NOW Partners Foundation’s Post

I currently have the pleasure of working with Tā Mark Solomon and Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura in working towards obtaining World Heritage Status for Kaikōura.  World Heritage in the past has been a Eurocentric, top-down process that has not taken into account local communities and indigenous world views and perspective. This however change in 2007, when the World Heritage Committee adopted a “Strategic Objective” to “Enhance the role of communities in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention”, in recognition of “the critical importance of involving indigenous, traditional and local communities in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention”. This was implemented under the New Zealand Chairmanship of Sir Tumu Te Heuheu, Paramount Chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. For community such as Kaikōura, World Heritage is more than just a status symbol for places of Outstanding Universal Value. It provides an opportunity for us to place our environment central to our economy, outside of the swinging pendulum of environmental policy. Kaikōura environment underpins all our industries of fishing, farming, viticultural, apiaries, sports and recreation, food production and of course tourism. It provides guidance for industries such as construction and outlines our values to future investors and development. Where the biggest development can come from is through aligning research and education to provide a full view of what is happening within our ecosystem and to create Kaikōura as a Marine Research Centre of Excellence. This ties in with the longer-term goal of creating a Research Institute within Kaikōura. It also brings cohesion across various community groups and aligns toward one vision, whilst benefiting from the economies of scale. We are hosting a Community Hui on 10 December 2024 at 5:30pm at Donegal House to have an open community korero around what World Heritage means and is it right for our community. If you would like to support World Heritage for Kaikōura you can sign up as an ambassador at https://lnkd.in/gNaZhvSR. Our aim is to garner over 60,000 Ambassadors aka Supporters in our journey to become World Heritage listed, both as individuals and corporate/organisational ambassadors. 

Last week, UNESCO launched the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024-2033) - "a global and coordinated initiative designed to harness the power of all of the sciences – basic, applied, social and human – to advance sustainable change to our societies, economies and environment." https://lnkd.in/eays5wDx

I am honored to share that my article, “Environmental Challenges and Policy Responses in Fishing Sector: The Case of Genoa, Italy”, developed during my assignment as a United Nations Volunteer, has been published. The article has been prepared as part of the report "Towards Circular: Analysis of the Coastal Areas of Greece, Italy and Spain" by Think Tank AlterContacts, an NGO in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC. The report, launched during the European Sustainable Development Week 2024, highlights key pathways to a circular economy, focusing on sustainable practices in Mediterranean coastal regions. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dxhhJETR

🌼♻️ When we think of sustainability, we often focus on the environment or economics. However, the term relational sustainability emphasizes the importance of relatonships in achieving sustainability across various dimensions. 🔛 This was the central theme of the recent International Congress on Relational Sustainability, held from October 18-20 in Castel Gandolfo (Rome) and Cordoba (Argentina). Over 250 participants—scholars, professionals, and engaged citizens—explored how the natural and human sciences can converge to create a new cultural synthesis capable of integrating all perspectives of knowledge and contemporary culture. Relational sustainability challenges us to understand the complexities of today's world: the speed of technological advancements, the pressures on our resources, and the need for a cultural synthesis that integrates diverse perspectives of knowledge. It involves building sustainable connections between humanity and the planet, as well as within human society itself, so that sustainability becomes an emergent property of our relationships. ➡️📰 Curious to learn more about this innovative approach to sustainability? Discover the insights from the congress and how relational sustainability can pave the way forward. https://lnkd.in/d5vyEUDX

"On the second day of Congress, the projects shared a focus on sustainable, technology-driven approaches to heritage preservation, while also highlighting the importance of integrating natural elements to protect vulnerable sites." Read the full blog post: https://lnkd.in/eyMpyqkc

Happy Olive Tree Day! Today, we at Olivissima celebrate the remarkable olive tree and all the benefits it brings to our lives and environment. World Olive Tree Day is celebrated on November 26 each year. This day was proclaimed at the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2019 to recognize the cultural, social, economic, and environmental significance of the olive tree. Here are just a few reasons why olive trees are truly special: •Air Purification: Olive trees help improve air quality by filtering out harmful pollutants, making them a great addition to both indoor and outdoor spaces. •Symbol of Peace and Prosperity: Historically, olive trees have represented peace, wisdom, and abundance in various cultures. Their presence adds a sense of tranquility and richness to our surroundings. •Health Benefits: Beyond their oil, olive leaves contain powerful antioxidants and compounds that may support heart health, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Incorporating olive products into your diet can enhance overall wellness. •Low Maintenance: Olive trees are hardy and require minimal care. They thrive in various climates and are drought-resistant, making them an eco-friendly choice for gardens and homes. •Cultural Heritage: Olive trees have been cultivated for thousands of years, deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture. They connect us to traditions that celebrate nature's bounty and culinary delights. •Mental Well-Being: The serene presence of olive trees can create a calming atmosphere, reducing stress and promoting relaxation in our daily lives. Let’s honor these magnificent trees today! Whether you have an olive tree in your garden or simply appreciate their beauty, take a moment to celebrate their significance in our world. #OliveTreeDay #OliveTrees #Sustainability #HealthBenefits #CulturalHeritage #Peace #Wellness 

Reuse and repair are part of Africa's DNA 🌍 The continent just needs to be empowered to unlock circularity's potential. ♻️ Let us discuss it at World Circular Economy Forum WCEF Learn from this insightful article of Ellen MacArthur Foundation, one of ACEA's strategic partners, how unique Circular Economy in Africa is ⬇️

What can the Global North learn from reuse and repair sectors across the African continent? In the last episode of our series sharing some of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's most popular articles, we explore the world of reuse and repair by travelling to the African continent, where people and businesses have long embraced strategies for maximising materials. https://lnkd.in/evKwSBk4

🌍 REWATCH THE ‘WATER&LAND’-SEMINAR: Exploring Living Heritage for a Sustainable Future 💡 The key message: Intangible heritage can and must play a key role in our approach to climate change. 🌿 During the well-attended seminar, CAG colleagues Chantal Bisschop and Laura Danckaert, together with Jet Bakels of Kenniscentrum Immaterieel Erfgoed Nederland (KIEN), presented the first insights from themed years on water management and biodiversity. By revaluing, strengthening and safeguarding traditional techniques and intangible heritage, they contribute to the transition to a climate-robust society. This requires a thoughtful and participatory approach. Water&Land wants to give tradition bearers a stage so that their voices are heard by policymakers and in the public debate, with an emphasis on ecocitizenship and nature-based solutions. 🌏 Chiara Bortolotto, UNESCO Chair in Intangible Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development (CY Cergy Paris Université), also underlined the growing international attention to the relationship between intangible heritage and sustainable development. She stressed that heritage is no longer seen only as a link to the past, but as a source of knowledge and resilience for the future. This shift, visible in UNESCO discussions, reinforces the role of intangible heritage as a means of ensuring a sustainable future. 📽️ Missed it? The seminar is now available online via the link below! 🎥 https://lnkd.in/e2YDZaCW #LivingHeritage #Immaterieelerfgoed #Climateadaptation ICH NGO FORUM

The Global Nature Positive Summit 2024 will kick off tomorrow in Sydney Australia and Ocean Decade Australia is delighted to be leading #fortheocean Our Chair Jas Chambers will convene the #OceanPlenary bringing 🌊 ocean and opportunity 🌊 to the table with @Valerie Taylor David Carter FILIMON MANONI Vidar Helgesen and Ilana Seid The #ocean ecosystem regulates the climate and is home to more biodiversity than on land - so much of which is still to be discovered. The #ocean also provides nutrition as a primary source of protein for over 3 billion people, is our trade superhighway, connects communications globally and will increasingly become a place that provides us with a source of renewable energy through wind, wave, tide and floating solar. It is also a system that is changing rapidly 🌊🌪️ 🌀💧🌡️ and requires our focus for effective protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity. Congratulations to the hundreds of organisations and advocates who have ensured #ocean doesn’t just have a seat at the table, it also has a voice 📣 We will keep you updated from the #GNPS2024 on all things ocean 🌊 and more Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy UN Ocean Decade Austral Fisheries Pacific Ocean Commissioner Blue Economy CRC Ocean Impact Organisation Minderoo Foundation Australian Institute of Marine Science CSIRO Geoscience Australia Bureau of Meteorology Seafood Industry Australia Offshore Infrastructure Regulator NOPSEMA Sydney Institute of Marine Science Dr Lucy Buxton Tanya Plibersek Penny Sharpe