31/01/2022

Archive

Australia: new National Park helps critically endangered species

New national park at Dryandra Woodland a win for critically endangered numbat   A new national park has been created in the heart of Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, providing greater security for the future of some of the state’s most endangered animals. Key points: The woodland near Narrogin will now be classified as a national park About 15,000 hectares will be given greater levels of conservation It raises questions over why other areas aren’t being afforded the same protection The Dryandra Woodland near...

‘Reset Earth’ – IUCN new environmental awareness toolkits for teachers

The IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) extends the UNEP Ozone Secretariat’s invitation to explore Reset Earth, a set of free toolkits to support teachers looking for creating engaging learner experiences with new material on environmental awareness and protection. Aimed at adolescents and parents this innovative animation and game from the United Nations Environment Programme’s Ozone Secretariat uses the power of storytelling to educate and inspire young people around the world”. Reset Earth – UNEP Ozone Secretariat In commemoration...

Okavango in Africa – communities & conservation

With the support of UNESCO, UNDP, the Government of Botswana and local partners, projects to support conservation and sustainable livelihoods of communities have started in the Okavango Delta World Heritage site. The activities, which are planned and led by local civil society organisations, are supported through the Community Management for Protected Areas for Conservation (COMPACT) programme.   Okavango Delta launched its Community Management for Protected Areas for Conservation (COMPACT) programme to support demand-driven small grants for community-based organisations. The programme...

Become a ‘citizen scientist’

Each year, hundreds of ‘citizen science’ research projects get members of the public collecting wildlife data. Taking part is a great way to develop field skills and discover something new about your patch. There are many opportunities   Here are three projects in the UK … Big Garden Birdwatch – Spend an hour counting birds in your garden or local park (28th – 30th January). Nature’s Calendar – Run by the Woodland Trust, this survey looks at the impact of...

Insect scientists rebranded

The Royal Entomological Society has rebranded … “We are proud to share our new RES brand with you with a new website and rollout across the Society. We have created a dynamic video to show you the main features of the new brand, looking to maximising the Society’s impact, reach and diversity for the future, whilst acknowledging our rich history as a learned society. The new brand is a result of months of engagement and consultation with our members and...

Wildlife photography – using camera traps!

  Taking photos of wild animals can be notoriously challenging – the ‘camera trap’ can be one answer to these challenges.  Here is an article from Green Teacher magazine all about camera traps.   By Cate Rigoulot My heart skipped a beat as I plugged the memory card into the reader while my students stared at the projector screen in wide-eyed anticipation. As the images began to load, my fears of setting up the camera incorrectly — or worse, forgetting...

Bees at risk due to use of banned pesticide

The Government, for the second year running, has allowed for a banned bee-harming pesticide to be used by sugar beet farmers in England, threatening our precious pollinators In making the decision ministers went against the explicit advice of their own scientific advisors not to allow the pesticide to be used. Environmental organisations the RSPB, Friends of the Earth, Buglife & The Wildlife Trusts say the decision goes against the government’s green promises, and will ultimately lead to the harm of...

World Heritage: Artists links Sweden & Africa

Artist Imke Rust brings UNESCO World Heritage sites ‘Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes’ and ‘Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland’ closer ‘Worldresidency programme of one month at the World Heritage property ‘Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland’ (Sweden), was awarded to artist Imke Rust from Namibia/Germany. The call for applications was open for people from all over the world, including researchers, artists or other cultural actors and creators. Imke’s winning proposal explored the links between the World Heritage site in Sweden and the Namibian World Heritage...

In praise of plants

The new series “The Green Planet” by naturalist Sir David Attenborough – begs the question ‘why did it take so long for such a brilliant series to be made at all’ . In these already pandemic-stressed times,  it’s best not to ask and the answer would likely come…. ‘for a range of reasons’. Great news – it has received high acclaim including putting plants. Here, as a result, we kick-start a new series about websites, films, books and facts about...

Celebrating the lion

BORN FREE DECLARES 2022 ‘YEAR OF THE LION’ A year of action for lions in honour of the birthday of our fearless founder and lionheart, Bill Travers MBE, who would have been 100 today. “It’s not that I am more interested in animals than humans, I’m just interested in life”   Born Free is dedicating  2022 as the ‘Year of the Lion’, with an ambitious and intensive 12-month focus on securing a wild future for these magnificent animals. All in memory...

Trees are important

Trees are vital. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil and give life to the world’s wildlife. They also provide us with the materials for tools and shelter. Not only are trees essential for life, but as the longest living species on earth, they give us a link between the past, present and future. It’s critical that woodlands, rainforests and trees in urban settings, such as parks, are preserved and sustainably...