#First Global Conservationist

[theoxenfree]

BOUNTY

hot gunslinging outlaw x reader | 2.7k

following your bitter mother's death, you come to learn that you're the illegitimate child of the most powerful man in san-am, soon to come into a vast inheritance as he is on his deathbed. what you anticipate to be an uneventful train across the country comes to a screeching halt when a mysterious man boards and tells you there's a substantial bounty on your head.

warnings; multiple mentions of death, brief blood mention, some graphic details, kidnapping, roughly proofread, post-apocalyptic setting, neo-western, reposted from old blog 2kmps

this is a concept piece for a larger project. please offer feedback to the questions at the end + reblog!! it really helps out with the project development and honing in on what y'all wanna see in the finished story!

Mother died a week before the lawyer showed up on your doorstep with an inheritance letter and half-hearted condolences for your absentee father’s poor prognosis. A day after that, your life was stowed into a pair of suitcases and a heavier hard case that you barely justified bringing aboard the train. In three weeks and three layovers, you would be across the continent in St. Corpus, the industrial heart of San-Am, where your father awaited you on his deathbed.

Horace Grissom had fathered a new age of industry and outward expansion in lands once believed to be sprawling metropolises centuries long gone. They had been left behind as skeletons of steel and rust from a time of global war, reclaimed in totality by the roots of elder trees, the decay of salt and sea, the precarious will of mountains, and the great sinkholes and corrosion of sand and time.

Traces of that old world had survived thanks in part to the rigorous efforts of archaeologists and conservationists at the University of San-Am in Grimerise. With each new discovery, opportunistic vultures like your father blotted their pens to their tongues to their pocketbooks and readied themselves to own the patent of it like history had a price and could only belong to them. Indeed, anything could be bought, because with those fragments of history, he built the San-Am Continental Railroad which crossed through each of the five territories and was considered the premier way to travel.

You were never allowed to ask questions about Horace under Mother’s roof as the very mention of his name would set her ablaze in some pettish, garrulous tantrum that, oftentimes, ended with you going to bed before dusk without dinner until the next day. She loved that bitterness up until the very moment she died, clawing your clothes, your skin, her nightgown, her own throat because she couldn't breathe and there was nothing you could do to save her from succumbing.

“Go in peace, Mother.” you said, kissing the back of her sun-speckled hand even as she tried digging her nails into your face. “I love you.”

She did not waste peacefully, nor did she end by staring up rapturously at the ceiling as though something else waited for her beyond it. Mother passed in blood, vomit, excrement, and all her hatred while you bade her farewell and considered who was best to call to have her body carted away to burn with all the others that had also succumbed that day. You made sure to label that as the cause of death on the official paperwork.

After that, you had made quick work of piling all of her things into boxes to be incinerated as well, certified the house was safe and in a liveable state (besides her old mattress, which was the first thing you disposed of because of the smell) for another family to move into.

Once all of that had been finished and you gained the time to rest, you got a knock at your door, a bald, sinewy man with a round hat claiming to be Joseph Whitwald—estate planning lawyer, he made sure to specify more than once—and that you needed to leave post haste to your father's estate in St. Corpus before he perished.

“You have significant placement in his will, illegitimate or not. This is what he wanted, this is what shall be done,” said Whitwald assuredly as he rooted through the pockets of his pants and white suit vest for something. He found it and made a sound and a flourish, revealing to you a red ticket. “Take this. It's for one of the elite cabins in first class. Your father wanted you to have the best amenities that the San-Am Continental has to offer.”

Even with such luxuries available to you with the sound of a bell on string, you eventually found yourself exchanging tickets with a young woman traveling solo for the first time. She went red in the eyes, asserted her appreciation, and scooped you into a hug before taking the ticket and her belongings to the first car.

The passenger car was considerably noisier with children running amok, drunks and musicians belting tunes while dancing in the center aisle—doing poorly to keep their balance as the train navigated the terrain beneath the rails, and ladies in bustles and fashionable blouses screaming like hens over fresh gossip. The stewards were frustrated that they couldn't get their trolleys through all the bodies, whereas some passengers let their stomachs roar through their mouths as they assailed anyone nearby (especially the poor lads just trying to deliver food) with complaints.

You liked everything happening around you; it was a good distraction from the way life had twisted your arm behind your back. The cacophony of laughter and anger felt like home, a comfortable companion to sit there with you on the empty, thinly padded benches while you stared uselessly at the inheritance papers—uncomprehending.

A gasp shot up your throat and made you bite your tongue as you were launched forward onto the adjacent bench (also empty) when the train suddenly began to slow—brakes engaged with such quickness that the wood beams under your feet vibrated up through your soles into your bones and teeth and skull until you became lightheaded and collapsed back into your seat.

The squeal and grind of steel worsened your confusion, turned the fuzz in your head into dull drumming—aches that pulsed to a beat you couldn't figure out, but it deadened the screams all around you and bodies hitting the floorboards in thunderous heaps.

And then, there was silence.

The other passengers kept their voices low as they climbed back into their seats, children were smothered deep into their mother’s bosoms as they wept, and no one dared to investigate what had brought the train to such a violent stop.

“Mummy, what's happening?” asked a girl from the benches behind you. She couldn't have been older than ten, from the sound of her. “Mummy, why—”

“Lottie!” the mother hissed at her daughter, “Shhh! Say nothing else, child.”

From a few seats away, closer to the front, you recognized the gruff, muddled voice from one of the drunkards who had been dancing in the aisle a while ago. Now, he had a bloody nose and a nasty knot growing on his forehead.

“What the hell is the big idea of them scarin’ the piss outta us like this? Do you see my face? They gonna do somethin’ to fix it?” he complained, then swigged liquor from a flask he had smuggled on. “I should go up there and give ‘em a piece of my mind. Bastards.”

“Peace, friend,” soothed a musician with an unfamiliar accent and stringed instrument. “Don't be hasty. I'm sure there’s a good reason why they had to stop. Let them find a solution, we’re just here for the ride.”

Just as the chatter was rising up again, commotion from the first class car stifled it hard, prompting some folks to abandon their seats near the door separating the cars to crowd into the rear. You were tempted to flee with them, join their pack so if they were going to find a way off the train, you'd be mixed up in their stampede and have a better chance to get away.

Except, you simply packed away your inheritance paperwork and sat there with your chin tucked to the collarbone, the visor of your baseball cap pulled lower over your sunglasses to seem as nondescript as possible. Meanwhile, the sounds from first class grew intense; glass shattered, passengers screamed and shuffled around, something you knew to be true because you felt the floor rumble under your feet again.

And then, the passenger car door slid open without the ferocity you had expected. The door scraped along its metal rail, allowing the body to pass through in heavy, languid steps. You paced your breaths to hear it all; the boots and clinking spurs striking wood with dull thuds, a baritone hum that you were convinced you could feel reverberate in your own chest as it came closer, the scuff of thick fabric and creaking leather.

You waited for it all to pass, to move on like a slow-moving rain cloud amidst a humid summer day, but it stopped at you instead. The tips of the man's boots were within view, as were slithers of tattered, black fabric from a long duster that fell short of his shins.

And then, there was the barrel of a gun. The breaths you had been holding shivered out of you, cold dread sank deep into your stomach and bones as the gun flicked upward a few times.

You obeyed and raised your head up to look at the man—tall, broad-shouldered, a rugged face with dark features mostly obscured by the shadow of his wide rim.

He tilted his head, gun higher as he flicked it down and you understood that to mean to take off your sunglasses. When you did so, offering him a full view of your face, his lips lifted crookedly into a half-smile.

“Well then,” he took the bench adjacent to you before holding something up to your head, seemingly a piece of paper, and shifted his gaze between you and it just twice. “Aren't you something special? Found you, darlin’.”

“What?” you frowned. “Found me?”

“Yeah, the resemblance is uncanny. You're definitely his kid. It's all in the eyes, really.” He said, turning the paper around to reveal a photograph of a man who you did share an eerie likeness to. It was the sameness in the eyes—the color and shape and emotion they evoked through a simple still image. “Horace Grissom had an illegitimate kid a long time ago. Turns out, not everyone is so pleased for that to become public knowledge. Turns out, someone wants you to bite the ground.”

“I've done nothing wrong!” you bristled.

He settled on the bench and hiked an arm up across the back of it. “That's usually how it goes, hun. Puttin’ holes in types like you really ain't my favorite thing to do. You'd be surprised how many people get put in your exact situation. Well, eh, not quite. ‘Cause not everyone is Horace Grissom’s kid.”

“Who hired you?” you demanded.

His lopsided smile remained. “Can't tell you that, darlin’. Confidentiality an’ all that.”

“So, then, you're a bounty hunter?” At this point, you weren't sure if you were trying to stave off an inevitability, or he had just riled you up that badly. “How much are you getting?”

“Enough to live the high-life for quite a while, I'd say.” He continued, “but I ain't no bounty hunter. Them folks gotta play by rulebooks an’ a bunch of codes and whatever. Not my thing.”

“A criminal, then,” you said. “An outlaw.”

He shifted the rim of his hat away from his eyes and leaned towards a pillar of golden, midmorning sunlight that came in through the window. “Sure, if that's what'll make you feel better about this entire thing.”

You could actually see him now—the contrast between the ambery hue in his rich complexion and pale green of his eyes. His skin had some weather to it, enough to prove that he had seen the worst of every season for years on end without it wearing him thin, along with thoroughly kempt hair on his face and loose waves that draped slightly beyond his shoulders.

“I…” the longer he stared at you, the less you were able to think. That was ridiculous considering you had survived the soul-crushing burden of engineering school and all of the personalities therein. “I can offer you something better than what you were hired for.”

He did a fast sweep of the colossal heaps of fabric hanging from your frame, a style you preferred to keep eyes off of you on the best and worst of days. It didn't do much to deter him as it did others.

“Oh, yeah? Whaddya got, hun?”

You lifted your shoulders and stacked your bones right. “I've got a vast inheritance that I'm not interested in. Horace is dying and I’m in his will to receive half his properties, along with his shares in the San-Am Continental Railway and Subsidiaries. If you can get me to St. Corpus, you can have the inheritance—every last gris.”

A shrill whistle echoed around your head, tuneful and mocking. The sound of it whittled your confidence back down to nothing, filling the space of your throat with a vise that you couldn't seem to swallow around. That same great unease you had felt before weaseled around in your chest, coiled your ribs and then plunged straight down into your gut.

“Good offer, but it ain't on the table.” The way he spoke was easy and slow, a thick drawl that suited every bit of him up to even now. He acted as though he weren't essentially holding a gun to your head, threatening your life in the name of money—or something else. “Gris is always good to have lyin’ around, but, honey, it don't really mean a lot to a man like me. Why, then, d’ya think I take on work like this? Why do ya think I trek halfway across the five territories time and time again? What really keeps a man goin’ out here in this godforsaken place?”

You felt yourself shrink in your seat as he leaned forward over his thighs, coming closer still like he had a secret to keep. “It's for the thrill. The hunt. The challenge of it all. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't actively seek out men to shoot or… nice types like you, but part of the fun is trackin’ down, the other part is just havin’ a chat—just like this.”

Then, he had the picture of Horace held out to you between two fingers. “Tell ya what, I see that hard case you brought aboard. I know what it is, but I want you to offer me somethin’ more interesting than a bunch of gris.”

You scrunched the photograph against your palm once you had it, hoping the sweat off your skin would ruin his face and make the ink run, but looked to the aforementioned hard case instead.

It was made of a hard plastic shell with strips of rubber outlining the odd shape of the thing. Inside was your handheld welding gun—one of many—that you had decided to bring along for little reason besides thinking it could be of use at some point during your time away. It wouldn't be enough to handle larger jobs such as the ones you were accustomed to in the workshop back in Grimerise, but it could fix a wagon or two, glue some pipes together, and do some damage if need be.

“C’mon, darlin’, sell yourself to me.” he pressed, gesturing his impatience with winding fingers. “What do you do for a living, huh?”

“I'm an engineer,” you continued hastily, “I-I can solder, weld, braze, cut, and saw. I can do anything if I have the right equipment.”

In turn, he asked, “Does that mean you can cut open a safe?”

“If you give me what I need, I can do anything.” you said.

A new sort of look overcame his features, one of great fondness and admiration that made the green of his eyes take on the milky luster of jade. You had the hope that this unique softness would gain you freedom from a shallow, empty death; a chance to go forward to seize the assets sworn to you by a man you'd never known.

His hands came forward to take your wrists, the weight of them first heavy and then cold as a pair of handcuffs were locked around you, knocking bone when you lunged back into your seat and fought against them.

“I've got myself quite boon!” In the next moment, he had hauled you up across his shoulder, retrieved both your suitcases, and called one of the stewards to carry your welding gun after him. “Time to go. Gotta introduce you to the crew and get ya settled in.”

“Wait, I don't even know your name!” you shouted and thrashed from shoulder.

He grinned. “Jericho, darlin’.”

a/n: thank you for reading, and hopefully (pls 🥹) reblogging this first concept piece! let me give you a little bit of background before launching into questions:

this entire idea came to be after reading/watching trigun, watching fallout prime, playing fallout 4, and prior playing my time at sandrock. setting-wise, I imagine the story will have some similarities between all of these things while putting mainly my own spin on the sci-fi western genre.

I intend for this project to be around 90k-100k by the time it is completed and will be the longest piece of writing I've done to date. additionally, I am building the entire world from the ground up and genuinely hoping to execute an extremely immersive reading experience! it is currently in the brainstorming and rough outlining stage, but I am making polls and asking for feedback to help move the process along.

I'd like to up to 2-3 additional concept pieces bc the scale of this project is so large. which concept piece would you like to see next, first? 1) an intimate moment sitting around the fire with jericho 2) jericho teaching mc how to shoot and gets very, very close.

currently, what is your impression of jericho's character? what could I do to improve upon him?

would you prefer for this story to be streamlined w/ the main focus on mc reaching st. corpus + theirs and jericho's romance? or, would you like prev mentioned + detailed character arcs of the other characters in jericho's crew?

this story is neo-western, but is definitely an adventure and epic at heart. is there anything in particular you'd be interested in seeing me write for a story like this? different areas around the continent? creatures? cultures? spend some extra time in st. corpus?

[mindblowingscience]

Global rhinoceros numbers have increased to 27,000 despite populations being ravaged by poaching and habitat loss, new figures show, with some species rebounding for the first time in a decade. Rhinos numbered about 500,000 across Africa and Asia in the 20th century but their populations have been devastated. Last year, they began showing signs of recovery in some areas, although two species – the Javan and Sumatran – remain close to disappearing. Figures released by the IUCN African Rhino Specialist Group, the conservation body, indicate that the global rhino population increased to about 27,000 at the end of last year, with southern white rhino numbers increasing for the first time since 2012, from 15,942 at the end of 2021 to 16,803. In 2021, the world’s rhino population was estimated to be 26,272. Black rhinos, native to east and southern Africa, have been heavily depleted by poaching for their horns but last year increased by nearly 5%, rising from 6,195 at the end of 2021 to 6,487 at the end of 2022. This increase has happened despite a rise in black rhinos killed by poachers, and has been aided by conservationists establishing new populations that have grown in size.

Continue Reading

[thatsleepymermaid]

Via Sanjana Gajbhiye at Earth.com

The African penguin has lost 97 percent of its population, and unless we step up, they could vanish in less than 4,000 days. It’s not often that a species gets the dubious honor of being the first to meet certain criteria. However, the African penguin has become the first of 18 global penguin species to be classified as “Critically Endangered.” We cannot overlook the gravity of this situation. SANCCOB, BirdLife South Africa, and Blue Marine are raising their voices, appealing to the government and the global community to act now to save the endangered African penguin. For conservationists worldwide, the IUCN Red List is the gold-standard tool for assessing extinction risk. It’s like a medical chart for biodiversity, indicating which species are at risk and which are critically close to extinction. To date, the IUCN Red List includes 163,040 species. Overall, 45,321 of these species are threatened with extinction. The uplisting of the African penguin to “Critically Endangered” is a red flag, signaling the urgent need for collaborative action.

The largest threat to the African penguins seems to be competition with commercial fishermen as well as environmental change and pollution. SANCCOB started a petition to increase the no-take fisheries zones needed for African penguins to survive.

[world-of-wales]

THE PRINCE DIARIES ♚

5 NOVEMBER 2024 || SOUTH AFRICA VISIT : DAY II (1/4) - TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

The Prince of Wales attended a nature walk with park rangers and conservationists at Signal Hill which is part of the wider Table Mountain National Park as his first engagement on his second day in Cape Town.

He spoke to park rangers, firefighters, mountain rescue volunteers, biodiversity experts and youth volunteers from Mayine e-Africa about the rich diversity of fauna and flora, and the work that they do together to protect the environment while ensuring that residents and tourists are able to enjoy the park.

He was joined by Earthshot Global Ambassador Robert Irwin & Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis for the final stretch of the walk.

William and the rest of the attendees completed the walk at the iconic Cape Town Yellow Frame on Signal Hill.

[thehopefuljournalist]

Am I a little bit late for some of you? I might be. But anyways. Here's what went right around the world this past week :)

Youth climate activists won a huge climate lawsuit

Sixteens youths (aged five to 22) from Montana, US, have emerged victorious after suing state officials for violating their right to a clean environment.

In their lawsuit, they argued that Montana's fossil fuel policies contributed to climate change, which harms their physical and mental health. Montana is a major coal producer, with large oil and gas reserves. The state has rebuffed these claims, saying that their emissions were insignificant on a global scale.

Judge Kathy Seely, in a 103-page ruling, set a legal precedent for young people’s rights to a safe climate by finding in their favour. “Every additional tonne of GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions exacerbates plaintiffs’ injuries and risks locking in irreversible climate injuries".

This win marks the very first time a US court has ruled against a government for a violation of constitutional rights based on climate change. It will now be up to Montana lawmakers to bring state policies in line.

“As fires rage in the west, fueled by fossil fuel pollution, today’s ruling in Montana is a gamechanger that marks a turning point in this generation’s efforts to save the planet from the devastating effects of human-caused climate chaos.” - Julia Olson, executive director of nonprofit law firm, Our Children’s Trust, which represented the youths in this case.

Number of Mexicans living in poverty fell by millions

Thanks to a new minimum wage boost and increases to pensions, the number of Mexicans living in poverty fell by 8.9 million between 2020-2022, according to new data published by the country’s social development agency, Coneval.

Coneval’s statistics suggest that the number of people living in extreme poverty also fell – from 10.8 million in 2020 to 9.1 million last year – although that figure is still up from a pre-Covid 8.7 million recorded in 2018.

There is still a long way to go, and some critics do claim that during the current president, López Obrador's presidency has been characterized by austerity.

An organised crime group trafficking endangered species has been jailed

The Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), a small European wildlife charity, is apparently busting kingpins behind as much as half of the world's illegal trade in pangolin scales. The traffickers began six-year jail sentences a few weeks ago.

The wildlife charity went undercover to expose three Vietnamese and one Guinean national, members of an organised crime group trafficking body parts of endangered species including rhinos. 

They were arrested in May 2022, following a four-year investigation by the WJC, and were accused of trafficking 7.1 tonnes of pangolin scales, as well as 850kg of ivory. Last month they pleaded guilty to smuggling and were jailed for six years.

All eight species of pangolin are listed as threatened animals, four critically endangered - they are protected by international law.

“There has not been a reported seizure of pangolin scales in Asia originating from Africa in more than 550 days,” said Steve Carmody, WJC’s director of programmes. “There is no clearer example of the importance of disrupting organised crime networks.”

AI gave conservationists a breakthrough

The use of AI-controlled microphones and cameras seems set to revolutionise

biodiversity monitoring in the UK following groundbreaking work by researchers at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). They used the tech to record and analyse 3,000 hours of wildlife audio captured by monitors located near London railway lines.

The computers detected dozens of bird species, foxes, deer, bats and hedgehogs, and mapped their locations.

It’s hoped the innovation will help improve conservation and habitat management on Network Rail land.

This year is best ever for UK renewable energy installations

This years looks to be the best year so far for UK renewable energy installations, with record numbers of households fitting solar panels and heat pumps.

2023 marks the first time solar panel installations have topped an average of 20,000 a month, as homeowners look to harvest energy from the sun amid rising utility bills. 

Read the full story here.

The UK’s Tree of the Year shortlist was revealed

The Woodland Trust has announced the shortlist for its annual celebration of some of the UK’s most treasured ancient trees, and for 2023 the spotlight is on the urban landscape.

“Ancient trees in towns and cities are vital for the health of nature, people and planet,” said the charity’s lead campaigner Naomi Tilley. “They give thousands of urban wildlife species essential life support, boost the UK’s biodiversity and bring countless health and wellbeing benefits to communities.”

Article published August 17, 2023

Thank you so much for reading! Let me know what interested you, and if there's any specific topic you'd like me to dig into, my DM's are always open :)

Much love!

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - May 8-14

Like these weekly compilations? Support me on Ko-fi! Also, if you tip me on Ko-fi, at the end of the month I'll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn't use each week - almost double the content!

1. Critically endangered fish with red hands and 'sad toad face' returned to the wild in Tasmania

“Conservationists in Australia are celebrating the return of 18 critically endangered red handfish to the sea after they were taken into care at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) in January to protect them from marine heatwaves.”

2. A rare Australian marsupial is being genetically modified to save it from extinction. Here's how

“Scientists are trying to genetically 'edit' the endangered northern quoll to make it resistant to the neurotoxin of the invasive cane toad. […] Now experts in gene-editing […] say they can introduce genetic resistance to the toxin by taking DNA from a species of South American lizard and ‘edit’ that into the cells of a northern quoll. They have already managed to do this with the cells of the closely related dunnart, another endemic marsupial.”

3. More and faster: Electricity from clean sources reaches 30% of global total

“For the first time, 30% of electricity produced worldwide was from clean energy sources as the number of solar and wind farms continued to grow fast. [...] Some of [the past year’s] new demand was for heat pumps, which are an efficient way to both heat and cool buildings, and for electric vehicles. [... Last year was also] the 19th year in a row that solar was the fastest-growing source of electricity generation.”

4. Standards Established To Improve Health Care For Kids With Disabilities

“Developed by a panel of health care experts, adults with disabilities and caregivers, the plan published recently in the journal Pediatrics […] calls for providers to be trained about caring for those with neurodevelopmental disabilities, improved communication with patients and their families and proactive planning in advance of health care encounters to ensure that patients are at ease and provided accommodations.”

5. Working together to better understand Alaska’s beluga whales

“Beluga conservation efforts depend on an accurate count of whales. Indigenous hunters also need to know how many belugas there are so that they [can] decide how many can be safely harvested. That’s why WWF is bringing together Western science and Indigenous knowledge […. U]sing hydrophones to detect belugas in the Yukon River works—and it is an approach that is both cost-effective and non-invasive.”

6. Robotic system feeds people with severe mobility limitations

“Researchers have developed a robotic feeding system that uses computer vision, machine learning and multimodal sensing to safely feed people with severe mobility limitations, including those with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. […] The robotic system successfully fed 13 individuals with diverse medical conditions in a user study spanning three locations[….] Users of the robot found it to be safe and comfortable, researchers said.”

7. Senate Passage of America’s Conservation Enhancement Act a Win for Wildlife

“The Senate’s reauthorization of the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act will benefit America’s wildlife and way of life. Led by Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Shelley Capito (R-W.Va.), the bill invests in wetlands and habitat restoration projects across the country as well as strategies to reduce conflicts between wildlife and livestock. […] The passage of this bill shows us once again that Americans are united on the need to protect wildlife and our outdoor heritage,” said Andrew Wilkins, director of land conservation policy at the National Wildlife Federation.”

8. Liberals and conservatives differ on climate change beliefs--but are relatively united in taking action

“The study, led by researchers at New York University, finds that when given the opportunity, liberals and conservatives take action to address climate change at roughly the same levels -- and that this is due to conservatives choosing to take action despite their climate-change beliefs rather than liberals failing to act on theirs.”

9. Democratic state attorneys general are teaming up to protect abortion access

“A group of Democratic attorneys general are working to strengthen state-level protections for abortion, contraception and gender-affirming care. These protections could include expanding the use of so-called “shield laws,” which assert that states where abortion or gender-affirming care are legal won’t cooperate with out-of-state efforts to prosecute anyone who helped provide treatment.”

10. Antwerp gives residents free trees

“The Belgian city of Antwerp has 2,000 trees to give away, and it wants to give them to residents to plant in their gardens [...] with the aim of involving citizens in the greenifying process of the city. [...] What’s more, the city website offers practical advice on how to proceed with planting and caring for the tree so that it will meet the standards set by the municipality. [...] The City makes sure to give dead trees a second life by using their wood in the making of natural kids’ playgrounds.”

May 1-7 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[mariacallous]

KATHMANDU, Nepal—When Kumar Paudel turned on the TV in August 2016 and saw former Prime Minister Kirti Nidhi Bista giving an interview from his home, it wasn’t the content of the conversation that caught his attention. It was the massive tiger pelt hanging on Bista’s wall.

At the time, Paudel, a conservationist based in Kathmandu, was traveling around Nepal’s prisons to conduct interviews with incarcerated individuals as part of his research into why people commit wildlife crime. Although there are few official statistics on wildlife crime in Nepal, researchers believe that the country is a key hub in the region for wildlife trafficking, one that serves as an important transit route between India and China.

Nepal has some of the strictest wildlife crime laws in the world, but they are unevenly enforced: While the country’s poor languish in prison for their involvement in the trade, the rich and powerful illegally flaunt exotic skins as showpieces.

Paudel is deeply aware of this disparity. Between 2016 and 2017, he interviewed 116 prisoners convicted for wildlife crime, mostly in the rhinoceros trade. Some had been part of international wildlife trafficking syndicates; many others were driven by economic desperation or were not sure why they had been arrested. More than half of them lived below the poverty line, and 75 percent came from Indigenous communities.

“Prosecution is mainly targeted at poor and vulnerable communities in the global south who are not often at the helm of driving international illegal wildlife trade,” Paudel said when I met him in December at a small forested patch amid Kathmandu’s urban sprawl. The 33-year-old conservationist had a scientist’s curiosity, his attention ensnared by every insect and plant, and his wardrobe was unselfconscious outdoor nerd: trekking shoes, baggy pants, safari jacket.

After Bista’s interview aired, Paudel decided to take matters into his own hands. Bista hadn’t been prime minister since 1979, but he was emblematic of Nepal’s elite. Paudel sought legal action to rectify Nepal’s double standard in enforcing wildlife crime. Finally, in May 2023, Nepal’s Supreme Court ruled that the government must enforce its conservation laws and seize illegal wildlife parts. The verdict marks a significant victory for conservation, but Nepal’s entrenched power structures and deep-seated inequality mean that this is only a first step in supporting both vulnerable communities and conservation efforts in the country.

Trophy hunting in Nepal dates back at least to the reign of Jung Bahadur Rana in the 19th century. British visitors embarked on trips to the region to hunt and collect exotic wildlife, including rhinos, tigers, and elephants. These expeditions weren’t mere hunting outings or camping adventures; they were elaborate demonstrations of wealth, authority, and diplomacy.

Nepali monarchs orchestrated extensive hunting expeditions to curry favor with the British. These encounters provided fertile ground for negotiating political interests and strengthening cultural ties, all while showcasing the monarchy’s authority over its natural riches.

These “hunting diplomacy” expeditions were enormous. Photographic records of the hunts are perhaps the best evidence we have that they drove megafauna across the subcontinent to endangered status and near extinction, from the Bengal tiger to the one-horned rhinoceros and the Indian elephant.

Nepal has come a long way since then. The country completely banned hunting in 1972. The following year, it enacted the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, which provides a comprehensive legal framework for the management of Nepal’s natural resources and biodiversity. The act authorizes the government to designate national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas, as well as zones where hunting is allowed under strict regulation. (Today, hunting is only allowed in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. All other hunting, even for bushmeat, is illegal, though subsistence hunting is still relatively common.)

The act also makes it illegal to use, sell, or distribute wildlife without permission, and it states that any individual in possession of wildlife parts must get a permit after acquiring them by disclosing their source. (This also applies to parts acquired before 1973.)

Despite these efforts, the country’s hunting legacy left its mark, and threats to wildlife continue to grow—including climate change, rapidly expanding human populations, the illegal wildlife trade, and a resurgence in poaching. In addition, the 1973 act isn’t always enforced; for instance, according to the director general of Nepal’s Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation, no one has ever sought to obtain a permit for any wildlife parts.

The illegal wildlife trade is rampant in Southeast Asia, where the gap between rich and poor creates both poachers and markets. In Nepal, the illegal wildlife trade largely operates covertly, and some of the product is used for manufacturing traditional medicines. But a portion of the trade meets the demand for extravagant decor. Some pelts have been exhibited in public spaces such as banks, markets, and even government offices.

Many Nepalis have been imprisoned for their involvement in the trade. (Despite poor data, researchers have found that from 2011 to 2015, there were 830 wildlife-related arrest cases reported in the country.) They fall into the trap of trafficking to support their families and spend decades paying the price.

“We are expendable and poor and desperate for money,” said Bir Bahadur Tamang, who served 15 years in prison for smuggling wildlife parts. “There are many like us.”

Tamang was born and raised in the village of Kalika on the rim of Chitwan, Nepal’s first national park. Tigers, rhinos, leopards, spotted deer, and wild buffalo roam there, along with elephants that come to graze when the plains are dry. Several Indigenous communities have been living beside these dense forests for centuries.

I first met Tamang last December outside his home in Kalika. With a hint of guilt, Tamang recalled supplying bags to masked ringleaders—whom he called “big people”—in the trade network that were full of rhino horns and pangolin scales (both of which are classic ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine), as well as tiger skin.

One morning, Tamang and six of his friends were arrested for conspiring to smuggle wildlife parts. None of them could afford to post bail, he said, and there was never a trial. Some died in prison due to physical ailments and inadequate medical treatment.

Tamang was released from prison in 2016, but as a former felon, he faces a world of poverty, hazards, and guilt. He struggles to make a living, often existing hand-to-mouth without a stable income or basic necessities. Tamang said that finding work has been challenging due to his criminal record and a spinal injury from poor confinement conditions. He is often psychologically distressed, haunted by nightmares of his time in prison, and fearful of entering the jungles that surround his home. “I’m taking it one day at a time,” he said.

As Paudel put it, when a poor person illegally kills a tiger, the full weight of the law is applied. But when a prime minister illegally owns a dead tiger, it is permitted.

Yet showcasing wildlife is harmful, too: It normalizes the trade and adds to its appeal as a status symbol. This is why, starting in 2016, Paudel lobbied for government action. First, he reported instances of illegal wildlife parts displayed in Kathmandu to different government bodies. But authorities warned him to keep quiet, and he said that some even threatened to end his career by withholding approval for his conservation and research permits.

After running in vain from one department to another for two years, Paudel made little progress. So in May 2018, Paudel filed a petition to Nepal’s Supreme Court with the help of environmental lawyer Padam Bahadur Shrestha. The petition demanded that the government urgently conduct investigations into the private possession of wildlife parts, seize illegal parts and prosecute those who own them, and maintain records on legally held wildlife parts. This includes parts used in medicines, trophies, and displays.

After five years of deferrals, the Supreme Court ruled in Paudel’s favor. It also mandated that the government implement additional measures to combat wildlife crime, including better educating the public on the wildlife possession laws and confiscating wildlife parts for educational and research purposes.

The verdict means anyone displaying trophies without the right permits is in trouble. Penalties  can include fines of roughly $7,400 and up to 15 years in prison. Courts may confiscate wildlife parts for evidence, research, or destruction, and offenders can also face penalties such as asset forfeiture and bans on further wildlife-related activities. This applies to all offenders, regardless of their socioeconomic status. “Ensuring justice isn’t about favoring one group over another,” Paudel said. “It’s about equitable treatment and holding everyone accountable under the law.”

Bista, who died in 2017, did not live to see the ruling in the case, which was spurred in part by his own decor.

For now, it’s unclear whether the government will have the desire—or ability—to enforce the law. Part of this comes down to Nepal’s history. For most of the 20th century, Nepal was ruled by a monarch who held all executive power and enjoyed absolute immunity. After the 1973 act, all wildlife trophies seized by the authorities were handed over to the Royal Palace and were often displayed in public as a symbol of royal splendor, according to Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, director general of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. The monarchy was abolished in 2008, but wildlife parts are still displayed and used in some private households of Nepal’s elite, often without any consequences.

“The lingering effects of royal impunity still resonate in the present,” Dhungana said.

According to Shrestha, the attorney who helped Paudel with his petition, powerful Nepalis often manipulate the investigation process to evade punishment. “The inconsistent application of laws within Nepal points to a glaring deficiency in our legal system: It fails to dissuade criminals, resulting in rampant impunity,” he explained.

The new rules are expected to go into effect later this year, but it will take time for officials to establish a process for investigating and certifying wildlife trophies. Although the Ministry of Forests and Environment will be responsible for this initiative, the specific details will only be determined after the full text of the verdict is released in the coming months.

Dhungana believes it will be challenging to implement the new law. “Many possessions are displayed flouting the law, but it is nearly impossible to enter every house and investigate,” he said. “One cannot presume people who have wildlife on their walls are criminals and the same ones participating in the current wildlife trade.”

Paudel, for his part, has found relief in the ruling, which marks the end of a long journey for him. He believes the decision will go far in safeguarding Nepal’s biodiversity by addressing the problem at its source: “True justice will prevail only when governments and their law enforcement agencies hold accountable those who drive the demand for illegal wildlife trade.”

Still, Paudel knows that many challenges lie ahead. “Dealing with the past is complex,” he said. “But we must find ways to make the law equitable in the future and adhere to the court’s order.”

[inthemarginalized]

For the first time in the history of the world, every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of conception until death.

-Rachel Carson (May 27, 1907 – April 14, 1964)

She was a marine biologist and conservationist whose book Silent Spring and other writings are credited with advancing the global environmental movement.

[saintmeghanmarkle]

CDAN Blind Item REVEAL: Harry & Ellie Goulding by u/Realistic_Twist_8212

CDAN Blind Item REVEAL: Harry & Ellie Goulding Blind Items Revealed #2October 25, 2024This foreign born A- list singer recently split up with her boyfriend who has a lot in common with a woman the ginger haired one hung out with a lot. The ginger haired one and the singer have a hookup history. Plus, they have crossed paths several times over the past month or two. Several times.Ellie Goulding/Surfer/Prince Harry~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Regarding Ellie Goulding as found on Wikipedia....... (FYI......THIS chick checks alot of Harry's boxes.....she talks and walks the same bullsh!t as Harry does. Plus bff with Beatrice.):"Elena Jane Goulding (/ˈɡoʊldɪŋ/ GOHL-ding; born 30 December 1986) is an English singer and songwriter.""Goulding's personal life has been highly subject of intense media scrutiny, as well a victim of constant false rumours spread by British tabloids, which has affected her public image and her mental health.\236])""....On Michael McIntyre's Big Show, she revealed that she is also close friends with Princess Beatrice of York.\229])""On 7 August 2018, Goulding and her boyfriend Caspar Jopling announced their engagement.\216])\217]) The couple were married at York Minster on 31 August 2019\218])\219]) and Goulding was baptised in the Church of England in order to get married.\220]) Jopling is the grandson of former Conservative) MP Michael Jopling, Baron Jopling.\221]) In February 2021, Goulding announced that she and Jopling were expecting their first child.\222]) She gave birth to a son, Arthur Ever Winter Jopling, in April 2021.\223])\224]) In February 2024, Goulding and Jopling announced their separation.\225])\226])""In 2024, Goulding released a statement on her Instagram stories condemning the false narratives surrounding the end of her marriage, criticising the tabloids for violating her privacy which has damaged her mental health,\243]) she denounced the several unethical practices that the media has played to get unwarranted information on her, including paying locals from Costa Rica to snitch information on her.\244])"For her constant activism on climate-change awareness, Goulding has received numerous recognitions, some of her most notorious honours includes being awarded with the 'Global Leadership Award' (2017) for her environmental and social justice activism, and being named 'Humanitarian of the Year' (2022) for her work raising the profile of fossil fuel-funded conflicts, including in Ukraine, and her support for refugees from conflict zones and the frontline of the climate crisis, both awards were given by the United Nations Foundation.\275]) Goulding was honored at the TIME 100 Impact Awards with the 'Impact Award' in recognition of her longstanding work toward advancing climate change awareness, in 2022.\305]) In 2024, Goulding was presented by Sarah, Duchess of York, as the eleventh recipient of The Perfect World Foundation Award, becoming the first musician to be recognized with 'The Conservationist of the Year' title, by the environmental organization.\306])\307]) She was also awarded with the 'Impact Award' by the Playing For Change Foundation for her work as an artist and philanthropist.\308])" post link: https://ift.tt/khE9sCM author: Realistic_Twist_8212 submitted: November 06, 2024 at 07:24PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[notbeingnoticed]

Here's an article that illustrates how I get skeptical and don't know how to react to climate change crises promoted in the media.

So... the images are beautiful and striking. There are six of them.

One is fires in California, used to illustrate how climate change is destroying the world through wildfires.

Except that California wildfires are caused by man doing things like sparking power lines or throwing cigarettes out of a car or arson, and the phenomena has been shown not to be related to climate change. (The Tubbs fire, from the images, was caused by faulty electrical equipment). Some will argue that climate change is making the fires worse, but there is far more evidence that poor forest and brush management combined with increased human activity in general (driving around, smoking, using electricity) is responsible for the increased damage and frequency of fires. It also doesn't show the amazing way nature reclaims burned areas. I live in one such place, where the visible remains of a brush fire have basically disappeared over the course of 8 years.

Another is the Aral Sea disappearing. Very visible. Except the article itself admits the sea is disappearing not because of climate change, but because of bad Russian water management and the building of dams to divert the water. Why did they present it as an example of climate change then?

Then we have the iceberg breaking off. OK, this one I don't know about. I do know it is perfectly normal for icebergs to break off, that's how we get them floating around in the ocean. This is a normal process.

But is this one breaking more rapidly or in an unusual manner? Uh... dunno. The article admits that two other ice calving events in the same area were caused by natural forces (i.e. not global warming). So... is this different? I am confused.

Then there's the receding Barnes ice cap on Baffin island. OK, this I can visually see some change and there is some evidence it might be because of global warming. I think. But given the disingenuous items elsewhere in the article my skepticism is kicking in.

Then there's the arctic sea shore receding. They had to look pretty hard for this one, because there doesn't appear to be much overwhelming evidence that the sea has claimed land in other areas of the world, or even other areas of the arctic. In spite of repeated dire and panicked warnings predicting the contrary, the Maldives are fine, Barrow is fine. The article even states this land is eroding due to storms, not being flooded by sea level rise, though the implication and subtle suggestion is that sea level rise is the thing we need to worry about.

So again, I see the earth is changing, but the reasons for it seem to be muddled. The changes are blamed on global warming, except if you look into it in more detail, it turns out... not really? Or only in some cases?

Then there's the image of solar panels being built in the desert. What they don't mention is how many solar power generation plants have failed to produce the desired amount of energy. That happened to a large solar plant in the California desert, where the contracting electric company has cut off their agreement because they aren't getting the promised level of electricity from the solar plant.

It also doesn't mention the huge land space required by these solar power installations, how inefficient they are, and the disruption to the environment that takes place for these space hungry solar electric plants that don't produce nearly enough electricity. (Conservationists in California scream about the impact of the solar power plants).

So from this article I have several takeaways.

First, there is some evidence that some ice caps have been shrinking, and maybe there is some ice shelf breakup due to global warming. There's some Alaskan coastline receding though it's unclear how much of this is due to global warming.

Second, that it is necessary to lie and say that fires and lakes drying up are due to climate change in order to make your point... uh... because there isn't enough evidence otherwise?

And lastly, they want to illustrate what a great thing solar is but in doing so they sort of forget to mention that it chews up huge amounts of space, costs a lot more, harms the environment, and the example used is in the #1 carbon polluting country in the world.

I read articles like this all the time and there is such a mix of truth along with falsehood and disingenuous reporting it makes me question the stuff that looks real and probably is real. If they lie about wildfires, are they lying about the ice caps? If they lie about lakes drying up, are they lying about the reasons why the Larsen C ice shelf broke?

Sure. Climate change is real, the climate has always changed and continues to change. But how much of it is due to man-made global warming and more importantly, what the actual impacts are going to be? I simply don't trust the media. They are hell-bent on presenting an agenda and will cherry-pick facts to support the agenda, not giving a complete and clear picture.

I am certain that some of the things that are reported are accurate and that global warming is happening. But what exactly is going on? I can't tell because I literally can't trust the news any more.

All this produces what I am. Skeptical. Not a denier, not an advocate, just... skeptical.

[theory-of-art]

4.2 The Codex of Leicester

Just to preface this discussion, I am morally against the existence of billionaires as it is impossible for someone to ethically “earn” a billion dollars. People should not hoard wealth, and the process of making a billion-dollar company is built on the back of underpaid labor and the exploitation of resources generally taken from the global south. I personally believe once you pass $999,999,999 you should be taxed at a 100% rate with the money actively going to support the communities exploited by the uber-wealthy. A person cannot spend a billion dollars over the course of a thousand lifetimes, thus no one person should have wealth they will never spend. Even with only nine hundred and ninety million dollars, a person can live in lavish luxury beyond the comprehension of ninety-nine percent of the global population. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, these billionaires don’t just want to hoard wealth they want to show it off by buying and privatizing culturally significant artworks, removing it from the community that gave it life. Not to sound like a 1980s Harrison Ford character, but when it comes to culturally significant art it belongs in a museum. 

There are several arguments that must be addressed when it comes to the private ownership of art; ironically, some of these arguments are also made by museums claiming they don’t need to repatriate the pieces in their collection they acquired through colonialism. 

First, private collectors will claim that they can care for the items better than a museum can. Rebuttal: the taxes billionaires dodge can be used to increase funding for art museums so they can afford to staff even more curators and conservationists. Since museums should serve the public, taxpayer money should be made available for museums to expand their programs. This can include several different, highly specialized experts to research, restore, and conserve any number of mediums the museum could possibly oversee. This could also include specialized educators to create comprehensive and interactive educational tours and paid workers to give those tours.  

Second, private collectors will claim that they deserve to own original pieces of art or history because they worked hard for their money. Rebuttal: no they didn’t. The meritocracy of the global West is exaggerated at best and delusional at worst. Billionaires did not do anything to be more deserving of significant artworks than the cultures that produced them, exactly like museums don’t deserve to hold on to pieces that were stolen under colonialism. Works should be displayed by the cultures that produced them, that way the works can be enjoyed by those within that culture, those with the most ability to appreciate the magnitude of the works. This doesn’t mean that museums couldn’t display works from cultures not their own, but rather that there should be a system in place to allow for appropriate “trades” of artifacts. Just like a collector wouldn’t trade their ultra-rare 1999 Tropical Mega Battle No. 2 Trainer Pokemon card ($60,000) for a 2002 First-Edition Mysterious Mountains Crystal Charizard ($40,800) but they would trade for a 2000 Pokemon Topps Chrome Seris 1 Tekno Charizard ($60,000); museums should determine a method of assigning a neutrally derived value for all of their works to be able to make equitable trades with other museums so more people can view the art from other cultures.  

Third, private collectors will claim that they are the only ones able to appreciate the pieces to the degree they should be appreciated. Rebuttal: the more people that see an item the higher the probability that more people will appreciate the pieces and possibly purchase more information or souvenirs of the pieces. The private collectors’ argument here is the exact same as Broadway’s argument that they couldn’t possibly release filmed editions of their plays and musicals because then people wouldn’t buy tickets to see the performances there. This is a bunk argument as people would be more likely to buy tickets to a musical if they have already enjoyed a filmed version and they know they won’t be gambling their enjoyment. Also, there are people who will never be able to afford to go to New York and see a Broadway show in person, and additionally, there are people who will never be able to afford to go to a city to see a touring edition of a Broadway show in person, but most people can at least rent a video recording of a Broadway musical. Having the piece of art freely available to the public is never a disservice to the community. Art enhances life and as such it should never be restricted and held in private collections. 

Finally, private collectors will claim that they need to buy art to become famous as patrons of the arts rather than the infamy they are known for in earning their millions and billions. A prime example of this is the Sackler family slapping their name on a multitude of museums and galleries to be associated with the arts rather than the opioid epidemic they arguably created and perpetuated as the heads of Perdu Pharma. While several museums have already scrubbed their galleries of the Sackler name like the Tate, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Louvre, several still either accept Sackler money or have yet to scrub their name from their galleries like the Guggenheim in New York City, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the National Gallery in London. Private collectors should not get to benefit from donating their ill-gotten wealth to institutions that have historically been underfunded and at risk of not being able to serve the public. 

If private collectors want to become patrons of the arts then they should be like Isabella d’Este, Paul Durand-Ruel, Albert C. Barnes, Peggy Guggenheim, Jacob M. Goldschmidt, and the Medici family and actually directly financially support rising artists. That way the art can stay with the private collector as long as they live to be displayed publicly or privately, but the art must be displayed freely to the public when they pass.

[rabbitcruiser]

World Otter Day

Every year, on the last Wednesday of May, the world comes together to celebrate a unique and playful creature – the otter. World Otter Day is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about these fascinating animals, their habitats, and the threats they face. It’s a day to learn, share, and contribute to the conservation of otters, a species that brings joy to many and plays a crucial role in our ecosystem.

History of World Otter Day

The roots of World Otter Day can be traced back to 2009 with the inception of Otterly Mad Week, a week-long event filled with education, fun, and a focus on otters. This initiative was the first of its kind, aiming to shed light on otters and their importance in the ecosystem. It was a week filled with activities, information sessions, and community engagement, all centered around otters.

In 2014, the event evolved into International Otter Awareness Day, broadening its reach and impact. The day was dedicated to educating the public about the 13 species of otters and the challenges they face, including habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. It was a day where conservationists, educators, and otter enthusiasts came together to share knowledge, raise awareness, and promote the protection of these incredible creatures.

The event took another significant leap in 2016 when it transformed into the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) World Otter Day. This day, as we know and love it today, is a global celebration and a call to action to protect and conserve otters around the world. The IOSF plays a pivotal role in this event, leading efforts to raise awareness and educate people on how to protect otter habitats. The IOSF’s dedication and commitment to otter conservation have been instrumental in the success and impact of World Otter Day.

How to Celebrate World Otter Day

Celebrating World Otter Day can be as simple or as involved as you’d like it to be. Here are some suggestions:

Educate Yourself and Others

Use this day to learn more about otters – their habits, their habitats, and the threats they face. There are numerous resources available online and in libraries that provide in-depth information about these fascinating creatures. Share this knowledge with others, especially children, to foster a love and respect for these creatures and the environment. Education is a powerful tool in conservation efforts.

Support Otter Conservation Efforts

Many organizations, like the IOSF, work tirelessly to protect otters and their habitats. These organizations conduct research, run conservation programs, and work on policy changes to ensure the survival of otters. Consider making a donation or participating in fundraising events. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference.

Visit a Local Wetland or Zoo

If it’s safe and permissible in your area, visit a local wetland or zoo to see otters in action. Observing otters in their natural or semi-natural habitat can be a thrilling experience. Remember to respect their space and observe from a distance.

Spread the Word

Use your social media platforms to raise awareness about World Otter Day. Share facts about otters, their importance, and what can be done to protect them. The more people know about otters and the challenges they face, the more support there will be for their conservation.

Get Creative

Draw, paint, or write about otters. This can be a fun activity for both children and adults, and it’s a great way to express your appreciation for these animals. You could also create a short video or animation about otters and share it on social media. Creativity is a wonderful way to engage with the subject and spread awareness in a unique and personal way.

Participate in Local Events

Many communities and organizations host events on World Otter Day. These could include educational workshops, clean-up drives, fundraising events, or even otter-themed parties. Participating in these events can be a great way to contribute to the cause and meet like-minded individuals.

Adopt an Otter

Some wildlife organizations offer otter adoption programs. By adopting an otter, you contribute to the care and protection of these animals. You often receive updates about your adopted otter and learn about their progress and life.

World Otter Day is more than just a celebration of otters; it’s a reminder of our responsibility to protect and conserve our environment and the creatures that inhabit it. By participating in this day, we can all play a part in ensuring the survival and prosperity of otters for generations to come.

Otters are an integral part of our ecosystem. They are known as “keystone” species, meaning their well-being is often an indicator of the health of their entire habitat. By protecting otters, we’re also protecting our rivers, our wetlands, and numerous other species that share their habitat.

Source

[blueiscoool]

An Ancient Cave Complex Discovered in Kyiv  

Dmytro Perov, a conservationist at Kyiv’s Center for Urban Development, told Radio Kultura that the caves were discovered next to a demolished house that Kyiv housing authorities had deemed unsafe for habitation.

Actually, Dmytro Perov followed his grandmother’s clues.  Perov’s grandmother used to talk about a large stone house next to an old cave, but no one knew its location of it. According to Perov, who had previously examined the area several times, only the front facia of the house remained, concealed by bushes.

The conservationist told reporters that he and his friends decided to go to the old house “on a small expedition to look for caves,” and they discovered an entrance. The first archaeological explorations in the Voznesensky Caves were carried out by Perov and a group of researchers from the Institute of Archaeology last Saturday. Timur Bobrovskyi, an archaeology professor at the Sofia Kyivska reserve, said he was “amazed that such a treasure was found in the center of Kyiv” after spending three hours exploring the cave.

The team discovered pottery fragments from the Late Kyivan Rus’ era, an Eastern and Northern European state that existed from the late ninth to the middle of the thirteenth century, in the cave’s northern section.

Perov wrote on Facebook that the team scoured around 40 meters (131 feet) of caves, including the lower cave complex, which he claims is twice as long as the upper passage and has a series of “radial branches.” The most significant discovery, according to Petrov, was “a set of Kyivan Rus hieroglyphs and Varangian symbols from the Early Rus period,” when the region was under the control of Varangian rulers.

While more investigation is required to confirm it, according to Dmytro Perov, they think that some of the carved symbols may date all the way back to the fifth or sixth centuries BC. He says that “animistic images of animals and graffiti” from the Varyaz period, including the rune Algiz (“chicken’s foot”), were also discovered on the walls. This was an ancient Varangian charm, a symbol of safety and longevity.

Several Hellenic Greek colonies were established on the northern coast of the Black Sea, on the Crimean Peninsula, and along the Sea of Azov between the 7th and 6th centuries BC. The steppe hinterland was occupied by the Cimmerians, Scythians, and Sarmatians who traded with the Greek/Roman colonies after a period of control by the Roman empire during the first millennium BC.

Rurik, a Varangian or Viking prince, established the Kyivan state in the latter part of the ninth century. Up until the 13th century, his descendants established and controlled a global trade route to the west. However, the Kyivan state was made up of East Slavic, Norse, and Finnic peoples, making it difficult to determine who left the carved symbols on the cave walls.

[ognimdo2002]

Red Panda – Red Cuddler

The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), or Lesser Panda, is one of the species of carnivorans found in mountainous forests from Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent. Later, DNA analysis suggested that red pandas might belong in the bear family. However, later genetic research placed red pandas in their own family: Ailuridae.

Distribution and Habitat

The red panda lives in Nepal, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in China, the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan, southern Tibet, and northern Myanmar. The red panda's maximum global habitat size has been calculated to be 47,100 km2 (18,200 sq mi). This habitat is in the Himalayas' moderate climate zone, where the average annual temperature ranges from 18 to 24 °C (64 to 75 °F). It has been observed at elevations between 2,000 and 4,300 meters (6,600 and 14,100 feet) throughout this range. The red panda prefers steep slopes with dense bamboo cover close to water sources. It lives in temperate broadleaf and mixed forests as well as coniferous forests. It is mostly arboreal and solitary. In addition to fruits and blooms, it primarily eats bamboo shoots and leaves.

Conservation

The species has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2015. It is protected in all range countries. Their main risks include poaching, human meddling, and habitat loss and degradation. The total number of red pandas has reportedly decreased over the past two decades by 40%, according to researchers.

Lore

This is the only member of the Ailuridae family; the family consists of the red panda (the sole living representative) and its extinct relatives. The red panda was first formally described in 1825. The two currently recognized subspecies, the Himalayan and the Chinese red panda, genetically diverged about 250,000 years ago. The red panda's place on the evolutionary tree has been debated, but modern genetic evidence places it in close affinity with raccoons, weasels, and skunks. It is not closely related to the giant panda, which is a bear, though both possess elongated wrist bones, or "false thumbs," used for grasping bamboo. The evolutionary lineage of the red panda (Ailuridae) stretches back around 25 to 18 million years, as indicated by extinct fossil relatives found in Eurasia and North America.

The red panda's role in the culture and folklore of local people is limited. A drawing of a red panda exists on a 13th-century Chinese scroll. In Nepal's Taplejung District, red panda claws are used for treating epilepsy; its skin is used in rituals for treating sick people, making hats, scarecrows and decorating houses. In China, the fur is used for local cultural ceremonies. At weddings, the bridegroom traditionally carries the hide. Hats made of red panda tails are also used by local newlyweds as a "good-luck charm".

In western Nepal, Magar shamans use its skin and fur in their ritual dresses and believe that it protects against evil spirits. People in central Bhutan consider red pandas to be reincarnations of Buddhist monks. Some tribal people in northeast India and the Yi people believe that it brings good luck to wear red panda tails or hats made of its fur.

In Turning Red, the story follows Meilin "Mei" Lee, a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian student who transforms into a giant red panda when she experiences any strong emotion due to a hereditary curse from her ancestor in ancient China. Sun Yee was the ancestress of the main protagonists, and she was the poet and the member of a hybrid from the Assassin Order and Templar Order, the real enemies of Conservationist Hunters, the peacekeepers of planet Earth that either hunt or preserve creatures or people from extinction.

Reference

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_panda

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turning_Red

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/red-panda

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/red-panda-bear-and-more-red-panda-facts#:~:text=Red%20pandas%20were%20first%20described,in%20their%20own%20family%3A%20Ailuridae.

[reddy-reads]

The Mountain in the Sea, Ray Nayler (wrap up)

I finished it. I liked it!

It's not about making friends with octopi. It is very much about identity and connection (and isolation).

Humankind discovers intelligent life in an octopus species with its own language and culture, and sets off a high-stakes global competition to dominate the future. Rumors begin to spread of a species of hyperintelligent, dangerous octopus that may have developed its own language and culture. Marine biologist Dr. Ha Nguyen, who has spent her life researching cephalopod intelligence, will do anything for the chance to study them. The transnational tech corporation DIANIMA has sealed the remote Con Dao Archipelago, where the octopuses were discovered, off from the world. Dr. Nguyen joins DIANIMA’s team on the islands: a battle-scarred security agent and the world’s first android. The octopuses hold the key to unprecedented breakthroughs in extrahuman intelligence. The stakes are high: there are vast fortunes to be made by whoever can take advantage of the octopuses’ advancements, and as Dr. Nguyen struggles to communicate with the newly discovered species, forces larger than DIANIMA close in to seize the octopuses for themselves. But no one has yet asked the octopuses what they think. And what they might do about it. A near-future thriller about the nature of consciousness, Ray Nayler’s The Mountain in the Sea is a dazzling literary debut and a mind-blowing dive into the treasure and wreckage of humankind’s legacy.

More thoughts and spoilers under the jump.

So, as I said: this book is not about making friends with octopi, but it's very much about consciousness/intelligence and connection/isolation/loneliness. There are octopi, and there are attempts at communication, but the book is much, much more about humans trying to connect with other humans.

The setting is very bleak. I think you could call it near-future Sci-Fi; everything happens on Earth as we know it--more or less. But various corporate forces have reshaped the planet politically in ways that are impossible to miss without the book stopping to explain what has happened. The role of... super-capitalism? In shaping the world reminds me of Murderbot, but it actually feels more bleak overall, I think because of the focus of the story and because of how vividly illustrated the consequences are. There are little glimmers of not-suck here and there, but they're like stars on a cloudy night. All of which is to say, I think the setting is very, very good.

The environment (as in, environmentalism, as in conservation) also features heavily in the book. The stuff about the over-exploitation of the ocean feels very accurate (I grew up with two marine conservationists). It's threaded through the entire book, which is interesting because... it is related to the more "universal" themes that are already present (connection), but it is a theme in its own right.

Another component of the book is the question of "what measure is a non-human?" (* I was about to hit "post" and then remembered a more succinct way to encompass this theme is just "personhood.") Despite the octopus appearing ON THE COVER, there's a lot more near-human AI stuff on the page. Heck, one of the characters is an AI in a body. I personally don't have much to say about this topic overall, but I can't not talk about it when thinking about this book.

This book had a high concept- and thematic-density, while still providing a fast-paced read. Despite the girthiness of the book, I finished it pretty quickly. (This write-up was sitting in drafts because that's how I roll.)

As I was reading it, I actually dug out my little sticker flag thingies and flagged pages throughout the book where the writing was just good. I rarely do that. I just couldn't move on until I'd done something to acknowledge this moment, and that moment, throughout.

Reading it made me feel like I wasn't quite smart enough to get enough out of it as I wanted--and I mean that in a good way! It was challenging in an exciting way.

When I finished it, I wanted to talk to someone smarter/savvier than I was about the book--or better yet, listen to them talk about what they found interesting about it.

Not just the worldbuilding (although that is fabulous and interesting) and the vision of the future that it presents (ditto), and not just the consciousness/communication/AI stuff and the subject matter, but the way the book is put together in itself is interesting! From a writing-craft perspective, I feel like there's more going on under the hood than I gleaned on my first read, and that's exciting too.

Another thing I found interesting was the ending--despite how bleak the book was overall, the ending was... not exactly hopeful, but lighter than I expected. It ends on something like a question mark rather than the period I was expecting.

Okay. Overall: Recommend. Strongly recommend! I have to sit and think about it STILL, EVEN MORE because I... really liked this book but I'm not sure how to talk about it/recommend it yet. I am still digesting.

Oh, and below please find some of the questions I scribbled down after I finished. Please forgive my spelling; I returned my copy to its owner and can't refer back for the characters' names.

Compare and contrast Rustem and Eiko and their roles in the story. What does each respective character's presence (and that of the Sea Wolf) add to the story?

Who or what controls the faceless woman?

Alongside the broader themes of identity, connection, and isolation, there is also the contrast between top-down and networked "control." (How) do these themes connect?

Altansteg is first portrayed as one thing, then another. She goes out of her way to be a cyper with her different translator. Everim is portrayed as whole and complete, as singular, as known yet mysterious. Compare and contrast other features of these characters.

Compare and contrast Ha and Dr Minervudottoir-Chen.

Anyway, if anyone out there goes and reads this book and enjoyed it, please @ me because I want to know what others thought.

[ausetkmt]

A team of high profile explorers went on a discovery mission to one of the world's most breathtaking locations, the Great Blue Hole of Belize. This round formation in the middle of the Caribbean waters is almost 420 foot deep and its deep azure color stands in contrast to the bright turquoise water surrounding it.

Images by agiampiccolo / Depositphotos, via Wikipedia

The depths below this beautiful oceanic scene held never-before-seen secrets, and the team was eager to be the first to discover them. What they found at the bottom of this dark pit was surprising and extremely troubling.

Not all divers plunge to the depths of the ocean. Deep underwater diving can be risky and requires a great deal of experience. The Cousteau family, descendants of legendary diving pioneer Jacques Cousteau, has this sort of experience.

Image by @fcousteau / Instagram

Jacques's grandson, Fabien, is a life-long oceanic explorer, diving to the murky depths and documenting ancient shipwrecks, sharks, and other deep-ocean mysteries. But even this experienced diver was caught speechless when he finally got the opportunity to dive into Belize's Great Blue Hole.

Located in Belize's eastern coast is the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest reef network in the world and a significant portion of the ecosystem we know as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef's northern tip stretches to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, while the south tip is in the south of Honduras.

The reef network's Great Blue Hole is a dark spot situated right in its center, tempting researchers and explorers alike to dive into the ocean deep.

A truly stunning natural phenomenon, the Blue Hole is effectively irresistible to scuba divers. Located in the Lighthouse Reef, the small formation is found in the eastern part of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Despite its enormous radius, it's not safe and extremely challenging to dive down the Blue Hole. A minimum of 24 dives are required for those wanting to attempt to delve into its mysterious depths.

And so, while the top part of this oceanic pit became a popular diving attraction, its dark depths remained unexplored.

Jacques Cousteau visited the Great Blue Hole in 1971 and rated it as one of the top five diving locations in the world. Still, the famous explorer only got to experience the top-most area of the hole, as he was using 1970s diving equipment which was relatively low-tech.

Image by @fcousteau / Instagram

This meant that for his grandson, Fabien, the mission of diving down the Blue Hole was more than a professional challenge, it was his legacy. With advanced equipment, the Cousteau mission could go much further than ever before.

The Blue Hole expedition included a couple more A-listers besides Fabien Cousteau. The explorer was also joined by the famous conservationist and adventurer Sir Richard Branson. The billionaire, who is owner of the Virgin Group and Virgin Oceanic - a fleet of underwater vehicles - was very keen to come along.

Another member of the explorers' team was Erika Bergman, an oceanographer who was the designated pilot of the team's submarine, Aquatica.

Image by @fcousteau / Instagram

The excited team went on their mission feeling positive, but this attitude did not last and their return was quite grim.

The legendary explorer, Jacques Cousteau, believed that people protect what they love. Following his approach, Sir Richard Branson aims to make the oceans more accessible, while also protected.

Image by @richardbranson / Instagram

Hugely successful in his business, Bronson invests a lot of money in raising awareness and fighting climate change. He does this through running programs with educational purposes about ecological sustainability. He also hosts global warming summits at his private home on the British Virgin Islands.

Though not the deepest hole in the ocean, the Blue Hole's one-of-a-kind form and geological composition make diving to its deeper end a rare moment in history. The hole was said to be a sort of planetary inner space, and of course, the mission enjoyed never before seen media coverage, including the team's live stream broadcast on the Discovery Channel.

Image by @richardbranson / Instagram

As the preparations were being made, and with the camera rolling, Branson, Cousteau and Bergman's historical journey could being.

The type of buzz the mission to the Great Blue Hole created was not unlike the one surrounding film director James Cameron's adventure to the bottom of the deepest point in the oceans, Mariana Trench, as part of his research for his Avatar films.

Since the crew of the Aquatica would be delving to a shallower depth, the viewing dome of the vessel was much larger, creating a comprehensive visual experience for its passengers.

Image by @fcousteau / Instagram

And these visuals were very much spectacular as the submarine was diving down into the deep blue water and along cliffs and other rock formations.

When it initially dived into the ocean, the Aquatica caused some sediments in the water, which made it cloudy and impeded visibility. Once the sediment eased, the view was one of geological wonder, including numerous caves of stalactites hanging from the rocks.

Image by @fcousteau / Instagram

On the ground, stalactites are not uncommon. They are created by mineral-rich water dripping slowly from one rock face to another for centuries. The minerals are collected and dry until they become a formation. But how was it possible for the minerals to dry at a depth of 20 meters under water?

The Ice Age

The underwater stalactites had meant one thing to the crew, as Sir Richard Branson put it, it was “one of the starkest reminders of the danger of climate change” ever witnessed.

The cave system with the stalactites used to be above water, but with sea levels rising at the end of the last Ice Age, the water of the Caribbean rose quickly, covering large spans of land. This was evident by the change in color of the rocks found 200 feet underwater, marking the previous sea level prior to the sea levels rising.

Solving Age-Old Mysteries

Being as deep as it was, and as untouched, other teams have visited the Blue Hole before the Aquatica crew.

Hoping to collect useful information through geological samples inside the giant sinkhole, a research team from Rice University and Louisiana State University has previously descended into the hole as part of their attempts to answer age-old questions about another mysterious location miles away: the jungles in Central America. These teams gathered rock samples at various depths within the Blue Hole.

Reading the Rocks

The scientists from Rice University and Louisiana State University were looking into one of humanity's greatest mysteries: the disappearance of Mayan culture. This advanced ancient kingdom spanned across Central America, including Belize, but we have yet to explain why the Mayans abandoned their magnificent cities. But how could an underwater expedition answer this question?

Looking at the chemical composure of the rock, the scientists from the previous expedition found lower than expected levels of titanium and aluminum in the rock samples. This meant the decline of Mayan culture could have been the result of a long lasting drought.

Floating Toxicity

About 30 meters below the surface of the water, the Aquatica had to face an extraordinary challenge: at this depth there was a 20-foot floating layer of hydrogen sulfide-rich water. This substance was not only deadly to any living creature, but could easily bite into and destroy metal.

In the cave surrounding this toxic layer, the explorers found many forms of marine life that got caught in the poisonous waters and died. This would normally mark the boundary of any descent down the Blue Hole, but the Aquatica was built to survive this substance and the dive down continued.

Pioneers

After diving past rock formations, stalactite caves, and toxic water, the Aquatica reached the bottom of the hole, something no manned vessel ever accomplished before.

The team was excited to start mapping the area in the hope of progressing scientific research, with Fabien Cousteau being the most excited. This expedition meant he was not only following his grandfather's footsteps, but also expanding them.

But the far side of the hydrogen sulfide barrier did not only reveal geological findings, but also other, very disturbing discoveries.

A Horrifying Discovery

From the surface, looking down into the Blue Hole revealed nothing but the deep and untouched blue water. But the reality at the bottom of this pit was starkly different. To the team's heightening concern, the floor of the Belize Blue Hole was lined with plastic bottles, bags, and more litter. Humanity's impact here was no different than anywhere else in the ocean.

This saddened the team, as they realized that beyond voicing their concerns, a horrifying discovery like this should not be simply passed over. Something had to be done!

A New Mission Born

Rather than making historical discoveries about parts beyond the reach of humans, the biggest discovery of this expedition ended up being a new record for human pollution. This was indeed a horrifying finding, particularly since plastic, a human invention that became widespread and popular only in the middle of the 20th Century, was destroying parts of the planet that were untouched well before the Ice Age.

Branson was adamant about the need for action and joined forces with a conservationist conglomerate called Ocean Unite in order to start saving the Blue Hole, as well as the blue planet.

Conserving Oceanic Territories

The official goal of Ocean Unite is to reserve at least 30 percent of the planet's oceans as protected areas by 2030, making any damage done to them carry serious legal consequences. The mission in the Blue Hole wasn't Branson's first action as a member of Ocean Unite, but it provided him with enough evidence that this area deserved better.

The billionaire met with the prime minister of Belize and his wife, hoping to convince them to declare 10 percent of Belize's oceanic territory as protected area. This would conserve and protect these ecosystems from any damage, including industrial pollution.

A Pledge to the Future

Still bothered by the findings at the bottom of the deceptively untouched Blue Hole, Branson set out some changes with his own companies in order to rectify the damage. As soon as he returned from Belize, and following the pledge made by its prime minister, he declared his airlines would stop the use of single-use plastic on their flights.

His motivation for this and other steps, according to him, was the thought of his grandchildren living in 2050 in their thirties, in a world without remaining natural treasures.

Lemur Island

Ocean Elders is a group of individuals who are influential in the fields of business, entertainment, and art, who are devoted to heightening awareness to issues regarding the environment.

Famous members include Fabien Cousteau's father, Jean Michel Cousteau, Neil Young, Jackson Browne, and Sir Richard Branson. Bronson is a key member and has a strong resume of fighting for the environment.

He is the founder of several NGOs and non-profit organizations dealing with environmental issues and even founded the Special Award for the Environment. He also bought an entire Caribbean island dedicated to the conservation of ring-tailed lemur in Madagascar.

Plastic Waste

One of the biggest environmental disasters the planet is facing is plastic waste. Branson and many other powerful people have been pooling their resources to fight the damage done by plastic. Big names like Branson and James Cameron, as well as less known individuals who work and volunteer in grassroots movements, are joining forces to fight the good fight and try and clean our oceans.

Other blue holes face similar threats to the Belize Blue Hole. A blue hole in Egypt faces a similar situation, and poses a different kind of danger as well.

The Red Sea's Blue Hole

Spanning between Israel at its north tip and Yemen at its south, the Red Sea is the world's most northern tropical sea. Famous for its clear blue water, magnificent coral reefs, and a high level of biodiversity, the Red Sea is a popular diving destination, particularly around the Sinai Peninsula.

North of Dahab on the Sinai coast in Egypt is located the Red Sea's Blue Hole. While it's not as big as the one in Belize, it has a dire reputation…

Risky Business

Sinai's Blue Hole is much easier to reach than the one in Belize, which requires a boat trip. Located just a few kilometers north of the Dahab beaches, it's accessible by swimming.

But don't get the wrong idea - this proximity does not make diving an easy task. In fact, its easy access and the fact that it lacks a strong current preventing divers from reaching it, makes it all the more tempting and thus - all the more dangerous.

Notoriously Dangerous

The Blue Hole in Sinai has a reputation for being extremely dangerous. In order to get permission to access it, you must be an experienced diver and be accompanied by a local guide. This reputation is due to one specific spot along the sinkhole, nicknamed "The Arch," a tunnel running under the reef, and linking the Blue Hole to the sea.

Due to the tunnel's depth and complex form it's easy to get confused. This has happened to many divers, and they often end up experiencing nitrogen narcosis, which causes disorientation and in some cases, death.

Divers Beware!

The complexity of the arch and the nitrogen narcosis-caused disorientation and hallucinations makes it a necessary condition for divers to be experienced before exploring Sinai's Blue Hole.

The dive site is one of the world's most dangerous diving spots and is estimated to have cost more than 200 scuba divers their lives. However, while the site is clearly very dangerous to divers, the damage caused to the Blue Hole by people's use of single use plastic is vastly greater.

The Deepest Hole

It was a surprise for the three explorers in the Aquatica to see such a remote spot like Belize's Blue Hole impacted so severely by pollution. However, it is not even the most remote location where human-made litter can be found.

One such point is the Mariana Trench, the world's deepest point in all its oceans. When explorers delved to the bottom of this deep pit, they found fascinating underwater creatures and geological formations, but also a noticeable amount of plastic, man-made waste.

Plastic Isn't Fantastic

A project dedicated solely to the documentation of underwater pollution is the Deep-Sea Debris Database, where divers share their knowledge for the greater good. The database is constructed by collected information about garbage that divers come across with during their diving trips.

The most common material registered in the database is plastic. Less popular are rubber, cloth, metal, and processed wood. 89% of the plastic documented in this project comes from disposable items such as bottles and plastic utensils.

Wake Up Call

Multiple research vessels have been sent by NOAA, the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to document the floor of the Mariana Trench. The pollution is devastatingly visible through their photos, with 78% of them showing sea creatures disturbed or entangled in bits of plastic.

How is it possible that plastic debris, products of human society, is found in what is quite literally the most remote location on the planet? The Mariana Trench is so far removed from human civilization the data is simply astounding. A wake up call, if ever there was one.

Where Is It All Coming From?

The pollution in Mariana Trench has been measured in a recent study indicating a higher rate than some of the most polluted waterways in China. This situation occurred by plastic breaking down to tiny particles that float downwards more easily than actual plastic products would. These small bits of debris end up on the floor of the Trench.

But it's not just garbage that's dumped straight into the sea that makes up ocean pollution. Waste thrown into rivers and even underground currents in countries nowhere near the sea may end up in the ocean.

An Island of Plastic

Just about the size of Texas and located on a stretch of water between California and Hawaii is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This is not an island made of plastic objects but rather, a massive patch made of tiny plastic particles which are in effect broken down in the form of plastic flakes.

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