Latest news with #environmentalProtection
RNZ News
a day ago
- General
- RNZ News
Ratepayers foot bill for rubbish dumped along South Wairarapa coast
The local council described the dumping as "enormously irresponsible and disappointing". Photo: Emily Ireland Ratepayers will foot the $145,000 bill to to remove 26 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish along on the South Wairarapa Coast. Environmental Protection Authority, police and specialist contractors needed more than two weeks to clean up waste dumped along the coast, which included 3.7 tonnes of scrap metal - bikes, whiteware and even a car. The clean-up was an urgent recommendation from the Environmental Protection Authority. "The overall cost came in at approximately $145,000, which is about $50,000 less than originally forecast," said South Wairarapa District Council chief executive Janice Smith. Rubbish is removed from the South Wairarapa coastline. Photo: Supplied/SWDC Smith said people dumping this amount of rubbish was "enormously irresponsible and disappointing", as items like bikes and whiteware can be disposed of at transfer stations for no cost. The council said illegal dumping was a serious issue, as it could pose a serious health issue, when it contained harmful materials, such as glass, metal and hazardous matter. It said the clean-up process also ended up being expensive for both the council and ratepayers, and on the environment, with abandoned waste damaging ecosytems, polluting airways and harming wildlife. The site is now permanently blocked off, with security cameras in place to monitor it. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Unchecked accumulation of marine debris threatening Nigeria's maritime competitiveness — Stakeholders
Stakeholders in the maritime sector on Thursday called for a strengthened national policy framework to tackle marine debris, warning that unchecked accumulation is threatening Nigeria's maritime competitiveness and endangering the future of its waterways. The stakeholders, who made this call in Lagos during the 2025 annual summit of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), stated that marine debris impairs navigational safety, disrupts port operations, and pollutes coastlines—undermining tourism, coastal livelihoods, and community health, among other concerns. Speaking at the summit, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, said marine debris threatens biodiversity, including fish, marine mammals, and seabirds, often leading to entanglement and ingestion. Dantsoho, who was represented by Capt. Femi Oyewole, Principal Manager, Marine, NPA, noted that as custodians of Nigeria's seaports, the NPA is deeply committed to advancing national and global efforts to combat marine litter and preserve the integrity of the marine ecosystem. He emphasized that the dangers are no longer distant possibilities, but present and escalating, hence the need for urgent action. According to him, 'The NPA has taken several proactive measures to confront the menace head-on. It operates and regulates port reception facilities at all major ports in Nigeria, ensuring full compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78), particularly Annex V, which addresses garbage disposal from ships calling at the Authority's four pilotage districts: Lagos, Delta, Bonny/Port Harcourt, and Calabar.' 'These facilities provide secure, environmentally sound reception and handling of waste from vessels calling at Nigerian ports. They are equipped to receive a wide range of ship-generated waste, including plastics, food waste, domestic garbage, oily rags, and hazardous residues, as well as daily sludges and bilges. By doing so, we eliminate the incentive for illegal disposal into the marine environment and ensure all waste is treated, recycled, or disposed of in accordance with national and international environmental standards.' He added that the NPA also regularly undertakes dedicated marine litter and seaweed cleanup exercises within and around port channels, berths, and quay aprons. 'By removing plastics, packaging materials, vegetation waste, and other solid litter, we are able to protect marine life, reduce blockages in port drainage systems, and ensure the smooth operation of vessels in port environments and navigational channels,' he stated. ALSO READ: Tinubu International Conference Centre fully booked until 2027 — Wike Also speaking, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, applauded SCAN for choosing such a critical topic and emphasized the need to prioritize the clearance of water channels to ensure the free movement of vessels on inland waterways. Akutah, who was represented by the NSC Deputy Director of Monitoring and Enforcement, Adeshina Sarumi, stated that having water channels littered with debris or shipwrecks poses a significant challenge to Nigeria's water transportation system. He urged the media to verify reports and present them accurately, with facts and figures, in order to aid the effective operation of relevant agencies. In his address, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, called on stakeholders to show greater commitment to tackling marine debris and stressed the need for increased public awareness, especially among residents of coastal communities. Oyebamiji, who was represented by an Assistant General Manager at NIWA, Mrs. Aisha Eri, noted that marine waste is a global issue, not just a Nigerian one. He stated that a marine litter action plan is already in place, involving shared responsibilities among all stakeholders. He emphasized that while NIWA and other agencies are making efforts, residents of coastal areas must also desist from polluting the waterways. The Guest Speaker and President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Captain Tajudeen Alao, expressed concern that some strategic areas, which should serve as tourist centers, have been overtaken by debris. He warned that the unchecked accumulation of marine debris continues to threaten Nigeria's competitiveness in the maritime sector. Represented by the Second Vice President of the Association, Captain Olugunwa Jide, Alao called for the establishment of a legislative framework backed by the National Assembly and proposed a fine of ₦5 million for illegal waste disposal. Speaking on the theme of the event, 'Marine Debris: The Danger Ahead,' SCAN President Moses Ebosele emphasized the urgent need to address the crisis of marine debris and its threat to the maritime industry, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities. He said the summit aimed to facilitate national dialogue, share knowledge, and build collaborative strategies to combat marine debris and other forms of marine pollution. 'The growing prevalence of marine debris is not just an environmental issue; it is a socioeconomic threat that can undermine the very foundations of our maritime industry and coastal communities,' Ebosele said.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Fiji govt says shipping company violated maritime and environment obligations
Photo: Supplied A Fijian government says one of the country's main inter-island shipping providers has violated several maritime safety and environmental obligations. Earlier this month, Goundar Shipping's vessel Lomaiviti Princess II capsized after being towed out of Suva Harbour by the Fiji Ports Authority and has since spilled oil. In a statement, the Joint Maritime Environment Committee said the that the ship had been non-operational since 2019, and Goundar Shipping should have removed and defuelled the vessel. It said the company has a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in managing its vessel to prevent harm to the marine environment and other port users, which they breached. Minister for Enviroment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu said there are no exemptions when it comes to environmental protection. "We will not allow Fiji's ports and waters to become dumping grounds." The committee statement said Fiji Ports undertook the relocation of the Lomaiviti Princess II after Goundar Shipping failed to act on the removal orders issued . This was done under the authority of regulation 78 of the Sea Ports Management Regulations 2008. RNZ Pacific has reached out to Goundar Shipping for comment. The company's director has previously declined several times to comment on this matter. The Climate Change Ministry also established Goundar Shipping does not hold a valid waste disposal permit for any of its vessels, the statement said. "It must also be made clear that should GSL argue that they were not aware of their waste disposal permit obligations under EMA 2005, that Section 37 would apply, whereby any damage caused to the environment through discharge of waste or pollutant from the facility, activity or undertaking, the body corporate is liable for remedial actions," the statement said. The committee said Fiji Ports has been "actively pursuing recovery efforts to prevent further spillage". It said Fiji Ports has also commenced discussions with three potential service providers for underwater inspection and removal of any oil/sludge inside the vessel. This process will take approximately four to eight weeks Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau has directed that a thorough maritime investigation be conducted into the incident to ascertain the cause of the incident, determine responsibility, and identify any gaps in standard operating procedures.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Fiji maritime committee says shipping company violated maritime and environment regs
Photo: Supplied A Fijian government says one of the country's main inter-island shipping providers has violated several maritime safety and environmental obligations. Earlier this month, Goundar Shipping's vessel Lomaiviti Princess II capsized after being towed out of Suva Harbour by the Fiji Ports Authority and has since spilled oil. In a statement, the Joint Maritime Environment Committee said the that the ship had been non-operational since 2019, and Goundar Shipping should have removed and defuelled the vessel. It said the company has a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in managing its vessel to prevent harm to the marine environment and other port users, which they breached. Minister for Enviroment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu said there are no exemptions when it comes to environmental protection. "We will not allow Fiji's ports and waters to become dumping grounds." The committee statement said Fiji Ports undertook the relocation of the Lomaiviti Princess II after Goundar Shipping failed to act on the removal orders issued . This was done under the authority of regulation 78 of the Sea Ports Management Regulations 2008. RNZ Pacific has reached out to Goundar Shipping for comment. The company's director has previously declined several times to comment on this matter. The Climate Change Ministry also established Goundar Shipping does not hold a valid waste disposal permit for any of its vessels, the statement said. "It must also be made clear that should GSL argue that they were not aware of their waste disposal permit obligations under EMA 2005, that Section 37 would apply, whereby any damage caused to the environment through discharge of waste or pollutant from the facility, activity or undertaking, the body corporate is liable for remedial actions," the statement said. The committee said Fiji Ports has been "actively pursuing recovery efforts to prevent further spillage". It said Fiji Ports has also commenced discussions with three potential service providers for underwater inspection and removal of any oil/sludge inside the vessel. This process will take approximately four to eight weeks Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau has directed that a thorough maritime investigation be conducted into the incident to ascertain the cause of the incident, determine responsibility, and identify any gaps in standard operating procedures.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
Up to Dh2 million fines: UAE proposes new law to regulate trade in endangered species
A draft federal law has been proposed to clamp down on the illegal international trade in endangered animals and plants, with violators facing prison terms of up to four years and fines of up to Dh2 million. The proposed bill passed by the FNC on Wednesday titled 'Regulation and Monitoring of International Trade in Endangered Species of Animals and Plants' aims to align UAE's laws with international conventions such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). It would apply across the entire country, including free zones, and cover all border points - land, sea and air. Under the new legislation, it will be illegal to import, export, re-export, transit or introduce from the sea any specimen listed in the law's annexes unless proper permits are secured from the national administrative authority. Certificates mandatory for import and export The law sets out clear procedures and documentation requirements: Export or re-export of any specimen would require a valid certificate issued by the UAE authority. Import of species listed in Annex I would require an import certificate; those in Annex II and III would need valid export or re-export permits from the country of origin. Transit shipments also require export documentation, and all certificates must match on both the import and export sides in terms of species data, origin and purpose. Introductions from the sea would also require a separate certificate. Any mismatch in documentation or non-compliance will result in rejection and repatriation of the shipment, with the sender bearing full cost. Invalid or misleading documentation may lead to cancellation of the certificate and legal action. Tough penalties for illegal traders The proposed law carries a strict penalty structure based on the severity of the violation: A minimum of four years in jail and fines from Dh200,000 to Dh2 million for importing or exporting Annex I specimens without valid permits. Repeat offenders face doubled penalties and deportation in the case of foreign nationals. A minimum of two years' imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million for violations involving Annex II and III species. Possessing, selling, or advertising any specimen from the annexed lists without prior registration could lead to at least one year in jail and fines of up to Dh800,000. Presenting false documents or misleading information to obtain permits could result in six months to two years' imprisonment and fines of up to Dh200,000. All offences would also carry mandatory confiscation of the specimens, which would be handed over to the relevant authority for proper disposal or rehabilitation. Provisions for zoos and travelling exhibitions The law includes specific mechanisms for managing animal and plant specimens that are part of mobile zoos, circuses or exhibitions, requiring special certifications for cross-border movement. The legislation stresses that the new provisions do not override any harsher penalties prescribed by other UAE laws, particularly in cases involving fraud or organised smuggling.
