Current Affairs - Environment

NHAI plans to enhance the green cover along National Highways by implementing Miyawaki Plantation, a method known for its rapid growth and biodiversity benefits. This Japanese afforestation technique focuses on creating dense and native forests using indigenous plant species, which are well-suited to local climate and soil conditions. The Miyawaki Plantation method not only accelerates forest growth but also helps in groundwater recharge, acts as a barrier against sound and dust, and promotes ecological restoration effectively.

Tanzania has been excluded by the European Commission (EC) from a conservation grant under its NaturAfrica initiative due to documented human rights abuses associated with the forced eviction of Maasai communities from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo. This decision has implications for conservation efforts in East Africa, particularly concerning the Eastern Rift Savannahs and Watersheds (ERiSaWa) component of the initiative.

The annual climate conference scheduled for November will lay particular stress on "Peace" and "Truce" to enable countries to focus on climate solutions amid ongoing conflicts. This emphasis aims to create a conducive environment for discussions and actions on addressing climate change issues during the conference, which will convene in Baku, Azerbaijan, hosting the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29).

The Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered species, was discovered in substantial numbers during the waterhole census in the National Desert Park, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This finding underscores the importance of conservation measures to protect this majestic bird species from further decline.

The world's first fully biodegradable pen, named the NOTE pen, was launched in India by Saurabh H Mehta from New Delhi. Featuring a recycled paper refill, non-toxic ink, and options of metal, paper, or bamboo exteriors, this innovation aims to address the significant issue of plastic waste generated by billions of discarded ballpoint pens annually.