NewzIntel.com

Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Protecting and preserving EIT Hawke’s Bay’s outdoor learning sanctuary | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    3 hours ago

    A recent Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC) staff meeting on the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus.

    Protecting and preserving an EIT Hawke’s Bay campus outdoor learning sanctuary is important environmentally and culturally for the future, says EIT new kaitiaki (guardian) of the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC).

    Gerard Henry, a tutor in EIT’s School of Primary Industries, takes up the role while maintaining his teaching duties in EIT’s environmental management and horticulture programmes.  Gerard will be supported by the wider Primary Industries team.   

    The ŌOLC has been inspirational for students and staff across numerous EIT Schools as well as local schools and organisations, and Gerard believes it can play an even greater role in connecting the campus with nature.  “There are many opportunities for programmes to utilise this special space as part of their delivery, enriching the learning experience for ākonga”.

    Initially the ŌOLC was established as the base for the Learning in Nature (LIN) education initiative, an innovative collaboration between EIT, Ngāti Pārau (the mana whenua hapū for Ōtātara), Te Papa Atawhai (the Department of Conservation), Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, and local environmental groups.  Financial support from the Air New Zealand Environment Trust helped get the OOLC underway. In 2021, EIT won the Benefiting Society Category of the prestigious Australasian Green Gown Awards for its ‘Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au: I am nature, nature is me’ project.

    Gerard Henry is the new kaitiaki (guardian) of the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC) on the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus.

    The ŌOLC has a steady stream of local school children and community groups utilising the facility.  The team recently hosted ākonga from seven Ōtatāra Kāhui kura where children participated in various outdoor activities and enjoyed helping to organise some planting “Part of my role is to liaise with different community groups so that they can enjoy what ŌOLC has to offer” says Gerard.

    Students and staff from a wide range of EIT programmes are invested in the space and work collaboratively on various projects to improve and celebrate the spaces and the amazing resource we have.

    Gerard says “it was at the first planting project at ŌOLC in 2018 with a Sustainability cohort that he understood the meaning the place will have for ākonga, kaimahi and visitors”.  EIT are privileged to be connected with “Ōtātara, one of the most outstanding Pa sites in New Zealand”.  Kaitiakitanga and Mātauranga Māori will be guiding principles in leading the development of ŌOLC into the future.

    Paul Keats, the Assistant Head of School for Primary Industries, said the ŌOLC is a perfect fit with our School and as well as benefiting our teaching, it’s an asset for the community.

    It is important for people to know that the ŌOLC is now fully functional after the cyclone for EIT and community use. For inquiries, contact the team at OtataraOutdoorLearningCentre@eit.ac.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Dredging work begins on Lumsden Point Project in Port Hedland

    Source: Australian Ministers for Infrastructure and Transport

    Work has started on dredging at Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland, with approximately one million cubic metres of material to be removed over the next eight weeks.

    The dredging will create a deeper access channel, swing basin and berth pockets to ensure the safe and efficient berthing of vessels at the new Lumsden Point facility.

    Earlier this year, Jan De Nul (Australia) Pty Ltd was awarded the contract for these vital dredging and land reclamation activities.

    Extensive preparatory works have already been completed, culminating in the arrival of the JFJ De Nul cutter suction dredge in Port Hedland earlier this week. 

    Environmental monitoring is being carried out as part of the dredging program to minimise the risk of impact to surrounding habitats.

    Dredged material will be disposed of at a designated reclamation area within Lumsden in accordance with an approved Environmental Management Plan.

    Lumsden Point will facilitate the export of battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, the import of renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades, as well as support the growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara.

    The Australian Government is investing $565 million in common user port upgrades in the Pilbara, $450 million of which will enable the development of new multi-user facilities and berths at Lumsden Point.

    This is in partnership with the Western Australian Government, which is contributing $96.6 million to the project.

    BHP, Fortescue, Roy Hill and the Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd/Mineral Resources Ltd Joint Venture have committed a total of $65 million towards dredging costs.

    Further information about the Lumsden Point project is available at http://www.pilbaraports.com.au

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “The Australian Government is delivering $565 million in common user port upgrades in the Pilbara to help unlock trade and investment opportunities and support a future made in Australia.

    “This project is all about investment in quality infrastructure which encourages and supports opportunities for local businesses and communities.

    “We will continue to partner with the Western Australian Government to ensure that this vital infrastructure progresses .”

    Quotes attributable to Western Australian Minister for Ports David Michael:

    “It’s fantastic to see the progress being made at Lumsden Point.

    “The commencement of the dredging and reclamation works represents a significant milestone in the project’s advancement which will help diversify trade in the Pilbara.

    “Upon completion, Lumsden Point is expected to boost Australia’s gross domestic product by $2.1 billion per annum.

    “It is expected to save 3.6 million tonnes of emissions by 2055 by supporting direct shipping to the Pilbara and providing a pathway for renewable energy infrastructure.”

    Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle:

    “The Australian Government’s investment in the Lumsden Point expansion helps position Northern Australia to take advantage of the economic opportunities this project will provide as demand grows locally and overseas for clean energy sources.

    “This project, which I’m pleased to see is underway, will drive both employment and economic growth while delivering lasting infrastructure that will continue to benefit the region well into the future.”

    Quotes attributable to State Member for Pilbara Kevin Michel:

    “Lumsden Point is a key investment in the Pilbara’s future, enhancing our ability to support economic growth and strengthen the region’s global significance. 

    “The port expansion will solidify the Pilbara’s role as a driving force in the green energy transition, unlocking new trade pathways and creating hundreds of local jobs that will directly benefit our communities.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Approves $30 Million Financing to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Nepal

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (30 September 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $30 million financing package to improve climate resilience, water resources management, and livelihoods of communities in Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces in Nepal.

    “Nepal is increasingly at risk from the devastating impacts of climate change, as extreme weather events become more frequent. The Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces are assessed to be the most vulnerable regions to climate change, largely owing to the poor communities’ low coping capacity” said ADB Environment Specialist Sumit Pokhrel. “This project will help communities in the targeted project areas to be more climate-resilient, build their capacity to preserve and manage their natural resources, and expand nature-based livelihood opportunities that will boost the local economy.”

    The package comprises a $10 million concessional loan and a $20 million grant from the Asian Development Fund, which provides grants to ADB’s poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries.

    The Climate-Resilient Landscapes and Livelihoods Project will help communities in 24 municipalities prepare catchment management plans to ensure effective water resources management and water security. The project will support the construction of small-scale drinking water systems and gravity-fed irrigation facilities. It will introduce water and soil conservation measures to protect landscapes from adverse effects of climate change. This includes the construction of soil erosion, surface runoff control, and infiltration structures; slope and stream bank stabilization; and land cover improvements such as nurseries, restoration of barren lands, and agroforestry.    

    ADB will provide grants to support nature-based livelihood investments such as the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, non-timber forestry products, and indigenous crops. This will improve income opportunities of farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises, including women entrepreneurs. The project will also promote ecotourism in the region to diversify local communities’ income sources.  

    The project will build the capacity of federal, provincial and local governments to effectively plan, manage, and monitor water infrastructure, watersheds, and livelihood projects. At the local level, the project will train and inform communities on land and water preservation and conservation, and on nature-based livelihood opportunities.  

    ADB will administer an additional $2 million grant financed by the Community Resilience Partnership Program Trust Fund (CRPPTF) under the Community Resilience Financing Partnership Facility, which is dedicated to financing women-led small and medium enterprises. An additional $1.25 million grant from ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund and $500,000 from the CRPPTF is allocated for capacity building towards livelihood enhancement, ecotourism promotion, geographical indication, and independent project monitoring.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Endangered Species Advisory Committee

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Endangered Species Advisory Committee
    Appointments to Endangered Species Advisory Committee
    *****************************************************

         ​The Government today (September 30) announced the appointments to the Endangered Species Advisory Committee (ESAC) for the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026.     The ESAC was established in accordance with the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) to advise the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation on the administration of the Ordinance.     The following members will serve in the new term:Professor Wong Kam-bo (Chairman)Mr Chan Chun-pangMs Angela Chan Nga-chi Dr Tommy Hui Tin-yanMs Rose Ko Lai-fong Ms Elaine Shiu Yin-ningDr Simon Sin Yung-wa Ms Cammy So On-manMr Stanley Wong Cho-hangMs Josephine Wong Lai-meiMr Yang JianhuanMr Henry Yau Yik-chungMs Fanny Yeung Shuk-fun Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation with Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation as alternate memberCommissioner of Customs and Excise with Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Boundary and Ports) as alternate memberPrincipal Assistant Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Nature Conservation) with Assistant Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Nature Conservation) 2 as alternate MemberAssistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (Conservation)     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department expresses its gratitude for the service and valuable contributions of the outgoing members Ms Chiang Mei-ling, Dr David Lau Tai-wai, Dr Michelle Law Man-suet, Dr Xoni Ma Kwan-ki, Dr Sung Yik-hei, and Mr Matthew Wong Yin-shun.

     
    Ends/Monday, September 30, 2024Issued at HKT 12:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESS RELEASE – SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT & THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW CASTLE AUSTRALIA

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    September 23, 2024, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (TATTE) Building Level 3.

    The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and the University of New Castle Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to initiate their partnership in promoting scientific, socio-economic and educational international engagement including capability development and research activities on renewable energy for the benefit of both Samoa and Australia.

    The signing of this MOU open doors to a wide range of collaborative efforts. It will promote technical support, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives that are essential to the sustainable management of our natural resources. Specifically, the partnership will enhance our capacity to design, implement, and monitor joint research projects, with a focus on the development of policies, research design, and educational materials.

    The signing ceremony, held on September 23, 2024 marks a significant milestone in Samoa’s ongoing efforts to transition towards a renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As part of this MOU, both parties will work together to

    (i) establish scientific cooperation in areas of mutual exchange of scientific information including in the publications and policies, research design and the development of educational materials;

    (ii) the design, development and implementation of joint research, capability development and pilot projects and programmes;

    (iii) joint training of MNRE staff through joint Australian-Samoan management of Masters research and PhD programmes.

    “This MOU is more than a formal agreement; it is the beginning of an exciting journey. By combining our resources, expertise and passion, we will address critical environmental challenges, improves capacity in both countries and develop solutions that can make a real difference”, said Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena.

    Professor Zee Upton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor from the University of New Castle also highlighted the importance of the collaboration, “we are honored to partner with Samoa on this crucial mission to advance renewable energy research. Our joint efforts will contribute to addressing global energy challenges, particularly for small island nations that face disproportionate risks from climate change.”

    The Ministry acknowledges with much appreciation the University of Newcastle Australia and Professor Alan Broadfoot for his leadership and dedication to fostering this partnership.

    END.

    SOURCE – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – Greenpeace says Freshwater protections up sh-t creek without a paddle under Luxon’s Government

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace Aotearoa is concerned that freshwater protections are ‘up sh-t creek without a paddle’ after the Government’s latest report back on the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe says, “The health of fresh water has been in decline for decades, but by stripping away critical protections, the Luxon Government is completely ignoring that reality in favour of polluting industries.”
    Among the changes proposed in the Bill is the stripping of Te Mana O Te Wai and the hierarchy of obligations from resource consent applications, which prioritises the health of freshwater ecosystems and access to safe drinking water ahead of polluting industries like intensive dairy.
    “Regardless of whether the Government continues with this regressive Bill, our priority will still be stopping the pollution of fresh water and drinking water at source. That means fewer cows and less synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, especially in Canterbury,” says Appelbe.
    Greenpeace will be in Canterbury next month offering free drop-in drinking water testing events for nitrate contamination in Amberley and Oxford on the 18th and 20th of October.
    “In April, we found that three town supplies in North Canterbury were testing above 5 mg/L of nitrate – the level at which the NZ College of Midwives warns can increase the risk of pre-term birth for pregnant people who drink this water.
    “Prior Greenpeace testing has revealed that this is an experience shared by several other Canterbury towns. Yet despite these risks, Luxon’s Government still wants to dismantle the few freshwater protections we have. We’ll continue to test drinking water for nitrates, because we’ll continue to back those impacted communities, even if Luxon won’t.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AIIB Commits USD100 Million for Climate Transition in Asia

    Source: Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has signed a USD100 million commitment toward climate transition investments in emerging Asia. Of the total commitment, USD75 million is committed to the Actis Asia Climate Transition Fund (the Fund), managed by Actis GP LLP, and up to USD25 million co-investment sleeve alongside the Fund.

    This marks AIIB’s first climate transition-themed fund dedicated to emerging Asia and highlights the Bank’s commitment to sustainable development and climate change mitigation in the region.

    “Our commitment to the Actis Asia Climate Transition Fund underscores AIIB’s dedication to financing sustainable infrastructure and fostering low-carbon solutions in Asia,” said Rajat Misra, AIIB Acting Vice President, Investment Clients, Region 1 & Financial Institutions and Funds, Global. “This partnership aligns with our climate strategy and sets a precedent for future investments aimed at achieving net-zero emissions while promoting gender equality in the energy sector.”

    The Fund aims to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, energy solutions and sustainable transportation which lean toward emerging Asia.

    Project Highlights:

    • Strong Sustainability Credentials—The Actis Asia Climate Transition strategy was established to meet investor demand for an SFDR Article 9 investment strategy which is focused on net zero and decarbonization assets aimed at supporting climate solutions including energy efficiency, smart grids, district energy and sustainable transportation. AIIB will gain access to Actis’ proprietary sustainability toolkit for direct investments, including enhanced governance framework, processes and metrics that will persist beyond exit.
    • Demonstration Effect on Gender Focus—The Project marks AIIB’s first equity position in an energy transition infrastructure-focused fund which is committed to addressing gender gaps in the energy sector, enabling learning opportunities for development of gender considerations in future investments.
    • Strategic Partnership that Drives Environmental and Social Impact—As an emerging market-focused sustainable infrastructure investor, the Fund will be Actis’ first climate-transition strategy. The collaboration highlights AIIB’s proactive approach to forming strategic partnerships and demonstrates AIIB’s dedication to financing sustainable infrastructure and fostering low-carbon solutions in Asia.

    About AIIB

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyond—infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 110 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 500 Years of the Three Leagues Free State – Learning Setting “In the Footsteps of the Three Leagues”

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Grisons in Italian

    On the occasion of the anniversary of “500 years of the Three Leagues Free State”, the Office for Popular Education and Sports has developed a learning concept for the new teaching medium “Grisons at a Glance”. The learning concept entitled “In the Footsteps of the Three Leagues” promotes historical awareness among pupils and is available in digital format in all eight languages of schooling.

    History surrounds us and the past leaves traces that reach the present. For the Canton of Grisons, it is very important to pass on its history and culture. Before Grisons became part of the Helvetic Republic, the Three Leagues laid the foundations for today’s Canton with its borders, culture and linguistic diversity.

    In collaboration with the publishing house «Schulverlag plus», the Office for Popular Education and Sports has designed and developed a digital learning approach on the Free State of the Three Leagues. This learning approach is available to teachers as well as pupils in the form of entertaining and informative teaching units. Starting with the 500th anniversary celebrations, pupils engage with the history of the Canton of Graubünden and follow in the footsteps of the Three Leagues, exploring various questions about the origin and development of the Canton. Among other things, they discuss what happened in 1524, why there is talk of a Free State and why this alliance was signed. With the fictional story of Maurizio, Bertilla and Jovin address historical questions about the origins of the Canton, analysing various sources.

    In digital format and in eight school languages«Colpo d’occhio Grigioni» is a digital teaching aid for the subject nature, human beings, society (NEUS) for the second cycle and takes into account the specific regional requirements of the Study Plan 21 Grigioni. Both the teaching aid and the learning approach «In the footsteps of the Three Leagues» have been published in the eight school languages: German, Sursilvan, Sutsilvan, Surmiran, Puter, Vallader, Rumantsch Grischun and Italian.

    Further jubilee activities and projectsThe numerous projects and activities in all language regions can be found at https://500.gr.ch.

    Attached images:

    Web view learning settingExample of illustration of educational content

    Contact persons:

    Questions about the 500th anniversary celebrations:

    Prime Minister Dr. Jon Domenic Parolini, Director of the Department of Education, Culture and Environmental Protection, Tel. 41 81 257 27 01, e-mailJondomenic.Parolini@ekud.gr.ch
    Daniel Camenisch, project manager “500 years of the Three Leagues Free State”, tel. 41 78 659 63 60 (reachable between 10:00 and 12:00), e-mailcamenisch@vinavant.ch

    Questions about learning setup:

    Josy Marie Künzler, Project Manager, Teaching Materials Service, Office for Popular Education and Sports, Tel. 41 81 257 22 61 (reachable from 10:00 to 12:00), e-mailJosy.Kuenzler@avs.gr.ch

    Competent body: Department of Education, Culture and Environmental Protection

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CFS announces food safety report for August

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (September 30) released the findings of its food safety report for last month. The results of about 6 100 food samples tested were found to be satisfactory except for nine unsatisfactory samples which were announced earlier. The overall satisfactory rate was 99.9 per cent.

         A CFS spokesman said about 1 900 food samples were collected for microbiological tests, and about 4 200 samples were taken for chemical and radiation level tests.

         The microbiological tests covered pathogens and hygiene indicators; the chemical tests included testing for pesticides, preservatives, metallic contaminants, colouring matters, veterinary drug residues and others; and the radiation level tests included testing for radioactive caesium and iodine in samples collected from imported food from different regions.

         The samples comprised about 1 900 samples of vegetables and fruit and their products; about 500 samples of cereals, grains and their products; about 500 samples of meat and poultry and their products; about 1 000 samples of milk, milk products and frozen confections; about 800 samples of aquatic and related products; and about 1 400 samples of other food commodities (including beverages, bakery products and snacks).

         The nine unsatisfactory samples comprised a crab sample with an excessive metallic contaminant; a prepackaged salad sample found to contain Salmonella; a frozen confection sample detected with coliform bacteria and total bacterial counts exceeding the legal limit; three prepackaged frozen confection samples detected with total bacterial counts exceeding the legal limit; a prepackaged egg-flavoured noodle sample detected with a preservative exceeding the legal limit; a prepackaged ice-cream sample and a prepackaged wheat starch sample in breach of food labelling regulations.

         The CFS has taken follow-up actions on the above-mentioned unsatisfactory samples including informing the vendors concerned of the test results, instructing them to stop selling the affected food items and tracing the sources of the food items in question.

         The spokesman reminded the food trade to ensure that food is fit for human consumption and meets legal requirements. Consumers should patronise reliable shops when buying food and maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risks.

         Separately, in response to the Japanese Government’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the CFS will continue enhancing the testing on imported Japanese food, and make reference to the risk assessment results to adjust relevant surveillance work in a timely manner. The CFS will announce every working day on its dedicated webpage (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/daily_japan_nuclear_incidents.html) the radiological test results of the samples of food imported from Japan, with a view to enabling the trade and members of the public to have a better grasp of the latest safety information.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Photographers encouraged to enter Citizen Science for Water Photo Story Competition

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Photographers have been encouraged to submit entries to the Citizen Science for Water Photo Story Competition, which is aimed at communicating matters on water action.

    “The competition is aimed at elevating inspiring stories on citizen science for water by touching upon people’s emotional connection to water and inspiring them to take positive action,” the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said on Saturday.

    Citizen science is the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific endeavours to increase scientific knowledge. 

    The South African National Committee (SANC) for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), in collaboration with the DWS, launched the Citizen Science for Water Photo Story Competition on Friday in Pretoria. 

    SANC members include DWS, the Water Research Commission (WRC), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), University of South Africa (UNISA), and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), amongst others.

    “The competition’s objectives are to raise awareness on the intertwined relationship between water and the various dimensions of culture, value, education and the natural sciences in the past and present; activate youth involvement in communicating matters of water action in creative ways; contribute to joint actions in the water action agenda, and to demonstrate how citizens, communities and education could effectively support the sustainable use and management of water,” the department said.

    Participants should explore five themes which are: Water and Citizen Science; Water and Partnerships; Water and Education; Water and Culture, as well as Water and Communities. 

    The competition is now officially opened. Submissions can be sent via a link: https://www.dws.gov.za/Projects/UNESCO/cspi.aspx

    Applicants are urged to familiarise themselves with the submission rules when entering the competition. Anyone with inquiries or struggling with submission may direct their queries to ihp50photostory@dws.gov.za.

    The competition is free to enter, and participants must be 18 years or older. The deadline for submission is 28 February 2025, 23:00 South African Time. 

    The winners will be officially announced in March 2025 and receive an award from the department and South African National Committee for IHP, and recognition and visibility through IHP channels and initiatives both locally and internationally. 

    The top 15 winning pieces will be exhibited in June 2025 during the launch of the Photo Story Book. –SANews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Thai experts laud China’s smart rice irrigation tech

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese and Thai experts learn about crop water demand testing at the Guangxi Irrigation Experimental Central Station in Guilin, Guangxi, Sept. 28, 2024. [Ren Bin/China.org.cn]

    A team of 30 agricultural irrigation experts, government officials and local community representatives from China and Thailand visited Guilin, a city in southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on September 28, to study climate-smart water and rice farming technologies as part of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism. 

    In Songlin village, Huixian township of Guilin, researchers from China’s Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute (CRSRI) of Changjiang Water Resources Commission, demonstrated smart irrigation equipment to Thai experts.

    “With our smart equipment, the data on flow rate, water level, soil moisture and meteorology can be remotely monitored in real-time with just a digital device in your hand,” said Li Yalong, director of CRSRI’s Agricultural Water Conservancy Department. “With the help of this information, local farmers can control the amount of irrigation water, for example, and it helps achieve the goals of energy saving, water conservation and emission reductionat the same time.”

    A local farmer surnamed Liao told China.org.cn about the improved drainage and water conservation since implementing the equipment.

    “Compared to last year, the cost of twice irrigation has been saved. And the crops are growing well,” said Liao. “In previous years, when I planted the rice all by myself, the field yield was 1,800 to 2,100 kilograms per acre, but this year, it is estimated to be more than 2,400 kilograms.”

    The demonstration site is part of a wider project promoting climate-smart water technologies for sustainable resources and rice production in the Lancang-Mekong Region, supported by the Lancang-Mekong Special Fund. 

    The project, guided by Thailand’s Office of the National Water Resources, is jointly coordinated with several institutes, including the Asia Center of Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI Asia Center) in Bangkok, the Environmental Research Institute of Chulalongkorn University, the Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center, the CRSRI, and the Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research. It aims to enhance climate-smart technology innovation and promote sustainable regional rice production and water resource management.

    Thanapon Piman, water cluster lead and SEI Asia Center senior research fellow, who leads the project, praised the demonstration for strengthening cooperation among Lancang-Mekong countries on climate-smart farm technologies. He said it helps local communities adapt to the impacts of climate change and reduce the risks of floods and droughts.

    “The technologies from China are good examples for Thailand to apply the technology in agricultural water resource management,” Piman said. “This visit gives us more confidence and inspiration on how to help local communities cope with the impact of climate change.”

    The team also visited the Guangxi Irrigation Experimental Central Station, exploring experimental areas for water conservation, pollution prevention, and precision irrigation. Thai experts exchanged ideas on irrigation experiments with the station’s technical staff.

    The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism is a multilateral framework established in 2016 for China and five Southeast Asian countries to collaborate on development and regional issues. 

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Court sentences two former rangers for rhino poaching

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Sunday, September 29, 2024

    Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Narend Singh has welcomed the 20-year imprisonment sentence handed down by the Skukuza Regional Court to two former Kruger National Park (KNP) rangers for their involvement in rhino poaching. 

    “We commend the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement agencies and the National Prosecuting Authority for the arrest, investigations, and successful conviction of the two former rangers to an effective 20-year jail term each. 

    “Poachers and those funding wildlife crimes will face the full might of the law,” the Deputy Minister said in a statement.

    The two former Kruger National Park field rangers, Lucky Mkanzi and Joe Sihlangu, were attached to the Crocodile Bridge Section of the KNP and were arrested in January 2019 in an intelligence-driven operation.

    Information was received that both the accused were involved in the transportation of poaching suspects in the Godleni area of the section where two carcasses of white rhino were discovered.

    Analysis of their vehicle tracking device placed them at the vicinity of the crime scene. The two were taken into custody and confessed to taking part in the crime. An amount of R41 000 was recovered from Joe Shilhangu’s room and it was determined that the money was payment for his participations in the commission of the crime.

    The trial of the two commenced in the Skukuza Regional court on 04 September 2024 where the state presented compelling evidence, which led to the court finding them guilty on three counts:
    •  Conspiracy to commit a crime resulting in a 4-year sentence.
    •  Hunting of a rhinoceros in a national park resulting in 10 years imprisonment.
    •  Hunting and killing of rhinoceros in a national park resulting in 10 years imprisonment.

    The court ordered that the sentences in count 1 and 2 will run concurrently with that of count 3 resulting in an effective jail term of 20 years for each accused.  

    They were sentenced on Friday. 

    Members of the public can report any suspicious activities around wildlife to its environmental crime hotline which is 0800 205 005 or the SAPS number 10111. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The history and importance of airborne thermal infrared imaging in Yellowstone National Park

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.  This week’s contribution is from R. Greg Vaughan, research scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey.

    Top: the first thermal infrared images of Yellowstone (1961).  Warm areas are brighter; cold areas are darker.  These images were published in: McLerran, J.H. and Morgan, J.O. (1965) Thermal mapping of Yellowstone National Park. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, University of Michigan, Institute of Science and Technology, Ann Arbor, MI, pp. 517-530.  Bottom: the first thermographic mosaic of Yellowstone (April 1969).  These image strips were acquired by flying an infrared line scanner that was modified for video tape recording along dozens of adjacent flight lines.  This type of airborne image acquisition resulted in many distortions and striping effects due to differing look angles.  Some of these artifacts could be corrected in image post-processing.  This uncontrolled mosaic was published in: Williams Jr, R.S., Hasell Jr, P.G., Sellman, A.N. and Smedes, H.W. (1976). Thermographic mosaic of Yellowstone National Park. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 42(10), pp.1315-1324.

    In 1800, German-British astronomer William Herschel discovered infrared light—electromagnetic radiation that exists beyond what we can see with our eyes. Using a prism to separate sunlight into its rainbow of colors, and placing a thermometer within distinct colors, Herschel noted that heating was unequal among the different colors, and that the temperature would increase further in a thermometer placed below the red color of the spectrum.  Indeed, “infrared” means “below red,” although at the time Herschel called this part of the spectrum “invisible rays of the Sun” and “calorific rays.”  He would also use the term, “radiant heat” and was the first to propose that visible light and radiant heat may be the same phenomenon.  This was many decades before development of electromagnetic radiation theory. 

    In the century that followed, numerous advances were made in the ability to measure radiant heat, providing the ability to measure very small differences in temperature.  For example, in 1901, a bolometer (a type of infrared detector invented in the 1870s by American astronomer and physicist Samuel Pierpont Langley), could detect thermal infrared radiation from a cow 400 m (1300 ft) away. 

    Thermal infrared imaging was born in 1929, when Hungarian physicist Kálmán Tihanyi invented an electronic television camera that was sensitive to thermal infrared light and could be used for military applications—it could see planes flying at night. 

    Thermal imaging methods advanced throughout the following decades, but much of the technology was classified because of its military applications.  Eventually, thermal infrared cameras became more widely available, rendering thermal infrared radiation emitted by warm objects into an image represented by visible colors. 

    In April-May 1961, a series of aerial infrared images were collected in Yellowstone National Park by the U. S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory and the Infrared Laboratory of the University of Michigan Institute of Science and Technology, in cooperation with the National Park Service.  Several thermal areas were imaged, including Norris Geyser Basin, Roadside Springs, Roaring Mountain, Midway and Upper Geyser Basin, Tern Lake, Fern Lake, and Pelican Creek.  Several other airborne infrared surveys were conducted in Yellowstone in the 1960s and 1970s.  These data led to the discovery of some previously unknown thermal areas and allowed the creation of the first thermographic mosaic of Yellowstone National Park. 

    Top: Thermographic mosaic of Yellowstone acquired by the NASA’s MODIS-ASTER Airborne Simulator (MASTER), a thermal infrared scanner, in September 2006.  Dark shades indicate cool temperatures and bright are warm; this reflects not only hydrothermal activity, but also types of ground cover.  Bottom: Thermographic mosaic of a portion of Norris Geyser Basin acquired from a thermal infrared camera mounted on an aircraft, acquired in March 2015.

    With modern infrared scanning and imaging technologies and digital image processing, it is now possible to produce seamless thermographic mosaics of large areas and high-resolution thermal infrared images of geyser and hot spring basins throughout Yellowstone.  From 2005 to 2015, there was an annual (and sometimes bi-annual) campaign of airborne thermal infrared surveys of selected thermal areas in the park.  These surveys produced very high-resolution (1 meter per pixel) mosaics, allowing for detailed mapping, characterization, and change detection of individual thermal features. 

    One of the tradeoffs with high-resolution airborne thermal surveys is that they are expensive and require a lot of logistical planning, and they are therefore infrequent.  This is why YVO scientists make extensive use of satellite based thermal infrared imaging to study and monitor thermal activity in Yellowstone.  These data have proven remarkably useful, for instance, in the discovery of a new thermal area near Tern Lake.  And these data are complemented by high-resolution visible imagery that have also been used identify previously unmapped thermal areas.

    While satellite data provide a wonderful overall view of thermal output from Yellowstone and some localized views of thermal features, airborne thermal infrared surveys are the most effective for detailed mapping and monitoring.  YVO scientists are currently exploring new, more efficient, and cost-effective ways of acquiring high-resolution aerial thermal data, and we look forward to sharing our progress in future editions of Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Singapore and Ghana Launch First Call for Project Applications under Implementation Agreement on Carbon Credits Cooperation

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Singapore, 30 September 2024 — Singapore and Ghana have set out the processes for authorising carbon credit projects under their Implementation Agreement on carbon  credits cooperation, in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Applications may be submitted through Singapore’s Carbon Markets Cooperation website, at http://www.carbonmarkets-cooperation.gov.sg.

    2               The carbon credit projects authorised under the Implementation Agreement will channel financing towards emissions reduction or removal projects in Ghana. These projects can promote sustainable development and generate benefits for local communities, including job creation, clean water access, improvements to energy security, and reducing environmental pollution (See Annex A for potential project types).

    3               Authorised projects can generate carbon credits aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Under Singapore’s International Carbon Credit (ICC) Framework, these credits may be eligible for use by Singapore-based carbon tax-liable companies to offset up to 5% of their taxable emissions.

    4               From 30 September 2024, interested parties may submit applications for their carbon credit projects in Ghana to be authorised. Applications submitted will be reviewed by Singapore and Ghana governments on a rolling basis as they are received.

    Application and Authorisation Process

    5               The application and authorisation process comprises four stages, each corresponding to a different stage of implementation for the carbon credit project (See Annex B). The first three stages require applicants to submit details on the design and implementation plan for the carbon credit project in the lead-up to project authorisation. The final stage is for corresponding adjustments to be applied to the carbon credits generated from the authorised project, in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

    6               Singapore and Ghana will assess applications against each country’s respective requirements. For Singapore, these projects must meet Singapore’s Eligibility Criteria for International Carbon Credits. The Eligibility Criteria, and the list of eligible carbon crediting programmes and methodologies under the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement, are at Annex C, and on the Carbon Markets Cooperation website. The list will be reviewed regularly to maintain relevance and uphold environmental integrity.

    Annex A

    Potential Carbon Credit Project Types for Applications

    Project Type Description
    Clean Water Supply Rural communities are provided with water purification technologies (e.g. UV-based disinfection systems). This empowers communities with an alternate source of clean and safe drinking water without relying on the conventional method of using firewood to boil water. This reduces carbon emissions from burning firewood and associated deforestation activities, and carbon credits are issued based on the emissions reduced.
     
    Local communities can also benefit from improved water safety and security.
    Efficient and Clean Cookstoves In rural areas where households use firewood for their cooking and heating needs, the switch to efficient and clean cookstoves (e.g. cookstoves that use renewable fuel like biogas or solar energy) enables households to meet their cooking and heating needs more efficiently and cleanly. This reduces the burning of firewood and resulting carbon emissions from deforestation. Carbon credits are issued based on the emissions reduced.
     
    Co-benefits are also delivered to local communities, including cleaner air quality through the reduction of firewood burning.
    Green Mobility As Electric Vehicles (EVs) replace fossil fuel-powered vehicles for transportation needs, there are emissions reductions as EVs are more efficient and potentially powered by green energy. Carbon credits are issued based on the emissions reduced.
     
    There are also sustainable development benefits for local communities. Skilled jobs are created for the maintenance of EV infrastructure, and improves air quality from reduced reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

    Annex B

    Flowchart of Application and Authorisation Process

    Joint Committee The Joint Committee is a coordination body that oversees the administration of the Implementation Agreement. The Joint Committee under the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement is co-chaired by the Director-General of Climate Change at the National Climate Change Secretariat of Singapore, and the Director of Environment, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation of Ghana.
    Stage A: Project Application Applicants are to submit a concept note on the intended project, indicating the programme and methodology that the project will be developed under, and broadly how the project will be implemented to uphold environmental integrity (e.g. explanations on how the project will demonstrate additionality).
    Stage B: Project Design As the project concept is further developed, applicants are to submit a project design document (PDD) on the intended project. The PDD should contain the detailed implementation plan (e.g. how the baseline emissions will be determined, how the project will address permanence and leakage concerns).
    Stage C: Project Authorisation Under this stage, applicants are to submit a validation report from a third-party auditor determining that the project design meets all the rules and requirements of the intended methodology and carbon crediting programme. After receiving Letters of Authorisation from both Singapore and Ghana, the project should proceed to be registered under the intended carbon crediting programme, and proceed to implementation.
    Stage D: Corresponding Adjustment Application As the authorised project is implemented and the emission reductions and removals have been verified by a third-party auditor, the carbon crediting programme will issue carbon credits to the project. Applicants are to submit a Proof of Issuance from the carbon crediting programme accompanied with the verification report from the third-party auditor, to be considered for corresponding adjustments to be applied to the issued carbon credits, in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

     

    Annex C

    Singapore’s Eligibility Criteria and the Eligibility List under the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement

    Eligibility Criteria

     1               The Eligibility Criteria requires ICCs to represent emissions reductions or removals that occur within the timeframe specified under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and meet seven principles to demonstrate environmental integrity (see Table C-1 below).

     Table C-1: Eligibility Criteria for ICCs

    Principle Definition
    To comply with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, the certified emissions reductions or removals must have occurred between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2030.
    Not double-counted The certified emissions reductions or removals must not be counted more than once in contravention of the Paris Agreement.
    Additional The certified emissions reductions or removals must exceed any emissions reduction or removals required by any law or regulatory requirement of the host country, and that would otherwise have occurred in a conservative, business-as-usual scenario.
    Real The certified emissions reductions or removals must have been quantified based on a realistic, defensible, and conservative estimate of the amount of emissions that would have occurred in a business-as-usual scenario, assuming the project or programme that generated the certified emission reductions or removals had not been carried out.
    Quantified and verified The certified emissions reductions or removals must have been calculated in a manner that is conservative and transparent, and must have been measured and verified by an accredited and independent third-party verification entity before the ICC was issued.
    Permanent The certified emissions reductions or removals must not be reversible, or if there is a risk that the certified emissions reductions or removals may be reversible, there must be measures in place to monitor, mitigate and compensate any material reversal of the certified emissions reductions or removals.
    No net harm The project or programme that generated the certified emissions reductions or removals must not violate any applicable laws, regulatory requirements, or international obligations of the host country.
    No leakage The project or programme that generated the certified emissions reductions or removals must not result in a material increase in emissions elsewhere, or if there is a risk of a material increase in emissions elsewhere, there must be measures in place to monitor, mitigate and compensate any such material increase in emissions.

    Eligibility List under the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement

     2               The Eligibility List of carbon crediting programmes and methodologies in Table C-2 adhere to the Eligibility Criteria and meet the requirements of both Singapore and Ghana. The carbon crediting programmes and methodologies that are eligible may be different for each host country, as host countries also have their own criteria.

     Table C-2: Eligibility List under the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement 

    Carbon Crediting Programmes  Methodologies 
    Gold Standard for the Global Goals (GS4GG)  All active methodologies published before 31 March 2023, except those under the “Land Use and Forestry & Agriculture” category of GS4GG 
    Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)  All active methodologies published before 31 March 2023, except those that are under the “Sectoral Scope 14” category of VCS, with these allowable exceptions: 
    ·     Scenario 2a and 3 of VCS Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ (JNR) framework  
    ·     VM0012 
    ·     VM0017 
    ·     VM0021 
    ·     VM0022 
    ·     VM0024 
    ·     VM0026 (and VMD0040) 
    ·     VM0032 
    ·     VM0033  
    ·     VM0036  
    ·     VM0041 
    ·     VM0042 
     
    Where any VCS methodology is used, the project participant will be required to demonstrate the Sustainable Development contributions or co-benefits of the relevant mitigation activity by submitting to the Joint Committee its verification report under the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards (CCB Standards), the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta) or another standard recognised by VCS for such purpose. 

    Annex D

    Information on the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement

     1               Singapore and Ghana signed an Implementation Agreement on carbon credits cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on 27 May 2024. Since the signing, Singapore has been working with Ghana to operationalise the Implementation Agreement.

     2               As an additional contribution to mitigation of global emissions, Singapore has committed to having 2% of the correspondingly adjusted carbon credits authorised under this Implementation Agreement cancelled at first issuance. These carbon credits cannot be sold, traded, or counted towards any country’s emission targets, and will instead contribute towards a net reduction in global emissions.

     3               Singapore has committed to channelling the value from 5% of the correspondingly adjusted carbon credits authorised under this Implementation Agreement towards adaptation measures such as heat resilience measures and coastal protection in Ghana.

     4               This is the second Implementation Agreement for Singapore, after the first with Papua New Guinea which was signed in December 2023. Singapore signed MOUs / Letters of Intent on carbon credits collaboration with countries such as Bhutan, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Mongolia, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Vietnam, Rwanda, Senegal, and Sri Lanka, with the aim of inking similar Implementation Agreements.

     5               Effective international cooperation, such as through carbon markets, is an important part of Singapore’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, given Singapore’s national circumstances as an alternative-energy disadvantaged country with limited domestic mitigation potential.

     

     

     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft held a corporate plogging race in Moscow

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft volunteers held an environmental campaign in Moscow’s Izmailovsky Park – plogging, during which Company employees collected garbage while jogging.

    More than 150 employees of the Company and their family members took part in the event. The eco-volunteers ran a route of more than 6 kilometers and collected almost 300 kg of garbage. Preserving the environment for future generations is an integral part of Rosneft’s social policy. The Company promotes a healthy lifestyle culture and supports professional and amateur sports. Plogging is an international environmental movement whose participants combine jogging with garbage collection. The event not only helps improve the environmental situation, but also unites people, giving them the opportunity to spend time outdoors and get a boost of energy.

    The volunteer movement has become an important element of Rosneft’s corporate culture. As part of the corporate program “Good Deeds Platform”, about 800 different events were organized in the first six months of 2024, in which more than 50 thousand employees of the Company took part.

    One of such volunteer projects is plogging runs, which are held annually in the regions where the Company operates. Earlier this year, Rosneft employees collected trash in the Moscow park Fili.

    The Company’s volunteer projects are highly appreciated both at the regional and federal levels. This year, the Syzran Oil Refinery received the public award “Ecobalance” for its contribution to the development of corporate volunteering and environmental protection in the Samara Region, forest restoration and greening of the city of Syzran. “SamaraNIPIneft” won first place in two nominations of the All-Russian competition “Russian Organization of High Social Efficiency” – “For the Development of Human Resources in Non-Production Sphere Organizations” and “For Support of Employees – Parents with Many Children and Their Children Among Organizations”. In addition, the Kuibyshev Oil Refinery was recognized as a laureate of the Kommersant-Volga competition in the nomination “Environmental Education”.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft September 30, 2024

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/220858/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Coastal odour improved

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today visited the waterfront areas of To Kwa Wan, Sham Shui Po and Wan Chai to learn about the progress for improving the quality and odour of Victoria Harbour’s coastal waters.

    While inspecting the Cheung Sha Wan waterfront, Mr Tse was briefed by Environmental Protection Department officers on the conditions of sewer misconnections and the progress of rectification works.

    He also learnt about the collection of odour data in real time and the innovative technologies and equipment in identifying pollution sources, which are done through the odour-monitoring device installed at the waterfront.

    The environment chief was pleased to learn that the overall pollution load in the priority districts of Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po and Kowloon City had been reduced by about 80%, exceeding the target set in the 2022 Policy Address of reducing the pollution load at identified outfalls emanating stench in specific districts by half before end-2024.

    Mr Tse then inspected the bioremediation works carried out by the Civil Engineering & Development Department at To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter, which can speed up the removal of organic pollution in the sediment and facilitate the elimination of the sediment’s odour, thereby further ameliorating coastal odour problems.

    Mr Tse concluded his inspection by going to the waterfront areas of Wan Chai to learn about the various water quality improvement measures in the area, where triathlon events for the 15th National Games will be hosted in 2025.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Environment – Civil Society Groups call on Plastics Treaty negotiators to agree on a text that effectively tackles plastic pollution across its lifecycle

    Source: Global Plastics Treaty

    Oct. 1, 2024 – Nairobi, Kenya—As countries conclude a Head of Delegations meeting today in Nairobi for an international legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution or the Global Plastics Treaty, civil society groups have been uniting their voices and held simultaneous actions to emphasize a call for a strong and effective global plastics treaty and show solidarity with high ambition countries, such as those in the African Group, Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS),  and the Philippines that have been advocating for strong treaty measures.

    The final scheduled plastics treaty negotiations will take place in Busan, Republic of Korea later this year. Since the process started in 2022, civil society groups, alongside Indigenous Peoples representatives and independent scientists have been calling on governments to ensure that the treaty includes legally binding measures that cover the whole life cycle of plastics, including rules and targets on the production and supply of primary plastic polymers to drastically cut plastic production with aims to phase out plastic production.

    “Over 400 million tonnes of plastics are produced every year, suffocating our planet and every living thing on it. Now is not the time to sacrifice ambition and submit to the lowest common denominator: a minority of countries blocking progress for their own short-term gain,” said Ana Rocha, Global Plastics Policy Director of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA). “Indigenous Peoples, waste pickers, and Global South governments on the frontlines of the plastics crisis have long been at the forefront of the solutions, yet their critical voices have been sidelined. The world needs ambition to be aligned with strong means of implementation including a financial mechanism that will provide the necessary financing for action. The intergovernmental negotiating committee must listen to the millions of people around the world demanding a strong treaty to end plastic pollution.”

    The groups also call for the elimination of chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment throughout the lifecycle of plastics, as plastics expose people to more than 16,000 chemicals and 4,200 of them are classified as hazardous to people and the environment.

    “A treaty that does not prioritize production reduction of primary plastic polymers (PPP) and eliminate chemicals of concern will only serve to perpetuate plastic pollution and the poisoning of Indigenous and environmental justice communities around the world who have been sacrificed by industry and enabling governments for generations,” said Frankie Orona, Executive Director of Society of Native Nations. “We welcome the common goal of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) to end plastic pollution by 2040, while reaffirming that no amount of production of PPP is sustainable. The HAC should explicitly support, at minimum, a reduction target of 75% by 2030 if not sooner.”

    Additional demands include the support for reuse systems, a strong, dedicated financial mechanism to facilitate the flow of financial resources from the developed to the developing world, and measures for a just transition to safer and more sustainable livelihoods for workers across the plastic supply chain.  

    “As we reduce plastic production, it is essential we ensure a just transition to reuse and refill systems, which present numerous benefits for people and the environment,” said Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner at Greenpeace Southeast Asia – Philippines. “In addition to reducing plastic waste, reuse and refill solutions can decrease greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and material resource usage. These systems also bring socioeconomic gains for communities through reduced costs and risks arising from plastic pollution.  As integral solutions in ending plastic pollution, we need ambitious reuse and refill targets to be reflected in the treaty alongside reduction targets for plastic production and use.”

    “As we come towards the final round of negotiations, we must not sacrifice ambition for speed. Ambition means both legally binding control measures and finance to help solve the problem,” said Jacob Kean-Hammerson, Ocean Campaigner with the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).  “Ending plastics pollution is a generational effort we must undertake as a global community. Global North countries should join calls in the Global South for a new dedicated fund and ensure adequate funding to ensure we have a treaty that truly works.”

    Since the beginning of the INC process, civil society organizations, as well as many governments, have been calling for an open and transparent process that facilitates the widest possible public participation. Instead, observers have been met with limitations that have ranged from caps on attendance, restricted access to negotiations and relevant meetings, and curtailed opportunities to make formal statements. With possibly one last round of negotiations remaining, civil society groups renew their calls for greater transparency and participation in the process to ensure that the demands for a strong and effective plastics treaty are heard.

    “By not including pathways for robust observer participation, meeting organizers are contradicting established international norms and are ignoring and disrespecting the experience, knowledge, expertise, and distinct perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and other frontline and fenceline communities disproportionately impacted by plastic pollution across its life cycle,” said Merrisa Naidoo of GAIA Africa.

    Having a global plastics treaty is a rare opportunity to systematically end plastic pollution through a legally binding international agreement that covers the complexities of the plastic pollution crisis beyond waste management. As UN Member states are expected to wrap up negotiations by December 1st, 2024, in Busan, Republic of Korea, civil society groups will continue to urge governments to deliver a strong treaty that would be effective in truly ending plastic pollution, not a watered-down agreement that fails to holistically address the plastic pollution crisis, for the sake of meeting deadlines.

    About BFFP — #BreakFreeFromPlastic is a global movement envisioning a future free from plastic pollution. Since its launch in 2016, more than 3,400 organizations and 14,000 individual supporters worldwide have joined the movement to demand massive reductions in single-use plastics and push for lasting solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. BFFP member organizations and individuals share the values of environmental protection and social justice and work together through a holistic approach to bring about systemic change. This means tackling plastic pollution across the whole plastics value chain – from extraction to disposal – focusing on prevention rather than cure and providing effective solutions. http://www.breakfreefromplastic.org.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President calls on the UK to raise tariff-free quota on wine from SA

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on the United Kingdom government to raise the tariff-free quota (TFQ) on wine and sugar coming from South Africa. 

    The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Mozambique Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) include provisions for a 70/30 split between bottled and bulk wine throughout the trade relationship. 

    “As the South African government, we urge flexibility for a 50/50 split. In our view, this does not necessitate an amendment of the EPA but can be a decision of the SACUM-UK Joint Council.

    “South Africa has requested that the United Kingdom raise the TRQ amounts allowed under the Environmental Protection Agency Framework for South African sugar to 171 thousand tonnes and for wine to 150 million litres,” he said on Monday. 

    The TFQ for imports of South African wine into the United Kingdom is currently sitting at 71.5 million litres per annum, which applies to 30% bulk and 70% packaged wine.

    “We call for the UK to agree to this change which is mutually beneficial and will benefit the UK bottling industry.”

    Deputy President Mashatile was speaking during the South African Heritage Month dinner hosted by Brand South Africa in London.

    The country’s second-in-command is in London for the second leg of his working visit to improve trade and investment relations between the two nations. 

    He said he believed that if South Africa could introduce local umqombothi, also known as African beer, or more wine to the global market, the country could double exports from South Africa to the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Netherlands and Canada.

    The Deputy President said another element that has worked to construct a robust economy and enhance economic relations with the United Kingdom is the conventional interchange of commodities and services, such as food and clothes. 

    “As you run your company and live in this area of the globe, you must show that South Africa is a nation moulded by a diverse range of cultures, languages, and traditions, all of which contribute to the vivid mosaic that defines South Africa.”

    Government of National Unity

    Shifting his focus to the Government of National Unity (GNU), he said the coalition government has demonstrated that South Africa embraces its diversity. 

    “We have shown to the world that, despite our differences, we can work together for a single goal – to create a stronger South Africa. We have also shown the world that our rainbow country has a thriving democracy.”

    He told the attendees that he was convinced that the GNU would endure and achieve its goals of driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty, addressing the high cost of living, and establishing a competent, ethical, and progressive State. 

    “However, as we mark 30 years of freedom this year, we must remember those who were at the forefront of the liberation of our nation and spent years in exile advocating for a peaceful and democratic South Africa.”

    The Deputy President paid tribute to those who continue to raise the South African flag high internationally by contributing to the welfare of their fellow citizens and the economy. 

    “We refer to these people as Global South Africans. Now to all South Africans living, working, studying or travelling abroad, it is an exciting time for you to be a Global South African – to be part of the South African story, to be a son or daughter of Africa, to be directly connected to what we confidently predict will be the African century.” 

    He applauded Brand South Africa for launching the Global South African programme, as the country works to position itself as a global player in an increasingly competitive world. 

    “We believe that as Global South Africans you are an untapped voice and advocates who can elevate our nation’s brand position to greater heights in international markets, whilst also shaping perceptions and the narrative about our beautiful and beloved country.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Awards – University of Otago Earns Highest Award in New QS Stars Rating System

    Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds

    London, 1st October 2024: Global higher education analyst QS Quacquarelli Symonds has awarded the University of Otago 5+ Stars in its prestigious QS Stars assessment.

    The award makes the University of Otago the first university in the world to be awarded the top rating under the revamped Stars methodology, which was introduced earlier this year. The new criteria place an increased emphasis on institutions’ sustainability performance.

    Created in 2009, QS Stars rates institutions out of a possible five stars based on areas that are most important to students, including facilities, teaching, employability, research and rankings performance.

    Jason Cushen, Director International at the University of Otago, said: “As New Zealand’s first university, the University of Otago has global reputation for research and teaching excellence. QS Stars demonstrates to the world other aspects of the unique Otago experience that are important to students, such as our world class facilities, exceptional graduate employability, and high levels of student support.”

    QS Stars was relaunched in January 2024 with a new methodology that introduced Sustainability as an assessment category. The enhancement was designed to reflect universities’ pivotal role in tackling contemporary global challenges while emphasising the increasing importance of sustainability to prospective students.

    Cushen added: “QS Stars has always adapted to measure what is important to the changing needs of students and evolving missions of universities. The University of Otago has a commitment to sustainability in all its forms, and we have particularly welcomed the new Environmental, Social and Governance related measures under the new methodology.”

    Florence Webb, Head of Frameworks at QS, said: “The University of Otago’s achievement of the prestigious 5+ Stars rating, the highest possible accolade, highlights its outstanding performance across key higher education metrics and is a recognition of its commitment to excellence, both locally and overseas.”

    Notes

    QS Quacquarelli Symonds  

    QS Quacquarelli Symonds is the world’s leading provider of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education sector, whose mission is to empower motivated people anywhere in the world to fulfil their potential through educational achievement, international mobility, and career development. Launched in 2009, QS Stars currently assesses more than 700 institutions across more than 70 countries. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Enhancing Environmental Safeguards in Financial Intermediaries

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    A look at how ADB, a financial intermediary (FI) itself, appraises projects and manages them over the project cycle can help give a better understanding of how other FIs manage theirs. Multilateral development banks (MDBs) and governments follow the same logic flow when deciding whether or not to invest.

    First, a proposed project should meet the minimal criteria to be eligible for consideration and assessment. ADB has a Prohibited Investment Activity List, which identifies investment activities that do not qualify for ADB financing. Other FIs might have their own list to reflect their priority areas or discouraged investment. If a proposal already fails at technical and financial screening, it will be returned for revision or rejected outright without the need to proceed to environmental–social screening.

    Second, after passing the eligibility screening, a project’s technical feasibility and economic–financial viability will be evaluated in the feasibility study. This necessitates development of the project’s technical design, which is also needed to estimate the cost.

    The evaluation of environmental sustainability and social acceptability of a project was added in the 1970s and has gradually become stand-alone as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). 

    The EIA aims to (i) aid decision making (e.g. drop or proceed with a project and conditions; (ii) improve the project design to minimize negative impacts (e.g. by adding pollution treatment); and (iii) mitigate the residual impacts through action plans such as the environmental management plan.

    Third, once the feasibility study and EIA show the proposed project meets technical-financial and social-environmental requirements, and related actions can be carried out, the FI (or government) can decide to approve the project and proceed with its execution.

    Since these assessments are time- and resource-consuming, their intensity and level of management need to match the level of risks and impacts. Most countries and MDBs classify environmental impacts into high, medium, and low level categories that require corresponding degrees of evaluation—full EIA, simplified EIA, and no assessment—and management. Likewise on the technical aspect, not all projects require a full feasibility study.

    Such impact categorization needs to take place during the proposal stage to determine the level of ensuing assessment. How can the impact level (i.e. category) of a proposal be judged? This is one of the major challenges for FIs, which has led to mis-categorization.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President calls on the UK to raise tariff-free quota on wine, sugar from SA

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on the United Kingdom government to raise the tariff-free quota (TFQ) on wine and sugar coming from South Africa. 

    The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Mozambique Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) include provisions for a 70/30 split between bottled and bulk wine throughout the trade relationship. 

    “As the South African government, we urge flexibility for a 50/50 split. In our view, this does not necessitate an amendment of the EPA but can be a decision of the SACUM-UK Joint Council.

    “South Africa has requested that the United Kingdom raise the TRQ amounts allowed under the Environmental Protection Agency Framework for South African sugar to 171 thousand tonnes and for wine to 150 million litres,” he said on Monday. 

    The TFQ for imports of South African wine into the United Kingdom is currently sitting at 71.5 million litres per annum, which applies to 30% bulk and 70% packaged wine.

    “We call for the UK to agree to this change which is mutually beneficial and will benefit the UK bottling industry.”

    Deputy President Mashatile was speaking during the South African Heritage Month dinner hosted by Brand South Africa in London.

    The country’s second-in-command is in London for the second leg of his working visit to improve trade and investment relations between the two nations. 

    He said he believed that if South Africa could introduce local umqombothi, also known as African beer, or more wine to the global market, the country could double exports from South Africa to the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Netherlands and Canada.

    The Deputy President said another element that has worked to construct a robust economy and enhance economic relations with the United Kingdom is the conventional interchange of commodities and services, such as food and clothes. 

    “As you run your company and live in this area of the globe, you must show that South Africa is a nation moulded by a diverse range of cultures, languages, and traditions, all of which contribute to the vivid mosaic that defines South Africa.”

    Government of National Unity

    Shifting his focus to the Government of National Unity (GNU), he said the coalition government has demonstrated that South Africa embraces its diversity. 

    “We have shown to the world that, despite our differences, we can work together for a single goal – to create a stronger South Africa. We have also shown the world that our rainbow country has a thriving democracy.”

    He told the attendees that he was convinced that the GNU would endure and achieve its goals of driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty, addressing the high cost of living, and establishing a competent, ethical, and progressive State. 

    “However, as we mark 30 years of freedom this year, we must remember those who were at the forefront of the liberation of our nation and spent years in exile advocating for a peaceful and democratic South Africa.”

    The Deputy President paid tribute to those who continue to raise the South African flag high internationally by contributing to the welfare of their fellow citizens and the economy. 

    “We refer to these people as Global South Africans. Now to all South Africans living, working, studying or travelling abroad, it is an exciting time for you to be a Global South African – to be part of the South African story, to be a son or daughter of Africa, to be directly connected to what we confidently predict will be the African century.” 

    He applauded Brand South Africa for launching the Global South African programme, as the country works to position itself as a global player in an increasingly competitive world. 

    “We believe that as Global South Africans you are an untapped voice and advocates who can elevate our nation’s brand position to greater heights in international markets, whilst also shaping perceptions and the narrative about our beautiful and beloved country.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Adriano Espaillat Presents Landmark U.S.- Dominican Republic Open Skies Agreement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    ESPAILLAT HIGHLIGHTS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HISTORIC OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT IN STRENGTHENING BILATERAL RELATIONS, BOOSTING ECONOMIC AND TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

    NEW YORK, NY – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) presented the historic Cielos Abiertos (Open Skies) agreement between the United States and the Dominican Republic, at an event held at the Juan Pablo Duarte School in New York. The presentation, which was attended by President of the Dominican Republic, the Honorable Luis Abinader; New York City Mayor Eric Adams; U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment José W. Fernandez; ministers of the Dominican government; and numerous New York elected officials, underscored the landmark deal’s pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties, spurring economic growth, and expanding travel opportunities between the two nations. 

    The Open Skies (Cielos Abiertos) agreement, signed on August 5, 2024, came after more than two decades of negotiations, with Representative Espaillat playing a crucial role in advocating for its finalization. During his speech at the event, Rep. Espaillat emphasized the transformative nature of the agreement, which will open up new air routes, increase competition among airlines, and significantly reduce flight costs for travelers between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. 

    “Today’s Open Skies agreement marks a new chapter in U.S.-Dominican relations,” said Espaillat. “This agreement will have a profound impact on Dominican American families, businesses, and tourists, offering more flight options and making travel more affordable. By increasing competition, this deal ensures lower airline fares and more frequent travel opportunities for consumers between our two nations.” 

    For years, Dominican American families have faced limited flight options and exorbitant prices for travel to and from the Dominican Republic, particularly during peak travel seasons. Rep. Espaillat has long advocated for solutions to these challenges, and the Open Skies agreement addresses these concerns by providing more affordable and accessible air travel. 

    The agreement also promises to boost tourism and economic growth in both nations. By increasing flight availability and reducing costs, the deal is expected to drive job creation and enhance commercial ties between the United States and the Dominican Republic. 

    “Open Skies is not only about making air travel easier,” continued Espaillat. “It ensures stronger connections between our people, strengthening our economies, and reinforcing the deep, historic ties that unite our two great nations.” 

    The event was also attended by a number of high-profile leaders, including Dominican President Luis Abinader, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and U.S. Under Secretary of State José W. Fernandez, who emphasized the significance of this agreement in the context of U.S. foreign policy.

    Rep. Espaillat’s advocacy for the Open Skies agreement reflects his continued commitment representing the Dominican American community while fostering strong, mutually beneficial relations between the United States and the Dominican Republic.

    ###

    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fourth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 118th Congress. He is also a member of the House Budget Committee and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Deputy Chair as well as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). Rep. Espaillat is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Earthly pleasures: Ecologists show how ‘white noise’ is ‘music’ to microbes – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University

    Music and noise can evoke many responses in humans. Now Flinders University scientists are using soundwaves in soil to aid ecosystem recovery.  
    In their latest study, experts led by microbial ecologist Dr Jake Robinson, demonstrate the benefits of acoustic stimulation on the growth rate and sporulation of a plant growth-promoting fungus.  
    “In our experiments, we show that the acoustic stimulation resulted in increased fungal biomass and enhanced Trichoderma harzianum spore activity compared to controls,” says Dr Robinson in a new article in Biology Letters.  
    “We strive to find novel ways to speed up and improve levels of beneficial fungi and other microbes in degraded soils. It could have wide-ranging benefits for restoring degraded landscapes and farming land to feed the world.”

    The researchers previously found a monotonous ‘white noise’ – set at 80 dB sound pressure level – also increased a similar response in soil bacteria E. Coli.
    “Think of the monotone sound an old-school radio makes in between channels,” explains Dr Robinson.  

    The fungus T. harzianum was selected for the latest study because of its known beneficial effects on plants, such as disease protection, plant growth and improved nutrient utilisation. In agriculture, it has been shown to parasitises other fungi which are often plant pathogens.    
    Dr Robinson says one of the next steps will be to study the benefits of various microbial growth on plant health, and then seek to scale up the experiment outside the lab.  
    “While still in its early stages, the next steps will involve studying the microbiome response mechanisms, the flow-on effect on plants and how to work out how to scale it up in the field. 
    “We also need to understand whether this approach could have any potential cascading or unintended consequences,” he adds.  
    In the absence of large-scale ecosystem restoration and effective monitoring strategies, 95% of the Earth’s land is projected to be degraded by 2050. The United Nations’ global initiative – the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 – forecasts that 75% of the world’s soils described as degradation could increase to more than 90% by 2050. 
    Urbanisation, deforestation, overgrazing and other harmful practices has led us to this dire situation, which is now affecting human health and undermining food production and natural ecosystems, researchers say.
    Coauthor of the new article, Associate Professor Martin Breed from the Restoration Ecology lab at Flinders University’s College of Science and Engineering, says the potential for this kind of approach is vital in a bid to head off biodiversity loss and speed up ecosystem restoration. 
    Sonic restoration: acoustic stimulation enhances plant growth-promoting fungi activity (2024) by Jake M Robinson, Amy Annells, Christian Cando-Dumancela and Martin F Breed will be published in Biology Letters (Royal Society Publishing) on 2 October 2024. 
    Funding: M Breed is funded by the Australian Research Council (grants DP210101932, LP190100051 and LP190100484) and the New Zealand Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (grant UOWX2101).
    Acknowledgements. We acknowledge that this research was conducted on the land of the Kaurna people in Tarntanya (Adelaide, South Australia).

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mfume, Team Maryland Looks to the Future of the Chesapeake Bay After Current Multi-State Agreements Expire in 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, and Glenn Ivey met Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol with senior representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of the Interior and Maryland Department of Natural Resources to discuss planning for the next stage of the Chesapeake Bay program and restoration efforts. This is a critical time for the Bay and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, which was signed in 2014. Many of the goals and outcomes for the Bay had a target of 2025. As this date approaches, the Chesapeake Bay Program is determining how best to meet these goals and outcomes, incorporate new science and strategies, and strengthen the multi-state partnership.

    At Wednesday’s meeting, members of the Maryland delegation heard from key federal agency and state leaders working towards the next stage of the agreement. Leading the discussion was Adam Ortiz, who serves as the Administrator for EPA Region 3, which governs the Mid-Atlantic Region. In this role Administrator Ortiz is deeply involved in EPA’s role in the Chesapeake Bay Program. The delegation also heard from Department of Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Matt Strickler, who serves at the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Principal’s Staff Committee Chair. In 2022, the Chesapeake Executive Council tasked its Principal’s Staff Committee with making recommendations for the future of the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program’s work. Representing senior state leadership was Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz, who directs Maryland’s role in the multi-state partnership and has deep expertise in the stakeholder community.

     The planning effort marked a milestone this summer when the Chesapeake Bay Program Beyond 2025 Steering Committee released its Beyond 2025 Draft Report and invited public feedback.

    “Marylanders across our state depend on a healthy Chesapeake Bay — the largest estuary in the United States — for food, recreation, and to make a living,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “Continued collaboration at the federal, state, and local levels is vital to ensure this national treasure flourishes and effective restoration and conservation projects are enacted throughout the Bay and its ecosystem,” he concluded.

    “Team Maryland will always fight for the Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure, and its restoration is a model for regional, multi-jurisdictional landscape stewardship. It is a model for other regions and other environmental protection efforts at many scales – and it is not simple,” said Senator Cardin. “As the Chesapeake Bay program is recalibrated for the next phase of action, we are committed to securing additional federal resources. We have high expectations for future results.”

    “We have a responsibility to protect the Chesapeake Bay – our people, our economy, and our environment depend on it. That’s why we’ve fought to deliver major federal investments to improve the Bay’s health – and while we know they’re making a real difference, the watershed states have more work to do to reach our restoration goals. As we near the Bay Agreement’s 2025 benchmark, we must take stock of the challenges faced in meeting its goals and work together to drive further progress toward a healthier Chesapeake Bay,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    “I’ve been proud to work with our delegation to support the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries throughout my career – especially in the past decade since we secured the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement,” Congressman Hoyer said. “I was pleased our delegation could meet with our partners in federal and state government to discuss the progress we’ve made toward fulfilling the various goals we laid out in that agreement and to assess the important work that remains. The Chesapeake Bay is the beating heart of Maryland and a true national treasure, and we will continue working to preserve it for generations to come.”

    “Ten years ago, we set aggressive but necessary goals to restore and protect our treasured Chesapeake Bay, which has taken an all-hands-on-deck approach from every level of government,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “As we approach our deadline, we must ensure we are leveraging new technologies and sciences and collaborating with our other watershed states as effectively as possible. I appreciated this opportunity to come together and discuss our long and short-term strategies, especially as my own time in office draws to a close.”

    “Today’s discussions provided an opportunity to reaffirm our collective vision for the future of the Chesapeake Bay. It is imperative that the next phase of watershed restoration is centered around achieving goals and outcomes that reflect the current, best available science to ensure the health of our communities, the vitality of our region and a sustainable future for Bay ecosystems and natural resources. We look forward to sustained collaboration with federal, state and local government partners as we continue to support Beyond 2025 planning,” said Congressman Sarbanes.

    “Team Maryland is united in our efforts to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay, a treasured natural resource and cornerstone of our local ecosystem,” said Congressman Raskin. “I’m grateful to our EPA and Maryland state government partners for their continued collaboration with the Maryland Congressional delegation to preserve the Bay for generations to come.”

    “Protecting the Chesapeake Bay is everyone’s responsibility.  We are grateful for our longtime Maryland advocates now on the federal and state level, Adam Ortiz, and Josh Kurtz, respectively.  Local, state, and federal partnerships can help keep our national treasure, the Chesapeake Bay, available for all to appreciate and partake in.  Crabbing, fishing, sailing and otherwise being active in and around its shores are activities we want to cherish well into the future and our actions today will make sure that our kids and grandkids can benefit from the Bay in their tomorrow’s,” said Congressman Ivey.

    “It is not an accident that the Bay recently received its highest grade in 22 years. Through historic investments and coordination, we’re seeing progress and momentum in states and sectors that were previously lagging,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ortiz. “The Biden-Harris Administration is making good on its promise to accelerate the Bay effort.”

    “The Moore-Miller administration thanks the Maryland congressional delegation for their continued strong leadership on the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Their efforts have resulted in improvements in water quality and the health of the ecosystem,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “It was an honor today to discuss our plans to focus our work post-2025 on rebuilding habitat, creating resiliency in the face of climate change, and charting a new future for the Chesapeake Bay.”

    The Chesapeake Executive Councilconsists of the governors of the six watershed states, the mayor of the District of Columbia, the chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission and the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It establishes the policy direction for the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay.

    The Principals Staff Committee (PSC) acts as the policy advisors to the Executive Council, accepting items for Council consideration and approval, and setting agendas for Council meetings. Individual members of the PSC arrange and provide briefings to their principals, the Agreement signatories. The PSC also provides policy and program direction to the Management Board.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. House Passes Sinema-Backed Bipartisan Building Chips in America Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona)
     Senator’s legislation streamlines semiconductor manufacturing projects funding from Sinema’s CHIPS and Science law
    WASHINGTON – The U.S House of Representatives passed the Building Chips in America Act — bipartisan legislation Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduced with U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). The legislation streamlines lengthy National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review requirements that would severely delay the completion of semiconductor manufacturing projects funded through Sinema’s CHIPS and Science law. 
    “In order to remain globally competitive in semiconductor manufacturing, we must cut red tape to fuel the completion of critical facilities and projects. I’m thrilled our bipartisan bill passed the U.S. House — and I look forward to it being signed into law,” said Sinema. 
    Last year, Sinema and a group of nearly 120 bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers called for the inclusion of the Building Chips in America Act in the annual bipartisan defense legislation. The Building Chips in America Act cleared the Senate as part of the annual bipartisan defense legislation with broad, bipartisan support. In their letter, Sinema and her colleagues urged the Armed Services Committees leaders to maintain the commonsense bill in the final version of the annual defense legislation. After not passing as part of the House’s annual defense legislation it was passed unanimously by the Senate in December. 
    Sinema worked for nearly two years to negotiate and champion the CHIPS and Science Act, a $52 billion plan to boost domestic microchip manufacturing. Thanks to her leadership, Arizona is well positioned to become a global hub for microelectronics research, development, testing, manufacturing, and packaging. With new semiconductor facilities being constructed in Maricopa County, Arizona workers are already feeling the impact of this historic law.
    In June 2020, Sinema first introduced the CHIPS for America Act with Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States. The CHIPS and Science Act included the funding to make Sinema’s CHIPS in America Act operational. Sinema was instrumental in passing the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act into law, partnering with Republican Senator Todd Young (Ind.) to prevent the legislation from partisan collapse on the Senate floor.
    Since the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, more than $60 billion in private investment for 38 semiconductor industry projects have been announced in Arizona.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Oil pollution in North Sea is ‘grossly underestimated’, suggests new report

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rosie Williams, Postdoctoral Researcher, Toxicology, Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London

    Kichigin/Shutterstock

    Growing up in Aberdeen, Scotland, the shadow of the Piper Alpha disaster loomed large over our community. The tragic explosion of the oil rig platform in 1988 claimed the lives of 167 people. Back then, I was blissfully unaware of the ecological ramifications of that disaster. But the spill of 670 tonnes of oil wreaked havoc on marine life and had a lasting impact on the marine environment that I love to explore.

    In recent decades, there has been a gradual decline in the number of oil spills and the volume of oil discharged from tankers, rigs, wells and offshore platforms. While incidents continue to occur globally – often in less scrutinised regions than the North Sea – the UK has, thankfully, not experienced another disaster of Piper Alpha’s magnitude since.

    Does this mean that the UK’s oil and gas sector have cleaned up their act? They would certainly like you to think so. But ocean pollution isn’t just about large oil slicks that spread across the water’s surface.

    As a new report, Sea Slick, from marine conservation charity Oceana explains, the extent of frequent, small-scale spills are still being grossly underestimated, even though big oil spills are less frequent.

    The report reveals what it claims is the true scale and impact of chronic oil pollution in the UK, showing that for many years the North Sea has been subjected to hundreds of unaccounted for “chronic oiling events”. These are where oil is frequently released in lower volumes than those associated with large spills. This issue stems from a poorly regulated oil and gas sector and a lack of transparency in reporting, allowing oil and gas companies to mark their own homework.

    Currently, a certain amount of oil pollution is permitted as part of routine operations for oil and gas developments. Companies can apply for oil discharge permits, which allow them to release a set volume or concentration of oil or chemicals into the ocean. This waste output is referred to as “produced water”. Produced water is a by-product of the oil and gas sector, which returns to the surface of the ocean as wastewater during oil and gas production. Produced water may be treated before release but still contains finely dispersed oil and toxic heavy metals, such as mercury and arsenic.

    Oil and gas companies are regularly breaching their legal produced water permit allowances, Oceana’s report claims. Yet, in line with official government reporting requirements, these breaches are not registered as accidental oil spills. Indeed, Sea Slick counts a total of 723 permit breaching incidents in the last three-and-a-half years – that’s equivalent to 17 oil or chemical spills each month.

    Currently these permit breaches aren’t counted as accidents. They’re not really counted as anything – other than permit breaches. If these unaccounted-for permit breaches are factored into official government data for accidental oil spills, Oceana estimates that the volume of oil spilling into UK seas increases by at least 43%.

    The oil and gas sector are keen to reassure the public that chronic oil pollution can be quickly dispersed and poses a low risk to marine life or human health. Certainly, if incidents were rare, this might be a more persuasive argument. But they aren’t. Over time, the incremental release of toxic chemicals has a negative environmental effect. An estimated 248 spills from permit breaches took place within the UK’s network of marine protected areas between January 2021 and May 2024.

    Why does this matter? Marine protected areas are regions of the ocean which have been given special designations to help preserve marine life and habitats. They have been created to protect rare, threatened and important habitats or species.

    Marine wildlife is at great risk of harm from oil pollution, but a substantial number of oil spills occur within marine protected areas.
    werbefotos_com/Shutterstock

    The release of produced water into areas, which have been singled out as especially important for protection, is shocking. Contaminants associated with chronic oiling have been shown to have a range of effects on marine life. The list is long: damaging cells and cell membranes, DNA damage (a common cause of cancer), the changing of gene expression and the disruption of reproductive functions. The steady leaching of toxic oil and chemical byproducts poses risks to human health too as toxic chemicals enter the food chain through farmed and wild-caught fish.

    Getting serious about sanctions

    Oceana’s research highlights that oil and gas companies have only been fined on two occasions in the last five years. One was for just £7,000.

    The new government’s water (special measures) bill will force water companies to clean up the UK’s rivers and oceans. A failure to cooperate or any attempts to cover up data around sewage spills could see bosses jailed for up to two years. Water company bosses are finally being held to account. Will the UK government apply the same rules to the bosses of oil and gas companies who are also polluting our seas?

    As the Sea Slick report notes, there is overwhelming public support for polluters to be held to account. By regulating and fining oil companies properly for chronically polluting UK seas, the government could enact and make permanent their commitment to end new oil and gas licenses. It’s time to take action.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Rosie Williams receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council.

    – ref. Oil pollution in North Sea is ‘grossly underestimated’, suggests new report – https://theconversation.com/oil-pollution-in-north-sea-is-grossly-underestimated-suggests-new-report-239455

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest Storm Ciaran and Storm Babet flood reports published 26 September 2024 Latest Storm Ciaran and Storm Babet flood reports published for Newport, East Cowes and Ryde

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Official reports examining the severe flooding that affected Newport, East Cowes and Ryde last autumn are now available to read online.

    Roads, homes and businesses were submerged on the Island as a result of Storm Babet and Storm Ciaran in October and November 2023.

    At least 317 properties experienced flooding during unprecedented rainfall.

    In response, the Isle of Wight Council commissioned a series of independent investigations to better understand the causes and any factors that may have influenced the severity of the flooding.

    The in-depth studies, known as ‘Section 19 flood investigation reports’, involved collecting information from those directly affected by the flooding, as well as private bodies with flood management responsibilities.

    Three reports have been published today (Wednesday) on the council’s website.

    A further Section 19 report for Brading and an addendum for Binstead will be published next month with a report for Cowes to follow later in 2024.

    The council will now consider all the recommendations, taking into account how many can be delivered and in what timescales given the resource and cost implications.

    Some actions will require the council to work closely with key stakeholders and landowners, including Island Roads, the Environment Agency and Southern Water.

    Developing a Community Flood Plan and investigating opportunities for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage storm water are among eight recommendations proposed for Newport.

    At least 56 properties suffered internal flooding in the county town with Gunville being one of the worst affected areas.

    In addition to improved flood maps and enhanced monitoring, the report recommends carrying out an investigation into the condition and capacity of the culvert under Arthur Moody Close and watercourse at Ash Lane.

    Seven recommendations have been put forward for East Cowes including establishing a flood action group and developing a Community Flood Plan.

    Other priorities include replacing or improving the existing tidal outfall and carrying out feasibility studies in providing extra surface water drainage capacity and increasing the capacity of the watercourse at Church Path.

    Improved gully and highway drainage maintenance is also being recommended.

    The latest Monktonmead report is an addendum to a previous Section 19 report published following flooding in 2021.

    At least 107 properties were flooded during Storm Babet — estimated to have been a one in 144 and and one in 190 year event.

    The report considers the incident response as well as the actions undertaken following the 2021 and 2023 floods and makes a number of recommendations around property flood resilience, surface water drainage, surface water management and community flood preparedness.

    It also notes the detailed review currently being undertaken by the Environment Agency into the causes of the flooding last October and the operation of the Monktonmead Flood Alleviation Scheme.

    Councillor Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for community protection, said: “It was essential that we took action to properly look into the causes and impacts of the flooding that occurred last year. Many residents were adversely affected and much distress and damage to properties resulted.

    “I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this work as their input has proved invaluable as we now look to take forward potential options to take preventative steps and to mitigate the risk of similar flooding occurring in the future.

    “I would also like to thank residents for their patience while these reports have been prepared.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mullin, Lankford Urge EPA to Rescind Costly Waste Management Rule Hurting Oklahoma Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    Mullin, Lankford Urge EPA to Rescind Costly Waste Management Rule Hurting Oklahoma Businesses

    U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works’ Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight Subcommittee, was joined by Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to express concern over a proposed rule regarding waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities. The EPA’s proposed rule would further tighten Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for existing WTE facilities while simultaneously removing compliance exceptions, leading to dramatic and unnecessary increases in compliance costs across Oklahoma without significant benefit. The lawmakers urged the EPA to reexamine its proposal prior to issuing a final rule to ensure that new standards are set consistent with actual data provided.
    “Municipal waste combustors, waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities, are a vital waste management technology that communities and businesses in Oklahoma use to divert waste from landfills, recycle metal, and generate renewable energy. Communities and businesses in Oklahoma, and across the country have invested billions of dollars to ensure these facilities are meeting the already stringent environmental standards set by your agency and by states,” write the lawmakers.
    “The EPA should be mindful of the fact that imposing standards that WTE facilities will never meet is well beyond EPA’s statutory authority,” the lawmakers continue.
    The full letter can be found here.
    Background:
    The proposed rule refers to the Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors, Voluntary Remand Response and 5 Year Review (89 FR 4243), which includes a re-evaluation of the MACT floor determinations issued on January 23rd, 2024.
    The Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990 established the MACT standards to ensure that all facilities in an industry sector meet the same standards as the top 12 percent of performing facilities. The EPA set these attainable standards, known as ‘MACT floors’, for WTE facilities twice, in 1995 and 2006.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet Introduce Legislation to Support Communities Affected by Gold King Mine Disaster

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet introduced the Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act to help communities in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona that were affected by the Gold King Mine disaster of 2015 to fully recover.
    “Local farmers, homeowners, and outdoor rec outfitters were left high and dry after the Gold King Mine spill in 2015,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bill will make sure they get the compensation they need to finally recover and move forward.”
    “The effects of the Gold King Mine disaster were felt far beyond the banks of the Animas River. The blowout hurt families, farmers, and outdoor recreation companies in Durango and throughout southwest Colorado who depend on the river for their livelihoods,” said Bennet. “Almost a decade later, too many Coloradans still feel its effects. Our legislation is a necessary step to help Coloradans finally recover certain remaining costs and damages incurred from the spill and make Southwest Colorado communities whole again.”
    On August 5, 2015, the Gold King Mine spill released 3 million gallons of polluted mining wastewater into the Animas and San Juan rivers, affecting waterways in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, the Southern Ute reservation, and the Navajo Nation.
    Though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was able to partially compensate some claims, its ability to meet the needs of affected businesses, farmers, and homeowners is constrained by existing laws. This legislation would provide EPA with the necessary authority and funding to compensate certain outstanding claims from the spill.
    “The Gold King Mine Compensation Act clears the procedural hurdles that kept businesses that suffered economic losses due to the spill nearly 10 years ago from being made whole,” said Matt Salka, Chair, La Plata County Board of County Commissioners. “We are grateful that the impact felt by those businesses has not been forgotten and that a remedy is possible through this much-appreciated legislation.”
    “The work that Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and their teams have done on the Gold King Mine Bill is restoring my faith in government. After all these years to see the promise of our government concerning the Gold King Mine incident and its ensuing economic damage was not forgotten, is refreshing. The wheels of government turn slowly. We at Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours are thankful that Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and their teams are keeping them turning,” said Alex Mickel, President, Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours.
    The La Plata County Board of County Commissioners also shared a letter in support of this legislation.
    Immediately after the Gold King Mine disaster, then-Governor Hickenlooper declared the affected area a disaster zone. Then, in 2016 he sent a letter to the EPA urging the Gold King mine and other legacy mines in San Juan County on the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List which established the initial funding for the clean-up.
    The text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Company fined $350,000 for operating aquaculture facility without a permit in British Columbia

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    A lake-based rainbow trout aquaculture site in Powell River has been fined following a lengthy investigation by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

    September 26, 2024

    Powell River, British Columbia – A lake-based rainbow trout aquaculture site in Powell River has been fined following a lengthy investigation by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

    On August 22, 2024, the Powell River Provincial Court fined West Coast Fishculture (Lois Lake) Ltd. $350,000 for carrying out aquaculture activities that were not covered by an aquaculture licence, contrary to section 7 of the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations. They were operating their fish farm in an area of the lake that was outside the provincial land tenure boundary. The operators were also ordered to remove all structures outside their land boundaries by August 31, 2025. West Coast Fishculture (Lois Lake) Ltd. pleaded guilty to the charge. During site inspections, DFO Conservation and Protection fishery officers identified a number of other issues, including inadequate mitigation measures to prevent fish from escaping.

    In British Columbia, DFO is responsible for issuing licences for aquaculture operations. Licence conditions specify reporting and operational requirements to ensure that aquaculture sites are operated in an environmentally sustainable manner that minimizes risks to wild fish stocks and marine resources. This significant fine underscores the obligation of operators to follow the rules and regulations of British Columbia’s highly regulated aquaculture industry.

    The investigation was conducted following public complaints received through the Observe, Record, Report hotline. Anyone with information related to fisheries violations can call the DFO Pacific Region toll-free Violation Reporting Line at 1-800-465-4336, or email details to DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

    Media RelationsPacific RegionFisheries and Oceans Canada604 666 1746media.pac@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI