A collaborative research between Qatar University (QU) and ExxonMobil is using drone technology to study the dugong population dynamics in the northwest coast of Qatar, home to the second largest population and the largest gathering of the marine mammal in one location.
The research team comprised Dr Mohsen al-Ansi al-Yafei and Dr Yousria Soliman, associate professors in the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences at QU, ExxonMobil's researcher Ismail al-Sheikh and a number of assistant researchers.
The Gulf is home to a large population of dugongs also known as Sea Cows. Previous studies conducted in the Gulf have estimated the numbers of dugongs at approximately 6,000. The studies that extended for a period over 13 years and covered the coastal waters of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE, spotted the largest single group of dugongs ever reported in the world, numbering about 674, between Bahrain and Qatar.
Although the number of dugongs in the Arabian Gulf is the second largest in the world after Australia, there are no accurate estimates of the numbers of dugongs in the region.
According to an article by Dr Soliman published on the latest edition of the QU research magazine, using an unmanned aerial vehicle, the current study aims to explain the conditions that support the single largest gathering of dugongs in northwestern Qatar. The study highlights that currently the dugong population in the location is estimated to exceed 1,000. The study extended for more than three years and included repeated aerial surveys using drones.
Another intensive seasonal marine survey monitored changes in the quality and density of sea grasses, which represent the main feeding grounds for dugongs. The observed changes in the population density over the study period was related to births, deaths, changes in habitats, fishing and boat accidents. The population age structure was also evaluated by measuring the ratio of calves to adults, as it is considered one of the indicators that help predict the extent of the increase or decrease in numbers of dugongs in the future.
An accurate count of dugongs is crucial to the goal of their management and to understanding the dynamics of the populations inhabiting the area. Obtaining an accurate count of the number of animals is difficult, especially in the marine environment. This is due to the difficulty of counting, as observers do not see the animals because they are covered, either by water or plants, or they respond to the presence of observers and leave the place before they are seen. Since dugongs are spread over wide areas, trying to count their numbers is very difficult. emote photography technology using drones provides a useful tool for measuring population density in an effective and more accurate way.
Since the survival of sea cow populations depends on the quality and density of sea grass habitats, the researchers also conducted quantitative and qualitative measurements for changes in sea grass habitats over several different seasons to determine the extent of change in these habitats, which are considered as home to sea cows. Understanding the dynamics of dugong populations and how they respond to the changing marine meadow habitats is one of the keys to successfully managing and thus conserving marine life and dugong population.
Calves depend on their mothers for over two years, as shown in a photo with a researcher and an orphaned calf.
The Gulf is home to a large population of dugongs also known as Sea Cows.
Aerial survey using drones to monitor dugongs in Qatari coastal waters
Dr Mohsen al-Ansi, Ismail al-Sheikh, and Dr Yousria Soliman


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Price pressure dampens Danish wind industry – but relief looms
Decreasing subsidies and increased competition have dampened profitability in the wind industry, where many companies' earnings declined last year. There is light ahead, however.
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Improvement your home to be able to produce it environmentally friendly will certainly pay out. You’ll preserve drinking water along with vitality along with meet a strong loss of a person’s energy payments. You can help the earth as well. Allow me to share the right makeover remedies pertaining to bringing green existing.
You fail to try without using electronic kitchen appliances, yet an individual will readily decide on effort rescue your. Someone should begin which remodeling career just by replacing the huge devices who use up utmost amounts of energy as well as energy. They are radiators, normal water heating up boilers and air conditioners. The other point should pursuit both the substitution on kitchen appliances, including the dishwasher along with the fridge. Then you will acquire bottle club. This method allowed that you so that you can create in an alternative low. Already, this decision shall be it was beneficial this.
Getting your right insulation is actually an crucial component connected with eco-friendly lifestyle that allows you to help save electricity successfully. In an least difficult home improvement option is always set up insulation committees. You’ll be able to widely have wood as well. A bit side cork tiles are probably but not mainly common, but these are outstanding on insulating living rooms and even sleeping rooms instead of living rooms as well as dining rooms. An individual would certainly find getting insulating frames along with solutions.
Storing drinking water is usually imperative pertaining to eco-friendly living. One of several simplest as well as best residence increases writing is always install that shower run which helps you to save water. Somebody can still decide on torpedo taps and also that toilet that will cater to equal basic goal. One of the more personalized options so that you can record waters boast second normal water heats as well as certain kind of spend normal water obstructs.
Selecting solar power electricity in your residence is certainly an organic living way that you would find. Some remodeling can be otherwise straightforward for you to make. Solar force gathering cells needs to be fitted. They can must be related a good effort converter and then into the electrical machine among the property. Your material as well as the installation are actually expensive, though that you can get your own action paid for via getting a mortgage together with an favorite interest rate. Anyone are going to also get pleasure from some critical tax privilege. A strong less difficult and less costly solution that you can use at first is to download patio lighting along with backyard fittings, for example pond screens, who utilize solar power batteries.
You’ll find discussions simpler resources with regard to doing organic located makeover. It is possible to vegetable large woods alongside a person’s homes rooms for better insulation. You’ll be able to help save energy as well as water as a result of placing a shower box or one bath adorn.


A whale has been spotted in Belfast Harbour.
The animal, thought to be a juvenile minke whale, is about 4m long. It was first seen on Thursday morning and seems to be healthy and content.
Minke whales are one of the most common in our waters. It is thought it may have swum in in pursuit of fish in the channel.
A fully-grown minke can grow to 9m in length.
The harbour authorities are liaising with experts in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, and are expected to monitor the animal for several days in the hope it returns to open water.
There are no immediate grounds for concern over the animal's health, said the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
"Minke whales frequent the waters around the mouth of Belfast Lough, but young or inquisitive animals will, on occasion, come closer inshore," said a spokesperson.
"However, our Marine and Fisheries team will continue to monitor the whale's behaviour in conjunction with colleagues from Belfast Harbour Commissioners.
"The animal is currently in a well-regulated area within Belfast Harbour where there is no risk of disturbance.
"The whale is not in an area that is easily viewable by the public, however, as a marine-protected species, people are advised to enjoy any views they are fortunate to have of this remarkable animal but not to approach or do anything to disturb it," the statement added.


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Take a look through the results below, or use the filters to select the facilities you want. You can also sort the listings by the popularity or distance.
Country park with visitor centre, deer park and forest walks
Ideal for dogs who are banned from the beach and bored of pavements in the summer. There are 220 acres of woodland and lots of different paths.
Oh, and a Roman villa.
Gentle walking in a Victorian country park - sheep and stile free!
Carradale was once a popular tourist destination, served by the Clyde steamers and bustling in the summer. Since then the area has changed a lot with the planting of the vast Forestry plantations.
This is a lovely forest walk about 1 1/2 miles long through varied terrain with magnificent views in parts.
Beautiful clear water lake with mountain backdrop. It's in Snowdonia.
An ideal route for a long linear dog walk beside a dead-straight river.
Short walk from Westport Quays, but gives a fabulous view of Croagh Patrick and can be combined with walk around Wesport House grounds and woods.
Beautiful dog walk around Lough Lannagh in Castlebar. Not particularly long but close to the centre.
Beautiful long sandy dog-friendly beach. Regularly lots of surfers and kites but generally only in the first couple of hundred metres. Keep walking out to Ther Rock and enjoy the amazing scenery.
Another of the Opal Coast's massive and dog-friendly sandy beaches.
Bridle paths and long forest walks are possible in the hundred acres of woodland here. Small routes through the park and forest have disabled/pushchair access.


Govts knocked back Cotton Oz water audit idea
The CEO of Cotton Australia says his organisation tried to convince the Commonwealth and state governments three years ago to set up on-farm efficiency audits to save water.
Adam Kay says the pilot program would have produced data that helped farmers, governments, and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority find ways to improve environmental flows, without savage cuts to entitlements.
At the weekend, the Authority announced a fresh study into the social and economic impacts of its much-criticised draft Basin Plan.
It says it is already moving to appoint consultants to carry out the expanded research, due for completion in March.
Adam Kay says some of the current conflict in the water debate might have been avoided if the on-farm audit program had been adopted and widely implemented.
"What we were contemplating was running audits on farms to empower farmers to know the most inefficient part of their irrigation operation," he said.
"At the end of the day, we believed that was one of the ways that we could get some of this much-needed water for the environment without closing down our agricultural businesses and the towns and the like, as well."
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority will hold meetings in Narrabri on Wednesday, October 20 and Moree on Thursday, October 21.


With the world finally understanding that our ecosystem is, putting it mildly, not in the best condition, more and more people are trying to live more eco-friendly. This is quite a positive trend, taking into account, that mankind has already used up all its ecological resources for the year 2019 […]
Vacations are wonderful. The oceans, the blue skies, the carefree atmosphere. Everything about escaping day to day life feels amazing and fills a true traveller’s heart with pure gratitude. However, there are also moments abroad which teach you valuable life lessons. We may be well aware of most of these […]
As an urban citizen, one might feel excluded by nature and the issues it comes along with. Nevertheless, Viennese residents have the unique chance to become part of the sustainability discourse and get involved: by owning solar panels and wind generators in the countryside but also in the middle of […]
Nature is often remarkedly structured and precise. Mathematics has been used since the ancient times to describe the earth and the universe. Especially the greek were masters in handeling numbers and using the power of mathematical formulars to explain natural processes like acceleration of objects and many more.


Rose Atoll Marine National Monument
Explore the marine environment around Rose Atoll that supports a dynamic reef ecosystem that is home to a diverse assemblage of marine species, many of which are threatened or endangered.
Location and Size
The Rose Atoll Marine National is approximately 130 nautical miles east-southeast of Pago Pago Harbor in American Samoa. Rose Atoll is the easternmost Samoan island and the southernmost point of the United States.
The Monument area consists of approximately 13,436 square miles (34,800 square kilometers) and the outer boundary is approximately 50 nautical miles from the mean low water line of Rose Atoll.
The Rose Atoll Marine National Monument encompasses the Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and has been part of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa since 2014.
Established by Presidential Proclamation in January 2009, the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument is cooperatively managed by the Secretary of Commerce (NOAA) and the Secretary of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), in cooperation with the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the Government of American Samoa. The Monument also encompasses the Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and has been part of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa since 2014.
Rose Atoll remains one of the most pristine atolls in the world. The marine environment around Rose Atoll supports a dynamic reef ecosystem that is home to a diverse assemblage of marine species, many of which are threatened or endangered.
One of the atoll's most striking features is the pink hue of fringing reef caused by abundance of coralline algae, the primary reef-building species. Though roughly 100 species of stony corals exist today, crustose coralline algae dominate Rose Atoll's shallow reefs, making them distinctive from those found in other Samoan islands.
The marine area provides isolated, undisturbed nesting grounds for green and hawksbill sea turtles and contains the largest number of nesting turtles in American Samoa. The waters within and surrounding the Rose Atoll Monument are frequented by numerous large predators, such as snappers, jacks, groupers, barracudas, and whitetip, blacktip, and gray reef sharks.
Species that have faced depletion elsewhere, some of which have declined worldwide by as much as 98 percent, are found in abundance at Rose Atoll, including giant clams, Maori wrasse, large parrotfishes, and blacktip, whitetip, and gray reef sharks. Humpback whales, pilot whales, and porpoises have all been spotted at Rose Atoll. There are 272 species of reef fish living within the Monument area, seven of which scientists described for the first time while at Rose Atoll.
With few relatively undisturbed islands remaining in the world, Rose Atoll is one of the last refuges for seabird and turtle species of the Central Pacific.
Looking to the Future
Though unpopulated, Rose Atoll is not free from climatic effects, invasive species introductions, and other human-related issues.
Specifically, Pulvinaria urbicola, an invasive soft scale bug (a sap-sucking insect), feeds on living tissue in leaves and has contributed to physiological stress and mortality of native Pisonia grandis (grand devil's-claws) trees.
Drought, sea level rise, and storms also take their toll on the Rose Atoll ecosystem. Cyclone Victor, for example, hit Rose Atoll in January 2016 with 30 foot (10 meter) waves and 60 miles per hour (96.6 kilometres per hour) winds, ultimately eroding large swaths of the beach, toppling trees, killing hundreds of seabirds, and scattering sea turtle eggs about the island. Additionally, iron debris from the 1993 Jin Shiang Fa wreck caused an overgrowth of cyanobacteria; though much of the wreck has been removed, cyanobacteria is still present in the area.
These issues and the overall ecosystem management of the Monument are addressed through interagency collaborations and several management plans: the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa's Sanctuary Management Plan, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, and the Western Pacific Fisheries Regional Management Council's American Samoa Fisheries Ecosystem Plan.


Olympic Park Yard Signs - Cafepress Good fortune has smiled on you because all signs point to great-looking yard decor! Lucky for you, you can find everything your front lawn craves right here in one place. You'll find political signs of course, as well as yards signs that make statements in other ways like personalized welcome signs. New Olympic National Park Sign Welcomes In Language You ... A new sign near the main visitor center for Olympic National Park in Port Angeles will welcome visitors in English and in Klallam, the language of a local indigenous people.
Signs, 3, Wayfinding, 'sydney Olympic Park', 'athletes ... One sign is painted red with white pictogram and text 'Sydney Olympic Park', another is blue with white pictograms and text 'Athletes' and the final sign is painted purple with white pictogram and text 'Olympic Family'. Each of the signs is double sided with the same information given on both sides of each sign. Olympic National Park Sign - Dreamstime Unusual support of power lines in the form of the Olympic tiger. Welcome entrance sign in the Olympic National Park, Washington USA Lausanne, Switzerland - June 05, 2017: Entrance in Olympic Park Sign post Flags of the world on flagpoles on the background of blue sky The facade building of Commonwealth bank of Australia building at Olympic park branch.
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DUCTZ of Tampa Bay offers these residential duct cleaning services:
- Ductwork and HVAC System CleaningDUCTZ cleaning and restoration processes involve more than 127 identifiable and distinct tasks. During the cleaning and restoration process, various assortments of highly specialized and proprietary tools, machinery and supplies are used. In addition, DUCTZ uses patented processes, such as an exclusive metallic barrier in the air plenum of the furnace and in certain ductwork. This barrier eliminates fiberglass shedding and prevents the fiberglass from acting like an absorbent sponge, which collects dirt and moisture, creating a breeding ground for microbial growth, bacteria and fungi.
- Duct SealingIn houses with forced-air heating and cooling systems, ducts are used to distribute conditioned air throughout the house. In a typical house, however, about 20 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. The result is higher utility bills and difficulty keeping the house comfortable, no matter how the thermostat is set.How do you know that your home has poorly performing ducts?
- You have high summer and winter utility bills
- You have rooms that are difficult to heat and cool
- You have stuffy rooms that never seem to feel comfortable
- Your ducts are located in an attic, crawlspace, or the garage
- You find tangled or kinked flexible ducts in your system
Leaky ducts can reduce heating and cooling system efficiency by as much as 20 percent. Sealing and insulating ducts increases efficiency, lowers your energy bills, and can often pay for itself in energy savings. Plus, if you’re planning to install new heating and cooling equipment, a well-designed and sealed duct system may allow you to downsize to a smaller, less costly heating and cooling system that will provide better dehumidification.
Protect the Environment
Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. Simply put, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate. By sealing your ducts and reducing the amount of energy necessary to comfortably heat or cool your home, you can reduce the amount of air pollution generated. Learn more about this at http://www.energystar.gov
- Dust Problems & Filtration The air filter in your furnace or air conditioner has a profound impact on your living environment. Regular filter maintenance is essential to maintaining proper indoor air quality (IAQ). Frequent filter changes can also improve energy efficiency and extend the life of mechanical systems.The Benefits of Filtered Air:
- Removes dust, particulates and other airborne contaminants that adversely affect IAQ
- Reduces maintenance of building interiors such as frequent washings of blinds and fluorescent bulbs
- Protects the contents of occupied spaces including paintings, tapestries and other items of historic or cultural value
- Eliminates fire hazards by removing lint and other materials which might accumulate in ductwork
Air filters capture small particles of dust, pollen and other contaminants that ride on currents in the air stream. A well maintained filter, one that is regularly changed or cleaned, removes debris that might otherwise end up in your lungs. Some filters can clean more than 99 percent of airborne particulates. These high efficiency filters are important for the elderly, people suffering from asthma or allergies and others with a compromised immune system. Failure to properly maintain air filters can have a devastating impact on your home’s furnace or air conditioning mechanical system. Inadequate filtration allows for fine particles to collect on sensitive mechanical components, causing premature wear and breakdown. Regular filter maintenance can extend the life of your home’s heating or air-conditioning system for years.
Upgrading your filtration alone leaves existing contaminants in the duct system that can cause indoor air quality problems. Before upgrading to a better quality air filter, it is essential to ensure that the entire mechanical system is clean. Duct cleaning without properly maintaining filters can accelerate the re-contamination of the HVAC system. Proper filter maintenance may extend the time between cleanings by keeping the system free of debris.
Call or schedule today to talk with a DUCTZ professional about what kind of filtration is best for your home.
- Airflow ProblemsYour heating and air conditioning unit will not warm or cool your home properly without balance in the HVAC air flow. If your home has uneven temperatures from room to room, you need to balance the air flow in your HVAC system. A huge reason for inflated heating and cooling bills can be attributed to airflow problems within the HVAC system. There are many possible causes, and each result is the same: little or no airflow out of your supply air registers. Determining the cause is relatively easy if you know where to look. Consider some pointers on finding the culprit to low air flow.Instructions
- Check the HVAC filter located on the side of the HVAC unit. This is the number one reason for airflow problems. If it is dirty, there will be significantly reduced airflow, and you will need to replace it.
- Check the supply air and return air registers. If these are shut or blocked, air can’t get in or out of the rooms they feed. Move large furniture away if it is placed in front of the registers. Open registers if they are closed.
- Check your blower fan for excessive dirt. Running an HVAC unit without a filter can cause the blower fan to get dirty and reduce airflow. Hire an experienced DUCTZ Professional to clean the blower fan if this is the cause.
- Look at your evaporator coil to see if it is dirty or iced up. You may need to cut an access hole into the supply air plenum to see the coil. You can install a patch afterward. Low refrigerant can cause your coil to ice up when you are running your air conditioner. This will block airflow. A licensed DUCTZ Professional will have to check your refrigerant if this is the cause.
- Examine all your ductwork to see if it is crushed or pulling apart. Flexible ductwork is especially vulnerable to damage. Replace any damaged ductwork.
- Biological GrowthDUCTZ processes control biological organisms, such as microbial growth and bacteria that form on cooling coils and other working parts of HVAC systems by mechanically removing the sources for growth. These organisms can interfere with the heat transfer process, causing reduced HVAC system efficiency. The DUCTZ microbial control cleaning process prevents corrosion often caused by sulfuric acid secreted by common bacteria. This process also prevents rust and corrosion, which can degrade the HVAC system forcing costly repairs and replacements. Our microbial control cleaning process also extends the useful life of HVAC systems while increasing overall energy efficiency by keeping fins, blowers and coils clean and running at peak operational performance.Indoor air quality can be adversely affected by the spread of harmful contaminants through the HVAC system. Contaminants in the HVAC system can cause odors, damage surfaces and secrete toxic byproducts to living and working areas. DUCTZ microbial control cleaning process improves indoor air quality at the source – the HVAC system. DUCTZ professionals take the necessary steps to protect from exposure to contaminants dislodged during the cleaning process by using HEPA filtration on cleaning equipment and adhere to NADCA and other appropriate guidelines and standards.DUCTZ professionals use thoroughly researched processes and procedures, combined with appropriate products for the following applications: flexible ducts fabricated of metal or plastic, unlined sheet metal ducts, air handlers, cooling coils, fan coil units, condensate drain pans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, registers, grills, diffusers, fans, fan housings, transfer boxes, turning vane, return ducts, plenums and rooftop units.DUCTZ professionals are certified, qualified and trained in microbial control cleaning processes and strive to improve indoor air quality and increase the operating efficiency of HVAC systems.
- Fire & Water Damage HVAC interior surfaces have the potential to collect particulate, smoke, moisture, gaseous emissions and other contaminants as the result of a fire or smoke event. This can occur even while the HVAC system is in a de-energized (non-operational) state. Deposition of these foreign materials may alter the HVAC system’s components, potentially affecting system performance, corrosion resistance, and the general hygiene of the HVAC interior surfaces. A standardized evaluation of the HVAC interior surface conditions is necessary to determine when HVAC interior surfaces have been impacted by a fire-related particulate.When addressing water related issues within mechanical systems DUCTZ strictly adheres to the institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S500 and S520 standards to assess and restore mechanical systems.
- Construction Debris Large amounts of airborne debris can contaminate every space of a building or home under construction. Controlling this debris before it contaminates the mechanical system or building is extremely important. Building containment strategies designed by DUCTZ senior personnel provide assurances against cross-contamination of known contaminants. Many buildings are occupied while cleaning or investigations are conducted. DUCTZ professionals use specialized industrial HEPA vacuum equipment to control any number of construction debris-related issues in the home or office, including wood floor sanding, plaster sanding, general construction and more.DUCTZ professionals are certified, qualified and trained in controlling airborne debris from areas under construction.
Schedule an appointment today to evaluate your residential air duct and HVAC system cleaning needs.


Local green thumbs hope a new community garden will help stitch together a divided small town in the North West.
"In terms of sustainable action, food waste is one of our environmental issues. Australia is one of the worst, we're in the top three in the world with our food waste," she said.
"And so speaking to people about growing their own fruit and veggies as well as encouraging people and sharing produce is a really healthy step in the right direction, and I think this is where we need to go in the future really to combat this food crisis that we're going to head into in the world fairly soon."
The Upper Peel Landcare Group, which organised the plot, has approached a local cafe seeking its food scraps for the garden's compost.
Ms Webster hopes that one day it will grow large enough to be able to create a circular economy in miniature, turning the town's cafe waste into new food to be sold over the counter.
She also hopes the garden will help soothe some of Nundle's divisions.
"We've had a few issues up in Nundle recently, with the proposed wind farm and that's sort of divided our community in some ways," she said.
"But what remains one of the things that unites us as a community is the fact that there's a lot of people who love our natural landscape and want to look after the environment.
"I myself have been wanting to do something really hands on and active that our entire community can get involved in and get a bit of cohesiveness back into our community."
The local Landcare group will "launch" the garden, which is next to the Nundle library, this weekend.
Sydney sustainability writer Michael Mobbs will share his experience of community food growing and recycling at the Winter Solstice-themed event, on Sunday June 20 from 11am to 2pm.
The garden is open to be used by the wider Nundle community, and all residents are welcome to help out by gardening. It will likely be organised as a single communal garden, rather than with private plots, and will open during library operating hours, Ms Webster said.
It's Nundle's first ever community garden, she said.
The project is being run in partnership with Tamworth Regional Council and Tamworth Regional Landcare Association.
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Sea ice is the major constraint on human activities in the Southern Ocean. Depending on a vessel's ice class, human mobility may be restricted or even prevented altogether by sea-ice conditions. This may imply limited access to research or monitoring stations, preferred fishing grounds or attractive tourist sites. Here, we introduce a statistical model that evaluates the sea-ice cover with two measures: 1) accessibility (i.e. the probability that a given area is navigable by vessels at a given time) and 2) repeated accessibility (i.e. the probability that a given area is navigable by vessels at a given time and again at least once within a defined timespan). We use daily sea-ice concentration data from 2002 to 2020 to demonstrate this tool and its functioning regarding the spatiotemporal variability of sea-ice cover in the wider Weddell Sea region. These findings reflect known characteristics of sea-ice distribution and dynamics in the Weddell Sea, confirming the functionality of our simple tool for determining repeated accessibility of certain areas. Such a tool may facilitate the planning of research and monitoring activities in the Southern Ocean, as well as in Arctic seas.
Dr Katharina Teschke (Germany)
Professor Thomas Brey (Germany)
Ant. Sci., 34 (1) (2022): 97–104, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954102021000523


Our 2030 sustainability ambition and goals
We believe that the value of packaging is more than its impact on the planet and that we can make a difference in the food system value chain in several ways. We aim to minimize the negative impacts of our operations and products on the environment while maximizing the positive impacts on our stakeholders, consumers and society.
Huhtamaki Wastepreneur Challenge launches in South Africa
In South Africa, informal waste collectors are a vital part of the country’s recycling system. Waste collectors provide a much-needed service for communities, diverting waste from landfills or being illegally dumped, and provide value to the economy by...
EcoVadis grants Huhtamaki Gold Medal third year in a row
Huhtamaki receives a gold medal from EcoVadis on its sustainability performance – for the third year running. Our score places us in the top 4% of over 100,000 rated companies across the globe. It underlines our commitment towards our ambitious 2030...


Breathing clean, fresh air is fundamental to maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. Gutierrez Brothers HVAC is your trusted partner for comprehensive indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions in the surrounding areas. Our dedicated team of experts evaluates your indoor environment, identifying potential pollutants, allergens, and contaminants that may affect air quality.
We offer a range of tailored IAQ solutions, including advanced filtration systems, air purifiers, and ventilation solutions, designed to optimize your indoor environment and promote better health and well-being. At Gutierrez Brothers HVAC, we prioritize your comfort and safety, ensuring every breath you take indoors is as pure and refreshing as it should be.
Experience the benefits of improved indoor air quality with our expert solutions tailored to your specific needs. Trust Gutierrez Brothers HVAC to enhance your indoor environment and elevate your overall quality of life with our unparalleled IAQ services right in your neighbourhood.
Inside your house, air contaminants can range from pollutants that come in from the outdoors by smoke, smog, pets, and children. When it comes to gas air pollutants, carbon monoxide is a common contaminant to many householders. If anyone in your household has allergies or other health issues having clean air is a must.
In kitchens and bathrooms, indoor air pollution and contamination can result from mildew and molds with higher moisture levels than in other places within the house. Our technicians and comfort advisors are experts on indoor air quality or HVAC contractor Middletown, NY.
Dirt and dust is the #1 killer of air conditioning and heating systems. When was the last time you had your ducts cleaned in your home? If you can’t remember, it has probably been too long. Experts recommend that your ducts be cleaned every five to seven years to reduce the dust and allergens in the air.
Our #1 priority here at Gutierrez Brothers HVAC Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing is to ensure your happiness. We pride ourselves on providing 5-star service that comes with a absolute happy guarantee. If you have a problem, we will solve it. We are confident that our team will exceed your expectations or work to rectify the situation.BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE


Salvia Amistad: Flowering from May to October over glossy green foliage it is drought tolerant and attractive to bees. Prefers well drained soil in sun. Height Spread Hardy perennial, though may need some protection in extremely cold areas.
FORSYTHIA - 5 beautiful bushes to plant in the yard. good for privacy and very easy on the eye! such pretty colors! buddiea(pink),forsythia spectabilis(yellow), spirea arguta(white), ceanothus yankee point(blue), and weigelia(burgundy)


The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, was established in 1950 and is located in Enschede, Netherlands. Its main areas of expertise are geo-information science and earth observation for: earth sciences, natural resources, urban and regional planning, water resources, and environment. ITC concentrates on earth observation, the generation of spatial information, and the development of data integration methods. Furthermore, ITC provides tools that can support the processes of planning and decision making for sustainable development and the alleviation of poverty in developing countries and emerging economies.
At the ITC knowledge of geo-information management is readily available and is continually being developed and extended. By means of postgraduate education, research and project services, ITC contributes to capacity building in developing countries and emerging economies. In doing so, considerable attention is paid to the development and application of geographical information systems (GIS) for solving problems. Such problems can range from determining the risks of landslides, mapping forest fires, planning urban infrastructure, and implementing land administration systems, to designing a good wildlife management system or detecting environmental pollution.


Llano County fire 100 percent contained, officials say
The Llano County Fire near Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport is now 100 percent contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The fire burned approximately 311 acres.
The brush fire, which broke out at approximately 2 p.m. Saturday east of the Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport, caused at least 150 homes to be evacuated Saturday, according to Llano County officials. Residents were allowed to return to their homes around 10 p.m. Saturday.
The cause of the fire was equipment use, officials said.
No structures are believed to have been damaged in the fire.


|Name:||Bahati A. Magesa|
|College/School/Division:||Dar Es Salaam University College Of Education|
|Current Summarised CV:|
Mr Bahati A. Magesa is an Assistant Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Geography and Economics at Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE). He holds a Master of Science degree in Climate Change and Sustainable Development and a Bachelor of Education in Arts; both from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. His area of interest in research and Consultancy are urban sustainability transitions, climate change adaptation governance, as well as climate change adaptation in cities and urban areas. Mr Bahati is currently teaching undergraduate courses; and his teaching areas include Global Warming and Climate Change, Climatic Cycles and Theories of Climate Change, Transport Network Analysis; and Atmospheric Flow and Disturbances. Mr Bahati has also published his research papers in different journals.
|Professional Details:||View Professional Details|


One of the competitive advantages of Brazilian agribusiness is the possibility of producing two grain harvests (soy and corn or cotton) in the same planted area. This technique increases the productivity of agricultural areas, generates value for producers and contributes to maintaining soil fertility throughout the year.
In 2020, SLC Agrícola expanded this operating model to also work with the planting pasture and cattle raising in some specific areas of the farms. These locations were selected for their lower yields with second crop harvests, but high potential for the development of grasses (brachiaria), which serve as food for cattle.
With this initiative, we started a virtuous cycle to maximize the use of assets. Last year, we carried out the crop-livestock integration in a total area of 925 hectares. Our strategy only contemplates performance in the second phase of the production cycle, called rebreed – without breeding or slaughter.


If you’re looking for a simpler way to install a solar project on a large scale, a ground installation is possibly the most advantageous way to maximize your panel density and provide the flexibility needed for the panels to track the sun across the sky.
Most ground systems utilize frames, usually constructed of aluminum, stainless or galvanized steel pipe and built into a framework of grid-like supports for the solar cells. At times the framework used can end up seeming very bulky, but despite the inherent bulk they provide important rigidity, in an installation area that could have high winds for example, and the mounts in turn need to be sturdily anchored to the ground. Once the cells have been mounted to the frame and ensuring they have the proper tilt and angle (typically 30 degrees), they can be mounted facing the correct way (South) and anchored to the ground via concrete foundation.
At Solora Solar, we’ve recognized that there is not a single installation type that will work for all sites, simply because through our experience we’ve come to know every site is unique. Factors of geography and topography have to be considered, as well as the sites requirements for structural loading. Taking all elements of the installation into consideration, such as the type of mounting used for the solar modules, overall size of the project, and even conditions of the soil, Solora Solar provides custom-designed racking and ground mount solar installation solutions specific for every type of project. At Solora Solar, we use the information from certified geotechnical reports, coupled with engineering analysis, and work with the customer to design the most economical solution.
By using one of the two common ground-mount systems for your solar panels, pole or ground, advantages over other types of installs become clear – the ease of use and installation, and the flexibility your panels can be afforded as they track the sun across the sky. Other reasons to consider a ground mount system:
- Overall lowering of cost for installation of a sun tracking system
- Introduces the option to operate a manually adjusting tilt system for seasonal changes
- Generally, there is more space on the ground than the roof in rural areas, so a larger system can be considered
- Having the solar cells at ground level allows for easier cleaning and maintenance, though keeping the installation area free from growth or items that could introduce panel shading is important. An option would be to raise the mount using poles or concrete blocks, for example.
A ground installation is also becoming more common in rural settings, or in areas where a structural addition to a roof might not be suitable for a solar install at all. Other factors:
- Available roof area is simply not enough to support an install
- Orientation of the roof is poor (the optimal roof orientation in Central Washington is facing South at a tilt of 30 degrees)
- Too many shadows leading to overall poor exposure to the sun
- A desire for a larger wattage system than a standard roof mount system could support
- A sun-tracking system is desired to maximize sun exposure
- You have good availability of sun-exposed land
There are a few drawbacks and disadvantages to ground installations:
- Not typically considered an option in cities or neighborhoods due to a lack of necessary ground space
- Visually, a ground install could be more aesthetically undesirable
- To account for storms or high winds, stability needs to be provided by site-built solid foundations plus concrete footing, which can lead to a greater installation expense
One size fits all?
No matter what style of installation is ultimately chosen, all of them need a secure, stable support system as well as foundation. The overall longevity and strength of the solar investment is dictated by the weakest component in the system. As such, it’s crucial to provide a high-quality and engineered foundation that will meet the needs of the specific application or project. Key points used to determine the proper foundation:
- Aspects of the solar energy system such as sun tracking or tilt angle
- Environmental or elemental factors like wind speeds in the area, or yearly snow load
- Configuration and type (aluminum pipe, galvanized or stainless steel) of racking and support
- Total size and weight of the solar modules in use
- Any local design and building codes, or project specific requirements
- Soil analysis results showing items of concern, such as stability of slope, sliding, friction, salinity, frost level, etc.
- Instability due to landfill or brownfield
Determining the correct type of support for the solar system involves understanding and analyzing various soil composition and environmental factors, such as those listed above, as well as considering engineering calculations and applicable building codes. Engineers and developers working on the project will take those factors into consideration while selecting the foundation that will then meet the project needs of engineering, overall design, and best economical choice while meeting the other criteria. This is a critical point where the experience of the engineers and developers, and their knowledge of foundation types becomes one of many key elements of the design of the solar mount system.
Options to consider for foundation type:
- Screw Piles
- Driven Post
- Precast or Cast-in-Place Concrete Ballast
- Concrete Pier
- Helical Piles
When considering a large-scale ground mount PV installation, it is important to understand the dynamics of the methods and means of construction, especially for foundations. The foundation is the key to supporting the ground mount solar racking system. Without a solid foundation, owners risk having solar racking structures and solar modules flying through the air or toppled over due to the loading and soil conditions at the project site.
In these instances, a geo-technical engineer would analyze the data from the soil reports and other factors and make a likely recommendation of a driven pile foundation over a standard concrete foundation for the installation. Driven piles tend to take up less ground space, reduce the down-time of waiting for concrete to set, and reduces the many challenges coordinating the required, multiple deliveries of concrete used for concrete foundations. Some of the more common reasons for this decision would be large design loads, evidence of poorer soil at shallower depths, possible environmental impacts, economics and any site constraints. Ideal soil conditions permitting, driven pile foundations can be the favorable option for large-scale ground mount PV installs, as there could be advantages recognized on material (cost), installation time (reduction), and even on the projects’ environmental impact overall.
Pole mounts are a long popular solar panel mounting system. There are two types: top-of-pole and side-of-pole. Top-of-pole mounts essentially consist of a steel or aluminum rack that is bolted to a large sleeve which fits over a pole. Side mounts are usually used when mounting to a telephone pole, communications tower, or the like and typically involve smaller panels.
Top mounts are simple but difficult to install. They are simple in design but often difficult to physically install. Larger mounts can be very heavy and may even require a small crane or several people in order to set the mount on the pole. Pole mounts require a steel pole around 12 feet in length set in concrete. In softer soil you may have to dig quite deep because of wind resistance.
Pole mount systems may also include an automatic solar tracker which will track the sun across the sky over the course of the year. Although homeowners can usually adjust the panels they on a three-month schedule.
Despite the simplicity of both ground mount systems, they are usually installed by a professional solar installer. It may be advantageous to hire a pro with experience to anchor and lift mounts and panels, not to mention wiring.


Many commercially available small wind turbines with plastic blades and steel towers are infamous for their low reliability, high embodied energy, and limited power output. Building them out of wood can addresses these issues.
Because of their aesthetic appeal, and thanks to the ability to produce them locally, small wooden wind turbines can also improve the public acceptance of wind power. Furthermore, innovation in tower design facilitates the installation of small wind turbines, reducing the need for concrete foundations and heavy machinery.
Tests have shown that many commercially available small wind turbines may not always generate sufficient power over their lifetime to compensate for the energy that was needed to produce them.
There are three reasons why this is so. First, there are the laws of physics. The energy yield of a wind turbine increases faster than its height and rotor size, meaning that as a wind turbine becomes smaller, its power output decreases over proportionally.
Second, wind turbine blades are commonly made from fiberglass reinforced plastic, which is energy-intensive to produce (and impossible to recycle). This energy needs to be “paid back” during the lifetime of the wind turbine, which can be challenging for machines with small rotor diameters.
Third, the maintenance of small wind turbines depends on the ability of the manufacturer to remain in business and provide its customers with spare parts. Unlike solar panels, wind turbines have a lot of moving parts and are thus more likely to need repairs. However, suppliers of small wind turbines tend to have an even shorter life expectancy than their products. 1
Hand Carved Wood Blades
The laws of physics can’t be changed, but on their own they don’t make small wind turbines uneconomical and unsustainable. It’s the other two factors that are decisive, and these can be addressed. In fact, they have been addressed for more than two decades by Scottish engineer Hugh Piggott, who builds small 1-2 kW wind turbines with 2-4 meter rotor diameters using solid wooden blades. 2
The blades are hand carved locally with basic woodworking skills and tools. In contrast to fiberglass blades, little or no energy is used to produce them. This increases the chance that the wind turbine will produce more energy over its lifetime than was needed to make it.
Defying the usual focus on efficiency, Piggott’s wind turbines sacrifice peak power for more reliable operation. The machines use a furling system which limits the turbine input at winds of 8 m/s (Beaufort 5), while most commercial models keep working up to higher wind speeds. This increases reliability, because the faster the machine spins, the quicker its parts will wear out. 3
A comparison of Piggott’s wind turbines with commercially available models concluded that the increased energy yield generated by the latter at wind speeds above 8 m/s is largely wasted, because most of the extra power is generated when the batteries are already full. The study also revealed that Piggott’s design is about 20% cheaper, taking into account both capital and operational costs. 3
Piggott’s open source design has spawned thousands of small DIY wind turbines all over the world. It also became the basis for several wind-based rural electrification initiatives in Mongolia, Nepal, Peru and Nicaragua. 4567 In “developing” countries, the ability to manufacture and maintain the turbines locally is a great advantage over the use of commercial wind turbines or solar panels.
Commercial Wind Turbines with Wood Blades
The use of solid wood blades, once common for smaller windmills and wind turbines, has seen renewed interest lately. 89 Most notable is the success story of the Dutch company EAZ Wind, founded in 2014 by four young windsurfers. The firm, which now has over 40 employees, sells wind turbines with solid wooden blades to farms and energy cooperatives in the region. With a rotor diameter of 12 meter and a power output of 10 kW, the turbines are about five times larger than Piggott’s machines.
The blades are made from solid wood beams that are glued together and then sanded to obtain their shape. They are then covered with an epoxy coating to protect them from humidity, while the sharp side of the blade gets a strip of fiberglass reinforced plastic to make it more durable. According to the manufacturer, the wind turbines – installed on 15 m tall towers – produce roughly 30,000 kWh of electricity per year, which corresponds to the power use of ten Dutch households. A machine sells for 46,000 euro, which makes it cheaper than a solar PV system (4,600 euro per household, or less than half the price of a solar PV system). The financial payback time – in the windy northern Netherlands – is 7 to 10 years.
Interestingly, EAZ Wind’s choice for wooden blades is not driven by the aim to lower the embodied energy of the wind turbine. Rather, the company’s mission is to make the countryside – especially farms but also small villages – self-sufficient in terms of power production by designing more beautiful and locally produced wind turbines that people don’t complain about. As in many other countries, large wind turbines – and the transmission lines that go with them – raise a lot of opposition from local residents in the Netherlands.
The approach seems to work. When a farm installs a wind turbine, its neighbours are usually the next customers. EAZ Wind has sold more than 400 wind turbines by now. Public acceptance of wind power seems to be encouraged by two factors. First, wind turbines with wooden blades have a more natural look, increasing their aesthetic appeal. Second, the machines are produced locally, meaning that the purchase of a wind turbine supports the local economy. The wood for the blades comes from a nearby province and is processed by companies in the region.
The turbins from EAZ Wind have wooden blades, but steel towers. The Swedish company InnoVentum takes a different approach: its wind turbines have a wooden tower, while the blades are made from plastic. The 12 m or 20 m tall towers are of a unique design, composed from small wood modules that can be bolted together on the ground in a few hours.
The multi-leg towers require no or much less concrete for their foundations and they can be erected without the use of a crane, using a rope and a winch instead. Around fifteen have been installed since 2012. Like EAZ Wind, the company aims to create a new aesthetic level that may help to increase the acceptance of wind turbines.
Of course both approaches could be combined, resulting in small wind turbines with wooden blades, tower and other structural parts. A small wind turbine that’s almost completely built out of wood – minus the gearwork and the generator – further decreases the energy that’s needed to produce it, thus making it more economical and sustainable over its entire lifetime. In terms of carbon emissions, a small wooden wind turbine can even be considered a carbon sink, because the wood sequesters CO2 that the trees have taken from the atmosphere.
Combining Wind and Solar
The newest products from both EAZ Wind and InnoVentum incorporate solar panels at the basis of the structure. Because the wind turbine and the solar PV system can share the same support structure, electrical system, and energy storage, this approach saves money and resources. The combination of solar and wind also increases the chances of sufficient power output at any time, reducing the need for energy storage – which is the most unsustainable part of an off-the-grid power installation.
In the hybrid solar-wind model from EAZ Wind, the capacity of the wind turbine is double the capacity of the solar PV panels, reflecting the local climate (windy but not very sunny). The addition of solar panels increases the power yield to 45,000 kWh per year, which corresponds to the power demand of 14 Dutch households. However, the use of solar panels increases the embodied energy of the system considerably, so that it may no longer be a carbon sink.
Decentralised Power Production
Small wooden wind turbines offer additional benefits that are inherent to all decentralised power sources. The fact that they’re paid for by the same people that enjoy their benefits, increases their public acceptance. They also eliminate the need for transmission lines, and the more power is produced and used locally, the less challenging it becomes to integrate unpredictable wind power into the central grid. Last but not least, the connection between energy use and demand encourages lower energy ways of life.


Department of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology, Seoul National University1
Korea Urban Forestation Co., Ltd2
Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University3
This study was conducted to compare the cold tolerance of seven ground cover species, Orostachys japonica, Sedum oryzifolium, S. kamtschaticum ‘SG1’, S. reflexum, S. rupestre ‘Blue Spruce’, S. spurium ‘Green Mental’, and S. takesimense, which have been used for green roof and wall systems in Korea. Plants were grown in 10-cm pots and 1 g of tissues at stem-end and crown of each species were kept under either light or dark condition, respectively. For cold tolerance tests, plants were initially left at 4°C and linearly cooled to 0, -4, -8, -12, -16, and -20°C at -2°C･h-1 rate. Low temperature injury and regrowth rates were visually evaluated and assessed by image analysis, respectively. The lethal temperature (LT50) of plant species was determined using electrolyte leakage measurements. S. reflexum was the most cold tolerant, showing the most survival at -16°C, whereas S. oryzifolium and S. takesimense showed low temperature injury at -8°C. Similar results were found with electrolyte leakage measurements at the stem end. For each species, the crown (Mean LT50: -12.15°C) was more cold tolerant than the stem end (Mean LT50: -10.47°C). In conclusion, S. reflexum and S. rupestre ‘Blue Spruce’ are recommended for planting in the central region of Korea during late fall and early winter, as they were more cold tolerant and showed more vigorous regrowth than the other tested plant species.
1. Boivin, M.A., M.P. Lamy, A. Gosselin, and B. Dansereau. 2001. Effect of artificial substrate depth on freezing injury of six herbaceous perennials grown in a green roof system. HortTechnology 11:409-411.
2. Burr, K.E., R.W. Tinus, S.J. Wallner, and R.M. King. 1990. Comparison of three cold hardiness tests for conifer seedlings. Tree Physiol. 6:351-369.
3. Cardona, C.A., R.R. Duncan, and O. Lindstrom. 1997. Low temperature tolerance assessment in Paspalum. Crop Sci. 37: 1283-11291.
4. Green Seoul Bureau. 2011. 2011 policy materials - Green roof project. Seoul Metropolitan Government, Seoul, Korea.
5. Huh, K.Y. and K.K. Shim. 2000. Characteristics of artificial soils used alone or in a blend with field soil for the greening of artificial ground. J. Kor. Inst. Landscape Arch. 28:28-38.
6. Huh, K.Y., I.H. Kim, and H.C. Kang. 2003a. Effects of artificial substrate type, soil depth, and drainage type on the growth of Sedum sarmentosum grown in a shallow green rooftop system. J. Kor. Inst. Landscape Arch. 31:102-112.
7. Huh, K.Y., I.H. Kim, and N.H. Ryu. 2003b. Effects of substrate type, soil depth, and drainage type on the growth of Sedum kamtschaticum in extensive green roof systems. J. Kor. Inst. Landscape Arch. 31:90-100.
8. Iles, J.K. and N.H. Agnew. 1995. Seasonal cold-acclimation patterns of Sedum spectabile × S. telephium L. ‘Autumn Joy’ and Sedum spectabile Boreau. ‘Brilliant’. HortScience 30:1221-1224.
9. Kim, I.H. 2006. Development of shallow-extensive green roof system for urban greening. PhD Thesis, Gyeongsang National Univ., Jinju, Korea.
10. Kim, I.H. and K.Y. Huh. 2003. Growth characteristics of Sedum oryzifolium in extensive green roof systems. Kor. J. Hort. Sci. Technol. 21:346-352.
11. Kim, I.H., K.Y. Huh, and M.R. Huh. 2010. Cold tolerance assessment of Sedum species for shallow-extensive green roof system. Kor. J. Hort. Sci. Technol. 28:22-30.
12. Kingsland, S.E. 1995. Modeling nature. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL, USA.
13. Lee, S.A., Y.M. Ha, and I.S. Han. 2009. A selection of Korean native Sedum spp. For evergreen ground covers of the central districts of Korea. J. Kor. Inst. Landscape Arch. 37:90-97.
14. Lee, S.H., S.G. Yun, S.B. Back, and H.G. Park. 1991. Comparison of germination characteristics, and of logistic and eibull functions to predict cumulative germination of grasses under osmotic water stress. J. Korean Grassl. Sci. 11:209-214.
15. Maier, F.P., N.S. Lang, and J.D. Fry. 1994. Evaluation of an electrolyte leakage technique to predict St. Augustinegrass freezing tolerance. HortScience 29:316-318.
16. Monterusso, M.A., D.B. Rowe, and C.L. Rugh. 2005. Establishment and persistence of Sedum spp. And native taxa for green roof applications. HortScience 40:391-396.
17. Okeyo, D.O., J.D. Fry, D. Bremer, C.B. Rajashekar, M. Kennelly, A. Chandra, D.A. Genovesi, and M.C. Engelke. 2011. Freezing tolerance and seasonal color of experimental zoysiagrasses. Crop Sci. 51:2858-2863.
18. Qian, Y.L., S. Ball, Z. Tan, A.J. Koski, and S.J. Wilhelm. 2001. Freezing tolerance of six cultivars of buffalograss. Crop Sci. 41:1174-1178.
19. Sharom, M., C. Willemot, and J.E. Thompson. 1994. Chilling injury induces lipid phase changes in membranes of tomato fruit. Plant Physiol. 105:305-308.
20. VanWoert, N.D., D.B. Rowe, J.A. Anderson, C.L. Rugh, and L. Xiao. 2005. Watering regime and green roof substrate design affect Sedum plant growth. HortScience 40:659-664.
21. Von Seggern, D. 1993. Standard curves and surfaces: A mathematica notebook: User’s Guide. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.
22. Williams, N.S.G., R.E. Hughes, N.M. Jones, D.A. Bradbury and J.P. Rayner. 2010. The performance of native and exotic species for extensive green roofs in Melbourne, Australia. Acta Hort. 811:689-696.
23. Zhao, H.X., H. Li, H.J. Son, and T.H. Kang. 2012. Cold tolerance assessment of ever ground-cover plants for extensive green roof system. J. Kor. Inst. Landscape Arch. 40:127-134.
24. Korea Meteorological Administration. 2013. Monthly weather report. http://www.kma.go.kr/weather/-climate/data_monthly.jsp


Singareni plans solar plants near mines
Singareni Collieries, a State-owned mining company, is considering setting up solar photovoltaic power projects in the mining belt where its collieries operate. Singareni Collieries Chairman and Managing Director N Sridhar recently outlined plans to set up these solar power plants in some of the areas where it is operating coal mines. During a recent meeting with
senior management of the company, Mr Sridhar called upon officials of Singareni
Thermal Power Plant to explore possibilities of establishing 50- or 100-mw solar plants near its mines.


Defined simply, a beach is the shore of a body of water. That doesn’t necessarily mean that a beach has to have sand, umbrellas, and sunburned vacationers in order to quality as a beach. With a planet covered in so much water, we’re lucky to live in a world where beaches are plentiful and varied. Some of my favorite shoreline experiences challenge the notion of what a beach vacation should be.
Take this beach in Iceland, for example, where the sands are jet black:
At this next beach in Michigan, the grass makes its way almost to the waterline:


Texas game wardens conducting an enhanced marine patrol of the lower Rio Grande near Boca Chica Beach near Brownsville recently seized roughly 8,000 feet of illegal gillnet.
Although no arrests were made, the gillnet is believed to have belonged to commercial fishermen from Mexico. Fishing with a gillnet in Texas waters is a violation of state law. Game wardens found hundreds of fish trapped in the netting, including red drum, snook, black drum, sheepshead, tarpon, mullet, jack crevalle, and gizzard shad, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department stated in a press release.
In addition to fish, the gillnet contained blue crabs, as well as cormorants and brown pelicans. Game wardens were able to save two of the brown pelicans, but the other birds had died.
Using a gillnet in state waters is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000, and confinement in jail not to exceed 180 days or both. Taking the fish, crabs and protected birds would bring additional charges.
“Game Wardens working the Rio Grande, the Gulf of Mexico, and border lakes are working in a very complex, demanding, and dangerous environment,” said Grahame Jones, TPWD Chief of Special Operations. “In addition to routine interdiction of commercial fishermen from Mexico who are fishing Texas waters illegally, our game wardens encounter human smugglers and drug smugglers very frequently.”
“It is important to realize that the same groups from Mexico that utilize long-lines and gillnets in Texas waters to indiscriminately remove thousands of sharks, reef fish, turtles, dolphins, and other species of marine life also take part in other illegal smuggling activities,” said Capt. James Dunks, who is based in Brownsville. “Our presence along the Texas Border helps to protect our natural resources significantly while also helping to protect Texas against other criminal activity.”
Anyone witnessing illegal commercial fishing or any poaching activity is encouraged to call Operation Game Thief at 800-792-4263.


Yesterday, when I was wandering around our garden with one of our daughters, I noticed a yellow breast on a bird on a tree many metres away from us. I know all the birds that visit our property and I hadn’t seen one of these here before. I knew what it was as I’d seen this bird at Lysterfield Park and also up at Grant’s Picnic Grounds. There is a road not far from us where I’ve seen one too. So I moved closer and it stayed and watched me. I got some pics of it but the light wasn’t good as we had quite a dark and blustery day yesterday. However this shot wasn’t too bad. The bird is an Eastern Yellow Robin.