biodiversity

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

marine

Palau’s Waters: A Global Leader in Marine Biodiversity Thanks to Local Defenders

Palau’s marine environment, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, owes much of its preservation to the dedicated efforts of local conservationists. One pivotal example of this commitment occurred in December 2020 at Helen Reef, located on the southwestern edge of the Palau archipelago. The Helen Reef Resource Management Program, staffed by vigilant rangers, exemplifies how local stewardship can safeguard precious marine ecosystems against illegal exploitation. Helen Reef: A Sanctuary Under Threat On a serene December morning, the rangers from the Helen

Ghana’s Mining Expansion Threatens Forest Reserves and Biodiversity

In 2022, Ghana faced a significant environmental challenge, losing an astounding 18,000 hectares (44,500 acres) of forests—an area comparable to 30,000 football fields. Instead of fortifying protections for these forests, the government decided to loosen restrictions, paving the way for extensive mining activities, including in critical biodiversity zones. This policy shift has raised concerns among environmentalists and citizens alike. Expanding Mining Operations in Protected Areas In November 2022, Ghana’s government passed new legislation that allowed mining in previously protected areas,