Welcome, Nairobi Convention Member States, partners, and friends, to this issue of the Weekly News Round-up!
Do you have any events, research, or scientific publications on the Western Indian Ocean that you would like to be included in the round-up? Write to [email protected]!
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Plastic pollution raises beach temperatures, threatening marine life
A new study reveals that accumulated plastics can increase temperature in the beaches. This could have serious impacts on marine life, especially on animals known as ectotherms, that rely on outside temperatures to regulate their body heat.
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Seagrass, one of the ocean´s most important plants, makes a comeback
UNEP is supporting several seagrass projects, including the Mikoko Pamoja project in Gazi Bay, that includes also mangrove restoration and is designed to fight climate change, conserve biodiversity and improve livelihoods in the community.
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World Environmental Day
To welcome the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a virtual launch gala will take place from 4 to 5 June with world leaders, activists and celebrities. Find out more below! And check out the upcoming Nairobi Convention special newsletter for details on ecosystem restoration in the Western Indian Ocean region!
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These 4 start-ups are using seaweed to help save the planet
Many companies are working towards preserving the world´s marine ecosystems through seaweed. These initiatives have been presented at the World Economic Forum platform, which provides an environment for entrepreneurs to present ideas that can drive the world towards meeting the UN´s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
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UNEP publications assess status of environmental targets
An UNEP report assesses almost 100 environmental indicators of the SDG frameworks, finding that 70% follow a positive trend. UNEP has also recently released the 2020 edition of the Protected Planet report, about the Aichi Target 11 that called to protect “at least 17% of terrestrial and inland water, and 10% of coastal and marine areas.”
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Mauritius, once home to the dodo, rushes to save threatened seabirds
Ile aux Aigrettes, or Egret Island, is just one of the many small islands of Mauritius named after birds. There’s also Common Noddy Island, Shearwater Island, Lesser Noddy Island, etc. There is just one thing missing from all these islands: Large populations of seabirds. Read more about a new project that is working to bring them back!
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Coral reef ´cement´ losing ability to tolerate heat snaps
Ocean acidification and progressive warming affects the ability of coralline algae to respond to sudden heatwaves, new research has found. The study showed the combination of warming and acidification amplified the physiological stress the corallines experienced from additional temperature shocks.
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Combining perspective from social and natural sciences reveals factors critical for success of marine protected areas
A recent research shows that involving and empowering communities that rely on marine resources in an iterative process is critical to successful management. Including these stakeholders will be crucial to realizing the growing global movement to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030.
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Register event: World Environment Day
Thousands of people around the world are organizing several virtual and physical events, small and large, to celebrate World Environment Day. From global virtual gatherings to community clean ups, live social discussions to musical and film screening will take place in the upcoming days. You can register your event as well or join the ones created. Find out more here.
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Want to learn more about issues critical to ocean protection? Miss any of our recent virtual webinars?
