#up ramsar site

[reasonsforhope]

"Over 10,000 square miles of additional protected area will be added to the Heard and McDonald Islands in Australia’s far southern territorial waters.

Coupled with other expansions of existing marine sanctuaries, it puts Australia on course to have 52% of its ocean territory protected, more than any other nation, by the end of the current administration’s term.

“This is not just a huge environmental win for Australia, it’s a huge environmental win for the world,” said Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. “This is a unique and extraordinary part of our planet. We are doing everything we can to protect it.”

Located over 2,000 miles south of the Australian continent, Heard and McDonald Islands make up about 144 square miles of volcanic terrain that represent one of the most remote places on Earth.

They are important breeding grounds for 19 species of bird, including 4 species of penguins, but dozens of other bird species take refuge there. It is a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, and a RAMSAR Wetland in addition to being an Australian national marine sanctuary.

The quadrupling of the sanctuary borders amounts to 11.5 thousand square miles, (30,000 sq km) of additional protection, but represents one-tenth of the total proposed expansions of marine protected areas.

Under the current guidance, prepared by nationally sanctioned scientific surveys, the total marine protected areas will make up an area the size of Italy.

The current administration of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is seeking to establish a new environmental protection agency, as well as set a high bar for the country’s commitments to an international philosophy of conservation governance known shorthand as “30×30” or “30 by 30,” which states that to prevent the worst effects of general environmental degradation worldwide, 30% of land and waters should be under protections. Often the second thirty refers to a hypothetical 2030 deadline."

-via Good News Network, October 10, 2024

[fatehbaz]

“He was the messenger of a great spirit,” says René Montaño, a Comcaac linguist. [...] Montaño is addressing the entire community at a cultural festival in the Comcaac territory in what is today northwestern Mexico. He talks about how their ancestors learned that xnois (Zostera marina), a type of seagrass also known as eelgrass, could feed their people.

“Zostera marina is paramount for us,” Montaño says. “There are other parts of the world where it barely exists, but here, in this channel, there’s plenty. [...]”

Comcaac [...] fishers learned that it was a food that would give them the necessary strength to survive long ways at sea, and the different ways it could be prepared were passed down from generation to generation. In the past few decades, this knowledge has been largely neglected. Today, the Comcaac people are breathing new life into it.

Comcaac environmentalists Alberto Mellado and Erika Barnett [...] have been developing a study since 2020 [...]. The Infiernillo Channel, located between the Sonora coast and Tiburón Island -- the largest island in Mexico and a sacred site for the Comcaac people -- is a Ramsar site, meaning it’s a wetland of key global importance. It features seagrass meadows, mangrove estuaries, and small patches of coral reefs where various marine species feed. [...] The channel is also home to 81 species of invertebrates endemic to the Gulf of California, and various threatened species, like totoabas (Totoaba macdonaldi) and sea turtles. [...]

In early 2022, as part of this initiative, the team created an event that brought together chefs and biologists from Sonora, the U.S. and Spain who were interested in the culinary uses of xnois and in the conservation of seagrass. There, the Comcaac cooks shared their knowledge about the ancestral ways of preparing xnois: ground by hand to make flour for tortillas or tostadas, or as a drink made with warm water combined with honey [...]. Newer ways of preparing xnois were also on show, such as in energy bars, hotcakes, and bread in combination with wheat flour. [...]

Today, it’s Comcaac [...] like Laura Molina working to promote the benefits of xnois [...]. In a workshop [...], she flattens small dough balls into tortillas and toasts them over a fire. She says the first time she heard about this ancestral food was from her grandmother. Years later, she asked her mother to teach her how to prepare it. [...]

Erika Barnett says her great-grandparents were probably the last ones in the family to harvest eelgrass for the seeds. She says the fact that her father, now 76, can once again eat food prepared with xnois represents a great success. “The last time he’d eaten it, he was 7 years old,” she says. “Most young people have never tasted it, so this effort is really rescuing our culture.” [...] “The guys and my colleagues didn’t know how to prepare xnois, but I’m happy because we’re teaching them and the kids and adults who want to learn,” Molina says. “This is thanks to our ancestors. [...] [T]hey opened the path that led us here.”

---

Headline, images, captions, and text as published by: Astrid Arellano. “Indigenous Comcaac serve up an oceanic grain to preserve seagrass meadows.” Mongabay. Translated by Maria Angeles Salazar. 3 March 2023. [Photos by Asstrid Arellano. This story was reported by Mongabay’s Latam team and first published on their Latam site on 6 June 2022. Some paragraph breaks added by me.]

[mariacallous]

A new report on biodiversity in the Western Balkans published on Thursday by the German EuroNatur Foundation, a nature conservation organisation, highlights the need for urgent action to conserve threatened natural habitats.

The report highlights areas where the natural habitat is under threat and animal species in need of conservation in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

Albania’s Vjose-Narte region, renowned for its birdlife and wetlands, faces severe threats from the construction of the Vlora International Airport, it notes. Over 200 bird species, including the rare Dalmatian Pelican and Greater Flamingo, rely on the habitat there. 

The government’s redefinition of protected areas to facilitate the airport project has excluded 310 hectares of crucial habitat in the south of the country, alarming conservationists. 

“The construction of the Vlora International Airport, part of a sweeping vision to transform this biodiverse haven into a hub of tourism and infrastructure, threatens to mute the lagoon’s vibrant voice,” the report warns.

The report also focuses on the vast karst field of Livanjsko Polje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Ramsar site and Important Bird Area, which remains unprotected at national level. Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention.

Seasonal flooding supports diverse habitats and agriculture but unregulated water management, peat extraction and inadequate legal frameworks threaten its future.

Efforts to declare Livanjsko Polje a protected area have stalled, reflecting governance challenges in Bosnia and its fragmented environmental policies.

Montenegro’s Ulcinj Salina, once a thriving salt production site, is another battleground for conservation noted in the report. Recognised as a candidate for the Emerald Network, the area supports over 250 bird species but privatisation and neglect have degraded its ecosystems. 

The report emphasises “a struggle, pitting traditional livelihoods and environmental conservation against closed economic interests, leaving an entire ecosystem and the local community at a crossroads”.

Salina was designated a Nature Park in 2019 but a formal management body has yet to be established, hindering restoration efforts.

The Adriatic Flyway, a critical bird migration route, is under siege from illegal bird killings, particularly in Serbia, the report says. Up to 163,000 birds, including quails and raptors, are killed each year, disrupting ecological balances. Weak law enforcement exacerbates the issue, undermining Serbia’s compliance with international conservation agreements.

The report also emphasises the grave danger facing the Balkan lynx, one of Europe’s most endangered large carnivores, which inhabits the forests and mountains of the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo. 

With fewer than 40 lynx remaining in the wild, this wild cat faces extinction. Its survival is a critical conservation priority, not only as a keystone species but also as a barometer of the region’s environmental health​

The report calls for enhanced legal frameworks, stricter enforcement of conservation laws, and greater community involvement. Recommendations include restoring damaged habitats, integrating local economies with biodiversity goals, and aligning national policies with EU environmental standards.

[minglana]

Laguna de La Playa, Saladas de Sástago-Bujaraloz

These saladas (salt lakes) make up an important part of the environment around the Monegros desert in Aragon. This one specifically has historically been used as a salt mine, and now it is protected as a Ramsar site. There are over 99 depressions close to this area that get flooded from time to time, but these saladas are the most important ones.

These lakes are endorheic, meaning they have no natural drainage. They are all made up of mainly gypsum, hence the prominent white rocks nearby. This location is very important for wildlife, with endangered halophyte (fauna and flora that can withstand/live in salty environments) plants such as Microcnemum coralloides, Halopeplis amplexicaulis, Limonium catalaunicum, or Macrochloa tenacissima (commonly known as esparto). These last two are not endangered. Aquatic fauna includes the endemic Candelacypris aragonica (a type of crustacean) or Artemia salina. The lizard Acanthodactylus erithurus, common in Iberian and Northeastern African desertic zones can also be seen there. Birds include the autarda (Otis tarda), the algavarán (Burhinus oedicnemus), or the chorla (Pterocles orientalis). Moreover, when the lakes fill up, more birds can be observed there, such as the churrupetas (Tringa totanus) or the chifleta (Actitis hypoleucos).

[mutant-distraction]

Solly Levi Photography

Mana pools

Mana Pools National Park is a 219,600-hectare wildlife conservation area and national park in northern Zimbabwe. It is a region of the lower Zambezi in Zimbabwe where the floodplain turns into a broad expanse of lakes after each rainy season. As the lakes gradually dry up and recede, the region attracts many large animals in search of water, making it one of Africa's most renowned game-viewing regions. The park was inscribed, in conjunction with the Sapi Safari Area and Chewore Safari Area, as a single UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The Mana Pools were designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance on 3 January 2013. Mana Pools National Park is a World Heritage Site based on its pure wilderness and beauty. It is home to a wide range of mammals, over 350 bird species, and aquatic wildlife and is one of the world's wildest and best preserved natural ecological areas. Wikipedia

[uttarakhandtoursblog]

Asan Conservation Reserve, or Asan barrage, is a stunning blue-green water body, around 43 km from Dehradun. One of the region's most popular bird-watching sites, nature-lovers and birding enthusiasts can be seen training their lenses on winged beauties here. Located in the Dehradun district, this serene natural expanse sits at the picturesque junction of the Yamuna and Asan rivers. India’s first conservation reserve, established in 2005, it recently became Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site, making it a ‘Wetland of International Importance’. Spread over 4.5 sq km, Asan is also listed as an Important Bird Area (BNHS and BirdLife International) and is popular for sightings of native and migratory birds. Asan receives about 40 migratory bird species, including rudy shelduck, common coot, gadwall, kingfisher, Indian cormorant, baer’s pochard, northern pintail, bar-headed goose, among others. It is one of the most well-known sites for congregations of brahminy ducks. The best bird-watching season here is winter, from November to February. There are demarcated routes inside the reserve for tourists and nature-lovers. Eco-huts have also been set up in the area.

[physicalhealth]

Exploring Rajasthan: New Wildlife Reserves and Must-Visit Places in Jaisalmer

Rajasthan, a land of vibrant culture, majestic forts, and golden deserts, is now making waves with its new wildlife reserves and the captivating city of Jaisalmer. This article delves into the unique experiences offered by Rajasthan’s newly established wildlife sanctuaries and highlights the must-visit spots in Jaisalmer, the "Golden City."

New Wildlife Reserves in Rajasthan

Ramsar Wetland

The Ramsar Wetland, located in the Bharatpur district, is a bird watcher's paradise. This newly designated wildlife reserve attracts a plethora of bird species, including migratory birds from as far away as Siberia. The wetland is especially lively during the winter months, making it the perfect destination for bird enthusiasts and photographers. Activities like bird-watching tours and serene boat rides add to the charm of this natural haven.

Jawai Leopard Reserve

The Jawai Leopard Reserve in Pali district is a thrilling destination for those keen on observing leopards in their natural habitat. The unique granite hills and riverbeds provide an ideal environment for these majestic predators. The reserve also hosts other wildlife such as sloth bears, hyenas, and numerous bird species. Safari tours offer an exciting way to explore this rugged landscape and witness wildlife up close.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Located near the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort, this sanctuary spans the Aravalli hills and houses a variety of wildlife, including wolves, leopards, and the elusive Indian pangolin. Its rich flora makes it a delight for botanists. Trekking and jeep safaris are popular activities here, offering visitors a chance to experience the diverse ecosystem firsthand.

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

Situated near Kota, the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is one of Rajasthan's latest additions to its wildlife conservation efforts. It aims to provide a safe habitat for tigers and other species such as leopards and chinkara. Guided safaris and nature walks are organized to enhance visitors' understanding and appreciation of wildlife conservation.

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary

In the Churu district lies the Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, known for its unique grassland ecosystem. This sanctuary is a crucial refuge for the blackbuck and various raptors and migratory birds. Its open grasslands provide an ideal setting for wildlife photography and nature walks.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary

Near Chittorgarh, the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary offers a peaceful escape into nature. Home to panthers, wild boars, and various deer species, the sanctuary is also near the scenic Bassi Dam, making it a perfect spot for picnics and bird-watching.

Must-Visit Places in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City," is a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks set against the backdrop of the Thar Desert.

Jaisalmer Fort

The iconic Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands majestically amidst the golden sands. Built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, the fort offers stunning views of the city and houses intricate palaces, Jain temples, and havelis within its walls.

Patwon Ki Haveli

A cluster of five havelis built by Guman Chand Patwa in the 19th century, Patwon Ki Haveli is renowned for its elaborate architecture and intricate carvings. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the merchants of Jaisalmer.

Sam Sand Dunes

Located about 40 kilometers from Jaisalmer, the Sam Sand Dunes are a quintessential desert experience. Visitors can enjoy camel rides, desert safaris, and traditional Rajasthani cultural performances under the starlit sky.

Gadisar Lake

A serene oasis in the heart of the city, Gadisar Lake was constructed by Maharawal Gadsi Singh in the 14th century. The lake, surrounded by temples and ghats, is a popular spot for boating and bird-watching.

Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh, meaning "Big Garden," is a complex of cenotaphs or chhatris of the Maharajas of Jaisalmer. The site offers a panoramic view of the desert landscape, especially striking at sunrise and sunset.

Desert National Park

Spanning an area of 3162 square kilometers, the Desert National Park showcases the rich biodiversity of the Thar Desert. It is home to the great Indian bustard, a critically endangered bird species, along with various other wildlife and plant species.

Conclusion

Rajasthan's new wildlife reserves and the enchanting city of Jaisalmer offer a unique blend of adventure, history, and culture. From the tranquil wetlands and leopard reserves to the golden dunes and majestic forts, there is something for every traveler. These destinations not only provide thrilling experiences but also contribute to the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of cultural heritage. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, or a nature lover, Rajasthan promises an unforgettable journey.

[adventurelandnepal]

Gokyo Valley in Everest Region

Gokyo valley consists of small villages nestled in the Himalaya where most of the houses are tea- houses catering to the trekkers with necessary services. Popular for its views, one of the eight-thousanders, Cho Oyu is seen towards the north from Gokyo along with the spectacular panoramic view of other eight- thousanders extending from Everest, Lhotse all the way to Makalu.

There are many great views all around the valley, but one can venture up to the summit of Gokyo Ri situated at an altitude of 5,357 m to get an all-round spectacular view of the peaks and the pristine Gokyo lakes. The holy Gokyo lakes are of religious significance to the Hindus and Buddhists. These lakes also provide refuge to the migratory birds on their trans- Himalayan migration, twice annually. Apart from this, Gokyo is also renowned for being the world’s highest altitude ice skating range and a part of Ramsar sites.

In Nepal, different category visitors and trekkers comes here and doing their own choices, so regarding these varieties, we got some clients, they want short and sweet luxrious tour and trekking, according to their choice and offers, 7 Days Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek is high demanded and organized many groups. This year 2023 also we targeted to high class clients for this nice trek.

There are other trekking regions too which has many trekking routes and regions like as Everest Base Camp Trek, 3 high passes trek, EBC and Gokyo Lake Trek, Everest View Trek and Langtang Valley Trek.

Except these trekking, other travel packages also available in Nepal. Nepal Package Tour, Exclusive Tour, World Heritage Tour, Seinior Citizen Holidays or Tour, Family Holidays and Best Nepal Tour are very popular and which includes all important travel parts of Nepal.

For adventure travel, there are many activities like as Everest Mountain Flight, Bungy, Zipline, Helicopter Tour and Rafting. Also Guide and Porter Services are mostly demanded by trekker, traveler and climbers for Nepal Adventure Trek.

We operate all kinds of tour and trekking packages in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan too.

[ecocottagechilika]

Eco Cottage Chilika Island Resort: A Sustainable Retreat on India's Eastern Coast

If you're looking for a unique eco-friendly getaway, look no further than Eco Cottage Chilika Island Resort. Located on the beautiful Chilika Island in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, this resort offers visitors an opportunity to relax amid unspoiled nature while enjoying sustainable, responsible tourism practices. Eco Cottage Chilika Island Resort is a standout destination for those seeking an authentic and sustainable travel experience.

The accommodations at Eco Cottage Chilika Island Resort are designed with the environment in mind. The cottages are constructed using local materials, including bamboo and thatch, which not only reduces the environmental impact of the resort but also provides a unique, authentic experience for visitors. The cottages are also powered by solar panels, so guests can enjoy modern amenities while minimizing their carbon footprint.

In addition to its environmentally conscious accommodations, Eco Cottage Chilika Island Resort in Puri offers a range of activities for guests to enjoy. The resort's location on Chilika Island, which is home to the largest coastal lagoon in India and a designated Ramsar site, provides ample opportunities for nature exploration. Guests can take boat tours of the lagoon, where they can spot a variety of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans. The island's mangrove forests and wetlands are also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

For those interested in cultural experiences, Eco Cottage Chilika Island Resort in Puri offers a glimpse into the local way of life. Guests can visit nearby fishing villages and learn about traditional fishing practices, or participate in cooking classes where they can learn to prepare local dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

One of the highlights of a stay at Eco Cottage Chilika Island Resort is the chance to experience the local cuisine. The resort's restaurant serves a range of dishes that showcase the flavors and ingredients of Odisha, including fresh seafood and locally grown vegetables. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating with views of the lagoon, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a leisurely lunch.

Eco Cottage Chilika Island Resort in Puri is also committed to responsible tourism practices that benefit the local community. The resort employs local staff and sources materials and services from nearby villages, supporting the local economy. The resort also engages in conservation efforts, including waste reduction and the use of eco-friendly cleaning products.

For those looking to disconnect and unwind, Eco Cottage Chilika Island Resort offers a peaceful retreat. The resort's serene location and focus on sustainability create a peaceful, restorative atmosphere. Guests can enjoy yoga classes, nature walks, or simply relax in a hammock with a book and soak up the stunning views.

Overall, a stay at Eco-Cottage Chilika Island Resort offers a unique opportunity to relax in a stunning natural setting while supporting sustainable tourism practices. With its environmentally conscious accommodations, range of activities, and commitment to responsible tourism, this resort is the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the beauty of Odisha while minimizing their environmental impact.

[hewinghauscanada]

Abbotsford BC Local Cuisines

Abbotsford BC local cuisines are diverse and delicious. While the city is known for its farming industries, a handful of restaurants have taken advantage of the area's agricultural bounty. Whether you are looking for fresh, locally-sourced brews, comfort foods or Southeast Asian street food, you'll find it in Abbotsford.

Abbotsford is home to many farm-to-table events throughout the year. In particular, the annual Taste of Abby Fall Food Festival features a long table dinner, night market, and collaborative farm-restaurant-winery-brewery collaborations. The Abbotsford Community Kitchen is a place to learn to cook healthy meals on a budget. They also have a support system, cooking classes, and cooking lessons for kids.

If you're in the mood for a traditional Italian meal, check out Paliotti's. The restaurant is family owned and has been in business for decades. Its kitchen uses only the highest quality ingredients and its baked goods are made from scratch. Located in the Historic Downtown district, the restaurant's quaint setting is a wonderful place to enjoy a delicious meal.

Another great spot to grab lunch or dinner is New Saigon. This Vietnamese restaurant offers a warm, welcoming setting and serves up a variety of Vietnamese cuisine. You can try their renowned hot pot soup or a coconut curry stew. Their lunch combos are a perfect value.

Noodlebox specializes in Asian street foods. They have a couple of locations in Abbotsford, BC. All of their dishes are prepared by hand and feature local ingredients, including non-gmo vegetables. Each noodle dish is made with real food.

For a more casual setting, look no further than Banter. It's located in Jubilee Park and serves a variety of flavours. They also have a wide range of ice creams and frozen beverages. A popular dessert option is the fried doughnut.

If you're in the mood to sample a little artisan chocolate, visit A Box of Bonbons. They offer a selection of handmade artisan chocolates. There are also chilled beverages and espresso drinks.

For a more unique dining experience, stop by the Polly Fox Cafe. It's completely gluten-free and has a wide array of delicatessens and breakfast options. Also, you can enjoy a coffee and banana bread in their comfortable, homey cafe.

Abbotsford is close to Vancouver, but not as big as the city. When you're in the area, take a drive east along Highway 1 and you'll discover an agricultural wonderland. Many of the farms in the area were devastated by last year's flood. But they're already planning a return to business. Ramsar Farm is one of the farms that's getting back on its feet. With its perfect clay soil, the farm grows rice, sake, and saffron. Its saffron sells for $50 a gram.

Other Abbotsford local cuisines include Greek Islands, Ann Marie's Cafe, and Good Kid Cafe. These three locations all offer breakfast, brunch, and lunch items, as well as an assortment of caffeinated beverages. Afterthoughts specializes in homemade desserts.

The city also boasts a number of craft breweries. Langley's Trading Post Brewing has a full kitchen and a full menu, plus a wide assortment of packaged beers to-go.

Prefabricated homes are a great choice for many people. They offer a number of benefits, including speedy construction and eco-friendly construction. Plus, they are more affordable than site-built homes.

Prefabricated homes can be built in a factory and are transported to your desired location. Whether you need a cozy cottage or a luxurious abode, you can find a home to suit your needs.

Depending on the size of your new home, it can take less time to build than a conventional house. For example, a one-bedroom container home can be finished in just three months.

A prefabricated home is also much more energy-efficient than a traditional one. In fact, some companies are able to achieve energy efficiency ratings that exceed even the most stringent building codes.

A prefabricated home can be built in a matter of days, or weeks, depending on the size of the project. It's often manufactured in sections that are cut, assembled and shipped to the desired location. This method can make it easier for a company to provide bulk discounts to buyers.

The prefab home has a long history. It first appeared in the mid-nineteenth century in the form of a kit home. It was later used in mass suburban housing developments after World War II.

Although they aren't the most environmentally friendly option, prefab homes can have a lot of style. Often, they are manufactured with local materials, allowing for lower costs for the buyer. Also, they can be shipped to any part of the country.

Hewing Haus Suite 274, Unit 4, 32465 South Fraser Way Abbotsford, BC V2T 0C7 604-625-2122 https://hewinghaus.com/

[lok-shakti]

Meerut News: देश का 47वां और यूपी का 10वां रामसर स्थल बना हैदरपुर वेटलैंड, जानिए क्या होता है वेटलैंड

Meerut News: देश का 47वां और यूपी का 10वां रामसर स्थल बना हैदरपुर वेटलैंड, जानिए क्या होता है वेटलैंड

मेरठवेस्ट यूपी की हैदरपुर वेटलैंड रामसर साइट घोषित की गई हैं। यह देश का 47वां और उत्तर प्रदेश का 10वां स्थल होगा। रामसर साइट का दर्जा मिलने के बाद अब संरक्षण के तौर तरीके बदल जाएंगे। केंद्र और प्रदेश सरकार यहां विकास के काम कराएंगी। यहां पर पक्षियों, जलीय जीवों, वन्य जीवों की कई-कई प्रजातियां मौजूद हैं। वैसे वेटलैंड हस्तिनापुर अभ्यारण्य में पहले से हैं। जो संरक्षण की श्रेणी में आता है यहां पर…

[civillearnings]

Haiderpur Wetland added to Ramsar site

Haiderpur Wetland added to Ramsar site. India’s Ramsar sites total tally goes up to 47. The latest on the list is Uttar Pradesh's Haiderpur wetland. It has been added to the list of Indian wetlands of international importance.

Haiderpur Wetland added to Ramsar site; India’s Ramsar sites total tally goes up to 47. India’s efforts to improve its wetlands and preserve its ecology is bearing fruits as India is now a land of 47 Ramsar sites. The latest on the list is Uttar Pradesh’s Haiderpur wetland. It has been added to the list of Indian wetlands of international importance. Haiderpur Wetland added to Ramsar…

[aureshadow]

Tl;dr: A Canadian company is planning on a project in Africa that will take up 1/6 of the world's remaining carbon budget. This is an issue of neocolonialism and environmental racism.

[Image description: Infographic slideshow from Fridays For Future.

1: Recon Africa: Stop drilling in the Kavango Basin, a project that will take up one sixth of the world’s remaining carbon budget.

Global Day of Action: June 4th

#SaveOkavangoDelta #KavangoAlive

2: Reconnaissance Africa (ReconAfrica) is a Canadian-registered oil and gas company which has begun drilling for oil in the Kavango Basin, located and Northeast Namibia and Northwest Botswana.

Their license areas cover a total of 34,325 square kilometers (8.5 million acres).

Including parts of the Cubango-Okavango River Basin (traverses through Angola, Botswana, and Namibia) and along the Okavango River, which feeds into the Okavango Delta.

3: The Okavango Delta is a large inland delta located in Botswana and is a world-renowned hotspot of biodiversity.

It is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a Wetland of International Importance by the The Ramsar Convention.

It is home to many endangered species, including the African wild dog and the last remaining population of African savanna elephants.

4: ReconAfrica's license areas are home to around 200,000 people.

The company has failed to properly inform and consult with the local people and receive the free, prior and informed consent of the Indigneous San communities.

Several local inhabitants have stated that they were not consulted or even informed that drilling would be taking place.

The few consultations that have occurred happened too late in the process, and were inaccessible to many members of the community.

5: Based on ReconAfrica’s own projections of 120 billion barrels of oil equivalent, a carbon gigabomb of up to 51.6 Gigatonnes of CO2 will be emitted.

The equivalent of one sixth of the world's remaining carbon budget.

6: Activists across the world are calling out and pressurizing Recon Africa along with the Canadian government to stop this catastrophic project.

This is a classic example of neocolonialism, corporate ecocide, environmental racism, and the abuse of power for profit yet again from countries in the Global North. This must be stopped!

Stand in solidarity with frontline activists and take action!

7: Calls to Action:

Check out the toolkit at: bit.ly/SaveOkavangoDelta

Register for the action calls on June 4th:

5 AM GMT: bit.ly/SOD-ActionCall

6 PM GMT: bit.ly/SOD-ActionCall2

Registration for artbuild by @climatestrikecanada on June 3rd at 10 PM GMT: bit.ly/KavangoAlive_ArtBuild

Organize or attend covid-safe in-person actions at Canadian embassies and/or ReconAfrica in your country.

Participate in the Digital Protest by posting/sending over your picture to @fff.digital

End ID]

Note: Social media handles refer to Instagram

Please spread this!

Again, you can help by going to bit.ly/SaveOkavangoDelta.

[sataniccapitalist]

[maheshsomani]

Unsafe Buildings Will Be Bulldozed Before Monsoon- BMC

BMC have spotted out many infirm constructions in Hoshanagabad road, Arera Colony and Motia Talab area and decided to demolish them before the monsoon arrives. Aloke Verma, the mayor of BMC has revealed that there 163 locations of the city where there are unsafe buildings which could be possible threat to the citizen. Many of these constructions are illegal and violate the existing real estate rules. According to the mayor many of these constructions along drains and water bodies can lead ruthless flood like Uttarakhand, happened before a couple of years. Uttarakhand witnessed one of the worst disastrous landslide and flood incidents in 2013. In Bhopal too there was an incident like this (not so massive) where seven people had died and in 2016 and over 20,000 were displaced.

“You get to see most of the unsafe properties in north Kolkata, central and some of the southern areas of the extended city. KMC has already in process of demolition of the Property in north Kolkata and the civic body also has promised to compensate the existing inhabitants of such buildings with safe residence and healthy inhabitance, said Mr. Mahesh Somani, Vice President - NAR India & Chairman : National RERA committee, NAR India..

Sudden clearance of these constructions might cause an opposite effect in the mass. Thus, BMC has requested the district collector to inspect these sites and take apt action. This declaration of the BMC mayor published on a weekly open forum for grievance redressal. Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) records say that 9 buildings out of 213 around the water body have the needed building permissions. It is projected that of the 11.99 acre land of the Talab, more or less 7 acre is under violation comprise 159 houses, 14 hospitals, 20 shops and hotels. There was an instance of hospital lane along Motia Talab, located near Taj-ul-Masajid, the area has wrangling development, miffed with litigation. This construction causes public health risk. Immediate action should be taken against this as the waterfront can’t hold the construction for long.

BMC’s decision likely to affect many odd private hospitals, pathology labs and nursing homes operating in front of Taj-ul-Masajid. A three storey building in E-11 Arera Colony is built over drain and sanctioned by housing board. BMC is likely do up their sewage and drainage system before the monsoon. Mayor has appointed an independent agency for testing the water as of ponds and lakes to find out the reasons behind death of thousand fishes in the water body.  The civic body of Bhopal also indicated if anyhow natural lives of animals have been disturbed by the human intervenes then suitable action will be initiated. On the contrary BMC has proposed an Entertainment Park and jetty in the Upper lakeside which is supposed to be the biggest man-made lake in India and protected under the UN Ramsar convention. This lake is the source of drinking water of half of the citizen of the state capital. Green activist Subash Pandey has alleged that this project of BMC is likely to impact the water body and contaminate the drinking water as well.

-LNN (Liyans News Network)

[uttarakhandtoursblog]

https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/asan-bird-sanctuary

Asan Conservation Reserve, or Asan barrage, is a stunning blue-green water body, around 43 km from Dehradun. One of the region's most popular bird-watching sites, nature-lovers and birding enthusiasts can be seen training their lenses on winged beauties here. Located in the Dehradun district, this serene natural expanse sits at the picturesque junction of the Yamuna and Asan rivers. India’s first conservation reserve, established in 2005, it recently became Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site, making it a ‘Wetland of International Importance’. Spread over 4.5 sq km, Asan is also listed as an Important Bird Area (BNHS and BirdLife International) and is popular for sightings of native and migratory birds. Asan receives about 40 migratory bird species, including rudy shelduck, common coot, gadwall, kingfisher, Indian cormorant, baer’s pochard, northern pintail, bar-headed goose, among others. It is one of the most well-known sites for congregations of brahminy ducks. The best bird-watching season here is winter, from November to February. There are demarcated routes inside the reserve for tourists and nature-lovers. Eco-huts have also been set up in the area.