The environment in the news wednesday April 6, 2011

Species jump: Mountain pine beetles could infect forests across Canada
Vancouver Sun, 5 April 2011, Hanneke Brooymans
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Species+jump+Mountain+pine+beetles+could+infect+forests+across+Canada/4555904/story.html

The group of U of A tree biologists and geneticists discovered that, as the mountain pine beetle spread eastward from central B.C., it successfully jumped species from its main host, the lodgepole pine, to the jack pine. Jack pine is the dominant pine species in Canada’s boreal forest, which stretches east from Alberta all the way to the Maritime provinces.

In Alberta, there is a zone where lodgepole and jack pine hybridize before the switch from one species dominating the forest to the other. There had been no record of mountain pine beetle infection in natural hybrid or jack pine stands, wrote the team in their study, published Monday in the online version of the scientific journal Molecular Ecology. There was considerable evidence to suggest hybrids and jack pine would be suitable hosts for the beetle’s reproduction, though, and they decided to have a closer look.

Telling pure jack pine trees apart from hybrid trees is tricky. The U of A researchers used molecular markers to conclusively show that the attacked trees are indeed jack pine.

“I like to equate it to CSI for forestry,” said Catherine Cullingham, lead author of the study. Cullingham, who did the research as a postdoctorate, said her background is in genetics and wildlife management.

Jack pine does very well in the Prairies where it’s very dry, whereas lodgepole pine is more accustomed to the mountains with more moisture content and elevation, she explained. The hybrids are occurring in intermediate habitat.

She said she wasn’t surprised when they confirmed that jack pine were getting infected because they are closely related, evolutionarily speaking, to lodgepole pine.

Right now, they don’t know how well the beetle will do in jack pine stands, but there is ongoing research in that area.

Climate change could play a role, since cold winters are needed to kill beetles and would prevent them from sustaining epidemics in Alberta, she said.

Another factor is the differences in distribution and density of the two different tree types, she said. Lodgepole pine in B.C. is quite dense and jack pine is not nearly as dense, so there might not be enough food to sustain mountain pine beetles. But that’s another key piece of information that is currently unknown.

“It hasn’t really been modelled very much ... because it’s never been a potential risk.”

Mountain pine beetles are native to B.C. and the lodgepole pine forest there, but not native to the boreal forest in the rest of Canada, Cullingham said.

Forest management will need to change if it turns out that jack pine can sustain a mountain pine beetle population without constant reinforcements flying in from existing lodgepole pine populations.

“Mountain pine beetle is not (native) to the boreal forest and therefore should be considered an invasive species and managed as such,” wrote Cullingham and her colleagues. “Forest ecosystems in North America have already been challenged with numerous pest invasions that represent a considerable threat. When we factor in climate change, the vulnerability of ecosystems such as the boreal forest to disturbance is further increased putting an extremely important ecosystem in jeopardy.”

One of the problems with mountain pine beetle and this particular outbreak, was that lodgepole pine forest in B.C. was managed so all the stands were even-aged, Cullingham said. “This created basically a buffet for mountain pine beetle. So I think if mountain pine beetle established itself ... in the boreal forest we need to be cognizant of this type of management and how damaging this could be. If we have large swaths of even-aged forests across the landscape that’s going to further promote mountain pine beetle reproduction.”

Cullingham said managers need to think about this when planning reforestation and cutting areas so they create age differences in stands.

The entomologist on the research team was Barry Cooke, who works with the federal government’s Northern Forestry Centre in Edmonton.

“When you’re dealing with an insect that’s behaving as an invader there are a bunch of things that one does with species of that nature,” he said.

For one, it would make sense to beef up the surveys that check for the presence of the insect in order to know where the invasion front is. There should also be monitoring of firewood being transported, especially across provincial borders, he added.

Alberta’s forestry industry had already braced itself for the spread of the beetle. They knew from the B.C. experience that the beetle is a pretty dynamic threat and there certainly was the possibility that it would be able to jump species, said Brock Mulligan, spokesman for the Alberta Forest Products Association.

“So it’s something that Alberta’s forest products companies take into their risk assessments now,” he said. “What we do is we go and identify stands that are older or otherwise susceptible to pine beetle infestation and try to harvest those before they become infested. Based on aerial survey results from last summer and fall it looks like the program is working fairly well in Alberta, but the possibility of inflight of a large number of beetles from B.C. means that it’s something we have to keep right on top of.”

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development said managing the spread of the infestation doesn’t change if it’s in a slightly different type of tree than before.

“The only thing that is really different is the realization that what you’ve suspected is actually true,” said Duncan MacDonnell, a ministry spokesman. “It does lend that heightened sense of urgency to the fight against the beetle, if in fact now you know it can go all the way to the other coast through those stands of jack pine. It elevates this to a national conversation.”

Alberta currently has two main infestations, MacDonnell said. One started in southwestern Alberta in 2001. Two years ago they treated 30,000 trees there. This year they’re down to 180.

In west central Alberta from Grande Prairie to Slave Lake to Hinton, 170,000 infested trees were taken out this year. Staff will be checking trees in these areas in May to see what the winter mortality and population trend is and that information should be available by mid-June, MacDonell said.

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ROWA MEDIA UPDATE

More than 300 people from the construction, contracting, property development, project and facilities managements attended the latest session of the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) forum on green building guidelines.

QGBC hosted the successful fourth series of Doha Green Discussions under the banner “Green Building Guidelines” at the Education Student Centre of Qatar Foundation. As the green movement gains interest and momentum in Qatar the series is becoming increasingly relevant.

QGBC is leading the efforts to educate the industry to build skilled labour capacity for green building design, construction and operation. Those skills are needed to meet the growing need for environmentally-friendly design and construction.

The forum was led by Martin Hay, head of QGBC Technical Committee along with Norman Flout, member of the technical committee and Parsons Landscape Design manager.

Guest speaker A J Colletti, AIA, Senior Advisor of Building Affairs of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) gave a lecture titled “Sustainable Design / QSAS and its Implementation within Ashghal.”

The event focused on fundamental elements of green buildings, specific means through which sustainability can be promoted and green design implemented. As a worldwide concern this colloquium is particularly pertinent given the current level of development in Qatar and the expected rapid growth leading up to the 2022 World Cup, a spokesman for QGBC said.

Hay introduced the ideology of QGBC and the reason for compiling and issuing fact-sheets as Green Building Guidelines had been developed. The Green Building Fact-Sheets are designed to be used by the local community, schools and universities, private and government clients, consultants and contractors or any interested person.

Flout presented examples of Green Building Fact-Sheets in detail comprising technical information on sustainable principles which will be available in electronic format on the QGBC website. These will be accessible online or can be downloaded.

Flout welcomed the professional community participation in compiling the fact-sheets. A number of participants signed up to volunteer their services in their field of expertise in compiling the green building fact-sheets.

QGBC green building guidelines was followed by a presentation by Colletti addressing the work conducted by Ashghal and its sustainable orientation moving forward. He outlined Ashghal’s commitment to sustainability and showed examples of current projects that will apply the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System-(QSAS) and how this work subscribed to Green Building practices.

The event provided a forum for debate and lively discussion setting the stage for exchange of views and analysis of environmentally-friendly building practices.

Professor Ashraf Salama, founding head, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, emphasised that besides effective the scientific implementation of green building guidelines, the need for buildings to fulfill humanistic aspirations should never be overlooked and trivialised.

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=426347&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Oryx GTL takes part in QP’s environment fair

Oryx GTL, a leading Qatari company in the gas-to-liquid (GTL) industry, participated in Qatar Petroleum’s Environment Fair, supporting the theme “joining hands for environmental protection.”

During the three-day fair, Oryx GTL had the opportunity to educate and entertain children and teenagers with different green activities, including origami from newspapers, colouring and drawing, and environmental quizzes conducted by Oryx GTL environment experts.

Apart from these activities, visitors could ask questions regarding Oryx GTL’s environmental accomplishments, which include an environmental performance that keeps improving, irrigation of RLIC greenery with Oryx GTL treated water and its full compliance with the Ministry of Environment requirements.

Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates will host the historic first General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), between 4-5 April here in Abu Dhabi.

The Assembly is expected to attract more than 90 senior ministers, 800 delegates, business leaders and non-governmental organisations from more than 150 nations.

Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, UAE Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change and President of the session, said: "The UAE will be at the epicenter of dialogue and collaboration to find an actionable path forward to accelerate the global development and deployment of renewable energy. In testament to the efforts of our wise and visionary leadership and as a committed member nation to Irena, the UAE is honored to welcome such a diverse group of policymakers, business leaders and ministers from around the world. As an international centre for renewable energy innovation, our nation will provide a strong platform for open, multi-lateral dialogue and real action".

Delegates coming to Abu Dhabi will include Irena members from developed and developing nations dedicated to expanding renewable energy.

To date, 148 countries and the European Union, have signed the Statute of the Agency; amongst them are 48 African, 38 European, 35 Asian, 17 American and 10 Australia/Oceania member states.

Moreover, 64 countries and the European Union have ratified the statute of Irena in time for active participation in the Agency's first Assembly.

"The UAE's impressive commitment and actions to advance renewable energy around the world are directly aligned with the objectives of Irena, which make the nation an ideal international meeting ground for partnership and dialogue," said Irena Interim Director General, Adnan Amin.

"IRENA and the UAE share a vision for a future of clean energy solutions that will support communities, economies and citizens around the globe."

The UAE has emerged as a global hub for renewable energy development, demonstrated through a variety of actions including the inception of the Masdar initiative, the World Future Energy Summit, the Zayed Future Energy Prize and its involvement in the Clean Energy Ministerial. Masdar City – Abu Dhabi's sustainable, urban development – is an international centre for collaboration on clean technology and renewable energy that is attracting partnerships with world-class businesses and academic institutions.

"The world has recognised the important role the UAE is playing in advancing innovation and the integration of renewable energy. Our nation's commitment to renewable energy adoption is a core contributor to creating a more sustainable future for the world," said Dr. Al Jaber.

http://gulfnews.com/abu-dhabi-to-host-global-renewable-energy-assembly-1.785617

UAE committed to renewable energy

AMUAE is committed as an active partner of the International Renewable Energy Agency and of the member states to enhance the growth of the renewable energy sector.

UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has emphasised the UAE’s commitment as an active partner of both the International Renewable Energy Agency and of the member states to enhance the growth of the renewable energy sector so that it becomes competitive in the world market.

Addressing the first session of IRENA’s General Assembly here on Monday, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who delivered a speech on behalf of Shaikh Abdullah, said: “The UAE is a supportive global centre for innovation in the field of renewable energy. It looks forward to working with all the IRENA members to contribute to the adoption of renewable energy solutions on a large scale in various parts of the world.”

In his speech, Shaikh Abdullah expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in the United Arab Emirates, as shown by its selection as the location for IRENA’s permanent headquarters, stressing that the country was able to take on the responsibility of providing solid foundations so that the Agency could work on the basis of constructive dialogue among all parties to achieve real progress in the best interests of all members.

Shaikh Abdullah reiterated that the UAE is committed to support innovation in the area of renewable energy that contributes effectively to a reduction of carbon emissions and their repercussions in terms of climate change.

He added that the commitment of the UAE can be seen through the way in which the UAE’s leadership is encouraging wider use of renewable energy solutions so as to build a sustainable and cleaner future energy for future generations through a number of practical initiatives. Amongst these, he cited the World Future Energy Summit, a world platform that gathers world leaders, leaders of the energy sector and investors and members of the academic community worldwide to find solutions for energy security and climate change challenges.

Shaikh Abdullah noted that the Masdar initiative had been launched five years ago to develop new technologies, to spread awareness of renewable energy solutions and to provide higher education based on research as well as building one of the most sustainable cities of the world.

He added that Abu Dhabi had launched the annual Zayed Award for Future Energy in memory of the founder of the UAE, the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The award aims to encourage innovation and to recognise distinguished achievements in the areas of renewable energy and sustainability.

Shaikh Abdullah said the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs had created last year its Department of Energy and Climate Change Affairs to partake actively in international forums on these vital issues.

As the official permanent home for IRENA, he said, the UAE was committed to continuing to devote attention to the topic. The whole world, he said, now calls for the adoption of renewable energy solutions, with the establishment of IRENA being an outcome of this.

“The convention of the first general assembly meeting of IRENA provides further momentum, representing the culmination of the cooperation between the advanced and developing countries to score tangible progress in the area of renewable energy,” Shaikh Abdullah said.

He indicated that “with this meeting, the vision of Herman Cher, the founder of Irena, has become true. Irena cherishes the joint ambition of all its members, and reflects their collective will to promote the spread of renewable energy worldwide”.

Shaikh Abdullah noted that while Irena members have already achieved much, there was much yet to be done, since the demand for renewable sources of energy supply continues to grow daily. He added that the daily increase in the planet’s population further increased the responsibility on Irena members to continue to promote the use of renewable energy.

He concluded by praising those Irena members who have made new steps towards achieving the goal of providing clean energy for the world.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2011/April/theuae_April124.xml§ion=theuae

Inspectors save 11 hawksbill turtles covered in sea debris

Municipality aims to raise awareness among public

Dubai Municipality handed over the rescued turtles to a specialised centre to conduct tests in preparation for their rehabilitation and release to their natural habitat.

Inspectors of the Marine Environment and Wildlife Section of Dubai Municipality rescued 11 young Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) of length 3-5 inches and weighing 50-150 grams. They were found during the inspectors' daily patrols of coastal areas.

Most of their [turtles] body parts were covered in different types of sea waste which hindered their movement and also resulting in malnutrition.

Special centre: Dubai Municipality handed over the turtles to a specialised centre to conduct required tests as a preparation for its rehabilitation and then to release them back to their habitat.

"The Hawksbill Sea turtles are highly migratory species. They travel through the oceans of the world frequently and this migratory behaviour has made it harder for policy makers to make laws to stop hunting them. As they migrate often, they have become shared resources among nations. If one country makes law to save the Hawksbill Sea Turtles another country hunts them. It is hard to enforce the law to save the Hawksbill turtles. This has given poachers the chance to hunt them and trade them which is the main reason for their rapid decline," said Mohammad Abdul Rahman Hassan, Head of Marine Environment and Wildlife Section. "This beautiful creature has a long history. Many years ago they were found in abundance around the world. But they are now in such a condition that some years later you might need to go to museums to find them instead of sea shores, even not live turtles, rather their bones and carapace."

Hassan said: "The impact of our reckless activities is pushing the environment to its extreme conditions. Imbalance among the elements of the environment has been prevailing around us. So first our duty is to create awareness among all to take care of the elements of the environment and save it."

Dubai Municipality officials in the Marine Environment and Wildlife Section can be contacted during working hours on phone numbers: 04-6826/606 6822 or after working hours in the emergency number 800 900.

Sand temperature factor: Adult hawksbill turtles can grow up to 1 metre in length and weigh about 80kg on average. The heaviest hawksbill ever captured weighed 127kg.

The turtle's shell, or carapace, has an amber background patterned with an irregular combination of light and dark streaks, with predominantly black and mottled brown colours radiating to the sides. The hawksbill turtle has several characteristics that distinguish it from other sea turtle species.

Studies have determined that the sand temperature during incubation determines the sex of the sea turtle. Warmer temperatures will result in a greater proportion of female hatchlings, whereas cooler temperatures will produce a larger number of male hatchlings. After mating, females drag their heavy bodies high onto the beach during the night. The female then lays a clutch of eggs and covers them with sand. This is the only time that hawksbill turtles leave the ocean. It is thought that sea turtles may live for more than 60 years.

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/inspectors-save-11-hawksbill-turtles-covered-in-sea-debris-1.785774

Oman

Northern Al Batinah Municipalities/ Honoring Ceremony

The Directorate General of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources in the Northern Al Batinah Region celebrated in the Wilayat of Sohar today honoring participants who contributed in the activities success of the Arab Water Day and the World Water Day in a ceremony held under the auspices of Sheikh Ali bin Hamad bin Abdullah al Ya'aqoubi, Director General of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources in the Region.

The ceremony included a speech delivered by a female student who won the Water Reports Competition, which was organized in a number of schools in the Northern Al Batinah. Then, a documentary was screened on water and its resources in the Sultanate.

At the end, the chief guest honored students who won in the competitions and participants who contributed in the activities success of the Arab Water Day and the World Water Day, as well as, the local media means.