%20ecosystems.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ELocal%20support%20and%20environmental%20impact%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ALocal%20leaders%20have%20welcomed%20the%20initiative.%20Alistair%20Carmichael%2C%20MP%20for%20Orkney%20and%20Shetland%2C%20emphasized%20the%20importance%20of%20restoring%20marine%20life%20while%20balancing%20environmental%20and%20economic%20interests.%20He%20noted%20that%20sustainable%20management%20of%20marine%20resources%20is%20essential%20for%20future%20generations.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EThe%20role%20of%20Innovation%20in%20marine%20restoration%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AExperts%20also%20stress%20the%20importance%20of%20scientific%20advancements%20in%20making%20such%20projects%20possible.%20Philine%20Zu%20Ermgassen%20from%20the%20University%20of%20Edinburgh%20pointed%20out%20that%20oyster%20populations%20are%20now%20too%20low%20to%20recover%20naturally%20in%20many%20regions%20without%20human%20intervention.%0A%0AModern%20hatchery%20techniques%20allow%20scientists%20to%20cultivate%20oysters%20using%20local%20genetic%20stocks%2C%20ensuring%20both%20ecological%20compatibility%20and%20long-term%20sustainability.%20These%20innovations%20are%20crucial%20for%20scaling%20up%20restoration%20efforts%20and%20rebuilding%20this%20once-thriving%20ecosystem.

15M oysters to revive North Sea habitats

The%20habitat%20of%20the%20endangered%20golden-cheeked%20warbler%20in%20Central%20Texas%20has%20grown%20once%20again%2C%20thanks%20to%20a%20significant%20land%20conservation%20effort%20aimed%20at%20preserving%20one%20of%20the%20state's%20most%20iconic%20bird%20species.%0A%0AThe%20Balcones%20Canyonlands%20National%20Wildlife%20Refuge%2C%20which%20stretches%20across%20Burnet%2C%20Travis%2C%20and%20Williamson%20counties%2C%20has%20added%20nearly%20300%20acres%20of%20protected%20land.%20This%20latest%20acquisition%20comes%20roughly%20one%20year%20after%20a%20separate%20317-acre%20expansion%20made%20possible%20through%20a%20partnership%20between%20The%20Conservation%20Fund%20and%20Friends%20of%20Balcones.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ENew%20land%20acquisition%20strengthens%20wildlife%20conservation%20efforts%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AFunding%20for%20the%20refuge%20expansion%20came%20from%20a%20combination%20of%20public%20and%20private%20sources%2C%20including%20contributions%20from%20the%20Woodnext%20Foundation%20and%20the%20Land%20and%20Water%20Conservation%20Fund.%20Both%20newly%20acquired%20properties%20were%20purchased%20from%20private%20landowners%20in%20Burnet%20County%20and%20will%20help%20preserve%20critical%20wildlife%20habitat%20in%20the%20Texas%20Hill%20Country.%0A%0AThe%20refuge%20provides%20a%20sanctuary%20for%20a%20diverse%20range%20of%20native%20plants%20and%20animals.%20Rolling%20hills%20covered%20with%20oak%2C%20elm%2C%20and%20Ashe%20juniper%20woodlands%20support%20species%20such%20as%20goldfinches%2C%20wrens%2C%20and%20numerous%20migratory%20birds.%20Underground%20cave%20systems%20and%20sinkholes%20also%20provide%20habitat%20for%20rare%20creatures%2C%20including%20tooth%20cave%20spiders%20and%20tiny%20pseudoscorpions.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EGolden-cheeked%20warbler%20remains%20a%20conservation%20priority%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AAmong%20the%20refuge%E2%80%99s%20most%20celebrated%20residents%20is%20the%20golden-cheeked%20warbler%2C%20a%20small%20songbird%20measuring%20just%20four%20inches%20in%20length.%20The%20species%20is%20unique%20because%20it%20nests%20and%20breeds%20exclusively%20in%20Texas%2C%20relying%20on%20the%20region%E2%80%99s%20Ashe%20juniper%20and%20oak%20forests%20for%20survival.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20conservation%20leaders%2C%20protecting%20the%20bird%E2%80%99s%20habitat%20is%20essential%20to%20ensuring%20its%20future.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CThe%20golden-cheeked%20warbler%20is%20truly%20a%20Texas%20bird%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Ellen%20Gass%2C%20Texas%20field%20representative%20for%20The%20Conservation%20Fund.%20%E2%80%9CPreserving%20its%20habitat%20remains%20a%20top%20priority.%E2%80%9D%0A%0AThe%20bird%E2%80%99s%20distinctive%20appearance%20and%20recognizable%20buzzy%20song%20attract%20birdwatchers%20from%20across%20the%20United%20States%2C%20making%20the%20refuge%20a%20popular%20destination%20for%20wildlife%20enthusiasts%20and%20ecotourists.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EHabitat%20loss%20Continues%20to%20threaten%20endangered%20species%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ANicole%20Sarkar%2C%20Executive%20Director%20of%20Friends%20of%20Balcones%2C%20emphasized%20that%20expanding%20protected%20habitat%20is%20especially%20important%20because%20the%20golden-cheeked%20warbler%20has%20remained%20on%20the%20federal%20endangered%20species%20list%20since%201990.%0A%0ARapid%20urban%20development%2C%20land%20fragmentation%2C%20and%20flooding%20have%20significantly%20reduced%20available%20nesting%20areas%20throughout%20Central%20Texas.%20By%20securing%20more%20than%20600%20acres%20through%20recent%20acquisitions%2C%20conservation%20organizations%20are%20helping%20safeguard%20breeding%20grounds%20not%20only%20for%20the%20warbler%20but%20also%20for%20hundreds%20of%20other%20bird%20species%20that%20depend%20on%20the%20refuge%20ecosystem.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ENatural%20flood%20protection%20adds%20environmental%20benefits%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0ABeyond%20wildlife%20conservation%2C%20preserving%20these%20forested%20landscapes%20delivers%20additional%20environmental%20advantages.%20The%20refuge%E2%80%99s%20woodlands%20act%20as%20a%20natural%20flood%20buffer%20by%20absorbing%20rainfall%20and%20reducing%20runoff.%0A%0AConservation%20experts%20note%20that%20maintaining%20large%20tracts%20of%20undeveloped%20land%20can%20help%20improve%20flood%20mitigation%20efforts%2C%20particularly%20in%20areas%20experiencing%20rapid%20population%20growth%20and%20expanding%20development.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EVisiting%20Balcones%20Canyonlands%20National%20Wildlife%20Refuge%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AAlthough%20the%20newly%20acquired%20acreage%20is%20not%20currently%20open%20to%20the%20public%2C%20visitors%20can%20explore%20other%20sections%20of%20the%20refuge%20through%20approximately%2010%20miles%20of%20hiking%20trails%2C%20scenic%20overlooks%2C%20and%20birdwatching%20platforms.%0A%0AEstablished%20in%201992%2C%20the%20refuge%20was%20originally%20created%20to%20protect%20both%20the%20golden-cheeked%20warbler%20and%20the%20black-capped%20vireo%2C%20another%20native%20Texas%20songbird%20known%20for%20its%20black%20head%20and%20bright%20red%20eyes.%20Conservation%20success%20led%20to%20the%20black-capped%20vireo%20being%20removed%20from%20the%20endangered%20species%20list%20in%202018%20after%20more%20than%20three%20decades%20of%20recovery%20efforts.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EHope%20for%20the%20future%20of%20the%20golden-cheeked%20warbler%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AConservation%20advocates%20hope%20the%20golden-cheeked%20warbler%20will%20eventually%20achieve%20a%20similar%20recovery.%20For%20many%20visitors%2C%20seeing%20and%20hearing%20the%20bird%20in%20its%20natural%20habitat%20remains%20a%20memorable%20experience.%0A%0ASarkar%20recently%20encountered%20the%20species%20firsthand%20after%20years%20of%20only%20hearing%20recordings%20and%20viewing%20photographs.%0A%0A%E2%80%9CHearing%20its%20song%20and%20seeing%20the%20bird%20at%20the%20same%20moment%20in%20the%20refuge%20was%20an%20unforgettable%20experience%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20said.%0A%0AAs%20habitat%20protection%20efforts%20continue%2C%20the%20expansion%20of%20Balcones%20Canyonlands%20National%20Wildlife%20Refuge%20represents%20another%20important%20step%20toward%20ensuring%20the%20long-term%20survival%20of%20one%20of%20Texas%E2%80%99%20most%20treasured%20and%20unique%20bird%20species.

Texas refuge gains 600 acres for wildlife

France%20has%20significantly%20expanded%20its%20forest%20conservation%20efforts%20by%20creating%20seven%20new%20biological%20reserves%20and%20enlarging%20two%20existing%20protected%20areas.%20Announced%20on%20June%209%2C%20the%20initiative%20places%20an%20additional%20157%2C000%20hectares%20of%20forest%20under%20enhanced%20protection%2C%20supporting%20the%20country's%20objective%20of%20bringing%2010%25%20of%20its%20territory%20under%20strict%20environmental%20safeguards%20by%202030.%0A%0AAccording%20to%20Monique%20Barbut%2C%20France%E2%80%99s%20Minister%20for%20Ecological%20Transition%2C%20Biodiversity%2C%20and%20International%20Climate%20and%20Nature%20Negotiations%2C%20the%20move%20will%20reduce%20human%20pressures%20on%20sensitive%20ecosystems%20while%20strengthening%20protection%20for%20wildlife%20habitats%20and%20biodiversity.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3ENew%20forest%20reserves%20strengthen%20biodiversity%20protection%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AThe%20vast%20majority%20of%20the%20newly%20protected%20land%20is%20located%20in%20French%20Guiana%2C%20France%E2%80%99s%20overseas%20territory%20in%20South%20America.%20Approximately%2099.5%25%20of%20the%20newly%20designated%20area%20falls%20within%20the%20newly%20established%20Armontabo%20Rocky%20Peaks%20Integral%20Biological%20Reserve%2C%20which%20spans%20156%2C290%20hectares%20of%20pristine%20tropical%20rainforest%2C%20dramatic%20granite%20outcrops%2C%20and%20rich%20wildlife%20habitats.%0A%0AIn%20mainland%20France%2C%20the%20newly%20protected%20areas%20cover%20less%20than%201%2C000%20hectares%20combined%20but%20represent%20a%20diverse%20range%20of%20valuable%20ecosystems.%20These%20include%3A%0A%0A%E2%80%A2%20The%20mountain%20forests%20of%20Bannes-Ravines%20in%20the%20Vosges%20region%0A%E2%80%A2%20Mediterranean%20woodland%20habitats%20at%20Pas%20de%20la%20Lauze%20in%20H%C3%A9rault%0A%E2%80%A2%20The%20ancient%20forest%20ecosystem%20of%20Buronni%C3%A8res%20in%20Seine-et-Marne%0A%E2%80%A2%20High-elevation%20forests%20in%20Chamali%C3%A8re-Peyre-Ourse%2C%20Cantal%0A%E2%80%A2%20Biodiversity-rich%20woodlands%20at%20Chatte-Pendue%20in%20Bas-Rhin%0A%E2%80%A2%20The%20forests%20of%20Twins%20of%20Ornes%20and%20Vau%20des%20Loups%20in%20Meuse%0A%0AFrench%20authorities%20stated%20that%20some%20reserves%20will%20remain%20untouched%2C%20allowing%20natural%20ecological%20processes%20to%20continue%20without%20logging%20or%20industrial%20activity.%20Others%20will%20be%20actively%20managed%20to%20preserve%20endangered%20species%20and%20restore%20sensitive%20habitats.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EFrance%20moves%20closer%20to%20its%202030%20conservation%20targets%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AWith%20the%20latest%20additions%2C%20areas%20classified%20under%20France%E2%80%99s%20%E2%80%9Cstrong%20protection%E2%80%9D%20framework%20now%20account%20for%206.43%25%20of%20the%20national%20territory.%20These%20zones%20impose%20strict%20limitations%20on%20human%20activity%20to%20ensure%20long-term%20ecosystem%20preservation.%0A%0AThe%20announcement%20also%20increases%20the%20total%20number%20of%20biological%20reserves%20in%20France%20to%20276.%0A%0AThe%20country%20has%20set%20a%20broader%20goal%20of%20protecting%20an%20additional%20250%2C000%20hectares%20of%20forest%20by%202030%2C%20with%20approximately%20180%2C000%20hectares%20expected%20to%20be%20secured%20in%20French%20Guiana.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EGlobal%20momentum%20behind%20nature%20conservation%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AFrance%E2%80%99s%20latest%20conservation%20measures%20align%20with%20a%20growing%20international%20effort%20to%20protect%20biodiversity%20and%20natural%20ecosystems.%20Governments%20worldwide%20are%20working%20toward%20the%20global%20%E2%80%9C30x30%E2%80%9D%20target%2C%20an%20agreement%20adopted%20in%202022%20that%20aims%20to%20conserve%2030%25%20of%20the%20Earth's%20land%20and%20marine%20environments%20by%202030.%0A%0AOn%20World%20Environment%20Day%2C%20UNESCO%20announced%20the%20addition%20of%2014%20new%20biosphere%20reserves%20across%2011%20countries%2C%20including%20locations%20in%20Italy%2C%20Mongolia%2C%20the%20Philippines%2C%20South%20Korea%2C%20and%20Saudi%20Arabia.%0A%0AThis%20follows%20the%20designation%20of%2026%20new%20biosphere%20reserves%20in%202025%2C%20part%20of%20what%20UNESCO%20described%20as%20a%20rapid%20expansion%20of%20its%20worldwide%20conservation%20network.%0A%0ABiosphere%20reserves%20play%20a%20critical%20role%20in%20safeguarding%20biodiversity%2C%20supporting%20scientific%20research%2C%20promoting%20environmental%20education%2C%20and%20encouraging%20sustainable%20economic%20development.%20Today%2C%20these%20protected%20landscapes%20cover%20hundreds%20of%20millions%20of%20hectares%20across%20more%20than%20130%20countries.%0A%0A%3Ch2%3EEnvironmental%20protections%20face%20challenges%20in%20other%20countries%3C%2Fh2%3E%0A%0AWhile%20many%20nations%20are%20expanding%20conservation%20efforts%2C%20others%20are%20moving%20in%20the%20opposite%20direction.%0A%0AIn%20Brazil%2C%20environmental%20organizations%20have%20criticized%20the%20country's%20controversial%20environmental%20licensing%20reforms%2C%20often%20referred%20to%20as%20the%20%E2%80%9Cdevastation%20bill.%E2%80%9D%20The%20legislation%20eases%20approval%20requirements%20for%20certain%20development%20projects%2C%20broadens%20self-licensing%20provisions%2C%20and%20accelerates%20permits%20for%20projects%20considered%20strategically%20important.%0A%0AIn%20the%20United%20States%2C%20environmental%20policies%20have%20also%20shifted%20in%20recent%20years.%20Measures%20introduced%20under%20President%20Donald%20Trump%20included%20opening%20portions%20of%20one%20of%20the%20world's%20largest%20marine%20protected%20areas%20in%20the%20Pacific%20to%20commercial%20fishing%20and%20proposing%20expanded%20vehicle%20access%20and%20commercial%20activities%20in%20parts%20of%20the%20national%20forest%20system.%0A%0AThese%20contrasting%20approaches%20highlight%20the%20ongoing%20global%20debate%20over%20balancing%20economic%20development%20with%20environmental%20conservation%20and%20biodiversity%20protection.

France adds new protected forest reserves

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$200m fund to protect 100 threatened species

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Spain plans 23 new marine protected areas

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UK plans £400mn loan for tropical forests fund

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IWC pushes for stronger whale protection

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