Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 10 October 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, says Marine Protected Areas are boosting coastal tourism, from diving to whale watching, while ensuring biodiversity is safeguarded. Key estimates from the Oceans Economy Master Plan predict that South Africa’s ocean economy could contribute 166-billion-rand to the gross domestic product, and create over 600-thousand jobs by 2035. George says this ambitious projection pivots on five essential areas: aquaculture, fisheries, coastal tourism, offshore oil and gas, and marine conservation.

# CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction and sentencing of 38-year-old Mozambican national, Gustigu Mthini, who was found guilty on four charges following a violent attack on a Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl in Cape Town earlier this year. He was convicted of the illegal hunting of a protected wild animal, illegal hunting by means of a prohibited hunting method, animal cruelty, and immigration violations. CapeNature’s Luke Folb says every animal has a role to play in maintaining the balance of South Africa’s ecosystems:

# And finally: International Energy Agency director-general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, says as African countries advance decisively towards nuclear power, cooperation is key to ensuring this progress is safe and secure. More than 20 African countries are exploring the potential of nuclear energy, with South Africa and Egypt already leading the way. Grossi says financing and regulation will be key to realising this potential. He adds the IAEA is working closely with African countries to build the legal, safety, and technical frameworks needed to ensure this expansion is safe, secure, and safeguarded.

Stay tuned for more news………….