VIDEO: Rising encroachment of the country’s natural forests has alarmed conservationists who fear the Uganda could soon lose its prestigious Pearl of Africa title. NBS has learnt that Malabigambo Central Forest Reserve in Rakai district is on the verge of depletion – with all illegally harvested timber smuggled to neighboring Tanzania. …
Read More »New approach to saving endangered species
Though poaching is regarded as the main danger for wildlife, there are other factors that kill them, writes Joseph Ondiek An organisation in Rwanda, the One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC), is pioneering a new way of conserving the nation’s treasured mountain gorillas and other wildlife. Founded in 2015 by Jean …
Read More »Tesla expands its portfolio to produce solar roof tiles
Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Electric carmaker Tesla has diversified into the alternative energy business, on Friday unveiling solar roofs for environmentally friendly homes. “Global warming is a serious crisis and we need to do something about that,” company founder Elon Musk said during a news conference at …
Read More »Humanity will wipe out Earth’s wildlife soon
Paris, France | AFP | Nearly three-fifths of all animals with a backbone — fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals — have been wiped out since 1970 by human appetites and activity, according to a grim study released Thursday. On current trends, that plunge in stocks of global wildlife …
Read More »Egypt’s Morsi receives first final prison sentence
Cairo, Egypt | AFP | An Egyptian appeals court upheld on Saturday a 20-year sentence for ousted president Mohamed Morsi, the first final ruling in a string of trials for the deposed Islamist leader. The Court of Cassation also upheld sentences against eight of his codefendants, including seven who received …
Read More »Pastor Kakande’s Aqua World told to halt sand mining in Lweera
The Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources has halted sand mining on Lake Victoria by Aqua World, a firm that belongs to Kampala Pastor Samuel Kakande. The directive was issued by the chairperson of the committee Isingiro South MP Alex Byarugaba while interfacing with lawyers of Pastor Samuel Kakande over illegal sand …
Read More »Scientists launch unprecedented Antarctic research mission
London, United Kingdom | AFP | More than 50 researchers from 30 countries are to carry out the first scientific full circumnavigation of Antarctica in an attempt to measure pollution and climate change, with the official launch held on Monday. The international team will cruise on Russian research vessel Akademik …
Read More »VIDEO: Efforts to save Zoka Forest in high gear
VIDEO: Zoka Central Forest Reserve in the northern Ugandan district of Adjumani has made headlines in the press over the past two weeks after a government minister revealed plans to allocate a chunk of the reserve to a private sugarcane grower. NBS visited the forest to witness the destruction already meted out …
Read More »Nations agree on phase-out of super greenhouse gases in Kigali meet
Kigali, Rwanda | AFP | Representatives from almost 200 countries reached an agreement Saturday on the phase-out of potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners, a major step in curbing global warming, a Rwandan minister hosting the talks announced. “The amendment and decisions are adopted,” said Rwanda’s Minister …
Read More »African leaders tackle piracy, illegal fishing at Lome summit
Lome, Togo | AFP | Stemming the astronomical losses caused by crime in the oceans surrounding Africa is the focus of a major continental summit on Saturday in the Togolese capital, Lome. “Over recent decades, the accumulated revenue losses resulting directly from illegal activities in the African maritime sector add …
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