Latest news with #communities
Zawya
5 hours ago
- General
- Zawya
South Africa: Water and Sanitation on Clear Rivers Campaign
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) urges all South Africans to roll up their sleeves and participate in cleaning polluted rivers as part of the 2025 Clear Rivers Campaign. The campaign, which is observed annually in July, is a nationwide effort, themed: 'South Africa is a water-scarce country – clean up and protect our water resources,' to encourage communities to take ownership of their local rivers, streams, and wetlands by actively protecting and restoring these essential water ecosystems. In alignment with Nelson Mandela Month, the campaign promotes hands-on public involvement and aims to strengthen a culture of environmental responsibility and water stewardship across the country. The Clear Rivers Campaign was first introduced in 2016 as an initiative to inspire action and awareness around the state of South Africa's water resources. Since then, it has grown into a cornerstone movement encouraging communities to dedicate time during the month of July, particularly on Mandela Day, to clean up nearby rivers, streams, wetlands and canals. Healthy rivers are not only essential for human survival and environmental health, but they are also central to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of communities. In many parts of the country, especially in rural areas, rivers are relied upon for drinking water, cooking, fishing, washing, and sustaining livestock. Indigenous riverbank vegetation also supports wildlife, helps prevent erosion, and provides materials for everyday use and small business crafts. Rivers hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning for many South Africans. From ancestral rituals to religious ceremonies such as baptism and ceremonial cleansing, clean and accessible rivers are sacred spaces for reflection, healing and heritage. The degradation of these natural sites does not just pollute the environment, it diminishes cultural identity and connection. Economically, rivers and wetlands are sources of natural materials used to build homes, weave baskets, craft mats, and support local artisanal trades. When managed sustainably, these resources can help strengthen local economies and create pathways to economic resilience and dignity. Beyond clean-ups, the Clear Rivers Campaign is part of a broader drive to entrench environmental awareness and behavioural change in everyday life. It highlights the need for integrated and inclusive water resource management, where individuals, communities, and institutions work together to protect freshwater systems from pollution, misuse, and neglect. The Clear Rivers Campaign further seeks to strengthen the country's efforts to promote water security, environmental awareness and behavioural change. The Department encourages South Africans to take action in their communities, whether by organising river clean-up drives, adopting sections of rivers for long-term care, or educating others on the importance of keeping water ecosystems healthy and pollution-free. 'By taking part in the Clear Rivers Campaign, citizens are not only cleaning rivers, but they are also helping to secure the country's water future, protect biodiversity, and honour the legacy of a leader who believed in collective responsibility. Clean water begins with clean rivers and protecting them is a duty shared by all,' said departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa.
Forbes
13 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why More Money In Women's Hands Changes The World
Why More Money In Women's Hands Changes The World Money isn't just currency, it is power, access, and influence. Currently, far too little of it is in the hands of women. Women make up half the population yet control less than one-third of global wealth. But when women have more money, everyone benefits. Families thrive, communities grow stronger, and economies become more resilient. This isn't about financial feminism as a feel-good concept; it's about smart economics and sustainable impact. More money in the hands of women doesn't just change lives. More money in the hands of women changes the world. The Ripple Effect of Women's Wealth When women have wealth, they tend to put it to work in ways that lift others up. Studies show that women are more likely than men to reinvest their earnings into their families, their children's education, and their local communities. This kind of investment creates impact that builds stronger foundations for the next generation. Women-led businesses also operate differently. Research shows that female founders are more likely to prioritize inclusive hiring, flexible work environments, and sustainable practices. They lead with empathy and long-term vision, not just short-term profit. And in many cases, their revenue doesn't just support a lifestyle; it funds a mission. When women lead, profit and purpose often go hand in hand. Closing the Gender Wealth Gap Isn't Just Fair—It's Smart Equal participation in the economy isn't a nice-to-have as it's a global economic growth strategy. According to McKinsey, if women participated equally in the economy, global GDP could rise by as much as $28 trillion. That's a complete transformation. When you unlock the earning and investing potential of women, it isn't charity. It's the way to innovation and prosperity. But to close the gender wealth gap, we need more than encouragement. We need access. When there is more funding for women founders, it means more job creation, more diverse solutions, and stronger, more resilient businesses. Financial literacy also plays a critical role. When women understand how to manage, grow, and leverage money, they build true financial independence and become unstoppable. Barriers Still Exist Let's not pretend the playing field is level, because it's not. Venture capital firms invest less than two percent of their funding in women-led startups. That stat isn't from decades ago; it's current. Women still earn less, own fewer assets, and face more hurdles when trying to access capital, scale a business, or even get taken seriously in the room. And beyond the financial systems, there's the weight of generational conditioning. Many women have been raised to be 'nice,' not bold. They have been taught to save, not invest and to play it safe, not build wealth. These beliefs don't just shape mindset, they shape outcomes. So yes, the barriers are real, but acknowledging them is step one. The next step is breaking them down. How You Can Help Put More Money in Women's Hands Changing the system doesn't require a million-dollar check, it starts with everyday choices. You can support women-owned businesses. Hire them, buy from them, refer them. Your dollars are votes, and where you spend them matters. If you have the means, you can take it one step further. You can invest in funds or startups led by women. Angel investing, crowdfunding, and equity platforms are opening the door to more accessible, values-aligned investing. If you're not an investor, you can still move the needle. Teach financial literacy, mentor an up-and-coming entrepreneur, or use your voice to advocate for equity in your networks. Money in women's hands doesn't just get there by accident, it gets there because we push for it. The bottom line is that more money in women's hands isn't just about equity, it's about fueling a better future. When women build wealth, they uplift families, strengthen communities, and reshape economies. The data backs it, the stories prove it, and the impact is undeniable. If we want a more just, prosperous world, the path forward is clear: invest in women, fund their businesses, and help close the wealth gap.
Free Malaysia Today
20 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Most world heritage sites at risk of drought or flooding, says UN
Water scarcity around India's Taj Mahal is worsening pollution and depleting groundwater, both of which are damaging the mausoleum. (EPA Images pic) PARIS : Almost three quarters of the globe's cultural and natural heritage sites are threatened by too little or too much water, the UN's cultural agency said today. As a result of rising temperatures, extreme weather events including hurricanes, droughts, floods and heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, scientists warn. Seventy-three percent of all 1,172 non-marine sites on the Unesco Heritage List are exposed to at least one severe water risk – including water stress, drought, river flooding or coastal flooding, Unesco said. 'Water stress is projected to intensify, most notably in regions like the Middle East and North Africa, parts of South Asia and northern China – posing long-term risks to ecosystems, cultural heritage, and the communities and tourism economies that depend on them,' it added. Cultural sites were most commonly threatened by water scarcity, while more than half of natural sites faced the risk of flooding from a nearby river, the Unesco study showed. In India, the Taj Mahal monument in Agra, for example, 'faces water scarcity that is increasing pollution and depleting groundwater, both of which are damaging the mausoleum,' the study said. In the US, 'in 2022, a massive flood closed down all of Yellowstone National Park and cost over US$20 million in infrastructure repairs to reopen.' The report gave four more examples. Iraq's southern marshes – the reputed home of the biblical Garden of Eden – 'face extremely high water stress, where over 80% of the renewable supply is withdrawn to meet human demand', it added. And competition for water is expected to increase in the marshes, where migratory birds live and inhabitants raise buffalo, as the region grows hotter in coming years. On the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls – originally called Mosi-oa-Tunya ('the smoke that thunders') before it was renamed by Scottish explorer David Livingstone – has faced recurring drought and is sometimes reduced to a trickle. In Peru, the pre-Colombian city of Chan Chan and its delicate 1,000-year-old adobe walls face an extremely high risk of river flooding, Unesco said. In China, rising sea levels driven in large part by climate change are leading to coastal flooding, which destroys mudlands where migratory waterbirds find food, it added.
BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
How do Americans celebrate Independence Day?
Every year on 4 July people across the United States celebrate Independence Day. It's a time when Americans remember the day in 1776 when the country declared its independence from a big, colourful holiday filled with fun traditions that bring families and communities together. Here are five ways Americans celebrate the Fourth of July! Independence Day Fireworks While Brits mark summer with Glastonbury, Wimbledon, and the occasional BBQ, Americans go all in on 4 July are probably the most famous part of Independence Day. Skies across the country explode with colour. Cities like New York, the capital city Washington DC, and Boston put on huge displays, often set to music. On the other side of the country, Huntington Beach, a laid-back surf town in sunny Southern California throws what's widely considered the biggest Independence Day celebration on the US West Coast, drawing hundreds of thousands to its coastline for a full day (and night) of fireworks, and beach also buy smaller fireworks or sparklers to use in their backyards -a bit like bonfire night here in the UK, without the bonfire. Parades Parades are a big part of the day, especially in small towns and neighbourhoods. You'll see marching bands, military veterans, floats decorated in red, white, and blue, and even children riding bikes with streamers and flags. Some parades, like the one in Bristol, Rhode Island, have been happening for over 200 years! People line the streets to wave flags and cheer. Music and concerts Live music is everywhere on the 4 July. Cities host free outdoor concerts where people bring blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy the show. In Washington DC, there's a famous concert called "A Capitol Fourth" held on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol building. It features pop stars, classical musicians, and ends with a big fireworks finale. Lots of people watch it live on TV too. Sports Sports are a fun part of the holiday, especially baseball—often called "America's pastime." Many Major League Baseball teams play special games on the Fourth of July. Fans often wear patriotic gear to support their teams. Reenactments If you've ever wondered what it's like to travel back in time to 1776, Williamsburg is where America's Independence Day goes full-on time machine. On the 4 July, Colonial Williamsburg, a living-history museum in the Virginia town, transforms into an 18th-century celebration with actors in wigs. You'll hear booming cannons and dramatic public readings of the Declaration of Independence.
ABC News
a day ago
- Climate
- ABC News
BTN Newsbreak 01/07/2025
EAST COAST WEATHER A vigorous coastal low has formed off Australia's east coast, and it's already bringing a lot of wild weather. Damaging surf, heavy rain and flooding and dangerous winds are what we can expect in the next few days from the vigorous coastal low that's brewing off the east coast of Australia. A coastal low is a type of low-pressure weather system that usually develops on or near the coast. They form when warm air is pulled into the atmosphere and as air goes up, it leaves less air behind, creating a low pressure. This makes nearby air rush in to fill in the space causing wind. And as the rising air cools, it can form clouds and bring rain or storms. This powerful system is already affecting communities with weather warnings in place from Coffs Harbor all the way to Bega. While emergency services are on standby, authorities are urging people in affected areas to be prepared, like tying down loose items outside, having an emergency kit on the go, staying inside and away from windows, and to stay in the loop with latest weather updates. EUROPE HEATWAVE There's a massive heatwave going on right across Europe at the moment. In France, 200 schools will be closed this week due to the heat, and from UK to Germany temps are 5 to 10 degrees higher than usual. In Spain, it's set to be the hottest June on record, and right throughout the continent people are doing what they can to stay cool. Wildfires have also started in some regions, with more than 50,000 people evacuated from their homes in Türkiye. WIMBLEDON STARTS It was also the hottest first day of Wimbledon on record. 33 degrees is what the temperature got to as players sweltered through their first round match ups. World Number 1 Aryna Sabalenka cruised through her first round matchup, while Aussie and 20th seed Alexei Popyrin lost to the world number 461 Arthur Fery. TERRITORY DAY Today is the 1st of July, which means those up north are celebrating Territory Day! That's right, things are about to get loud in the NT, because Territory Day is also known as cracker night. It's the one time each year when Aussies don't need a permit to buy and set off fireworks. But only in the NT, and fireworks can only be launched between 6 and 11pm. It's all in celebration of the day that the Northern Territory was given the right to govern itself. Before that it was the federal government that made laws for people living up here. But as much fun as fireworks can be fun, improper use can cause a lot of problems, like starting fires, scaring animals, and injuring people. Fireworks are explosives, so it's important to follow the safety guidelines like clearing the area of dry materials, having a hose or buckets of water handy, keeping everyone at a safe distance. And making sure your ready for when they go boom. T-REX RACING First up, to the US state of Washington where more than 300 people dressed up as dinosaurs for the annual T-rex world championship races. But the action wasn't just on the ground. Skydiving t-rexes parachuted from a height of 1,500 metres, landing on the track before making a bolt for the finish line. ROLL CLOUD Now to Portugal where beachgoers were stopped in their tracks by this rather ominous roll cloud. Rolls clouds are pretty rare here in Portugal, which is currently going through a heat wave. They form when warm air meets cooler air, sending the warm air up, up into the sky. DONKEY FESTIVAL And finally to donkeys in the small Colombian town of Moniquirá which are taking part in the annual Donkey Contest. Now in it's 19th year, the event started out as a fun way to support local farmers and highlight the important role donkeys have played as their loyal sidekicks. And despite having a reputation for appearing rather stubborn, I've got to say these donkeys seem extremely patient under all these outfits.
