World’s biggest tropical crop bank opens in Colombia
The Future Seeds facility will not only safeguard tropical crop biodiversity, but also serve as a living laboratory for some of the world’s most advanced agricultural technologies.
Mongabay
Moore Foundation pledges extra $300m to boost conservation of Amazon
New targets include ensuring 247 million acres of freshwater and forest ecosystems, as well as Indigenous and local communities’ lands, are effectively managed.
Nepal’s first bird sanctuary takes flight, raising hope for conservation
More than 360 bird species, some of them native and some migratory, have been recorded in the complex, which covers 2,563 hectares (6,330 acres).
Honduras bans open-pit mining, citing environmental and public health concerns
The government is no longer granting environmental permits for open-pit mining projects, the Ministry of Energy, Natural Resources, Environment and Mines. It also plans to shut down open-pit mines already in operation.
Giant anteaters lead biodiversity resurgence in Argentina’s Iberá
In 2007, the first pair of giant anteaters was reintroduced Iberá reserve, a region from which it had gone extinct decades earlier. Today, more than 200 anteaters live free in the reserve.
Afro-Caribbean community safeguards pristine oceans with new protected area off coast of Colombia
The newly designated Isla Ají marine protected area covers over a total of 24,600 hectares (60,800 acres) of coastal, terrestrial and marine ecosystems on Colombia’s Pacific coast.
Mexico’s top court cancels mining concessions near Indigenous communities
A ruling by Mexico’s Supreme Court this month canceled two controversial mining concessions in Indigenous communities, which have been fighting to stop the projects for nearly two decades.
Ecuador’s top court rules for stronger land rights for Indigenous communities
The ruling will immediately affect oil and mining projects across the country, as they must now seek the consent of Indigenous communities who might be affected by their activities.
Western monarch butterflies make a spectacular comeback in California
The population of monarch butterflies overwintering in California has increased a hundredfold, according to an annual count: more than 247,000 butterflies were counted in 2021, up from 2,000 butterflies in 2020.
Indonesia and Malaysia to hold joint patrols against illegal fishing
The patrols are expected to beef up maritime security against illegal fishers in the Malacca Strait and the North Natuna Sea, as well as protect the rich marine biodiversity there.