Neil Melleney’s Post

Ocean Sanctuary is Sacred Groves' contribution to the southwestern region of Nova Scotia, that was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2001. It is one of only 18 ecosystems in Canada with this special designation. Sacred Groves Ocean Sanctuary is categorised as 'Acadian Group of Forests' existing at different stages of succession including hardwood, wet coniferous, softwood, wetland and intertidal zones. In the habitat, the occurrence of Balsam Fir species is of special significance as it is reported to support boreal felt lichen, listed as endangered under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act and also under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Unspoiled and in its natural state, Sacred Groves Ocean Sanctuary neighbours two Migratory Bird Sanctuaries - The Port L’Hebert and Haley Lake Bird Sanctuaries. Port L’Hebert Migratory Bird Sanctuary is located in a shallow coastal inlet on the southeast shore of Nova Scotia. Two other Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, Port Joli and Sable River, are situated near Port L’Hebert and, together, support over 4,000 to 5,000 Canada Geese each year. Along with these nearby protected areas, the Port L’Hebert Sanctuary supports over 40% of the wintering Canada Geese in the Atlantic Provinces. In 2021, Ocean Sanctuary was up for private sale, at a danger of commercial exploitation, until Sacred Groves intervened to protect it for posterity. As part of our ongoing Forest Management Plan, Sacred Groves Ocean Sanctuary was surveyed by a team comprising a qualified surveyor and an environmentalist from Green Value Management. They have reported the forest to be flourishing, healthy and supporting the rich biodiversity found in the area. "The property is pristine like last year and is teaming with life. On the peninsula along the lake a black bear den was spotted, a new addition to the area's rich biodiversity value." - Green Value Management Ltd. The Sacred Groves community of Guardians from 50+ countries is privileged to support the conservation of Ocean Sanctuary and is delighted to receive this independent validation of its efforts. Join us in our journey to make a difference. https://lnkd.in/d6GYADFf #climateaction #conservation #sacredgroves #sdg15

🌱 Nature Restoration is a journey we are embarking on together, a path of hope and renewal for our planet. Despite the challenges we face, there are already places in the world where nature recovery is a tangible reality. During the #Solvethechallenge2024 awareness campaign, we will present examples that demonstrate that, with great effort and not without difficulties, we can restore life to ecosystems and create a sustainable future 🧡 🦆 Today, we are introducing a project aimed at restoring the habitat of the Ferruginous Duck in Bulgaria. Focusing on three Natura 2000 sites along the Danube River, the project's objective has been to study and implement restoration actions to ensure a healthy and vital environment for these species.   Here are the details of the activities undertaken, the challenges faced, and the results achieved so far👇 ------ 👥 Involved parties: NGO, Academic 🦆 Objective: study the possibilities for the restoration of the Ferruginous Duck' habitats in three Natura 2000 sites close to the Danube River and to carry out follow-up actions on the construction of the #wetland. 📌 Location and start date of the intervention: In consequence of the studies conducted, comprising both an analysis of the relevant literature and fieldwork, restoration of the habitat in the Natura 2000 site BG0000334 "Ostrov" has been initiated. The survey was conducted in 2022, and the wetland construction activities in 2023. 🛑 End date of the intervention: December 2023 🤺 Challenges: The primary challenges are related to property ownership, stakeholder engagement, and the provision of water flow for the wetland. 💡Results: The project resulted in the creation of a wetland habitat for the Ferruginous Duck. Upon completion of monitoring in 2024, the area was found to be utilized by a variety of waterfowl for foraging. 💚 Together we can make a difference for our ecosystems and our future! Stay tuned for more inspiring restoration stories! Thank you to Wetland4Change for this contribution to the #Solvethechallenge2024 awareness campaign. #naturerestoration #FerruginousDuck #danubio #Natura2000 #naturalheritagemission #gov4nature

What happened to Europe’s Oyster Reefs   “Human activities have affected the ocean for centuries… this makes it difficult to discover what our marine ecosystems used to look like, which in turn hampers conservation and recovery” said Dr Ruth Thurstan, from the University of Exeter and part of the Convex Seascape Survey   Once upon a time, extensive oyster reefs flourished along Europe’s coasts, forming intricate ecosystems that spanned over 1.7 million hectares—from the chilly waters of Norway to the warmth of the Mediterranean—supporting a tapestry of nearly at least 200 marine species and playing a crucial role in shoreline stabilisation, nutrient cycling, and water filtration.   These incredible reefs vanished due to overfishing and human activities, leaving behind a flat, muddy seafloor.   Initiatives like The Wild Oyster Project, driven by ZSL are looking to restore these marine habitats. However, restoration efforts need to be scaled up with support from governments and other decision makers.   🔗 Dive deeper with the full study in Nature Sustainability: https://lnkd.in/gnvrNQTf   #ConvexSeascapeSurvey #UniversityOfExeter #BlueMarineFoundation #Oysters #RestoreMarineHabitats #Overfishing

🌊 Attention Fraser Coast residents! 🏝️📢 Today, a new zoning plan will commence for the Great Sandy Marine Park, crafted with extensive input from our community, First Nations peoples, local councils, scientists, and key stakeholders. 🤝 Here's what you need to know: 🟢🟡🔵 Expanded green, yellow and dark blue zones to safeguard marine biodiversity 🌿 🚤⚓ Strengthened rules for boating in specific areas, ensuring sustainable practices 🎣 🛑 Three ‘No Anchoring Areas’ to protect our fragile ecosystems and marine habitats 🐢 🚣♂️ New ‘No Motorised Vessel Areas’ to preserve tranquillity, cultural values and nature's beauty in Tin Can Inlet 🚫🛥️ ✈️ Restrictions on motorised water sports in specific areas 🎣 Changes allowing for two handheld lines or rods and two hooks per person in all yellow zones, promoting responsible angling 🐟 These changes are designed to increase protection for threatened species like shorebirds, turtles, dugongs, and grey nurse sharks, as well as to safeguard the marine park’s cultural and amenity values. 🌟 #QueenslandEnvironment

Hurray! UNESCO has just granted world heritage status to a little-known landscape in Scotland’s far north. The Flow Country, in Caithness and Sutherland, is one of the world’s largest peat bogs - covering some 2,000 square kilometres (which makes it even bigger than Greater London). Peat forms when acidic and anaerobic waters prevent dead plant matter from decaying. In the Flow Country, that process has been going on for almost 10,000 years - creating a layer of peat thick enough to stack two double-decker buses on top of each other. As a result, the Flow Country locks up about twice as much carbon as all of Britain’s woodlands (a total of around 400 million tonnes). As if that wasn’t enough, the Flow Country also supports rare plant species (including sphagnum mosses and carnivorous sundews), birds (such as greenshank, golden plover, dunlin and hen harrier), and water-loving mammals such as otters and water voles. All of which makes it great to see this unique landscape projected for future generations. Image Cr: TONY JOLLIFFE / BBC #unesco #peatbog #peat #carbonsinks #nationalpark #carbonstore #unescoworldheritagesite #unescoworldheritage #utuclimateaction

REEFS OF HOPE UPDATE - Launching Fijis Bula Reef - The Largest Word Ever Written Under The Sea - Corals for Conservation BULA Reef off Plantation Island Resort’s coast in Malolo District, Fiji is now the largest rescue reef of its kind in history, written in over a thousand heat-adapted “super corals”, taken from areas of extreme heat stress where the corals were in danger of dying due to an approaching marine heat wave. Most of the corals left behind in the hot shallow collecting sites died just a few months later in the heat. BULA Reef is part of C4C’s UN-endorsed and scientifically backed Reefs of Hope coral restoration programme. Reefs of Hope is the first coral-focused climate change adaptation program ever endorsed at UN level. UNESCO has formally endorsed the work as part of its Ocean Decade of Action, providing the highest level of international recognition. The programme differs from most coral gardening work, as it involves restoring coral reefs using heat adapted corals and working with natural processes of coral reef recovery. The methods encourage fish to do the tending of the coral nurseries and reef restoration sites, saving immense time and money, and resulting in greater coral health. The goal now is to provide best-practice standards to help others involved with coral restoration to do a better job, as so many coral gardening efforts have failed in the face of extreme ocean heat and due to a lack of high standards for the work. Read full story here: https://lnkd.in/eAPtcwQm See Reefs of Hope Video here: https://lnkd.in/eDAW5VGR Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eQt5Bd8Q #coralreefs #coralnews #bulareef #reefsofhope #coralconservation #reefrestoration #climatechange #globalwarming #coralbleaching #marineecology #coralecology #marinebiology

☝️ 'Project Report More than 130,000 trees have been planted on private land in #Alberta to restore an area that was at risk of being converted into agricultural land. This project aims to recreate the historical forest, providing vital habitat for wildlife like songbirds, raptors, moose, elk, and bears. As the forest grows, it will support nesting, foraging, and hunting activities crucial for local biodiversity. Restoring this forest brings benefits beyond #wildlife habitat—it improves water quality, enhances food security, and offers new opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. By planting trees near watercourses, we're safeguarding their long-term health for both residents and wildlife. The trees also stabilize soil, manage rainfall, and contribute to climate stability by sequestering carbon. Local ranchers will enjoy improved ecosystem services on their land, while the new forest boosts the economy through activities like hunting and ecotourism. This initiative also created jobs for eight seasonal tree planters, supporting our community and Canada's reforestation efforts. If you want to contribute to impactful projects like this, plant trees for impact today! 🌱 https://lnkd.in/eQCWY7TJ'

The Okavango Delta Project in Botswana The Okavango Delta project, led by the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP), has been making significant strides in preserving one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems since 2015. Here's an overview of its impact and ongoing efforts: Why It Was Necessary: The delta faces threats from human activities, such as fire frequency, poaching, and upstream water extraction. This initiative is vital to maintain the ecological health and biodiversity of the delta. Started in 2015, the project is spearheaded by the National Geographic Society, with the Botswana Wild Bird Trust implementing activities in Botswana. Spanning approximately 15,000 square kilometers, the delta hosts diverse habitats, including swamps, grasslands, and woodlands, supporting nearly 2,000 plant species, over 480 bird species, and numerous mammals. Advanced technologies like drones and eDNA analysis, combined with traditional knowledge, have enhanced biodiversity monitoring. Funding comes from the National Geographic Society, grants, and conservation partnerships. Achievements So Far: - Enhanced Monitoring: Advanced tools have provided comprehensive data on species populations and health. - Species Conservation: Efforts have successfully monitored and protected species like black and white rhinos and large carnivores. - Ecological Health: Annual surveys indicate stable biodiversity and habitat conditions. Challenges and Future Steps: The delta continues to face challenges from human activities and climate change. Future efforts will focus on robust monitoring, expanding transboundary cooperation, and securing sustainable funding. The Okavango Delta project stands as a testament to the power of collaborative conservation efforts, blending modern science with traditional knowledge to safeguard our natural heritage. #Conservation #Biodiversity #Wilderness #NatureRestoration #EarthRegeneration #OkavangoDelta #Sustainability #WildlifeConservation #EnvironmentalProtection #NationalGeographic

It’s an exciting time for bogs and wetlands! Here’s what’s happening. In Delhi, the UNESCO world heritage conference is looking at new candidates for protected world heritage. And Scotland’s Flow Country - one of the largest blanket bogs in Europe - is up for consideration. Peatlands (like the Flows) are incredible habitats for all kinds of life. And the peat itself locks up oodles of carbon safely and naturally. However, for centuries, people find wetlands hard to love - or even respect. And the Flows have had a particularly bad time of it. Folks figured out how to plant trees there; the government decided it was a Good Idea; and thousands of acres of bog were used for low-quality conifers. This is stupid stuff. Even compared to the many tales of stupid stuff people do to wetlands (nicely summarised in Annie Proulx’s 2022 Fen, Bog and Swamp), it’s wicked and ignorant. So… fingers crossed! It’s especially exciting to see the hard work of conservation organizations like the RSPB make progress. I don’t have much skin in this game. But since spending time in and around the flows, I can’t get them out of my head. Hard to love: but so worth it. So there's something amazing about seeing this landmark come up! #sustainability #scotland #climatechange 

At #ICM, our mission extends beyond #constructing #aquariums—we are dedicated to fostering a future where #marinelife flourishes. Coral reefs are essential to the health of our #oceans, #sustainingbiodiversity and shielding #coastlines. However, these vital ecosystems are under significant threat. Through innovative solutions and sustainable practices, we are committed to contributing to their #restoration. As sustainability becomes increasingly central to business strategies, integrating #coralreef restoration into our aquarium designs presents a unique opportunity for our clients. This approach not only protects marine life but also strengthens brand values at our new projects. By embedding coral reef restoration into our projects, we not only contribute to "UN Goal 14: Life Below Water" but also provide businesses with a powerful way to showcase their dedication to environmental stewardship. It's a partnership that benefits both our oceans and our clients' long-term success. At ICM we are designing self-sustainable and efficient facilities to be able to bring into our client's facilities and plug-in to start immediately with the restoration project. It can be done by our operations team or by our client's specialists if all conditions are the site are achieved at the arrival of the built-in facility. #UnitedNatons #Goal14 #LifeBelowWater #MarineConservation #OceanAwareness #ICMCorp #Livecorals #coralfacilities #coralracewway