TALK CEC’s Post

Creeks: Nurturing Biodiversity and Sustaining Livelihoods in the Face of Climate Change" Creeks, often overlooked components of coastal ecosystems Landscapes play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and the enhancement of coastal community livelihoods. These meandering water bodies are vital for maintaining ecological balance, supporting diverse marine and terrestrial life, and fostering resilient communities in the face of climate change. Moreover, sustainable ecotourism initiatives centered around creeks can create economic opportunities, fostering both environmental and social sustainability. Creeks are rich biodiversity hotspots, serving as nurseries for various marine species. They provide a safe haven for juvenile fish, crabs, and other aquatic organisms, offering essential breeding grounds and ensuring the sustainability of coastal fisheries. The intricate network of mangroves and seagrasses along creeks further enhances their ecological value by acting as unsung heroes of carbon sequestration powerhouse, contributing to climate change mitigation. Coastal communities often depend on creeks for their livelihoods, relying on the abundance of marine resources supported by these ecosystems. Fisheries, aquaculture, and traditional harvesting practices are integral to the economic wellbeing of these communities. Sustainable management of creeks ensures the preservation of these livelihoods, creating a symbiotic relationship between nature and the human population. The strategic promotion of sustainable ecotourism around creeks can serve as a powerful tool for both conservation and community development. Responsible tourism practices can generate income for local communities, providing an alternative revenue stream that reduces dependence on resource-intensive activities. This approach encourages the preservation of the natural environment while empowering local residents to actively participate in the conservation effort. In the face of climate change, creeks and their surrounding ecosystems act as natural buffers, mitigating the impact of extreme weather events such as storms and rising sea levels. Mangrove-fringed shorelines along creeks, in particular, play a crucial role in stabilizing coastlines and protecting against erosion. Recognizing the importance of creeks in climate resilience, communities can develop strategies that harness the adaptive capacity of these ecosystems, creating robust, climate-resilient societies. The integration of creeks into climate change mitigation strategies involves a holistic approach. Preservation efforts should encompass habitat restoration, sustainable resource management, and community engagement. Education and awareness programs can further empower communities. Embracing the value of creeks as interconnected ecosystems is not just an environmental imperative; it is a pathway to building sustainable, climate-resilient societies. Nairobi Convention Wetlands International WIOMSA - Western WWF-Kenya

📣 Breaking news: our carbon credits are available to everyone! 🌳 Our Bureau Veritas certified, our high-quality carbon credits are now available to everyone, individuals and businesses alike. ❓ Why do we want to democratise the access to carbon credits? ➡ We have been asked on several occasions by individual clients who want to make a more active contribution to the fight against climate change; ➡ Democratising simple, nature-based and efficient solutions is in the DNA of EcoTree France & EcoTree International; ➡ So that everyone can do their bit to contribute to a more habitable world together; ➡ This offer complements our other offers (tree ownership, biodiversity, etc.); ➡ It allows us to pursue our mission of sustainable and responsible forest management. EcoTree consolidates its position as a leader in innovative solutions for the #climate and #biodiversity 💪 📌 After bringing the unique model of tree ownership to the to market; 📌 After giving individuals the opportunity to take concrete action for biodiversity; 📌 Having developed the first methodology for generating carbon credits through irregular high-forests and the mixing of species, thus, enriching biodiversity and the resilience of forests; EcoTree offers everyone the opportunity to support sustainable and local #forestry projects through the acquisition of high-quality #carbon credits. 🤔 Why do we call them high-quality carbon credits? 👉 They are issued as part of sustainable mixed forestry with continuous forest cover which where biodiversity is at the heart of our work; 👉 These carbon credits promote local European projects; 👉 Our original carbon methodology has been validated by Bureau Veritas, world leader in certification, and is currently the most demanding on the market; 👉 Our carbon credits are based on forestry itineraries calculated over a hundred years. How can you acquire high-quality carbon credits? Check out our Carbon Shop: 👇 https://lnkd.in/dQDDwwCf #nbs #carbonshop

When it comes to sustainable innovation, seaweed has become a hero on many fronts: From its carbon-sequestration ability to its potential as next-generation packaging materials, methane-reducing livestock feed, sustainable dyes and more, the marine super plant offers innumerable environmental benefits and practical, circular applications. However, one type of seaweed has not received the same appreciation for its potential: sargassum — a prolific alga that plagues beaches across the Caribbean, USA, Mexico and West Africa. Known for its buoyant, brown, leafy appearance, this relentless invader devastates coastal environments and ecosystems — smothering vital habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, and depleting oxygen levels in the water. To add insult to injury, the pungent odor emitted by decaying sargassum repels tourists — turning once-vibrant beaches into malodorous landscapes — which is devastating for coastal communities reliant on tourism revenue. Despite global efforts, eradicating sargassum remains a daunting endeavor. Enter Thalasso AS — a Norwegian startup whose Ocean Harvester technology and micro-biorefineries offer a circular solution for both harvesting sargassum from affected coastal areas and transform it into valuable products. Co-founded by serial entrepreneur Frode Stolen Sønstebø and Paulina Zanela — who joined forces to establish a company dedicated to finding solutions for harvesting and sustainable management of sargassum seaweed. “We envision the combination of innovation, sustainability and community empowerment shaping the overarching narrative of ocean conservation and economic development,” says Zanela. “Our harvester and micro-biorefinery illustrate this vision by utilizing sargassum as a valuable resource across multiple industries, supporting both innovative and sustainable practices.”

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 When we think of aquariums, vibrant fish and coral reefs often come to mind. However, behind this aquatic beauty lies a critical need for sustainability. Let's dive into how the aquarium industry is making waves in conservation, proving that eco-friendly can be fin-tastic! 𝟏. 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠: Gone are the days of reckless fishing. Aquariums now prioritize sustainable sourcing, ensuring fish are not only dazzling but also responsibly caught. By partnering with certified suppliers, they're keeping our oceans teeming with life. 𝟐. 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐟𝐬: 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: Coral reefs, the bustling metropolises of marine life, face threats from climate change and pollution. Aquariums are stepping up, cultivating coral in-house and rehabilitating damaged reefs. It's like underwater gardening, but with a huge impact! 𝟑. 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞: More Than Just a Drop in the Ocean: Water is the essence of an aquarium, but it's not limitless. Innovative filtration and recirculation systems are making a splash, reducing water consumption and waste. It's a game-changer, showing that every drop counts. 𝟒. 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Diving into Knowledge: Aquariums aren't just about gazing at fish; they're educational powerhouses. Through interactive exhibits and programs, they're raising awareness about marine conservation. It's like a school, but where sharks are teachers and starfish are the textbooks. 𝟓. 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬: 𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐞: The aquarium industry is also fighting against plastic pollution. By reducing plastic use and encouraging visitors to do the same, they're not just talking the talk; they're swimming the swim. In conclusion, the aquarium industry is not just about showcasing the wonders of the aquatic world; it's about preserving it too. By adopting sustainable practices, they're ensuring that our underwater friends continue to thrive. So, the next time you visit an aquarium, remember, you're witnessing a conservation champion in action. Dive into sustainability – the water's great! #marineconservation #protectouroceans #aquariums #blessingsaquarium

Celebrating Environment Day with Brazil Ceras 🌿 At Brazil Ceras, we are proud to celebrate International Environment Day by highlighting our sustainable practices and commitment to preserving the environment. Our carnauba wax extraction process is a natural and environmentally friendly activity. We harvest our raw material from the leaves without harming the trees, ensuring the preservation of the native forests. This method not only maintains the health of the trees but also contributes to the conservation of the natural habitat. Brazil Ceras is dedicated to employing the best sustainable management practices. We have set ambitious decarbonization targets to reduce our environmental footprint and ensure a greener future. Additionally, we actively support agroforestry projects in Piauí, fostering a balance between economic development and environmental preservation. These projects aim to create sustainable ecosystems that benefit both the community and the environment. Together, let's celebrate our planet and commit to protecting it for future generations. 🌍 #InternationalEnvironmentDay #Sustainability #BrazilCeras #CarnaubaWax #EcoFriendly #Agroforestry #Decarbonization

We often believe we have to choose between nature preservation and economic growth. However, when done smart, an environmental initiative can promote both goals. One of my favourite examples is the Pristine Seas project. Since its launch in 2008, the initiative has brought about the creation of 27 marine reserves around the globe with a total area of 6.6 million square kilometres. The governments prohibit all types of fishing in the protected areas to allow the underwater world to recover. The initial idea was to develop ecotourism instead, with plenty of divers willing to see coral riffs and huge schools of fish in an almost prehistoric state. Over time, biodiversity replenished in the reserves and fish started populating the neighbouring waters. As it turns out, limiting fishing in a protected area increases catch in the whole region in the long run. The launch of this initiative is an inspirational story about how much one person can change through local action. Enric Sala quit academia to move from studying environmental problems to solving them. He joined National Geographic as an Explorer in Residence and founded National Geographic Pristine Seas. The project combines research with advocacy and communication, convincing the public, local communities and politicians that the potential benefits are worth changing their lifestyles. Conducting expeditions, filming documentaries and deep diving with local leaders, he managed to infect others with his passion for marine life. The results are already visible: fish biomass in a protected area increases by about 500% within just a few years. Today, the team has an ambitious goal to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. The target was set at COP15 in 2022, where the governments also agreed to achieve the same level of preservation on land. 30% is the minimum necessary to prevent an irreversible loss of marine biodiversity. It will also stop overfishing and make fish a sustainable food source. According to Sala’s calculations, the fishing industry would be able to catch 12% more fish globally with half as many boats. Moreover, sustainable fishing practices are beneficial to the climate. Industrial bottom trawling is releasing hundreds of millions of tonnes of CO2 annually. Slowing down climate change would, in turn, promote biodiversity and marine life restoration. The project still has a long way to go. Currently, only around 8% of the waters enjoy some protection, and only in 3% of protected areas all types of fishing are prohibited. If the 30% mark is achieved, the economic benefits can exceed the costs by 3 to 10 times. The possible net benefits are estimated to range from $490B to $920B by 2050. The Pristine Seas team is currently on the Global Expedition, working to make this goal a reality. #MarineReserves #Biodiversity #Conservation #Sustainability #ClimateAction

This #WorldOceansDay, I want to reflect on how our business is taking action, investing in the blue economy and thinking long-term to improve ocean health. The Peruvian anchoveta may be small, but its vast shoals have massive collective impact on ocean and human welfare throughout Chile and Peru, contributing to biodiversity beneath the waves and feeding communities on shore. Yet if a species this critical is destabilized, the knock-on effect can be detrimental – for oceans and communities alike.     Together with WWF and Finance Earth, last year we launched the Fisheries Improvement Fund (FIF). This initiative aims to drive improvement in environmental and social practices in the fishing industry, whilst also helping to promote biodiversity and protect endangered species. In the same year, at the Global Seafood Expo in Barcelona, we announced our commitment of $1 million in funding for Fishery improvement Projects (FIPs), to be invested over the next five years to improve management and operations of specific fisheries. The first FIP was launched in Chile earlier this year with the aim of improving management and stock health of multiple small pelagic species in the region – particularly of the Peruvian anchoveta. Partnerships are crucial to ensure progress on complex problems, which is why I urge you all this #WorldOceansDay to think long term and collaborate. Through partnerships and joint effort, we can restore and sustain our vital marine ecosystems - and shape a better future for us all. Want to learn more about how we are investing in the blue economy? More info about the FIP in Chile and our impactful HOPE coral reef restoration project can be found here. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/eha5hpav

The Great Forests of Mesoamerica (Central America) concentrate between 7% and 10% of all known life forms and extend across 266 000 km2—twice the size of Greece. It is the geographical area in which the EU has deployed the Great Mesoamerican Forests Program, a flagship of the Global Gateway strategy in the region that has begun its implementation in 2024, with an EU contribution of EUR 25.5 million, under a Team Europe approach. EU Member States (MSs) such as France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain are part of this joint intervention, and together with regional institutions and territorial partners aim for the conservation and protection of the biodiversity of these forests. The program is the EU's most ambitious regional commitment in this matter. Last February the Team Europe implementing agencies met in Costa Rica to begin its implementation during a two-day kick-off workshop. Realizing the importance of biodiversity In March 2024, Pierre-Louis Lempereur and Francois Roudié, respectively EU Ambassadors in Costa Rica and El Salvador/Central American Integration System walked in a tour through La Amistad (Costa Rica) and its surrounding. It is one of the Great Forests of Mesoamerica, at about 2,600 meters above sea. Together with officials from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), community leaders and local partners, the Ambassadors learned about good practices by communities in the sustainable use of forest resources that the EU is interested in replicating and scaling up. To take stock of the importance of protecting this unique natural environment, the Ambassadors traveled through part of the 80 hectares of protected primary forest. In this area, a group of families decided to invest in a forest management approach far to the traditional model of indiscriminate logging. With this project, the EU and the MSs aims —among other things— to demonstrate that experiences such as that of don William Solano's farm can serve as a model to successfully merge forest conservation and sustainable economic development in Mesoamerica.

The Great Forests of Mesoamerica (Central America) concentrate between 7% and 10% of all known life forms and extend across 266 000 km2—twice the size of Greece. It is the geographical area in which the EU has deployed the Great Mesoamerican Forests Program, a flagship of the Global Gateway strategy in the region that has begun its implementation in 2024, with an EU contribution of EUR 25.5 million, under a Team Europe approach. EU Member States (MSs) such as France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain are part of this joint intervention, and together with regional institutions and territorial partners aim for the conservation and protection of the biodiversity of these forests. The program is the EU's most ambitious regional commitment in this matter. Last February the Team Europe implementing agencies met in Costa Rica to begin its implementation during a two-day kick-off workshop. Realizing the importance of biodiversity In March 2024, Pierre-Louis Lempereur and Francois Roudié, respectively EU Ambassadors in Costa Rica and El Salvador/Central American Integration System walked in a tour through La Amistad (Costa Rica) and its surrounding. It is one of the Great Forests of Mesoamerica, at about 2,600 meters above sea. Together with officials from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), community leaders and local partners, the Ambassadors learned about good practices by communities in the sustainable use of forest resources that the EU is interested in replicating and scaling up. To take stock of the importance of protecting this unique natural environment, the Ambassadors traveled through part of the 80 hectares of protected primary forest. In this area, a group of families decided to invest in a forest management approach far to the traditional model of indiscriminate logging. With this project, the EU and the MSs aims —among other things— to demonstrate that experiences such as that of don William Solano's farm can serve as a model to successfully merge forest conservation and sustainable economic development in Mesoamerica.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FOREST: Forests are essential to life on our planet, providing clean air, regulating climate, and harbouring incredible biodiversity. But many forests are facing worrying threats. The Amazon rainforest, a vital part of our planet’s ecosystem, is facing deforestation at an alarming rate. The Netherlands believes strong international collaboration is key to overcoming global forest and biodiversity challenges. That's why we're proud to be working alongside Brazilian partners on several initiatives to use innovation and technology to trace, monitor and take action against forest degradation.  Discover a few examples of our ongoing collaboration in Brazil: Early detection: Dutch remote sensing company @Sarvision is helping the state of Pará monitor the Amazon. This technology allows authorities to identify forest degradation early and take action. Empowering farmers: Together with @Agrifirm, we're supporting @Solidaridad in registering land for small farmers in the Amazon. This fosters sustainable practices and reduces pressure on untouched forests. Transparency in supply chains: @IDH's traceability project for calves in Pará ensures deforestation isn't “driven by the beef industry. Sustainable Açaí: With @Wageningen University & Research (WUR), we're promoting transparency in Açaí production. This superfood thrives in agroforestry systems, but its popularity demands a responsible approach to prevent deforestation for monoculture farming. This week, the @Netherlands Embassy in Brazil hosting a round table discussion in Belém, Pará. The Netherlands aims to work closely with the Pará government in the lead-up to the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30) in Brazil. Together with local partners, we’re focusing on a landscape approach to sustainable development.  Let's celebrate #InternationalDayofForests by joining forces! Together, we can ensure a healthy future for our forests, and for our planet. Viviane Ndamba Djeumen|Ben Kubbinga|Thonon Zacharie|Matthijs van Eeuwen|Biljana Dabo|jessica clark|Fabiënne Blom|Jeroen Kelderhuis #ForestDay #IntlForestDay #GenerationRestoration #ForestsForLife #Amazon #FarmingtheFuture