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BREAKING: European Union awards Wolf Coexistence Project amid its efforts to downgrade wolf protection. The Belgian Wolf Fencing Team (WFTB) initiative has been a key project in promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and wolves in Belgium. Why It Was Necessary? In 2018, wolves returned to Belgium after a century-long absence, establishing a territory of about 300 km² in Flanders, which includes critical Natura 2000 sites. The presence of non-professional pet livestock owners in the area posed a high risk of wolf attacks, leading to public unrest and protests against wolves. This situation threatened public support for both wolves and broader nature conservation efforts. Initiative Background and Start The WFTB was established in 2019 by three nature conservation NGOs: WWF Belgium, Natuurpunt, and Natagora. The initiative aims to support livestock owners by providing expert advice and practical assistance in making their fences wolf-proof. The Flemish government introduced subsidies to help with the costs of these adaptations. Methodology and Funding WFTB’s methodology includes practical fence adjustments, educational activities, and ongoing support for livestock owners. The project is funded by government subsidies and supported by the efforts of volunteers and conservation NGOs. Achievements Since its inception, WFTB has assisted over 1,080 livestock owners, with 80% of all requests handled. Notably, none of the 260 damage cases reported since the project began involved wolf-resistant fences that met WFTB standards. This success has led to reduced controversy over wolf presence and inspired similar initiatives in neighboring regions. Challenges and Future Steps Challenges include continuing to shift public attitudes towards coexistence and ensuring adequate funding and volunteer support. Future steps involve expanding the initiative to other regions, such as Wallonia and Zuid Nederland, and continuing to monitor and adapt strategies to ensure ongoing success. Other winners of the 2024 Natura 2000 Awards are: 1. Estonian Fund for Nature: Restored 2,500 hectares of mire habitats, crucial for biodiversity, water quality, and climate change mitigation. 2. Ocean Alive: Protected seagrass meadows in Portugal vital for marine life and carbon storage. 3. Artetica Cultural Association: Engaged Italian communities in biodiversity conservation through arts and cultural events. 4. Wild Atlantic Nature: Promoted sustainable farming practices in Ireland’s peatlands, important for carbon storage and biodiversity. 5. HAZI Foundation: Improved grazing management in the Pyrenees through cross-border cooperation. Let us find solutions for co-thriving with nature. We are not separate. Altogether we are called: Life #Wolf #Coexistance #NatureRestoration #EarthRegeneration #Rewilding #KeystoneSpecies #Conservation #Biodiversity #Natura2000 #Environment #Sustainability

🌊 Hands-On Conservation Workshop | Whale Shark Rescue Techniques in Valiyazheekal, Alappuzha Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) recently conducted a three-hour workshop in Valiyazheekal, Alappuzha, aimed at empowering the local fishing community with vital skills to safely rescue entangled whale sharks—a critical step towards marine biodiversity preservation. Workshop Highlights: Practical Rescue Techniques: Field Attendant Ajith Shangumugham led the session, offering hands-on guidance on safely freeing whale sharks from fishing gear and explaining the species' ecological value. Community Engagement: Coordinated by Assistant Field Officer Jithin Jose, the workshop attracted around 40 local participants, each actively engaging in the session and showing increased awareness of conservation practices. Sustainable Practices: The initiative reflects WTI’s commitment to promoting sustainable fishing practices that protect vulnerable marine species and foster healthier ecosystems. By equipping fishers with the tools and knowledge to protect endangered species like the whale shark, WTI underscores the essential role local communities play in marine conservation and supports a future where both biodiversity and livelihoods thrive.

Animals, plants, and other species living on Earth have their own roles in the ecosystems they live in. Unfortunately, biodiversity loss is now a global crisis affecting many species in ecosystems around the world, including the black howler monkeys in forests. In Belize, people and black howler monkeys, known locally as the Baboon, have co-existed for generations and created a strong cultural bond. There, a conservation effort has been underway for decades, yielding positive results for the black howler monkey. How does this community-based conservation effort help save the population of black howler monkeys in Belize? Read the full article by tapping the link below: https://lnkd.in/gpWqGRnC #greennetwork #greennetworkasia #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #SDGs2030 #belizeforests #belize #animalconservation #monkeysconservation #blackhowlermonkeys #communitybased #biodiversityloss #sustainableconservation

Well done

At the KAZA summit the issue of sustainable use and conservation was an intresting topic. Sustainable use and conservation, in line with CITES, aim to ensure that the use of wildlife resources, including elephants, is done in a way that: 1. Does not harm the species' survival 2. Maintains ecological integrity 3. Supports human well-being and livelihoods CITES promotes sustainable use and conservation through: 1. Regulation of international trade 2. Monitoring and enforcement 3. Capacity building and education 4. Research and data sharing Sustainable use practices include: 1. Controlled hunting and harvesting 2. Ecotourism 3. Sustainable forestry and land-use planning 4. Community-based conservation Conservation efforts include: 1. Habitat protection and restoration 2. Research and monitoring 3. Anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts 4. Education and awareness The goal is to balance human needs with the long-term survival of elephant populations and their ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future for all. CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival ¹ ². The convention was signed in 1973 and entered into force in 1975, with 184 parties (183 states and the European Union) currently participating in it. The CITES treaty affords varying degrees of protection to more than 40,000 species of animals and plants, and it has been ratified by almost every country in the world, with some notable exceptions including North Korea and the Holy See. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulates the international trade of elephants and their parts, including ivory. Elephants are listed under Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits commercial international trade in wild-caught specimens and their parts, including: - Live elephants - Elephant meat - Ivory (elephant tusks and products made from them) - Elephant hides - Elephant hair However, CITES allows limited trade in elephant parts under certain circumstances, such as: - Ivory stockpiles: Some countries are allowed to sell ivory from their stockpiles, but only under strict conditions. - Cultural or educational purposes: Limited trade is allowed for cultural, educational, or scientific purposes. - Conservation efforts: Trade may be permitted to support conservation efforts, such as selling ivory to fund anti-poaching efforts. CITES also regulates the trade of elephant products, such as: - Elephant hair jewelry - Elephant hide products - Elephant bone products The goal of CITES is to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of elephant populations. However, the effectiveness of CITES in protecting elephants is a subject of ongoing debate and controversy. WWF Zambia

KUA and Community-based Natural Resource Management in the world: KUA is involved in international discussions concerning the relatively new and largely opaque Convention on Biological Diversity conservation area category of "Other Effective Conservation Measures" or OECM. These areas encompass Indigenous and Local Community efforts to manage cultural and natural resources like co-management initiatives or even Hawai'is CBSFA. KUA advocate Olan Fisher, E Alu Pu Coordinator Alex Connelly and Emily Cadiz of the Hui Maka'ainana o Makana recently presented and participated in discussion about global indicators for biodiversity conservation in Chile https://lnkd.in/gvW7sDwB

#DamReservoirs play a crucial role in fostering sustainable development and environmental protection as #wetlands. Nakti Bird Sanctuary, listed on the #Ramsar List as Site no. 2546, exemplifies this perfectly. Originally developed for irrigation through the construction of Nakti #Dam, the sanctuary was designated as a #BirdSanctuary in 1984. It serves as a vital winter habitat for over 20,000 migratory birds, in addition to meeting local #agricultural and #domestic water needs. This site is not only popular for #birdwatching but also contributes to the local ecosystem's #biodiversity. Another prime example is the Nagi #BirdSanctuary, identified as Site no. 2545 on the #Ramsar List. Formed after the #damming of the Nagi River, this sanctuary boasts clear water bodies and abundant aquatic vegetation. Recognized as a Bird Sanctuary in 1984 and an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by #BirdLifeInternational, this site is a critical hub for migratory bird species. These sanctuaries showcase how dam projects can create opportunities for environmental conservation and sustainable development. #Dams #SustainableDevelopment #WorldEnvironmentDay #BirdSanctuary #Biodiversity #Wetlands

The Trans Fly savanna and grasslands ecoregion in the southern lowlands of New Guinea has been recognized as Globally Outstanding for its biodiversity values and conservation importance. It's an important wetland supporting hundreds of thousands of migratory birds that use the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. But now plans to convert over two million hectares of grasslands and wetlands by the Indonesian government, led by the military, could severely threaten the biodiversity of this ecoregion, cause social unrest because most of the lands have customary ownership, and potentially release large amounts of GHGs when draining and burning peatlands and marshes. See article by Stephen Wright highlighting the issues: https://lnkd.in/gazccHnu

Unlocking Hope Amidst Africa’s Biodiversity Crisis: A Conservation Imperative As an advocate for African wildlife conservation, I am acutely aware of the urgent challenges we face. Africa's incredible biodiversity is at a crossroads, with over 45,300 species globally threatened with extinction. Yet, amidst this crisis, a beacon of hope shines through the dedicated efforts of conservationists. A groundbreaking study reveals that well-executed conservation actions are not just beneficial but essential. The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) stands at the forefront, demonstrating how strategic conservation initiatives can reverse declines and safeguard ecosystems. Dr. Philip Muruthi, AWF’s Chief Scientist, emphasizes the vital connection between sustainable development and conservation. His reflections on AWF's work—ranging from habitat recovery to anti-poaching successes—underscore the profound impact of integrating conservation into community and economic development. In a time when environmental challenges seem daunting, this evidence of success is not just inspiring; it’s a call to action. By showcasing these positive outcomes and fostering collaboration, we can build a future where Africa’s wildlife and communities thrive together. Dive into this compelling exploration of how targeted conservation efforts are making a difference and discover how we can all contribute to this global imperative. [Link to full article] #WildlifeConservation #Biodiversity #AfricanWildlife #ConservationSuccess #SustainableDevelopment #EcoConservation #SaveOurPlanet #EnvironmentalImpact #ConservationLeadership #AWF #WildlifeProtection #GreenFuture #NaturePreservation #EndangeredSpecies #CommunityConservation

New #Open #Access paper explores the #bushmeat #trade in Ibadan Metropolis, #Nigeria, through the lens of #environmental #justice, focusing on sustainable #livelihoods and wildlife #conservation. Environmental justice in this context seeks to ensure f#air economic opportunities for bushmeat marketers, predominantly #women (93%), while protecting vulnerable wildlife species. The surveyed marketers—90% of whom were married—face social #inequalities, with only 50% having secondary education and 10% lacking formal #education. Most marketers sell bushmeat to #household consumers and travelers, raising concerns about the potential #spillover of wildlife products beyond Nigeria’s borders, with implications for conservation and zoonotic disease risks. Implications for #grasscutters #nile #monitor #lizard, #crocodile, #leopard and ground #pangolin conservation strategies that advance the science of environmental justice by reducing pressure on wildlife (#ecological justice) while ensuring stable incomes for marketers (#social justice).