Nature

ghana

The Destruction of Ghana’s Forest Reserves: A Cautionary Tale of Mining and Its Impact on the Environment

Ghana’s lush forest reserves, home to a rich array of biodiversity and vital water sources, are under siege. Since 2017, the Ghanaian government has ramped up efforts to curtail illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey. However, this crackdown is happening alongside a disturbing trend: the promotion of large-scale industrial mining within these very forests. As the government issues mining licenses that overlap with protected areas, the devastating consequences of these activities are becoming increasingly evident. This article delves into

Ciés Islands

How Spain tackles overtourism in the Ciés Islands – a stunning eco-tourism destination

Overtourism has become a significant issue in popular travel destinations worldwide, causing strain on natural resources, local infrastructure, and the quality of life for residents. While regions like the Canaries, Balearics, and Barcelona have struggled with swarms of visitors, the Ciés Islands, located off the northwestern coast of Galicia, offer a model solution for managing tourist numbers without sacrificing environmental and community well-being. A Glimpse into the Ciés Islands: Balancing Nature and Tourism The Ciés Islands, part of Galicia’s Atlantic

Nusantara’s Development: A Threat to Indonesia’s Mangroves and Endangered Species

Indonesia’s ambitious plan to relocate its capital to Nusantara, a new city on the island of Borneo, has sparked widespread interest. While the project aims to address the overpopulation and environmental issues plaguing Jakarta, it also presents significant environmental challenges. The construction of Nusantara has led to the large-scale destruction of Borneo’s vital mangrove ecosystems, particularly around Balikpapan Bay. These mangroves play a crucial role in protecting coastlines and are home to a diverse array of species, including the critically

Hidden Biodiversity in Africa’s Corubal River: A Groundbreaking eDNA Study

The Corubal River, a largely uncharted waterway in West Africa, has recently become the focal point of a groundbreaking study in biodiversity. Spanning the remote regions of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, the river has long remained understudied due to its isolated location and challenging terrain. However, the advent of environmental DNA (eDNA) technology has opened new doors, allowing researchers to uncover an astonishing variety of species, many of which were previously unknown in this region. In 2022, a team of scientists

pan amazon

The Future of Extractive Industries in the Pan Amazon: Opportunities and Challenges

The Pan Amazon region, spanning across several South American countries, is a treasure trove of natural resources. This vast and ecologically sensitive area is crucial not only for its biodiversity but also for its substantial mineral and fossil fuel deposits. As global demand for these resources intensifies, the future of extractive industries in the Pan Amazon is becoming a focal point of intense scrutiny and debate. Recent events in the United States, particularly in Alaska, highlight the complex dynamics at

nepal 1

Nepal’s Critical Delay: The Urgent Need for an Invasive Species Management Plan

KATHMANDU — Nepal, renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, faces a growing crisis with invasive species. Despite being identified as highly vulnerable to these ecological threats, the country has yet to finalize a comprehensive strategy to address the issue. The protracted delay in developing and implementing this crucial plan underscores a significant oversight in Nepal’s environmental management. The Status Quo: A Stalled Strategy Nepal’s predicament with invasive species has been a pressing concern for years. Seven years ago,

green financing

The Complex Reality of Green Financing in Nicaragua: A Detailed Examination

Nicaragua’s environmental and political landscape presents a complex and troubling picture, especially in light of the country’s ongoing environmental and human rights issues. Recent discussions have centered on the effectiveness and integrity of international green financing, a key tool aimed at supporting conservation and combating climate change. This in-depth analysis delves into the multifaceted challenges surrounding green financing in Nicaragua, offering insights into how these funds are being used and the discrepancies between stated goals and real-world impacts. Nicaragua’s Environmental

areas

Southeast Asia’s Protected Areas: Enhancing Effectiveness and Funding Challenges

For the past two decades, countries globally have been aggressively expanding protected areas to achieve the ambitious “30 by 30” goal, which aims to legally protect 30% of the Earth’s land and oceans by 2030. This expansion is designed to combat deforestation, conserve biodiversity, and curb greenhouse gas emissions. But how effective are these protected areas in Southeast Asia? An international research team investigated this question, focusing on 80 protected areas established between 2007 and 2014. Their findings, published in

Military-Linked Mining Company Seizes Cambodian Community Forest

In the remote province of Stung Treng, Cambodia, an escalating conflict between a local community and a military-affiliated mining company threatens the delicate balance of ecotourism and environmental conservation. The once-thriving Phnom Chum Rok Sat community forest, managed by the Indigenous Kuy people, is now under siege, as the expansion of mining operations encroaches upon their land. This tale of environmental degradation and social injustice unveils a battle not just for land but for the very identity of a community.

manatee

Conserving the Elusive African Manatee: A Champion’s Journey

Aristide Kamla, a determined student with big ambitions, ventured to Lake Ossa in Cameroon with hopes of studying the elusive African manatee. Despite numerous challenges, including a lack of funding, Kamla’s dedication and the invaluable insights of local fishermen propelled him to success. His work has since become pivotal in understanding and conserving this enigmatic species. The African Manatee: A Hidden Gem of Central Africa The African manatee, often referred to as Mamowata by locals, is a rare and elusive