Stories about Environment from July, 2021
In the face of elite tourism projects, the Barbuda Warbler isn't the only one that might lose its home
After 2017's Hurricane Irma, Barbudans were made to evacuate the island. Little did they know this would coincide with the washing away of their centuries-old communal land rights.
Weak public consultation approach draws questions about plans to ‘revitalise’ beloved Trinidad park
Plans allegedly include replacing the existent grass with AstroTurf in order to utilise the park's potential as “a public wellness and sports hub in the heart of our capital city.”
How a swimming pool became Puerto Rico's symbol of climate change and corruption
Critics of a swimming pool that was destroyed during hurricane Maria in 2017 say that it is being rebuilt against Puerto Rico's own environmental regulations.
Iranian state comes down hard on protests over ‘Thirsty Khuzestan’
Three years ago, protests broke out in Iran's richest province of Khuzestan against water shortages. Like today's, these were also met with force, as protesters blame government corruption and mismanagement.
In Colombia, ‘yatules’ are the Misak people's pantry and pharmacy
"The yatul is made up of associated crops such as potato, corn, beans, and onion, among other medicinal plants, whose nutrients complement each other and keep the land healthy."
‘Maohi Lives Matter': Tahiti protesters condemn French nuclear testing legacy
"According to our calculations, based on a scientific reassessment of the doses received, approximately 110,000 people were infected, almost the entire Polynesian population at the time."
Vultures soar back into Pokhara
Despite the decline in vultures across South Asia, the endangered scavengers are recovering in Nepal due to tighter regulations and community initiatives.
Thousands of flamingos found dead in Central Anatolia
Every year in March, thousands of flamingos migrate to the south of Lake Tuz, earning it the moniker “flamingo paradise.”
Caribbean Tree Planting Week: A region-wide coalition gets serious about climate change action
"The Caribbean contributes less than one per cent to global greenhouse emissions, but we are increasingly bearing the burden of the environmental devastation that climate change events bring."
Volunteers tackle Bali’s plastic problem during pandemic
On average in Bali, per capita, a tourist uses 3.5 times more plastic per day than a local resident.
The Awá people in Colombia threatened by foreign armed and socio-environmental conflict
"Being part of Awá families, I believe that any situation that affects the territory, the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of our people and our Awá families implies being a direct victim."
Developers say the reef at St. Vincent's Indian Bay is dead. These photos say otherwise
"I have witnessed coral regrowing in key spots throughout the bay. Imagine what's possible if we put some real, intentional effort into it; an artificial reef is not the solution."
Environmentalists stage protest in front of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources
Environmentalists staged a protest in front of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources in Baku, citing deforestation and the long term lease of forest lands to private holders.
Controversy over an explosion in the Caspian sea
A July 4 explosion in the Caspian Sea caught international attention. According to officials, the blast was caused by an underwater mud volcano. No casualties were reported.
Threats to Nepal’s endangered orchids
Nepal has 507 recorded orchid varieties, however, illegal trade and misuse of these magnificent wildflowers for their end-use as ornaments, medicine and food has made them vulnerable to extinction.
Groups call for the release of Mother Nature environmental activists in Cambodia
"The work that activists undertake should be praised rather than hampered, and their voices should be listened to rather than silenced."
Elsa, the first major storm of 2021's hurricane season, sweeps across the Caribbean
With flash flooding, felled trees, and damage to homes and buildings, Elsa announces this year's hurricane season with unwelcome fanfare.
North Macedonia creates a new national park occupying 2% of its territory
Activists warn, however, that declaring the Shar Mountains a national park will not stop the construction of seven small hydro power plants that are already devastating the area's natural environment.
