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Environment summit kicks off: The Consortium of African Funds for the Environment (Cafe) is hosting its annual meeting at Swakopmund this week. The meeting aims to promote participant cooperation, education, and creativity on sustainable funding, biodiversity conservation, and the use of technology in conservation. The meeting is part of a deliberate effort to improve environmental protection across Africa. “The 2024 consortium marks a critical turning point in ongoing efforts to address environmental issues and advance sustainable development throughout Africa,” Cafe noted in a recent statement. The event is poised to be a landmark occasion for stakeholders committed to preserving Africa’s rich biodiversity and is being held in partnership with the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia. Cafe, established as a network of the ConservationTrust Funds (CTFs), is driven to tackle positive change in environmental conservation, noted the statement. “With 18 member funds managing over US$300 million in endowments and additional donor financing, Cafe is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the continent’s conservation efforts,” noted the statement. The fund aims to facilitate collaboration and networking among member funds to enhance knowledge exchange and best practices in environmental conservation; build institutional capacity within CTFs to optimise their impact and sustainability; and advocate for increased investment in conservation and sustainable development initiatives across Africa. It also aims to foster partnerships with governments, non-governmental organisations, private sector entities, and other stakeholders to advance common conservation goals as well as promote innovation and adaptability in conservation strategies to address emerging environmental challenges. “As Africa continues to face the challenges of environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change, the importance of collective action and collaboration cannot be overstated,” noted the statement. “Through synergy, innovation and unwavering commitment, Cafe and its partners are paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future for Africa’s people and ecosystem,” read the statement. The post Environment summit kicks off appeared first on The Namibian.

How Malaysia’s palm oil industry is championing biodiversity conservation, a key pillar of ESG There is a growing focus on environmental, social and governance \(ESG\) practices in the palm oil industry, with Malaysia — one of the largest palm oil producers in the world — at the forefront of this movement. The country has pledged to conserve biodiversity and prevent illegal deforestation, committing to maintain at least 50% forest cover. True to its word, 54.9% of Malaysia remained forested as at December 2023, it published in the Fourth National Communication Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Malaysia’s efforts align with international treaties like the Paris Agreement and national standards such as the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil \(MSPO\) certification scheme. This certification mandates no deforestation and safeguards High Conservation Value \(HCV\) areas, primary forests and regions with significant carbon stocks. It also set a “No Deforestation” cut-off date of Dec 31, 2019. Central to this discourse is the role of biodiversity conservation in oil palm plantations. According to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council \(MPOC\), palm oil companies in the country are increasingly integrating biodiversity conservation into their operations, reflecting a broader awareness of the link between healthy ecosystems and sustainable agriculture. https://lnkd.in/ghQcV44z

🌱Just a few days ago, the European Parliament announced that it has adopted a law aimed at restoring and protecting natural habitats and ecosystems. 🌿The new law passed with a narrow majority of 329 votes in favor, with 275 against and 24 abstentions What are the key takeaways from the EU vote on nature restoration law: 1. Ambitious Targets: The EU has set ambitious targets to restore and protect nature, aiming to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. 2. Biodiversity Protection: The law focuses on the protection and restoration of biodiversity-rich habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands. These habitats play a crucial role in supporting diverse plant and animal species. 3. Ecosystem Services: The restoration of nature will help enhance ecosystem services, such as clean water, air purification, and climate regulation. This will have positive impacts on human well-being and sustainable development. 4. Funding Mechanisms: The EU will establish funding mechanisms to support nature restoration efforts, including the European Restoration Fund. This will provide financial resources for restoration projects across member states. 5. Synergies with Climate Goals: The nature restoration law aligns with the EU's climate goals, as healthy ecosystems can contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation. It recognizes the importance of nature-based solutions in addressing climate change. 6. Stakeholder Engagement: The law emphasizes the involvement of local communities, stakeholders, and indigenous peoples in the decision-making process for nature restoration projects. This ensures that restoration efforts are inclusive and consider the interests of various groups. Overall, the EU vote on nature restoration law demonstrates a significant commitment to protect and restore nature, recognizing its vital role in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and climate action.

Promoting Biodiversity Conservation:How ISO 14001 Benefits Businesses Preserving biodiversity and natural resources is not just an environmental concern but also a global priority. In recognition of this, regulations are increasingly requiring businesses to prioritise biodiversity conservation through impact assessments, implementation of conservation measures, and adherence to land-use restrictions. ISO 14001, an internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems, provides businesses with a framework to integrate biodiversity considerations into their operations, promoting sustainable practices and ensuring compliance with environmental conservation regulations. https://lnkd.in/eKmD5C5F #biodiversity #environmentalmanagement #iso14001 #greenwashing #energy #energyindustry #energyefficiency #energysavings #energynews #ems #environmental #environmentalmanagement #green #greenenergy #environmentalconsulting #environnement #isostandard #isocertification #iso #iso #isocertification #isocertified #isoconsultants #isocertificationbody #ukas #isostandards #isoconsultant #isoconsultancy #iso50001 #enms

Promoting Biodiversity Conservation: How ISO 14001 Benefits Businesses Preserving biodiversity and natural resources is not just an environmental concern but also a global priority. In recognition of this, regulations are increasingly requiring businesses to prioritise biodiversity conservation through impact assessments, implementation of conservation measures, and adherence to land-use restrictions. ISO 14001, an internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems, provides businesses with a framework to integrate biodiversity considerations into their operations, promoting sustainable practices and ensuring compliance with environmental conservation regulations. https://lnkd.in/eQ7bCkcQ #biodiversity #conservation #iso14001 #greenwashing #energy #energyindustry #energyefficiency #energysavings #energynews #ems #environmental #environmentalmanagement #green #greenenergy #environmentalconsulting #environnement #isostandard #isocertification #iso #iso #isocertification #isocertified #isoconsultants #isocertificationbody #ukas #isostandards #isoconsultant #isoconsultancy #iso50001 #enms

𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗴𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Bhutan’s environmental conservation framework lacks clarity in addressing development projects’ impacts on habitats, the link between biodiversity laws and development is brittle, and gaps were identified in the biodiversity management plan. These are some of the challenges in biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of living natural resources. The environmental and social standards (ESS) include studies on the assessment and management of environmental risks and impacts, labour and working conditions, addressing resource efficiency and pollution management, community health and safety, land acquisition, restrictions on land use and involuntary resettlement, indigenous people, safeguarding cultural heritage, and stakeholder engagement for information disclosure. https://lnkd.in/gbkVZ8Sm

Yesterday, The EU Nature Restoration Law, a groundbreaking legal framework aimed at restoring nature, received approval! The law sets targets to restore 20% of the EU’s degraded land and sea areas by 2030, and ultimately all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. Here are some of the legally binding targets set out in the law: 🌳 Plant at least 3 billion trees across Europe to restore degraded and deforested lands. 🐝 Commit to reversing the decline of pollinator populations by 2030. 💧Restore over 1 million hectares of drained wetlands to enhance biodiversity, purify water sources, and capture carbon. 🌍 Restore 250,000 hectares of degraded peatlands to improve water quality, sequester carbon, and support unique plant and animal species. 🌊 Restore at least 25,000 km of European rivers to free-flowing conditions by 2030, to maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems, and ensure natural processes such as sediment transport and nutrient cycling. 🐠 Expand marine protected areas to cover 30% of Europe's seas, protecting marine biodiversity, fish stocks, and vulnerable habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. 🌾 Support farmers to transition 10 million hectares of farmland to organic practices by 2030, improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing chemical usage. 🏡 Develop 15,000 hectares of urban green spaces by 2030 to enhance air quality, and the wellbeing of urban residents across Europe. While this law may not completely solve the issue, it represents a crucial step towards reversing biodiversity loss, enhancing food security, and creating a healthier future for all 🙌🏻

In honor of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we are pleased to launch the GEF-7 Inclusive Conservation Initiative Phase 2 Report In 2019, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) decided to pilot a new initiative for increased access of financing to Indigenous and local community organizations to conserve biodiversity, deliver multiple global environmental benefits (GEBs), and support related cultural and economic development initiatives. A part of the GEF-7 Programming Directions Strategy’s Biodiversity focal area, the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) was endorsed in January 2022 and is built upon the principle that inclusive conservation requires that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPs and LCs) are the main actors and implementers. At the same time, the project does not aim to define the concept of “inclusive conservation” and recognizes that this is also self-determined by IPs and LCs. With over $22.5M invested in project financing and over $90M of expected co-financing, ICI is designed to support the leadership of IPs and LCs in stewarding lands, waters, and natural resources. The Phase Two report of the Inclusive ICI underscores the unwavering dedication of the GEF and its partner agencies to supporting IPs and LCs, who are vital custodians of our planet’s most valuable ecosystems.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is crucial for biodiversity conservation. An EIA is a process that evaluates the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account social, cultural, and economic factors. It aims to predict and mitigate adverse effects, promote sustainable development, and ensure compliance with environmental policies and regulations. The Kihansi Spray Toads (Nectophrynoides asperginis) are a critically endangered species endemic to the Kihansi Gorge in Tanzania. Their survival depends on the unique microhabitat created by the Kihansi Falls, which provides a cool, moist environment with a stable temperature range and high humidity. In 2000, the Tanzanian government constructed the Kihansi Electricity Dam Project to generate hydroelectric power. The dam significantly reduced water flow to the Kihansi Gorge, altering the microhabitat of the Spray Toads and causing a dramatic decline in their population. By 2004, only a few hundred individuals remained, down from an estimated 17,000 before the dam’s construction. An EIA could have predicted these consequences and suggested measures to minimize the impact on biodiversity. For instance, implementing alternative energy sources or designing a more environmentally friendly dam structure could have preserved the Spray Toads’ habitat. Unfortunately, no EIA was conducted before constructing the Kihansi Electricity Dam Project. The EIA process can also involve public participation, allowing local communities and stakeholders to voice their concerns and contribute to decision-making. In this case, involving indigenous knowledge could have helped identify potential impacts on the Spray Toads and their habitat. Efforts have been made to conserve the Kihansi Spray Toads through captive breeding programs and habitat restoration projects. However, their long-term survival remains uncertain due to ongoing changes in their environment. By Tyson masawanga

🌎🫶🏻🌿🌳 ‘A momentous day for nature’: EU approves first-of-its-kind law that could bring back biodiversity EU's Nature Restoration Law: A Groundbreaking Step Towards Ecosystem Revival After months of deliberations, the EU’s Nature Restoration Law has finally been approved. This first-of-its-kind regulation aims to restore Europe’s damaged ecosystems and boost biodiversity. “There is no time for a break in protecting our environment,” says Alain Maron, environment minister for the Brussels region. “Today, the Council of the EU is choosing to restore nature in Europe, thereby protecting its biodiversity and the living environment of European citizens.” Environmental organizations have celebrated the law's passing. Noor Yafai from The Nature Conservancy called it "a momentous day for nature" that will deliver "a vital boost to efforts to implement international climate and biodiversity targets." WWF EU also praised the "game-changing law for Europe's degraded ecosystems," describing it as "a huge win for the EU's nature, citizens, and the economy." Key Aspects of the Nature Restoration Law The Nature Restoration Law aims to: - Restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and all degraded ecosystems by 2050. - Implement continent-wide binding targets and obligations for EU member states to rehabilitate natural habitats, 80% of which are currently in poor condition. - Focus on ecosystems with the most potential to capture and store carbon, including wetlands, rivers, forests, grasslands, urban, and marine ecosystems. - Increase biodiversity, clean water and air, pollinate crops, improve food security, and prevent natural disasters like floods. This law is part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and is expected to help Europe meet the Paris Agreement pledge to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Challenges Faced by the Law The Nature Restoration Law was first proposed by the European Commission in June 2022. It received a boost at the COP15 UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal when countries agreed to restore 30% of the world’s degraded ecosystems by 2030. However, backlash from conservative parties, including the European People's Party (EPP), halted the proposal. They argued that the bill would threaten the livelihoods of European farmers, decrease food production, disrupt supply chains, and increase food prices. Despite these challenges, the European Commission, left-wing groups, climate scientists, and commercial players argued for the law's importance to the long-term viability of European industry. Some conservatives broke away from the EPP’s stance to vote in favor of the law last July. After a provisional agreement was reached in November, the law faced further opposition from farmer protests across Europe at the start of this year. Note from: https://lnkd.in/ejqAXxUh #nature #sea #news #industry #EU #Challenge #NetZero