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.
The Airports Council International (ACI) for Asia-Pacific & the Middle East has recognized 12 airports for their groundbreaking sustainability efforts. The Green Airports Recognition 2024 award focuses on biodiversity and nature-based solutions, showcasing initiatives that maintain biodiversity and implement sustainable strategies. These efforts include plantation activities, marine ecosystem conservation, wetland restoration, in-house horticulture, and wildlife management.
May 22nd marks International Day for Biological Diversity, highlighting the critical importance of preserving biodiversity for our planet’s health and human well-being. This year’s theme, ‘Be part of the plan,’ urges stakeholders to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The GBF establishes ambitious goals for biodiversity conservation and provides a comprehensive framework for action, including monitoring, capacity development, and financial support.
The Ministry of Forest Economy and the Ministry of Cultural, Tourist, Artistic, and Leisure Industry of Congo are embarking on a multi-city tour in the United States to promote Odzala-Kokoua National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. The tour, spanning from May 2 to 13, will highlight the park’s significance as a global eco-tourism destination and its role in sustainable tourism and carbon credit initiatives.
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, highlights the crucial role of bees in our ecosystems and the importance of protecting the environment. Google has created a fun video game to engage users in celebrating this day, showcasing the significance of bees for pollination and plant reproduction. The game serves as a reminder of the threats bees face due to human activities, emphasizing the need to safeguard their well-being and preserve our planet’s delicate balance.
