Tourism Malaysia will participate in the Global Bird Fair in the UK, highlighting the country’s abundant biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities. Renowned wildlife expert Quentin Phillipps will join the event, sharing his knowledge and passion for conservation.
South America boasts the highest number of animal species, driven by a combination of warm, humid climate, diverse habitats, and rich plant life. However, ongoing threats like deforestation, mining, and agriculture are endangering this vibrant biodiversity.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of biodiversity research, helping scientists identify new animal species and monitor complex ecosystems. While AI alone cannot definitively identify new species, it can flag potential candidates for further investigation by expert biologists. By analyzing vast datasets collected from camera traps, smartphones, and automated monitoring systems, AI is enabling researchers to gain a deeper understanding of Earth’s wildlife and the threats they face.
A wave of fear and misinformation about Russell’s vipers in Bangladesh has led to the mass killing of snakes, including non-venomous species. The situation is so dire that the government has issued guidelines and launched an awareness campaign urging people not to kill snakes, emphasizing that Russell’s vipers are not aggressive and only attack when provoked. Experts warn that the indiscriminate killing of snakes poses a significant threat to biodiversity and ecological balance, potentially leading to a surge in rat populations and crop damage.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute announced that two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, will be arriving from China by the end of the year. This news comes after the zoo sent its three pandas, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, to China last November.
The institute’s John and Adrienne Mars director, Brandie Smith, expressed excitement about welcoming the new pandas and acknowledged the successful collaboration with Chinese colleagues in the panda conservation program. The program has played a significant role in moving pandas from the endangered to vulnerable category on the global list of species at risk of extinction.
First lady Dr. Jill Biden, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, and Smith made the official announcement in a video shared on social media channels.
The Po Delta, a rich and diverse wetland ecosystem in northeastern Italy, is facing a barrage of challenges, including climate change-induced conditions such as prolonged droughts, torrential downpours, sea level rise, and the threat of renewed gas drilling offshore. These challenges are exacerbating the ongoing land subsidence caused by the extraction of gas and salt water in the past, putting the delta’s fragile habitats and livelihoods at risk.
Kering, a global luxury group, has emerged as a leader in sustainable fashion under the guidance of Marie-Claire Daveu, chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer. Daveu’s extensive experience in agriculture and environmental matters has shaped her vision for Kering’s sustainability initiatives. Through the development of the Environmental Profit And Loss (EP&L) account, the Material Innovation Lab, and the collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School, Kering is revolutionizing best practices in sustainable fashion by driving positive impact for people and the planet.
Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), reflecting the country’s dedication to responsible travel practices. Colombia, renowned for its diverse ecosystems, is home to varied landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Recognized for its biodiversity, Colombia harbors 10% of Earth’s biodiversity, leading globally in bird and orchid diversity, and second in terms of plants, butterflies, freshwater fish, and amphibians. This membership aligns with Colombia’s environmental initiatives, such as designating 30% of its land as protected areas and aiming for net zero deforestation by 2030.
Colombia has once again soared to victory in the Global Big Day, solidifying its position as the world’s premier birdwatching destination. With 1,558 species recorded and 12,007 checklists submitted, Colombia surpassed other biodiversity hotspots like Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, and India to secure the top spot in this global event. Since 2017, Colombia has consistently ranked first in the count, except for 2021. This year, ProColombia joined forces with USAID’s Destination Nature program to boost bird observations, highlighting the country’s extraordinary biodiversity and the importance of conservation.
Austria’s opposition to the EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) is weakening as two states, Carinthia and Vienna, have signaled support for the legislation. The NRL aims to reverse decades of ecosystem degradation across the EU by mandating restoration measures on at least 20% of land and sea by 2030. Austria was previously among a group of countries blocking the law, but the change of stance by Carinthia and Vienna could potentially end the consensus preventing the federal government from voting in favor of the legislation.
