SafeLines4Birds’ Post

World Wetlands Day World Wetlands Day is concerned annually on the February 2nd to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and to highlight the vital role they play in the environment. This day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands, also known as the Ramsar Convention, which took place on the February 2nd in the year 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The convention is an international treaty aimed at conserving and sustainably using wetlands around the world. Wetlands are diverse ecosystems that are characterised by the presence of water, either seasonally or permanently. They encompass a wide range of habitats, such as marshes, swamps, bogs, and mangroves, and are home to a rich variety of plant and animal species. Wetlands provide numerous ecological services, including flood control, water purification, carbon sequestration, and habitat for wildlife. They also support various economic activities such as fishing, agriculture, and tourism. World Wetlands Day serves as an opportunity to emphasise the significance of wetlands in maintaining biodiversity and supporting human well-being. It encourages governments, organisations, and communities to take action to preserve and restore these valuable ecosystems. The day is marked by various events and activities worldwide, including seminars, workshops, nature walks, clean-up campaigns, and educational programs aimed at promoting wetland conservation. The observance of World Wetlands Day underscores the need for sustainable management of wetland resources and the integration of wetland conservation into broader environmental initiatives. It also underscores the importance of public engagement and education in fostering a greater understanding of wetlands and their role in sustaining life on Earth. Article by:G.N.M.Ariyarathna Design by:Tharindi Thamasha FAPM Nature Team Wayamba University of Sri Lanka #FAPM #WUSL #WorlWetlandsDay

And the winners of the 2024 Natura 2000 Awards are: Awarded from citizens:  the Polish initiative to protect the black stork,  the Belgian Wolf Fencing Team for promoting peaceful coexistence with wolves, the Spanish 'Nature’s guardians for enhancing effectiveness and efficiency of response to environmental crime’. Awarded from the jury: the Estonian Fund for Nature for restoring 8,000 hectare of mire habitats, the Portuguese NGO Ocean Alive for restoring and protecting ‘blue forests’ (seagrass meadows), the Wild Atlantic Nature project for their ’Ground-breaking agri-environment payment scheme for farmers in Natura 2000 areas in Ireland’, the Spanish-French initiative ‘Grazing to preserve Natura 2000 habitats and species in the Pyrenees’ led by the HAZI Foundation. 65% of Europeans live within 5 km of a Natura 2000 site. Natura 2000, is made up of nearly 27,000 protected sites and covers more than 18% of EU land territory and about 9% of its marine areas. The aim of the network is to ensure the long-term survival of our most valuable and threatened species and habitats. While ensuring livelihood of communities. See details for all winners -

Check PeatHubIreland's glossary of peatland terms, it's highly informative and could set the foundations for a widely accepted peatland language!

Project to implement the Abrojo Alto wind farm in a private reserve, BREAKING LAWS and AFFECTING the BIODIVERSITY of the place and numerous endemisms. I am a biologist and I am totally opposed to carrying out this project in the selected location. It is a shame that the project and the selection of the site are being carried out in violation of laws (including the General Environmental Law No. 25,675) and the Environmental Impact Study (EsIA) has not been carried out correctly nor the safety measures have been correctly proposed. mitigation to at least achieve “No Net Loss” or “Net Gain of BIODIVERSITY”. It is very sad that something as important as implementing ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES is overshadowed by the abuse with which they have taken each step so far, affecting the Paititi private nature reserve and thus directly affecting biodiversity and the research projects that they take place there. It should be noted that we are talking about the Tandilia system, the reserve is located at the eastern end of the mountain range and has a large number of endemic species of flora and fauna. On the other hand, they are affecting both biodiversity (including migratory species that have a resting and feeding place there for which there are international treaties to protect them), as well as the cultural heritage that exists in the reserve. I propose that a new location be selected to carry out this project. One of the many areas that are already anthropized in the region should be chosen, seeking to generate the minimum impact and carry out the EIA correctly and proposing appropriate mitigation measures. #WorldMigratoryBirdDay #Reverse.The.Red #HotSpot #cms.migratory.species #redtandilia #reservapaititi #conservacion #conservation #restauracion #generationrestoration #restoration #wildlife #nature #VidaSilvestre #Biodiversidad

Barrow Island holds a special place in my heart. Renowned for its high biodiversity conservation values, Barrow Island was designated as a Class A Nature Reserve in 1910 to safeguard its unique ecosystems. The island is a sanctuary for species that are extinct or threatened on the mainland, including rare mammals, birds, reptiles, and subterranean fauna. It is home to endemic species like the Barrow Island Euro (Macropus robustus isabellinus) and the Golden-Haired Bandicoot (Isoodon auratus barrowensis). Remarkably, Barrow Island is one of the largest land masses in the world that remains free from established non-indigenous vertebrates. Yet, Barrow Island also exemplifies how industry and nature can coexist. In addition to the legacy WA Oil Project, one of Australia’s oldest and most productive onshore oil fields, the island hosts the Gorgon Project—one of the world’s largest natural gas ventures. Managed by Chevron, the Gorgon Project was first approved by the Western Australian Minister for Environment in 2007 and operates under Ministerial Statement 800, often regarded as one of the most complex ministerial statements in the state’s history. The intricacy of this statement underscores the delicate balance between the project's economic importance and the protection of Barrow Island’s Class A conservation status. A crucial element of the Gorgon Project's environmental management is Condition 10 of MS 800, which mandates a Terrestrial and Marine Quarantine Management System. This surveillance system is world-class and is designed to prevent the introduction or proliferation of non-indigenous species on Barrow Island, safeguarding both its terrestrial and marine environments. Stantec was commissioned with implementing the Quarantine Surveillance Program's field component. Being part of this program has offered a unique insight into how large-scale industrial projects can be carefully managed in such a pristine and sensitive environment. It’s a reminder of the importance of thorough environmental oversight when working in ecologically valuable areas like Barrow Island. #sustainabledevelopment #biosecurity #barrowisland

🌊 Diving deep into America's marine protection efforts reveals a complex ecosystem of challenges and opportunities. A recent study co-led by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center sheds light on the gaps in safeguarding marine biodiversity. 🐋 Marine mammals face a looming crisis as less than 10% of their critical areas are officially protected. The study's holistic approach underscores the need for a network of protected areas that go beyond mere figures, ensuring the health and resilience of marine ecosystems. 🦑 Beyond traditional marine protected areas, community-led efforts could offer valuable conservation benefits. Embracing "Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures" presents unique opportunities for connectivity and long-term sustainability. 🐚 As the ocean landscape evolves, the call for ongoing monitoring and adaptive management grows louder. It's a continuous journey of learning and adapting to ensure our marine habitats and species are well-protected. 🌐 https://lnkd.in/dRdrT5Yy

📢 Important New Analysis on Marine Protected Areas 🌊 A recent study reveals a significant gap between the quantity and quality of marine protection. Despite the growth in protected areas, only 2.6% of the global ocean is effectively safeguarded. 📉 🔑 Key Recommendations for Policymakers – Quality Over Quantity: MPAs that are unimplemented or incompatible with conservation should not count towards targets. Resources and attention are essential to manage MPAs and exclude harmful activities like industrial fishing and mining. 🐟🚫 📊 Level of Protection Indicator: Global MPA reporting should include Level of Protection as an indicator. Fully and highly protected areas, which offer the greatest benefits, should be prioritized to meet GBF Target 3. 🏆 🌍 Comprehensive Planning: MPA planning must consider ecosystem and biogeographic representativity, ensuring procedural and distributional equity. Emphasize coastal areas and regions near mainland waters over remote EEZ areas for more effective conservation. 🏞️ 🌐 High Seas Treaty: Ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty are urgent to protect areas beyond national jurisdiction. High seas MPAs are crucial to meet GBF Target 3 and should prohibit industrial-scale activities. ⚖️ Over the past decade, MPA coverage has increased significantly. To meet the #30by30 target of conserving at least 30% of the ocean by 2030, it is crucial to enhance the quality and representativeness of MPAs. A representative network of MPAs prioritizing biodiversity across at least 30% of the ocean is essential. 🐠🌿 The MPA Europe Project is leading the way, mapping a representative, coherent, and adequate network of MPAs across Europe’s seas. Learn more about our project here: MPA Europe. 📄 Read the full paper: https://lnkd.in/gTBD4FWU #MarineConservation #MPA #Sustainability #BlueEconomy #OceanProtection #GBFTarget3 #HighSeasTreaty #30by30 #Conservation

IMO biofouling project to address biodiversity threat extended The continuation of the TEST Biofouling project with the green light from IMO and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) marks a significant step forward in tackling the transfer of invasive species via ships' hulls. This extension, signed on April 10, 2024, ensures that the project will continue its crucial work until December 31, 2026, going beyond its original implementation period of 2022 to 2025. The extension enables the completion of longer-term plans for participating countries, including the deployment of demonstration activities. By piloting innovative technologies and showcasing sustainable methods to manage ship biofouling in developing countries, the project aims to address a pressing issue in marine conservation. Biofouling, the accumulation of aquatic organisms on ships' hulls, poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity and industries reliant on healthy marine ecosystems, such as tourism and fisheries. The multiplication of these organisms when introduced into new environments can out-compete native species, disrupting delicate ecosystems. By focusing on innovative solutions and sustainable practices, the TEST Biofouling project not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by biofouling but also contributes to broader efforts in marine conservation and sustainable development. #Biofouling #MarineConservation #SustainableShipping #InvasiveSpecies #IMO #Norad #MarineBiodiversity #SustainableDevelopment #ShipTechnology #EcosystemProtection #crsclass #marine #maritime #compliancesolutions

𝗣𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🌊 This week, we celebrate a milestone in marine conservation with the Public Presentation of the first Marine Protected Area (MPA) of the 21st century in mainland Portugal, protecting the largest rocky reef of the Algarve. 🐙🐟 The 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗔𝗹𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗲𝗳 – 𝗣𝗲𝗱𝗿𝗮 𝗱𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗼 is born in one of the busiest coastal spaces in Europe, distinguished by its 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺-𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵, where the local community – particularly fishing associations – took the lead in shaping this visionary project. 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟳𝟬 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, including more than 10 fishing associations, came together to make this a reality. This MPA is the result of a 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 between the local community, academia, government entities, and fishermen, representing a shared vision 🤝 What makes this MPA truly groundbreaking is not just its collaborative construction but also the foresight to include 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 to support the coastal communities, who are heavily reliant on fishing 🎣 Recognising their vital role, the Portuguese Republic - XXII Government has committed €1.2 million through the Environmental Fund – a historic first for Portugal. This funding will 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟲𝟬 𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻 in the Algarve, helping them adapt to new practices. During the Public Presentation event on Wednesday, promoted by Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), the launch of a Compensation Mechanism was announced, ensuring the distribution of these funds by the end of 2024 📅 Additionally, ICNF is actively working on the management instruments for the Marine Natural Park, with support from various entities. This is not just a success story; it is a 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀. Together, we are charting a new course for sustainable development, where communities and nature thrive side by side 🌅 🧑🏻🤝🧑🏼 Município de Silves República Portuguesa - XXIV Governo Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) 📽️: João Rodrigues, Chimera Visuals

🌊 Exploring China's Marine Conservation Efforts 🇨🇳🌏 Dive into the groundbreaking study led by experts at Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, highlighting China's progress in protecting marine biodiversity. Here are some intriguing takeaways and food for thought: - ☀️ China's move to protect nearly 13% of its seas through marine protected areas and conservation measures signifies a significant step towards global marine protection goals. - 🌿 Surprisingly, while China excels in safeguarding shallow habitats, there's a notable gap in the protection of deep waters, critical for unique marine life and fishery resources. - 📈 The study's comprehensive dataset, now publicly available, offers insights that could shape international discussions on marine conservation strategies and the establishment of more MPAs globally. - 🌎 With China hosting the CBD's 15th conference of parties in 2022, discussions on expanding ocean protection targets to 30% are underway, emphasizing the critical need to enhance conservation efforts. Explore the full article to delve deeper into China's marine conservation journey and the steps needed for a more sustainable future! 🐠🌿 https://lnkd.in/gs8GMkya