The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and members of the House of Representatives Committee on National Population held a retreat themed “Identity Management and Legislative Oversight” to seek areas of collaboration towards the achievement of the Commission’s mandate and foster a harmonious working relationship.
Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Population and management staff of the National Identity Management Commission at the retreat
Speaking at the retreat, the NIMC Director General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said that the retreat, amongst many, aims at re-acquainting the committee members with the activities of the Commission as well as its mandate and mission.
She emphasised that the retreat would provide the needed environment for the lawmakers and the management of the commission to identify possible areas of collaboration and build a harmonious working relationship towards the success of digital identity in Nigeria.
Commenting on the retreat focus, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Population, Okunjimi Odimayo, commended the NIMC DG and her team for their effort at raising the Commission’s profile within a short period since her resumption of office.
He pledged that the Committee would give maximum support to NIMC to ensure it achieves its mandate.
The retreat had in attendance members of the House of Representatives Committee on Population and management staff of the NIMC.
About 340 kilometres south of Manila, Jun (not his real name) took the time to entertain visitors at his small-scale gold mining facility. It was a busy Saturday afternoon, as it usually is at the facility which operates 24/7, but Jun didn’t mind taking some time off to show the visitors around.
Mercury use in artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM
“It’s okay since we don’t always have visitors here,” he said reassuringly.
Amidst the loud and persistent rumbling and clanking of mills crushing ores, he tried to explain the cost of their operation.
“We spend Php 100,000 per month on calamansi alone,” he shared, which would explain the stench permeating throughout the area. He further revealed that they spend about 1 million pesos per month on electricity and buy 40 kilogrammes of mercury, which at the time, cost around Php 8,000 per kilogramme.
One would wonder how much gold this operation extracts in a month with such high operational costs, which don’t yet include the salaries of nearly 100 workers. But that was not the main purpose of the visitors. The last bit of information, the amount of mercury being used in the mining facility, is what the visiting team from the environmental NGO BAN Toxics was primarily after.
BAN Toxics has been at the forefront of the campaign to eliminate mercury and mercury compounds for more than a decade. The group is one of the first NGOs to work closely with artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities, which previous studies have revealed to be the largest source of mercury emissions in the country, as well as globally.
Mercury use in ASGM
Located in Brgy. Luklukan Sur, in the town of Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, Jun’s mining operation is just one of about 25 other facilities in the barangay. It is an open secret that mercury use in ASGM operations in Jose Panganiban and the nearby mining towns of Paracale and Labo continues to this day. In fact, the majority of ASGM facilities all over the country use mercury in their operations.
Mercury is used in mining to capture gold from milled ores. The process may vary, but in Jun’s facility, different amounts of calamansi juice and one Gatorade bottle cap of mercury, approximately 136 grammes, are added to each ball or rod mill, which contains 1 to 1.5 sacks of crushed ore. After 1 to 1.5 hours of grinding, the drums are washed with a pressurised hose, and a slurry of the mercury-containing gold sediments is collected.
Using a wooden pan, the slurry undergoes panning and is washed a couple more times to remove impurities. The slurry is then filtered through a small piece of cloth that is squeezed to isolate the gold-mercury amalgam. The amalgamation process is repeated on the remaining slurry to capture more gold, while the remaining mercury is recovered and reused.
Later, all of the acquired gold-mercury amalgam will be smelted in the same facility, yielding the final gold product. This process releases mercury into the air.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury
Mercury, locally called “asoge,” is a highly toxic, naturally occurring heavy metal. It is a neurotoxin that can cause irreparable damage to the nervous system. Prolonged exposure to mercury may also harm the eyes, lungs, kidneys, digestive, and immune systems. Infants, children, and developing fetuses are particularly vulnerable to its harmful developmental effects, including brain damage, hearing, and vision problems.
Mercury is indestructible, which means it will forever persist in the environment. It can accumulate in living organisms and biomagnify in the food chain. Releases and emissions of mercury can therefore contaminate entire ecosystems.
Mercury use in ASGM is strictly prohibited under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2019-20 (DAO 2019-20), as well as the Minamata Convention on Mercury, to which the Philippines is a party.
On July 8, 2020, the Philippine government ratified the Minamata Convention, the first legally binding global treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from man-made emissions of mercury and mercury compounds.
The Convention was named after the mercury contamination in Minamata Bay, Japan, in the 1950s, which resulted in an epidemic among residents around the bay of what is now known as Minamata disease, which affects the central nervous system. Over two thousand people died in the tragedy, while thousands more experienced crippling injuries.
The Convention’s provisions address the entire life cycle of mercury, including controls and reductions across a range of products, processes, and industries where mercury is used, released, or emitted.
But four years after the ratification, mercury-use in Camarines Norte remains widespread.
Poverty-driven industry
In 2019, BAN Toxics published a study which assessed the factors contributing to the continued use of mercury in the ASGM. Titled “Illicit Mercury Flows and Governance Practices in Mindanao, Philippines,” the study identified the poverty-driven nature of ASGM and the lack of government support as the primary reasons, among others.
The paper states: “The majority of small-scale miners in the Philippines are engaged in subsistence mining. As much as 75% of the total ASGM population barely earn enough for the day’s needs, e.g., miners usually only earn enough to buy food, water, and other needs on any given day. On days where no gold is produced, miners and their families will be left with no money to purchase food. For most miners, they are left with no choice but to accrue significant debts to provide for their families.”
According to Arlene Galvez, adviser to the Samahang Magkakabod ng Camarines Norte (SAMACANO), the provincial federation of small-scale miners, while there are existing mercury alternatives to capturing gold, the subsistence nature of the sector discourages them from using such methods.
“Alternatives like cyanidation are time-consuming. It is not viable for miners to wait days or months to accumulate the required volume of ores to be able to process via these (cyanide) plants,” Galvez said, adding that the method is also costly.
Cyanidation is one of the mercury-free alternatives available right now for gold extraction. Though also highly toxic, cyanide does not persist in the environment.
Jam Lorenzo, author of the aforementioned study and BAN Toxics Policy Development and Research Officer, cites that insufficient support from the government also translates to the lack of opportunities for miners to access safer technologies.
“ASGM remains largely informal, with the majority of mining communities in the country operating illegally. As such, miners have little or no access to basic social services and are victimised by corruption and extortion, which further contributes to the cycle of poverty,” Lorenzo adds.
Formalisation of ASGM
BAN Toxics advocates for the formalisation of the ASGM sector, seeing it as an essential step toward proper government support and accessible mercury-free technology. Formalization means miners are licensed to operate within a declared “Minahang Bayan” or People’s Small-Scale Mining Area. This requires small-scale miners to follow environmentally responsible practices, comply with regulations, establish committees to oversee operations, promote development, and provide livelihoods while protecting the environment.
“But the approval of Minahang Bayan itself is extremely challenging due to the exorbitant costs of mining applications, the limited validity of mining contracts, and bureaucratic red tape,” Lorenzo said, adding that a mining contract typically requires approximately 1 million pesos to meet the stringent requirements set by the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB).
Based on the latest Mining Industry Statistics released on March 11, 2024, by the DENR-MGB, there are currently 58 approved and registered Minahang Bayan and 167 ongoing applications nationwide. In Camarines Norte, there are three registered and 32 pending Minahang Bayan applications, according to Galvez. One mining association in Jose Panganiban has yet to get their Minahang Bayan permit and small-scale mining contract despite having spent over 5 million pesos since 2014.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo noted that formalization should go hand-in-hand with other programs addressing poverty and other social services, as well as enforcement of laws and regulations, especially on the entry of illegal mercury and mercury-added products in the country.
Illegal Trade
Lorenzo pointed out that since the Palawan Quicksilver Mines closed in 1976, there have been no mercury mining operations in the country. “Evidence indicates that mercury in the Philippines comes from neighboring countries like China, Indonesia, and Malaysia, entering the country through both illegal and legal channels.”
Galvez meanwhile remarked that while there are suppliers of mercury in ASGM communities, there will be buyers. “Miners also wonder how, despite being illegal, those selling mercury are known personalities and persons of authority in the communities.”
Article 3 of the Minamata Convention does not allow the import of mercury without government consent, ensuring that both the mercury source and proposed use comply with the Convention and applicable domestic law.
“Addressing the transboundary trade of mercury remains a significant challenge for the country, not just in ASGM but also with other mercury products. To this day, BAN Toxics monitors the continued entry of imported mercury-containing beauty products, which are sold cheaply in both online and physical stores,” Lorenzo said.
Moving Forward
On June 7, 2024, Galvez held a workshop on mercury toxicity for new officers and members of SAMACANO and Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) labour inspectors in Daet, Camarines Norte. Jun was also in attendance.
Galvez said that despite the persistence of mercury-use in Camarines Norte, what’s changed now is the level of awareness in communities with regards to mercury. “They are more aware now on the need to eliminate mercury, let’s say, compared to 10 years ago. But they are really just looking for alternatives that will still meet the needs of the miners.”
SAMACANO president, Rolando Persia, spoke at the workshop about gravity concentration method, a mercury-free alternative to capturing gold that they use in their operations in Brgy. Malaya, Labo.
Gravity concentration is a natural method of separating gold from milled ores by sluicing and skilled panning using a metal pan. Sluices are inclined, flat-bottomed troughs lined with a trapping mechanism to capture gold particles. According to Persia, this method has a gold recovery rate of 75% to 90%.
By the end of the workshop, Jun and other mining financiers who still use mercury expressed interest in being trained in the gravity concentration method, to which Persia agreed.
Persia said that as much as they want to train everyone on their method, they cannot do it alone. “The government should go to the miners directly and train them in mercury-free (alternatives)”.
The workshop is part of a series of activities in preparation for the upcoming 5th National Assembly of the National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners in the Philippines. Inc, (NCSSMPI) to be held on July 24-27, 2024, in Camarines Norte.
NCSSMPI was founded in 2016 after the 4th National ASGM Mining Summit hosted by BAN Toxics, with the goal of promoting responsible small-scale mining, including sustainable mercury-free methods. Currently, the NCCSMPI has more than 40 small-scale mining associations from across the country as its members, with BAN Toxics serving as the secretariat.
One of the main goals of the 5th Assembly is updating proposed amendments to RA 7076, the “People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991,” and the National Action Plan for Small-Scale Miners.
According to Lorenzo, the 33-year-old RA 7076 is outdated and in need of amendment that would “strengthen the provisions on the prohibition on the use of mercury by providing adequate economic and institutional support to miners that encourage the shift to mercury-free technologies and protects them from exploitation and abuse from stakeholders who benefit from the illicit mercury trade.”
The proposed amendment also includes streamlining the application process for the declaration of Minahang Bayan areas and approval of small-scale mining contracts, among other changes.
“It is our hope that the 5th Assembly will further strengthen the Coalition and drive small-scale miners forward to a mercury-free future,” Lorenzo concluded.
Currently, BAN Toxics is working on other projects related to mercury, including continuous market monitoring of mercury-added products, research on the mercury material flow in the country, and the Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project, which plans to assess the status of mercury-containing medical devices and assist in their final disposal.
For now, Jun continues to find the risk of using mercury worth its weight in gold.
One of the deadliest diseases ravaging the world today is cholera. This is largely due to lack of good hygiene practices, including hand washing.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare
The disease is contracted through drinking or eating food contaminated with cholera bacterium and also through open defecation.
Experts say cholera is an acute diarrhoea disease that kills within hours if not immediately attended. If unchecked, it spreads very fast.
“Cholera is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
“It is a waterborne disease that spreads rapidly in conditions where clean water and proper sanitation are lacking.
“The primary mode of transmission is through the ingestion of contaminated water or food.
“Symptoms of cholera include vomiting, profuse dehydration, and diarrhoea (rice water stools), which can lead to death if not properly treated,’’ says Shehu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
Available data estimates that 1.3 million to 4.0 million cases of cholera infection with 21,000 to 143, 000 deaths worldwide, each year.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recorded an increase in cases of cholera over the past years, especially in 2022, when it tallied about 472,697 cases resulting in 2349 deaths.
The cases, according to WHO, were recorded in 44 countries. The figure represents 25 per cent increase recorded in 35 countries in 2021.
The recent outbreaks have also been more deadly, with fatality rates being the highest recorded in over the decades.
Nigeria confirmed 65 cases with 30 deaths from Jan.1 to June 11 across 96 Local Government Areas in 30 states, according to statistics released by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
According to NCDC, a total of 1,141 suspected cases have been recorded between Jan.1 and the time of filing this report, with 10 states contributing 90 per cent of the total number.
The states are Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the situation is under control with reduction in fatalities being recorded.
“Overtime, with the increased awareness at the federal, state, and local government level, we expect a downward trend of cases in the next couple of weeks,” NCDC Director-General, Mr Jide Idris, said.
While the authorities battle to contain the cholera outbreak in the country, health experts say cholera is preventable by ensuring access to safe, potable drinking water, good sanitation and proper waste disposal.
A medical consultant, Dr Raji Adebayo, urged government to strengthen its disease and national preparedness to rapidly detect and respond to any outbreak.
Adebayo said government at all levels must also provide primary, secondary and tertiary treatment for any victims of cholera whenever such outbreak occurs to avoid risk of an epidemic.
He said that toilet facilities to including water; tissue papers, hand sanitisers, among other health kits should be provided at strategic work and public places.
“There are some slums that do not have facilities to maintain good hygiene. Government needs to send community health workers to those these areas.
“This is in order to provide the needed assistance to the people in order to reduce open defecation in rivers and drainages.
“The water from the rivers is what these communities consume and unfortunately their contamination results to cholera outbreaks and later deaths.
“I think prevention should be from the people. On the part of government, the people should be provided with basic toilet facilities,” he said.
Adebayo called for community engagement through support of critical stakeholders to and enlightened the people on the high risk of cholera disease and its prevention.
Also, a tropical medicine and hygiene expert, Dr Agboola Progress, called for special units at federal and state medical centers for victims of cholera.
“Government needs to provide special units across its own hospitals in order to help check cholera outbreaks and associated challenges.
“Federal Medical Centre (FMC) at Ebute Meta in Lagos State has special cholera wards because of the high cases of victims in the state.
“I think other states should do the same thing by having such high level of preparedness for any outbreak,” he suggested.
Mrs Omotayo Adeyemi, a public health consultant and Director of Finance, Benson Adeyemi Foundation (BAF), an NGO, said government should take action to prevent cholera outbreaks rather than always reacting to them.
Adeyemi, however, advised those with cholera symptoms should not wait till when their conditions worsen before seeking medical help.
Olakunle Ajayi, U.S.-based health economist, says data gathering and management is important in the control of disease outbreak, including cholera.
“Analysing data helps understand the spread and impact of the disease, identifying hotspots, tracking the progression of the outbreak, and predicting future trends.
“With accurate data, resources such as medical supplies, clean water, and sanitation facilities, as well as human resources like healthcare workers, can be directed to where they are needed most.
“Effective communication with the public is essential to keep people informed about the outbreak and preventive measures, reducing panic and encouraging practices that limit the spread of the disease,” he said.
World Chimpanzee Day is not merely a celebration; it’s a global call to action to protect and preserve one of humanity’s closest relatives. Sharing over 98% of our DNA, these intelligent primates hold a special place in the animal kingdom. Held annually on July 14, this day marks the anniversary of Jane Goodall’s first steps into the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania in 1960 – a journey that transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and underscored their profound connection to humans. Today, the day serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and complexities of chimpanzees, as well as the urgent need to address the threats they face in the wild
Chimpanzees. Photo credit: wired.com
Chimpanzees: Beyond Bananas and Laughter
Chimpanzees are much more than the playful figures often depicted in popular culture; they are creatures of profound complexity and intelligence. Highly social by nature, they form intricate communities known as troops, where each member displays a distinct personality. These communities are structured with deep social bonds and are capable of both cooperation and conflict, including organised “warfare” with rival groups.
Chimpanzees demonstrate remarkable cognitive abilities that rival those of humans in many ways. They use a variety of tools, crafted from sticks, stones, or other natural materials, to forage for food – such as using twigs to fish for termites or rocks to crack nuts. Their problem-solving skills are evident in how they adapt these tools and strategies to different challenges they encounter in the wild.
Moreover, chimpanzees exhibit behaviours that suggest a capacity for self-awareness and emotional depth. They experience and express a range of emotions, including joy, sorrow, and empathy, and have been observed mourning their dead. The groundbreaking research by Dr. Jane Goodall, which began in the 1960s, has been pivotal in unveiling these aspects of chimpanzees, demonstrating that the boundary between humans and animals is much less distinct than previously thought. Her work not only highlighted their intellectual and emotional faculties but also emphasised their individuality and the rich tapestry of their social interactions.
A Cause for Concern: Threats to Chimpanzees
Despite their critical ecological roles and close genetic ties to humans, chimpanzees are confronted with a high risk of extinction in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies chimpanzees as endangered, facing multiple severe threats that compound their decline. One significant threat is habitat loss; expanding human populations and agricultural activities are increasingly encroaching on chimpanzee habitats, leading to substantial reductions in their natural living spaces.
Another major challenge comes from the illegal wildlife trade, where young chimpanzees are frequently captured and sold as pets or tourist attractions – a practice that is not only illegal but also severely diminishes local populations. Additionally, in some regions, chimpanzees are hunted for bushmeat, which poses a critical threat to their survival.
Moreover, diseases transmitted from humans to chimpanzees, such as respiratory infections, have had devastating impacts on their populations, further threatening their existence in the wild. Each of these threats underscores the precarious situation of chimpanzees, emphasising the urgent need for concerted conservation efforts to ensure their survival.
Conservation Efforts: How We Are Trying to Save Chimpanzees
The global effort to protect chimpanzees has galvanised a diverse array of stakeholders, including conservationists, governments, and local communities, who are all working towards securing a future for these endangered primates.
Sanctuaries and Rehabilitation Programmes: Across Africa, numerous sanctuaries provide safe havens and rehabilitation for rescued chimpanzees. Institutions like the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre in the Republic of Congo and the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust in Uganda offer these primates a second chance at life, free from the exploitation and dangers of the wild. These facilities not only provide care and rehabilitation but also work on reintroducing chimpanzees into secure environments where they can thrive.
Legal Protections: On the legal front, international frameworks such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) play a pivotal role in combating the illegal trade of chimpanzees. These laws prohibit the commercial international trade of listed endangered species, including chimpanzees, thus helping to clamp down on the trafficking and ensuring that countries adhere to strict guidelines when handling wildlife trade.
Habitat Conservation Projects: Protecting and restoring chimpanzee habitats is another critical area of conservation efforts. Projects like the Greater Mahale Ecosystem Conservation in Tanzania focus on creating and managing protected areas that not only preserve the natural habitats of chimpanzees but also promote sustainable land-use practices. These initiatives ensure the ecological integrity of these areas while also benefiting local communities through eco-tourism and subsistence activities that do not harm the environment.
Public Education and Awareness: Educating the public about the challenges faced by chimpanzees is crucial for changing the behaviours that threaten their survival. Programs aimed at raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of chimpanzee conservation are essential. For instance, the World Chimpanzee Foundation conducts workshops and outreach programs that enlighten people about the critical role chimpanzees play in ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them.
On World Chimpanzee Day, we recognise the critical role of chimpanzees in our world and reaffirm our commitment to their survival and well-being. Their fate is intertwined with the health of ecosystems and ultimately with our own future on this planet. Let’s champion the cause of chimpanzees and ensure that they continue to thrive in the wild for generations to come. By protecting our closest relatives, we safeguard a key part of Earth’s biodiversity and our own shared heritage.
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, July 13, 2024, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing food security concerns and reducing the cost of living in the country.
Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria
The President gave the reassurance at the public presentation of Chief Olusegun Osoba’s book “My Life in the Public Eye” held in Lagos.
A statement on the President’s speech at the event was made available to State House correspondent by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the spokesperson of Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Nkwocha said the President represented by Shettima, noted that the recent decision to temporarily suspend tariffs on imported grains and other essential food items were short-term measures to address the rising food prices across the country.
“We are taking steps to address food shortages by temporarily removing tariffs on imported grains and other food items,” the President stated.
He noted that the measures were specifically aimed at tackling food shortages and improving affordability for consumers.
Tinubu also stressed that the action was part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance living conditions for all Nigerians.
While addressing short-term challenges, the President also reiterated the importance of long-term food self-sufficiency.
“We will continue to drive local production and ensure that we produce what we eat and use locally,” he added.
The President also emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s diversity and unity, calling it a vital lesson for the nation, particularly during challenging times.
“As we work to overcome our current challenges, we must remember that unity and cooperation are essential,” Tinubu stated.
He urged Nigerians to support the administration’s efforts to improve living conditions.
The President commended Chief Osoba, whom he referred to as “Aremo 1,” for his significant contributions to Nigerian journalism and politics.
Specifically, the President extolled his contribution to nation building as a two-time governor of Ogun as well as his important involvement in the National Democratic Coalition” activities in restoring democracy to the country.
Every year on July 14, the world celebrates Shark Awareness Day. It is not just a tribute to one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures; it is a call to action. Sharks have cruised the oceans for over 450 million years, playing a vital role in keeping marine ecosystems healthy. But today, these apex predators find themselves under increasing pressure, with many species teetering on the brink of extinction
The Angel Shark is assessed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List
Sharks: More Than Just Jaws
Hollywood might portray sharks as mindless killing machines, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Sharks come in a staggering variety of shapes and sizes, from the filter-feeding giants like the whale shark to the sleek and speedy blue shark. They possess incredible senses, like electroreception, that allows them to detect electrical fields emitted by prey, and an amazing ability to navigate vast distances.
As apex predators, they help maintain the balance by regulating the populations of species below them in the food chain. This includes controlling the numbers of mid-level predators and helping to ensure species diversity among smaller fish and invertebrate populations. Their feeding habits help keep marine ecosystems healthy and functional. For instance, by preying on weak or sick individuals, sharks help prevent the spread of disease and ensure a healthier gene pool within the prey population. Their disappearance could have devastating consequences, leading to population explosions of prey species and ultimately, the collapse of entire ecosystems.
A Cause for Alarm: Why Are Sharks Endangered?
Despite their importance, many shark species are alarmingly close to extinction. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over one-third or 30% of shark species are either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. Some of the most threatened species include the Great Hammerhead, the Oceanic whitetip, and the Basking shark.
The main culprit behind this is overfishing. Driven by demand for shark fins (a prized ingredient in shark fin soup) and meat, millions of sharks are caught every year, often through unsustainable practices like finning, where fins are removed, and the body discarded.
Another major threat is habitat loss. Sharks rely on healthy coral reefs and mangroves for breeding and feeding. However, these vital ecosystems are being degraded by pollution, climate change, and coastal development.
The Whale Shark
A Ray of Hope: Conservation Efforts Underway
The silver lining in the story of sharks is the growing awareness and effort towards their conservation. Governments, NGOs, and international bodies are working together to protect these magnificent creatures:
Protected Areas: Many marine protected areas (MPAs) have been established to provide safe havens for sharks where fishing is restricted or banned.One notable example of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that provides a safe haven for sharks is the Chagos Marine Reserve in the Indian Ocean. This reserve is one of the world’s largest marine protected areas and encompasses a variety of marine environments. It offers significant protection to various shark species, among other marine life, by enforcing strict regulations that limit fishing and other extractive activities.
Another example is the Jardines de la Reina National Park in Cuba, which has been particularly successful in conserving shark populations. This MPA provides a refuge for several species of sharks and has implemented strict no-take policies and eco-tourism guidelines that help maintain the health and biodiversity of its waters.
Regulations and Bans on Shark Finning: Shark finning, the brutal practice of removing a shark’s fins and discarding the rest of the body, has prompted global action through stringent regulations and international cooperation. Many countries now enforce laws that require sharks to be landed with fins naturally attached, enhancing sustainable practices and compliance. Furthermore, international agreements like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) play a critical role in regulating the trade of endangered shark species to ensure their survival. These efforts are crucial in curbing unsustainable exploitation, promoting marine conservation, and supporting the recovery of shark populations worldwide.
Sustainable Fishing Practices: Minimizing bycatch, the accidental capture of non-target species in fisheries, is crucial for preserving marine biodiversity, including sharks. Sustainable practices such as gear modification, implementing time and area closures, and employing bycatch reduction devices can significantly reduce unintended catches. Regulations that require fisheries to use circle hooks and turtle excluder devices (TEDs) help prevent the capture of non-target species like sharks and turtles.
Additionally, real-time management of fisheries based on immediate data and promoting consumer awareness through eco-labeling, as mandated by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), can drive demand towards sustainably harvested seafood. These strategies not only help conserve marine species but also enhance the overall health of marine ecosystems and support the economic stability of fishing-dependent communities.
On this Shark Awareness Day, let’s not only admire the majestic Great Whites and the elusive deep-sea dwellers but also ignite a global commitment to safeguard their future. Every shark species plays a pivotal role in marine ecosystems, balancing marine life and ensuring the health of our oceans.
Today, we must transcend admiration and take decisive action. Let’s pledge to protect these magnificent creatures, understanding that saving sharks is fundamentally about preserving the entire marine ecosystem. By protecting sharks, we are not just saving individual species; we are investing in the health and sustainability of our entire ocean. Join us in this crucial mission – educate, advocate, and participate. Together, we can turn the tide for sharks and secure a vibrant future for our blue planet.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative has unveiled conversion centres in Abuja to help convert petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to the use of CNG.
CNG station
Mrs Omolara Obileye, Coordinator of Business Development and Strategy of the initiative, who spoke during the exercise on Friday, July 12, 2024, said the initiative would reduce the dependence on fuel.
According to her, conversion has started for commercial vehicles.
“We are starting with Abuja and Lagos, and we will keep rolling out; the announcements will be made regularly as we go to each of the states.
“Private cars are supposed to pay a fraction of the cost of the conversion while the transport associations have 100 per cent conversion free.
“However, the cost depends on the vehicle size because there are different types of vehicles; and there is need to understand what exactly we need to configure in the system.
“We have over 12 conversion centres in the FCT; we will continue to increase the number and update the public,” she said.
The CNG Conversion Centres visited in Abuja include NIPCO Oil and Gas station at Airport Road, Kia Motors at Utako, Mijo Gas Auto in Jahi and ABG CNG, Kubwa.
At Mijo Gas Auto, the head of the Centre, Mr Gaurav Goyal, described CNG as very safe and clean.
“So, what we want from every Nigerian is to go green; it will be a very good initiative for bringing down the price of items including the cost of PMS.
“CNG is not only pocket-friendly, it will reduce food prices because transportation will also be cost effective,” he said.
One of the CNG engineers, Mr Joseph Smith, said the price of a litre of CNG was N230 at NIPCO Oil and Gas station, adding that a driver could use CNG of N3000 to travel to Kaduna from Abuja.
Smith explained that there was an automatic switch button that could alternate between CNG and Fuel in the car without causing an issue or challenge.
Car owners were seen at the centres trying to convert their petrol-powered cars to CNG while others who had already converted theirs, were buying CNG at N230 per litre.
Baku will host a parliamentary meeting within the framework of the COP29, which will be held in Baku in November 2024, said Sahiba Gafarova, the Speaker of the 6th convocation Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (Parliament).
Parliamentary Forum of the BRICS countries
Gafarova made the announcement on Friday, July 12, 2024, while speaking at the Parliamentary Forum of the BRICS countries in St. Petersburg.
Calling parliaments to be active in finding solutions to the climate crisis, Gafarova highlighted that this meeting will be a favorable opportunity for parliamentarians to exchange ideas and find solutions to combat climate change.
She also pointed out that the parliament will contribute to the implementation of multilateral activities in this field.
Gafarova invited the event participants to the parliamentary session.
In a related development, Russian president’s special envoy for relations with international organisations to achieve sustainable development goals, Boris Titov, will pay a working visit to Azerbaijan, his office said.
Titov will be in the country from July 12 through 15.
The visit programme includes meetings with Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Ali Ahmadov, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev.
The visit of the Russian presidential envoy will take place within the framework of preparations for COP29 to be held in Baku in November 2024.
The Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) says investigation has begun on a leak from its Ogboinbiri-Tebidada pipeline in Bayelsa State.
An oil spill site
The company made the disclosure in a statement by its parent firm, the Eni Group, and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Friday, July 12, 2024.
It said that although the oil spill had been traced to a ruptured pipe, a joint investigation visit to the incident site was necessary to ascertain the cause.
“Joint investigation visits with representatives of the authorities and the communities are ongoing to ascertain the facts and to agree on the way forward,” the company stated.
The people of Olugboboro community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa have already written to the state government to intervene on the matter.
The community had appealed to the state government to support the residents with relief materials to cushion the impact of the spill.
According to community sources, the spill which occurred about two months ago along Ogboinbiri/Tebitada pipeline, has affected their sources of livelihood.
The Federal Government has approved a $21 million contract for the construction of a metering system for 187 crude oil flow stations in the country to curb oil theft.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), disclosed this on Friday, July 12, 2024, in Abuja, while briefing newsmen on some latest developments in the oil and gas sector.
The minister said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Bola Tinubu approved the contract on Wednesday, saying that it was a bold step to reorganise the oil and gas sector.
Metering Flow refers to the process of measuring and regulating the flow rate of a fluid (liquid or gas) through a system.
“One of the key approvals by the FEC has to do with awarding a contract for the metering of our 187 flow stations across the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
“NUPRC is the apex regulatory commission for the Nigerian oil and gas upstream sector. As part of our steps to ensure that we have proper accountability, FEC approves the metering of all our oil production.
“We have 187 flow stations in the country across the Niger Delta area, and there is a contract awarded for us to meter all the flow stations to be able to properly account for what we produce and export.
“This is a major development, and this project is meant to be completed within six months, within 180 days,’’ he said.
Lokpobiri said it was paramount for Nigerians to know some of the key steps that the government was taking to ensure maximised opportunities that other countries were getting by the availability of oil and gas.
The minister disclosed the second key issue approved as Advanced Cargo, of which he described as part of the steps towards ensuring accountability of production and Nigerians getting maximum value from her resources.
“The second memo that was approved by the council has to do with what we call the advanced cargo, which means we are awarding a contract to a company that will provide the technology within 180 days.
“This will enable us to know from the point of loading of every cargo of crude oil that is loaded in Nigeria up to the point of destination.
“From terminals, I can stay in my office and know when it is taken off from Nigeria up to the final destination.”
He said these new developments were major steps to tackle oil theft because it would ascertain from the beginning what was being produced to the point of loading from the terminals up to the point of destination.
He said FEC approved the memo and awarded the contract to be delivered within 180 days and to provide the software by the NUPRC, to ensure proper monitoring of crude oil loaded from terminals to final destination.
This, he said, would ramp up production for national revenue hence oil remained the fastest way to raise funding to be able to address the economic and social problems.
He said this digital system would also ensure that the database and the control centre were dedicated to tracking crude oil export from the point of loading to the final point.
