Marine protected areas are supposed to be safe havens for coral reefs, seagrass, fish nurseries and coastal wildlife. But a new global study suggests that many of them are protected in name only.

Research from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the University of Queensland, published in Ocean & Coastal Management, found that nearly three out of four marine protected areas (MPAs) worldwide are exposed to sewage pollution. In the tropical ocean regions most vital for coral reefs and marine biodiversity, the situation is even worse: between 87 percent and 92 percent of protected areas are contaminated, often at pollution levels ten times higher than nearby unprotected waters.

The study evaluated more than 16,000 marine protected areas globally, and the findings land at an uncomfortable moment. Governments around the world have committed to protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030, under the international “30 by 30” biodiversity target.

But protecting lines on a map means little if polluted wastewater keeps pouring in from land.

Wastewater: used water from homes, businesses and sewage systems, carries nutrients, pathogens and chemicals into rivers and oceans. Those pollutants can fuel harmful algal blooms, weaken coral reefs, damage seagrass meadows and threaten marine wildlife. Scientists have already linked wastewater pollution to coral reef decline around the world and even Alzheimer’s-like brain disease in dolphins.

And this is not just a marine issue. Polluted water is also a human health crisis, contributing to diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever and causing an estimated 1.4 million deaths each year, alongside billions in economic losses.

“What we found was striking,” said lead author David E. Carrasco Rivera, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Queensland. “In region after region, the areas set aside for conservation were actually receiving more pollution than the areas with no protection at all.”

The researchers closely analyzed 1,855 coastal MPAs in six tropical regions, including East Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Coral Triangle, Mesoamerica and the Caribbean, Australasia and Melanesia, and the Middle East and North Africa.

“Even a perfectly managed marine protected area will fail if wastewater keeps flowing in from upstream,” said Dr. Amelia Wenger, WCS Global Water Pollution Lead.

The message is simple: ocean conservation cannot stop at the shoreline. If governments want marine protected areas to actually protect marine life, they need to invest in sewage treatment, land-based pollution control, and smarter coastal planning, before “protected” becomes another empty word.

The question begs to be answered: can private people protect land better than poorly-run government bodies? And ask yourself when you are staying at a tropical resort or visit a nature paradise? Where is all my plastic and poop going?

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If you’ve ever driven through a city without green spaces, you know the feeling. It’s dark, drab, and lifeless. Even the most industrial cities can be revitalized by adding trees, grass, bushes, and planter boxes. Even better, the more outdoor spaces you create in a city, the more likely you are to see people getting out into them. Yes, outdoor spaces are essential to breathing energy into a community. Here’s why:

Playgrounds Are Ideal Meeting Spaces

Parents around the world would likely line up to tell you how lonely it can be to have young kids. Especially if you don’t have friends with kids or family close, sitting at home with your little ones all day often feels isolating. Yet there are few places to go meet other lonely parents out with their kids. Aside from the library, most indoor spaces will charge a fee to hang out and entertain your child. This leaves parents to find local parks, which can be both a refuge and a sanctuary. 

Visit any local park, and you’re bound to find parents lounging on benches while their kids make friends on outdoor playground equipment. Even better, lots of parents actually make friends in parks, too. Some will form meetups and playdates, and you can find droves of toddlers playing in the sand while moms and dads take a break. These outdoor spaces are critical to parents in need of fellowship and commiseration over the trials of keeping tiny humans alive. 

Open Spaces Are Easier for Parents With Kids

In addition to being a great meeting place, outdoor, open spaces are easier for parents struggling to manage kids. Shopping or eating indoors can be a hectic experience for parents, especially of little ones. You constantly have to make sure they’re not breaking something, knocking something over, or screaming. It’s a reality for parents that those without kids, or with grown children, tend to overlook.

Outdoor spaces like parks, hiking trails, and even nature preserves offer parents a bit of a breather from these stresses. So, you’ll often find parents more relaxed and able to engage with other adults while their kids explore playgrounds, nature, or even just an open field. Ensuring you have plenty of these outdoor locations in your city can go a long way toward welcoming people from all walks of life to spend time in shared spaces together. 

Outdoor Events Are Fun

Do you want to revitalize a community? Schedule outdoor events in open spaces in your city. Sure, communities can come together at City Hall for city council meetings. City dwellers might even encounter each other while out shopping in local stores or eating at restaurants. But those experiences can often be negative (fighting over city legislation) or fleeting (waving hi at the bookstore). These aren’t ideal opportunities for building community. 

Outdoor events, in stark contrast, are a great way to bring people together over something fun. A Fourth of July picnic day, a Day of the Dead festival, or a Christmas tree lighting are all experiences that tend to spark joy in attendees. They’re a great chance to get people to chat about local happenings, the holidays, their costumes, and more. They also send the message to your community that you are all part of something larger, which is a great feeling. 

Corporate events taking place outside are often talked about for their relaxed atmosphere and engaging setups that bring people together. Nevada professionals operating around Clark County often hire expert AV labor and staffing solutions in Las Vegas with Audio Visual Nation to make sure every sound system, stage light, and visual element enhances the outdoor experience. Their teams handle the unique challenges that come with open-air venues, from managing acoustics to weatherproofing equipment. With their support, organizers can focus on creating memorable events that run smoothly from start to finish.

One Word: Barbecue

Barbecues are the lifeblood of many communities. There are few things that bring people together like eating food outside. Again, you can have a giant spaghetti feed or a bake-off in a recreation center or local dining hall. The people who attend will have a good time. But arriving at a location that requires you to walk inside a building can be off-putting for many. It often feels like the spotlight focuses on you when you walk in the door. 

A barbecue stimulates the exact opposite of this feeling for many people. You can show up at a park with people milling around and get a feel for what you’re walking into while you’re still in the parking lot. Barbecues in local parks offer people the chance to warm up to each other, start conversations, and break bread — or hot dogs. Even more introverted people can show up and hang back while still feeling like part of the community. 

Clean-Ups and Gardens Get People Involved

One way outdoor spaces can revitalize a community that many won’t think of is through community organizing and volunteering. More than 50% of the U.S. population volunteered to help their neighbors at the height of the pandemic. People want to help each other. They want to get involved, and helping brings people together. Often, it seems, people don’t volunteer or help out because they just don’t know how to get involved. 

Organizing a community clean-up, planning a community garden, or revitalizing a park can be a great way to get locals involved. These are all opportunities for parents to bring kids out and teach them about community service. Introverts and shy people can join without feeling pressured to socialize. And new residents can come out to meet their neighbors. Meanwhile, your outdoor spaces are getting a facelift!

So many reasons exist to ensure your city is filled with outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy. They bring people together, remind them they’re a community, and encourage them to have fun. Whether it’s a playground or a nature trail, outdoor spaces meant to be shared are ideal locations to generate excitement and energy around your city, county, or state. People want to be part of something larger than themselves, and they often just need to be shown the way.

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You don’t hear that often about environmental lawyers. But they are out there, and they do a good deal of things to help the community. Environmental lawyers are often mistaken for people who do nothing else but protect natural parks. In reality, they can do way more than that, and they are an essential part of the law system. So, what are environmental lawyers and how do they help out the world?

What Is an Environmental Lawyer?

An environmental lawyer is someone who advocates for the environment. They do things to make sure they protect nature while making it possible to live a healthier and safer life as humans. 

Apart from that, they are people who work with air quality, rare animals, and anything related to environmental issues. They are specialists in their area, and they know a lot about biological and geological systems, as well as law. On top of that, they are aware of the way humans impact the planet and know what could be done to reduce that impact. 

If you already are an attorney, you can become an environmental lawyer too as long as you make sure to acquire enough knowledge in science and biology. You must also obtain the right credentials and licenses. For instance, William, who used to be a Springfield probate attorney, gave up on that particular path in order to become an environmental lawyer. Now, he is getting involved in a lot of actions that seek to help out the environment and the people living in it. 

What Does an Environmental Lawyer Do?

Besides legal and court matters, an environmental lawyer will also handle several issues related to the ecosystem, wildlife, flora, etc. These might include:

• Animal rights
• Protection for different species
• Air and water quality
• Climate change innovation and laws
• Use of sea and public land
• Better ways to manage waste
• Agriculture and farming problems
• Proper hazardous waste disposal
• Biodiversity protection
• Wetlands preservation
• Future green strategies
• Clean technology

Environmental lawyers also have the responsibility to represent their clients properly and make sure they research, assess, and strategize cases accordingly. The attorney should be aware of the local laws, as these may be different from state to state. 

Also, they may work with the Environmental Protection Agency. The most important environmental laws are The Clean Water Act, The Clean Air Act, The Montreal Protocol, The Endangered Species Act, and the Reformation Plan No. 3 of 1970. 

Last, but not least, environmental lawyers can help with matters like feedlots and wetland regulation, selling or buying contaminated real estate, zoo animal preservation, and others. 

The Bottom Line

Environmental lawyers are necessary because they are the ones working towards a better world – a world where we take care of nature and animals. They care about the ecosystem and also want humans to breathe cleaner air and have cleaner water. So, environmental lawyers are necessary as they work hard for every community.

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North Africa may not enjoy the same popularity for its national parks as some of the other renowned spots spread across the continent, but that in no way should be a deterrent to visit. The countries which constitute a major portion of the Sahara desert are home to some of the most stunning landscapes and regions of natural biodiversity that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

So set out on a journey with us to explore these areas of lush green wetlands, rugged mountains and some of the most fascinating flora and fauna in some of the top national parks of North Africa.

Toubkal National Park, Morocco

Standing tall at 4167 metres, Mount Toubkal, set in the beautiful Atlas mountains is the continent’s highest peak outside East Central Africa and is the main feature of this extremely popular national park of Morocco. The area is ideal for nature enthusiasts and hikers looking to spend a relaxing time in this attractive heritage spot from late spring extending to late autumn.

The park is home to more than a hundred species of birds, reptiles and other mammals. Some of the remarkable animals found here are the mountain sheep. Birdlife includes the Royal Golden Eagle, the Bonelli’s eagle, booted eagle and the short-toed eagle.

While hiking, keep your eyes peeled to the ground for porcupine, mongoose, the Atlas viper and the thorny eyed gecko. Toubkal National Park certainly makes for one of the best wildlife holidays in North Africa.

Jebil National Park, Tunisia

Situated in the Sahara desert, the 150,000 hectares Jebil National Park is the largest of all in Tunisia. Consisting mostly of desert vegetation, the place is home to a large variety of wildlife which include the Barbary sheep, a species which is endemic to the region.

Other animals found here are the fennec fox, cobra, horned viper, gazele and jackals. Birds which have made this place their home are bustards, larks and ravens. The park offers a perfect opportunity to view the natural world of Tunisia as other regions of the country focus mainly on ruins and towns.

El Kouf National Park, Libya

Access to this wonderful park is limited due to the political instability in the country, else the El Kouf National Park should be on the must visit list of any tourist to Libya. Enjoying a picturesque setting just off the Mediterranean coast, the park is known for its rich flora and fauna.

Shrubs, sand dunes and limestone hills form the predominant landscape here which in turn is home to rare animals like the striped hyena, the Egyptian wolf, red fox, crested porcupine and the tiny spotted Genet. Important birds spotted here include the golden eagle, barbary partridge, houbara bustard, black and white storks, sandgrouse and a variety of waders. Hopefully with passage of time visitors will be allowed to appreciate the unique ecosystem of El Kouf.

Banc d’Arguin National Park, Mauritania

Due to its strategic location extending to the Atlantic coast, the topography of the park consists of mainly shallow waters, coastal swamps and sand dunes resulting in a contrasting desert environment. This has resulted in throwing up a unique and diverse marine zone of important natural significance.

The vast marshy expanses attract millions of migratory birds from places as far as Europe and Siberia. Great white pelican, greater flamingo, caspian tern,reed cormorant, eurasian spoonbill are a few of the species found here.

The park also houses a number of varieties of turtle, notably green sea turtle, apart from  the bottle nosed and humpback dolphins. The only predominant mammal found here is the Dorcas gazelle. Virtually free from tourists this UNESCO World Heritage site is a very peaceful place to visit in a country off the tourist radar. Some airlines let you book now, pay later.

Ifrane National Park, Morocco

This 500 sq km park is boundaried by the Azoru National Park on one side and few Berber villages on the other. Home to wolves, wild boar and the highly endangered Barbary macaque, Ifrane is also known for its exceptional birdlife. Some fine species include marbled teal, common kestrel and red kite. The two Ramsar wetland areas harbour brahminy ducks and common coot.

The forests of the park are pretty alluring and the region is splashed with lakes among which Dayet Ifrah and Dayet Aoua support a large colony of birds.

Ahaggar National Park, Algeria

Dominated by the lofty Ahaggar Mountain range, the massive park covers an area of almost 450,000 square kilometres and lies in the Saharan Algerian Region. Even though rainfall in this area is scanty, an excellent number of animal species, some now extinct, roamed across these volcanic landscapes. Due to its location, plants and vegetation grow abundantly here, thus making survival of animals easy in the otherwise harsh conditions of the desert.

Nomadic herders have confirmed regular sightings of the critically endangered Saharan cheetah, once thought to have perished. Other important wildlife found here is the Dorcas gazelle and the endemic Barbary sheep.

Ichkeul National Park, Tunisia

Named after the lake which lies within its borders, the park is one of the most vital wetland reserves in Tunisia. A dam constructed upstream of this UNESCO World Heritage site has left the ecosystem in a balance, but thankfully conservation efforts have made it to survive.

The park forms a passage for migratory birds and ample numbers if geese, ducks, storks and flamingos make a halt here during the season.

Tlemcen National Park, Algeria

The Northwest part of Algeria is home to this park and lies near the city of Tlemcen, from where it got its name. The park is rich in biodiversity and nearly 141 species of animals have been recorded here along with almost 100 different varieties of birds, 18 reptile species and 7 amphibian types.

Historic sites found inside the park like the Beni Add caves and the Zariffet and Ain Fezza woodlands are of significant importance. The conservation efforts which have been undertaken  ensure that the flora and fauna are well preserved.

The extraordinary ecosystem has resulted in spotting exotic species such as – turtle Greek and common chameleon. Raptors make up for more than half of the bird population and migratory birds such as the white stork make up the rest. Mammals found here are forest cat, squirrels and Barbary sheep.

The large number of National Parks in North Africa are a source of food and shelter to an amazing variety of wildlife within its boundaries. This is the only place where you can witness the beauty of the harsh Sahara region and at the same time support in the conservation of some of the finest flora and fauna which manage to thrive in these extreme habitats.

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There will be no more stinky kerosene for the first solar-illuminated Bedouin tent in Jordan. Gas and kerosene lanterns have been replaced with a far more sustainable resource at the Rumana campsite in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Donated by the Czech embassy in Jordan, the four solar units that will harness the sun – a cleaner, renewable energy resource – comprise just one initiative that the embassy has undertaken to help protect the local cultural and ecological heritage.

With nearly half of the country’s flora species and home to the southernmost remaining forest of pencil pine, the Czech embassy sought to protect the Dana Biosphere while simultaneously empowering the local community.

Director of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), Yehya Khalid told the Jordan Times that “The solar energy project represents our vision to transform power in Dana to renewable, sustainable and clean energy.”

In addition to providing solar energy to the campsite, the Czech embassy has financed a weaving project at the Fenyan lodge and a candlemaking project that depict fauna and flora that are indigenous to the 300 square kilometer reserve.

Established in 1989, the Dana Biosphere Reserve lies in the Rift Valley that stretches from Syria to Mozambique. Considered the country’s most diverse, the landscape rises as high as 1600 meters above sea level and dips as low as 50 meters below. It is also considered a crucial site for migrating birds.

The Rumana campsite contains 20 large tents that can accommodate a total of 60 people, 2 Bedouin tents, an outdoor dining area, and ablution and bathing facilities. These important new sustainability initiatives assures nature-loving campers that their trip will have a less obtrusive impact on this precious habitat.

:: Jordan Times

More Environmental News from Jordan:

New Eco Park Opens in Jordan

Middle East Water Security Worries the Prince of Jordan

Unholy Waters: The Jordan River is Nearly Dead

image via wikicommons

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Despite certain joint environmental initiatives between its government and that of  Qatar, Iran really needs its nature lovers and advocates. Twenty-seven people die a day as a result of the Tehran’s pollution, its national parks are strewn with rubbish, and iconic natural monuments such as Lake Orumiyeh are in deep trouble.

And yet, park rangers over the decades have been the target of uncalled-for violence. Global Voices report that four men were recently shot dead in a village in Sanandaj in Iran’s Kuridstan. In response, an environmentally-themed website invited bloggers to say their piece.

In Lor‘s blog we read [fa]:

What are the reasons for the death of six park rangers in one year? The responsibility of all pro-environment activists is clear. We should support these park rangers in order to prevent such events in future.

Rifr blog says [fa]

What happened that these four park rangers should deserve to die? Their guns were not ready and it shows they did not expect such an attack. We should remember that in the last 30 years, 110 park rangers were killed and 450 others were handicapped.

Avaye Mohitezit Iran writes [fa]:

One of the victims was Kamal Hussein Panahi, a student of natural resources. He shared his experience with other students. Is it right that a nature and environment lover and keeper should become a target of bullets?

Tabiatbakhtiari writes [fa]:

Has the moral foundation of our society collapsed so much that people get killed for protecting our environment.

Khbarnationalpark writes that Iranian park pangers are denied the basic human rights.

Why were the rangers killed? The Iranian website Abna blames counter-revolutionary forces (terrorists):

The bodies of the rangers, who had gone for patrol on Friday, were found by a mountain climber, Moradi told ISNA on Saturday.

Explaining that the rangers had been killed by fire arms, Moradi added that “initial investigations show that this terrorist attack has been carried out by counter-revolutionary elements.”

According to the investigations, the rangers’ pickup truck was thrown into one of the valleys in the area, and their bodies were abandoned in the forest, Moradi said.

The bloggers’ excerpts were taken from Global Voices (via Green Wave) in the hopes of driving awareness of how people put their lives at risk for the benefit of not only mother nature, but the rest of us.

:: Global Voices

More environmental news from Iran:

Iran and Qatar Align To Help The Environment

Iran’s Lake Orumiyeh Is In Trouble

Iran and Qatar Make Bio-Lateral Ties For The Birds

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