India is developing a national wildlife health policy to address the rising threat of zoonotic diseases, a critical issue highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy, aimed at safeguarding both wildlife populations and public health, will integrate disease surveillance, address habitat destruction, and promote research and collaboration across government agencies and stakeholders.
The BIPOSC project, a collaborative effort involving Musim Mas Group, L3F, SNV Indonesia, and ICRAF, is empowering independent smallholder oil palm farmers in Indonesia through regenerative agriculture practices. This initiative aims to enhance knowledge and capacity, foster sustainable businesses, and improve livelihoods, all while promoting biodiversity conservation and combating deforestation.
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has announced the launch of its Nature Force initiative in Quebec, focusing on restoring wetlands and aquatic environments along the Lorette River. This project aims to mitigate flood risks, enhance climate resilience, and protect biodiversity in the region.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve and Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve have been declared Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). This designation is expected to enhance conservation efforts in these reserves, known for their unique landscapes and rich biodiversity.
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is partnering with the Assam government to establish an institute in Guwahati aimed at conserving the natural resources of the eastern Himalayas, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity. This initiative follows TERI’s recent announcement of a world-class energy transition institute in Hyderabad and underscores the organization’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and green jobs.
In the sweltering state of Tabasco, Mexico, a devastating heatwave has claimed the lives of at least 138 howler monkeys since mid-May. The primates, known for their vocal roars, have succumbed to heatstroke as temperatures soared to unprecedented heights. Veterinarians and conservationists attribute the deaths to a combination of high heat, drought, forest fires, and logging, which have deprived the monkeys of water, shade, and sustenance. While efforts are underway to rehabilitate affected animals, the plight of these emblematic species highlights the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems.
The inaugural Hima Protected Areas Forum concluded on April 24th, marking a significant milestone in the conservation and sustainable development initiatives in Saudi Arabia. The gathering, held under the auspices of H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, brought together key stakeholders to address the crucial role of community-based conservation, sustainable resource management, and collaboration in protecting natural heritage. Key international figures, including representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Conservation Monitoring Centre, and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), delivered impactful addresses, highlighting the urgency and importance of protected areas for a sustainable future.
The Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) team in Wayanad, in collaboration with the district administration, has launched an innovative campaign called ‘Meet our SWEETEY’ to promote voter participation while also raising awareness about biodiversity conservation. SWEETEY (Spreading Wayanad’s Election Enthusiasm Through Epithemis Wayanadaensis) is a mascot inspired by the newly discovered dragonfly species, Epithemis Wayandensis, which is indigenous to Wayanad. The mascot aims to foster a sense of pride among Wayanad’s citizens while encouraging them to actively participate in the electoral process. The dragonfly, known scientifically as Red Ramped Hack Lett, is facing population threats due to climate change. The SWEETEY campaign incorporates a conservation appeal, highlighting the importance of protecting Wayanad’s natural heritage.
