Assam to Revitalise 129 Wetlands to Alleviate Flood Risks
The Assam government launched an ambitious project aimed at revitalising 129 beels (wetlands), covering an area of 3,800 hectares, to mitigate flooding and boost fish production in the state. These wetlands serve as essential water and fishery resources, offering vital hydrological regulation services, including flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, river flow regulation, and erosion control.
Initially, 190 beels were identified for potential rejuvenation by District Fisheries Development Officers.
The Assam government, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), selected 129 beels for the rejuvenation project.
These wetlands have been geo-mapped by the Assam State Application Centre (ASSAC).
Oct 16, 2024
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Inaugurates India's First Biopolymer Facility ...
In a significant step towards positioning India as a global leader in biotechnology and sustainable solutions, Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, inaugurated India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers at Jejuri in Pune.
This pioneering facility has been developed by Praj Industries and represents a critical milestone in India's effort to transition from fossil-based plastics to eco-friendly alternatives, focusing on Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastics.
The initiative highlights the country's commitment to sustainability and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Net Zero' carbon economy by 2070.
Oct 14, 2024
Pakistan Secures $10 Million for Innovative Climate Solutions
Pakistan made a significant stride in its climate resilience efforts by securing USD 10 million in funding from the Adaptation Fund. This financial support, approved by the Adaptation Fund Board, will be directed towards the Sustainable Actions for Ecosystems Restoration in Pakistan (SAFER) project, a collaborative initiative led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination in partnership with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).
The SAFER project aims to address critical challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and youth. These communities are often disproportionately affected by climate-induced crises. By focusing on these demographics, the project seeks to enhance resilience and promote sustainable practices that can withstand the adverse impacts of climate change.
The funding aligns with Pakistan's broader national strategies, including its National Adaptation Plan and the Living Indus Initiative. These frameworks advocate for nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation approaches to safeguard and restore vital ecosystems across the Indus Basin.
Oct 10, 2024
Wildlife Population Declined by 73% in 50 Years: WWF Report
The World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) biennial living planet report, monitored global wildlife populations declined by 73 per cent in the last 50 years, owing to habitat loss, degradation, impacts of climate change and invasive species.
In India, the decline of three vulture species – white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, and slender-billed vulture, has been alarming, WWF said.
The report's conclusions were based on tracking 35,000 population trends and 5,495 species of amphibians, mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. To be sure, the decline is not in terms of the number of populations lost but the average changes in monitored animal populations around the world. Among the different ecosystems, the freshwater populations saw the highest decline with their populations falling by 85 per cent, followed by terrestrial populations, which saw a 69 per cent decline and a 56 per cent decline in marine populations, according to the report. Habitat loss, over exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species, diseases were the dominant drivers of the decline of wildlife. Habitat loss was driven by unsustainable agriculture, fragmentation, logging, mining, to name a few causes.
The Conference on Maritime Decarbonisation in India, co-hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Asian Development Bank, concluded in New Delhi. The event brought together over two hundred delegates to discuss the future of green shipping and port operations. These include leaders from key Indian ports, central and state government officials, industry stakeholders, international experts, and academia.
Secretary, of the Ministry of Ports, Shopping and Waterways, T. K. Ramachandran pointed out that through initiatives like the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines and Harit Nauka Green Transition Guidelines, the Ministry is setting a global example in the adoption of green energy, sustainable port operations, and cleaner shipping practices.
The conference underscored India's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and highlighted strategic initiatives to decarbonise its maritime sector, aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030. Discussions covered a range of critical themes, including green port infrastructure, clean harbour craft, the use of zero-carbon fuels, emissions reduction strategies, and the electrification of inland waterways.
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