Latest news with #environmental protection
Reuters
a day ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Greece reveals boundaries of two marine parks in Ionian and Aegean seas
ATHENS, July 21 (Reuters) - Greece revealed on Monday the boundaries of two planned marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean seas, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis saying they will be the largest in the Mediterranean region. Athens wants to establish the parks, for the protection of sea mammals and turtles in the Ionian Sea and for seabirds and seals in the Aegean, this year. Mitsotakis said they will help the country meet its global commitment to expand marine protected areas to 30% of its waters by 2030. "They will allow us to meet the target ... way ahead of schedule," Mitsotakis said. "They will be vast sanctuaries for life beneath the waves," he said, adding that trawling of the sea floor will be banned inside the zones. The environmental studies on the parks' boundaries were submitted on Monday for public consultation until September 22. The planned Aegean Sea park has previously stirred tensions between Greece and neighbouring Turkey, with the two countries at odds over a range of issues including maritime boundaries. Athens has said the park's boundaries are within Greece's territorial waters. Turkey's Foreign Ministry said Greece was exploiting universal values such as environmental issues, that the parks would have no legal bearing on disputes between the neighbours in the Aegean and Mediterranean, and that Turkey will announce its own projects for marine life protection in coming days. "Unilateral actions should be avoided in closed or semi-enclosed seas such as the Aegean and the Mediterranean," it said in a statement, adding Ankara was ready to work with Athens as a fellow Aegean coastal state to address any outstanding disputes while the NATO allies try to maintain positive sentiment. The Aegean park, at 9,500 square kilometres, will initially expand around the southern Cyclades islands, further south from Turkey, according to the maps Greece submitted on Monday, along with the environmental studies. The size of both parks is seen at 27,500 km2, government officials said, and Greece wants to expand them further. When the public consultation ends, the Environment Ministry will draft two presidential decrees, which will be submitted to the Council of State by the end of October, the officials added. The parks will be established once the decrees are published.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation signs MoU with Friends of the Environment Society
Abdullah Belhoul: Our environmental programs are aligned with our economic objectives and are no less important Dr. Ibrahim Ali: The MoU is a strategic step toward promoting environmental awareness and enabling community partnerships across the UAE Dubai, UAE – The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), represented by the Planning and Development Department – Trakhees, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE-based Friends of the Environment Society. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination in areas of mutual interest related to environmental protection, reflecting the shared commitment of both parties to advancing sustainability and reinforcing social responsibility. The MoU was signed by H.E. Eng. Abdullah Mohammed Belhoul, CEO of the Planning and Development Department – Trakhees, on behalf of the Corporation, and H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, Chairman of the Friends of the Environment Society, on behalf of the association. The signing ceremony took place at the PCFC headquarters in Dubai, in the presence of Ms. Asma bint Mana Al Otaiba, CEO of the Pioneers Hub for Employer Guidance. On this occasion, H.E. Eng. Abdullah Belhoul emphasized that the Corporation's environmental initiatives and programs are fully aligned with its economic directions and are equally vital. He stressed that the environment is a fundamental pillar for creating a healthy, balanced society capable of supporting and sustaining economic projects. The Corporation's focus on this area comes as part of its commitment to implementing initiatives under the Quality of Life Strategy 2033, launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. Belhoul noted that the signing of this agreement is part of Trakhees' ongoing commitment to supporting environmental and social initiatives, and to fostering environmental awareness among employees. He added that the MoU provides an effective platform for launching joint initiatives that contribute to the national sustainability agenda. "At the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, we firmly believe that sustainability is no longer a choice—it is a national necessity and a shared responsibility. We are dedicated to turning environmental directions into institutional practices, by empowering employees and providing a work environment that encourages green innovation, ultimately helping to build a sustainable future for the next generations," he said. He continued: 'We are keen on establishing strategic partnerships with civil society organizations that contribute to environmental protection and encourage our employees to engage in volunteer initiatives. This reflects a responsible corporate culture aligned with national aspirations and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.' For his part, H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, Chairman of the Friends of the Environment Society, said: "We are proud of this distinguished partnership with a pioneering entity such as the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. This collaboration will have a tangible impact in broadening the scope of environmental awareness and promoting a culture of sustainability through joint volunteer and community initiatives that serve all segments of society." Ms. Asma bint Mana Al Otaiba, CEO of the Pioneers Hub for Employer Guidance, affirmed the importance of this partnership in embedding a culture of sustainable work across public and private sector institutions. She noted that enhancing environmental awareness in workplace environments contributes to building a more informed and responsible society, reflecting the UAE's commitment to improving quality of life and achieving sustainable development.
Economy ME
7 days ago
- Business
- Economy ME
Bahrain commits to 30 percent emissions cut by 2035 and net zero by 2060 in global climate action
Bahrain is making significant strides in environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development through a series of robust national policies, international collaborations, and community-driven efforts. These initiatives reflect the kingdom's commitment to safeguarding natural resources and ecosystems for future generations, in alignment with global climate goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda. Guided by the vision of the kingdom's leadership, Bahrain has positioned itself as a regional leader in environmental stewardship. The initiatives are driven by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the King's Personal Representative and President of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE). Bahrain is committed to safeguarding natural resources and ecosystems for future generations Read: Rising environmental, tech challenges threaten global stability: Report A national commitment to environmental sustainability As part of its environmental agenda, Bahrain marks February 4 each year as National Environment Day, reaffirming its commitment to building a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment aligned with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sheikh Abdullah emphasized Bahrain's growing reputation as a proactive and respected player in global environmental protection efforts. One of Bahrain's major achievements is the implementation of the National Water Strategy 2021–2030, which supports SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation). The strategy focuses on integrated resource management, wastewater treatment and reuse, and smart solutions to improve water efficiency. It forms part of the government's broader commitment for 2023–2026 and is being executed in cooperation with the Ministry of Oil and Environment. Climate goals and carbon neutrality Bahrain has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2035 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. A key step in this direction was the launch of the Bahrain Mangroves initiative in December 2024, which has already doubled the kingdom's mangrove coverage through advanced, sustainable cultivation techniques. In addition to climate mitigation, the Supreme Council for Environment continues to introduce legislation and national initiatives to promote environmental sustainability, support green technologies, and protect Bahrain's biodiversity. These efforts include: Safe disposal of industrial and hazardous waste Rehabilitation of polluted land Reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture and landscaping Protection of endangered marine species like dolphins, sea turtles, and dugongs Conservation of rare wild birds and prevention of illegal hunting The SCE also enforces energy efficiency regulations, green building codes, ozone layer protection protocols, and chemical safety standards, while promoting environmental awareness across both public and private sectors. Bahrain has positioned itself as a regional leader in environmental stewardship Public awareness and global cooperation To increase environmental literacy, Bahrain launched a national campaign titled 'Sustainable Water – Every Drop Has a Story' in collaboration with the UN Environment Program. Spanning four months, the campaign reached communities across the kingdom through public events and educational initiatives, highlighting the critical role of water in sustainable development. Dr. Mohammad bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment and Bahrain's Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, reiterated that environmental responsibility begins with awareness and ends with action. He stressed that sustainable behavior is key to preserving Bahrain's ecosystems and natural heritage. A model for regional sustainability Through its integrated efforts in environmental protection, water management, and climate action, Bahrain continues to align with global strategies while reinforcing local resilience. Authorities called on the international community to strengthen cooperation and share responsibilities in combating climate change, expanding green spaces, and securing a sustainable, biodiverse future. The kingdom's environmental efforts reflect a growing national consciousness, where government action is matched by active community participation. Together, these elements underscore Bahrain's unwavering commitment to building a more sustainable and environmentally secure future – locally, regionally, and globally.
National Post
15-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
Tetra Tech Awarded $94 Million Emergency Preparedness and Response Services Contract
Article content PASADENA, Calif. — Tetra Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTEK), a leading provider of high-end consulting and engineering services in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, announced today that the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Company a $94 million, single-award contract to provide technical services in EPA Region 7 to support the Superfund Technical Assessment & Response Team (START). Article content Under this seven-year contract, Tetra Tech scientists, engineers, and technical specialists will support preparedness and response activities for a wide range of emergencies, including chemical and hazardous materials releases, oil spills, industrial accidents, and natural disasters. Our teams will oversee time-critical cleanup actions, perform contaminated site assessments, and conduct training and community outreach. Tetra Tech technical specialists will integrate new technologies for collecting, sharing, visualizing, and streaming real-time field data to support decision-making during emergencies. Article content 'Tetra Tech has supported EPA's START program for 30 years, providing technical services in 36 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia,' said Dan Batrack, Tetra Tech Chairman and CEO. 'We are pleased to continue using our Leading with Science ® approach to support EPA in preparing for and responding to emergencies, protecting human health and the environment, and keeping communities safe and secure.' Article content About Tetra Tech Article content Tetra Tech Article content Leading with Science ® Article content to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, and design sustainable and resilient infrastructure. For more information about Tetra Tech, please visit Article content Article content LinkedIn Article content and Article content Facebook Article content . Article content Any statements made in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made in this release represent management's best judgment as to what may occur in the future. However, Tetra Tech's actual outcome and results are not guaranteed and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ('Future Factors'), and may differ materially from what is expressed. For a description of Future Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, see the discussion under the section 'Risk Factors' included in the Company's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Telegraph
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Game shooting on Scottish estates ‘saves NHS millions'
Game shooting on Scotland's estates is 'saving the NHS millions of pounds', a Scottish Government-sanctioned report claims. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has found that Scotland's shooting sector delivers more than £246 million in benefits to the Scottish economy. That includes a saving of £4.6 million in public health for the NHS and local authorities in improved mental and physical wellbeing and air quality, the organisation believes. Peter Clark, BASC Scotland director, said shooting-related land management delivers 'measurable environmental returns' by helping ensure 'healthy rural communities'. Mr Clark added: 'The report reinforces the shooting community 's essential role in habitat conservation, environmental protection and the responsible care and management of Scotland's natural environment, directly complementing the Scottish Government's climate and nature restoration priorities.' The report considers the environmental and public goods generated through land management for shooting at Scotland's popular hunting estates. Its findings show woodland and peatland management generates £120.5 million in carbon sequestration; £92.4 million in recreational access to the countryside; and £29.3 million through game meat and crop protection. Jim Fairlie, Scotland's minister for agriculture and connectivity, attended the launch of the report. He said: 'This is an important piece of work that shows that shooting contributes more than £246 million in natural capital benefits to the people of Scotland every year.' The MSP also told attendees: 'When it comes to natural capital, and investment in restoring and protecting Scotland's natural environment, it is essential that we are able to tackle the nature and climate emergencies at pace and the scale required. If we don't do that, then we're going to fall behind.' Mr Fairlie also highlighted the importance of responsible private investment. He said: 'That investment must support nature, climate action and our communities. That's why we've developed the Scottish Natural Capital Market Framework; it sets out clear principles for responsible investment. 'It ensures investment is high integrity, guards against greenwashing and recognises the intrinsic value of our natural assets.' However, the Nationalist administration has come under fire from its former coalition partners the Scottish Greens. Ross Greer, the Scottish Greens finance spokesman, said: 'The barbaric murder of helpless animals by the ultra-rich isn't something the Scottish Government should be celebrating. It's cruel, outdated and should be banned. 'Shooting estates take up an unbelievable amount of Scotland's rural land. They are mostly owned by a motley collection of aristocrats, billionaires, tax avoiders and Tory MSPs. 'Regardless of the slick propaganda their lobbyists produce, the real evidence shows that these estates are devastating for the environment and for Scotland's iconic native species, like mountain hares and birds of prey.' Mr Greer went on to say that rural estates 'take advantage' of tax breaks designed for small businesses, taking money from the public purse. He added: 'The public are being forced to subsidise the ultra-wealthy's desire to kill animals for fun, all while SNP ministers sadly cheer them on. 'Small-scale farmers and crofters play an invaluable role in our country's food production and in their local communities, we must ensure that they are properly supported to create sustainable businesses and jobs, but taxpayer funding is instead going to these super-rich playgrounds. 'Vital Scotland's land delivers' Scottish Labour said the work highlighted in the BASC report was to be 'welcomed'. Rhoda Grant, the party's rural affairs spokesman, said: 'It is vital that Scotland's land is used in a way that delivers for our country. 'Game sports have long played a role in rural Scotland, and the work being done to improve biodiversity and help meet our climate goals is to be welcomed. 'It is important that all shooting is appropriately licensed and managed in a sustainable way that delivers real benefits to rural communities and the country as a whole.'
