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The "white gold" of the sea : a case study of sustainable harvesting of swiftlet nest in coastal Vietnam

The "white gold" of the sea : a case study of sustainable harvesting of swiftlet nest in coastal Vietnam

The sustainable exploitation of edible nest swiftlets (Collocalia fuciphaga germani) has been achived without external aid or expertise and is an important source of revenue for Vietnam. This book retraces the history of edible swiftlet nest production and trade (including the latest trade figures), examines the biological research conducted, and details the working practices used to enhance the conservation of swiftlets in Vietnam.

iucn
Vietnam
Visit page
Publication
1999
Authors
Casellini, Nicole, Foster, Keith, Hien, Bui Thi Thu

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GEOfood

GEOfood is a global initiative that promotes food sourced and produced within UNESCO Global Geoparks. It emphasizes the connections between local food, food traditions, and the geological heritage of the region where the food is produced.

The initiative aims to support sustainable development by encouraging responsible food production, protecting biodiversity, and promoting local economic impact. Only recognized UNESCO Global Geoparks can use the GEOfood brand, ensuring that the raw materials come from within or near these geoparks.

 

GEOfood ( www.geofood.no)  is a global brand that promotes food sourced and produced within UNESCO Global Geoparks. It emphasizes the connections between local food, food traditions, and the geological heritage of the region where the food is produced

Here are some key aspects of the GEOfood brand:

  1. Local and Sustainable: GEOfood products are sourced locally within geoparks, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and local economies
  2. Educational Value: The brand helps raise awareness about the i

Reviving Nature: The Cleanup Success Story of King Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve

Set over an area of 28,345 km², the King Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve (KARNR) is situated northeast of Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Extending to the Al-Arma Mountains and down to several meadows, valleys, and reefs, it mostly encompasses two regions: Rawdat Al-Tanhat, Al-Khafs, Noura, Al-Hqaqa, the western portion of the Al-Summan plateau, and the Ad-Dahnaa’ desert.

In 2018, the reserve was created to protect plant and animal species, and preventing poaching, overgrazing, and logging. Various kinds of plants, animals, and microbes cohabit in the reserve’s varied landscape, including valleys, meadows, plateaus, mountains, plains, and dunes, among other features.

One of the significant achievements in the reserve has been the large-scale cleanup campaigns. Recently, a massive operation successfully removed 55,390 tons of waste from various reserve parts. This effort was part of a broader initiative to maintain the pristine condition of the environment and to ensure that the habitats remain conducive for wildlife.

Planting a Million Seedlings for a Sustainable Future

Nestled among the rolling hills and vast landscapes of King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, the Authority was established to restore and rejuvenate this precious ecosystem, focusing on our vision to plant a million seedlings in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, enabling life to breathe into our environment. As stewards of nature, we recognize the pressing need to combat climate change, restore biodiversity, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

For decades, King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve has been a sanctuary of natural beauty, yet it has faced challenges such as deforestation and habitat degradation. Recognizing these threats, we embarked on an ambitious afforestation project. After months of meticulous planning and sustainable thinking, we proceeded with our endeavour from selecting native species resilient to our climate to preparing the fertile ground for their growth.

 

Regeneration of Mangroves and Mobilization of Local Populations, with a Particular Focus on Women and Indigenous Communities, in the Conservation of Ecosystems in the Lokoundjé District (Fifinda)

The Foundation for Environment and Development in Cameroon (FEDEC) implemented a project titled ‘Mangrove Regeneration and Mobilization of Local Communities, Particularly Women and Indigenous Groups, in Ecosystem Conservation in the Lokoundjé District (Fifinda),’ funded by GEF Small Grant from the United Nations Development Program. This initiative aimed to restore 4 hectares of degraded mangrove areas through the replanting of 6,000 mangrove seedlings and fostered community engagement, particularly among the Bakola/Bagyeli indigenous communities, in agroforestry activities. The project also introduced improved fish smoking ovens, reducing deforestation and enhancing local economies. Community education efforts, including the distribution of educational materials and radio broadcasts, raised awareness of mangrove conservation. The combined efforts have not only regenerated vital ecosystems but also empowered local populations with sustainable livelihoods and conservation techniques.

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Restoration of Seagrass Beds Using Biodegradable Bioplastic-Based Eco-Friendly Planting Frames

The international community aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, recognizing the importance of “blue carbon” in marine ecosystems like seagrass beds. The Korea National Park Service is dedicated to enhancing carbon absorption through the restoration of eelgrass in Hallyeohaesang National Park.

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Cultivating Change: Innovative support for small farmers in Adamawa State through Regenerative Agriculture

The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project in Adamawa State, Nigeria, aims to combat land degradation and enhance climate resilience by promoting regenerative agriculture practices. Supported by the World Bank, this 6-year project (2022-28) targets landless smallholder farmers by persuading landowners to lease 2,100 hectares of land rent-free for 10 years.

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Humedales Urbanos Costeros: lugares que aporten al bien estar ciudadano o “basureros urbanos”

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