WWF study reveals grim picture of wildlife

Global wildlife populations have fallen by 60 percent in the past four decades: WWF

As per the 2018 Living Planet Report prepared by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the global wildlife populations have fallen by 60 percent in the past four decades due to accelerating pollution, deforestation, climate change and other man-made factors. Also, the report highlighted that more than 4000 mammal, bird, fish, reptile and amphibian species declined between 1970 and 2014. The report also pointed out that eight million tonnes of plastics are entering the oceans annually and has urged the nations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to consider a treaty for the protection of the global wildlife.

Only 40 percent FRA claims approved in the last decade

In the last one decade, tribal communities across the country have filed 4.21 million claims to acquire forest land under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA). However, as per the status report by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), only 1.74 million of them have been approved. Also, the report highlighted that the highest number of claims were rejected either by the gram sabha or the district-level committee. Experts have blamed MoTA for failing to execute its responsibility for the effective implementation of the Act.

Farmers' collective to launch Rebuild Kerala 2021

Manarcadu Social Service Society (MASS), a collective of more than 5000 organic farmers, will launch 'Rebuild Kerala 2021'. The project, that will be launched on November 26, aims to help farmers in Idukki to rebuild their farms and livelihoods through organic farming. Within the project, around two lakh freely distributed saplings would be organically cultivated in Idukki. The project will be completed in three years in a phased manner with a focus on different aspects of farmer development that includes organic farming, employment and eco-tourism.

Groundwater quality along Ernakulam coast deteriorating, thanks to seawater intrusion

According to a recent research by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the groundwater quality along the coastal areas of Ernakulam district is slowly deteriorating due to seawater intrusion. The study also observed changes in shoreline along the coasts of Ernakulam district which lead to a rise in sea level at 1.8 millimetres per year. As per Dr S. Sreekesh who led the research team, in order to regulate seawater intrusion, there is a need to control construction activities and groundwater extraction in the area.

No more use of explosives for fishing at Doyang reservoir in Nagaland

During a seminar-cum-sensitisation programme on the harmful use of explosives for fishing, nearly 16 villages under Doyang Hydro-electric project in Wokha district of Nagaland agreed to ban the use of explosives for fishing at Doyang reservoir and its surrounding areas. With regard to the use of explosives and poisonous substances, the Wokha Deputy Commissioner has affirmed that in order to curb any illegal activities, the various authorities will strictly follow the laid down regulations. Use of explosives for fishing not just destroy the fish habitat but also affects the entire aquatic ecosystem along with reducing the fish stock.

This is a roundup of important news published between October 30 - November 6, 2018. Also read policy matters this week.

Lead image source: Tjdeena via Wikipedia Commons