Richard Kashmanian’s Post

Really interesting article about protecting the forest areas of the planet from Alex Novarro, PhD. 🌳 Reflecting on the recent surge in tree planting pledges by corporations, it's essential to consider the broader implications and effectiveness of such initiatives. While tree planting may seem like a straightforward solution to combat environmental challenges, recent evidence suggests otherwise. 🌿 Despite widespread corporate involvement in tree planting projects, many initiatives have faced significant challenges and unintended consequences. From the destruction of native forests to the loss of biodiversity, there are serious concerns about the impact of these programs on ecosystems. 🌍 Protecting existing forests should take precedence over planting new ones. Tree planting efforts often overlook the importance of preserving biodiversity and can even exacerbate environmental degradation in some cases. 🚫 Instead of solely focusing on tree planting, companies should prioritize implementing credible deforestation policies and investing in forest protection beyond their supply chains. Preventing further ecosystem destruction is key to enhancing carbon sequestration and supporting biodiversity. 👥 Moreover, sustaining forest resilience requires addressing the underlying sociopolitical drivers of deforestation and degradation. This includes securing the rights of Indigenous and rural communities to make land management decisions, as they play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity and sequestering carbon. 🏙️ While tree planting has its place, particularly in urban areas, where it can contribute to improved air quality and quality of life, it's crucial to approach such initiatives with careful consideration and a focus on long-term sustainability. 💡 Let's work together to ensure that our environmental efforts are truly impactful and aligned with the goal of creating a healthier and more sustainable planet for future generations. #TreePlanting #EnvironmentalProtection #Sustainability #CorporateResponsibility https://lnkd.in/e8nCqCYy

The concept of intersectionality is still fairly new to the world of environmental conservation. Intersectionality is a framework created by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, an American civil rights lawyer and a leading scholar of critical race theory. Intersectionality speaks to the fact that we are not an identical group with identical histories, contexts, privileges, or realities and allows for a clearer view of our differing and varied identities and the ways in which those identities meet and overlap to create our unique perspectives of, and engagement with, society. And so it fills me with very real glee 😍 when I get to work on projects, like the Environmental & Rural Solutions (ERS) Smart Nappies Project, that have intersectionality embedded in the work from the very genesis of the project, whether they call it that or not 😋. In an effort to alleviate pollution and fresh water contamination, support livelihoods, and ease the financial burden on rural households, ERS has launched the Smart Nappy Project. This WWF Nedbank Green Trust funded project is about mainstreaming the use of durable, safe, low-water-use-for-washing, and beautiful, Smart Nappies that will lead to the reduction of disposable diaper pollution by 5 000 tons a year per a population of 250 000, and help households save at least R6 000 a year on diapers. The team working on the project includes the Matatiele Local Municipality, SaveAct, BIDDYKINS cloth diaper brand and the University of the Western Cape Waste & Society research chair.  This project also considers the invisible labor carried by mothers in caring for their children. It was a critical factor that the Smart Nappy Project not push a return to traditional cloth nappies, and all the cold, wet, deeply unpleasant energy and effort involved in making them a safe and sanitary option for children. Instead, after considering the landscape, the gendered, financial, labor, and access realities of the target audience, as well as the urgent needs of the environment, the project team came up with the the idea around the Smart Nappy and are now piloting them in Matatiele, in the Eastern Cape. If you'd like to read more about the work please click here: https://lnkd.in/eNdWEsVN The team are also looking for further funding partners to take the work forward so please reach out to them to learn more about this truly phenomenal project https://enviros.co.za/ #freshwater #conservation #livelihoods #intersectionality #motherhood #invisiblelabor #feminism

As the world commemorates Earth Day today, April 22nd, 2024, it's a time to reflect, celebrate, and renew commitments to environmental stewardship. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has evolved into a global phenomenon, mobilizing millions of people to take action for the planet. History of Earth Day: Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, inspired by the anti-war protests of the Vietnam era, proposed the idea of a national day to focus on environmental issues. On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated across the United States. The event sparked a wave of environmental activism and led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Since then, Earth Day has grown to be observed in nearly 200 countries worldwide. Earth Day 2024 Theme: The theme for Earth Day 2024 is "Rethink, Reconnect, Restore." This theme emphasizes the need to reassess our relationship with the natural world, rebuild connections with the environment, and take concrete steps to restore ecosystems and biodiversity. Rethink: It's essential to rethink our approach to resource consumption and management. For my part, I am looking to reduce my consumption of plastic, using bar shampoos, laundry soap sheets instead of plastic jugs, and flavoring my filtered tap water with flavor packets rather than buying bottled products. Reconnect: In our increasingly urbanized and technologically driven world, it's easy to become disconnected from nature. At my small horse farm, I am creating fields of wildflowers that attract pollinators, planting fruit trees that attract deer as a food source, planting nut trees to sustain additional wildlife species, and opening up green spaces for myself and my community of friends to enjoy as an escape from urbanity. By fostering a deeper connection to nature, I am hoping that I can cultivate a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the planet through the beautification I am undertaking at home, and I love the view from my home office window which features a garden that has abundant hummingbird attractants. Restore: Ecosystem degradation, deforestation, and species extinction are urgent threats to biodiversity and planetary health and restoring habitat is a critical priority for Earth Day 2024 and beyond. We have undertaken selective reforestation at my farm, clearing out non-native invasive species and replanting varietal native plants and trees to restore habitat that has been overrun by invaders such as multiflora rose and Russian olive. By restoring the natural balance, we can safeguard biodiversity and habitat for future generations of both people and wildlife. Looking Ahead: While Earth Day serves as a reminder of the challenges we face, it also provides an opportunity for hope and action. There are hundreds of small steps you can take to address climate change, protect natural resources, and promote sustainability. Do your part, and mother earth will thank you!

🌿 Eco-Friendly Living: Nurturing Life on Land - Aligning with SDG 15 🌏 Our connection with nature is profound, and by adopting eco-friendly practices, we can directly contribute to preserving life on land. Let's explore how sustainable choices align with Sustainable Development Goal 15 - Life on Land. 🌳💚 🌱 Biodiversity Preservation: Choosing sustainable, organic products and supporting eco-friendly farming practices helps preserve biodiversity. It's a small action with significant impacts on ecosystems. 🌾🦋 🚯 Say No to Single-Use Plastics: Plastic pollution harms terrestrial ecosystems and endangers wildlife. By reducing single-use plastics, we protect the life on land from the adverse effects of pollution. 🌍🚮 🌳 Tree Planting Initiatives: Participate in or support tree-planting initiatives. Trees are not only essential for absorbing carbon dioxide but also for creating habitats for countless species. 🌲🌳 🌿 Sustainable Gardening Practices: If you have a garden, consider eco-friendly gardening practices. Avoid chemical pesticides, compost your kitchen waste, and create a haven for local flora and fauna. 🌺🐞 🌲 Supporting Conservation Efforts: Contribute to or volunteer for local conservation projects. Many organizations are working tirelessly to protect endangered species and habitats. 🦏🦉 🌍 Reducing Your Ecological Footprint: Every eco-friendly choice, from consuming consciously to reducing energy consumption, helps decrease your ecological footprint, positively impacting life on land. 🌿🌏 🌸 Educate and Inspire: Share your eco-friendly journey on social media. Educate your community about the importance of preserving life on land and inspire others to join the cause. 🌍📚 Together, let's be stewards of the Earth, fostering a world where all life on land can thrive. 🌿💚 #EcoFriendlyLiving #LifeOnLand #SDG15 #GlobalGoals #NaturePreservation

The battle to protect our planet’s precious forests and biodiversity is an ongoing struggle, with many threats stemming from human behaviors such as deforestation, illegal logging, and unsustainable agricultural practices. In response to this challenge, initiatives like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) have emerged to address the root causes of environmental degradation. Key to the success of such projects is understanding the vital role of behavior change in fostering long-lasting sustainable practices. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of developing strategies for behavioral change within the REDD+ context, aligning these strategies with project benefits, and navigating the different stages of behavior change - Itala Yépez (Community Strategy Director at Permian Global) #redd #biodiversity #behaviourchange Read Itala's blog: https://lnkd.in/gVSnF68T

Ever Wonder How Reforestation Can Revived a Region!! Imagine a place once barren and lifeless, now thriving with wildlife, lush greenery, and a rejuvenated ecosystem. This is not a fairy tale, but a reality in many regions worldwide, thanks to reforestation efforts. One such success story is the Loess Plateau in China. The Loess Plateau, once known as the 'most eroded place on earth,' suffered from severe soil erosion, desertification, and poverty. Overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable farming practices led to the loss of vegetation, making the land unproductive and the people impoverished. A massive reforestation project was initiated in the 1990s, involving the planting of millions of trees, terracing slopes, and implementing sustainable land management practices. The transformation of the Loess Plateau is nothing short of miraculous. Over two decades: - Vegetation cover increased from 17% to 34%. - Soil erosion decreased by 100 million tonnes annually. - Agricultural productivity increased, lifting millions out of poverty. The Loess Plateau is a testament to the power of reforestation and sustainable land management. It shows that with concerted efforts, it is possible to reverse environmental degradation, restore biodiversity, and improve livelihoods. Organizations like Grow-Trees.com play a crucial role in this transformation by enabling people to contribute to reforestation efforts easily and effectively. At Grow-Trees.com, we are working on more than 20 such sights to restore the natural ecosystem by growing trees to help the local communities, biodiversity and life on land. Share this story to inspire others and contribute to global reforestation efforts by planting a tree with Grow-Trees.com (www.grow-trees.com). Image Credit: World Resources Institute and #Vegansustainability.com

My team at Hatch is working through the UN 170 Action Challenge as a means of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals into our day-to-day routine. Maybe you can too!   Let's take a closer look at #SDG 15: Life on Land    This goal is focused on the protection, restoration, and #Sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Key initiatives include sustainable forest management, desertification prevention, and working towards ending land degradation and biodiversity loss. For instance, the UK’s Biodiversity Net Gain Regulations require developers to achieve a 10% net gain in biodiversity after development (i.e. the project will result in more/better quality natural habitat than there was pre-development).   Our terrestrial ecosystems play a crucial role in sustaining human life and promoting #Biodiversity. Healthy ecosystems provide us with food, clean air, and resources, while also supporting countless species of plants and animals. They contribute 55% or 58 trillion USD to our global GDP and provide both economic and diverse cultural benefits. However, the 2023 UN SDG Goals report highlighted various concerns: a stall in the implementation of protected areas, an estimated 1 million species are threatened with extinction, and between 2015 and 2019, approximately 100 million hectares of productive land—equivalent to twice the size of Greenland—were recorded as degraded.   Here are some easy ways that you can contribute: ♻️1. Reduce waste in the home: Make sure to recycle as per label instructions and if it's feasible compost your food waste. Composting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients. 🐰 2. Avoid products tested on animals: Read labels carefully and do your homework before purchasing everyday products.  🌄 3. Clean your local parks or green areas: Organize a cleanup event or simply leave the space cleaner than when you arrived.  🌱4. Plant a biodiversity positive lawn/garden: Support native wildlife and biodiversity by selecting flora (such as trees, shrubs, and flowers) from your region. Or check out the No Mow May Movement! 🌍5. Educate yourself and others: If you are interested in learning more about the goals and other initiatives, do your research and have conversations within your network. 🎉6. Don’t forget to celebrate International Plant Appreciation Day this weekend (April 13)!  Together, let's cultivate a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature and #TakeAction to preserve it for generations to come! P.S. Here is a photo I took of the 🌲Boreal Forest in Alberta, Canada. This forest is the largest land-based biome on Earth and a critical carbon sink storing 208 billion tons of carbon, or 11% of the world's total!

The production of paper packaging results in the annual loss of 3.1 billion trees, equivalent to the destruction of two soccer fields of forest every second, severely impacting biodiversity. World Nature Conservation Day highlights the urgent need for businesses to adopt sustainable packaging alternatives like Next Generation materials to preserve forests and stabilize the climate. #EnvironmentalStewardship #Packaging #Conservation #ConservationDay #Biodiversity #SustainablePackaging https://lnkd.in/dqM8KfNa

Title: Preserving Natural Habitats for a Sustainable Future Natural habitats are essential for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the well-being of both nature and humanity. As stewards of the Earth, it is our responsibility to protect and conserve these habitats. Here are key strategies for safeguarding them: 1. **Establishing Protected Areas:** Designating national parks, wildlife reserves, and marine sanctuaries is crucial. These areas serve as refuges for diverse ecosystems, allowing species to thrive free from human interference. By expanding and managing protected areas effectively, we can preserve biodiversity and maintain ecological balance. 2. **Promoting Sustainable Land Use:** Adopting sustainable practices like agroforestry and reforestation minimizes habitat destruction. Sustainable land management meets human needs while maintaining natural habitats. Prioritizing these practices mitigates habitat loss and degradation. 3. **Combatting Habitat Destruction:** Addressing drivers like deforestation and urbanization is crucial. Policies promoting habitat protection and restoration, enforcing land-use planning, and incentivizing sustainable development are vital steps. By addressing these threats, we can prevent irreversible ecological damage. 4. **Restoring Degraded Habitats:** Rehabilitating habitats through restoration initiatives revitalizes ecosystems. Restoration of wetlands, forests, and grasslands improves resilience and provides connectivity. Engaging in these efforts reverses habitat degradation and creates healthier landscapes. 5. **Raising Awareness and Education:** Educating about habitat conservation fosters environmental stewardship. Empowering communities, policymakers, and individuals inspires collective action. Promoting environmental literacy mobilizes efforts to protect and conserve natural habitats. In conclusion, protecting and conserving natural habitats is essential for biodiversity and the planet's health. Establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable land use, combatting habitat destruction, restoring degraded habitats, and raising awareness are crucial steps. Let's commit to preserving our natural heritage for future generations.

🌱 Introducing a 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 groundbreaking milestone: our platform's debut into reforestation with the Bukaleba Forest Project! Curious about our shift towards planting trees rather than solely saving them? Discover the why behind this transformative decision in our latest blog post below, and learn how you can support the project right now. 👇 #reforestation #sustainability #environmentalimpact #treeplanting