Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 22 May 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# United Nations secretary general, António Guterres, has warned that biodiversity loss is a global crisis no nation can ignore. Today is International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme, Harmony with nature and sustainable development. One million species are at risk of extinction, while 75-percent of land ecosystems and two-thirds of marine environments have been significantly altered by human activity. Guterres says living in harmony with nature and sustainable development is humanity’s path to a better world for all.

# Tropical forests were lost at a record rate last year, mainly due to fires, which overtook farming as the top threat. The Amazon, hit by severe drought, saw major losses, releasing 3.1-billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. While countries like Brazil struggle, others, such as Indonesia, have shown progress with strict no-burning laws. Experts are now warning of a dangerous climate feedback loop. As COP30 approaches, calls are growing for financial incentives to protect forests and counteract the rising trend of deforestation.

# And finally: Kenya is ramping up its rhino conservation initiatives as populations rebound. The Kenyan Wildlife Service completed a week-long ear-notching operation at Lewa Conservancy, tagging 40 sub-adult rhinos to enhance monitoring and protection. Additionally, 21 black rhinos were relocated to Loisaba Conservancy to alleviate overcrowding in existing sanctuaries. Advanced technologies, including thermal cameras and artificial intelligence, have bolstered anti-poaching efforts, contributing to a significant decline in poaching incidents. Kenya aims to double its black rhino population to two-thousand by 2037.

Stay tuned for more news………….