insert_link Environment Microplastics in Nigeria’s Osun River: new study flags alarmingly high levels The Osun River in Nigeria has high levels of microplastics in its water, sediment and fish. Gideon Idowu, Author provided Gideon Idowu, Federal University of Technology, Akure The Osun River is one of the major rivers in southern Nigeria. It flows from its source in Ekiti State, through several states, before emptying into Lagos state’s Lekki Lagoon. It is an important source of water for the communities that live around […] todayApril 8, 2024 16
insert_link Africa South Africa’s conservation model: why expanding the use of biodiversity to generate money is a good idea By Hayley Clements, Stellenbosch University; Alta De Vos, Stellenbosch University, and Matthew Child, University of Pretoria South Africa’s government is calling for public comments on an updated version of its existing biodiversity economy plan. The National Biodiversity Economy Strategy aims to conserve biodiversity while also contributing to job creation and economic growth. It proposes to do this by promoting sustainable use of the country’s natural resources. The strategy […] todayApril 8, 2024 20
insert_link Africa South Africa’s crucial water supplies from Lesotho: what the six-month shutdown means for industry, farming and residents By Ifedotun Aina, University of Cape Town The main water supply to South Africa’s economic hub, greater Johannesburg in the Gauteng province, and to the country’s breadbasket in the Free State, is scheduled to be cut off for six months. Maintenance work on the 37 kilometre Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel is due to begin in October 2024. Ifedotun Victor Aina, a senior researcher at the Water […] todayApril 8, 2024 21
insert_link Africa Africa now emits as much carbon as it stores: landmark new study Cattle emit a lot of methane, but they also provide livelihoods and environmental services. Getty Images Yolandi Ernst, University of the Witwatersrand and Sally Archibald, University of the Witwatersrand A landmark new study has found that, in the last decade, the African continent has started emitting more carbon than it stores. When the total amount of carbon that is sequestered by natural ecosystems (such as the soil and plants in […] todayApril 8, 2024 17
insert_link Environment Wildlife migratory “corridors” set to grow, Africa-wide By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Wildlife, particularly roaming species, exhibit remarkable mobility, covering vast distances in pursuit of essential resources such as water, grazing land, mates or favourable conditions like ideal calving sites. Estimates by the Tsavo Trust, a Kenyan conservation nonprofit, reveal that elephants within the Tsavo conservation area undertake daily journeys of between 50 and 150 kilometres, following distinct migration routes and pathways. In […] todayApril 5, 2024 22
insert_link Environment South Africa’s crucial water supplies from Lesotho: what the six-month shutdown means for industry, farming and residents By Ifedotun Aina, University of Cape Town The main water supply to South Africa’s economic hub, greater Johannesburg in the Gauteng province, and to the country’s breadbasket in the Free State, is scheduled to be cut off for six months. Maintenance work on the 37 kilometre Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel is due to begin in October 2024. Ifedotun Victor Aina, a senior researcher at the Water and […] todayApril 5, 2024 27
insert_link Environment South Africa’s Cabinet approves end to lion and rhino breeding South Africa’s cabinet has approved a phased end to the captive breeding of lions and rhinos as the country plans to end practices that have corrupted its reputation as a custodian of some of the world’s biggest wildlife populations. SA’s cabinet, according to Bloomberg, also agreed to limit the hunting of leopards and hold off on a push to resume the international trade of elephant ivory. todayApril 2, 2024 14
insert_link Environment Government assesses extent of rhino poaching amid recent incidents The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is conducting an assessment to determine the extent of rhino poaching following recent incidents in the Etosha National Park. Since the beginning of the year, 28 rhinos have been poached, with 19 in Etosha National Park and four on a private farm in the Otjozondjupa region. According to ministry spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, the ministry has called for an urgent high-level meeting on security. todayApril 2, 2024 31
insert_link Environment Protected products: what makes lamb from South Africa’s Karoo and France’s Mont Saint-Michel so special By Johann Kirsten, Stellenbosch University A meal or food shopping experience can be more interesting and enjoyable when you know more about a particular product, like what region it came from and the culture that shaped it. Knowing what makes the food “unique” can improve the tasting experience. Think about drinking an ice-cold glass of “real” Champagne from France or the satisfaction of serving your dinner guests […] todayApril 2, 2024 11
