In today’s edition of Squirrel News we’re talking about the rising number of Scandanavian type outdoor schools across Southeast Asia, Zambia’s investment and efforts into preserving its wildlife, and 125 German Catholic church employees coming out as queer whilst demanding recognition.
Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Singapore are more introducing the forest school model into their countries. Outdoor education could increase attention spans, physical activity, imaginative play as well as reduce conflicts among children.
Zambian national park reverses extinction threat of vulnerable species
The 4,500 square kilometer large park uses special-intelligence protection units, drones, and ecological data monitoring to protect its wildlife and prevent poaching. The vulnerable black rhino population has more than doubled.
Priests, teachers, volunteers and administrators are demanding the abandonment of institutional discrimination against LGBTQ+ people calling the doctrine outdated.
Nepal hospital trials ‘life-changing’ treatment for leprosy wounds
A year long randomised trial in a joint effort with Birmingham university assesses healing rates of leprocy ulcers. The doctors use a technique involving patients’ own blood cells which could also help those with diabetes.
Australian government purchases rights to Aboriginal flag
The administration stated that the flag can now be freely used on clothing, artwork and other forms of display. The yellow on the black and red stripes represents the sun, the Aboriginal people, and the blood and the earth.
Buoys system helps conserve coral reefs on Egypt’s Red Sea coast
In order to reduce damage done by frequent tourist boats using ankers, the Hurghada Environmental Proction and Conservation Association plants buoys to tie to the boats.
How Norway diminishes its carbon footprint with ultra-sustainable heating
Norway is the leading European country in using heat pumps, with 1.4 million units installed. The heat pumps distribute air through pipes of refridgerated liquids, which warm and then turn into heated gas. Although intitally eyed with scepticism, the heat pumps enjoy great popularity.
India’s startups solve social problems through clean energy innovations
The growing eco start-up sector in India receives government support leading to innovations in desalinisation technologies or agricultural technology powered by solar energy in rural areas.
Cut the cussing: the Indian man on a mission to end sexist swearing
Many swear words in India, as elsewhere, have one thing in common – they target and shame women. Sunil Jaglan wants to empower women and end the culture of profanities.
In a joint effort with the Norwegian eco tech start-up Desert Control, Dubai is using their nano-technology to turn sand into fertile soil. The clay not only irrigates, but also conserves the liquids in the soil.