<![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/category/environment-nature/ <![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/media/site/logo.png https://pressat.co.uk/category/environment-nature/ en-gb Copyright: (C) Pressat Pressat <![CDATA[ 4Pack releases packaging data business tools for those that make and sell packaged goods in the UK – including an eBook, Capability Model and Assessment ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/4pack-releases-packaging-data-business-tools-for-those-that-make-and-sell-packaged-goods-in-the-uk-including-an-ebook-capability-model-and-assessment-231d948b23d64412ffe6975e9ace9237/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/4pack-releases-packaging-data-business-tools-for-those-that-make-and-sell-packaged-goods-in-the-uk-including-an-ebook-capability-model-and-assessment-231d948b23d64412ffe6975e9ace9237/ Friday 15 March, 2024

4Pack, a powerful suite of product, packaging, and artwork management solutions, has announced a set of free business tools to help firms that produce packaging or distribute packaged goods to raise their game on packaging data management.


It has published a capability model, eBook and self-driven assessment scorecard designed around the challenges faced by food & beverage, consumer packaged goods and other businesses operating in the UK. The insights are based on its deep experience of helping companies in these sectors create clarity and control over their own packaging processes.


The “Taking Control of Packaging Data: the Clock is Ticking” eBook is a walkthrough of the issues surrounding packaging data for these firms. The Packaging Data Capability assessment enables companies to assess their readiness to cope. While the Packaging Data Capability Model explores 10 aspects of the practical challenge, from recognition of the data to ensuring clear ownership.


Together they form a valuable set of tools to help companies impacted by coming changes to recognise and comprehend their status, so that they can act.


Companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell packaged goods within the UK face a tidal wave of new packaging waste and other sustainability-related regulations. In the UK alone, new or pending rules range from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) and plastic packaging taxation to increasingly stringent Environmental, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) reporting measures for larger organisations. There are likely to be more changes that impact packaging or labelling in the future. Bodies such as the Competition and Markets Authority are already considering anti-greenwashing rules. The challenge extends far beyond the UK with regulatory change happening in Europe and around the globe.


Helen Poole, Managing Director at 4Flying Ltd, said “Many brands and businesses that create or handle packaged goods have a big problem because they do not have control of their packaging data. The need to do so is becoming urgent. Leveraging validated packaging data enables better business decisions, delivers accurate reporting for declarations, provides added value to your clients and significantly saves time and cost.”


The tools are timed for release as leaders of CPG and related businesses around the world are realising that strategies in pursuit of sustainability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance may be at risk. It is becoming business critical to ensure easy access to complete and accurate capture and visibility of packaging material and waste factors across the complete brand and product portfolio. This drives a requirement for stringent, dedicated, and centralised management of packaging data including related packaging specification, procurement and production information.


It enables everyone across the organisation to make informed decisions, implement best practices, and strive for continuous improvement. Critically, it also allows companies to provide supply chain distribution partners with the information they in turn need for their own compliance and operational decision-making.


Companies that do not take appropriate action around packaging data may struggle to meet sustainability aims, with implications not just around reporting and compliance, but also in reputational terms as consumers expect companies to be responsible.


Relevant Links:


Taking Control of Packaging Data: The Clock is ticking eBook Packaging Data Management Capability Assessment 

About 4Pack


4Pack is a powerful cloud-based software solution for product, artwork and packaging management which serves customers in the consumer products, food & beverage, wine & spirits, and retail industries. 4Pack is brought to market by 4Flying which consists of a team of product information, packaging data and artwork process subject matter experts that deliver solutions internationally across the physical packaging, labelling and digital channels. It was founded in Verona, Italy and brings more than 3 decades of deep experience, 4Flying Ltd is based in London to serve global clients. More information about the company can be found at https://www.4-pack.com




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www.4-pack.com 15 Mar 2024 15:46:14 GMT Business & Finance Computing & Telecoms Environment & Nature Manufacturing, Engineering & Energy
<![CDATA[ Rewilding Nation declaration call for Scotland as Charter launched ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/rewilding-nation-declaration-call-for-scotland-as-charter-launched-665678d21dbd602837b9da0865d70e0b/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/rewilding-nation-declaration-call-for-scotland-as-charter-launched-665678d21dbd602837b9da0865d70e0b/ Friday 15 March, 2024

More than 2% of Scotland’s land is now rewilding according to new figures from the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, as it launches a Rewilding Nation Charter calling for Scotland to declare itself the world’s first rewilding nation.


Despite growing praise for its rewilding progress, Scotland remains one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth. The new Charter says rewilding offers hope for restoring habitats and saving wildlife, with major benefits for people, but much more needs to be done.


The Alliance is urging people from all walks of life to sign the Rewilding Nation Charter which calls on the Scottish Government to commit to nature recovery across 30% of land and sea.


The campaign includes a new feature-length film called Why Not Scotland?, which explores how rewilding could happen on a bigger scale in the country. The documentary will be shown on a nationwide screening tour including Oban, Peebles, Dundee, and Inverness, following an Edinburgh premiere.


“Climate breakdown and nature loss mean we face an unprecedented threat to our way of life and our children’s future. But it’s not too late. Scotland can lead the way as a Rewilding Nation to benefit nature, climate and people,” said Steve Micklewright, Scottish Rewilding Alliance Convenor and Chief Executive of Trees for Life.


Scotland is ranked 212 out of 240 countries and territories for the state of its nature, and 11% of its species face extinction. Intensive agriculture and climate breakdown are having the biggest impacts on biodiversity, according to the authoritative State of Nature 2023 report, with other threats including non-native forestry, pollution, and introduced species.


This is undermining access to food, fresh water and clean air. It is hampering efforts to lock away carbon, and harming people’s health and wellbeing, says the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, a coalition of more than 20 organisations.


But growing numbers of communities, charities, farmers and landowners are taking action to turn Scotland’s nature crisis around – helping society cope with climate breakdown’s floods, wildlife die-offs, droughts and crop failures, while creating jobs and economic opportunities.


In the first-ever such figures released, the Scottish Rewilding Alliance calculates 2.1% of Scotland’s land is now rewilding, with more than 150 projects covering at least 160,000 hectares, from community woodlands to landscape-scale partnerships. This includes members of Rewilding Britain’s UK-wide Rewilding Network, and the Scotland-wide Northwoods Rewilding Network, led by SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.


Rewilding 30% of Scotland can be achieved by restoring wild habitats including peatlands, native woodlands, wetlands, rivers and seas, with no loss of productive farmland. Rewilding goes hand-in-hand with nature-led farming, fishing and forestry, the Alliance says.


Produced by SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, the Why Not Scotland? film explores the Scottish landscape through the eyes of Flo Blackbourn, a young Scot from Glasgow, who sets out on a personal journey to find inspiring examples of major nature recovery around Europe.


“My journey to see how rewilding can help nature and people thrive together was life-changing and such a source of hope. Like many young people, I’m worried about the uncertain future we all face with climate breakdown and nature loss – but life can bounce back if we give it a chance, and work with nature instead of against it,” said Flo (27).


“The nature and climate crises can feel overwhelming, but we can all make a difference by uniting behind a clear message. We’re calling on everyone who shares our hopes and sense of urgency to sign the Rewilding Nation Charter to help create a greener, fairer country,” said Alliance member Tom Bowser, farmer and owner of Argaty Red Kites in Perthshire.


For more information, visit www.rewild.scot.


/ Ends




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https://www.rewild.scot 15 Mar 2024 07:33:10 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature
<![CDATA[ Landfill tax reform would reduce waste crime and pollution, Localis study argues ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/landfill-tax-reform-would-reduce-waste-crime-and-pollution-localis-study-argues-6c95502d1cb776540d47627b390f7c9b/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/landfill-tax-reform-would-reduce-waste-crime-and-pollution-localis-study-argues-6c95502d1cb776540d47627b390f7c9b/ Thursday 14 March, 2024

Press release


Embargo date: from 00.01 a.m., Thursday 14th March 2024


Landfill tax reform would reduce waste crime and pollution, Localis study arguesGovernment should reform landfill tax to cut down on waste crime and crack down on organised gangs whose illegal activity costs the country more than £1bn a year and pollutes the environment, a report published today by Localis has argued.


In a new report entitled ‘Cleaning up our act - reforming landfill tax for place resilience and best local outcomes’ the independent think-tank argues that the massive gap between standard levels of landfill tax at £102.10 per tonne for ‘active’ and lower levels at £3.25 per tonne for ‘inactive’ material, has led to an escalation of waste crime, in the form of illegal dumping and fly-tipping.


While the costs of waste crime have burgeoned by 55 percent since 2015 in England to around £1bn a year, enforcement is disjointed, with organised criminals exploiting loopholes or absorbing paltry fines as running costs to the detriment of honest waste brokers.


It is estimated that the tax gap for landfill tax is 22.7 percent or £200m, a figure suggesting high levels of tax evasion and avoidance by criminal operators who either misclassify active waste, underreport waste volumes or resort to illegal dumping.


The report recommends government should introduce an intermediate tax band to bridge the gap between standard and lower rates, reducing the incentive for misclassification of waste and promoting fairer taxation.


To tackle the scourge of waste crime and the pollution it creates, the study argues the Environment Agency needs an expanded budget, and associated targets, for prosecuting waste criminals.


For local government, the report calls for councils to be granted enhanced powers to enforce waste regulations, including increased fines and penalties for fly-tipping, with revenues to support local clean-up efforts and landfill site development.


Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran, said: “Waste crime is toxic in that it despoils our natural environment, imposes costs on already cash-strapped councils and robs the Treasury of tax revenue. Any serious attempt at place-based reform must look to addressing the iniquities and imbalances of how we tax it and then move to rigorous enforcement and prosecution of organised gangs.”


John Rauch, Chief Executive Officer, Augean, said: “Landfill tax has been a very important tool to divert waste away from landfill and to promote re-use, recycling and energy recovery.


“We welcome this independent report, which acknowledges that some hazardous materials will always have to go to landfill. The report is an important contribution to public debate about the future of the landfill tax in sustainable waste management.”


ENDS















Press enquiries:


Jonathan Werran, chief executive, Localis
(Telephone) 0870 448 1530 / (Mobile) 07967 100328 / (Email) jonathan.werran@localis.org.uk


Notes to Editors:


An advance copy of the report is available for download

https://www.localis.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Localis-Cleaning-Up-Our-Act-Report-03-Interactive.pdf


About Localis

Localis is an independent think-tank dedicated to issues related to politics, public service reform and localism. We carry out innovative research, hold events and facilitate an ever-growing network of members to stimulate and challenge the current orthodoxy of the governance of the UK. www.localis.org.uk


About Augean

Augean is a leading UK operator of sustainable, compliance-led, waste recycling, recovery, treatment and disposal services. The company specialises in hard-to-handle wastes.


www.augean.co.uk


Key findings and recommendations

Reform of the landfill tax should seek to incorporate the waste hierarchy to ensure only the right waste materials end up in landfill, by implementing variable tax rates or other policy mechanisms based on the environmental impact of waste types and necessity of landfill, to incentivise sustainable disposal choices for non-hazardous and biodegradable waste.


As a means to this end, government should introduce an intermediate tax band to bridge the gap between standard and lower rates, reducing the incentive for misclassification of waste and promoting fairer taxation.
There is also a need to allocate a portion of landfill tax revenues to fund research and development aimed at advancing technologies for waste recovery, reuse, and recycling, as well as for legacy chemical cleanup, as wells as a portion allocated to funding the prevention of waste crime.
The Environment Agency needs an expanded budget, and associated targets, for prosecuting waste criminals, with on-the-ground enforcement necessary to match recent increases in attention to the financial aspect of waste crime.
Government must enhance local authority powers to enforce waste regulations, including increased fines and penalties for fly-tipping, with revenues to support local clean-up efforts and landfill site development. Councils must also be given the responsibility – with associated funding – to assist private landowners who are the victims of fly-tipping in safe, responsible disposal.

Building on positive recent steps, government must continue to increase transparency and efficiency in tax collection
to combat high levels of tax evasion and avoidance, through stricter enforcement measures and improved monitoring technologies.




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Additional Contact(s):
07967 100328

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http://www.localis.org.uk 14 Mar 2024 06:00:03 GMT Business & Finance Construction & Property Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Government Home & Garden Manufacturing, Engineering & Energy Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ Pandemic Lessons: Four years on from the pandemic, International Animal Rescue's 'One Health' Programme Makes Significant Steps in Preventing Animal-to-Human Disease Transfer ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/pandemic-lessons-four-years-on-from-the-pandemic-international-animal-rescues-one-health-programme-makes-significant-steps-in-preventing-animal-to-human-disease-transfer-d31f2afd5e60219e3d622fcd4303e3aa/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/pandemic-lessons-four-years-on-from-the-pandemic-international-animal-rescues-one-health-programme-makes-significant-steps-in-preventing-animal-to-human-disease-transfer-d31f2afd5e60219e3d622fcd4303e3aa/ Wednesday 13 March, 2024

This week in 2020, The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Navigating the intricate web of challenges posed by poaching, wildlife trade, and zoonotic threats, International Animal Rescue's (IAR's) One Health programme emerges as a beacon of hope. Its goal is to prevent future pandemics through education in biodiversity conservation and smart wildlife trade regulation.


In the face of illegal and unregulated trade and the risk of disease transmission between humans and animals, this transformative initiative stitches together a tapestry of collaboration, communication, education and capacity building. The programme addresses the pressing issues of public health, wildlife trade, wild meat consumption, and environmental degradation by involving multiple stakeholders, divisions, and communities. The positive impact? A world where humans, animals, and the environment coexist harmoniously, safeguarded by the principles of the One Health approach adopted by International Animal Rescue's holistic conservation strategy, IARconserves.


Dr Wendi Prameswari, Senior Programme Officer One Health and Welfare at YIARI, IAR's implementation partners in Indonesia, whose team are putting the IARconserves
holistic conservation strategy into practice, said: "We are working closely with communities and actively educating them about the health risks associated with the trade and consumption of wildlife. The IARconserves One Health initiative works by raising public awareness and promoting community-led efforts that aim to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases."


The team have also engaged key stakeholders involved in the management of markets selling live birds and other wildlife in Java and has begun to carry out targeted interventions. The programme facilitates cross-sectoral collaborations between a range of different groups, including veterinarians, environmentalists, and public health experts, to maximise its impact. By reducing the illegal and unregulated trade, as well as the consumption of wildlife, it is hoped that we can prevent another zoonotic pandemic and the devastation another outbreak would cause.


By targeting markets selling live wildlife with poor animal welfare standards and that lack proper sanitation and biosecurity, which pose high risks of disease emergence and transmission, IARconserves strives to improve conditions and change behaviours. The programme includes government capacity building, seminars and talk shows to raise awareness about rabies and other zoonotic diseases, the co-formulation of locally appropriate One Health Strategies for wildlife markets, vaccinations of over 650 animals for rabies, sterilising over 60 dogs and cats, and distributing educational materials to local communities.


"Reducing the likelihood of another viral spillover sweeping the world requires a fundamental change in how we interact with nature. It requires minimising health challenges at the human-wildlife-environment interface; eliminating transmission points where the likelihood of viral spillover to humans is high, such as unhygienic commercial wild animal markets; better regulation of the legal wildlife trade; diligently suppressing the illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade; and conserving natural habitats. We are working to raise public awareness and change perceptions towards trading and eating wildlife. We are pleased with the success so far, which shows if we continue to educate, we can change behaviours and prevent a future zoonotic-related pandemic." Said Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue.


To find out more about IAR's One Health programme, please visit 

https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/




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https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org 13 Mar 2024 14:00:04 GMT Charities & non-profits Coronavirus (COVID-19) Education & Human Resources Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Health Medical & Pharmaceutical
<![CDATA[ Equestrian centre saddled with reptile market gives up the reins ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/equestrian-centre-saddled-with-reptile-market-gives-up-the-reins-1a4a164e0f86bcc26da114e70910a52d/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/equestrian-centre-saddled-with-reptile-market-gives-up-the-reins-1a4a164e0f86bcc26da114e70910a52d/ Thursday 7 March, 2024

Bury Farm Equestrian Centre (Mill Rd, Slapton in Buckinghamshire) was due to host a large-scale reptile market on 28 April 2024 but last week informed the Animal Protection Agency that the event would not be taking place on their premises. Despite this, event organiser, the International Herpetological Society (I.H.S.), is this week still advertising and selling table space for the event. Yesterday, Buckinghamshire Council confirmed that it had also been advised that the reptile market was no longer on the Equestrian Centre’s calendar.


Trading in pet animals over market stalls was outlawed in 1983 due to inherent animal welfare problems. The Animal Protection Agency, World Animal Protection and Freedom for Animals are working with local councils and venues to eradicate reptile and amphibian markets in the UK. Evidence gathered at numerous I.H.S. reptile markets invariably shows systematic illegal animal selling and widespread animal suffering. Thousands of animals are offered for sale including lizards, snakes, tortoises and frogs and are typically displayed in small, plastic takeaway containers with little consideration given to their basic welfare needs.


Animal groups suspect that the I.H.S. may now be looking for a new venue and are warning managers of large venues in the area not to accommodate this event. Reptile market organisers typically misdescribe their events as ‘shows’ or ‘breeders’ meetings’ when in fact they are commercially-driven markets. Buckinghamshire Council has been praised for ensuring that Bury Farm Equestrian Centre was in full possession of the facts and able to take the responsible decision not to host the event.


Says Elaine Toland, Director, Animal Protection Agency:


“The I.H.S. is very well known to mislead venue managers as to the true nature of their events but now appears to be also misleading its own members. It is bizarre that it is still calling on its Facebook page for traders to book stalls at the April event. We are immensely grateful to Buckinghamshire Council for acting so promptly, and very pleased that the Bury Farm Equestrian Centre has refused to host this shameful event.”


Says Dr Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaign Manager, World Animal Protection:


"We welcome the news that the planned reptile market at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre will no longer be taking place. Reptiles and amphibians are sentient animals with complex welfare needs, not commodities to be exploited by the pet trade. Other venues and local authorities across the UK should be extremely wary of hosting these markets; they are outdated events that should have no place in our society."


Says Laura Walton, Campaigns Manager, Freedom for Animals:


“The suffering caused to exotic animals by transporting and displaying them in tiny plastic tubs, for hours on end, often without proper temperature and humidity controls, food or water is an utter disgrace; and the reason why the trading of these animals at markets was banned. So we commend Buckinghamshire Council’s proactive response and welcome the news that Bury Farm Equestrian Centre has refused to host the I.H.S’s April event. These profit-driven markets must be stopped.”


The I.H.S. was also turned away from the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes last year having previously advertised an event there on 3rd September 2023. Evidence gathered from an I.H.S reptile market that took place at the Marshall Arena on 18 June 2023 showed widespread illegal trading.


For more information, please contact Elaine Toland on 01273 674253 or out of hours on 07986 535024. Images available on request.


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http://www.apa.org.uk

Additional Contact(s):
kat@apa.org.uk
elaine@apa.org.uk

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http://www.apa.org.uk 07 Mar 2024 09:08:53 GMT Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Leisure & Hobbies Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ On World Book Day, International Animal Rescue Celebrates the Positive Impact of Literacy on Conservation in Indonesia ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/on-world-book-day-international-animal-rescue-celebrates-the-positive-impact-of-literacy-on-conservation-in-indonesia-90b16ebf9a86e26ae58b49daa96365f2/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/on-world-book-day-international-animal-rescue-celebrates-the-positive-impact-of-literacy-on-conservation-in-indonesia-90b16ebf9a86e26ae58b49daa96365f2/ Wednesday 6 March, 2024

As schools celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 7th March 2024, International Animal Rescue is making a positive change for its unique approach to improving conservation through literacy in Indonesia. 

Challenges such as child illiteracy persist, particularly among marginalised communities, and International Animal Rescue's efforts strive to ensure equitable access to education for all children, regardless of their background.


The literacy programme is part of International Animal Rescue's holistic conservation strategy, IARconserves. Spearheaded by Lia Aulia and her dedicated team, the IARconserves literacy programme has been instrumental in bridging the gap between education and environmental preservation in the forest-edge communities of Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (BBBR NP) in Indonesia.


Lia Aulia, an AL-Haudl Ketapang Islamic College graduate and a passionate educator, shares her experiences working with the programme, highlighting the dire need for education in remote villages surrounded by dwindling forests.


Lia explains, "Our mission goes beyond traditional literacy efforts, aiming to address these communities' social and economic challenges. With approximately 80% of households living in poverty and limited access to education, healthcare, and transportation, many residents resorted to illegal logging as a means of survival. Recognising the urgent need for intervention, IARconserves initiated various initiatives, including scholarships, educational support, and training in alternative livelihoods."


The impact of these efforts has been profound, with a significant reduction in illegal nature impacting activities within the National Park and a newfound sense of empowerment among the local population.


Despite challenges such as the lack of school buildings and teachers, Lia and her team have been able to bring the joy of reading and environmental education to children who would otherwise have limited access to such resources.


Lia continues, "Every time I come with the team bringing reading and picture books, these children are thirsty for stories. They asked us to read the stories in the books, and they loved to draw. They are also excited whenever we teach about environmental knowledge by playing directly in the forest."


By promoting literacy and environmental awareness, these programmes not only empower individuals but also contribute to the preservation of vital ecosystems. Increasing reading habits in Indonesia has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of education and learning outcomes.


As we celebrate World Book Day, let us remember the transformative power of literacy and its crucial role in shaping a sustainable future for future generations. You can find out more about our programmes for children and young people here: https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/our-work/people




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https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org 06 Mar 2024 14:12:23 GMT Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Education & Human Resources Environment & Nature Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Focused on positive impact: Ricola becomes a B Corporation ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/focused-on-positive-impact-ricola-becomes-a-b-corporation-142e78b6a26c45e444305902b343c821/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/focused-on-positive-impact-ricola-becomes-a-b-corporation-142e78b6a26c45e444305902b343c821/ Monday 4 March, 2024

Laufen, 04.03.2024 – Marking an important milestone on its sustainability journey, Ricola is now a certified B Corporation™. This step reflects Ricola's long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, in line with its values as a family-owned enterprise.


As B Corporation, Ricola has been verified as meeting non-profit organization B Lab’s high standards in the areas of social and environmental impact, legal commitment to responsible company practices and public transparency.


Responsibility and sustainability are in the nature of Ricola


Ricola's path to becoming a B Corporation is built on a foundation laid at the company’s inception, namely its respect for the Swiss Alpine ecosystems that produce the herbs for its products. Ricola has long understood sustainability as a core business principle. The company's practices, from herb cultivation according to organic standards to continuously striving towards environmentally sound product manufacturing, are designed to preserve and nurture these ecosystems and their biodiversity, ensuring a positive impact on the environment and society.


"We owe everything to nature. Becoming a B Corporation aligns with our identity as a family-owned company and our dedication to connecting people with nature," says Thomas P. Meier, CEO of Ricola. "It's about balancing our ambitions for growth with our responsibilities to the planet and its people."


"B Lab Switzerland Foundation is truly honored to welcome Ricola into the B Corp movement. As an iconic Swiss company with nearly a century of unwavering commitment to nature and communities, Ricola embodies the principles of using business as a force for good. Their dedication to resiliency and sustainability leadership is exemplary," says Jonathan Normand, Founder and CEO of B Lab Switzerland.


A framework for action: Ricola's sustainability strategy


Over the past two years, Ricola has refined a comprehensive approach to sustainability, identifying six core areas where it can have the most significant impact: agriculture principles, waste management, packaging innovation, climate change mitigation, water conservation, and ethical sourcing.


For each area, Ricola has set quantitative targets and implements annual "footsteps" – actionable steps to achieve these targets. These efforts are managed across the Ricola Group, with each part of the company playing a role on the collective journey towards sustainability.


As a B Corporation, Ricola is required to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, which includes continuous improvements towards recertification every three years, to ensure compliance and progress. Ricola has committed to evaluating its sustainability performance using globally recognized key figures. It plans to report on its progress biennially according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, which are applied by a multitude of companies worldwide. The initial report for 2022 is available for download on the company’s website.


- Picture is available at AP -


Ricola – Company Profile


Ricola is one of the world’s most modern and innovative manufacturers of herb drops. Ricola herb specialties are exported to 45 countries and are famous for their fine Swiss quality. Founded in 1930, with headquarters in Laufen near Basel and subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the USA, Ricola now produces around 50 different herb drops and tea specialties. In Switzerland, this family-owned company is a pioneer in herb cultivation and places great value on using carefully selected locations and controlled, environmentally sound cultivation methods. Ricola has concluded fixed long-term purchase agreements with around 85 farmers in Swiss mountain regions. As a certified B Corporation, Ricola is committed to sustainable corporate management, economically, socially and ecologically and is a responsible employer. The traditional values of a family enterprise coupled with Swiss quality and a passion for innovation are crucial factors in the success of the Ricola global brand.





About B Lab™


B Lab is the nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. B Lab creates standards, policies, tools, and programs that shift the behavior, culture, and structure of capitalism. We mobilize the global B Corp community towards collective action to address society’s most critical challenges, and we collaborate with governments, academia, coalitions, and other institutions to drive economic systems change.



About Certified B Corporation™


Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.





Media contact





Ricola Group Ltd.


Corporate Communications


Baselstrasse 31


4242 Laufen


Ph. +41 (0)61 765 41 21


media@ricola.com





Foundation B Lab Switzerland


Press & Media Team


Rue de Lyon 77


1203 Geneva


media@blab-switzerland.ch




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https://www.newsaktuell.de/ 04 Mar 2024 12:30:02 GMT Business & Finance Environment & Nature
<![CDATA[ CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2024: Celebrating excellence in the built environment ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/cibse-building-performance-awards-2024-celebrating-excellence-in-the-built-environment-ccf1b9e653073246e1d1a97636c62635/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/cibse-building-performance-awards-2024-celebrating-excellence-in-the-built-environment-ccf1b9e653073246e1d1a97636c62635/ Friday 1 March, 2024

The prestigious CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2024 took place on Thursday, February 29, at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries, honouring those who have made significant contributions to advancing the building industry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and setting new standards for excellence.


Organised by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the annual awards ceremony is dedicated to highlight outstanding accomplishments, acknowledging both the winners and those who secured a place on the shortlists. The Building Performance Awards undergo meticulous evaluation, emphasising data-driven performance assessment and serve as a platform to spotlight the industry's highest achievements annually.


This year's event once more showcased a diverse range of categories, highlighting the crucial aspects that contribute to creating sustainable, efficient and innovative built environments. Some of the key categories included Best Digital Innovation, Project of the Year, Product or Innovation of the Year and Building Performance Champion.


Philip Draper, Managing Director at Twenty One Engineering, was honoured with the prestigious title of Engineer of the Year. Among the numerous commendable instances of leadership and team development, Philip stood out for his unique blend of creativity and practical delivery of innovation. His genuine passion for the advancement and expansion of engineering was evident, establishing him as a true leader by example. According to the judges, Philip embodies the essence of engineering leadership, making him a deserving recipient of the Engineer of the Year award.


SGA Consulting’s York Guildhall project, recognised as the Building Performance Champion of the night, has earned this prestigious title for its outstanding achievement in rejuvenating a centuries-old structure despite facing significant regulatory, historic, and environmental challenges. The judges commended the project for its excellence in navigating and overcoming these constraints. In a time when the industry confronts the urgent need to renovate existing structures to meet net-zero targets, York Guildhall stands as a symbol of potential within these limitations.


The full list of winners is:


Best Digital Innovation


Winner: Decarbonomics™- AtkinsRéalis


Sponsor: - no sponsor



Building Performance Consultancy (over 300 employees)


Winner: Hoare Lea


Sponsor: ABB



Building Performance Consultancy (51 - 300 employees)


Winner: XCO2


Sponsor: Airflow Developments



Building Performance Consultancy (up to 50 employees)


Winner: Inkling


Sponsor: Mitsubishi Electric



CIBSE Embodied Carbon Award


Winner: Whitecroft Lighting


Sponsor: CMR



Collaboration


Winner: Decarbonisation via Data-Driven Collaboration - Smart Managed Solutions & Savills


Sponsor: Borough Engineering Services



Engineer of the Year


Winner: Philip Draper, Managing Director - Twenty One Engineering


Sponsor: Ideal Heating Commercial



Facilities Management


Winner: Broadgate - British Land


Sponsor: Gratte Brothers Group



Learning and Development


Winner: Unlocking Potential: CSA’s Commissioning Management Training & Development - Commissioning Specialists Association


Sponsor: Automated Logic, A Carrier Company



Product or Innovation of the Year - Air Quality


Winner: Vent-Axia Sentinel Apex - Vent-Axia


Sponsor: CIBSE Patrons



Product or Innovation of the Year - Thermal Comfort


Winner: New Modular Highline 235 Fan Coil Range - Diffusion


Sponsor: - No sponsor



Product or Innovation of the Year - Wellbeing


Winner: Clarence System - Remote Water Monitoring - Angel Guard


Sponsor: Tamlite Lighting



Project of the Year - Commercial and Offices


Winner: York guildhall - SGA Consulting


Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems



Project of the Year - International


Winner: Kyoto City Hall Annex Building - Nikken Sekkei


Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems



Project of the Year - Leisure


Winner: Ravelin Sports Centre - Max Fordham


Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems



Project of the Year - Public Use


Winner: Hackbridge Primary School - Introba/Architype


Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems



Project of the Year - Residential


Winner: Bryn Bragl - Hoare Lea


Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems



Project of the Year - Retrofit


Winner: York guildhall - SGA Consulting


Sponsor: Crane Fluid Systems



Building Performance Champion


Winner: York guildhall - SGA Consulting


Sponsor: Tamlite Lighting



Pictures: The photographs supplied with this press release show: Building Performance Champion (York Guildhall – SGA Consulting), Engineer of the Year (Philip Draper, Managing Director - Twenty One Engineering), a group photo with all the winners.



About CIBSE


CIBSE is a pioneer in responding to the threat of climate change. We support engineers in finding innovative ways to make buildings perform for individuals, the community and the planet. As a leading professional engineering institution, CIBSE has over 22,000 members across 95 countries. Our membership is diverse and comprises a broad range of specialisms. CIBSE consults the government on construction, engineering, and sustainability, providing the resources needed to meet net zero targets in the UK, Europe and worldwide.


We are committed to supporting engineers and the vital role they play in creating a safe, sustainable future.


Find out more about CIBSE via https://www.cibse.org  




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https://twitter.com/CIBSE Pressat pbalalas@cibse.org
https://www.cibse.org/
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https://www.cibse.org/ 01 Mar 2024 11:52:07 GMT Charities & non-profits Construction & Property Environment & Nature Government Manufacturing, Engineering & Energy Public Sector & Legal Transport & Logistics
<![CDATA[ Social media stimulating trade in cheetahs as pets, says new data ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/social-media-stimulating-trade-in-cheetahs-as-pets-says-new-data-45745bab44a8e0026567c7a63dfc0f89/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/social-media-stimulating-trade-in-cheetahs-as-pets-says-new-data-45745bab44a8e0026567c7a63dfc0f89/ Friday 1 March, 2024

70% of the burgeoning online trade in Cheetahs is happening on social media. Research by TRAFFIC and shows a growing online trend in illegal trade, further pressuring an already at-risk iconic big cat. Report authors are calling for greater vigilance and action taken against those selling live species like Cheetah online.


Cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus are facing threats of climate change, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. With their adult speeds of up to 70mph/120kph, it’s the slower wild cubs that are being illegally caught to be sold online, mainly as exotic pets.


State of wild cheetahs

There are only an estimated 6,500 adults left in the wild.


The five cheetah subspecies are now only found in 9% of their historical wild range. The species is classified on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM as Vulnerable to extinction and as a CITES Appendix I listed species, the international commercial trade in Acinonyx jubatus is prohibited.


“Cheetahs already face multiple threats to their survival in the wild, including habitat loss, prey depletion, low genetic diversity, and human-wildlife conflict. It is particularly concerning that an emerging online trade may place further pressure on wild cheetah populations,” says Oliver Wright, TRAFFIC Project Support Officer.


Data shows the telltale markings of growing online illegal trade

A new TRAFFIC online survey building on previous research unearths internet users illegally trading in live cheetahs and those who flaunt their ownership of them as pets.


A total of 222 unique URLs were found over just six months, revealing alarming trends in the online trade of live cheetahs.


Nearly half of these URLs clearly indicated an intention to trade in live cheetahs, and 70% of all URLs were found on social media platforms. 26% of links were found on e-commerce platforms and dedicated websites, with others discovered in online forums or news articles.


Traders appear to be putting more effort into staying anonymous by creating multiple user profiles, using stronger privacy settings, and carefully avoiding any potentially incriminating ‘transactional’ language.


This new research has revealed that several users previously identified as online cheetah traders have changed the security and privacy settings of their online profiles to restrict public access and evade detection. Some avoid using sales language, just posting pictures of the cheetahs for sale.


Concerns of pet trade converging with trade in other wild species

The report outlines the top five countries with URLs flaunting cheetahs as pets – the United Arab Emirates, Saudia Arabia, Kuwait, South Africa, and the United States of America.


Of great concern is the fact that 64% of the URLs surveyed also advertised other potentially illegal exotic pets, including other big cats, reptiles, birds, and primates.


This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat the broader issue of wild species trafficking.


Where in the world?

Unravelling both legal and illegal trade flows of live cheetahs is key to understanding where action needs to be taken. According to the CITES Trade Database:


South Africa, China and the United States of America were found to be major importers of live cheetahs from captive-bred populations, primarily destined for zoos.


South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe were found to be major range state exporters of live cheetahs, again with descriptions of captive-bred individuals for zoos, but some were also found to be sourced from wild populations.


Comparisons between TRAFFIC research and CITES Trade data revealed discrepancies for Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen that point towards illegal imports or unregulated captive breeding – both significant threats to the species’ longevity.


The release of this Briefing follows the First Global Cheetah Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in January 2024, which highlighted growing threats to wild cheetah populations.


TRAFFIC staff presented this research at the 2024 Global Cheetah Summit in Addis Ababa. The Summit brought together cheetah conservation experts from around the world, and the sharing of this research stimulated important discussions on how to tackle illegal online trade and safeguard wild cheetah populations.


“The Global Cheetah Summit was a great opportunity to showcase this important research and discuss solutions to the online cheetah trafficking issue with experts from the global cheetah conservation community,” concludes Oliver Wright.




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https://twitter.com/TRAFFIC_WLTrade Pressat abbie.pearce@traffic.org
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01 Mar 2024 06:00:03 GMT Charities & non-profits Consumer Technology Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Government Media & Marketing
<![CDATA[ 74% of Lidl's whole chickens burned by their own excrement, shocking report claims ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/74-of-lidls-whole-chickens-burned-by-their-own-excrement-shocking-report-claims-90e2f243194a78cf3cc1c988a9ed174c/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/74-of-lidls-whole-chickens-burned-by-their-own-excrement-shocking-report-claims-90e2f243194a78cf3cc1c988a9ed174c/ Thursday 29 February, 2024
Birds are kept in filthy conditions and are bred to grow unnaturally fastAs a result 3 in 4 of the whole chickens sold in Lidl are plagued by ‘revolting’ ulcers from the birds laying in their own waste - almost 4x higher than levels reported by rival Aldi94% of the discounter’s breast meat is afflicted by a muscle disease that makes the typically lean food 224% higher in fat contentDiseased meat poses health risks and questions over food quality

Today - a shocking new animal welfare survey investigates the prevalence of a skin disease caused by chickens being forced to lay in their own faeces and urine.


Analysing 1,964 chicken products from 40 Lidl stores in 21 UK cities from September to November 2023, the charity Open Cages has detected ‘hock burn’ on 74% of the whole birds examined. These painful chemical burns can be seen with the naked eye as a brown ulcer on the back of the leg.


Photos from the survey can be accessed here.Andrew Knight, Veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare explains: “Fast-growing chicken breeds and overcrowded conditions are used by some supermarkets in an attempt to maximise profits, but chickens can suffer as a result. This is indicated by meat characteristics such as hock burns and white striping disease, which consumers can see with their own eyes, as shown in this report… The hocks (ankles) of chickens suffer chemical burns when chickens are forced to rest on urine and faeces-soaked flooring, for weeks on end.”Why do chickens get hock burns?Lidl typically sources chickens from heavily crowded factory farms in which the birds' waste drops to the floor and is not cleaned until after slaughter. Chickens can be chemically burned by the ammonia in the excrement, causing a skin ulcer which can still be seen on the meat when purchased in the supermarket in the form of a dark brown lesion.


Health risksThe charity also detected ‘white striping disease’ in 94% of Lidl’s chicken breast meat packages. This muscle disorder is characterised by white lines across the breast meat. It is a disease that chickens develop in intensive conditions as a result of being bred to reach slaughter weight in just 6 weeks.Breast meat affected by white striping disease can be up to 224% higher in fat content and lower in protein levels. There is no information available to consumers on the risks of eating meat afflicted by hock burns.


Professor Knight continues: “This report reveals how highly prevalent these conditions are, within UK meat chickens sold in Lidl. The results are chronic suffering for many millions of chickens, and poorer meat quality. The solution is to use slower-growing chicken breeds with more space, as advocated by the Better Chicken Commitment.”The Better Chicken Commitment


Open Cages, alongside leading animal welfare charities, is calling on Lidl to sign up to the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC.) The BCC is a set of RSPCA-backed improved welfare standards signed by hundreds of food businesses across the world.


Chickens raised to the standards of the BCC suffer significantly fewer health issues like hock burns and muscle diseases because they are more active, can grow at a more natural pace and live in more spacious and hygienic conditions.


Open Cages founder Connor Jackson comments: “Despite Lidl’s big claims on transparency and the quality of its food, this report reveals that its chicken meat is in fact riddled with revolting diseases caused by filthy farming conditions and poor welfare. It’s not only animals who are paying the price, but we as consumers too. I hope our report arms consumers with knowledge and helps them make more informed choices about where they shop. Hundreds of companies - from high end retailers to discounters - have signed the Better Chicken Commitment and in doing so have responded to the many problems associated with intensive chicken farming. But Lidl has refused to act, despite half a million people signing the petition. As the largest retailer in Europe, Lidl has a uniquely influential voice and should be leading the way on this. Because with great power comes great responsibility.”


600+ companies such as Marks and Spencer, Waitrose, KFC, Lidl France and Lidl Denmark have signed up to the BCC or parts of it. Every French supermarket has signed up, and every Dutch supermarket will stop selling fast growing chickens by the end of the year.


Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Co-op have committed to adopt improved space requirements for chickens, helping to reduce levels of hock burn.


Lidl has not signed up or taken any meaningful steps to improve the lives of chickens in the UK. Half a million people have signed petitions calling on Lidl to adopt the BCC Europe-wide.


End


Photos from the report can be accessed here.


The full report can be accessed here.


Photos from UK intensive chicken farms can be accessed here.


Please credit Open Cages for all.


About Andrew Knight:Andrew Knight is a veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare, affiliated with the School of Environment and Science at Griffith University, Queensland, where he is an Adjunct Professor. Prof. Knight is also affiliated with the University of Winchester, where he established and directed its Centre for Animal Welfare from 2015 – 2023.


Media contact:


Connor Jackson, CEO & Co-founder


Open Cages


connor.jackson@opencages.org


+447504580011





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https://twitter.com/OpenCagesUK Pressat connor.jackson@opencages.org
http://opencages.org/

Additional Contact(s):
contact@opencages.org

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http://opencages.org/ 29 Feb 2024 12:00:03 GMT Business & Finance Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Food & Drink
<![CDATA[ French School Group enjoy trip to the National Park ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/french-school-group-enjoy-trip-to-the-national-park-48e42e0e5d478ea1ce38a36850726224/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/french-school-group-enjoy-trip-to-the-national-park-48e42e0e5d478ea1ce38a36850726224/ Thursday 29 February, 2024

A group of 50 French students recently participated in a day trip involving a cruise on Loch Lomond to Inversnaid and thereafter a guided walking tour along part of the West Highland Way.


Cruise Loch Lomond accommodated the group for the return trip to Inversnaid and were delighted that the group enjoyed their Loch Lomond experience. Cruise Loch Lomond provide loch cruises for approximately 30 overseas school groups per annum to Inversnaid reserve and the West Highland Way, as well as local school groups to Inchcailloch.


John Urquhart, Chair of the charity Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and expert local guide from Loch Lomond Guides, accompanied the group on the boat trip and led them along a section of the West Highland way north of Inversnaid. John provided information on several different themes, including helping the group to learn about the role of the National Park and also with regard to nurturing and appreciating the environment.


A very enjoyable day was had by all




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Pressat jennifer.plunkett@lochlomond-trossachs.org
https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk
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https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 29 Feb 2024 11:00:02 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Why Not Share the Joy of Reminiscence with Older Adults? ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/why-not-share-the-joy-of-reminiscence-with-older-adults-44ce18b22d0c135545b8a71515581a40/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/why-not-share-the-joy-of-reminiscence-with-older-adults-44ce18b22d0c135545b8a71515581a40/ Thursday 29 February, 2024


Living Memories Online, an innovative UK web portal offering archive films and reminiscence resources, developed by Devon based non-profit Living Memories C.I.C., is helping volunteers to use the joy of reminiscing to help reduce the isolation of older family members, neighbours, care home residents and local communities.


Academic studies show that reminiscence provides cognitive, social, and emotional benefits to older adults, including those living with dementia. It can also help them to build new friendships and reduce loneliness through sharing memories.


Reminiscence activities that incorporate multi-media such as archive films and photographs can be particularly stimulating, along with music, dancing, toys and memorabilia.


The Living Memories Online portal also provides the opportunity for subscribers to create their own collections of favourite films and share them with family members and friends who have also subscribed to the portal, whether they live in the UK or overseas.


Volunteers and activity co-ordinators can help in care and residential homes and help with Tea and Memories reminiscence groups in-person or virtually where older people can view, discuss, and share memories sparked by the archive footage. Volunteers also provide invaluable social contact and mental stimulation to participants.


As one volunteer shared, "It's amazing to watch an older adult who seems withdrawn who lights up when a familiar scene or object from their past comes up on screen. Pretty soon they can't stop talking and engaging with the group."


As a taster on the portal you can watch the following 5 minute video of a care home Tea and Memories Group in action, led by an 85 year old who loves the films and the technology: https://livingmemories.imagencloud.com/record/2550


Brian Norris, Executive Director and Founder of Living Memories C.I.C. explains “ With the support of Imagen for our technology and major national archive collections we created Living Memories Online during the Covid lockdowns and have spent almost two years uploading almost 3000 archive programs and related information, then trialling the portal with care homes and individuals around the UK.


“Just put Living Memories Online into any search engine for a trip back to the 20th century! We provide some Free To View films on the Home Page and are currently offering a free trial period for anyone who signs up for a subscription to our reminiscence service to see if it meets their needs.”


“Many care homes and people without access to wifi already use our award-winning Living Memories DVDs and printed Reminiscence Guides, which can be bought on the Store on the Living Memories website https://www.livingmemoriesonline.com”


Academic studies show that volunteering in general can lead to improved wellbeing, lower rates of depression,give a sense of purpose, and build stronger social ties. As one long-time reminiscence volunteer put it, "Spending time hearing the incredible life stories of older people and watching their joy in reminiscing is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I wish I had chatted more with my parents about their younger lives"


You can learn more about the Living Memories Online portal by visiting livingmemories.imagencloud.com and emailing info@livingmemories.io.




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https://twitter.com/@memotrytriggers Pressat brian.norris@livingmemories.io
https://livingmemories.imagencloud.com

Additional Contact(s):
Alternative phone: 01297 552358
Alternative email: brian.norris@outlook.com
@memorytriggers
Linkedin/in/briannorris1

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https://livingmemories.imagencloud.com 29 Feb 2024 09:41:10 GMT Charities & non-profits Consumer Technology Coronavirus (COVID-19) Environment & Nature Government Health Leisure & Hobbies Medical & Pharmaceutical Men's Interest Women & Beauty
<![CDATA[ Participation Call: Training & Expedition to Polar Regions for Microplastic and Climate Impact Research ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/participation-call-training-expedition-to-polar-regions-for-microplastic-and-climate-impact-research-91045d993ee2e10b35955d7636f739a2/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/participation-call-training-expedition-to-polar-regions-for-microplastic-and-climate-impact-research-91045d993ee2e10b35955d7636f739a2/ Tuesday 27 February, 2024

After a successful pilot year in 2023 as featured on the BBC, the Clean Planet Peninsula project is set to embark on an ambitious and visionary 3-year journey. Building on last year's success, the Clean Planet Foundation invites 25 individuals to join an immersive training course this August 2024 in the UK.


 In 2025 and 2026, selected participants from this training group will travel with the project to the Arctic and Antarctic to undertake scientific research and further training. This opportunity is open to anyone* who can demonstrate a distinct interest/focus relating to microplastic or climate science and can show how undertaking research in the polar regions will help benefit the global understanding of these critical environmental issues, contributing to worldwide conservation efforts.


The Clean Planet Foundation are privileged to be collaborating once again with the distinguished UK polar explorer Antony Jinman, the 12th Briton who skied solo in both the North and South Poles and the UK Polar Network (UKPN), the charity that represents early career polar scientists within the UK, alongside other partners from academic institutions (and beyond) who will be announced soon.


The project organisers envision this program as a stepping stone, guiding future projects and ensuring a continued legacy of innovation in polar research and environmental conservation. 


The end goal of this project is to provide early-career scientists with practical fieldwork expeditions, enabling research studies to be undertaken in the polar regions- particularly linked to plastic pollution and the impact of climate change.


Multi-Year Program Summary:


Year 1: UK Field course (4th
-9th August 2024)- Princetown within Dartmoor National Park, Devon


25 Participants above 18 who want to acquire important fieldwork skills for research projects in remote areas including polar regions. The course will cover critical field skills, including survival, food preparation, essential hygiene practices with a focus on menstruation, navigation, and more.

Year 2: Arctic Expedition (October 2025):


A shortlist of selected participants from Year 1 will have the opportunity to join an Arctic expedition in 2025, continuing their training in blending field skills and conducting scientific research in both marine and on land.

Year 3: Phase A - Norway/Finland (April 2026)


A further shortlist of selected participants from Year 2 will go on a High Skills training trip to acquire remote weather survival skills in addition to skills for acquiring scientific data under cold weather conditions.

Year 3: Phase B- Antarctica Voyage Expedition (Dec -2026):


The final shortlist of selected participants from the original 25 will become part of the crew for a voyage expedition to Antarctica, acquiring additional skills and conducting meaningful research on microplastics and climate research.


*WHO can apply?


The Clean Planet Peninsula project is looking for research students and early-career scientists from diverse backgrounds who have a project or are about to embark on research that requires fieldwork experience in remote areas including polar regions with research topics related to microplastics and their impact on the environment and climate.


Applicants should be above 18 years old, residents of the United Kingdom, and have a willingness to participate in all phases of the project from 2024 to 2027 to ensure research continuity. The project welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse learning environment. The project intends to keep at least 20% of places available for those who identify as coming from a low-income background. While participation in this program involves travelling to challenging regions, the organisers understand that individuals may have varying physical abilities. The primary concern is the safety and well-being of all participants. The organisers encourage all interested individuals to apply, regardless of their physical abilities. Applicants are asked to consider the physical demands of the course and expeditions, as they can be physically rigorous. However, the commitment to inclusivity means that the organisers are prepared to make reasonable accommodations to ensure that participants with disabilities can fully engage in the program.


If you have any concerns or specific needs related to physical fitness or mobility, please don't hesitate to reach out to.



HOW can you apply?


Interested participants can apply by following the link to the Clean Planet Peninsula project. The application process will be open from February 20th
until May 24th. The link is: https://www.cleanplanet.com/peninsula



Who is sponsoring the project?


The Clean Planet Foundation (CPF) is the lead sponsor of the Clean Planet Peninsula project. CPF is a not-for-profit organization committed to educating and taking action for the sustainable use of plastics and the reduction of carbon emissions. CPF believe in inclusivity and diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. https://www.cleanplanet.com/foundation/


Who is responsible for the logistics?


CPF and course instructors are responsible for delivering the project and organising all necessary logistics for the trips. The project has received detailed feedback from the pilot year in 2023 and is confident in the ability to execute the project efficiently, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.



What does it cost and what am I expected to bring?


The project is run under sponsorship of the Clean Planet Foundation and all core project costs are covered by CPF. You will be required to cover the cost of transport within the UK (e.g. to get to Dartmoor in 2024), however, food, specialist equipment, and any future international travel will be covered by the project. You will be required to bring suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor activities in the UK, however, any polar-related activities will be covered. Those identifying as from a low-income background do have the opportunity to have their UK travel and outdoor clothing covered if they are unable to afford the project without this support.



Where can I learn more?


To learn more about the successful pilot year of the Clean Planet Peninsula project, please visit the link below: https://www.cleanplanet.com/peninsula




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https://twitter.com/CleanPlanetE Pressat hello@cleanplanet.com
https://www.cleanplanet.com/

Additional Contact(s):
Sophie Phelps

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https://www.cleanplanet.com/ 27 Feb 2024 10:02:20 GMT Charities & non-profits Education & Human Resources Environment & Nature
<![CDATA[ Cakes for Apes: Bake Off's Jo Brand and Henry Bird join International Animal Rescue's Campaign To Shine A Spotlight on World Wildlife Day 2024 ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/cakes-for-apes-bake-offs-jo-brand-and-henry-bird-join-international-animal-rescues-campaign-to-shine-a-spotlight-on-world-wildlife-day-2024-7e69d5afdc35be40428363de2e2f2d01/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/cakes-for-apes-bake-offs-jo-brand-and-henry-bird-join-international-animal-rescues-campaign-to-shine-a-spotlight-on-world-wildlife-day-2024-7e69d5afdc35be40428363de2e2f2d01/ Thursday 22 February, 2024

Backed by many well-known faces, IAR's Cakes for Apes campaign aims to raise awareness. Talking about the campaign, comedian and host of the Great British Bake Offs Extra Slice, Jo Brand, said: "Whether you're a business, a teacher or a parent – we need your help to show the next generation how they can take care of our planet and also the deep connection between wildlife, nature and climate. Cakes for Apes is a great opportunity to share International Animal Rescue's message with young people whilst raising some funds to support the animals. We would love you all to take part."


We invite schools to participate in our 'Cakes for Apes' appeal to raise awareness. Get baking, go wild and raise money to save orangutans like Budi, whose journey from captivity to canopies exemplifies the transformative impact of IAR's work. Initially confined to a tiny chicken cage, Budi flourished under the round-the-clock care provided by IAR. Now thriving in forest school, Budi is growing more independent each day, showcasing the tangible impact of rehabilitation and release efforts.


Anyone can sign up for a fundraising pack here: https://www.cakes4apes.org/


If schools wish, they can also take advantage of IAR's educational resources, tailored for assemblies and beyond. These materials aim to empower communities with knowledge, encouraging active participation in conserving wildlife and their habitats. Schools can download the resources for free here: https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/lessons


Former bake-off contestant Henry Bird, whose journey began as a baking enthusiast, has transitioned his passion for creating delectable treats to a broader mission of advocating for animal welfare and environmental conservation. Known for his appearance as the youngest competitor on series 19 of the Great British Bake Off, Henry has embarked on a journey to use his influence to support causes close to his heart. Henry said, "I've always loved animals, the environment, baking and want to make a positive impact. Cakes for Apes gives me a fun way to contribute and raise awareness about the critical need to protect rainforests and the animals that depend on them. It also helps to raise funds to support the animals and educate future generations."


The dedicated team at IAR Indonesia spearheads initiatives to rescue and rehabilitate orangutans, safeguarding orangutan habitats through an extensive landscape conservation project. This initiative involves protecting forests, promoting sustainable farming, reforesting areas, and creating tree corridors to enable orangutans to move freely and safely between protected areas.


Education and outreach programs are pivotal in inspiring change within local communities and worldwide. By fostering awareness and understanding, IAR aims to create a shared responsibility for the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.


WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES:


· RESCUE: Saving animals from suffering


· REHAB: Providing round-the-clock care and rehabilitation


· RELEASE: Facilitating the return of animals to their natural environment


· EDUCATION: Empowering communities with knowledge


· REFORESTATION: Protecting and restoring natural habitats


· PROTECTION: Safeguarding wildlife in their native ecosystems




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https://twitter.com/iar_updates Pressat media@internationalanimalrescue.org
https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org
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https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org 22 Feb 2024 10:59:46 GMT Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Education & Human Resources Environment & Nature Food & Drink
<![CDATA[ Friends “branch out” with the Woodland Trust in the National Park ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/friends-branch-out-with-the-woodland-trust-in-the-national-park-4eb191f0983410d2eeb7749a03e75fa7/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/friends-branch-out-with-the-woodland-trust-in-the-national-park-4eb191f0983410d2eeb7749a03e75fa7/ Wednesday 21 February, 2024

Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Chairman, John Urquhart, donned his waterproofs recently to spend the day participating with other volunteers in the Woodland Trust’s tree planting exercise at Glen Finglas estate, part of the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve. On the day, the second phase of the planting was completed, putting in 200 hazel and 70 oak trees. In an area of 0.33ha, a total of 150 oak trees and 500 hazel trees will be planted on a west facing slope on generally well drained mineral soil, with the area having been stock fenced prior to planting. All planting stock is grown from seed sourced on the estate and aftercare will involve manual bracken/weed control in late May and July/August as required.


The Friends hope to establish links with conservation bodies in the National Park and are looking forward to working with the Woodland Trust again in the future. Indeed, there are plans afoot to hold a volunteer “Make a Difference Day” to assist with more tree-planting on the estate towards the end of this year.



Friends “branch out” with the Woodland Trust in the National Park




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Pressat jennifer.plunkett@lochlomond-trossachs.org
https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk
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https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 21 Feb 2024 17:28:13 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Unlock secrets of ‘astounding pangolins’ in beautiful children’s animation, with plea to keep them safe ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/unlock-secrets-of-astounding-pangolins-in-beautiful-childrens-animation-with-plea-to-keep-them-safe-0f5ad5528d1f0ab998834e8193b407af/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/unlock-secrets-of-astounding-pangolins-in-beautiful-childrens-animation-with-plea-to-keep-them-safe-0f5ad5528d1f0ab998834e8193b407af/ Friday 16 February, 2024

With a call for daring heroes and an invitation to adventure, TRAFFIC introduces a heartwarming animated story on pangolins and the trafficking threat that imperils them in celebration of World Pangolin Day (Sat 17 Feb).


The Astounding Secret Pangolin animation is based on the picture book of the same name by UK-based illustrator Jeanette Ward, and author and book designer Mary Hays. It tells of the pangolin’s scales being both an armour and a vulnerability; the reason it is sought by poachers and traffickers.


Pangolins are believed to be the most trafficked mammal in the world. Several species have been hunted to near extinction because of demand for the scales which are wrongly believed to have medicinal properties. TRAFFIC works globally to prevent illegal trade in wild species.Animation, lesson plans, activitiesThe book was brought to life by Malaysia-based animator Faril Izzadi Mohd Noor for TRAFFIC’s Southeast Asia programme office, where he previously served as a graphic designer and continues to volunteer after leaving for the private sector.



The almost four-minute animation is tailored for young students and is designed to be used in tandem with English language and art exercises to showcase the many unique features that make pangolins special.


These lessons and a factsheet for teachers have been designed to help them broach the issue of poaching and illegal trade with a young audience, especially those that live in countries with wild pangolins or where the pangolin may be consumed. Mary first had the idea of the picture book when she heard about the plight of pangolins and approached Jeanette to illustrate it. Inspired by TRAFFIC's work on pangolins, the duo donated the use of the book’s words and images to the organisation.



They worked with TRAFFIC’s Southeast Asia communications team to develop the animation and learning materials that encapsulate the wonder of the species and its fight for survival.


"In 2016 I was looking for an idea for a children’s story when I came across a Cambridge Museum of Zoology fact sheet on Pangolins. Astonished that I’d never heard of this extraordinary mammal, I wondered how to tell, in some respects, this devastating story specifically to children. It needed to be both factual and endearing, and I knew Jeanette would be the perfect illustrator for the task! Her attention to detail and sensitive, empathetic approach has perfectly conveyed both the unique charm of these creatures and their precarious situation. It is fantastic to see it brought even further to life with Faril’s gentle animation," said Hays.


"I loved developing the pangolin characters for Mary’s beautifully written and engaging story. It's wonderful working with TRAFFIC and to play our part in helping young people understand just how important and astounding pangolins really are,” said Ward.


Kanitha Krishnasamy, Director for TRAFFIC in Southeast Asia thanked Hays, Ward and Faril for their masterful work creating the stunning visuals and captivating storytelling, and for choosing to partner with TRAFFIC.


“We hope it ignites curiosity and interest in conservation, in young minds and educators alike,” she said.


Eleanor Hays narrates the video. She takes viewers through descriptions of the pangolin’s one-of-a-kind features and behaviour, the threat of poachers in the forest, and the call for “someone bold and someone caring” to make the forest safe again.


The illustration of a mother pangolin and its pup is inspired by the Sunda Pangolin Manis javanica. It is one of the world’s eight recognized species of pangolin and calls Southeast Asia its home.


The region is not only a major source and consumer of Asian pangolin species but also a destination and transit point for trafficked African pangolin species.


Since 2019, all pangolin species have been prohibited from commercial international trade. Despite this, criminal networks continue to source and traffic pangolins in alarming numbers.


During the decade from 2014 to 2023, more than 2,300 pangolin trafficking seizures were recorded across Asia. A total volume of 419 tonnes of pangolin parts was confiscated, comprising almost 48,500 whole individuals and 319 tonnes of pangolin scales.




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https://twitter.com/TRAFFIC_WLTrade Pressat abbie.pearce@traffic.org
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16 Feb 2024 08:00:02 GMT Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Environment & Nature
<![CDATA[ Spread the word – Excellence in Forestry Awards 2024 are open ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/spread-the-word-excellence-in-forestry-awards-2024-are-open-5d75fc99d740c8219f9b0ceee11968c8/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/spread-the-word-excellence-in-forestry-awards-2024-are-open-5d75fc99d740c8219f9b0ceee11968c8/ Thursday 8 February, 2024

This year the Royal Forestry Society Excellence in Forestry Awards are looking to cast the spotlight on exceptional woods and forestry skills and educational projects across Central and Eastern England.


Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Chief Executive Christopher Williams says: “We know there are incredible woodlands and projects across the region and are excited to hear about them.


“In this era of climate change, it has never been more important to manage our woodlands and forests well. We need to have a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to make sure our landscapes can adapt and that our children and young people understand the important part our woodlands have to play in all our futures.


“This competition will help identify those that are leading the way, and help share their knowledge and experiences more widely across the UK. It recognises woodlands and projects large and small.”


There are five categories.



The Duke of Cornwall’s Award for Resilient Multi-Purpose Forestry
The Bede Howell Award for Excellence in Silviculture
Small and Farm Woodland of the Year Award
Education and Learning Award
Community Woodland of the Year Award

Find details of them all here


Entries are welcome from Royal Forestry Society Members in the counties covered by our Nottingham/Lincolnshire, Midlands, East Anglia and North West Midlands Divisions and from Non Members across the region.


All entries must be received by 30 April.


Awards are sponsored by: Savills, Trees Please, Tilhill, Forestry Journal, Woodland Trust, PEFC and FSC.




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https://twitter.com/royal_forestry Pressat Communications@rfs.org.uk
https://www.rfs.org.uk

Additional Contact(s):
07973 523168

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https://www.rfs.org.uk 08 Feb 2024 11:38:19 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals
<![CDATA[ Texcyle Enterprises adopts sustainability with Bio elastane in the socks industry. ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/texcyle-enterprises-adopts-sustainability-with-bio-elastane-in-the-socks-industry-83a684a23e7760ec9fe6132a255e04d6/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/texcyle-enterprises-adopts-sustainability-with-bio-elastane-in-the-socks-industry-83a684a23e7760ec9fe6132a255e04d6/ Thursday 8 February, 2024

Texcyle, an Indian socks supplier launches ground-breaking bio-elastane socks, pioneering sustainability in the global socks market


Texcyle, a pioneering Indian sock supplier, officially launches into the global market, proudly introducing the first-ever use of Bio-Elastane in the production of socks. Founded in 2023 by Raunak Hasnani, an ambitious entrepreneur with a passion for revolutionising the sock industry, Texcyle is committed to producing 100% organic socks and partnering with brands dedicated to sustainable and ethical practices.


Texcyle's mission goes beyond just providing socks; it aims to eliminate greenwashing claims in the fashion industry by offering a transparent and eco-friendly manufacturing process. The company's unique selling point lies in its dedication to a low carbon footprint, top-notch quality, and customization services.


The socks produced by Texcyle are crafted from a combination of Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, and revolutionary Bio-Elastane, making them pioneers of low carbon footprint socks. The company ensures a sustainable manufacturing process from start to end by sourcing ethical and certified materials. Texcyle has also taken a bold step towards sustainability by eliminating all virgin plastic packaging for shipping and distribution, replacing it with eco-friendly alternatives such as recycled paper, cotton, and compostable plastic.


Texcyle operates on a B2B model, collaborating with eco-conscious retailers, sustainable fashion brands, and companies committed to promoting ethical practices. The company provides custom sock design services, allowing businesses to incorporate their identity while adhering to their sustainability goals.


"What sets Texcyle apart is our unwavering commitment to sustainability, quality, and customization," says Raunak Hasnani, CEO of Texcyle. "We're not just selling socks; we're selling a vision of a greener, more sustainable fashion world. We invite businesses who share our vision to join us in this journey."


Texcyle's dedication to ethical practices and environmental sustainability makes it standout in the socks industry. The company aims to inspire positive change by collaborating with like-minded businesses and individuals who prioritise clean sourcing.


By choosing Texcyle, brands are not only sourcing socks but also doing their share of responsibility. Join the Texcyle movement for a greener future.


For additional information about Texcyle and its sustainable organic socks, please visit: https://texcyle.co/


About Texcyle:


Texcyle is a women-led company based in Rajasthan, India, dedicated to revolutionising the industry.. The company produces 100% organic socks with a focus on sustainability, quality, and customization. Texcyle collaborates with eco-conscious brands and retailers to promote ethical practices in the fashion industry.


For media inquiries, please contact:


Raunak Hasnani, Founder


Phone: +917982201014


Email: outreach@texcyle.co





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Pressat outreach@texcyle.co
https://texcyle.co

Additional Contact(s):
Raunak Hasnani- Founder- 00919783535901

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https://texcyle.co 08 Feb 2024 07:22:01 GMT Business & Finance Environment & Nature Lifestyle & Relationships Manufacturing, Engineering & Energy Media & Marketing Men's Interest Retail & Fashion Women & Beauty
<![CDATA[ Your Park Celebrates Incredible Volunteers at Awards Ceremony ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/your-park-celebrates-incredible-volunteers-at-awards-ceremony-95a3671e356e41902041be649508f7a6/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/your-park-celebrates-incredible-volunteers-at-awards-ceremony-95a3671e356e41902041be649508f7a6/ Wednesday 7 February, 2024

Your Park Bristol & Bath has celebrated its second awards ceremony to honour the incredible park volunteers from across Bristol and Bath.


Your Park Bristol and Bath, a Charity founded in February 2019 as part of the national Rethinking Parks programme, transforms how communities can benefit from and support parks and green spaces. They do this by improving access, supporting nature's recovery, and organising mental health community initiatives. On Saturday 03rd February, Your Park celebrated some outstanding volunteers with a ceremony at the Bristol Beacon. Over 100 volunteers attended the awards ceremony, including smaller community groups which make a huge difference to their local parks.


The awards are split into two sections, each with a small number of categories. Your Park celebrated six individual park volunteers who made an outstanding contribution to their green space and local community. The categories were Bristol & Bath Volunteer of the Year - People aged 25 and over, Bristol and Bath Young Adult Volunteer of the Year - People aged 16-24 years, and Bristol and Bath Young Volunteer of the Year - People aged under 16 years.


Simon, a Youth Worker involved with the Hartcliffe Club for Young People, who were winners of Young Volunteers of the Year Award, said: 

“It was amazing to see this group of young women’s work and patience rewarded. As we had lunch together, they were instantly asking what the next project was and whether we could litter pick the harbour side?”


The second part of the awards, The Community Impact Awards, saw groups of volunteers being recognised for their efforts which fall into three categories: Community Connecters, celebrating projects that have brought people together from all sections of the community, Happy and Healthy, celebrating projects that have improved local people’s health and well-being, and Nature Lovers, celebrating projects that have transformed their park for nature. One park from Bristol and one park from Bath were announced as the winners for each category, alongside the volunteers who made the work possible.


Manor Woods Valley Group, located in Bristol, winners of the Nature Lovers category said: 

“A big thank you everyone for your hard work that has made this possible.”


Finally, shortlisted groups from the Community Impact Awards (Community Connecters, Happy and Health and Nature Lovers) took part in the Community Choice Award, an award where the project with the most votes from their community won £200 towards their work. Redcatch Community Garden, located in Knowle, Bristol, were the winners of the Community Impact Award and have received the park funds. Redcatch Community Garden received 301 votes out of nearly 1000.


Redcatch Community Garden, winners of The Community Impact Award and Community Connectors Award said: “We are absolutely delighted to win two awards. Huge thank you to the individuals and panel who voted for us, we are thankful and grateful for this recognition and motivated to continue all we do for our community.”


The winners of all the awards received vouchers for garden centers and certificates of thanks.


Judy Gowenlock, Awards Manager, said: 

"The awards are about celebrating all that volunteers do, across our cities, for their parks and green spaces. Many residents of all ages and backgrounds give up their free time to make our parks and green spaces more welcoming places to be, places which benefit our health and places which support nature. It has been inspiring and heartwarming to read the nominations for all the individuals and groups and I would like to say a big thank you to them for all that they do. We finally wanted to say a huge thanks to Hargreaves Lansdown for sponsoring the awards.”


Your Park Bristol & Bath works closely with the two local authorities, Bristol City Council and Bath and North East Somerset Council, who are responsible for the upkeep of the 2,000+ hectares of local parks and green spaces, but the charity operates completely independently.”


If you would like to volunteer and make a difference in your community get in touch with Your Park today: www.yourpark.org.uk/get-involved. The event was made possible by sponsorship from Hargreaves Lansdown.






Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
https://twitter.com/yourparkbb Pressat amber@yourpark.org.uk
https://www.yourpark.org.uk/

Additional Contact(s):
Available for interview: Charlee Bennett, Director
charlee@yourpark.org.uk tel: 07807 476346

Amber Fisher, Head of Fundraising
amber@yourpark.org.uk tel: 07518 768699

For further information please contact info@yourpark.org.uk

Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @yourparkBB

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https://www.yourpark.org.uk/ 07 Feb 2024 13:49:24 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Health Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ 66% of surveyed drivers wouldn’t consider buying an EV. ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/66-of-surveyed-drivers-wouldnt-consider-buying-an-ev-90cd15ff99f00116adbf034c4a871bb1/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/66-of-surveyed-drivers-wouldnt-consider-buying-an-ev-90cd15ff99f00116adbf034c4a871bb1/ Tuesday 6 February, 2024

Around two-thirds of non-EV drivers say they will still not be switching to an electric car any time soon. A recent survey conducted by Refused Car Finance shows a number of customers said they would not consider buying an electric car as their next vehicle.


Consumers who did not already own an EV were asked whether they would consider an electric car in the future and a vast majority of these surveyed individuals said they would not. Electric cars are heavily promoted to be better for the environment, cheaper to run and improve fuel efficiency but the survey suggests these incentives are not enough for UK drivers to make the switch. The main concerns for this group of drivers were the cost of buying an EV, the mileage capacity of EVs and the availability of charging points in the UK.


When buying a brand-new EV, the cost to buy can be higher than other models as they use newer, more expensive technology and also are produced in smaller numbers. Consumers do however have the ability to spread the cost of an EV with finance (if they are eligible) or there are many second-hand EVs on the market to take advantage of too.


61% of drivers surveyed were concerned about the electric range of EVs and whether they would spend more time recharging their vehicle than driving it. When asked what they thought the average mileage capacity would be for an electric car in 2024, 40% said between 181 and 240 miles, which happens to be pretty accurate. In 2024, the average mileage of an EV is around 211 miles but can be make/model dependent.


Drivers were also worried about the lack of electric car charging points across the UK and not being able to reach a charger before their mileage ran out. Currently, there are over 53,000 charging points available in the UK, but many drivers are still not convinced it is enough. To help encourage more drivers to adopt an EV and reach their 2025 Net Zero target, the UK government aims to have 300,000 charging points in place by 2030.


Out of the customers surveyed who already owned an EV, 66.7% of those said they were happy with their electric car purchase and petrol and diesel options making no sense to them anymore. In their opinion, the biggest selling point of their EV are low running costs, zero emissions and a better driving experience.


The purpose of this survey conducted by the bad credit car finance broker, Refused Car Finance, was to get an idea of how drivers currently feel about buying and owning electric cars. The 2035 petrol and diesel car ban is still a while off, but it's inevitable drivers will have to invest in an electric car at some point in the future. But is it best to buy now and get ahead of the game? This research suggests some UK drivers are still not yet ready to adopt a zero-emission vehicle.




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https://twitter.com/RefCarFinance Pressat laura@uk-carfinance.co.uk
https://www.refusedcarfinance.com/
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https://www.refusedcarfinance.com/ 06 Feb 2024 14:41:15 GMT Business & Finance Environment & Nature Motoring
<![CDATA[ NSF Research Reveals 72% of Brits Demand Animal Wellness Compliance from Food Companies ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/nsf-research-reveals-72-of-brits-demand-animal-wellness-compliance-from-food-companies-76413ad273c18ab42ffb973e36945053/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/nsf-research-reveals-72-of-brits-demand-animal-wellness-compliance-from-food-companies-76413ad273c18ab42ffb973e36945053/ Tuesday 6 February, 2024

NSF research shows that a significant shift towards ethical consumerism is underway, with a majority of Brits calling for clear animal wellness transparency and compliance from food companies.


Oxford, UK (February 06, 2024) – NSF, the leading global public health organisation, announced today its compelling research findings on UK consumers’ attitudes towards animal wellness and its impact on their purchasing decisions.


The recent study conducted by NSF confirms that British consumers are highly conscious of animal wellness in food production, with a significant majority placing importance on companies demonstrating transparency and compliance in animal wellness throughout their global supply chains. While data from the UK government shows the demand for meat is at an all-time low, British consumer’s demand for ethical consumerism is growing.


“Animal wellness should not be a marginal concern for brands anymore; it’s a defining feature of ethical consumerism that is increasingly impacting purchasing decisions,” said Dr. Elaine Vanier, a veterinarian and the animal wellness program lead for NSF. “Animal wellness is about doing the right thing for the animal and refers to the quality of life experienced by animals in the food supply chain. Including physical and psychological health, living conditions, and how animals are handled and treated. It substantially impacts sustainability, product food safety, and the responsible use of antibiotics and medication. Our research reiterates the weight consumers place on this matter. We are increasingly called upon to support brands committed to putting these values into practice across their entire protein supply chain.”


Key findings from the study include:


68% of UK consumers say animal wellness is either very or extremely important to purchasing decisions.72% of UK consumer said it was very important or extremely important that companies demonstrate consistency and compliance with animal wellness throughout their supply chain.73% declared they are more likely to purchase a product that has been certified for animal wellness by a third party, especially those between the 30-44 age group, who were 87% more likely.Only 13% said they would be unwilling to pay a higher price for products certified for animal wellness.84% expect animal products sold by international brands to comply with animal wellness standards, which rises to over 90% for Brits aged 30-44.Only 3 in 10 said they were very or extremely informed of UK animal wellness standards.

The revelation that animal welfare labels are often misinterpreted underscores a critical need for consumer education. “Our findings highlight a disconnect between consumer perceptions and the real standards behind labels,” Dr. Vanier comments. “Clear, certified labelling is vital to bridge this gap, granting consumers the assurance they seek when making ethical food choices.”


For food manufacturing and agricultural companies, NSF’s research indicates that investing in animal wellness is not merely a moral obligation or marketing trend. It is a strategic imperative that resonates with countless consumers, signalling the arrival of a critical juncture for the industry to align with progressive ethical practices.


“It’s clear that a significant majority of British consumers understand that animal wellness comes at a price, with only 13% reluctant to pay more for animal wellness-certified products. This speaks volumes about the UK’s consumer conscience and their readiness to invest in ethical and sustainable choices,” said Dale Newitt, Director of Supply Chain Food Safety, NSF. “British consumers are sending a powerful message across borders: 84% expect international brands to not just meet but uphold animal wellness standards. This is a clarion call for global players to align with UK standards of animal care or risk losing relevance in this key market.”


NSF encourages retailers, producers, and food brands to embrace independent animal wellness certifications such as NSF GAWS as a robust framework for delivering on the promise of animal wellness. This commitment benefits all parties involved, offering long-term advantages such as reduced antibiotic use, improved feed efficiency, higher yields, and better product grading.


With the growing consumer demand for ethical food production, NSF stands prepared to guide and support the industry with expertise and solutions to advance global animal wellness.


For more information on animal wellness and NSF, visit www.nsf.org.




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Pressat media@nsf.org
https://www.nsf.org/gb/en

Additional Contact(s):
smacewan@nsf.org

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https://www.nsf.org/gb/en 06 Feb 2024 07:05:02 GMT Business & Finance Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Food & Drink
<![CDATA[ Super Ninja Acquires Waspinator ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/super-ninja-acquires-waspinator-49b1138bd6d9bb9805a4678746e757b2/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/super-ninja-acquires-waspinator-49b1138bd6d9bb9805a4678746e757b2/ Friday 2 February, 2024

Ilkley/Gouda – February 2 2024 – Super Ninja, a leading provider of non-toxic pest control solutions, has acquired Waspinator Ltd, the UK-based company renowned for its innovative wasp prevention product, the Waspinator. The Waspinator deters wasps by mimicking a wasp nest.


Key highlights of the acquisition:


Waspinator will complement Super Ninja's existing portfolio of sustainable pest control products, expanding the company's offering and enhancing its ability to protect homes and businesses from wasps without toxins.Super Ninja's distribution network in Europe and Australia will give Waspinator access to a wider customer base.The combined company will benefit from shared expertise to deter pests without chemical agents that are overly used in the pest control category.

“We are thrilled to welcome Waspinator to the Super Ninja family,” said van Vollenhoven, CEO of Super Ninja. “Richard Piddocke, Waspinator’s founder, has built a remarkable company that has established a strong reputation for delivering an effective and environmentally friendly pest solution against wasps. We are excited to leverage Waspinator’s expertise and market position to further strengthen our position in the UK as a leading provider of sustainable pest control solutions.”


Piddocke, who will retire following the acquisition after leading Waspinator for over 15 years, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “I am confident that Super Ninja is the right partner for Waspinator,” he said. “Their strong commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with Waspinator’s values. I am excited to see what the joint venture can achieve in the years to come.”About Waspinator


The Original Waspinator was invented 15 years ago by Richard Piddocke, who was inspired by his own experience with wasps. The Waspinator works by exploiting wasps' territorial instincts. Wasps are highly territorial animals and will fiercely defend their nests from intruders. The Waspinator mimics the appearance of an enemy wasp nest, which causes the wasps to become agitated and avoid the area. This is because wasps perceive the Waspinator as a threat to their colony and will not risk their safety by approaching it. The product has been featured on TV shows like This Morning' TV and BBC Gardeners' World.


About Super Ninja


Super Ninja (trading name of Fruit Fly Ninja B.V., headquarter in Gouda, the Netherlands) is a leading provider of sustainable pest control solutions. The company is committed to using innovative, eco-friendly methods to control pests and protect homes and businesses. Super Ninja’s hero product is the Fruit Fly Ninja, a non-toxic fruit fly trap that mimics the smell of rotting fruit to capture fruit flies. The product is one of the best sold pest control products across the UK and Europe, fueled by bursting nuisance of fruit flies due to the warmer climate.


The combined UK entity will operate under the name Super Ninja Waspinator UK Ltd and will be led by Joost van Vollenhoven, CEO of Super Ninja.




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
Pressat j.vanvollenhoven@superninja.eco
https://superninja.nl/en/
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https://superninja.nl/en/ 02 Feb 2024 08:05:02 GMT Business & Finance Environment & Nature Home & Garden
<![CDATA[ Sex On the Wrong Brain Book, Website Suggest Sexism, Bigotry, and Authoritarianism Can be Reduced With a Simple Lesson in Sex Education ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/sex-on-the-wrong-brain-book-website-suggest-sexism-bigotry-and-authoritarianism-can-be-reduced-with-a-simple-lesson-in-sex-education-598adf41d05ea84b108a77c6fc1c0ff0/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/sex-on-the-wrong-brain-book-website-suggest-sexism-bigotry-and-authoritarianism-can-be-reduced-with-a-simple-lesson-in-sex-education-598adf41d05ea84b108a77c6fc1c0ff0/ Thursday 1 February, 2024

The provocative theory presented in the book “Sex On the Wrong Brain” as well as website and screenplay of the same name suggests recent worldwide increases in racism, misogyny, and anti-democratic extremism blamed on COVID pandemic lockdowns and isolation are fueled by misplaced reproductive energy.



“When the health agencies of New York City and Australian states NSW and Queensland suggested masturbation as a safe sex alternative during the COVID pandemic they should have specified which hand to use,” says author Ard Falten.



Sex on the wrong brain, or SOWB, is presented as a unified theory of thought and behavior based on the simple premise that it makes a difference which hand humans learn sex with. The theory alleges that using the right hand has caused thousands of years of greed, authoritarianism, patriarchy, and war, and is responsible for the mentality that now threatens Earth with global warming.



“COVID-19 was a mass sex on the wrong brain event,” says the author. “Social distancing and lock-downs did what authoritarians always do. Whether it’s Texas or Russia, the Roman or British empires, Nazi Germany, Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, or the Taliban, the underlying purpose to repress sex and control women and reproductive rights is to increase frustration in the right handed men that authoritarian leaders need to serve them.”



According to the theory using the right hand, which is connected to the left brain hemisphere, associates impatient satisfaction-demanding reproductive urges with left brain-dominant thinking that should be patient and objective.



The website claims that when reproductive energy fuels mental processes such as problem solving and logic it pushes for quick easy answers, premature conclusion, and the closure of certainty. It explains that as the need for certainty increases so does the stress and fear caused by sources of uncertainty.



The website points out authoritarianism is closely associated with fear of uncertainty and is sometimes measured with the Uncertainty Avoidance Index. The site introduces the Certainty Deficit Disorder (CDD) as a symptom of sex on the wrong brain and blames it for a wide spectrum of extreme and anti-democratic behavior humans use to reduce and control uncertainty and create certainty. 



The dynamic between certainty and uncertainty is used to explain authoritarianism:



As the need for certainty increases so does fear of sources of uncertainty, such as change, diversity, unpredictability, disorder, and nature.

Authoritarian leaders are required to be certain, confident, decisive, and always right, qualities followers equate with intelligence and strength.
As chaos and uncertainty increase so does the value of the certitude projected by authoritarian leaders and their symbols and organizations.
Authoritarian leaders and ideologies create certainty with order and control and by simplifying the world into binary absolutes such as right and wrong and good and evil, fueling intolerance, bigotry, and extremism.
Complex problems and issues that generate uncertainty, like global warming and immigraton, are typically oversimplified or ignored.
The website claims that associating sex with punishment and guilt helps authoritarians establish thought patterns that redirect reproductive energy to reward and justify creation of non-existent certainty and that can promote deceit, denial, hypocrisy, and sexual dysfunction.

Authoritarians learn to prioritize certainty over truth.


The sexonthewrongbrain.com website explains:



How SOWB increases greed and sexual dysfunction.
Factors that effect SOWB levels include ancestry, gender, libido, frustration, culture, religion, etc.
Why females generally have less SOWB.

That SOWB can worsen with age as SOWB based thought patterns become entrenched and opportunities for real sex diminish.
People descended from older civilizations generally have more SOWB.
People with more SOWB can perceive people with less SOWB as inferior or threatening, contributing to misogyny and bigotry.
Culture, social stratification, discrimination, and religion have been used to increase SOWB.
SOWB can trigger violence and mental health issues.
Why human ancestors evolved from 50% to 90% right handed.
SOWB levels were low for 99% of human evolution but increased significantly in recent centuries as civilizations increased sexual repression.
Evolutionary implications and possibilities for research.


The author suggests understanding the importance of sex on the wrong brain in human thought and history might make artificial intelligence less dangerous.



“Artificial intelligence can reflect human biases and overconfidence. While AIs don’t have hands and reproductive organs, their developers do,” says the author. “Overconfident AIs can be dangerous and that is why uncertainty quantification, or UQ, plays an important role in AI decision making and predictions. AIs can be very certain and very wrong and for medical diagnosis or a self-driving car, for instance, mistakes can be deadly.”



To reach a wider audience the book and a screenplay weave the SOWB theory and implications into a science fiction adventure comedy set in a near future threatened by global warming. The book was reviewed by Simon Barrett: “Yes, I like ‘Sex On the Wrong Brain’ a lot. If you like Douglas Adams and don’t mind a few ‘smutty’ bits, you will enjoy this book.” The screenplay has been selected as a finalist in various contests.



The book Sex On the Wrong Brain is available from major online book retailers, including Amazon.



For more information visit sexonthewrongbrain.com.




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https://www.sexonthewrongbrain.com 01 Feb 2024 03:44:26 GMT Education & Human Resources Entertainment & Arts Environment & Nature Government Health Lifestyle & Relationships Media & Marketing Men's Interest Women & Beauty
<![CDATA[ Revolutionizing Art with Sustainability: Camm Solutions Partners with MemoriesForArt for 3D Printed, Eco-Friendly Astronaut Buddha ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/revolutionizing-art-with-sustainability-camm-solutions-partners-with-memoriesforart-for-3d-printed-eco-friendly-astronaut-buddha-e03076ed68800d75fd63cd7f420aff97/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/revolutionizing-art-with-sustainability-camm-solutions-partners-with-memoriesforart-for-3d-printed-eco-friendly-astronaut-buddha-e03076ed68800d75fd63cd7f420aff97/ Wednesday 31 January, 2024

Hamburg, January 31st, 2024. Camm Solutions (www.camm.org) has developed a globally scalable alternative to plastic and plastic packaging that is fully compostable, biodegradable and recyclable. The patented CAMM material contains zero microplastics, toxins, or eternal chemicals. CAMM has the potential to halve plastic waste globally. UN Organisation UNIDO defined it as global solution for microplastics.


MemoriesForArt (MFA) is a visionary media brand and a global platform for the digitization of art. By leveraging the power of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and an extensive network of art collectors, crypto whales and NFT enthusiasts, MFA aims to provide a unique platform for artists to share their talent with the world (www.memoriesforart.com).


The cooperation starts with a meditating "Astronaut Buddha", symbolizing adventure, mindfulness and sustainability. The astronaut is formed as a physical sculpture out of the CAMM material using a 3D printing process. In addition, MFA will launch the Astronaut Buddha as a Non-Fungible Token.


"We are delighted to partner with MFA," says Nanda Bergstein, Managing Director Camm Solutions. "Our core business is the replacement of conventional plastics in the areas of e-commerce, logistics and packaging. This cooperation offers a wonderful opportunity to use sustainability to appreciate artistic achievements."


Axel Hesse and Matthias Nebus see the cooperation as strategic step towards realizing their vision of a sustainable art world. "Connecting physical and digital art through blockchain technology and NFTs is the beginning. With the use of the CAMM material, we are sending a strong signal for environmental protection in the art world," say the two founders.


The limited edition of the astronaut will be available on the website of www.memoriesforart.com from 29.2.2024.


Contact


Camm Solutions GmbH


Nanda Bergstein


Managing Director


Stadtdeich 2-4, 20097 Hamburg, Germany


+4915171384696


E-Mail: info@camm.org


Web: www.camm.org




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https://www.newsaktuell.de/ 31 Jan 2024 08:59:55 GMT Environment & Nature
<![CDATA[ Hybrid Storage - Looking into Lithium-Ion Capacitors ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/hybrid-storage-looking-into-lithium-ion-capacitors-c5395152eb0b8631b7c1d19449e95696/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/hybrid-storage-looking-into-lithium-ion-capacitors-c5395152eb0b8631b7c1d19449e95696/ Wednesday 31 January, 2024

This new commercially oriented 470-page report finds that lithium-ion capacitors LIC and other battery supercapacitor hybrid BSH energy storage will now become mainstream, headed to being a $10 billion business. It is the most up-to-date, comprehensive report on the subject and it concentrates on the opportunities for value-added materials and device suppliers with much for investors, product and system integrators and others. There is a glossary at the start and terms are explained throughout. Dollars, gaps in the market and benefitting society and lessons from success and failure have precedence over nostalgia and academic obscurity. Nonetheless, a large amount of research and experience from 2023 and 2024 is referenced and interpreted too, so you can dig deeper where you wish.


Pivoting to success


Dr Peter Harrop, CEO of Zhar Research advises, 

“After a false start with lead and nickel versions and concentration on tiny versions for electronics with limited demand at the time, the industry has pivoted to add larger lithium-ion ones for electrical engineering. Incoming technologies particularly need these such as fusion power stations, electric trains, in unmanned mining vehicles, heavy vehicle fast chargers and electromagnetic weapons.”

He adds, 

“Latest versions are better than a simple compromise between supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. For example, they can last longer than the equipment to which they are fitted and provide more than enough power handling yet minimal end-of-life issues – like supercapacitors. Many can now hold electricity almost as long as a lithium-ion battery can achieve yet have ten times the power density and pulse capability. Versions approaching lithium-ion battery levels of energy density are not flammable and need little or no battery management system or temperature control – huge advantages. The flood of new research covered in the report gives assurance of even better to come such as lower cost and no valuable materials needed for most of them.”

The report layout


The Executive Summary and Conclusions is sufficient for those in a hurry. It has all the 30 key conclusions, SWOT appraisals, 42 forecast lines (sub types, by region, by power level, by application and for equipment to which they are fitted 2024-2044. There is a market and technology milestone roadmap 2024-2044, and many new infograms pull it all together, including graphics of the supercapacitor-like and battery-like versions with rationale and pictured examples of success.


The 23-page Introduction starts with the place of battery supercapacitor hybrids in the energy storage toolkit, including BSH replacing batteries in a 2023 e-bike. Learn how energy harvesting and beyond-grid power production create BSH markets and how they are evolving beyond standard formats to widen appeal. The technology is then introduced by comparing BSH internal design to others, how hot topics now include LIB and graphene. Understand BSH voltage, charge retention and ageing issues compared to competition. See BSH competitive position on energy density vs power density and days storage vs rated power return. A table then compared 34 parameters for LIC, Li-ion battery and supercapacitors then you see LIC formats compared with adjacent technologies and further reading.


Covering the technology in depth for each type of emerging BSH begins with Chapter 3. “Future lithium-ion capacitor design and competitive position” (10 pages). Then comes Chapter 4. “Lead-ion, nickel-ion, potassium-ion, sodium-ion, zinc-ion capacitors: design and competitive position” (15 pages) followed by Chapter 5. “Other emerging chemistries for battery-supercapacitor hybrid storage (15 pages)”. Here are BSH using Zeolite Ionic Frameworks ZIF, Metal Organic Frameworks MOF, MXenes and other exotica such as metal alloys and manganese complexes. Where will that all lead? Primarily, these chapters are an appraisal of latest research, including much in 2024. Toxic, flammable, temperature intolerant or short-lived materials, even with good other parameters, will not be acceptable anymore.


Do you want more detail of specifics of the anatomy of a BSH – electrodes, electrolytes and membranes? That requires us to cast the net wider to look at research that is relevant to BSH but not specific to it. That analysis is in Chapter 6. “Emerging materials employed with 2024, 2023 research pipeline analysis” (50 pages) is a much deeper look at the matched active-electrode/ electrolyte and membrane opportunities emerging. The battery electrode is not the emphasis here. There is depth on the many reasons why more adopt graphene yet research in MXenes and metal organics frameworks MOF and actual use of carbon nanotubes is happening. We identify your best opportunities to supply value added materials in future and to create and sell the most successful devices. See the limited research on reducing self-discharge despite the fact that the commercial impact of that would be considerable.


Now come the markets that will earn the big money 2024-2044. Chapter 7 introduces them with “Emerging markets : basic trends and best prospects compared between energy, vehicles, aerospace, military, electronics, other”. It takes only 11 pages because it consists mainly of new infograms, tables and pie charts covering such things as “Market analysis for the six most important applicational sectors” in 6 columns, 5 lines and “Market propositions of the most-promising supercapacitor families 2024-2044” in 6 columns, 3 lines. Another describes largest lithium-ion capacitors offered by 7 manufacturers with 4 parameters and comment.


The market detail then starts with Chapter 8. “Energy sector emerging markets for supercapacitors and their variants” (49 pages), starting with “Overview: poor, modest and strong prospects 2024-2044” and mostly detailing the opportunities in “thermonuclear power”, “less-intermittent grid electricity generation: wave, tidal stream, elevated wind”, beyond-grid power and fast chargers for electric vehicles land and air because all read to the strengths of supercapacitors. See both examples and intentions.


Chapter 9 is 48 pages on “Emerging land vehicle and marine applications: automotive, bus, truck train, off-road construction, agriculture, mining, forestry, material handling, boats, ships”. Chapter 10 at 29 pages is “Emerging applications in 6G Communications, electronics and small electrics” again with compact comparisons and infograms. Chapter 11, “Emerging military and aerospace applications” in 19 pages analysing and comparing key aspects of this rapidly emerging sector demanding all three – CSH, supercapacitor and BSH. For example, electrodynamic and electromagnetic weapons including force field all use supercapacitors and also military hybrid and diesel vehicles because they are not replaced by battery electric as seen on-road because their duty cycles are too demanding. Chapter 12 is 110 pages comparing 116 companies in detail in ten columns plus colour coding and pie charts. The ones making or saying they will make are identified, including which BSH type, and the others are supercapacitor cell and stack makers considering the BSH option.


That is why we suggest that the report, “Lithium-Ion Capacitors & Other Battery Supercapacitor Hybrid Storage: Detailed Markets, Roadmaps, Deep Technology Analysis, Manufacturer Appraisal, Next Successes 2024-2044” is essential reading for investors, value-added materials suppliers, device manufacturers, product and system integrators with much to interest legislators, researchers, users and other interested parties as well.




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Additional Contact(s):
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peterharrop@zharresearch.com

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https://www.zharresearch.com/ 31 Jan 2024 01:31:59 GMT Consumer Technology Education & Human Resources Environment & Nature Manufacturing, Engineering & Energy Opinion Article
<![CDATA[ Advanced Materials and Components Become Fit-and-Forget in 2024 ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/advanced-materials-and-components-become-fit-and-forget-in-2024-bcfddbffe33b556a30f0024d0b695169/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/advanced-materials-and-components-become-fit-and-forget-in-2024-bcfddbffe33b556a30f0024d0b695169/ Tuesday 30 January, 2024

Fit-and-forget is becoming the mantra. New materials are the key to it. Electric vehicles have almost no maintenance because they have less to go wrong and most of the parts last for the life of the vehicle. The so-called More Electric Aircraft EVR progresses a similar change in the sky with small aircraft even going fully battery-electric. That is why Textron, owner of combustion aircraft manufacturers Cessna and Beechcraft, bought Pipistrel that makes battery ones.


New needs drive fit-and-forget


With deep mines becoming unmanned and increased military investment, the need for fit-and-forget parts increasingly beats any worry about up-front cost being greater. Attention to total cost of ownership also drives this. The flood of purchases of large lithium-ion batteries for grid storage to cover the intermittency of wind and solar power is an historical aberration because they only last a few years. Mercifully, replacements such as redox flow batteries RFB and gravity storage lifting blocks are coming along that should last up to 100 years with minimal repair and they even viably store electricity for one month – a new need caused by wind and solar winning. See Zhar Research report, “Long Duration Energy Storage LDES Reality: Materials, Equipment Markets in 35 Lines, Technology Roadmaps, Manufacturers, Winners, Losers, Alternatives 2024-2044”.


Here come hybrid devices with new materials


Where size and weight are a problem, hybrid-RFB combining conventional battery and RFB chemistry and lithium-ion capacitors LIC combining the chemistry of batteries and supercapacitors are now taking off. See LIC in the new hydrogen-supercapacitor trains, fusion power, electromagnetic weapons, mining vehicles, the most rugged, longest-lived e-bike and the fastest chargers for large vehicles on- and off-road. There is a likelihood that those two hybrids – hybrid RFB and LIC - will overtake the fast-growing sales of their origins – the RFB and the supercapacitor – within twenty years. For example, long-life, more reliable hybrid-RFB are selling for grids, microgrids, even some solar houses. Newcomer Supercapacitor Energy Inc competes with LIC stacks for microgrids and solar houses. Goodbye fires and failures.


Meanwhile, both batteries and supercapacitors are themselves being reinvented. Using new materials, the reinvention of energy storage to be more capable and longer-lived spans microwatt-hours to GWh.


Cooling reinvented


Another change is the arrival of solid-state cooling in the face of global warming and vapor compression cooling making cities several degrees hotter, compounding the problem. New materials making all this possible are deeply examined in Zhar Research report, “Solid State Cooling Markets 2024-2044”.


Self-healing, multifunctional materials arriving


To fully understand all these opportunities for added-value materials suppliers and device manufacturers, we must take into account certain other trends. They include self-healing materials where Zhar Research has separate reports on the industrial and healthcare aspects. Also important are multifunctional smart materials with far fewer failure modes and materials with desired properties that were previously unattainable. And it is all taking place in the context of eliminating flammability, temperature constraints, expensive metals and toxicity problems. Trouble-free long life beats the circular economy any day.


Hydrogels reinvented


One example is new hydrogels creating semi-solid batteries, supercapacitors and variants that do not leak or dry out and they are self-healing. See Zhar Research report, “Hydrogels: Future Technologies and Markets 2024-2044”.


Goodbye toxigen issues


Every year, a higher percentage of supercapacitor manufacturers abandon toxic acetonitrile in favour of aqueous electrolytes and the graphene electrodes that work well with them. Graphene increases ac performance, power handling and energy storage capacity. See all these trends and opportunities graphed in Zhar Research report, “Supercapacitor, Pseudocapacitor, CSH and BSH Hybrid Market Forecasts in 26 Lines, 110 Manufacturers Appraised, Deep Technology Analysis, Roadmaps, Next Successes 2024-2044”. For instance, it explains why carbon nanotubes, MXenes metal organic frameworks MOF have become part of this story, some just entering production.


Trend to everyday elements


Every year, a smaller percentage of RFB manufacturers use expensive vanadium in RFB though vanadium versions may still enjoy 20 years more growth. They favour aqueous and other electrolytes that need no expensive electrodes to work well with them. See Zhar Research report, “Redox Flow Batteries: 26 Market Forecasts, Roadmaps, Technologies, 48 Manufacturers, Latest Research Pipeline 2024-2044”.


Battery-free storage


Grid and off-grid storage are partly trending to battery-free for much longer life and storage time. That is just part of the megatrend examined in Zhar Research report, “Battery-Free Electrical Energy Storage and Storage Elimination MilliWh-GWh: Markets, Technologies 2024-2044”.


Solid state cooling


Solid state cooling takes many forms but it mostly involves multifunctional smart materials providing thermal insulation, reflection and radiation together . This increasingly avoids expensive materials, the cost being now in the manufacturing complexity you must tackle. Contrast vapour compression cooling progressing from liquids that damage the ozone layer to ones that cause global warming and now, all-too-often, ones that have toxic breakdown products with cost and life issues remaining.


New electronics materials


In electronics, several trends take us to battery-free devices that are fit-and-forget. Firstly, on-board energy harvesting becomes more powerful due to improved efficiency and multi-mode operation. Secondly, we use loads that need less electricity such as new ultra-low-power integrated circuits and LEDs. Thirdly, we await planned 6G Communications with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer SWIPT that enables user devices to have just fit-and-forget supercapacitors or no storage at all.


New optical materials


New optical materials are increasing in need and supply, not least because telecommunications is moving into THz far infrared, near infrared and visible frequencies. See Zhar Research report, “6G Communications: Terahertz and Optical Materials, Components 2024-2044 with 32 Forecast Lines, Technology Roadmaps”.


In support, electronics and electrics are progressing to new semiconductors and active materials such as plasmonic graphene and chalcogenides for THz frequencies, perovskite-on-silicon for more efficient photovoltaics everywhere and metamaterials. For instance see, the overview Zhar Research report, “6G Communications: Materials and Hardware Markets and Technology 2024-2044”.


Structural electronics


Structural electronics cuts across much of this with researchers progressing such things as supercapacitor aerogel carbon/ carbon fibre fuselages for aircraft down to supercapacitor cases for smartphones.


Sensors


Call them wireless sensor networks LPWAN, IOT or something else but self-powered wireless sensors with drive circuits and transceivers are popping up everywhere. Increasingly that is where they cannot be accessed for maintenance or replacement. Can they become solid smart materials, some even stretchable? See Zhar Research report, “Sensor Markets, Technologies, Companies 2024-2044: By Inputs, Modes, Applications, Patents, Manufacturers, Research, Roadmaps, Forecasts”.


Report availability


The reports can be obtained from www.zharresearch.com and www.Giiresearch.com.




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peterharrop@zharresearch.com

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https://www.zharresearch.com/ 30 Jan 2024 06:00:02 GMT Computing & Telecoms Consumer Technology Education & Human Resources Environment & Nature Manufacturing, Engineering & Energy Opinion Article
<![CDATA[ Tarbet’s “Faerie Bridge” to be replaced following storm damage ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/tarbets-faerie-bridge-to-be-replaced-following-storm-damage-da363c73d0df1a0e858c1d20e72e23cc/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/tarbets-faerie-bridge-to-be-replaced-following-storm-damage-da363c73d0df1a0e858c1d20e72e23cc/ Thursday 25 January, 2024

Tarbet’s “Faerie Bridge”, badly damaged by a falling tree during the recent storms, is to be replaced this Spring thanks to a combination of local volunteer effort, together with funding from the Dr Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Trust. The Friends of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs will supervise the Springtime construction work and act as funding broker.


Friends’ Trustee and Tarbet resident, Duncan MacLachlan, said;


“This has been a great example of what a small rural community can accomplish when people work together. A bridge to cross Tarbet Burn was originally constructed by families on upper Tighloan for them to get to and from the local School, Shop, Post Office and Bus Stops at the A82/A83 Junction. When it fell into disrepair it was fully reconstructed in 2005 by a Training Support Squadron of Sappers from the Royal Engineers, in response to a Services Veteran request. More recently it had its decking and handrails replaced which had begun to rot and was unsafe, so, in a way, the gales have done us a favour, as some dangerous trees have been removed and the old all-timber bridge will now be completely replaced, with a much stronger, modern structure supported on steel joists.”


Local volunteers led by Ian and Kenny Kay are in the process of completing preparatory tree clearing work, so that dismantling the old and reconstructing the new structure, can begin in the next month or two. Experienced Gartocharn based contractor, David McKenzie, will carry out the bridge reconstruction.




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https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 25 Jan 2024 12:50:47 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ The ocean – a climate champion? How to boost marine carbon dioxide uptake ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-ocean-a-climate-champion-how-to-boost-marine-carbon-dioxide-uptake-a25cd1bcbfd04635a9cd6b7a0f1c2aae/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-ocean-a-climate-champion-how-to-boost-marine-carbon-dioxide-uptake-a25cd1bcbfd04635a9cd6b7a0f1c2aae/ Wednesday 24 January, 2024

The new World Ocean Review – available free of charge – synthesizes the current state of knowledge around ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR). It aims to initiate a much-needed debate on whether humankind can and should intervene further in the ocean in order to protect the climate.


What action should we take for the effective mitigation of climate change? Measures to avoid greenhouse gas emissions are surely the main priority – but the truth is that in the coming decades, we will also have to remove large quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it securely. Can – indeed, should – the ocean aid us in this task? The new World Ocean Review (WOR 8) explores this issue with reference to the oceans’ role in the Earth’s carbon cycle and looks at the benefits, risks and knowledge gaps around the main marine carbon dioxide removal techniques. Can and should humankind intervene further in the ocean in order to protect the climate? This eighth edition of World Ocean Review provides some answers. Available from today, it can be ordered or downloaded free of charge from https://worldoceanreview.com/en/.


Hamburg/Kiel. In recent decades, the ocean has absorbed and stored around a quarter of the carbon dioxide emissions caused by human activities and has thus done much to slow down climate change. The purpose of marine carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is to support this natural carbon dioxide uptake by the ocean. Researchers are currently engaged in various projects which investigate the feasibility, costs, benefits, risks and sustainability of these CDR techniques. What is lacking, however, is a broad social debate on whether humankind has any right to intervene in ocean processes for the purpose of mitigating climate change, bearing in mind that it will not be possible to predict all the various risks and consequences from the outset. Opponents of ocean-based CDR point to the already parlous state of the world’s oceans and the lack of knowledge about the consequences of using CDR. But advocates of CDR insist that effective climate action leaves us no alternative and that by using ocean-based CDR, we can claw back the time we need to develop other options for low-carbon living.


In view of the controversy surrounding the issue and the difficult decisions that are likely to arise in the climate process, this eighth edition of World Ocean Review focuses exclusively on carbon dioxide removal (CDR). With input from more than 20 scientists, it describes the urgent need for effective climate action and explains the mechanisms by which the ocean captures carbon dioxide and stores it for long periods. It explores the potential for uptake of carbon dioxide by terrestrial vegetation, discusses why the oceans have become a key focus of the climate debate, and provides a detailed overview of promising ocean-based carbon capture and storage methods: from restoration and expansion of species-rich coastal ecosystems to interventions in marine chemistry (alkalinity enhancement) and carbon storage deep under the ocean floor. And finally, it considers key principles and rules which scientists believe must be put in place if society decides in favour of ocean-based CDR in future.


A contribution to a better understanding of the necessary measures and their impacts


“If the warming of the Earth continues at the present rate, a collapse of nature and society is inevitable. In order to reach our climate target, we must resort to methods which are equally impactful and existential. The truth is that stopping avoidable emissions will not be enough. I very much hope that the new World Ocean Review will help to enhance understanding of the measures that will unfortunately be necessary and raise awareness of their impacts,” says Nikolaus Gelpke, initiator of the WOR project and Managing Director of maribus gGmbH. World Ocean Review is published by maribus gGmbH in partnership with the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM), the Kiel Future Ocean Network and the International Ocean Institute.


“WOR 8 describes measures which can be or are already being implemented, as well as those which should be assessed as options in terms of their benefits and possible risks. All the German marine research institutions and organizations are involved in related projects, proving once again that collaboration among the various marine research disciplines is capable of making fast, deliverable and sustainable contributions to solving a global problem. WOR 8 provides an impressive overview of current research in 2023 and also identifies where there are knowledge gaps so that even more viable recommendations can be made to executive agencies,” Prof. Dr. Ulrich Bathmann, Chair of the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM), writes in his preface.


And as Prof. Dr. Martin Visbeck, Co-Spokesperson of Future Ocean, explains: “The themes addressed in WOR 8 will continue to preoccupy us for many years to come. At the international level, they form part of the climate negotiations towards compliance with the Paris Agreement and are embedded in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which started in 2021 and focuses on the interface between ocean and climate and on the necessary social transformation processes. Research on this topic is therefore future-focused, and the new edition of WOR provides significant impetus for this scientific field.”


World Ocean Review is published every two years in German and English and has a worldwide readership of policy-makers, business and civil society stakeholders with an interest in the topics covered. It provides up-to-date background information on relevant ocean-related issues and is aimed at anyone wishing to have a say on marine conservation and use.


The eighth edition of WOR, entitled The ocean – a climate champion? How to boost marine carbon dioxide uptake, is published today. It can be ordered as a printed copy or downloaded free of charge as a pdf from https://worldoceanreview.com/en/.


Information & Material for editorial teams


Digital copies of World Ocean Review 8, visual materials and social media cards are available here: https://worldoceanreview.com/en/wor-8-press-preview/.


Contact:


Ilona Knufinke


Press and Public Relations


maribus gGmbH


Tel: 0049-40-368076-22


Email: knufinke@mare.de




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https://www.newsaktuell.de/ 24 Jan 2024 06:00:02 GMT Environment & Nature
<![CDATA[ Are seized ivory products safe in Cameroon? New report pushes for revised stockpile management ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/are-seized-ivory-products-safe-in-cameroon-new-report-pushes-for-revised-stockpile-management-30f4872a7c56ef969e8d7cfc1f2f81cb/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/are-seized-ivory-products-safe-in-cameroon-new-report-pushes-for-revised-stockpile-management-30f4872a7c56ef969e8d7cfc1f2f81cb/ Tuesday 23 January, 2024

Leaks from government-held stockpiles, lack of effective methods to track existing stocks, and reoccurring corruption are some of the issues flagged in a new TRAFFIC report that presents what Cameroon must do to stop supposedly safeguarded elephant ivory from entering the black market.


Cameroon's intricate mosaic of habitats, from tropical lowland rainforests to vast mountainous landscapes, is home to an estimated 10,000 elephants. As listed on the IUCN Red List of Threaten SpeciesTM, the Endangered African Savannah Elephant and the Critically Endangered African Forest Elephant are recognised by the country’s Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF), as Class A protected species, the national equivalent to a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Annex I that prohibits trade.


Elephant tusks are upper incisors – the teeth at the back of their mouth – that elephants use to dig for water, debark trees to get to the pulp, and mark their territory. Like humans, elephants are usually right- or left-tusked, and the dominant tusk, called the master tusk, is generally shorter and more rounded at the tip from wear. Elephant tusks continue to be highly sought after for the illegal elephant ivory trade.


However, despite a multitude of Decisions and commitments made by Cameroon’s government, TRAFFIC Central Africa’s report, Establishing a Robust National Ivory Stockpile Management System (NISMS) in Cameroon, reveals the current weaknesses in implementing mandated rules and highlights where improvements must be made concerning the seized products sourced from these threatened species.


“Without Standard Operating Procedures and a centralised system to monitor and maintain the security of ivory after it is confiscated, our investigations found a lack of communication, poorly coordinated actions and low awareness of reporting requirements between government agencies that should be securely storing these illegal items,” said Sone Nkoke, Senior Programme Officer for Central Africa.


While poaching is still a source of illegal ivory products, another worrying source is leakage from government-held stockpiles. Poorly implemented legal processes of ivory stockpile management only add to the fact that these items are kept in locations that lack robust infrastructure and adequate security measures. Essential record-keeping such as consistent codes, photographs, and documents are generally poor or absent altogether.


Concerningly, the report also suggests corrupt administrative, law enforcement or judicial officials may be selling confiscated or otherwise acquired ivory back into black market trade for profit.


“Not only do the potential for leakages of seized ivory highlight integral weaknesses in Cameroon’s monitoring processes, but if products make their way into the black market, it will continue to drive the international demand in consumer countries,” said Denis Mahonghol, TRAFFIC Director for Central Africa.


Cameroon's role in the global illegal ivory trade has been a cause for concern, as highlighted in successive Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) reports presented in CITES meetings.


Since 2014, as requested by the CITES Standing Committee, Cameroon should be actioning a country-specific National Ivory Action Plan to combat the illegal ivory trade, including reporting seizures to ETIS. Yet, disappointingly, during interviews with MINFOF officials, 53% were unaware of this requirement, and only a mere 8% had ever reported an ivory seizure using the ETIS data collection forms.


How can Cameroon stop ivory leaking from government stockpiles?

As the lead governmental authority for ivory stock management, MINFOF must play the principal leadership role in instigating further iterative steps to develop a robust National Ivory Stock Management System (NISMS) in Cameroon. But other agency must also step up their actions.


“A holistic gameplan addressing the full range of human, logistical and financial considerations of a national ivory stock management system needs to be developed to guide operational and financial requirements in a realistic manner, including recurrent expenditure,” said Denis Mahonghol


A significant area of the recommendations highlighted within the report involves holistic updates, review, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as part of a NISMS, including that Cameroon:


Coding and marking
Ensures that all potential sources of ivory have standardised source codes and promote their usage by all other law enforcement agencies in Cameroon.Formalises and standardises manual data collection documentation (or electronic version) and distribute to MINFOF and other Law Enforcement Agencies LEAs.
Reliable ETIS reporting
Ensures that ETIS reporting is built into SOPs and that authorities know their requirements.Identifies the ETIS Focal Point in MINFOF as the recipient of information on all ivory seizure cases.
Upgrade facilities
Systematic reviews all ivory stock storage facilities in Cameroon should be undertaken to assess and upgrade security should be identified.
Best Practice Process Review
Reviews progress towards a registration process and the state of a centralised database and ivory stock registers. Increases awareness and capacity of Law Enforcement Officers to comply with national and international regulations alongside anti-corruption training. Ensures that processes are periodically conducted, especially when ivory stocks are moved, destroyed or otherwise disposed of, as a mandated security feature in stockpile management.

The TRAFFIC report serves as a wake-up call for Cameroon to take immediate action to strengthen its ivory stockpile management system. Working with authorities in neighbouring Gabon, TRAFFIC assisted in implementing similar solutions to ivory stock management, so we know this is possible.


The country must address the identified weaknesses, enhance coordination among government agencies, and implement robust measures to combat the illegal ivory trade. We will soon be working with MINFOF to begin strengthening their Standard Operating Procedures.




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23 Jan 2024 11:00:01 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Farming & Animals Government
<![CDATA[ Bid for Affric & Loch Ness National Park launched ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/bid-for-affric-loch-ness-national-park-launched-20ce38a12a992d1c4ad810d40d721ff9/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/bid-for-affric-loch-ness-national-park-launched-20ce38a12a992d1c4ad810d40d721ff9/ Friday 12 January, 2024

A bid to nominate Affric and Loch Ness as Scotland’s third national park has been launched, with organisers saying the area’s globally important natural and cultural heritage deserves protection and celebration.


The partnership behind the proposal says the area of the Scottish Highlands is one of the world’s most beautiful places, and national park status would benefit current and future generations.


It would empower local communities, and open up economic opportunities including nature-based jobs, allowing people of all ages to keep living and working in the area, they say.


Strathglass Community Council, supported by a range of partners, is leading the national park nomination, which would include part of Loch Ness and Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Glenmoriston to the south, Kintail to the west and Beauly to the east.


The community council, supported by Government appointed consultants, is seeking stakeholder and community engagement and consultation before submitting its full nomination. A series of local events will be held later this month, and local people and visitors to the area can make their views known via a new website, NewNationalPark.org.


The Scottish Government has promised to create at least one new national park by 2026, and the current nomination process closes on 29 February 2024.


Scottish national parks aim to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of outstanding world-class landscapes with special qualities. National park status also promotes the understanding, enjoyment and sustainable use and development of the area. Local people have a greater say in decisions affecting the park compared with other areas.


The Affric and Loch Ness National Park partnership believes the new national park will promote sustainable tourism and visitor management to an area which includes Glen Affric, a 30-mile nature reserve with ancient Caledonian pine woodland, that is widely regarded as one of the most scenic glens in Scotland.


They say a national park designation will also create sustainable employment and housing opportunities in these rural communities, and provide access to funding and infrastructure to protect and enhance the landscape and improve biodiversity.


The nomination has already attracted support from partners and stakeholders including Trees for Life, UHI Inverness, the Institute for Biodiversity & Freshwater Conservation, Highland Councillors, local community councils and community companies, and local business owners.


Humphrey Clarke, Chair of Strathglass Community Council, said: “We are leading on the nomination process and want to hear and represent the views of local people and stakeholders. We believe Affric and Loch Ness National Park would enable local people to protect and enhance our natural environment for future generations, while providing opportunities for sustainable employment and housing.


“The area is already popular with visitors, providing an important income stream in rural areas, and national park status would provide access to funding and empower local people.”


Steve Micklewright, Chief Executive of Trees for Life, said: “A new national park, centred on Glen Affric and extending to Loch Ness and the west coast, could enable nature restoration on a major scale in this stunning landscape of mountains, glens, lochs and ancient forests – helping biodiversity to recover and locking carbon in trees and peatland to help with the climate crisis.


“The investment that nature recovery will generate, coupled with governance involving local people, could unlock the area’s potential for local communities and visitors alike – creating a vibrant local economy that serves all who live and work in the area. Trees for Life is proud to be a partner in this initiative and is committed to support the proposal as it develops.”


Professor Chris O’Neil, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Inverness, said: “As the local provider of further and higher education, as well as world-class academic research, we strongly support the nomination for Affric and Loch Ness National Park and are delighted to contribute our expertise to the consultation process.


“A national park designation would enhance and protect our natural environment and heritage, and we believe that would advance our own academic and social goals and contribute to the wider wellbeing. We also believe it would help retain and attract young people by creating sustainable employment and housing opportunities.”


For details of forthcoming consultation events, visit NewNationalPark.org.


Ends




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http://www.treesforlife.org.uk 12 Jan 2024 13:21:12 GMT Charities & non-profits Environment & Nature Travel & Tourism