Kelp Forest Foundation’s Post

🌳 I am pleased to announce the publication of my research on mapping habitat suitability for major bush encroachers in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa during the SteamBioAfrica project. In this study, we explore the potential distribution of these species across the southern drylands under various climate change scenarios. Our findings provide valuable insights for sustainable land management, biomass sector and conservation efforts in the region -->https://lnkd.in/dPuzNR54

Managing Africa’s natural resources is crucial to ensure sustainable economic growth and stability, to protect the natural environment, to safeguard public health and to empower local communities. Natural resources are derived from nature and can be non-renewable (minerals, metals, fossil fuels and nuclear fuels) and renewable (solar energy, wind energy, water [hydropower], forests, biomass and geothermal energy). Other important natural resources include soil (vital for agriculture), air (essential for life) and water (rivers, lakes and underground aquifers) which is crucial for drinking, agriculture and industry.   Wildlife is considered a natural resource as well but differs from the abovementioned natural resources in that it is living and part of biodiversity. Wildlife contributes to the overall health and balance of ecosystems, providing essential services such as pollination, pest control, seed dispersal and food chains that support other wildlife and human populations. WhyAfrica specialises in the conservation, sustainable use and responsible extraction of Africa’s natural resources. We focus on mining and mineral exploration, critical minerals, biodiversity conservation, environmental management, natural resource management, the wildlife economy and rural development. We also look at the impact extreme weather events, climate change, technology, the African Continental Free Trade Area, African politics, geopolitics and ESG considerations have on your business and investments in Africa.      WhyAfrica supports the empowerment of African communities, especially women and the youth, through sustainable development projects. If Africa’s natural resources is your business, follow WhyAfrica or subscribe to our newsletters and magazines. We have just published our last newsletter of the year so if you are still not a subscriber here it is: https://lnkd.in/dauEd9S3 If you are a subscriber, our next newsletter will be in your inbox on the 9th of January 2025. Enjoy the festive season! #whyafrica #whyafricaroadtrips #africa #mining #exploration #quarrying #equipment #agriculture #farming #forestry #ESG #infrastructure #watermanagement #energy #tourism #sustainability #carbonemissions #naturalresources #environment #naturalresourcemangement #environmentalmanagent #biodiversity #conservation #travel #climatechange #extremeweatherevents  Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica

But, the study found, as natural ecosystems are converted for agricultural purposes, the carbon storage capacity is decreasing – while the rate of emissions is increasing. Yolandi Ernst of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa led the international research team that calculated the flows of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide through Africa’s terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. #carbonemissions #africa #business #naturalecosystems #futureecosystems #humanactivities #biodiversity #carbonneutral #climatechange  

The blue economy holds immense potential for global economic growth. 🌐 Currently valued at $1.5 trillion annually, it is projected to reach $3 trillion by 2030. 🌍 The fishing and aquaculture sector supports over 60 million jobs worldwide, while marine and coastal tourism generates $390 billion. 💼 Additionally, the global offshore wind energy market is expected to grow from $24.5 billion in 2020 to $106 billion by 2027. 🚀 Let's support sustainable development and preserve our oceans together! #BlueEconomy #SustainableDevelopment #MarineTourism #RenewableEnergy

Managing Africa’s natural resources is crucial to ensure sustainable economic growth and stability, to protect the natural environment, to safeguard public health and to empower local communities. Natural resources are derived from nature and can be non-renewable (minerals, metals, fossil fuels and nuclear fuels) and renewable (solar energy, wind energy, water [hydropower], forests, biomass and geothermal energy). Other important natural resources include soil (vital for agriculture), air (essential for life) and water (rivers, lakes and underground aquifers) which is crucial for drinking, agriculture and industry.   Wildlife is considered a natural resource as well but differs from the abovementioned natural resources in that it is living and part of biodiversity. Wildlife contributes to the overall health and balance of ecosystems, providing essential services such as pollination, pest control, seed dispersal and food chains that support other wildlife and human populations. WhyAfrica specialises in the conservation, sustainable use and responsible extraction of Africa’s natural resources. We focus on mining and mineral exploration, critical minerals, biodiversity conservation, environmental management, natural resource management, the wildlife economy and rural development. We also look at the impact extreme weather events, climate change, technology, the African Continental Free Trade Area, African politics, geopolitics and ESG considerations have on your business and investments in Africa.      WhyAfrica supports the empowerment of African communities, especially women and the youth, through sustainable development projects. If Africa’s natural resources is your business, follow WhyAfrica or subscribe to our newsletters and magazines. We have just published our last newsletter of the year so if you are still not a subscriber here it is: https://lnkd.in/dX3AwA9J If you are a subscriber, our next newsletter will be in your inbox on the 9th of January 2025. Enjoy the festive season! #whyafrica #whyafricaroadtrips #africa #mining #exploration #quarrying #equipment #agriculture #farming #forestry #ESG #infrastructure #watermanagement #energy #tourism #sustainability #carbonemissions #naturalresources #environment #naturalresourcemangement #environmentalmanagent #biodiversity #conservation #travel #climatechange #extremeweatherevents  Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica

Excellent work 💚 #sustainability #climatechange From eyesore to asset: How a smelly seaweed could fuel cars, BBC https://lnkd.in/eyABHXdG Please share to connect investors, scientists and entrepreneurs who can use this or similar tech in other places. Dr Legena Henry mentions West Africa, South America and Florida. Are there others? "The innovative fuel source created at The University of the West Indies (UWI) in Barbados also uses wastewater from local rum distilleries, and dung from the island’s indigenous blackbelly sheep which provides the vital anaerobic bacteria ... any car can be converted to run on the gas via a simple and affordable four-hour installation process, using an easily available kit, at a total cost of around $2,500 (£1,940)." “To see the car in action was mind-blowing,” she grins. “I would encourage all young scientists to press ahead with their ideas. You never know when you might make the next big discovery.” Brittney McKenzie “It’s an example of UWI innovation and is exportable to the wider world, because it’s not just the Caribbean that’s affected; sargassum also impacts parts of West Africa, South America and Florida." Dr Legena Henry renewable energy expert and UWI lecturer "The algae do not just threaten tourism. They also pose a threat to human health through the hydrogen sulphide they release as they decomposes, along with native wildlife like critically endangered sea turtle hatchlings which get trapped in thick mats of beached seaweed. Water pollution and warming seas are credited with the upsurge in sargassum, another cataclysmic result of climate change that the Caribbean has done little to contribute to but often bears the brunt of." "Potential funders include the USAID, the European Union and international development banks through debt financing." Mia Amor Mottley Blue Chip Foundation Gaston Browne Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Nigel Henry Rum and Sargassum

Oil spill still contaminating sensitive Mauritius mangroves three years on - Curtin University: Three years after bulk carrier MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef off Mauritius, spilling 1000 tonnes of a new type of marine fuel oil, CURTIN University-led research has confirmed the oil is still present in an environmentally sensitive mangrove forest close to important Ramsar conservation sites. https://lnkd.in/ebajAJwM

[Over 5,000 attend Towngas’ Biodiversity and New Energies Symposium] Today, on National Ecology Day, The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) and Towngas Smart Energy, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Management Association, held the Biodiversity and New Energies Symposium. More than 20 representatives from the business sector, public utilities, conservation organisations, and academia participated in discussions on crucial topics such as:   - Hydrogen industry research, application and development - New energies transitioning for aviation and sea, i.e. sustainable aviation fuel and green methanol - Enhanced corporate disclosure of nature-related financial information - Balancing development with ecological conservation   Over 5,000 people attended the full-day Symposium in person or via live streaming, reflecting a global focus on new energy and biodiversity.    At the event, Towngas announced the release of a biodiversity commemorative stamp pack featuring unique ecological environments across Greater China, aiming to raise public awareness of the importance of conservation.   This event showcases our commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, as we continue to transform from a traditional utility to an integrated clean energy supplier. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gag94yeM   #Towngas #TowngasSmartEnergy #Biodiversity #NewEnergies #SustainableDevelopment #EnergyTransition

The Caribbean is turning an environmental challenge into an energy solution! 👏 👏 👏 Researchers from the University of the West Indies have transformed invasive sargassum seaweed into a biofuel. This innovative project uses seaweed, wastewater from rum distilleries, and blackbelly sheep dung to create bio-compressed natural gas. 🚗 The first vehicle powered by this fuel has already hit the road, showing the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and protect tourism. We are proud and excited to see such groundbreaking initiatives coming from the Caribbean. This project not only tackles an environmental issue but also paves the way for sustainable energy. It’s a testament to Caribbean ingenuity and resilience. 🌱 #Caribbean #Sustainableenergy #CaribbeanPride 🔗 Read more about this initiative here: https://lnkd.in/g58muttZ

🌊 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨: 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞! 🌱 Happy Sunday, Friends, Family and Supporters! 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 - (𝐎𝐜𝐭 𝟎𝟏 & 𝟎𝟐)! 🎉 This conference will gather experts, environmentalists, policymakers, and business leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond to discuss sustainable solutions for managing sargassum. This challenge has impacted our coastal ecosystems, tourism, and communities. 🏝️🌿 With the support of our international partners like the European Union and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States OECS, we are committed to turning this environmental issue into an opportunity for growth and innovation. 🌍Together, we’ll explore business opportunities for sargassum in agriculture, biofuels, and other industries that will not only protect our environment but boost our economy! 💼💡 Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, has emphasized the importance of collaboration. As the Minister for Climate Resilience, Environment, and Renewable Energy, I am proud to lead these efforts. Together, we can ensure that Grenada and the region stand strong in the face of these challenges, safeguarding our environment and creating new opportunities for all. 💪🏽🌍 🇬🇩🇬🇩 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗶𝘀: - 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 🌊 - 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗘𝗖𝗦 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 💼 - 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 🚜🔋 - 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 🐟🌿 I'd like you to please stay tuned for updates on the conference. Please email [email protected] to find out how you can participate in the conversation. 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬! 🙌🏽 #GrenadaForSustainability #SargassumConference2024 #climateresilience #InnovationInAction #Caribbeanleadership #greeneconomy #ProtectOurOceans