Tree-planting projects bear fruits

Shanghai launches pilot emission trade scheme

17 Apr 2009 - BEIJING: The district of Pudong in the Chinese coastal city of Shanghai will launch a pilot emission trading scheme this year, the China Daily said,

citing local officials.
Pudong's environmental bureau will allow more than 300 companies to trade "pollution discharge rights" on the Shenghai Environment and Energy Exchange, according to bureau director Zhang Peijun.
The companies, responsible for more than 80 percent of total pollution in the district, will first be permitted to buy and sell permits for sulphur dioxide and chemical oxygen demand (COD), a measure used to calculate industrial discharges into lakes and rivers.
A similar trading scheme was launched at Lake Tai in Jiangsu province in 2007, where water supplies to 40 million local people were contaminated by chemical waste, fertilizer run-off and raw sewage. The exchange allows local enterprises to trade in COD credits, and is scheduled to expand into phosphorus and waste water permit trade this year.
Beijing also launched an environmental exchange in 2008, and plans to eventually trade in carbon dioxide emissions as well as sulphur dioxide and COD.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Developmental-Issues/Shanghai-launches-pilot-emission-trade-scheme/articleshow/4414363.cms
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ROWA MEDIA UPDATE

THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEWS

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Bahrain

'Save water' call 

Bahrain was yesterday urged to protect its precious water resources.

The country must reduce water consumption by enforcing stricter laws, holding awareness campaigns and creating a comprehensive national strategy, experts said at a key conference.

The event 'Water for Life' was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre's Palm Hall on the sidelines of the Riffa Views Bahrain International Garden Show (RVBIGS).

It was attended by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women.

The conference was held by the Economic Development Board (EDB) in co-operation with HSBC bank.

Economists and environmental experts, including EDB chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, HSBC Private Bank (UK) deputy chairman Lord Janvrin, HSBC Group corporate sustainability head and environment adviser Francis Sullivan, World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Global Freshwater Programme head Dr Tom Le Quesne and Arabian Gulf University deputy president Professor Waleed Al Zubari spoke at the conference.

Shaikh Mohammed highlighted Shaikha Sabeeka's support for BIGS, which provides the community awareness of Bahrain's experience in supporting agriculture and green zones.

He pointed out that the water problem is a global issue and Bahrain was no exception.

The country faces a shortage of rain, which is its main source of water.

This event, he said, will help create awareness and formulate strategies to overcome the problem.

There is a need for everyone in Bahrain to have a greater understanding of the environment and its resources to best assist in developing its economy in a sustainable way, said Shaikh Mohammed

"The EDB is involved in this annual show for the first time to help increase public awareness and social interactivity based on the principles of Economic Vision 2030," said Shaikh Mohammed.

"The vision launched by His Majesty King Hamad is based on three guiding principles: sustainability, competitiveness and fairness.

"The main objective of the plan is to sustain the rich natural resources of Bahrain so that they are enjoyed by future generations.

"The garden show provides a wonderful setting for the Vision to be shared with the community and to continue the process of transforming a concept into a reality.

Development

"Sustainability, both economically and environmentally, is crucial for our continued development and quality of life.

"If we use our resources wisely, we will help to achieve our goal of building a better life for every Bahraini," he said.

"With the population growth and the resulting increase in water consumption, there is huge pressure on the country's water supply," said Prof Al Zubari.

"Bahrain has excellent policies and regulations, but implementation does not seem to be very encouraging.

"We need legislation on this issue as well as new technologies to rehabilitate our underground water," he said.

"Water consumption, especially in the agriculture sector, is very high. Building awareness is the key to solving these issues," Prof Al Zubari said.

Lord Janvrin, in his address, said that water management is a major area of concern in Bahrain now and in the future.

"It is also a vital part of the environmental agenda which the bank is so committed to supporting," he said.

"The bank set out to reduce its own environmental impact including targets for energy, water, waste and carbon dioxide as early as 2004. "It was the first major bank in the world to go carbon neutral in 2006," he added. begena@gdn.com.bh

THE Khawla Secondary Girls School was yesterday declared the overall winner of the Riffa Views Eden Challenge 2009.

The announcement was made at the Riffa Views Eden Challenge Exhibits Stand at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre where the Riffa Views Bahrain International Garden Show is being held.

It was made by Riffa Views Ambassador for Landscapes and Gardens Chris Beardshaw and show organising committee director Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa.

The school presented a project 'Water Conscious Garden' depicting a range of complex possibilities that a designed landscape can offer.

The design blended water with drought-tolerant plants and synthetic materials to highlight principles and use of water movement and conservation.

"The standard of all the schools' entries this year has been tremendously high and to choose a champion of champions has been incredibly hard," said Mr Beardshaw.

"I am extremely encouraged by the focus that the students placed on environmental issues and delighted that the challenge has inspired the younger generation to consider the importance of their surroundings."

Principal Seham Al Kooheji, students and teachers were present.

The school received a trophy and a cash prize of BD3,000.

Meanwhile, the winner of the Riffa Views' Best Stand award went to Jannusan Exotics, which received a trophy and $5,000 (BD1,890).

The first runner-up was the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry, which received a trophy and $3,000 (BD1,134). The second runner-up was the Riffa Views Farmers Market, which received a trophy and $2,000 (BD756).

SECURITY at Bahrain's only wildlife park is to be beefed up after complaints that visitors have been attacking the animals.

Among the incidents reported have been children throwing rocks and pulling the hair of the animals, harassing pregnant goats and standing on the backs of tortoises.

One youngster allegedly pulled a quill from a porcupine and used it to chase and stab a goat.

Officials in charge of the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve in Sakhir, say some people, especially children, have been ignoring signs requesting them not to feed the animals or drop litter.

The park has around six security personnel on duty at any time but the management is now planning to increase that to 10 to 15 to ensure the safety of the animals.

Park guiding tourism head Sager Khamis said thousands of people flock to the park every weekend and it was difficult to keep an eye on every visitor.

"Visitors, including adults and children, come to enjoy, spend time with their families and learn more about the wildlife," Mr Khamis told the GDN.

"But teenagers and children aged between four and 10, start running from one corner to the other, shouting, jumping near the lake and throwing things, sometimes food, pebbles, marbles, stones etc.

"They also try to climb the boundary walls and touch the animals, especially goats, turtle, camels and donkeys.

"We have security officers, but the place is huge and there are many visitors not just during weekends, but every day.

"It is not possible for the officers to stand near each and every cage and watch the visitors."

Mr Khamis said people also leave behind food, garbage and plastic bags, which are harmful to the animals.

"It's not safe to leave food items and garbage near the cages and sometimes, in reach of the animals, which they may eat and get sick," he said.

"They sometimes eat the plastic bags, which are dangerous for their health."

The GDN interviewed several people who visit the park regularly. They suggested the park should hire more security staff.

"I have seen children mistreating animals as no staff are there to prevent them," said one Bahraini, who did not want to be named.

"They don't care and think for a second about what they are doing but find it amusing to hurt the animals.

"I have seen people standing on an old tortoise's back, throwing rocks at porcupines, mistreating pregnant goats, sometimes pulling their hair and throwing things at birds."

Pakistani visitor Ambreen Fakhar said she saw a boy pull out a porcupine's quill.

"And when I advised him against doing it, he started abusing me," she said.

"I don't know where his parents were, but when I scolded him and said something in Arabic, he ran to another cage and started sticking the quill into a goat.

"I followed him and when he saw me, he just ran away and went towards the birds' section.

"When I reported the incident to the authorities, they were unable to find the boy."

Ms Fakhar said if the government was willing to spend money on renovating the park, they should spend extra on installing surveillance cameras at every cage to ensure the safety of the animals.

The Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife runs the park and director-general Dr Ismail Madani said officials were seeking practical solutions to the problem.

"Awareness is key to solve this issue and we want people to suggest how we can stop these people from mistreating animals," he said.

"It is very difficult to watch thousands of visitors.

"Our visitors include not only Bahrainis but also foreigners from various parts of the world.

"And if we need to hire more staff, we need extra budget, which is very difficult."

Meanwhile, Dr Al Madani revealed work on major attractions, worth BD300,000, was underway and will be completed within four months.

"The first one is the Arabian Wild Animals Complex, which costs BD200,000 and will feature wolves, hyenas and leopards," he said.

"The other one is the BD100,000 Walk in Birds Aviary, where the visitors will be able to see different species of birds.

"The projects are a venture between government and private sectors."

Mr Al Madani also thanked Batelco, which paid half the cost of the Wild Animals Complex.

The Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve was built in 1975 to protect rare Arabian species including the oryx, addax and reem gazelle and today houses hundreds of other animals and bird species.

The park is open daily from 8am to 4pm and on Fridays from 2-5pm.

Entrance fee is BD1 for adults, 500fils for children and free for those aged under three. aneeqa@gdn.com.bh

Under a loan agreement signed between the Jordan Water Authority (JWA) and the German Development Bank (KfW) last Thursday, the German government extended 11.67 million euros, while the remaining amount will be secured by the JWA.

The agreement aims to revamp Amman's water network and reduce water loss, which is a key challenge facing the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. Officials say water leakage in Amman currently stands at 38 per cent and is even higher in the southern governorates and agricultural areas.

"This is the first project that focuses on rehabilitating the water network in Amman for the purpose of receiving water from the Disi project, expected to provide the capital with 100 million cubic metres (mcm) of water annually," JWA Secretary General Munir Oweis said at the signing ceremony.

Work on the Disi project is expected to commence in May or June after the project's financial closure is signed and is expected to be operational three years after construction starts.

The Disi project will be established on a build-operate-transfer basis, and is one of six strategic plans initiated by the Water Ministry to address the country's longstanding water deficit.

"Rehabilitating the Amman water network means solving 70-80 per cent of breaks in the pipeline. It also means addressing 60 per cent of the water leakage problem," he added.

The project will be implemented by Miyahuna and Austrian company SETEC in a joint venture with local company ENGICON, which will provide engineering services for design and supervision.

KfW, which finances investments and advisory services in developing countries on behalf of the German federal ministry for economic cooperation and development, has extended 994.5 million euros to the Kingdom since the 1960s for projects that seek to improve the water sector.

http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=16011

Volunteers cleanup after careless picnickers

Nestled in a picturesque valley filled with citrus groves and waterfalls, the small town of Rajeb is a favourite haunt for picnickers during the weekend.

But when the visitors go back to the cities, many leave behind their broken bottles, snack wrappers and other trash, spoiling the environment they had come to enjoy.

For a small town with only 10 sanitation workers, that had become a bit of a problem.

So the town enlisted the help of an unusual cleanup crew: A group of 23 college students from the US.

For the students it was an opportunity not only to see a different part of Jordan, but also a chance to study their Arabic while working alongside the local community.

Last Wednesday, the students partnered with residents and members of local volunteer group All for Jordan to pick up trash, paint over graffiti and build barbeque pits. A crew even built a temporary safety barrier above a cliff where two men recently died after slipping off.

“I feel this is what Jordan is all about,” said Andrew Halladay, a 20-year-old religion student from Los Angeles who participated in the project. “It’s great to come out here, speak with the people and work with them. This is what we came here to do.”

Halladay and his colleagues have been studying Arabic and Jordanian history and culture at the SIT Study Abroad centre in Amman for more than two months.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see everyone working together like this,” said Fozat Freihat, mayor of Kufranjeh Municipality, of which Rajeb is a part. “The work they are doing is not going to benefit just me or you. It’s going to benefit everyone who participated and everyone who will visit this place in the future.”

Students attending the centre come from universities across the US. They stay in the Kingdom for one semester, where they live with local families and conduct research on topics affecting Jordan and the region. Many of the students also undertake internships with businesses and NGOs in the capital.

Last week’s volunteer project was a first for the centre, but more are planned for the future. Over the course of the day, the crew removed garbage from a river and a large picnic area, which eventually filled a large truck. They also set up new trash bins and painted a mural with environmental slogans and images.

“It’s very important to leave your mark in a place,” said 20-year-old Janelle Johnson, of Lexington, Kentucky. “I think it’s important to help where you can.”

Raed Tabini, SIT Study Abroad’s academic director, said he hoped that people visiting Rajeb would be affected by the volunteers’ work.

“In Jordan, attitudes are changing about the environment, but we still have to do more,” he said. “I hope that people coming here will see what the students have done in Rajeb and continue to keep this place beautiful.”

http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=16026

Syria

A Syrian Engineer Discovers a New Theory for Generating Costless Electricity

Damascus,(SANA)-Syrian Engineer, Ibrahim Mohammed Jabr , from Daraa governorate has managed, following 15 years of physics researches and intensive studies, to reach the Theory of  Energy Recovery, the Discovery of a Universal Peer.

The engineer is about to publish a book on his new theory. AlThawra daily, in its today's edition, quoted Jabr as saying that each theory in physics has a compatible time and place and each correct theory has a viable sustainability since history and science have proven that there is no theory in physics that enjoys absolute correctness or is sufficient to interpret all the physiological phenomena , adding that this is not an inherent fault in theories , because it is impossible for one theory to answer all  questions  no matter how these theories are comprehensive.

He added that his inventions in sphere of electric energy will contribute to finding solution to the demand for costless energy and with big quantities that can even be exported, expressing readiness to carry out his project in Syria.

He said that he obtained the author's right and protection from the State of Qatar in cooperation with Eng.Hazza Hajeri, Director of Quality Department in Qatar , who is seeking to nominate this research to Noble Prize for Physics.

http://www.sana.sy/eng/27/2009/04/04/220002.htm

Qatar

Marine species exploration vessel launched

MUSCAT — The Ministry of tourism yesterday launched a marine species viewing vessel, as well as a tourist cruiser and a boat anchorage harbour. The ceremony was presided over by Tourism Minister Dr Rajha bint Abdulameer bin Ali. Present at the ceremony were Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, Minister of National Economy and Deputy Chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Darwish bin Ismaeel al Balushi, Secretary General of the Finance Ministry and other undersecretaries.

The Tourism Minister, in a statement, said the project comprises a ship and a passengers boat to view the marine species at Bandar al Khairan and identify the marine species. The project will be assessed in future, Dr Rajha added. She hoped that the private sector would participate in the future. The Tourism Ministry is constructing a new anchorage point at the fishermen’s harbour in Seeb. It will accommodate a restaurant and a reception. Maqbool said the project is a good opportunity for sea-lovers who wish to watch marine species at Bandar al Khairan or Al Daimaniyat islands.

The project will add to the tourism diversity in the Sultanate, he added. The project aims at promoting the marine tourism and identifying coral reef and other marine oraganisms in the Sultanate. The ship was manufactured by Jordan Boat Manufacturing Company at a cost of about RO 400,000. It is 17 metres long and has a draft of 2 metres. The vessel, which accommodates 58 passengers, took one and a half years to be build. The tourism boat Marjan (meaning ‘coral’) will transport passengers, fuel and water to the vessel.

17 April 2009

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ENVIRONMENT NEWS FROM THE

S.G’s SPOKESMAN DAILY PRESS BRIEFING
17 April 2009

BAN KI-MOON IS EXPECTED TO STRESS IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY AT AMERICAS SUMMIT 

• 
  Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is heading to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, where he will address on Saturday the 34 Heads of State and Government attending the Fifth Summit of the Americas, during a working luncheon.
   
  
• 
  The Secretary-General will speak of sustainability, one of the themes of the Summit.
   
  
• 
  According to the Secretary-General, today’s economic crisis, if not handled properly, could evolve into a full-scale political crisis — defined by social unrest, weakened governments and angry publics who have lost faith in their leaders and their future.
   
  
• 
  Addressing the climate change issue, he is expected to refer to the impact of such changes on the Americas, from the shrinking glaciers in the Andes, to deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon and the rising sea levels endangering the small islands of the Caribbean. He will also stress the need to protect populations, including indigenous peoples, and to create financial incentives to preserve forests and the livelihoods of those who depend on them. By tackling climate change, he will say, we also deal with the economic crisis — green jobs for green growth.
  

The Secretary-General is in Valletta, Malta, where he will meet with the President, and Prime Minister, before addressing the country’s parliament. During his visit, he will also receive an Honoris causa doctorate in recognition of his contribution in raising awareness on climate change.