Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP)’s Post

Embrace agriculture, environment and biodiversity conservation and adapt climate smart agriculture

The Minister of Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) published the draft National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Bill (the Biodiversity Bill) for public comment: https://lnkd.in/dQqEmqiR #UnitedNations Definition of #IndigenousPeoples/Communities: Understanding the term “indigenous” Considering the diversity of indigenous peoples, an official definition of “indigenous” has not been adopted by any UN-system body. Instead the system has developed a modern understanding of this term based on the following: • Self- identification as indigenous peoples at the individual level and accepted by the community as their member. • Historical continuity with pre-colonial and/or pre-settler societies • Strong link to territories and surrounding natural resources • Distinct social, economic or political systems • Distinct language, culture and beliefs • Form non-dominant groups of society • Resolve to maintain and reproduce their ancestral environments and systems as distinctive peoples and communities https://lnkd.in/d2EktwhG South African Definition of #IndigenousCommunities: ‘‘indigenous community’’ means any recognisable community of people— (a) developing from, or historically settled in a geographic area or areas located within the borders of the Republic; (b) characterised by social, cultural and economic conditions, which distinguish them from other sections of the national community; and (c) who identify themselves as a distinct collective; ‘‘indigenous cultural expression’’ means expressions that have a cultural content that developed within indigenous communities and have assimilated into their cultural and social identity, including but not limited to— (a) phonetic or verbal expressions; (b) musical or sound expressions; (c) expressions by action; and (d) action tangible expressions; ‘‘indigenous knowledge’’ means knowledge which has been developed within an indigenous community and has been assimilated into the cultural and social identity of that community, and includes— (a) knowledge of a functional nature; (b) knowledge of natural resources; and (c) indigenous cultural expressions; https://lnkd.in/dMuJi3RB...

I am thrilled to share that my article, "Contemporary Farming and Associated Consequences of Climate Change," has been published in the esteemed Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology. This paper delves into the pressing issues of modern farming practices and their impact on our climate, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions. #ClimateChange #SustainableFarming #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateImpact #EcoFriendly #Sustainability #AsianJournalofEnvironmentAndEcology

Kicking off 2024 with new pledges to support nature-friendly farming schemes - not a bad way to start the new year! 🌱 Recognising the vital role of nature, these upgrades are a significant step towards a robust and nature-friendly agriculture sector. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' announcement this week brings exciting opportunities, especially for those managing our most precious habitats, including protected sites in both uplands and lowlands. We're helping farmers monitor their biodiversity, measuring overall biodiversity and transforming results into actionable insights: 🌲 Monitor Habitat-specific species to see how your land management plans are taking effect 🐦 Monitor Farmland Indicator Bird Species to support the recovery of key species that have experienced an average 60% population decline since 1970. 📈 Measure Biodiversity change over time to track your progress Let's get started >> https://lnkd.in/emHX_F7H

In the address by Minister of Environment Barbara Creecy D at the Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba, it was stressed that in the South African context, we cannot continue with business-as-usual. This she states requires new approaches and solutions, where the opportunities within the diverse biodiversity economy can be substantially and sustainably developed. However, it must be noted that this development and growth is underpinned by a balance of environmental, social and economic elements over the long-term, where, we must "ensure the meaningful and equitable inclusion of rural communities and previously disadvantaged individuals into the Biodiversity Economy, and biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in general." For the full speech -->https://lnkd.in/d2frkc7e Candice M.D. Stevens Cerin Maduray Thabang Selota Kyra Lunderstedt WWF South Africa Wilderness Foundation Africa Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)

A recent report published by the The Wildlife Trusts (2023) found an average increase of 10-45% increase in commercial return for nature-friendly farms, so it's a win-win for nature and business. Still a long way to go for a promise and roadmap of long-term support, but welcoming the move towards a stronger and more nature-friendly agricultural industry! Underpin your nature-friendly action with bioacoustic monitoring magic >> https://lnkd.in/ewQJ3fBP

Have you heard of the NECCTON project, also known as the “New Copernicus Capability for Tropic Ocean Networks project”❓    It is improving #CopernicusMarine’s ability to predict and protect the biodiversity of marine ecosystems 🌊 by providing data products powered by ocean-based models and innovative datasets.     By enabling modelling at higher trophic levels, NECCTON will allow our service to better inform European policymakers, managers, and citizens about biodiversity matters.     The addition of these products will unlock new capabilities in fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, SDG reporting, and more.     Overall, the NECCTON project will deliver 2️⃣ 5️⃣ improved products across the green, blue, and white oceans!    Read more about the project at 👇  https://lnkd.in/escpKaz3 

Healthy soil, healthy planet! 🌐 Without healthy soil, life on earth is impossible - it´s as simple as that. One of our BIOTraCes societal partners has a very special approach to dig into it: 👏 Mértola in the portuguese Alentejo region faces depopulation and desertification. How is this life-threatening issue tackled? The Terra Sintrópica association is part of a local collective that tets solutions in a unique co-governance process. It prioritises ecological regeneration and social justice. As active members of the Mértola Food Network, Terra Sintropica initiates projects aimed at revitalising the soil. This promotes agroecology as the primary method of food production, contributing to the locally-based food system in the village. 🍲 The CES | Centro de Estudos Sociais da Universidade de Coimbra is the BIOTraCes scientific partner in Portugal. The CES supports Terra Sintrópica and the Mértola Future Lab – both are societal partners within BIOTraCes. And apart from sharing knowledge and scientific evaluation, Terra Sintrópica grows and serves delicious food. Bom apetite! 🍽 🍅 👉 Read more about the power of local perspectives in Mértola: https://lnkd.in/e8PVTU2A 👀 Have a look at our BIOTraCes website and our approach to nature: https://lnkd.in/eVEfWBa4 #Nature #biodiversity #MissionSoil Terra Sintrópica Audra Balundė CES | Centro de Estudos Sociais da Universidade de Coimbra Rosalie van Dam Judith Westerink During Roel

#DidYouKnow there are over 242,000km of watercourses in England? 👀   Our rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries, and wetlands intersect and connect many landscapes, providing natural corridors for wildlife and supporting a huge amount of biodiversity. Yet our nation’s wildlife and their habitats are under significant pressure, and only 16% of England’s water bodies are at good ecological status.   We’re pleased to welcome new legislation from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs today which will ensure new development (unless otherwise exempt) will have to deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain for nature.   The introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) into the planning system represents a major step forward for nature recovery and the creation of climate resilient places in which people, nature and the economy thrive.   We’ve worked collaboratively with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Natural England and Forestry Commission, to help shape the new legislation – including the development of the watercourse element of the statutory biodiversity metric.   We’re delighted that the metric provides greater recognition of watercourses for their biodiversity value and rewards the restoration of watercourses and their natural processes.   BNG will help deliver much needed water improvements, nature-based solutions and help integrate green/blue infrastructure into developments. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ewqhYhXi