World’s fourth biggest marine sanctuary, Malawi eliminates elephantiasis, illegal trawling app

| Posted on November 16, 2020 |

Photo: Yagerq/Wikimedia Commons (CCO)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about the creation of the world’s fourth biggest marine sanctuary, the elimination of a parasitic disease in Malawi, and how Ghanaian citizens are fighting invasive fishing practices using a unique smartphone app.

Tiny Atlantic island takes giant leap towards protecting world’s oceans

UK overseas territory Tristan da Cunha’s new marine protected area will be fourth largest sanctuary of its kind.

Source: The Guardian

Malawi has successfully eliminated elephantiasis

Just over a decade ago, over 80% of the population in certain parts of the country were infected with the parasitic disease.

Source: Devex

Ghanaians devastated by illegal fishing try hand at citizen sleuthing

Crucial fish stocks could disappear within five years without urgent action, so desperate fishers are using a new smartphone app to log alleged crimes.

Source: The Guardian

New research has resulted in a battery able to power electric cars for over 1,000km

The Dutch-German project trials a new type of technology known as spatial atom layer disposition, and allows the battery to be fully charged within twenty minutes.

Source: Electrive

Researchers are turning an invasive aquatic plant into useful biochar

The C2C biochar destroys weeds, improves soil yield, protects the climate, and generates new sources of income for communities.

Source: Reset

The Australian state of Victoria will make kindergarten free for all in 2021

The new childcare policy aims to help parents and young children whose careers and education have been disrupted by the pandemic.

Source: Global Citizen

The UK has banned the sale of products linked to illegal deforestation

The new law forces businesses to check the source of their materials more carefully, and aims to create more sustainable and ethical trade.

Source: Euronews

An IKEA-style catalogue of DIY adjustments is helping create dementia-friendly homes

Lekker Architects and Lanzavecchia + Wai’s manual is filled with tips and tricks on how to hack the Swedish company’s products to better serve people living with dementia.

Source: Dezeen

Students in Nagaland have built a mini hydropower plant in order to power streetlights

The sustainable development will improve safety at night in Khuzama village.

Source: The Better India

Hard-Knocks restaurant workers are embracing mental wellness

An industry that often celebrates pushing through the pain is turning its focus to mental health.

Source: Reasons To Be Cheerful

Landless Thais are setting up homes in a mangrove forest in a conservation push

A pilot project will allow new residents the right to live in a protected area of Ranong in exchange for a commitment to forest protection, and could be an effective model of conservation.

Source: Thomson Reuters News Foundation