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From all-women fisheries in Korea and walnut cultivators in Iran: meet age-old food farmers and fishers

Karin Kloosterman
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From all-women fisheries in Korea and walnut cultivators in Iran: meet age-old food farmers and fishers
The subalpine pastures of Andorra
The subalpine pastures of Andorra

A pasture system in Andorra, hay milk in Austria, areas growing chestnuts, white ginger and waxberries in China, flood-spreading gardens and a walnut cultivating region in Iran and an all-female fishery in the Republic of Korea –– these are all among the latest agricultural systems to be recognized by a UN group aiming to preserve and encourage traditional farming and fishing systems around the world. It’s like UNESCO but for food. The designation may help protect and fund such traditional cultures, but the UN groups have very little control in protecting systems, ecosystems and culture around the world.

We understood this when UNESCO heritage sites like Jonah’s tomb (from Jonah and the Whale in the Bible) were blown up in 2104 by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Terrorists went from town to town wiping out Jewish, Christian and other non-Sunni Muslim religious and cultural sites in 2014 and 2015, videotaping their exploits the way in a similar fashion to the Palestinians who joined the Hamas raid on October 7, did to Israelis and foreigners in kibbutzes and at the Supernova dance party. These people will never return and the heritage sites lost forever in the name of extremism.

But the UN says that by recognizing and supporting agricultural systems, this know-how can be passed down from generation to generation, alleviating poverty and giving people a better chance of avoiding a life in violence. The Slow Food movement is doing something in Europe. Read about the Slow Cheese Winners of the World.

Like UNESCO heritage sites, the UN is recognizing sites of agricultural significance. They are called Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) – and are part of a new database created by the UN to recognize and support culturally-rich agricultural practices around the world.

The systems, formally designated during a meeting of the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group taking place in Rome from November 7 to 10 included the first ones to be approved from Andorra and Austria. Meanwhile, additional sites in China, Iran and the Republic of Korea highlight the key role played by Asia’s traditional agricultural practices in food security and combating climate change and biodiversity loss.

Under the flagship programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the selection criteria stipulate that sites must be of global importance, have value as a public good, supporting food and livelihood security, agro-biodiversity, sustainable knowledge systems and practices, social values and culture as well as outstanding landscapes.

“Now over 20 years strong, GIAHS has proven to be a great model for showcasing longstanding practices to render agrifood systems more resilient to climate change,” said Maria Helena Semedo from the FAO.

With the newest addition to the global agricultural heritage systems list, FAO’s worldwide agricultural heritage network now consists of 86 systems in 26 countries around the globe.

Pasture systems in Andorra

The subalpine pastures of Andorra ©Department of Agriculture and Livestock (Government of Andorra)
The subalpine pastures of Andorra ©Department of Agriculture and Livestock (Government of Andorra)

The subalpine and supraforestal pastures of Andorra reflect the longstanding agropastoral system developed in this tiny landlocked country which lies almost 2,000 metres above sea level on average in the Pyrenees mountains. The local population has combined spontaneous pastures and cultivated feeding. This supports the production of livestock, bovines, ovines, horses, on free-range and extensive grazing, which can be traded for other goods and food with the neighbouring regions.

It is based on common lands and shared pastures, with the animals’ owners paying a shepherd or taking turns to protect herds from predators, freeing the rest of the farmers for other tasks.

Hay milk in Austria

Alpine Farming ©ARGE Heumilch
Alpine Farming ©ARGE Heumilch

The production of hay milk, from cattle fed on fresh grass and hay rather than fermented fodder, is as old as the keeping of dairy animals in Europe. Using hay as a nutrient-rich winter feed helps get ruminants through the vegetation-less cold season, thus ensuring the livelihood of farming families.

Hay milk used to make up most of Austria’s milk production but now it accounts for only 15 percent. Austria’s 6,500 hay milk farmers and 60 major processors have come together in the ARGE Heumilch Österreich community. It aims to preserve hay farming and communicate the benefits of this sustainable method so that a fair milk producer price can be obtained in the marketplace.

Chestnut, White Ginger and Waxberry heartlands in China

Kuancheng Traditional Chestnut Eco-Planting System in Hebei Province, China
Kuancheng Traditional Chestnut Eco-Planting System in Hebei Province, China

The Kuancheng Traditional Chestnut Eco-Planting System in northern China’s Hebei Province is located in one of the first and most important areas in China to cultivate chestnuts, dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 CE). A traditional cultivation system with chestnuts as the core together with other crops, medicinal materials, and poultry industries was gradually established.

It forms an important part of the global chestnut variety resource bank and it is rich in cultural content, respecting nature and based on a form of social organisation that promotes agricultural production.

The Tongling White Ginger Plantation System forms an important part of Southern China’s ginger planting area. There are 17 varieties of ginger in the Tongling White Ginger Plantation System, and white ginger is the main variety. Semi-late rice is the main crop for rice cultivation in Tongling, with fewer early-season and late rice varieties. There are 31 main varieties of rice.

Tongling has developed key techniques for ginger plantation including ginger pavilions for seed-preserving and germination-accelerating. There are many processing recipes dating back over nearly 1,000 years such as Salt-pickled Ginger, Sauced Ginger, Sweet-and-Sour Ginger, and Sugared Ginger.

The Xianju Ancient Chinese Waxberry Composite System in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province is in an area where the cultivation of these fruit trees dates back more than 1,600 years, with many villagers tending them in combination with tea, chickens and bees. There are 100,000 farmers in the GIAHS site, of whom 26,000 are engaged in waxberry cultivation, composite planting and breeding, and other related industries.

The site has accumulated a large number of ancient waxberry genetic resources with diverse types and rich varieties. In May 2015, China’s first county-level biodiversity conservation action plan was released by the local government of Xianju County.

Flood-spreading gardens and walnut cultivation in Iran

Gardens of Qazvin Bāghestān
Gardens of Qazvin Bāghestān. The traditional Gardens of Qazvin, called locally “Bāghestān-e Sonnatī” or simply “Bāghestān” are a flood-spreading system that dates back to thousands of years ago, when the city of Qazvin developed. Copyright: Mehdi Motamed

The traditional Gardens of Qazvin, northwest of Iran’s capital Tehran, are a flood-spreading system that dates back thousands of years. Situated in the foothills of the Alborz ranges, the creation of the gardens surrounding the city has protected its inhabitants from floods adapting to and taking advantage of the watershed to produce nuts and local delicacies.

By capturing, redirecting and sharing floodwaters, local communities have been able to cultivate and grow fruits all around Qazvin. Today, the system provides food and employment opportunities for people but also cools the temperature of the city and serves to replenish groundwater tables.

Traditional Walnut Agricultural System in Tuyserkan, Hamedan Province, Islamic Republic of Iran
Traditional Walnut Agricultural System in Tuyserkan, Hamedan Province, Islamic Republic of Iran

The Traditional Walnut Agricultural System in Tuyserkan, Iran is known not just for its walnut orchards but also for its delicacies as well as its landscapes and historical monuments.  Based on family-farming, the cultivation of walnuts supports the livelihoods of a major part of the households in the area.

This cultivation is mainly developed in valleys and is irrigated using water canals designed at different levels and fed mainly by rivers and springs as well as Qanats.  Among the local practices is irrigating walnut trees in the cold and frost season, which farmers believe helps to eliminate pests and diseases.

Unique all-female se women fisheries in the Republic of Korea

all female fisheries Korea
All female fisheries Korea

The Jeju haenyeo fishing practice is a traditional subsistence fishing system predominantly carried out by women. The Haenyeo” (“sea women” in Korean) dive underwater without the aid of breathing apparatus and collect seafood such as disk abalone, horned turban, and sea mustard. They have long been engaged in a half-farming and half-fishery lifestyle.

This system is believed to be the sole fishery globally that is managed solely by women. Its primary purpose is to serve as a source of household sustenance rather than engaging in commercial fishing.The diving skills and traditional wisdom of Jeju haenyeo represent a living social system that has been listed as an intangible world heritage by UNESCO.

Green Power Surge: Australia’s Dual Victory for Economy and Oceans

Bhok Thompson
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Green Power Surge: Australia’s Dual Victory for Economy and Oceans
living ark coral bank rendering outside australia
A plan for a coral reef museum in Australia

Australia is riding the green wave with a discernible shift towards renewable energy, which has not only led to plummeting electricity costs but also serves as a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change.

In a remarkable incident last September, a near-complete demand for electricity in eastern Australia was almost met by renewable energy. For a fleeting half-hour, the nation glimpsed a future where clean energy reigns supreme, marking a pivotal moment in Australia’s energy transition narrative.

The National Electricity Market (NEM) reported that the September quarter saw renewables supplying 38.9% of the total electricity. This uptake of clean energy has precipitated a notable dip in wholesale electricity prices, averaging at $63 per megawatt hour (MWh), a drastic reduction from last year’s $216/MWh during the same period.

This bodes well for households, heralding the prospect of diminished retail energy bills, though a sustained reduction in wholesale prices is necessary to make a significant dent in consumers’ energy expenditures.

Conversely, the traditional stalwarts of Australia’s energy sector, the coal and gas-fired power plants, are feeling the heat. With solar energy peaking during mid-day, the demand for energy from these traditional sources often dwindles, rendering them less competitive.

The burgeoning renewable energy sector is not just a harbinger of economic relief but also a significant stride towards environmental preservation. By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, Australia is making headway in cutting down its greenhouse gas emissions, a critical step in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

This green transition is a ray of hope for marine conservationists. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions bodes well for the embattled Great Barrier Reef, which has been reeling under the devastating impacts of climate change. In particular, the efforts of organisations like the Citizens Of The Great Barrier Reef in preserving this natural wonder, have been amplified with the surge in renewable energy.

The transition to renewable energy also mirrors a global consciousness about the dire need to address environmental challenges. As renewable projects burgeon, the traditional energy market landscape is being reshaped, signalling a future where clean energy is the mainstay.

The ripple effects of this transition extend beyond the shores of Australia. As a microcosm of a global shift, Australia’s journey towards renewable energy serves as a blueprint for other nations grappling with similar energy and environmental challenges.

sydney, Australia, green prophet
Australia is a sustainabilist’s dream. Nature in every city, around every corner

Moreover, the tangible benefits of this green transition underscore the symbiotic relationship between economic development and environmental preservation. It’s a testament to the potential of renewable energy in ushering in a sustainable future, both economically and ecologically.

However, transitioning to a renewable-energy dominated grid is not without its hurdles. The dwindling but still present reliance on black coal and gas pose significant challenges. Moreover, the current infrastructure needs to evolve to accommodate the influx of renewable energy, ensuring reliability and efficiency in energy supply.

The government’s role is indispensable in facilitating this transition through supportive policies, investments in grid infrastructure, and fostering innovation in energy storage solutions to handle the intermittent nature of renewable energy. Additionally, public education on the benefits and necessity of renewable energy is crucial for garnering widespread support for this transition.

In the aftermath of the severe coral bleaching events of 2016 and 2017, triggered by climate change, the urgency to find solutions became apparent. It was during this critical juncture that angel investor and environmental advocate Sandrina Postorino, joined forces with the Citizens Of The Great Barrier Reef team. Through meticulous surveys, they aimed to identify key source reefs—the resilient ones with the potential to rejuvenate the surrounding deteriorating coral reefs. This collaborative effort not only spotlighted the pressing issues facing marine ecosystems but also underscored the pivotal role renewable energy plays in fostering marine conservation, aligning with Australia’s broader narrative of transitioning towards renewable energy for the well-being of its marine life.

The synergy between marine conservation efforts and the rising tide of renewable energy is palpable. As Australia harnesses the sun and wind, the ripple effects resonate through the labyrinth of coral reefs, fostering hope for a vibrant marine ecosystem.

As Australia continues to harness the power of renewables, and individuals such as Postorino take action, the nation is not only inching closer to economic relief but also contributing significantly to the global fight against climate change. The narrative of renewable energy becomes intertwined with the broader goal of preserving the natural world, carving a pathway towards a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

 

A pod of orcas sink another boat, a mid-sized yacht from Poland

Karin Kloosterman
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A pod of orcas sink another boat, a mid-sized yacht from Poland
Orca sinks Polish boat
The Grazie Mama was sunk off the coast of Morocco – attacked by some angry orcas

They say that loose lips sink ships, and for the fourth time in two years, it’s not just lips but orca whales sinking ships. A pod of orcas attacked a sailing boat off the coast of Morocco on Oct. 31 and didn’t stop for 45 minutes until the boat sunk. Luckily the crew sent out a mayday and everyone on board was rescued in time. We wrote about avenging orcas just this past May and see the orcas have struck again.

It wasn’t a Halloween prank, says the company that runs cruises on Grazie Mamma — a sailing yacht owned by Polish cruise company Morskie Mile. Marine zoologists believe that a specific orca was attacked by a fishing boat some years ago. She carries her trauma and has taught other orcas how to help get revenge.

The company announced, “Yesterday in the Strait of Gibraltar early afternoon our yacht was attacked by a herd of orcas. They hit the steering fin for 45 minutes, causing major damage and leakage. Despite attempts to bring the yacht to the port by the captain, crew and rescuers, port tugs and the Moroccan Navy, the unit sunk near the entrance to the port of Tanger Med. The crew is safe, unharmed and safe in Spain.

It’s been reported that orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar have been harassing boats for over three years. Most of them don’t sink.

The orcas (Orcinus orca), also known as killer whales, hit the Polish yacht’s rudder causing major damage, allowing water to enter the hull.

Attacks have been reported as early as 2020, and all come from the Strait of Gibraltar — a narrow strait between Spain and Morocco that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

The attack highlights the intelligence of killer whales.

Killer whales attacking boats, mom and her calf
Orca whales are attacking and sinking ships in the Strait of Gibraltar

Since 2020, this orca pod has been regularly harassing boats believed to be started by White Gladis, a female orca who may have been traumatized by a past boat collision. The whales are becoming better at sinking ships, sinking three boats since 2022. In June a rudder was ripped off a yacht in 15 minutes. We reported earlier how the whales appear to be teaching each other how to maximise damage.

Witnesses have also reported seeing orcas “teach” other individuals how to maximise the damage they cause.

 

Fine art print Lifeline documents Hamas horror – buying one supports a kibbutz

Karin Kloosterman
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Fine art print Lifeline documents Hamas horror – buying one supports a kibbutz

Lifeline print - Kibbutz Reim

“Lifeline” to be hung in every office and school in America; funds raised to rebuild a kibbutz community that terror ripped apart

It was 6:25 in the morning Oct. 7, and Gal-Lee Maroodi’s husband Omer put his ear to the window as dozens of rockets fired from Gaza hit his agricultural village, 3 miles from the Gaza Strip: “We were used to hiding in the safe rooms to protect us from rockets,” says Maroodi, 25, from Kibbutz Reim. “But this time it sounded different because there were rockets raining down on us non-stop. I told him it’s not safe by the window, but coming from a special guerilla unit in the IDF, he told me something doesn’t sound right. He heard AK-47s, machine guns that Israel would never use. He told me to take the baby and run.

Kibbutz Reim houses
Houses destroyed at Kibbutz Reim

“We dodged rockets and sped off down the road, warning others from the community that we are being attacked by terrorists. If we had been two minutes later on the road, we would have been shot,” says Maroodi, whose kibbutz is a community of 400 people that farm and run a factory for laser cut machine parts. Five people from the kibbutz were murdered; there are 6 hostages now in Gaza. She is the spokesperson for Lifeline –– an art print and historical project to document the painful communication between the kibbutz members on Oct. 7. They hope to raise money through sales of the prints to rebuild the kibbutz.

Lifeline Whatsapp messages Kibbutz Reim
Lifeline terror text

They are coming closer. They are in my backyard. Urgent, urgent to Dvir’s house. Daria and Levi are alone. Dvir was murdered. Urgent. Please! Friends, lock the house and stay inside. Urgent, urgent. Please. The children are alone. Please.

These words are a sample from several hours of Whatsapp messages during the morning of the Hamas attack. They are inscribed on a high-quality art print, written in cursive Hebrew by kibbutz member Adi Drimer. She created the unique pattern, a mandala, as a form of therapy after the terror attack and now Kibbutz Reim members are hoping this historical print will be hung in every office, school and community center in the United States and Canada.

Mandala means ‘circle’ in Sanskrit. They are used as a spiritual guidance tool, in meditation or for creating a sacred space. For Kibbutz Reim and Jews everywhere, this mandala will be a symbol of not standing for terror, and as historical evidence that Oct. 7 will never be forgotten. All proceeds raised will go to rebuilding the kibbutz.

Art that is also an historical document

Lifeline, Kibbutz Reim

The name is Lifeline because the WhatsApp group chat was the actual lifeline for kibbutz members each in their own homes. Through the app, they managed to save two kids whose father and partner were murdered right in front of them. It helps the members tell their story: how they warned each other about invaders, about the heroic acts of men who ran through hellfire to rescue children who couldn’t close the door of the bomb shelter –– because their dad’s dead girlfriend’s arm was in the way.

While memories of the horror are still fresh, kibbutz members know they will need to rebuild their homes, and businesses, and Lifeline proceeds will help them do that: to repair factories, rebuild homes and educational centers. Every dollar raised will go towards rebuilding the community ripped apart by fire, grenades, looting and machine gun fire.

Gal-Lee Maroodi, Lifeline
Gal-Lee Maroodi, spokesperson for Lifeline

“It’s a strange situation now because we are terrified about going back to the kibbutz, but we also miss it terribly because it’s our home,” says Maroodi whose home was used as a command center by Hamas. When her husband went back he found blood on the floor, pictures broken. “They went through everything. We heard them through our baby monitor.”

We won’t forget. We won’t let them win.

“It is such a beautiful area and we can’t let them win. If we don’t go back and rebuild the kibbutz, then they’ve won. So we need to rebuild even if it’s painful,” says Maroodi. “ She considers herself lucky as she wasn’t burned out of her safe room or murdered in front of her child:

“We could hear them tormenting people in their homes. Smacking their safe rooms and laughing. Burning their houses waiting for them to come out. One family stayed in the bomb shelter. They said, ‘We’d rather burn to death than, God knows what they will do to us, if we come out’.”

Lifeline is not an easy object to hold but it is essential:  “We must never forget,” says Maroodi. “People risked their lives helping each other here. That’s the beauty of the kibbutz. We are really family. Everyone feels the pain of the other. As a Jew, or even non-Jew standing by our side, Lifeline is art that every single one of us should have; it looks like a fingerprint and it’s to make sure we will never forget Oct. 7,” she concludes.

::Lifeline

Pakistan forces Afghan refugees back to the Taliban

Karin Kloosterman
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Pakistan forces Afghan refugees back to the Taliban
Bulldozer, mud home Pakistan
Pakistan razing the mud home of Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban, 2023 screenshot of video below Radiofree Europe

Millions of Afghans had fled to Pakistan over the years as refugees – some from since the Taliban takeover in 2021, many from decades before. They have built homes and lives in Pakistan, some homes built from mud with their own hands, and believed they would be welcomed to stay, live and continue working in the Muslim-majority country of Pakistan. This past October, according to the BBC, Afghan refugees have have been told it’s time to return to Afghanistan.

Afghan refugee. Many were born in Pakistan but now they are being sent back to the Taliban.
Afghan refugee. Many were born in Pakistan but now they are being sent back to the Taliban. VOA

Pakistan is sending them back to the Taliban terror group, of which they are terrified, and is bulldozing mud homes that Afghan refugees have built over the years.

“I am very sad about leaving my house. I can’t express in words the pain I felt leaving it. Our house was made of mud, and we built it ourselves. I planted many trees there. My neighbours and friends were in tears [when I left] – It’s the cruel government that is making us leave,” says Abdullah, who has a family of 20 people all born in Pakistan, while speaking to the BBC.

Pakistan is conducting a nationwide return of Afghans and others who they say are in the country illegally. A decree was issued at the beginning of October this year that some 1.7 million Afghans must return to Afghanistan. Pakistan has seen an increase of terror attacks, of which they are linking to Afghans. But they are collectively punishing all Afghans for any Taliban involvement.

The United Nations and its aid agencies in Afghanistan posted a message on Tuesday that they urgently need funds to provide “post-arrival” assistance to hundreds of Afghan families returning from neighboring Pakistan daily to avoid arrest and deportation.

“More than 60% of arrivals are children,” a UN coordination agency said in a statement. “Their condition is desperate, with many having traveled for days, unclear of where to return to and stranded at the border.”

The Pakistani government, in early October, ordered the deportation of all foreigners without legal documents, including 1.7 million Afghans, warning those who remained in the country beyond November 1 would be arrested and expelled to their countries of origin.

Badakhshan, AfghanistanPublished on April 16, 2021
Traditional mud house, Badakhshan, Afghanistan, April 16, 2021

The UN refugee agency UNHCR, migration agency IOM, together with children’s agency UNICEF, said they are “deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of children and families affected…and alarmed at the potential consequences of this plan’s implementation.”

Almost 30 million people require humanitarian assistance and 3.3 million are internally displaced inside Afghanistan amidst overlapping crises. According to the UN, since September 15, an estimated 160,000 Afghans have left Pakistan, with 86 percent of families reported fear of arrest as the most common reason for leaving.

According to the AP those that leave Pakistan come with nothing because all their property was seized at the border crossing from Pakistan. There is no food, housing, toilets on their return.

Arshad Malik, country director for Save the Children, said those returning are coming back without education documents, making it difficult for them to continue their learning, as well as lacking the local Afghan languages of Dari and Pashto because they studied Urdu and English in Pakistan.

He warned that child labor in Afghanistan as well as their involvement in smuggling are likely to increase due to poverty as most returning families were among the poorest migrants in Pakistan.

A girl in Kabul, Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, 2021

“Smuggling at Torkham by children was one of the concerns from the past, so the involvement of children in smuggling and illegal goods’ transfer will increase,” Malik said.

According to the UN, Afghans make up one of the largest refugee populations worldwide. There are 2.6 million registered Afghan refugees in the world, of whom 2.2 million are registered in Iran and Pakistan. Some are in the United States, and some are in Europe. According to Canada’s CBC news Canada has welcomed 30,000 Afghan refugees recently.

Another 3.5 million people are internally displaced, having fled their homes searching for refuge within the country. In light of the rapidly deteriorating security situation since the Taliban took over in 2021, the number of people fleeing will likely continue to rise. Meanwhile, the Taliban is visiting Iran looking to cooperate.

The Taliban returned to power in 2021 after capturing Kabul and overthrowing the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, ending the 2001–2021 war. In September 2021 the Taliban re-established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The Taliban government remains internationally unrecognized.

Update Nov 13, VOA reports they can stay until December.

Fight against illegal fishing and bottom sea trawling in the Mediterranean

Karin Kloosterman
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Fight against illegal fishing and bottom sea trawling in the Mediterranean

commercial fishing boat, with nets that trawl and destroy habitats

As officials from Mediterranean countries gather this week for the the UN’s General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) annual session in Croatia. The FAO-based group are working with NGOs urging the adoption of measures that would allow the GFCM to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and cases of non-compliance within its region – a call backed by a legal analysis published this week that shows that GFCM has the competency to impose such measures.

The Mediterranean is being overfished and damaging, illegal trawlers are killing undersea ecosystems. But with the UN’s poor track record in fighting and naming larger issues such as terrorism, it is likely that a UN group will have full faith buy-in for people fighting for fish.

The proposed system under discussion this week – which already exists in other regional fisheries management organisations – would allow the UN-run GFCM group to take action against countries that consistently disregard fishing regulations.

Several organisations of the Med Sea Alliance argue that creating a compliance mechanism is crucial for the Mediterranean’s biodiversity, fish stock recovery, and the communities that rely on marine resources.

fishing nets

“At the moment, the GFCM cannot act when countries systematically fail to follow its requirements on, for example, fleet control or properly reporting on their fishing activities, but with such a system in place, the GFCM could apply measures such as suspending fishing authorisations or requiring increased controls,” said Helena Álvarez, Senior Marine Scientist at Oceana in Europe. “This is a prerequisite for ensuring the survival of the Mediterranean’s unique biodiversity, to support the recovery of fish stocks and the communities that rely on marine resources”.

“The Mediterranean Sea, rich in biodiversity and vital to the livelihoods of countless fishermen, faces persistent challenges”, said Nils Courcy, Senior Jurist, Marine & Mediterranean, at ClientEarth. “Fishing rules and regulations are established through consensus, but implementation and enforcement often fall short. A compliance mechanism can help enforce regulations that prevent destructive fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, which can harm or destroy vital habitats, such as seagrass (Posidonia oceanica). This gap in enforcement endangers shared natural resources and the very existence of the fishermen who depend on them.”

A legal analysis by Professor Tullio Scovazzi – retired former professor of international law at the Universities of Parma, Genoa, Milan and Milan-Bicocca, Italy – and Professor Simone Vezzani, – professor of international and European law at the University of Perugia, Italy – confirms that the GFCM has the competency to impose corrective measures in cases of non-compliance.

The analysis was commissioned by the Med Sea Alliance, a coalition of non-governmental organisations working to improve the health and productivity of the Mediterranean Sea, in response to questions raised during the GFCM Compliance Committee meeting in May 2023 about the compatibility of such a system with international law. The legal analysis concludes that the current lack of a compliance mechanism is not a legal, but rather a political question.

“As this legal analysis shows, the only thing holding back GFCM from effectively dealing with states who don’t follow the rules is a matter of political will,” said Jesús Urios Culiañez, Environmental Justice Foundation’s lead campaigner for the Mediterranean. “This week, GFCM Members have an opportunity to make the meaningful change we need. By establishing a strong enforcement system for the conservation and management of the Mediterranean, they can protect marine ecosystems and support the livelihoods of those who rely on them. They must not let this opportunity slip away.”

In a Call to Action published during the GFCM High-level conference on MedFish4Ever initiatives, several member organisations of the Med Sea Alliance urged GFCM members to create a compliance mechanism, expand vessel tracking and that other tracking measures (AIS) and ensure that that trawl bans in the Mediterranean Sea are fully enforced and complied with to support the recovery of fish stocks and the protection of sensitive habitats.

Is It Possible to Regrow Your Hair?

Bhok Thompson
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Is It Possible to Regrow Your Hair?
Hair serum can be natural or pharmaceutical but great hair often starts with a good diet

Most people are pretty passionate when it comes to their hair. The average person spends countless hours washing, drying, cutting, and styling their locks throughout their lifetime. Unfortunately, your hair isn’t guaranteed to stay luscious and thick just because you take good care of it. Hair loss can happen to anyone at any time. Depending on its underlying cause, it could be mild or severe.

Whether your missing locks are from a genetic condition or excessive stress, you may be wondering what to do next. Is it possible for your hair to grow back like your nails do after you cut them? Or could it be that your condition is permanent and you have to learn how to deal with the new you? The answers to these questions may not be the same for everyone. But here are a few things you should know about available hair loss treatments and their effectiveness for regrowing hair.  

Effectiveness of Available Hair Regrowth Treatments

Over the years, scientists and researchers have tried to “crack the code” to hair loss and regrowth. Through meticulous study and research, they have learned much about the top causes of balding. In response, they have developed products to help combat thinning hair caused by common conditions such as male pattern baldness and telogen effluvium. These products aren’t guaranteed to work for everyone, but they offer hopeful hair regrowth results for many people.

The following list of hair regrowth treatments isn’t a comprehensive one. But it includes some of the most well-known products and procedures available. Learn more about the details and effectiveness of each option. That way, you can make an informed decision about which one you want to try first.

Topical Solutions

Topical hair regrowth products are very popular because they’re effective, easy to use, and often easily accessible. Topical minoxidil is one of the most popular topical solutions for stopping hair loss and stimulating regrowth. It’s FDA-approved and works for many people. When it comes to the effectiveness of topical minoxidil products, concentration can matter. In one study, men who used 5% minoxidil for 48 weeks experienced 45% more hair regrowth than study participants who used 2% minoxidil. Women typically can see fairly decent results with a 2% solution though.

Finasteride is another popular hair loss solution for men. It is available in both oral and topical forms. Many men choose the topical form because it’s associated with fewer side effects. Topical finasteride can help regrow scalp hair by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by up to 75%. DHT is one of the key hormones linked to male pattern baldness. Finasteride often isn’t recommended for women because of the possibility of birth defects.

Supplements

In addition to hair regrowth medications, you also have the option to take nutritional supplements for your thinning locks. Most hair supplements contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, or herbs believed to slow hair loss and promote new growth. Nutrafol and Viviscal are two popular options. Nutrafol contains biotin (a B vitamin), vitamins A and C, and an herb called saw palmetto. Many users report improved hair growth after about six months of consistent use.

Viviscal is another supplement with a similarly good track record. It contains marine collagen, which provides amino acids that the body can use to create hair. Like Nutrafol, it also contains biotin. The body uses this vitamin to produce keratin, which is a key component of hair. A biotin deficiency can lead to hair thinning, so it’s important to supplement with this vitamin if you have hair problems.

Hair Transplants

A hair transplant is a type of surgery that moves hair from one portion of the head to another. It’s also commonly referred to as hair replacement or hair restoration. For many people, hair transplants are a last resort for hair regrowth. They’re more invasive than the other treatments mentioned here. However, they’re also highly effective and offer permanent results.

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is a method that moves a skin flap from the rear of the head to the top areas experiencing thinning. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a method that takes follicles one at a time from one location and implants them to another. When it comes to effectiveness, high-end clinics report that both options have around 99% success rates. However, FUE is often preferred because it’s less invasive and causes less noticeable scarring.

Prosthetics

 Of course, if all other treatments fail, there’s always the possibility of using hair prosthetics. These are wigs or hairpieces that may cover the entire head or only the balding portions. There is nothing wrong with wearing a wig, especially if you’re dealing with irreversible hair loss.

The nice thing about prosthetics is that they are very effective at covering up balding areas. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about spending money on a method that may not end up working well for you.

No matter what’s causing your hair loss, you don’t have to settle for thin or balding hair. Give the hair regrowth treatments above a try. In many cases, taking quick action could be the difference between reversible and irreversible balding. Don’t wait to see if your hair stops falling out on its own. Be proactive to increase your chance of being able to regrow your beautiful locks.

 

Leading lab-grown diamond companies

Green Prophet
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Leading lab-grown diamond companies
Rihanna in 20 carat diamond, Dubai
Shine bright like a diamond, Rihanna loves bling. Here she is in Dubai/AFP

Like Rihanna and celebrities like Lady Gaga, Middle East women love their bling. And diamonds, well the bigger, the sparklier, the better. But what’s a woman to do after she’s told her sheikh boyfriend in Dubai that he can’t keep the pet cheetah? Or the white gold Mercedes running on regular old gasoline? She’s going to have to make new and improved choices when it comes to jewellery. And we don’t mean jewellery made from butterflies or jewels made by bugs.

Blood diamonds, or diamonds mined from countries that use slave labor and low wages to harvest diamonds are out. Vintage diamonds are in, but if you want maximum bling and want to buy a few carats, your best bet in style and cut will be a lab-grown diamond.

My small-town jeweller in Ontario, Canada says that he can’t tell the difference and will only buy lab-grown diamonds after his mined diamond stock runs out. Bigger diamonds are preferred and the biggest, unless you are married to the prince of Saudi Arabia, will be out too. 

Lab diamond on middle eastern background, red nail polish
She wants bling, so make is sustainable and a lab-grown diamond

So we thought to bring you some solid choices from companies around the world who grow their diamonds in a lab. You can shop in person or online for your ring, and some if they know what they are looking for and can be guaranteed a good return policy. Lab-grown diamonds are known by different names: cultured diamonds, man made diamonds, synthetic diamonds are a few. A carat and a half of a synthetic diamond (1.5 carats) starts at $2000 USD, so don’t expect cubic zirconium prices.

We are talking about real diamonds, made in a laboratory under pressure, in a week and a half inside a large appliance with conditions that are just like in nature, but sped up with the help of pressure.

Leading lab-grown diamond manufacturers in the world?

lab grown diamond, Vrai, artificial diamond, synthetic diamond
VRAI is a new diamond retailer selling diamond engagement rings online. They are lab-grown, which means eco, sustainable and cartel-free

Some of the companies that manufacture lab diamonds sell only directly to shops or wholesalers while others sell directly to the consumer. Large and important purchases are probably best made in person, while sizing your ring. But we know that people trust online shopping so the below list includes wholesale companies as well as those who do direct to consumer purchases. 

Clean Origin

Clear Origin is a US based company that lets you customize size, cut clarity, setting and a pile of other things that might be important to you. This company sells directly to consumer and the price range for a round, 1/5 carat in a gold setting is about $1500 USD. 

Vibranium Lab

Vibranium Lab is a London-based company that also does direct to consumer shipping, with a list of customizable details that you can select. The cost for a 1.5 carat round diamond is about $2500 USD. Being in a central hub likes London makes it easier for returns or changes in settings. 

James Allen

James Allen has a really visual site that lets you see a large ranges of diamond cuts, not in illustration format. The US-based company does direct to consumer shipping and custom orders. They are known for variety so if you want to be dazzled go to James Allen.

Blue Nile

Blue Nile is an online jewellery retailer founded in 1999. It is based in Seattle, Washington. As of February 2017, it is a subsidiary of Bain Capital. They mainly lead you to their conflict-free diamonds, with 1.5 carats starting around $5000 USD. But if you dig around a bit you find their expansion into lab diamonds. The series is called Lightbox. 

Ritani

Ritani, from White Plains, NY has a better landing page when you enter than Blue Nile, helping you chose earth-grown diamonds over a lab diamond. Choose your own adventure. 

Diamond Foundry

Diamond Foundry is a producer of lab grown diamonds in San Francisco, California, USA. They have about 120 employees, so it’s an established company. I like their advertising, “compressed greenhouse gas.” Which goes on, “Just diamond. No mining. No carbon emissions. No cartel pricing. 

VRAI

VRAI, which means “real” or “true” or “right” in french, is a fine jewellery brand specialising in ethical, man-made diamonds. Using recycled gold and utilising unusual diamond shapes their modern take on luxury jewellery makes for great heirlooms. In terms of settings, they go for a minimalistic “hipster” feel which I like. They are considered best for premium cuts. Visit a showroom to help you select.

12FIFTEEN

Environmentally superior lab grown diamonds at a fraction of the cost. Welcome to diamonds made simple, says 12FIFTEEN based in Franklin, Wisconsin. 

Pandora

Pandora offers its Brilliance collection, a range of lab-created diamond jewellery, and every piece features a round, brilliant cut gemstone.

Queensmith

Queensmith is a UK-based diamond seller offering lab diamonds as identical to the ones found in nature. 

Noemie 

Noemie diamonds are the best lab grown diamonds if you are looking for delicate styles. 

Lark and Berry

Lark and Berry do classic rings best.

Swarovski

Swarovski is a glass-based company that somehow managed to market crystal, that look like my Polish aunt’s serving chalices, into luxury goods. The company is now expanding into lab-grown diamonds. They are based in Austria.

Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth is one of the leading brands in marketing sustainable or cruelty-free diamonds. Our lab grown diamonds display the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds, and exhibit the same fire and scintillation. 

lab diamond sold on amazon

Have a brand to add? Contact our sustainable luxury editor at [email protected] or enter the name in the comments below. 

 

 

 

Iran’s morality police kill teen for not wearing hijab

Karin Kloosterman
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Iran’s morality police kill teen for not wearing hijab

In this image from surveillance video aired by Iranian state television, women pull 16-year-old Armita Geravand from a train car on the Tehran Metro in Tehran, Iran, October 1, 2023. (Iranian state television
In this image from surveillance video aired by Iranian state television, women pull 16-year-old Armita Geravand from a train car on the Tehran Metro in Tehran, Iran, October 1, 2023. (Iranian state television)

The despotic enforcers of Iran’s “hijab law” have claimed another victim in the name of religion. In a mysterious incident reported a few weeks ago in international press, a young woman Armita Geravand, just 16 was injured going into the Tehran Metro in Iran. She was in a coma for a few weeks and has since died. Her death takes place a year after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini which unleashed a flurry of protests in Iran: Mahsa was taken into custody, sustained injuries in some sort of mysterious way, and then died in the hands of the police not long after. Same story.

A teenage Iranian girl who fell into a coma after she was allegedly assaulted by the country’s morality police for not wearing a headscarf has died, according to Iranian state media.
A teenage Iranian girl who fell into a coma after she was allegedly assaulted by the country’s morality police for not wearing a headscarf has died, according to Iranian state media.

Women who defy Iran’s mandatory headscarf-wearing, or hijab, law is a clear sign that they are unhappy with the Iranian regime. Iran is a theocracy that disappears environmental activists, whistleblowers, journalists (one we interviewed was later disappeared) and people who practice homosexuality. You will even go to jail if you dance in an Instagram or TikTok video in Iran. Or if you try to save lakes, like the protestors working to save Lake Urmia from dying up.

Iran drafted a Hijab and Chastity Bill—which is a draft law consisting of 70 articles—all which would increase  punishments for those seen wearing a “western” dress code, and which challenges the ethics put in place by the Islamic Republic. Increased fines and jail time, and AI cameras to catch the violators is part of the Morality Police code of tools.

Armita Geravand
Armita Geravand

What happened to Geravand when she entered the train on October 1 remains a big question. A friend told a local TV station that she hit her head on the platform, but soundless footage offers no clues and it is likely that those who truly know are afraid of being silenced with a gun –– the same “silencing” that will happen to you in Gaza if you do not comply with the Hamas code, which is rule of the jungle.

TIME offers a great background on the law and how it can be enforced in Iran.

According to the Norway-based human rights group Hengaw which interviewed her two friends, Geravand was assaulted by the morality police for not wearing a head covering. She fell and hit her head and was admitted into the hospital with “severe brain injuries”. The Iranian regime have denied any physical confrontation took place. They said she fainted from low blood pressure, a similar stance taken after Mahsa Amini was murdered for the same offence.

Iran has a thing for policing modesty. If you are a woman in Iran your life can be a nightmare if you choose not to wear the Muslim traditional head-covering called the hijab. You can also go to jail (for 20 years) for dancing on social media.

Iran has a reputation for evaporating people, or for whisking them away and brainwashing them until they lose a part of themselves like the Godfather of blogging Hossein Derakhshan we interviewed in the past –– or Soheil Arabi who was sentenced to death for his Facebook posts.

What the footage did catch is Geravand’s limp body being carried away. Now she is dead for wanting her her free hair to blow in the wind.

Iranian journalist activist Masih Alinejad writes on X: “This regime excels at suppressing and killing women, all while negotiating and forging ties with Western politicians. How many more innocent girls need to perish before Western countries realize that this regime is irredeemable?

“This is the very regime that not only oppresses its citizens but also instigates unrest in Ukraine, Israel, Iraq, and Syria. After decades of atrocities by this totalitarian Islamic regime, the world must finally take a stand and hold them accountable.”

More on Iran’s modesty police:

Death by Modesty Police

Skater Niloufar Mardani threatened for not wearing head covering

Spend 20 years in prison if you dance in public in Iran

AI will find your fre

#mahsaamini

Genomic Sequencing: Colossal Biosciences’ Key Conservation Tool 

Bhok Thompson
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Genomic Sequencing: Colossal Biosciences’ Key Conservation Tool 

coral reefs, free diving
Climate change is heating our seas so less oxygen can be absorbed. What does this mean for reef health and conservation? Can genetic tools help keep what we may lose?

DNA sequencing has long been revolutionizing science and the field of genomics. Since the process was developed in the 1970s, nearly 30 million people have had their genomes sequenced to gain vital insights into their health, such as predispositions to allergies and diseases. Genomic sequencing is instrumental to the future of public health and can even track the proliferation of viruses like COVID-19 and malaria. 

Thanks to advances in science and technology, genomic sequencing has never been more accessible than the present. Today, an entire genome can be sequenced for less than $1,000, leading scientists and ambitious entrepreneurs like Colossal Biosciences’ Ben Lamm to push the envelope of the process’s potential and applications.

Colossal Biosciences’ mission, according to its website, is “Through technological and engineering breakthroughs in biosciences and genetics, Colossal is accepting humanity’s duty to restore Earth to a healthier state, while also solving for the future economies and biological necessities of the human condition.”

Colossal Biosciences: Mitigating the Current Extinction Crisis

dragon tree yemen
The haunting socotra trees in Yemen are at risk

While genomic sequencing has always been known for its benefits to human health care, plants and animals can also have their genome sequenced. In addition to providing vital information such as a species’ evolutionary history and native environment, genomic sequencing may be the key to preventing extinction and even reversing it. This has prompted the creation of a scientific field known as conservation genomics, which uses whole-genome sequencing technology to combat urgent issues plaguing our fauna.

In an effort to mitigate the current extinction crisis (which currently results in up to an estimated 150 species of plants and animals lost each day), several companies around the globe have embraced conservation genomics and the importance of sequencing species and analyzing the data these sequences hold. Colossal Biosciences, the billion-dollar startup well known for its innovative de-extinction projects, is one enterprise heavily invested in conservation genomics and how it can benefit endangered and extinct species.

In addition to Colossal’s project’s reliance on genetic sequencing, Colossal’s co-founder George Church has an extensive history with the process. In 1984, Church pioneered the first direct genomic sequencing method. That same year, Church helped initiate the Human Genome Project, which officially launched in 1990 and generated the first sequence of a human genome. The Human Genome Project took 13 years to complete and remains the world’s largest collaborative biological project.

The Sequence to Predicting Extinction

wildlife conservation, cheetah, endangered species, Iran,
A female cheetah and her kittens

Despite being a relatively new scientific field, conservation genomics is already being used to inform wildlife management decisions and aid endangered (and potentially even extinct) species.

In a study published in Science, researchers from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the University of California, Santa Cruz, found that a species’ vulnerability to extinction can be determined by evolutionary information found in the genomic sequence of just one individual.

According to the study, species with a small population throughout their evolutionary history are more likely to be at risk of extinction, as genomic sequences reveal that these species are more likely to face harmful genetic mutations and have lower diversity.

“These results show that genetic information, even if only from a single individual for a given species, offers immediate, actionable guidance for scientists designing conservation strategies as well as those with boots in the field,” said Aryn P. Wilder, Ph.D., one of the paper’s two lead authors.

This has incredible implications for conservation, as these precursors to endangerment can be spotted by an algorithm that automatically ranks a species’ risk of extinction from “least concern” to “critically endangered.” For species that are understudied and underdocumented, scientists just need to sequence one individual’s genome to determine an entire population’s conservation status and potential management practices.

Genetically Engineering a Species’ Future

Once a species’ conservation status has been determined, scientists can use a fully sequenced genome to make informed genetic modifications. Whether using highly precise gene-editing tools like CRISPR, or tried-and-true breeding processes like artificial selection, genetic modifications to a species help ensure they have the fitness or necessary traits to endure indefinitely. 

In a process known as genetic rescue, scientists can use a genomic sequence to determine which genes are negatively impacting the survival of a species and work to replace those genes with ones beneficial to survival.

Colossal Biosciences: Sequencing the Mammoth’s Revival

an elephant in the safari

Colossal Biosciences is using the genomic sequences of the African and Asian elephants to revive the long-extinct woolly mammoth.

With the help of the Vertebrate Genome Project — a scientific consortium dedicated to generating error-free sequences for all living vertebrate species — Colossal has successfully generated DNA sequences of the Asian and African elephant. 

Not only do these sequences aid in the conservation of endangered species, but they also provide a reference genome for which woolly mammoth DNA can be transferred to create a hybrid species. The woolly mammoth was the first extinct species to have its genome partially sequenced in 2008 after scientists were able to extract hair from two ancient specimens found buried in Siberian permafrost.

Colossal plans to transfer cold-adapted genes found in the woolly mammoth’s genomic sequence into the cells of an Asian elephant, which shares 99.6% of its DNA with the mammoth. Doing so would create a hybrid species functionally equivalent to the mammoth that can be reintroduced as an Arctic keystone species to slow rising temperatures and permafrost melts.

While the team at Colossal Biosciences certainly has their work cut out for themselves, including sequencing as many mammoth specimens as possible for an accurate and gapless genome, developing a reference genome for both elephant species is a significant step toward their goal. 

The Northern White Rhino: A Colossal Emergency 

A de-horned white rhino in Africa

Colossal remains years away from its goal of reviving the mammoth by 2027, but the company continues to use its groundbreaking strategies to protect species in urgent need. One species in desperate need of conservation is the northern white rhino. Not only is the northern white rhino critically endangered, but its entire population consists of only two remaining females, Najin and Fatu, both of which live in a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya.

While some would consider the northern white rhino doomed for extinction, Colossal Biosciences’ recent partnership with BioRescue — a consortium dedicated to saving the species — has revitalized hope. 

Using the principles of genetic rescue, Colossal has created a toolkit for rebounding the northern white rhino that involves sequencing preserved museum samples and specimens to uncover favorable genes no longer found in the living population. Colossal can then insert these genes into embryos created from the species’ two remaining females to establish a genetically diverse population. 

BioRescue has already created 29 viable embryos which can be edited and inserted in a southern white rhino surrogate (the northern white rhino’s sister taxon, or closest relative) to produce northern white rhino calves, which can insulate future herds from disease and prevent potential inbreeding. 

With Colossal and BioRescue working side by side, the pair have high hopes that a healthy new member of the species will be born as early as 2025. In a world on the cusp of its sixth mass extinction event, Colossal Biosciences’ conservation toolkit and innovative use of genomic sequencing are quickly becoming the answer to rebounding endangered species’ populations and reversing elimination. 

Can sea urchin farming restore balance and food diversity in Europe?

Karin Kloosterman
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Can sea urchin farming restore balance and food diversity in Europe?

purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus)
The purple sea urchin is making its way into the Italian diet

In Africa, and even in the Jewish diet at one point in history, when giant locusts took over, people’s diet shifted to deal with the seasonal invasion. You can get a locust recipe from Moshe Basson a Slow Food chef in Jerusalem. As climate change warms up the planet, ecological diversity weakens and invasive species can take over. Some species that may be strong in one area like the sea urchins in the Red Sea, may be weak in another.

In the azure waters surrounding the Italian island of Procida in the Gulf of Naples lies a rich and dynamic marine environment. This is the home of the stony, purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus), an important herbivore, as well as prey for a number of fish, starfish and molluscs. This small and spiky creature regulates the volume of algae and is therefore a key species in keeping intact the dynamics of ecosystems close to the seashore.

As one of the organisms that defines the ecological system in the region, it has also been used as a model in developmental biology and as a means for assessing environmental quality. Sea urchins are sensitive to environmental conditions, and this species has been affected by climate change and pollution. The sea urchin is also considered a culinary delicacy in many countries and faces the additional threat of overfishing in some areas.

However, while some sites are lacking in the species, other areas are experiencing excessive sea urchin populations (like in the Red Sea) that can lead to the depletion of algae and other marine vegetation, so-called sea urchin barrens. These two contrasting situations call for individualized solutions.

How to stop a plague of locusts

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is helping countries and farmers to tackle these two issues. In the one case, the GFCM is creating specific guidelines for restorative aquaculture, concentrating on key species like sea urchins, algae and shellfish, and in the other, it is helping with the removal of urchins and their sale in culinary markets, helping to restore algae populations while enhancing the value of these species.

Conservation through aquaculture

The population of sea urchins in the Mediterranean region has garnered attention. While the species’ status and impacts can differ based on local factors and harvesting practices, conservation efforts are required in certain areas.

In Procida, where sea urchins face overfishing, the GFCM engaged with local producers and researchers to perform underwater sampling, collecting valuable information on sea urchin farming and restocking. This is helping to boost farming of sea urchins, valued for its prized roe, while providing vital scientific guidance for restoring local sea urchin populations.

The GFCM conducted a series of technical consultations with Echinoidea, a small-scale aquaculture facility which was established in Procida in 2016. Echinoidea, in collaboration with the research institute, Anton Dohrn Zoology Centre (Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn), has produced more than 20 000 sea urchin larvae through artificial fertilization at the Procida farm. Once the adults are ready, they are released back into their natural environment to continue growing in an area specifically intended for aquaculture, helping to alleviate the pressures of sea urchin fishing of wild populations.

The GFCM’s Maissa Gharbi says, “Sea urchin aquaculture is a very promising field; yet it is challenging due to the very high mortality rates recorded during early stages of life. Production of sea urchins requires extensive monitoring and attention during the reproduction process.”

Although the Procida initiative still requires further development, it has the potential to become a model for sea urchin farming that could be expanded across the Mediterranean Sea.

“Sea urchin farming is a new activity that combines innovation with the restoration of ecosystems. It must be studied well so that the right models can be proposed for the Mediterranean and Black Sea region,” says Ibrahim Al Hawi, Chairperson of the GFCM Scientific Advisory Committee on Aquaculture.

“Restorative aquaculture leads to improved environmental sustainability and ecosystem services alongside supplying aquatic foods and opportunities for livelihoods,” says Al Hawi.

The GFCM recently produced a booklet with guidelines for sustainable replenishment and called for more intense monitoring of vulnerable species, including sea urchins.

“The main purpose of these guidelines is to support Mediterranean and Black Sea countries in restocking and stock enhancement while preventing harm to biodiversity, natural habitats, ecosystems and related ecosystem services, based on good practices and the best available knowledge,” says Al Hawi.

Restoring balance

In a separate project in Spain, the GFCM is collaborating with Urchinomics, the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda (DACC) in Catalonia and the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), on the restoration of macroalgal forests and seagrass meadows. Sea urchins overgraze these types of marine vegetation. With an overpopulation of sea urchins, which can be caused by organic pollution, overfishing of their predators and phytoplankton productivity, some of these areas have become barren, putting stress on the ecosystem and other species that depend on algae.

The GFCM has supported their removal, so that seaweed and seagrasses may regrow.  These sea urchins are then sold in markets that value them for their roe.

 

Key Factors for Startup Success in 2024

Bhok Thompson
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Key Factors for Startup Success in 2024

Bootstrapping in business, whether you run a tech startup or a brewery, means doing everything you can with your own hands and skills before you pay someone else to do it.

The success of startups in 2024 depends on a dynamic interplay of various factors. These factors, if effectively addressed, can significantly enhance the chances of a startup thriving in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Let’s delve into these critical aspects that entrepreneurs must consider:

Market Research and Validation

In the dynamic and fiercely competitive world of startups, conducting comprehensive market research is akin to possessing a reliable compass that can guide your entrepreneurial journey towards success. As we delve into the year 2024, it becomes abundantly clear that having a brilliant idea alone will not suffice; you must delve deep into the intricacies of your target audience’s psyche and preferences.

Understanding your target audience on a profound level is no longer a luxury; it’s an imperative. You must embark on a quest to uncover their needs, preferences, and pain points. Your startup’s potential for success hinges on your ability to provide a solution that resonates deeply with your customers. In this era of hyper-personalization, the more intimately you understand your audience, the better you can tailor your offerings to cater to their specific desires and challenges.

Technology and Innovation

electric commuter airplane, eiatan, Alice, test flight
Cheaper and more sustainable air travel is brought to you by an all-electric aircraft startup, Eviatan

Innovation isn’t merely a choice; it’s an imperative in 2024, an era where technological progress is the driving force behind success and relevance. Embracing and harnessing technological advancements is not just an option; it’s a necessity if you want your startup to flourish and thrive. In this rapidly evolving landscape, staying at the forefront of innovation is the key to unlocking unprecedented growth and sustainable success.

The contemporary business landscape is characterized by the ever-accelerating pace of change, with technology as the driving catalyst. This means that to remain competitive and to carve out a lasting niche for your startup, you must actively seek opportunities to innovate and adapt. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are the vanguards of this transformative wave, offering exciting possibilities for disruption and value creation.

Insurance Coverage

Navigating the uncertain terrain of the startup world comes with inherent risks. Insurance is an indispensable safeguard to protect your venture from potential setbacks. Understanding the importance of insurance coverage tailored to your specific needs is crucial for your startup’s financial well-being and long-term stability.

Insurance coverage for startups may encompass various types, each designed to shield against different risks:

Liability Insurance: This coverage safeguards your startup from legal claims and financial liabilities. It includes general liability insurance, which shields you from third-party claims, and business negligence coverage, which is vital for service-based startups.

Property Insurance: Property insurance is essential if your startup has physical assets such as office space, equipment, or inventory. It protects against damage or loss due to unforeseen events like fires or natural disasters.

Cybersecurity Insurance: As digital threats become increasingly sophisticated, cybersecurity insurance is a critical consideration. It helps mitigate the financial fallout from data breaches, cyberattacks, and privacy violations.

Specialized Policies: Depending on your industry and business model, specialized insurance policies may be necessary. These can include product liability insurance, key person insurance, or even business interruption insurance, tailored to your specific needs.

Regularly reviewing and updating your insurance policies is just as important as obtaining them initially. As your startup evolves and faces new challenges, your insurance coverage should evolve with it. This ensures that you remain protected from potential risks as your business continues to grow and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the startup ecosystem.

Sustainable Practices

Connected butterfly, blue background
A new app helps consumers and stakeholders trace ESG policies and practices of luxury goods.

Sustainability is no longer a passing trend—it’s a fundamental expectation. Incorporate sustainable practices into your startup’s DNA, from eco-friendly product design to responsible supply chain management. Beyond appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers, sustainability can also set your startup apart in a socially-conscious marketplace.


One of the primary ways to embrace sustainability in your startup is through eco-friendly product design. This means rethinking the materials you use, the manufacturing processes you employ, and the life cycle of your products. By prioritizing eco-friendly materials and production methods, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and minimize environmental harm. Sustainable product design aligns with the values of environmentally-conscious consumers and positions your startup as a responsible steward of the planet.

Adaptability and Agility

The business landscape is constantly shifting. Startups that can adapt to market changes and evolving consumer behaviors have a significant competitive edge. Being agile in decision-making and recognizing when to pivot are crucial traits for success. Stay nimble and open to change.

The concept of agility in decision-making is paramount. It means being proactive in monitoring market trends, consumer preferences, and industry disruptions. Staying informed and remaining attuned to shifts in your business environment is essential for making timely and informed decisions. This proactive stance allows your startup to seize emerging opportunities, address potential threats, and stay ahead of the competition.

Recognizing when to pivot is equally crucial for startup success. Sometimes, despite your best-laid plans, market forces may necessitate a change in direction. Pivoting could involve altering your product or service offering, entering new markets, or adjusting your business model entirely. It’s a strategic shift designed to better align your startup with the evolving demands of your target audience and the marketplace.

Talent Acquisition and Retention

office startup staff learning
Every business, especially green ones, need to organize staff to common goals. Yours may be loftier than others.

Your team is the backbone of your startup. Attracting and retaining top talent is essential. Cultivate a positive work culture, offer competitive compensation packages, and provide opportunities for professional growth. In a competitive job market, having a talented and motivated team is invaluable. Encourage cross-functional skills to ensure adaptability and flexibility within your team.

Customer-Centric Approach

Exceptional customer experiences are no longer a nice-to-have; they’re a must. Continuously gather and act on customer feedback to improve your products or services. Fostering customer loyalty can lead to long-term success and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

Customer feedback serves as the North Star guiding your startup’s growth and development. It provides invaluable insights into your customers’ needs, preferences, and pain points. By actively soliciting and listening to feedback, you can gain a deep understanding of what your customers value most and where your products or services might fall short.

Moreover, customer feedback is a powerful tool for improvement. It not only highlights areas in need of enhancement but also enables you to fine-tune your offerings to align more closely with customer expectations. By acting on feedback, you can refine your products or services, resolve issues, and optimize the overall customer experience.

Digital Marketing and Branding

In the digital age, establishing a robust online presence through strategic digital marketing initiatives is paramount for startup success. A comprehensive branding strategy is your toolkit for setting your startup apart from the competition and creating a distinct identity in the minds of your target audience. This identity is what will make your startup memorable and trustworthy.

Leverage powerful tools like Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and content marketing to enhance your online visibility. SEO ensures that your startup’s website ranks well in search engine results, increasing your chances of being discovered by potential customers. Content marketing, on the other hand, allows you to create valuable and engaging content that not only educates and entertains your audience but also positions your startup as an industry authority.

In today’s digital-first world, having a strong online presence can be a game-changer. It provides you with a global reach, 24/7 accessibility, and the ability to engage with your audience in meaningful ways through various digital channels. Digital marketing and branding are not just optional strategies; they are essential components of building a successful startup in 2024.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Navigating the complex and ever-changing legal and regulatory landscape is a critical aspect of running a startup. To safeguard your business and avoid potential pitfalls, it’s crucial to stay informed about industry-specific regulations and legal requirements that may impact your operations. This includes everything from intellectual property laws to data protection regulations.

Conducting compliance audits helps you proactively identify and address potential legal issues before they escalate into costly problems. Engaging legal experts or consultants who specialize in your industry can provide an additional layer of protection. They can offer valuable guidance on compliance, contracts, and other legal matters, ensuring that your startup operates within the bounds of the law.

Maintaining meticulous legal and regulatory compliance not only minimizes the risk of legal disputes but also builds trust with customers and partners who expect your startup to operate ethically and responsibly.

Networking and Partnerships

Building a strong network within your industry is more than just a social activity; it’s a strategic move that can significantly benefit your startup. Seek out opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, potential mentors, and industry leaders. These connections can provide valuable insights, guidance, and even potential partnerships.

Collaborating with established companies or complementary startups can open doors to new markets and resources that might otherwise be out of reach. Strategic partnerships can lead to joint ventures, shared marketing efforts, and access to a broader customer base.

Networking, both online and offline, is a powerful way to cultivate relationships that can fuel the growth of your startup. Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups to expand your network and stay updated on industry trends and opportunities.

Resilience and Perseverance

The path of a startup is often filled with unexpected challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. Recognizing and acknowledging these obstacles is the first step towards overcoming them. Approach adversity with resilience and perseverance, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Learn from your setbacks and use them as stepping stones toward your long-term goals. Every obstacle you encounter can provide valuable insights and experiences that shape your startup’s trajectory. It’s important to maintain a growth mindset and stay flexible in your approach.

To stay motivated and inspired during tough times, draw inspiration from real-life stories of startups that faced adversity and emerged stronger. These success stories often highlight the power of perseverance, innovation, and unwavering dedication to a vision. Remember that the journey of a startup is a marathon, not a sprint, and resilience is one of the key traits that will see you through to success.

Conclusion

Success in the startup world in 2024 requires a holistic approach. By addressing these key factors—market research, innovation, sustainability, adaptability, talent management, customer-centricity, financial responsibility, legal compliance, networking, and resilience—you can lay a strong foundation for thriving in an ever-evolving business landscape. Embrace change, stay adaptable, and persevere through challenges, and your startup can survive and thrive in 2024 and beyond.

 

Date and Nut Bread: Comfort Food For Parlous Times

Miriam Kresh
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Date and Nut Bread: Comfort Food For Parlous Times

home-made date and nut loaf

Parlous: an old-fashioned word meaning “full of danger or precarious.” And it would be foolish to deny that these are parlous times. The best is to search for ways to stay calm. And for me, one of those ways is to make sure my family eats well, keeping comfort food at the top of the list.

What does comfort food mean to you? My imagination runs to carbs. But there’s little comfort in noshing on mass-produced snacks in cellophane bags that the great junk food manufacturers entice you to buy. Too often we go through a bag of chips, wash it down a soft drink, and afterwards feel shame, or self-disgust.

The solution: put in about half an hour of baking or cooking, and produce your own, hand-made, delicious snacks yourself. You control the sugar and salt in the dish. You adjust the recipe to your own preference. And you’ll congratulate yourself on choosing the smart – not to say economical – way.

I’m fond of old-fashioned food traditions, as well as of old-fashioned words. Here’s a happy word: tea-time. Some of my cookbooks feature old-timey foods like the date and nut bread above; perfect. Nice and carby, but not decadently unhealthy. It has little sugar relative to the rest of the ingredients, and still satisfies that craving for something sweet.

Date and Nut Bread is an easy, home-made baking powder loaf; perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. It takes minutes to whip up, and bakes 40 minutes in the oven while you’re doing something else.

Date/Nut Bread Recipe

Adapted from The Joy of Cooking 1995 edition
Yield: a 9×5” – 23×13 cm. loaf.

Preheat the oven to 350°F – 176°C
Have a medium and a large bowl ready.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter, neutral-flavored oil, or other solid fat of choice
1 egg
1 cup milk of choice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1/2 cup white or brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup pitted, chopped dates or date paste
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1. In medium bowl:
If using a solid fat, melt it gently and let it cool. Pour it into the medium bowl.
Beat the egg into the melted fat or oil.
Beat the milk and vanilla into the egg mixture.
Stir in the melted fat or oil.

2. In large bowl:
Sift together all the dry ingredients.

3. Stir the egg/butter mixture into the dry mix. Beat well to blend thoroughly.

4. Fold in the dates and nuts, lifting the dough several times to distribute them evenly.

5. Bake in a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan for 40 minutes.

Eat it slowly, appreciating your delicious handiwork.

 

 

 

 

Erratic weather makes it ever clearer that Europe must future-proof agricultural sector

Bhok Thompson
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Erratic weather makes it ever clearer that Europe must future-proof agricultural sector

Apples Jewish new year
Apples picked by hand in Europe

Known for their habitual restraint, the Germans rarely resort to hyperbole. Thus, when Germany’s Agricultural Minister, Cem Özdemir, recently remarked that “the climate crisis increasingly turns our harvests into a game of chance,” he wasn’t being melodramatic. Indeed, Özdemir’s assertion is corroborated by Germany’s recently released harvest data; the year witnessed a series of weather extremes, causing marked variations across regions and production sectors.

The report highlighted several factors that made the harvest unpredictable, such as an unusually mild winter in 2022, a spring that began wet and concluded dry, and an arid summer that turned wet just in time to disrupt the harvesting of key crops.

It’s evident that future-proofing the agriculture sector in Germany—and in Europe at large—is an essential and pressing challenge. In Germany, this year’s overall grain yield was 4% below the multi-year average; the harvest was particularly disappointing in the centre and the northeast of the country.

Winter wheat, a primary grain crop, had a yield 3% below the usual. In response to the disappointing results, Özdemir made a compelling observation, stating, “Delaying climate protection and adaptation efforts doesn’t serve German agriculture’s best interests.” This sentiment was mirrored by Joachim Rukweid, President of the German Farmers Association, who noted the palpable impacts of climate change.

farmer field in Germany
A farmer’s field in Germany

While there’s broad European consensus acknowledging that climate change is dealing a devastating blow to the continent’s agriculture, the European Union’s strategy to ‘future-proof’ against looming challenges remains ambiguous.

Legislation in limbo

Concrete policies from the European Commission might be slow in coming, especially given how contentious many agricultural. For a hint at their pace, consider another Commission objective with major impacts on the continent’s agricultural sector: the introduction of front-of-pack (FOP) nutritional labels. The harmonisation of these labels across the bloc, initially planned for 2022, has already been delayed—unsurprisingly, given how divisive the issue has proven, with deep disagreements emerging between member states.

Particular controversy has sprung up over one label in particular, the French initiative Nutri-Score. Once considered the frontrunner for a harmonized FOP label, Nutri-Score’s fortunes have fallen in recent months as its fundamental shortcomings have become evident.

Despite being a relatively new system, Nutri-Score’s algorithm is already on its umpteenth iteration in an apparent attempt to patch a hole on a sinking ship, after countless accusations that the algorithm by which Nutri-Score classifies foods lacks scientific rigour. Simple on paper—Nutri-Score classifies foods from a green A to a red E depending on their apparent nutritional value—some of Nutri-Score’s classifications appear completely irrational and the label has even been banned by the Italian Competition Authority, which dubbed it “misleading” and found that it could cause consumers to eat unhealthy amounts of certain foods.

Agricultural producers across Europe, meanwhile, are up in arms over the controversial label.  They argue that the algorithm behind Nutri-Score, while in theory attempting to provide a holistic view of a product’s nutritional value, often fails to capture the nuances and complexities of traditional European foods. For instance, certain high-fat but nutritionally dense products, like olive oil, may receive a less favourable rating than some processed foods with added sugars and low nutritional content, simply due to their fat content. This can negatively impact the image of traditional and regional specialties that have been part of European diets for centuries. Moreover, producers believe the system could inadvertently encourage consumers to prioritize products with better scores over traditional, wholesome foods, thereby affecting sales and potentially eroding cultural food heritage.

A dangerous labelling obsession?

dr. bronner 18 uses
A Dr. Bronner soap label. They have always been this outrageous.

The Nutri-Score debate is just one example of controversy springing up in the agri-food sector over what seems to be an ever-increasing stable of food labels. Nutri-Score’s home country of France has also concocted the “Eco-Score”, a label intended to describe the environmental impact of food products—supposedly taking into account the entire life cycle of the foodstuff, from its production, to its processing, to its packaging and the logistics of getting it to consumers. Under the Eco-Score system, foods are given scores out of 100—and then, depending on these scores, are put on a green A to red E scale very similar to Nutri-Score.

Like Nutri-Score, however, Eco-Score’s algorithm has come under fire, and the label has been particularly criticized by the organic farming sector. Jan Plagge, head of Europe’s major organic food and farming trade association, IFOAM, has argued that the system could increase customer confusion. “Instead of fighting greenwashing,” Plagge posited, “labelling schemes like the Eco-Score contribute to it. They potentially misled consumers about the organic or non-organic nature of the food products on which they are displayed, and favour products from intensive agriculture”. IFOAM has even brought legal action before Paris courts to try and block the Eco-Score system, claiming that it is “unfair to organic production and deceptive for consumers”. 

Genuine progress on future-proofing goes beyond labels

The challenges faced by Europe’s agricultural sector due to erratic weather patterns underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to future-proof the industry. However, the current focus on food labelling (it’s also on mattresses and all sorts of eco products), as evidenced by the controversies surrounding labels such as Nutri-Score and Eco-Score, suggests a diversion from the core issue. While labels can play a role in informing consumers, they should be scientifically rigorous, transparent, and not mislead or oversimplify complex nutritional and environmental factors.

Slow Food is a food movement in Europe that find the best Slow Cheese in Europe. So many organizations. So many labels. So many movements.

Europe’s agricultural resilience hinges not just on labels, but on holistic policies that address the multifaceted impacts of climate change. It’s imperative to preserve cultural food heritage and ensure sustainable practices across the entire food production chain. As Europe grapples with the tangible effects of climate change on its harvests, it’s crucial that the continent’s strategies prioritize genuine, long-term solutions over superficial measures. The emphasis should be on fostering a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector that can withstand the challenges of the future. 

5 Special Considerations for Senior Pets During Travel 

Bhok Thompson
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5 Special Considerations for Senior Pets During Travel 

travel with old dogs
Your older pet friend needs some special help

As you age, your needs evolve. Your body is usually more prone to injury and less adaptable to change. The same rule applies to your pets. The exact age at which they become senior differs between species, but the extra attention they deserve remains the same. Their joints can wear out, leading to reduced mobility, and their digestion slows down causing weight gain. They may also become clingier as they age, making it harder to leave them alone for too long.

Just like your 80-year-old grandpa, traveling with your senior pet can be a challenge. Start off with a trip to the vet to ensure they are strong enough to travel. Once you get the green light, plan the journey meticulously. Here are five tips you can follow so that your pet enjoys the trip just as much as you do.

1. Choose the Best Route

Whether you’re going by bus, train, or plane, double check the pet policies. Many planes allow smaller pets onboard in pet carriers while larger pets are checked in as cargo. Either way, try to select direct flights to minimize the stress for your furry friend. You could also consider hiring a professional pet transport service to handle the complex logistics for you. You’ll have one less thing to worry about, as your pet is transported door-to-door by a reliable driver. 

Senior pets may get more agitated in closed spaces. Have some practice sessions with them in their carrier, before you travel. Pets may also urinate more as they grow older, so this is something to consider. Car rides may be longer, but they have the advantage of frequent breaks. Your pet can do its business and run around to prevent stiff joints. Make sure to pack some pet toys for them to play with during travel.

2. Pack Smart

Your pet is another family member, so plan for their luggage space too. Although pet food may be available in lots of places, senior pets often don’t like trying new brands. Pack their favorite treats and food. Buy a collapsible water bowl, which won’t take much space but will allow your pet to drink water comfortably. For maximum comfort on the go, explore the pet tech offered by Pet Snowy to automate feeding and manage temperature in the carrier. Keep in mind, the more they drink, the more they pee. So keep extra cleaning supplies on hand too, just in case there’s an accident.

To be on the safe side, keep your pet’s health records with you. Consult with your vet and pack some medications in case your senior pet gets motion sick or anxious. With age, pets become more vulnerable to temperature changes. A blanket should be available in case they’re cold and a cooling mat helps if the weather gets too hot. Keep checking on your pet throughout the trip. Just being there for them may help keep them calm.

3. Maintain Their Routine

Senior pets thrive on routine, so try to stick to their regular feeding and sleeping schedule as closely as possible. Even play sessions and snuggles should be scheduled timely to overcome separation anxiety. Familiar items like toys and treats help strengthen the consistency in their surroundings. They are also much more likely to sleep on time if they have their own bedding.

Maintaining their routine is helpful, but if your pet isn’t eating or starts throwing up, don’t force it. Let them laze around and relax. When you do get to your final location, help them settle in by keeping their routine the same. 

4. Don’t Compromise on Safety

While their comfort is a priority, so is their safety. Older pets may have mobility problems, so keep a ramp or foldable steps to help them climb stairs if needed. Prevent falls or accidents by keeping them in their crate while the vehicle is moving. Larger dogs can be harnessed with a dog seat belt, which may be more comfortable.

Even while they’re stretching their legs during a flight lay-over or a pit stop along your drive, your pet’s safety is paramount. Keep them on a leash as senior pets often get lost in new places. Ensure your pet’s ID tags are up-to-date with your contact information. You can also consider microchipping your pet, so that you are able to locate them if they accidentally wander off.

5. Give them Extra Attention

Travel anxiety is a common phenomenon, and you can’t help but worry about your luggage and travel documents. Keep in mind that your pets sense your vibes. Even if you’re stressed, keep talking to your pet so that they remain calm. Senior pets can react worse to stress. Some older dogs develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which leads to degenerative age-related changes in the brain. Often, this can mean your dog may bark, use the bathroom, or go places it shouldn’t, and it may not mind very well. In such cases, control your own behavior. They’ll often calm down if you do.

If you notice signs of distress, such as excessive panting or restlessness, stop and check on your pet. Give them plenty of water. If they’re adequately hydrated, try to make the environment more comfortable. Open the window, if possible, or put on some music to soothe them. Like blinders help horses, calming caps can block stressful visual stimuli for dogs. The dog can still see, but it dulls their vision and helps them relax.

Ease Into the New Place

Even when you reach your destination, keep up with the familiar objects and routine. Your senior pet may take longer to get over any travel anxiety. Even with their familiar bedding and food, they may still be confused. You may have a busy itinerary, but don’t immediately go off without them.

Traveling with your senior pet requires you to be much more alert and attentive, but it can be worth it. Your pet has been with you for so long, take the time to make special memories with them. Once you’re back home, help them transition again. Once you do, you can continue making memories with your faithful, furry friend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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