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The UP Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology recently published its latest alumni newsletter. https://lnkd.in/dWcg_E7x The newsletter is filled with exciting developments at the University of Pretoria and showcases some recent breakthroughs. The newsletter also features an update on the progress of our vision to promote a green economy by advancing the use of timber in construction. Using timber promotes a green economy by supporting sustainable forestry practices, which help maintain healthy forest ecosystems and reduce deforestation. This contributes to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and the creation of green jobs. Additionally, timber products can be recycled and reused, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy. By choosing timber from responsibly managed forests, we can support the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy. We thank our partners York Timbers, the dti (Department of Trade and Industry: Republic of South Africa), FP&M SETA and many others for making this possible. We also thank the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) and South32 for recognising the programme's achievements. #sustainability #greeneconomy #timberconstruction

🌳 Selva Maya Tropical Timber Trade Mission, November 2024 Businesses interested in sustainable tropical timber sourcing will have the opportunity to explore timber species and meet key suppliers in Selva Maya, the second-largest tropical rainforest in the Americas. The event will take place from November 17th – 23rd, 2024. The trade mission, organized by the Rainforest Alliance, FSC Nederland, and Stichting Probos, Probos Foundation, aims to develop new market opportunities that promote forest conservation and strengthen the economic resilience of forest communities in Mexico and Guatemala. Attendees will meet key actors across the tropical timber value chain, from established community forest enterprises to emerging suppliers, along with private sector stakeholders and government bodies. This is a unique opportunity to connect directly with potential suppliers of tropical timber from community-managed forests and learn more about the region's tropical timber species. These range from well-known commercial timber species such as mahogany and cedar to lesser-known timber species that are new to the market and have excellent technical specifications. Such species include chicozapote, tzalam, pucté, and manchiche. Participants will also learn how responsible and ethical sourcing positively impacts the Selva Maya and the livelihoods of its guardians, and is critical to its conservation. All the forest communities that will be visited during the trade mission are FSC-certified or in the process of becoming FSC-certified. The expected results of the trade mission will benefit all. It provides great opportunities for the (FSC-certified) forest communities to explore and engage in business relations with interested tropical timber traders from Europe, which supports the creation of sustainable livelihoods. In addition, the business relations that might be established during this event will directly contribute to increasing and mainstreaming the trade and use of timber from, and thereby incentivize, sustainable forest management. For more information about the trade mission and how to participate, visit www.probos.nl. Please contact Carlos Estrada from Rainforest Alliance (cestrada@ra.org) or Mark van Benthem from Probos (mark.vanbenthem@probos.nl) for more information. #duurzaamhout #trademission #sustainableforestmanagement #houtnatuurlijkvannu #houtindegww

Are global forest restoration targets feasible? Bastiaan Louman, David Brand, Hemant Ojha, Xi Luo and I explored this question in a recent book chapter. We concluded that large- scale, global targets to restore forests are potentially feasible if restoration activities encompass multiple approaches, are based on social and political support, and sufficient finance can be mobilized. Approaches need to involve integrating trees with agriculture and a mix of commercial and environmental objectives. Involving local people in setting goals and providing clear tenure and ownership of land and restored trees and forests can build social and political support. Improving institutional arrangements and coordination across government agencies and private stakeholders can facilitate project finance at the scale needed to achieve global restoration goals. Congratulations to Pia Katila at WFSE and other editors for compiling this valuable reference for forest restoration. https://lnkd.in/g_Uz_37J

🪵 Russia’s Timber Grab: Oligarchs Take Axe to Old-Growth Forests 🇷🇺 The exploitation of Russia's ancient forests continues unabated, with the Segezha Group, controlled by billionaire Yevtushenkov, engaging in large-scale deforestation. This timber is often traded to China and India, feeding into the global forest products supply chain. 🔎 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ Ongoing Deforestation: Despite claims of reforestation, investigative reports reveal that rare old-growth forests in Karelia are being systematically cut down. The Segezha Group has opted out of protections that previously safeguarded millions of hectares of ecologically rich forests, leading to significant environmental concerns. 2️⃣ Economic Pressures: Following sanctions imposed on Russian timber products by the EU after the invasion of Ukraine, the Segezha Group has prioritised short-term financial gains over sustainable practices. By withdrawing from the logging moratorium, they have opened up vast protected forest areas for exploitation, which has sparked outrage among environmentalists. 3️⃣ Long-Term Consequences: Experts warn that the rollback of protections compromises the future of Russia's timber industry. As the sector tarnishes its reputation, accessing ecologically sensitive markets may become increasingly unlikely, with decisions driven by immediate economic benefits rather than long-term sustainability. 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can the global community influence sustainable practices in timber industries, particularly in regions where economic pressures lead to environmental degradation? What role can certification bodies play in promoting responsible forestry practices? 🔗 To delve deeper into the implications of this timber grab and its impact on global markets, click here: https://lnkd.in/gTBvGwiy #timber #wood #sustainability #deforestation #environment #russia #segezhagroup #segezha #climate #climatechange #stewardship #fsc #trade #conflicttimber #ukrainewar #war

Rwanda’s Commitment to Restoring Degraded Land #Rwanda is taking significant steps towards #sustainability by restoring two million hectares of deforested and degraded land. Since joining the Bonn Challenge in 2011, the country has already restored over 700,000 hectares and exceeded its #forest cover target, reaching 30.5%. This success showcases the power of collective effort and innovative solutions to restore #ecosystems and protect #biodiversity. From the semi-dry east to the rich montane forests in the west, 80 restoration projects are breathing new life into #Rwanda’s landscapes. As we enter the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Rwanda’s leadership in sustainable land management serves as an inspiring model for the world. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- #EcosystemRestoration #Sustainability #ClimateAction #RwandaGreenGrowth

** Local Communities for Sustainable Forest Management in Mongolia** 🌳 I'm excited to share our latest summary report on the capacities and challenges faced by Forest User Groups (FUGs) in Mongolia. This study, conducted under the TA-9899 Forest Sector Development Program supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Finnish Consulting Group Oy, highlights the critical role of FUGs in sustainable forest management. 🔍 **Key Insights:** - Many FUGs have developed and approved Forest Management Plans (FMPs), but member involvement varies. - Regular meetings are essential, with 25% of FUGs holding monthly meetings. - Women's participation in FUG activities is significant, with 40% of FUGs led by women. - Financial constraints and insufficient support from local authorities remain major challenges. 🔥 **Forest Management:** - 54% of FUGs actively participate in fire prevention patrols. - Reforestation efforts vary, with only 7.5% reforesting more than 4 hectares annually. 💡 **Training Needs:** - Developing and implementing forest management plans. - Establishing mutual funds and financial planning. - Understanding legal requirements and strengthening cooperation with local authorities. 💬 **Recommendations:** - Better integration of FUG management plans with soum-level plans. - Policies to provide financial and non-financial incentives for FUGs. - Targeted training programs to address identified needs. By addressing these challenges and implementing our recommendations, we can significantly enhance the capacities of FUGs and promote sustainable forest management in Mongolia, contributing to the conservation of our precious forest resources and supporting local livelihoods. 📄 **Read the full report from the attachment. #SustainableForestry #CommunityEmpowerment #Mongolia #ForestManagement #ADB #Sustainability #ClimateAction Mongolian Forest Research Association NGO Khongor Tsogt

Africa: Steady advancement in vast forest restoration initiative - https://lnkd.in/genBxjG5 - A large-scale tree-planting movement is gaining momentum in Africa, where thousands of farmers are transforming barren fields into vibrant, diverse forest gardens. These gardens not only feed families but also enhance soil quality and increase tree cover. The initiative, known as Trees for the Future (TREES), has revitalized over 41,000 hectares

🪵 Russia’s Timber Grab: Oligarchs Take Axe to Old-Growth Forests 🇷🇺 The exploitation of Russia's ancient forests continues unabated, with the Segezha Group, controlled by billionaire Yevtushenkov, engaging in large-scale deforestation. This timber is often traded to China and India, feeding into the global forest products supply chain. 🔎 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ Ongoing Deforestation: Despite claims of reforestation, investigative reports reveal that rare old-growth forests in Karelia are being systematically cut down. The Segezha Group has opted out of protections that previously safeguarded millions of hectares of ecologically rich forests, leading to significant environmental concerns. 2️⃣ Economic Pressures: Following sanctions imposed on Russian timber products by the EU after the invasion of Ukraine, the Segezha Group has prioritised short-term financial gains over sustainable practices. By withdrawing from the logging moratorium, they have opened up vast protected forest areas for exploitation, which has sparked outrage among environmentalists. 3️⃣ Long-Term Consequences: Experts warn that the rollback of protections compromises the future of Russia's timber industry. As the sector tarnishes its reputation, accessing ecologically sensitive markets may become increasingly unlikely, with decisions driven by immediate economic benefits rather than long-term sustainability. 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can the global community influence sustainable practices in timber industries, particularly in regions where economic pressures lead to environmental degradation? What role can certification bodies play in promoting responsible forestry practices? 🔗 To delve deeper into the implications of this timber grab and its impact on global markets, click here: https://lnkd.in/gZNjmkeT #timber #wood #sustainability #deforestation #environment #russia #segezhagroup #segezha #climate #climatechange #stewardship #fsc #trade #conflicttimber #ukrainewar

Very interesting Rich. Looking specifically at BNG habitat bank land values it is one of the important warnings we issue prior to a client starting a BNG creation project. My BNG “crystal ball” peering, which is misty, even though I am an RICS registered valuer, is that at the start of the 30+ year term the land could be devalued by 80-90 % in the worst cases and some very poor land hardly at all. This excludes the value of the units which have the potential of being worth multiples of the current land value. This devaluation will not be set and could reduce the nearer one gets to the end of the 30+ year term, depending on what the land can at that time be foreseen to be used for. Grassland habitat of course under current legislation may not be ploughed as it will be “permenent pasture” requiring an EIA anyway for other uses. 30 years is a long time though and a lot can happen in the meantime. Devaluation of the land is even more severe with NN projects.

The Great Green Wall initiative is a testament to the importance of innovation and adaptability in environmental projects. While the concept was noble and transformative, its execution faced significant challenges from the outset. However, the recent pivot towards a more nuanced, mosaic of land use practices is a brilliant strategic shift. This new direction acknowledges the complex nature of ecological systems and the diverse needs of local communities. At ADS, we admire this kind of forward-thinking that can drive real change. We believe our #employerofrecord solution can also be transformative for employment by NGO's of local communities and for regional integration. The Great Green Wall is not just a barrier against desertification, but a beacon of hope for a greener future. 🌿🌍 Read more about the Great Green Wall initiative and its impact on regreening Africa's Sahel region here: https://lnkd.in/dS9UcFpa