#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.

[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.

[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)

[lindoig7]

Sunday/Monday, 2-3 August

Sunday

We spent virtually the entire day in the van, blogging, writing, then listening live to Dismal Dan decrying the behaviour of the under 40s as the excuse for his failure to respond strongly enough early in the pandemic, thus requiring unnecessarily harsh constraints now. It is very difficult to justify locking down the regions where almost no infections have occurred just to make everyone feel more uniformly morose.  I hope he has long since abandoned any thoughts of another election win.  As much as I despise his opposition, his own party is very much on the nose too.  Let’s go for an entirely new all-independent Parliament. It would be absolute chaos and nothing would ever happen but maybe that is still better than the alternatives we face now.

Monday

From the announcement last night, it seems that we will have further restrictions on our movements from Thursday so we have decided to make the most of the next 3 days in case we are then caravan-bound for several weeks.  The announcements are largely about Melbourne and they are very light on the details for regional Victoria so we will just have to wait to get more information on what we are not allowed to do closer to Thursday – but we will make hay in the interim.

We set out for Sale somewhat earlier than is normal for us.  We rarely get away before 10:15 or 10:30 but for some reason, we found ourselves on the highway heading towards Traralgon before 9:15, almost a record for us.  Heather wanted to go to Spotlight in Traralgon to stock up on wool (I think we now carry the fleeces of more than 50 merinos, about equivalent to one and a half bales – her output is prodigious to say the least) and we also patronised the supermarket there too.  She has done quite a bit of knitting while we have been away but is now crocheting squares to be sewn together to make a blanket - and she is also going to make a very bright colourful one for us too. And if we are facing stricter lockdown conditions, she might use it all up before we can move on!

We drove on to Sale and spent 3-4 hours in the fabulous Sale Common and River Heritage and Wetlands Trail: another RAMSAR site and a complete delight to explore - unspoiled but very picturesque.  We walked almost 10 km around the Common and saw 5 more bird species not previously seen on this trip.

That makes a total of 97 so far since leaving home. We added one more ‘lifer’ to our list and thereby achieved another little milestone.  I recall us being congratulated on reaching 500 species when we were on Christmas Island in 2014.  The number of Australian species and subspecies has expanded somewhat since then, but our Monday sighting took our tally to 750.  When we started recording our sightings in 2007, the Australian list contained 784 species, many of which were vagrants or accidental visitors, but a lot of scientific analysis since then, including genetic research, has increased the list to close to 2000 classifications.  Even so, 750 out of 2000 still leaves us quite a few still to find. (And I won’t canvass my quandaries here, but if anyone else wants to participate in my confusion, you might want to see my discussion of the classification and nomenclature of birds in my recent birding blog at https://www.tumblr.com/blog/lindoig6.  The discussion is distributed over several posts but they are all around the middle of the blog and are labelled well enough to help you find the relevant parts.)

Back to Sale, the Wetlands are definitely worth a visit or two – I certainly hope to go back to explore the other two-thirds that we never saw on the day.  There are numerous environments, a lake, marshy areas, thick brush, open woodland, pasture and just walking the picturesque paths was a delight.  Apart from the birds, there are millions of frogs (at least 5 species that we heard) and the odd wallaby or two.  There were thousands of Gippsland Burrowing Crayfish holes and lots of plants and fungi to identify.  When Heather and I go walking, I am usually gazing up and out, looking for birds while Heather is peering intently down and close to the path, trying to discover new species of fungi, lichen and moss – not to mention thousands of trees, shrubs and other miniscule plants that most people would never see.  Having said that, we share each other’s interests and Heather often spots a bird before I can find it (my hearing aids are great, but her ability to locate the direction of any bird call is way better than mine!)  Equally, I often walk ahead of her on the path while she in on her knees photographing something tiny and I then become something of a spotter for her and have become quite interested in many of the things that enthral her.

It was a really great day and a fabulous place to walk around with heaps of things to interest anyone.  And on the way home, we topped up with fuel again, this time at a cent a litre cheaper than last time.  It was 108.9 c/l after driving past nearby outlets as expensive as 131.9 c/l.  Amazing!

[felipeandletizia]

May 6, 2020: King Felipe and Queen Letizia held a videoconference with four managers of the Network of National Parks, who have a socioeconomic impact on 167 municipalities with a population of one million and a half of inhabitants. They've been informed of the impact of COVID19 and the absence of visitors on the natural spaces of the National Parks, in videoconference .

There as been work with the 15 parks to assess how this stage of alarm is affecting aspects related to the conservation of natural systems, the management of the National Park and how tasks have been coordinated with workers of this natural space. In all the national parks the visitor centers were closed, the public use and the offices are maintained with minimal services and telework. Throughout the network of national parks the nursery is maintained in essential services, environmental authority and aspects related to monitoring and conservation.

Hugo Alfonso (Secretary of State for the Environment), Juan José Areces (director of the Network of National Parks) and Manuel Durbán and Ángel Gómez (directors in the Telde and Cabañeros Parks respectively) have explained to the Kings that issues are being addressed specific as monitoring of fauna / flora / natural systems including weather stations, research in the park, absence of noise and people and its influence on less stress on species, the absence of visitors and influence on the reproductive success of different species , indicators of the park's state of conservation, fauna in non-habitual areas, the appearance of roads and trails, penalties for non-compliance, stealth activity, absence of activities and compatible permitted uses.

In the Teide National Park, specifically, the usual work of monitoring fauna and flora is being maintained. Especially the meteorological stations that, being automatic, do not demand periodic visits. In addition, the confinement has had an impact on a period in which it is not particularly important from the point of view of monitoring (late winter and early spring) since most of the sampling and data collection in the environment are carried out at from the end of April. Now birds are much more frequent in areas where visitors used to be concentrated and it is also easier to observe them in less traveled areas. These places have become habitual breeding grounds for many species. On the other hand, wildlife mortality due to collision with traffic on the roads that run through Teide National Park has dropped dramatically.

Knowing how the absence of visitors has affected it is difficult to specify in this park, since, at this time, the birdlife is marking its territories and, in the most advanced cases, starting breeding. It is observed that the roads and trails around the viewpoints are more preserved, since they are normally degraded due to the trampling of visitors.

In the Cabañeros National Park, there is little incidence in the natural environment, as the park is closed for a large part of its perimeter. The natural processes started very weak due to the lack of precipitation, enlivening with the rain of the last months, reaching 420 liters at the end of April, which has left a good spring when rainfall and temperature coincide.

The first signs of the breeding season are good, with a slight increase in the breeding pairs of Black Vulture, and the beginning of the breeding season for deer, mid-May, with abundant food available.

Future perspectives At this time, an unusual event is taking place in the National Parks, such as the absence of visitors, as well as that of a marked drop in other pressures, for a period of time sufficient to have a certain significance. The OAPN has prepared a questionnaire with the objective of qualitatively collecting some unique aspects that may be occurring in the parks. Probably, from all this, lessons can be learned for the development of public use in the future, even after the time of de-escalation: guidelines for the improvement in the quality of the visit, in the use of facilities, planning of new visit schemes, use of new technologies in visitor centers, demasification etc.

In Teide National Park the number of visitors will be linked to the evolution of tourism in the Canary Islands in general. The main activity of the municipalities around the National Park is tourism, so until 2021 it does not seem that the general dynamics of these territories can be restored. Visitors to Teide are, to a large extent, foreign tourists, so it is expected that in the coming months only national tourists will visit the natural space in a much lower number than in previous years. When the park is opened, the hygienic-sanitary recommendations established to be able to visit it with full guarantees must be taken into account. Public use, in all likelihood, will be much lower than usual, which, on the other hand, will allow for a deeper understanding of the different conservation indicators.

The near future in the surroundings of the Cabañeros National Park is also uncertain. The main activities are linked to the primary sector: sheep farming primarily, rainfed cereal agriculture, or mainly woody, olive and pistachio plantations.

But rural tourism is a great economic engine of the region, with numerous rural houses and restaurants in the surroundings of the Park, so the entire sector is waiting for how the return to "normality" will unfold. The proximity to Madrid could facilitate the influx of visitors to the park environment, although the summer months are not the most favorable for your visit. Most of the visits made inside the national park are made in all-terrain vehicles from authorized companies, so it will be necessary to attend to the specific requirements made by the health authorities for this type of activity.

Currently, there are 15 natural spaces that make up the Network of National Parks, located in 12 Autonomous communities and in 19 Spanish provinces.

The Network of National Parks is regulated in Law 30/2014, of December 3, on National Parks and in RD 389 / of October 22, which approves the Master Plan for the Network of National Parks. These two standards make up the fundamental corpus of the basic legislation on national parks. The surface of the network is made up of 465,371.81 hectares (368,604.09 land and 96,767.72 marine), which represents 0.73% of the land area of ​​Spain. The surface of the areas of socio-economic influence covers 1,772,454.77 hectares, which represents 3.5% of Spanish territory. The number of municipalities in the areas of socio-economic influence are 169 and their population is 1,487,241 inhabitants (according to INE data from 2018).

The natural terrestrial and marine systems currently represented in the network of national parks are 39 of the 40 in the annex to the National Parks Law. Specifically, 27 natural terrestrial and 12 marine systems are represented, all except the systems associated with underwater gaseous emissions, although there is a project for a possible new park that includes the aforementioned system. All national parks are integrated into the Natura 2000 Network (European network consisting of Special Conservation Zones and Special Protection Areas for Birds). Ten national parks have the recognition of Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO), 4 World Heritage Sites (UNESCO), 3 European Council of Europe Diploma in conservation, 4 are wetlands of the RAMSAR convention, 1 is a Specially Protected Area of Importance for the Mediterranean, 1 OSPAR zone (agreement for the protection of the marine environment of the Northeast Atlantic), among the different notable international protection or recognition figures.

The influx data to the Network of National Parks show the social interest that natural spaces in general and national parks in particular arouse. In them it is necessary to combine the conservation of their natural values ​​with the diffusion and enjoyment by the population. The influx to national parks has exceeded fifteen million visitors in the last three years, which has contributed, among other reasons, to the fact that Teide National Park has exceeded four million visitors in recent years.

The management of national parks corresponds to the autonomous communities in which they are located. However, the two parks studied today constitute an exception to the general rule. Teide National Park is managed by the Cabildo de Tenerife in accordance with the delegation of functions carried out by the Government of the Canary Islands in this regard. On the other hand, the Cabañeros National Park, along with the other park in Castilla la Mancha, the Tablas de Daimiel, are managed by a Mixed Commission with the participation of the Junta de Castilla la Mancha and MITERD through the OAPN, as no Parks transfer process still completed.

Teide National Park Teide National Park was declared on January 22, 1954. It is the oldest of the Canarian parks, and the largest with 18,990 ha. It represents high mountain volcanic ecosystems and their unique landscape, the result of volcanic activity. As in the rest of the Canary archipelago, the Teide National Park's socioeconomic area of ​​influence constitutes an intensely populated space characterized by clearly progressive demographic dynamics in the medium and short term. If in past centuries agriculture was the economic base for Tenerife development, from the 1970s to the present day, the area's economy, like the island as a whole, is fundamentally tertiary and basically depends on tourism, hospitality and commerce.

The Park is an example of adaptation of life to harsh environmental conditions. Many species, both animal and plant, find their habitat in rocky soils, slag and pumice and young soils of difficult colonization. Within Teide National Park some 60 endemic flora species have been cataloged, and in terms of fauna, invertebrates (70% of arachnids and 50% of insects are important for their number and exclusivity) are endemic). Among the peculiarities in public use, stargazing stands out, an activity for which the Park is an exceptional place.

Teide National Park is the most visited on the Net: in 2019 it received 4,400,000 visitors.

Cabañeros National Park The Cabañeros National Park was declared in 1995. It was previously declared a Natural Park by the Community Board of Castilla-La Mancha in 1988. It has an area of ​​40,856 hectares and sits on the territory of 6 municipalities, 4 of Ciudad Real (Alcoba de Los Montes, Horcajo de Los Montes, Retuerta del Bullaque and Navas de Estena) and 2 of Toledo (Los Navalucillos and Hontanar). The total population does not reach 6,000 inhabitants.

Cabañeros together with Monfragüe are the representatives of the Mediterranean ecosystem in the Network of National Parks. Landscape is characterized by two environments, the extensive "raña" of about 9,000 ha, sparsely wooded (holm oaks, cork oaks and gall oaks) where the presence of deer, wild boars, hares and steppe birds such as calandria, cogujada and totovía stand out; the aspect is very similar to the African steppes, reason why Cabañeros is known as the “Spanish Serengeti”. The second landscape unit is the mountain, which covers most of the park and is where the best preserved areas are located; The arbutus and especially shrubs such as rockrose and heather are added to the previous tree species, making this area a thick refuge for all fauna, among which the population of black vulture stands out, some 350 pairs, one of the largest world populations, along with them imperial, royal, short-toed eagles and numerous other species. Finally, the Bullaque and Estena rivers, host a unique population of native endemic fish such as Jarabugo, or Calandino.

Conservation challenges include converting current hunting management to population control on private property and achieving the return of the lynx.

The National Park received 100,490 visitors in 2019, maintaining the trend of recent years.

The declaration of a national park aims to preserve the integrity of its natural values ​​and landscapes and, subject to this, the use and social enjoyment, sustainable development of the populations involved, environmental awareness and the promotion of scientific research.

Participants in the videoconference with the Kings:

Hugo Alfonso Morán Fernández (Lena, Asturias) He began his public career as a councilor of the Lena City Council, where he was mayor between 1995 and 2007. Closely linked to rural development, he chaired the Asturian Federation of Councils (2001-2007) and belonged to the Economic and Social Council of the Principality (2001-2007) . He was director of the Office of Relations of the Government of Asturias with the General Meeting of the Principality (2007/2008). In the IX Legislature, he was elected deputy for Asturias in the Cortes Generales, where he served as spokesman for the Environment of the Socialist Parliamentary Group. Currently, Federal Secretary for the Ecological Transition of the Economy CEF-PSOE. Professionally, after a period of several years of activity in private companies, in June 2018 he was appointed Secretary of State for the Environment of the Ministry for Ecological Transition, a position he has held until his new appointment in January 2020 as Secretary of State. of the Environment.

Juan José Areces Maqueda (Madrid) Zoologist. Graduate in Biology, Senior Technician from the Ministry of the Environment. He has carried out different functions in the field of biodiversity conservation and natural resource management: Head of Service in the Timanfaya National Park, Head of the Biodiversity Conservation Service at MARM, Technical Advisor for biodiversity conservation marine at MAGRAMA, Head of the EU reporting and procedures service at MAGRAMA, Secretary of the Spanish Committee of the UNESCO MAB Program, Head of Marine Biodiversity Area at DGSCM of MAGRAMA, Managing Director of the National Music Auditorium (2015 -2018). He is currently Director of the Autonomous Organism National Parks, since July 2018.

Manuel Durbán Villalonga (Castellón de la Plana) Specialist in planning and management of Natural Protected Areas, participating in numerous international cooperation missions, especially in Latin America, collaborating in the improvement of numerous Protected Areas. Between 1987 and 1989 he worked at the National Parks Coordination Center in La laguna, Tenerife. He was Conservative Director of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park between 1989 and 1994. Conservative Director of the Teide National Park since 1994.

Ángel Gómez Manzaneque (Madrid) Bachelor of Biological Sciences, he has developed his entire professional career in topics related to the Environment (CSIC, environmental multinational, SEO / BirdLife worker) and for 17 years a Senior Technician in Cabañeros, the last three as director-conservator.

[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.