The 2014 Living Planet Report, published by the WWF, was recently released.
The 2014 Living Planet Report, published by the WWF, was recently released.
According to the Living Planet Index, vertebrate populations have decreased by 52% in the past 40 years and South Africa is just below the world average for ecological footprint with ~2.5 global hectares demanded per capita, the majority of which refers to carbon and which is above the world average bio capacity.
What does this mean for us?
The Living Planet Report is the world's leading, science-based analysis on the health of our planet and the impact of human actions.
In less than two human generations, population sizes of vertebrate species have dropped by half. Nature conservation and sustainable development go hand-in-hand. It is time we make a meaningful effort to preserve what is left of our biodiversity and wild places.
This is about safeguarding the future of humanity – our ‘well-being, economy, food security and social stability – our very survival’.
Marine What?
With national marine week coming up, we ask what can be done to improve or stabilise these drastic figures. According to the Living Planet Index, there is an average decline of almost 76% of freshwater species and 39% decline in marine species in the last 40 years.
One of the leading causes is habitat loss as a result of pollution and invasive species. We continue to allow overfishing and poaching. When there are no more sharks, what will replace their absence in the food web?
Us?
We need to:
•Learn about the marine environment. Ignorance or lack of information is no excuse.
•Live and eat sustainably. When you shop, ask the right questions: What is it? Where is it from? How was it caught or farmed? What can I do to help?
More info: http://www.wwfsassi.co.za/?m=1
WESSA: A Grahamstonian Feat Since 1974, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) has honoured those deserving of recognition for their efforts and impact on environmental conservation or to environmental education in South Africa over a sustained period of time.
This year, the Wessa Grahamstown Branch came to the forefront, winning the group award for their significant contributions in the natural science and environmental education fields, which have been achieved over the years through working with Rhodes University and various interest groups both locally and in the wider Eastern Cape.
This shows that long-term commitment and collaboration can go a long way in promoting conservation of the environment!
Well done! More info: http://www.wessa.org.za/news/5/15/Exceptional-conservation-achievements-recognised-with-2014-WESSA-Awards.htm]
We marched, now what?
Almost 120 supporters marched in the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos. What now?
It is not only strength in numbers that is important in raising awareness. It is the individuality of the marcher that matters – the older man with the walking stick who refused to stop even if he was at the back of the march, the younger children who insisted on signing the petition and even the pets that attended the march.
It is these people who remind us that even though 821 rhinos have been slaughtered in South Africa alone this year – and today approximately 100 African elephants were killed – the marches are completed but tomorrow we continue the fight.
Find us Online: www.grocotts.co.za/environews
Contacts for Makana Enviro-News: Nikki Köhly: n.kohly@ru.ac.za, 046 603 7205 | Jenny Gon: j-gon@intekom.co.za, 046 622 5822 | Trisha Nathoo: nathootrisha83@gmail.com, 078 584 9496 | Nick James: nickjames@intekom.co.za, 082 575 9781 | Philip Machanick: p.machanick@ru.ac.za, 046 603 8635 | Strato Copteros: strato@iafrica.com, 082 785 6403
