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Actions Needed to Protect Wild Species and Natural Habitats

Photo Credit: Alenka Skvarc, Source: UN

The UN Summit on Biodiversity was meant to galvanize commitments to stop the impending biodiversity crisis, and to underscore the need for effective actions in a new Global Biodiversity Framework.  Few could predict that it would take place in the middle of a deadly global pandemic -- which in all likelihood was brought about by human activities that exploit wild animals and nature.  

30 September 2020

Opinion: Far from Being our Enemies, Bats Need Protection now more than ever

Blasius' Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus blasii) © Mounir Abi-Said, Lebanon

As efforts are stepping up around the world to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), there are alarming reports that some communities and governmental authorities are targeting the wrong enemy:  bats.  Not only will killing bats not stop COVID-19; it could also do irreparable harm to a mammal which poses no risk to human health in its natural environment, and which provides enormous benefits including pollination, seed dispersal and pest control.  

09 April 2020

Opinion: Forty Years of Action for Animals on the Move

A new study has highlighted gaps in protection for migratory birds globally © pixabay.com

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the United Nations’ Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the only global agreement between countries aimed at protecting thousands of terrestrial, oceanic and avian animals such as elephants, antelope, gorillas, whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, and many species of birds – that fly, walk or swim across the planet.

30 July 2019

Opinion: Underwater Noise - the Not-so-Silent Killer

© OceanCare

Marine experts gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from June 18-22, 2018 to discuss anthropogenic underwater noise. Dr. Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), describes the impacts of this type of pollution on marine wildlife and sets out some of the solutions.

24 June 2018

Opinion: The Planet's Pernicious Plastic Plague Peril

A curious Laysan Albatross checks out a toothbrush on the beach © NOAA CREP

Thanks to the wonders of modern industrial technology we are now producing 20 times as much plastic as we were doing in 1964. If the current trend continues, output will double in 20 years and double again by 2050. Our hunger for the convenience of plastic products is insatiable. Buy it, use it, throw it away, buy another one -- drinks come in plastic bottles with plastic drinking straws; food comes wrapped in cling film; fast food is served in polystyrene containers with plastic cutlery.

05 June 2018

Opinion: Green Energy Will Help Lead the Way in Conservation

© RWE

‘Location, location, location” is the real estate agent’s mantra when advising potential house-buyers about purchasing a property. It should also be the first, intermediate and final thought passing through the minds of designers of renewable energy projects. This is especially true of the Middle East — an area where the renewable energy sector is booming with unprecedented levels of investment.

02 May 2018

Opinion: Big Cats: Predators under Threat, World Wildlife Day

Snow Leopard © Jim Zuckerman

Wildlife tourism is not a viable option in Central Asia — the area is inaccessible and lacks the infrastructure which all but the hardiest of travellers want.

08 March 2018

Opinion: Predators under Threat

Lion © Vanessa Mignon

Lion © Vanessa Mignon

With World Wildlife Day this year being celebrated under the theme Big Cats - Predators Under Threat, Bradnee Chambers, executive secretary of the UN Convention on Migratory Species, examines some of the difficulties involved in reconciling the interests of wild animals and the people who have to live alongside them.

27 February 2018

Opinion: Renewable Energy – Let’s Do It Right

Renewable energy technologies must be deployed in a way that they do not harm wildlife

Renewable energy technologies must be deployed in a way that they do not harm wildlife

The development and deployment of new technologies to deliver the world’s energy needs from renewable sources are essential if we are to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. To stop or reverse climate change and to provide the world’s growing human population with the energy it needs, then hydro-, oceanic, wind and solar power must to be part of the mix.

22 October 2017

Opinion: In Climate Change Discussion, Don't Forget about Wildlife

Polar bear testing melting sea ice, Svalbard © Peter Prokosch, GRID ARENDAL

Polar bear testing melting sea ice, Svalbard © Peter Prokosch, GRID ARENDAL

The effects of climate change are being felt with extreme weather events such as the wildfires in British Columbia, floods in Eastern Canada and hurricanes of unprecedented severity battering North America and the Caribbean. Wildlife is also suffering the consequences, and migratory animals already at greater risk because of their dependence on a fragile chain of sites to sustain them are more vulnerable than sedentary species.

21 October 2017