Chris Infotainment

A Major Cleanup Effort on St Martin’s Island On December 7, volunteers from across Bangladesh joined forces to remove nearly two tonnes of waste from the beaches of St Martin's Island. This initiative, led by Unilever Bangladesh and Kewkradong Bangladesh, was part of the International Coastal Cleanup 2025. The event took place on the ecologically sensitive island, drawing in hundreds of youth and local residents to help protect its fragile coastline. A total of 500 volunteers, including students from universities and members of local communities, participated in the cleanup. Over the course of the event, they collected 1,850 kilograms of waste, which is approximately two tonnes. The waste included a wide range of items such as food wrappers, plastic beverage bottles, bottle caps, plastic bags, utensils, lids, and even abandoned fishing nets. The collected waste was transported to the mainland for safe disposal, according to a press release issued on Sunday. This effort not only ...

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall Seeks Federal Support The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has recently sought support from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in its efforts to combat desertification and restore degraded land. This comes as part of a broader initiative to implement the 50-million-date-palm project across 11 frontline states in northern Nigeria. During a courtesy visit to the SGF in Abuja, the Director General/CEO of NAGGW, Saleh Abubakar, highlighted the agency’s recent achievements and future goals. He mentioned that the initiative was launched during the agency's 10th-anniversary ceremony in August 2025. The project is designed to curb desert encroachment and restore degraded lands in the affected states. According to Abubakar, NAGGW has already distributed over five million date palms across the 11 frontline states. The goal is to scale this up to 50 million by 2030, marking a significan...

A Lifeline for Cheetahs: The Frozen Zoo of Namibia For over three decades, American zoologist Laurie Marker has been working tirelessly to preserve the genetic legacy of one of the world’s most iconic big cats—cheetahs. Her efforts have led to the creation of a unique sperm bank in Namibia, which she refers to as a “frozen zoo.” This collection of cheetah sperm is not meant for immediate use but rather as a last resort in the event that the species faces extinction. Marker, who founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund in the southern African nation, has been building this frozen repository since 1990. She emphasizes that the purpose of the sperm bank is to serve as a safeguard for cheetahs in a worst-case scenario. With wild cheetah populations having declined dramatically over the past 50 years, the need for such a resource has become increasingly urgent. The Crisis Facing Cheetahs Today, fewer than 7,000 cheetahs remain in the wild—numbers similar to those of the critically endange...

The Unexpected Role of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in Preserving the Gulf Stream A groundbreaking study has revealed a surprising twist in the ongoing climate crisis: the melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could, under certain conditions, help preserve the Gulf Stream. This critical ocean current plays a vital role in regulating the climate of Europe and parts of North America, and its potential collapse has long been a concern for scientists. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is an immense body of ice, containing around 750,000 cubic miles of ice—enough to fill Wembley Stadium nearly three billion times. As it melts, it releases salty water into the North Atlantic, which helps maintain the density of ocean currents that drive the Gulf Stream. This process is essential for keeping the ocean's "conveyor belt" system, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), functioning properly. However, the researchers emphasize that this potential benefit come...

Indigenous Wisdom and Sacred Forests: A Model for Sustainable Conservation In the Yiworgu community, located in the Savelugu Municipality, a unique initiative is taking shape that combines indigenous knowledge with modern environmental practices to promote sustainability and forest conservation. This effort is being spearheaded by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) through its local network chapter, GLFx Tamale, in collaboration with the Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS). The focus of this initiative is the Maltiti Shrine, an ancient 12-acre sacred forest that has been preserved for generations through spiritual reverence and traditional customs. The Maltiti Shrine, named after the phrase “Make things better for us,” embodies the community’s deep-rooted philosophy of harmony between humans and nature. This principle continues to guide conservation efforts in the area, ensuring that the forest remains untouched by destructive activities such as tree felling or h...

A New Era of Environmental Stewardship in Kenya As the global community shifts its focus towards green jobs, the circular economy, and climate resilience, Kenya is taking significant steps to ensure that environmental conservation remains at the forefront of national priorities. This year’s Mazingira Day, scheduled for 10th October 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to promote sustainable practices and foster a culture of environmental responsibility. Mazingira Day is an annual event dedicated to celebrating environmental conservation and promoting sustainable practices across the country. It aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) plan, which aims to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious citizens by instilling sustainable values from an early age. The origins of Mazingira Day can be traced back to the time of Kenya’s second president, Daniel arap Moi, when it was known as Moi Day. Over the years, the event has evol...

The Urgent Need to Protect Maamora Forest An environmental petition initiated by the Oxygène Association for Environment and Health has drawn attention to the critical situation of Maamora Forest, one of Morocco’s most significant ecosystems. This ancient forest is facing what activists describe as a “slow death” due to the relentless expansion of urban areas. The petition calls for immediate action to safeguard this vital natural resource from further degradation. The petition specifically addresses the Director General of the National Agency for Water and Forests, urging them to take decisive steps to halt the uprooting of centuries-old cork oak trees. These trees are not only essential for the ecological health of the forest but also play a crucial role in maintaining the surrounding green belts. The document emphasizes the need to stop “unsustainable developments and concrete sprawl” that threaten the integrity of the forest. A Call for Comprehensive Restoration In addition to...

New Fossil Site Protection in Thailand The Department of Mineral Resources has officially recognized the country's largest freshwater periwinkle fossil site, located in Mae Moh district of Lampang province, as a new protected fossil area. This decision marks a significant step in preserving one of Thailand’s most important geological treasures. According to the department's director-general, Pichit Sombatmak, a long-term conservation plan involving multiple stakeholders will be implemented to ensure the sustainable preservation of the site. The fossil protection committee recently approved the designation of the periwinkle site as a protected area, highlighting its importance and unique characteristics. The site is believed to contain the world's thickest layer of freshwater periwinkle fossils, reaching up to 12 meters in thickness. This discovery adds to Thailand's growing list of protected fossil sites, making it the 27th such area under the Fossil Protection Act B...

A New Strategy for Protecting Northern Ireland's Peatlands Northern Ireland has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to protect and restore its peatlands with the launch of a comprehensive strategy. This initiative aims to transform all semi-natural peatlands into functioning ecosystems by 2040, through 26 specific actions designed to meet five key objectives. One of the central components of the strategy is a consultation on restricting the sale of peat and peat products. This move aligns with broader efforts across the UK and Republic of Ireland to reduce the use of peat in horticulture and other industries. The strategy also includes a wildfire management plan and the creation of a register of peatlands to identify those most in need of immediate support. The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Peatlands play a crucial role in filtering water, removing pollutants and nutrients before they reach water bodies such as Lough Neagh. Peter Harper from the...

Ozone Layer Shows Signs of Recovery It has been four decades since scientists first identified the growing hole in Earth's ozone layer. However, a recent study brings encouraging news: this protective shield, located approximately 20 miles above the planet’s surface, may be on the path to recovery. Experts from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) have noted that, compared to previous years, the total stratospheric ozone cover was higher across much of the globe in 2024. This is especially evident in the ozone hole that typically forms over Antarctica each spring, which was well below the 1990–2020 average. Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, remarked, “The ozone layer is healing. This achievement reminds us that when nations heed the warnings of science, progress is possible.” If the current pace of improvement continues, the ozone layer could soon return to its 1980 levels—before the appearance of the ozone hole. Experts predict that full recovery mi...

The Hidden Cost of a Selfie: Starfish in Zanzibar Face Harm from Tourist Practices Zanzibar, known for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant marine life, is a paradise for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. However, beneath the surface of this tropical haven lies a growing concern that threatens the delicate balance of its ecosystem. One particular issue has gained attention: the practice of taking pictures with starfish, which, although seemingly harmless, can have devastating consequences for these creatures. Tourists often find themselves captivated by the colorful and unique appearance of starfish, leading to a trend of capturing selfies with them. Social media platforms are flooded with images of tourists holding starfish out of water, accompanied by cute captions. What many fail to realize is that each time a starfish is removed from its natural habitat, it is essentially facing a slow and painful death. The act of lifting a starfish out of water deprives it of the abil...

A Global Celebration of Conservation: The 20th Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony Rwanda is set to host the 20th edition of the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony on Friday, September 5. This highly anticipated event will take place in the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District, and will feature 40 baby mountain gorillas being named. Since its inception in 2005, the ceremony has become a global symbol of conservation efforts for the once critically endangered mountain gorillas. This year’s ceremony marks a significant milestone, as it will bring the total number of named baby gorillas to 435. In 2024, 22 baby gorillas were initially scheduled to be named in October, but the event was postponed. The tradition of Kwita Izina is rooted in centuries-old Rwandan customs of naming newborns. It was officially established as a platform to promote conservation, engage local communities, and raise international awareness about Rwanda’s commitment to protecting mount...

The Urgency of Climate Resilience in Pakistan If my house was about to be flooded or burnt, what would I save first? It is obvious that saving everything might not be possible. But what if a choice had to be made in selecting from family members whose lives were at risk? This question echoes the reality we face today, as climate-related disasters increasingly threaten our homes and communities. The current floods are a stark reminder of the vulnerability we face. Our houses are burning, the pain caused is palpable, and the damage to lives is visible. In an emergency, one can only save what circumstances and proximity allow, what personal skills enable, and what the timeline and extent of the crisis permit. When unprepared for an ongoing emergency, these words become an absolute truth. I pray that all lives remain safe. However, the reality is that we are still unprepared. Proactively preserving national or personal assets is prudent. Saving lives and securing the wellbeing of all ci...

The Power of Storytelling and Technology in Conservation Three storytellers and technology experts have joined forces to use video games and virtual reality as tools for raising awareness about conservation efforts across Africa. Their mission is to engage a broad audience by meeting people where they are—through the games they play on various platforms. This initiative has led to the creation of several games, including Terra Nil, Beyond Blue, ustwo games, TreesPlease Games, PlanetPlay, and E-Line Media & Gibbon: Beyond the Trees. The focus of these projects is on storytelling, ensuring that the narratives of Africa are told by and from the perspective of its people. This approach is central to the work of Noel Kok and Pragna Parsotam-Kok, who co-founded Nature Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers. In partnership with the National Geographic Society, they launched a collaboration called Africa Refocused, aiming to shift the narrative around African stories. Gautam Shah, a former...

A New Model for Ethical Elephant Tourism In the heart of Phitsanulok, a serene forest area in Wang Thong district, lies an elephant sanctuary that is redefining what it means to practice ecotourism. The Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary has become a beacon of hope for elephants who have suffered from years of exploitation, offering them a safe haven where their well-being is the top priority. Spanning over 900 rai, the sanctuary is managed by the Sappraiwan Elephant Foundation, which focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating elephants that were previously used in tourism and logging. Many of these animals arrived at the sanctuary with physical injuries and deep psychological trauma, having endured years of hard labor. Now, they are given a chance to live in peace and dignity. Currently, five female elephants, aged between 40 and over 60, reside at the sanctuary. They are undergoing comprehensive physical and emotional rehabilitation, allowing them to recover and thrive in a natural environ...

A Pioneering Step in Sustainable Education Beaconhouse National University (BNU) has set a remarkable precedent in Pakistan's higher education landscape by becoming the first university in the country to receive certification under WWF-Pakistan's EcoSmart Campus Certification Programme. This significant achievement underscores BNU's unwavering dedication to embedding environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainable development into its institutional operations. The university's commitment to sustainability is evident through various initiatives that have been implemented across its campus. These include upgrades to green infrastructure, the adoption of low-carbon management protocols, and the establishment of waste segregation and recycling systems. Additionally, BNU has integrated environmental education into its academic programs, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address pressing environmental challenges. ...

The Great Barrier Reef Faces Severe Challenges The Great Barrier Reef, one of the most iconic natural wonders on the planet, has experienced a significant decline in live coral cover over the past year. According to a recent report by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, this marks the largest annual drop in coral cover recorded in the reef's history. Despite this alarming trend, scientists emphasize that the reef is still worth preserving and protecting. Unprecedented Heat Stress and Bleaching Events The primary cause of the decline is attributed to extreme heat stress, which led to one of the most severe coral bleaching events ever documented. This event occurred in early 2024 and was driven by record-high ocean temperatures. The impact was widespread, with the northern and southern regions of the reef being hit the hardest. Coral cover in these areas dropped by between one-quarter and one-third after years of gradual recovery. The report highlights that the current bl...