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IUCN launches new standards

Most engineering projects, manufacturing industries, retail operations – in fact, almost every business activity on earth – have agreed standards that underpin the safety and efficiency of those activities. To date, that has certainly not been the case for nature-based solutions – the implications of which are perhaps even more significant given how critical our ecosystems are to the survival of all life on earth. Setting the standard Nature-based solutions (NbS) are a powerful ally to address societal challenges such...

Beat COV19 blues – hug a tree!

Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority is encouraging people to hug a tree to overcome feelings of isolation. After flattening a coronavirus infection curve in May, Israel has experienced a spike in cases over the past few weeks. Can’t embrace friends and family these days? Hug a tree instead. That is the message Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority is spreading on social media to try to help people overcome the sense of detachment that coronavirus social-distancing rules can bring. “The most...

Bushfire devastation – 50 Australian species threatened

early 50 Australian native species not currently listed as threatened could be at risk as a result of the continent’s devastating bushfire season, according to a study drawing on the work of more than 20 leading scientists. The researchers identified 70 animals that had much of their habitat affected by bushfire, including 49 that were not currently protected under national environment laws but should be urgently assessed. If all were found to be at risk it would increase the number of...

All about moths!

It’s #NationalMothWeek – highlighting the importance of these beautiful and unique creatures Moths are often unfairly thought of as butterflies’ drab cousins. But there are lots of wonderfully colourful species and plenty with dramatic patterns, including in the UK. Whether you are a seasoned moth-spotter or you’re winging it for the first time, here is a guide to nine vibrant, distinctive British moths to look out for on a summer walk. Moths and butterflies are closely related insects in the...

Amazing Snakes

Around the world, snake populations are in decline because of habitat destruction, disease, over-harvesting, invasive species, and even climate change. These combined threats have brought some snake species ever closer to the brink of extinction. ( source: https://savethesnakes.org/threats/ )...

COVID-19 = end of Environmental Education?

For 49 years, students at Rancho El Chorro Outdoor School, tucked in the San Luis Obispo hills above the California coast, learned about science and ecology by investigating tidepools and dissecting squids. ( source – Smithsonian Magazine) “Everything was experiential,” says Celeste Royer, Rancho El Chorro’s Director of Environmental Education. “Getting these kids out into the natural environment, giving them a chance to explore, inspiring them to want to know more—it’s so unique from their traditional classroom experience. It’s a...

IUCN calls for ‘nature first’ approach

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)  joined 30 global NGOs and business organisations in calling on corporate chief executives to support ambitious policies to reverse nature loss as part of the governments’ economic recovery plans. In an open letter, IUCN and the heads of these organisations, including Business for Nature, International Chamber of Commerce, UN Global Compact, We Mean Business and WWF, asked CEOs to scale up their voluntary measures to safeguard nature and urge political leaders to implement...

IUCN great new chief

The International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN, has announced the appointment of Dr Bruno Oberle as Director General. “It is a great pleasure to welcome Bruno to IUCN,” said IUCN President Zhang Xinsheng. “He brings an impressive breadth of experience spanning over 40 years at a time when redefining our relationship with nature is more urgent than ever. Bruno has the high-level profile and track-record needed to lead IUCN into the post-2020 period. We are extremely grateful to Grethel Aguilar...

New invertebrate photo competition

Buglovers are invited to submit their images to a new photography competition – the Luminar Bug Photography Awards 2020, in association with Buglife The Grand Prize winner of the competition will be awarded £2,500 cash and the title of ‘Bug Photographer of the Year 2020’, as well as other prizes. There is also a title available for ‘Young Bug Photographer of the Year’. aquatic bugs arachnids beetles flies, bees, wasps and dragonflies butterflies and moths snails and slugs all the other...

World populations day

The aim of this day is to focus the world’s attention on the importance of population issues. The Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme recommended its introduction in 1989. Inspiration for this special day comes from the interest that was raised by “Five Billion Day” on 11th July, 1987. This was the day when the world’s population reached 5 billion. “Family Planning is a Human Right”, will be the focus of the 2018 celebration.Why Family Planning Has Been...

Scientists plan universal species list

A plan to create the first universally recognised list of species on Earth has prompted hopes of an end to centuries of disagreement and confusion over how to classify the world’s library of life. The 10-point plan aims to finally bring order with an authoritative list of the world’s species and a governance mechanism responsible for its quality. Researchers hope a single recognised list would improve global efforts to tackle biodiversity loss, the trade in endangered wildlife, biosecurity and conservation....