Malaysia: Another jumbo rescued from snare

muguntan vanar The Star 17 Aug 18;

KOTA KINABALU: Another Borneo Pygmy elephant was rescued from a trap in east coast Sabah as the endangered jumbos in the state continue to face threats of extinction.

Sabah Wildlife Department rangers rescued a young male elephant aged between seven to nine years that suffered an injury to its front right leg due to a snare in Taliwas area in Lahad Datu late Tuesday.

The department’s public relations officer Siti Nurain Ampuan Acheh said the snare caused a 2-inch deep wound on the leg and was infested with maggots at the area of the knot.

She said with initial treatment the elephant showed signs of healing but the veterinarians treating it remained guarded about its full recovery.

The elephant will be transferred to the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary for further treatment and observation.

On the post-mortem results conducted on the male elephant found floating in the Kinabatangan river near Pangi Forest Reserve on Aug 13, Siti Nurain said no external injuries were found and preliminary findings showed that the jumbo suffered from ulcerative gastritis that led to severe loss of blood in its gastrointestines.

“The cause of ulcerative gastritis can be of infectious or non-infectious origin,” she said, adding that samples of vital internal organs were taken for toxicology and bacteriology analysis.

Confirmation on the cause of death could only be ascertained when results of the analysis of the samples were obtained, she added.

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Thailand to ban imports of high-tech trash, plastic waste

Panarat Thepgumpanat Reuters 16 Aug 18;

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand will ban imports of 432 types of scrap electronics within six months, an environment ministry official said on Thursday, the latest country to respond to China’s crackdown on imports of high-tech trash this year.

Southeast Asia nations fear they are the new dumping ground for the world’s trash after China banned the entry of several types of waste as part of a campaign against “foreign garbage”.

Thailand’s ban comes weeks after regional neighbor Vietnam said it would stop issuing new licenses for waste imports and crack down on illegal shipments of paper, plastic and metal.

The Thai ban covers 432 types of electronic refuse — from electronic circuit boards to old television and radio parts — and will take effect within six months, a senior environment ministry official told Reuters on Thursday.

He said the ban was agreed at a meeting on Wednesday chaired by Surasak Kanchanarat, the environment minister.

“The meeting yesterday passed a resolution to stop importing 432 kinds of electronic waste and to ensure...that this is enforced within six months,” said the official, who declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Mongukol Pruekwatana, director general of the department of industrial works, told Reuters a full list of banned items would be announced soon.

E-waste - commonly defined as any device with an electric cord or battery - can be mined for valuable metals such as gold, silver and copper. However, it can also include hazardous material such as lead, mercury and cadmium.

Surasak told Thai media on Wednesday that imports of some electronic appliances and second-hand devices would be allowed if these items can be repaired and reused.

Scrap metal, including aluminum, copper and steel, can still be imported for industrial use, but must be separated at the country of origin and cleaned, he said.

Thailand’s e-waste ban follows a series of raids that began in May on factories accused of illegally importing and processing electronic waste.

Environmentalists say waste once destined for China is being re-routed to Southeast Asia, and new laws are needed or existing laws better enforced to prevent illegal imports.

Vietnam’s central bank said on Wednesday it has asked banks to tighten lending to projects deemed environmentally unfriendly. It said banks must have strategies for environmental risk management by 2025.

Thailand also planned to ban imports of plastic waste in the next two years, the environment ministry official said, but he gave no details of the program.

The death of a pilot whale in June found with some 80 pieces of plastic rubbish in its stomach focused attention on what environmentalists call Thailand’s “addiction” to plastic bags and packaging.

Thailand’s military government has said improving the country’s waste management infrastructure is a priority and set goals for 2021.

They included cutting the use of plastic bags and bottles in government agencies and businesses, and plastic bans in tourist destinations. A tax on plastic bags has also been mentioned, along with a target to recycle up to 60 percent of plastic by 2021.

Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpant and Amy Sawitta Lefevre; Additional reporting by Khanh Vu in HANOI; Writing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre; Editing by Darren Schuettler

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India warns of 'extremely grave' crisis as flood toll rises

AFP Yahoo News 17 Aug 18;

Kochi (India) (AFP) - Hundreds of troops led a desperate operation to rescue families trapped by mounting floods in India's Kerala state Thursday as the death toll reached 106 with nearly 150,000 left homeless.

Helicopters airlifted stranded victims from rooftops and dam gates were thrown open as incessant torrential rain brought fresh havoc to the southern state that is a major international tourist draw.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state now faces an "extremely grave" crisis with more downpours predicted. The region's main airport has been ordered closed until August 26.

The state, famed for palm-lined beaches at resorts such as Bekal and tea plantations, is always battered by the annual monsoon but this year's damage has been the worst in almost a century.

The death toll had jumped to 106 late Thursday, a state disaster management official told AFP.

Media reports said up to 30 more people were feared dead in landslides and rivers that burst their banks, flooding scores of villages.

At least eight people were killed when an irrigation dam burst and a landslide hit three houses in the town of Nenmara, Palakkad district, authorities said.

Vijayan said 80 dams have reached danger levels and appealed to the population not to ignore evacuation orders.

Army and coastguard helicopters, lifeboats and navy diving teams have been brought to the stricken state where an extra 540 troops were deployed Thursday. More are due in coming days.

The army said helicopters carried out scores of rescue operations. They also dropped food and water and appealed for victims to stand in open fields or on rooftops away from trees so helicopters were not damaged during rescue efforts.

One state official said more than 1,330 camps have been opened across Kerala and 147,000 people had sought shelter by Thursday evening.

"At least 6,500 people are stranded in different parts of Kerala and the situation in three districts is particularly grim," a separate state disaster management official told AFP.

Floods have also hit other states, including Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, where eight people at a popular picnic spot were swept away by a sudden surge of water.

- 'Please help' -

In Kerala families could be seen paddling boats provided by the military, while in some areas families commandeered local wooden boats to ferry themselves to safety.

The government says 10,000 kilometres (6,000 miles) of Kerala roads have been destroyed or damaged and hundreds of homes lost.

It has ordered the opening of gates at 34 dams and reservoirs where water levels reached danger levels.

Indian television broadcast images of cars and livestock washed away in the floods while men and women waded through chest-high waters that flowed through village streets.

Many used social media to send rooftop distress calls, some with video.

A member of parliament from Kerala, Shashi Tharoor, shared on Twitter an appeal for help made by a woman who said she was trapped on the third floor of a temple with phone batteries running out.

"Over 36 people including myself and family stranded here. Phone network and charge finishing please help in any possible way," Devika Sreekumar said in the Facebook post.

Greeta Mathew pleaded for help for her family in a Twitter message.

"Anybody reading this,PLZ HELP. My relatives are stuck on the upper floor of house with an 8 months pregnant lady, in Edayaranmula, Pathanamthitta dist. All rescue control rooms' numbers busy. No rescue team reached yet. No contact with family since last evening," she said.

North and central Kerala has been worst hit by the floods but all 14 of the state's districts have been put on "red alert" as heavy rain is predicted for several days.

In the main city of Kochi, the international airport will remain closed until at least August 26, authorities said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday on Twitter that he has ordered the defence ministry "to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala".


More than 320 dead in India flood crisis
AFP Yahoo News 18 Aug 18;

Kochi (India) (AFP) - Pressure intensified Saturday to save thousands still trapped by devastating floods that have killed more than 300 in the Indian state of Kerala, triggering landslides and sending torrents sweeping through villages in the region's worst inundation crisis in a century.

Authorities warned of more torrential rain and strong winds over the weekend, as hundreds of troops and local fishermen staged desperate rescue attempts in helicopters and boats across the southern state.

Kerala, popular among international tourists for its tropical hills and beaches, has been battered by record monsoon rainfall this year.

The state is "facing the worst floods in 100 years", chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Twitter, adding that at least 324 lives have been lost so far.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the stricken state on Friday night, Vijayan's office tweeted, with media reports saying the premier would undertake an aerial survey of the worst-affected areas on Saturday.

People all over the state of 33 million have made panicked appeals on social media for help, saying they cannot make contact with rescue services as power and communication lines are down.

"My family and neighbouring families are in trouble," wrote Ajo Varghese, a resident of the coastal city of Alappuzha, in a Facebook post that quickly went viral.

"No water and food. Not able to communicate from afternoon. Mobile phones are not reachable... Please help," he added.

Other distressed messages were shared online from people trapped inside temples and hospitals as well as their homes.

More than 30 military helicopters and 320 boats are attempting rescues across Kerala after some areas were engulfed by overflowing rivers, with residents seen swimming and wading through chest-high waters past partially submerged houses.

Authorities said thousands of people have been taken to safety so far but 6,000 more are still waiting for rescue.

"We are deploying more boats and the army to ramp up rescue operations," senior state government official P.H. Kurian told AFP.

Helicopters have also been dropping emergency food and water supplies, while special trains carrying drinking water have been sent to Kerala.

- 'Extremely grave' -

According to India's weather bureau, since the beginning of June more than 321 centimetres (126 inches) of rain has fallen on the hilly central district of Idukki, which is now virtually cut off from the rest of the state.

The Kerala government has said it faces an "extremely grave" crisis and Vijayan warned of further torrential rainfall hitting the region over the weekend.

The gates of dozens of dams and reservoirs across the state have been opened as water levels reach danger levels, inundating many other villages.

At least 310,000 people have been displaced and are taking shelter in more than 2,000 relief camps.

North and central Kerala have been worst-hit by the floods with the international airport in the main city of Kochi shut until at least August 26.

The home ministry announced separately that 868 people have been reported dead in seven Indian states including Kerala since the start of the monsoon in June.

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Best of our wild blogs: 16 Aug 18

Seagrasses doing better at Beting Bemban Besar
wild shores of singapore

Sep 2018 sampling events for NUS–NParks Marine Debris Monitoring Programme
News from the International Coastal Cleanup Singapore

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Strong support for tougher wildlife protection laws in Singapore: Survey

Fann Sim Channel NewsAsia 16 Aug 18;

SINGAPORE: There is strong support for tougher wildlife protection laws in Singapore, according to findings from a REACH survey released on Thursday (Aug 16).

The online survey had questions drawn from amendments proposed for the Wild Animals and Birds Act (WABA) by the Wild Animals Legislation Review Committee (WALRC).

The committee, formed by Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC Louis Ng in February, is made up of stakeholders from the nature community, pest control companies, religious organisations, town councils and grassroots organisations.

The survey was posted on Government feedback site REACH from June to July and received over 1,000 responses and comments.

Among the findings, 81 per cent of respondents felt that the release of animals without a permit should be disallowed.

Seventy per cent felt that the feeding of wild animals should not be allowed.

According to the report, 61 per cent felt that all wild birds including crows, mynas, and pigeons should also be protected from being killed, kept or captured without a permit.

Eighty-one per cent felt that the deployment of nets and traps outside private premises and nature reserves should be regulated.

The findings also revealed 57 per cent felt that selected citizens should be given the power to assist the Government in enforcement, while 66 per cent felt that current penalties are inadequate in deterring individual offenders.

Ninety per cent felt that the penalties for repeat offenders should be more severe, and 89 per cent felt that the penalties for corporations should be more severe than for individuals.

Eighty per cent felt that organisations need to be specifically trained and licensed if they wish to provide wildlife removal services.

Eighty-three per cent supported having a code of conduct for wildlife photography, while 89 per cent wanted a code of conduct for general activities in nature areas.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO WABA

The committee proposed 10 amendments to the WABA ranging from suggestions to ban the feeding of wild animals throughout Singapore as well as banning the release of animals without a license throughout Singapore.

The initial amendments proposed by WALRC have been tweaked according to the observations gathered from the latest public feedback.

For example, the amendments included selected marine invertebrates such as horseshoe crabs and corals for protection after input from the marine biology research community.

The committee also deliberated initially on a total ban of possessing traps in public but tempered its stance after public feedback that it would be troublesome for researchers, recreational fishers and pet owners. The proposed amendment was revised to a lighter ban of deploying traps for all wild animals and birds by unqualified individuals.

During a media briefing, Mr Ng added that the amendment to prevent unauthorised trapping is targeted at poachers, who have made use of loopholes in the current version of WABA to capture certain birds.

Six species of birds, including the house crow, common myna, and white vented myna are excluded from current protection laws.

"A lot of times on the ground when you go to someone trapping the bird, the fellow will say, 'I'm just trapping a common myna' and there's nothing we can do because trapping a common myna under WABA is legal," he said.

These amendments will be subjected to further public consultation and discussions with stakeholders in October before being presented in Parliament next year.

“Currently, animals receive a full suite of protection when they are in nature reserves and national parks. The problem is that the animal loses some protection once the animal leaves the nature reserves and national parks," said Mr Ng, who also chairs the WALRC.

"This is the gap we are trying to fill in the amendments to the WABA. Ultimately, the animals don’t know where the boundaries of the nature reserves and national parks lie, and the same animal should receive the same protection regardless of where the animal is."

The proposed amendments will also align WABA with other nature-related legislation, which feature stronger penalties and protection for wildlife, Mr Ng said.

The WABA is the principal legislation that protects wildlife in Singapore and was enacted in 1965, with its last revision in 2000. While there have been seven revisions to WABA, Mr Ng said that they are "consequential revisions" to WABA due to revisions to amendments made to the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority Act, and were not specific to WABA.

"If you look at the WABA at this point, it's just focusing on kill, keep and take. But if you look at other pieces of legislation under the Parks and Trees Act, it also includes release, feed and disturb. We have the first three now in WABA, and we're trying to add three more to make sure the animal receives similar protection regardless of where the animal is," Mr Ng.

"Things have changed a lot in Singapore [since 1965]. The landscape has changed a lot. So the legislation has to be updated and changed," he added.

Source: CNA/ad(mn)

Feeding of wild animals should be banned, say most Singaporeans in survey
Jose Hong Straits Times 16 Aug 18;

SINGAPORE - Almost three-quarters of Singaporeans feel that the feeding of wild animals should be banned throughout the country, according to a new survey.

More than four-fifths also believe that animals should not be released into the wild without a permit, revealed a poll carried out via government feedback site Reach (Reaching Everyone for Activity Citizenry @ Home) from June to July.

The results were released on Thursday (Aug 16).

More than 1,000 Singaporeans gave their feedback to 11 questions on proposed amendments to the Wild Animals and Birds Act (WABA).

In February, Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng announced that he would propose amendments to WABA through a private member's Bill in Parliament, to better protect the wildlife in Singapore. Some of these amendments include giving trained citizens the powers to educate others about WABA, and giving companies heavier penalties than individuals for breaking the Act.

He formed a Wild Animals Legislation Review Committee that comprises stakeholders from the nature community, pest control companies, religious organisations, town councils and grassroots organisations.

Other results from the survey show that 66 per cent of respondents felt that current penalties are not adequate to deter individual offenders, while 90 per cent felt that the penalties for repeat offenders need to be more severe.

WABA was enacted in the 1960s, with little revision since, and also does not protect any invertebrates - animals without a backbone - such as the endangered horseshoe crab.

Mr Ng said: "Currently, animals receive a full suite of protection when they are in nature reserves and national parks. The problem is that the animal loses some protection once the animal leaves the nature reserves and national parks. This is the gap we are trying to fill in the amendments to the Wild Animals and Birds Act.

"Ultimately, the animals don't know where the boundaries of the nature reserves and national parks lie, and the same animal should receive the same protection regardless of where the animal is."

Members of the public will have more opportunities to share their views on the proposed amendments after the Bill has been drafted and before it is read in Parliament.

Deputy chief executive of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres), Mr Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan, said: "On a daily basis, we see animals being fed outside the nature reserve, which draws them even farther into public spaces and causes conflicts to start. The proposed amendments to WABA will help in this critical area."

Some animals without backbones could be protected, but not illegal to kill mosquitoes and cockroaches
WONG PEI TING Today Online 16 Aug 18;

SINGAPORE — Threatened invertebrates – or animals without backbones – such as the Common Rose butterfly and horseshoe crabs in Singapore will be offered more protection under proposed changes to the law spearheaded by Member of Parliament Louis Ng.

Just as it is an offence to kill, take or capture birds, reptiles, fish and animals with backbones here, Mr Ng and his team are looking to have threatened invertebrates covered under the Wild Animals and Birds Act.

This will assuage concerns of ant hobbyists and others who wondered if it would become illegal to swat mosquitoes or kill cockroaches. Ant hobbyists catch queen ants to start colonies, which they keep at home.

"So if the ant is not endangered, they can carry on catching and trapping them, but (people should not be) going into the nature reserves (to find their queen ants)," said Mr Ng at a media briefing to present findings of a public consultation on government portal Reach.

The survey drew more than 1,000 responses from June 18 to July 20.

Some concerns came from parents who wondered if a ban on capturing all invertebrates might stifle the curiosity of children, who may want to capture insects for their school projects.

Mr Ng said including only invertebrates listed in the Singapore Red Data Book: Threatened Plants and Animals of Singapore would be a "reasonable start". There are 171 invertebrate species listed in the book's 2008 edition.

Draft changes to the Wild Animals and Birds Act, first enacted in 1965, are expected to be ready in October and another round of public consultation will be conducted then.

Mr Ng chairs the 17-member Wild Animal Legislation Review Committee tasked to look into changes to the Act, which he previously said was outdated. Suggestions include banning the feeding of wild animals throughout Singapore. Currently, the practice is only banned in the nature reserves and parks under the Parks and Trees Act.

On concerns that the proposed changes might make Singapore too restrictive a place to enjoy nature, Mr Ng said: "The concern really is that we want to make sure everyone can enjoy nature and appreciate nature in the long term.

"If we continue to disturb, if we continue to feed, if we continue to release these animals, it will be damaging to our local biodiversity in the ecosystem and ultimately, nobody will be able to enjoy our wildlife anymore."

Seventy per cent of survey respondents agreed that feeding of wildlife should not be allowed, while 90 per cent agreed that selected invertebrates should be protected.

There was disquiet among cat and dog lovers who wanted to continue feeding strays. They will be able to do so, said Ms Karen Sim, secretary of the committee. The Act does not cover domestic dogs and cats, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, domestic pigs, poultry and ducks.

The proposed changes aim to target feeding that contributes to human-wildlife conflicts, such as the feeding of wild boars and monkeys, said Mr Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan, deputy chief executive of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres). Two individuals who apparently drove regularly to Tuas to feed bread to wild boars, for instance, could have resulted in some 20 of the animals loitering at Tuas bus terminal, he told TODAY. A video of the herd last year alarmed some members of the public.

PIGEONS IN NEED OF PROTECTION?

One of the least popular suggestions among survey respondents was the inclusion of six species of wild birds for protection under the Act: The house crow, purple-backed starling, Philippine glossy starling, common mynah, white-vented mynah, and feral pigeons.

Only 61 per cent of respondents agreed that the species should be protected. Others felt they were pests that dirty the environment and spread diseases, and were so common that they do not need protection.

The committee will go ahead with the proposal to protect the six species, to close a loophole that currently lets off many bird poachers.

There have been many instances of poachers looking to trap rare birds who lied that they were targeting an unprotected species, when approached, said Mr Ng.

Mr Kalai said Acres receives reports of suspected poaching "on a daily basis", but the suspects would either say they already own the bird, or are trying to find a lost bird.

The committee is also looking to prohibit the deployment of nets, traps, hunting devices and instruments – making it illegal for someone to be seen with a trap, even outside a nature reserve. Recreational anglers will be exempted.

Eighty-one per cent of respondents supported this move, on the account that traps harm otters. Those who were against the proposal said this would make it hard for people to trap wildlife for research, get rid of pests, or return lost pets.

Eighty-one per cent of respondents supported banning the release of all wild animals without a permit.

The committee also wants to align penalties under the Act (fines of up to S$1,000) with the Parks and Trees Act (up to six months' jail or a fine of up to S$50,000) to offer equal protection to animals outside of nature reserves. Sixty-six per cent of respondents think the current penalties are not enough to deter offenders.

Community volunteers could be given enforcement powers to deal with selected offences such as the feeding or release of animals. Mr Ng said the powers will be similar to that of the National Environment Agency's (NEA) community volunteer programme.

NEA volunteers can request for the particulars of litterbugs, those who smoke in prohibited areas or spit and urinate in public places, pet owners who do not pick up after their pets, and drivers who have smoky vehicles or leave the engine of a stationary vehicle running.

The particulars are submitted to NEA for follow-up action.

The committee will also propose abolishing an archaic law allowing private individuals to keep wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies and orang utans as pets as long as they obtain a licence to do so.

Most Singaporeans support ban on feeding of wild animals
JOSE HONG The New Paper 17 Aug 18;

Almost three-quarters of Singaporeans polled feel the feeding of wild animals should be banned.

More than four-fifths also believe animals should not be released into the wild without a permit, based on a poll by government feedback website Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry @ Home from June to July. The results were released yesterday.

More than 1,000 Singaporeans gave their feedback to 11 questions on proposed amendments to the Wild Animals and Birds Act (Waba).

In February, Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng announced he would propose amendments to the Act through a private member's Bill in Parliament to better protect wildlife in Singapore.

Waba was enacted in the 1960s with little revision since and does not protect invertebrates - animals without a backbone - such as the endangered horseshoe crab. Some of these amendments, also announced yesterday, include bringing certain invertebrates under the protection of the law, as well as banning the feeding of wild animals.

In the survey, 66 per cent of respondents felt current penalties are not adequate to deter offenders, and 90 per cent felt penalties for repeat offenders need to be more severe.

Mr Ng said: "Currently, animals receive a full suite of protection when they are in nature reserves and national parks. The problem is that the animal loses some protection once the animal leaves the nature reserves and national parks. This is the gap we are trying to fill in the amendments to the Wild Animals and Birds Act,

"Ultimately, the animals don't know where the boundaries of nature reserves and national parks lie, and the same animal should receive the same protection regardless of where the animal is."

Members of the public will have more opportunities to share their views on the proposed amendments after the Bill has been drafted and before it is read in Parliament.

The deputy chief executive of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society, Mr Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan, said: "On a daily basis we see animals being fed outside the nature reserve, which draws them even farther into public spaces and causes conflicts to start. The proposed amendments to Waba will help in this critical area."

ENCOURAGED

In a joint statement yesterday, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore and the National Parks Board said: "We are encouraged by the public's active participation in the consultation.

"Their feedback is useful and will be considered in the review of animal-related regulations and processes."

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Arctic trip changed 19-year-old’s views on animal hunting

WONG PEI TING Today Online 15 Aug 18;

SINGAPORE — Yale environmental studies undergraduate Victoria Lim, 19, had previously taken a dim view of seal hunting. But having returned last week from a trip to the Arctic, she found her view challenged.

A ban or boycott of seal products would impoverish the Inuit, said the self-professed environmentalist, who also developed a better appreciation of the need to have diverse views on environmental issues.

Last month, Victoria became the first Singaporean to join more than 100 youths from 16 other places, including Ecuador and Micronesia, on a 16-day expedition to the Arctic to witness climate change where it is most apparent.

Speaking to TODAY on Tuesday (Aug 14), the undergraduate who just completed her first year at Yale University said she gained a greater insight into the reality of living in the polar north through interacting with the 40 or so Inuit people who participated in the award-winning Canadian educational programme called Students On Ice.

The climate in the northern regions of Canada and Greenland is so hostile that it is impossible for the indigenous communities to grow any food, Victoria said. That means, the Inuit either have to import their food — which is expensive and environmentally unfriendly — or source them locally, which means turning to marine animals like seals which inhabit the region.

"Eating marine animals is really just how they always lived," said the SJI International alumnus. And unlike commercial hunters, the Inuit "literally just go out with a spear and maybe a gun" to catch one seal, which is used to feed the entire family, she added.

Inuit arctic wear made from seal pelts are seen displayed on a table. Photo: Victoria Lim

So the seal pelts they sell are merely a byproduct of them utilising every part of the animal they can't eat, the teenager said, adding that it is because they have such a respect for the animal that they ensure that no part of it goes to waste.

So, the constant lobbying by animals rights' groups to ban or boycott of seal products like pelts have seen demand for those products plunge, which in turn impoverish the Inuit who rely on the sale as one of their largest streams of revenue, leaving them economically further behind.

"Regardless of whether they sell the seal skin or not, they are going to eat the seal anyway," said the Public Service Commission scholarship holder.

Ironically, the lobby against animal products made life more difficult for the very people who were really trying to practice sustainable living, turning what Victoria used to believe in on its head. This revelation got her pondering about issues of inequality and human rights, and what exactly is "sustainable development".

Her S$18,000 trip, fully sponsored by the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Council as a prize for winning the HSBC-NYAA Youth Environmental Award last year, also opened her eyes to the need for a diversity of voices.

"You cannot develop a complete narrative of any story if you don't have a diversity of voices," said Victoria, noting that some of the peers she interacted with on the trip hunted seals and even caribou, yet they also cared deeply about the environment.

Climate change is very real to the communities living in the polar north, she added, as they shared stories about how more Inuit are falling through ice as the knowledge passed down by their forefathers about ice thickness is less reliable in a time of global warming and melting ice caps.

Hunting seasons are also changing by as much as weeks and months. And it is no longer so cold that their urine would freeze in winter when they pee outdoors. Instead, they could head out on some days in just a hoodie, unthinkable in the not-so-distant past, she said.

But even as the indigenous communities in the Arctic bear the brunt of climate change brought about by others, Victoria said it is time for city dwellers like herself to truly understand that they, too, have a role to play.

"Whatever happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic. And whatever happens outside the Arctic will affect the Arctic somehow … The whole world is interconnected (politically, economically, etc, and) especially when it comes to the environment," she said.

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Indonesia: Potential forest fires still threaten Riau ahead of Asian Games

Antara 15 Aug 18;

Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA News) - A total of 103 hot spots were detected in several parts of Riau Province on Wednesday as the South Sumatra city of Palembang is gearing up for the official start of the 18th Asian Games this weekend.

Majority of the hot spots were detected in the province`s northern coastal areas, Head of the Riau Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Sukisno said by referring to the Terra & Aqua Satellite`s latest images.

"Rokan Hilir District has 97 hot spots," he noted, adding that the other northern coastal areas which contributed to the hot spots were Bengkalis District and Dumai city with one and two hot spots, respectively.

The remaining hot spots were detected in Riau Province`s central areas, particularly the districts of Siak, Kampar, and Pelalawan, he stated.

Around 87 of the 103 hot spots had a level of confidence of above 70 percent, indicating possible occurrences of land and forest fires in the affected areas.

Sukisno remarked that 85 hot spots were detected in Rokan Hilir District and the remaining in Bengkalis and Dumai.

Despite related authorities` ongoing efforts to extinguish the land and forest fires, the relatively low rainfall intensity makes Riau Province remain vulnerable to the spread of potential land and forest fires.

Sukisno explained that the BMKG has forecast that mild rain would likely shower the areas of Rokan Hilir District early in the morning, while the maximum temperature during mid-day could reach 35 degree Celsius.

The Riau Land and Forest Fire Task Force continues its ground and aerial firefighting operations by using four water bombing choppers.

However, the dry-bulb temperature and wind blows have hampered the task force`s fire fighters to extinguish the land and forest fires on wetland.

Due to Riau Province`s geographical proximity with Malaysia and Singapore, the forest fire smoke can likely affect the two neighbors if the task force`s firefighting efforts fail, and the wind blows the haze towards the two countries.

President Joko Widodo had warned earlier that the related authorities should do their best to ensure that the 18th Asian Games, due to be held in Jakarta and Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra Province, from Aug 18 to Sept 2, is not disrupted by land and forest fires.

"As the Asian Games host, we must be able to ensure that the land and forest fires will not occur during the multi-sport event, so that our image and flights are not disrupted by the haze," Widodo told attendants of a coordinating meeting for the Forest and Land Fire Mitigation in Jakarta last February.

Indonesia will host the Asian Games for the second time this year after Jakarta was selected as the venue for the Asian sporting event for the first time in 1962. By virtue of its hosting of the 2018 games, the country aims to secure a place among the top 10 largest sporting events.

Some 45 countries will participate in the games that will feature 462 events across 40 sports, of which 32 are Olympic sports and eight are non-Olympic events.

Reported by FB Anggoro
Edited by Rahmad Nasution, Eliswan

Editor: Heru Purwanto


Indonesia fights forest fires in Sumatra ahead of Asian Games
Antara 15 Aug 18;

Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA News) - The Riau Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency reported here on Tuesday that some 169 hot spots were detected in seven provinces across Sumatra Island, including South Sumatra, that will co-host the 18th Asian Games with Jakarta.

Referring to satellites` images, the agency remarked that South Sumatra Province had 13 hot spots, while 90 others were detected in different parts of Riau, 27 in Bangka Belitung, 22 in North Sumatra, 10 in West Sumatra, four in Jambi, and three in Lampung Province.

According to Head of the Riau Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency Sukisno, 57 of the 90 hot spots in Riau had a confidence level of above 70 percent, indicating that there would have been 57 land and forest fires in the province`s areas.

"Rokan Hilir District had 42 hotspots, while 10 other hot spots are detected in Bengkalis District. One hotspot each was found in the districts of Kampar, Pelalawan, Indragiri Hulu, and Indragiri Hilir, as well as Dumai City," he stated.

In order to extinguish land and forest fires, the Riau Land and Forest Fire Task Force has deployed four water bombing helicopters to back up its ground and aerial firefighting operations.

The four helicopters comprised one Bell-214, one MI-171, and two Kamov, the task force`s deputy commander, Sanger, noted.

President Joko Widodo has warned earlier that the related authorities should do their best to ensure that the 18th Asian Games, due to be held in Jakarta and Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra Province, from Aug 18 to Sept 2, is not disrupted by land and forest fires.

"As the Asian Games host, we must be able to ensure that the land and forest fires will not occur during the multi-sport event, so that our image and flights are not disrupted by the haze," Widodo told attendants of a coordinating meeting for the Forest and Land Fire Mitigation in Jakarta last February.

Indonesia will host the Asian Games for the second time this year after Jakarta was selected as the venue for the Asian sporting event for the first time in 1962. By virtue of its hosting of the 2018 games, the country aims to secure a place among the top 10 largest sporting events.

Some 45 countries will participate in the games that will feature 462 events across 40 sports, of which 32 are Olympic sports and eight are non-Olympic events.

The Olympic sports are Aquatics, Athletics, Fencing, Weightlifting, Basketball, Handball, Badminton, Baseball/Softball, Cycling, Equestrian, Golf, Wrestling, Hockey, Judo, Karate, Canoeing and Kayaking, Sailing, Shooting, Modern Pentathlon, Archery, Sport Climbing, Rowing, Rugby, Gymnastics, Roller Skating, Football, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Boxing, Triathlon, and Volleyball.

The non-Olympic sports are Bowling; Bridge; Cricket; Kabaddi; Martial Arts including Jujitsu, Kurash, Pencak Silat, Sambo, and Wushu; Mechanical Sports, such as Paragliding and Jet skiing; Squash; and Sepak Takraw.

Indonesia has set a target of entering the biggest 10 in the event by winning a minimum of 16 gold medals.

Reported by FB Anggoro

(T.R013/A/INE)

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Malaysia: Hotspots and open burning bring back haze

The Star 16 Aug 18;

KUCHING: The haze has returned to parts of Sarawak due to the rising number of hotspots in Kalimantan and open burning in the state.

State Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) controller Peter Sawal said 121 hotspots were detected across the border on Tuesday, more than double the day before.

Seven hotspots were also detected – two in Kuching, three in Mukah and one each in Sarikei and Sri Aman.

As at 2pm yesterday, nine areas in the state recorded moderate air pollutant index (API) readings with Mukah, the highest at 84.

A reading of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 moderate and 101-200 unhealthy.

Sawal said the hazy conditions could last until the end of the month if there were no changes in the prevailing dry weather and wind direction.

“From the briefing by the Meteorological Department, we’re expecting this month to be dry with below normal rainfall.

“But things may change; we may experience intermittent rain and that will dampen the weather.

“However, we also monitor the situation because of the high number of hotspots detected across the border and the winds blowing towards us,” he said.

Sawal said a few incidents of local burning by farmers had been detected in Sibu, Mukah, Sri Aman and Betong.

“Our men on the ground are now advising local farmers to be vigilant in controlling and monitoring their burning to prevent it from spreading,” he said.

He also said NREB had stopped issuing permits for open burning to plantation companies since July and would take action against any illegal burning activities.

Offenders can be fined RM30,000 or prosecuted in court.

However, Sawal said better awareness and enforcement had resulted in a reduced number of illegal burning cases.

“For the past few years, our records show that incidents of illegal burning had reduced. I think they are aware of the seriousness of illegal open burning.

“At the same time, our concerted efforts mean they cannot escape. We can detect (open burning) through satellite and pinpoint the location,” he said. “Then, we proceed to the ground to verify it.”

In Miri, firemen were battling several wildfires in Mukah, Bintulu and Bintangor.

Some 10 acres of wildfires have been burning since Tuesday evening in Kampung Assykirin in Bintulu.

In Mukah, peatfires in Daro are being tackled while in Bintangor, wildfires have been contained at 60 acres (24.3ha) of the Felcra Bunut plantations.


Malaysians told to brave hot spell in Aug and Sept
Bernama New Straits Times 15 Aug 18;

KUALA LUMPUR: Several states in the peninsula, Sarawak as well as western parts of Sabah are expected to receive less than average levels of rainfall from August to September due to the current hot weather.

Besides Sabah and Sarawak, the other affected states are Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan Melaka as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

In a statement issued to Bernama today, the Meteorological Department said the situation was due the current southwest monsoon season which brought heat and caused an increase in temperatures.

“The current hot weather that struck several parts of the country is expected to persist until this weekend, but it can still occur during the southwest monsoon period which is expected to come to an end by the end of September.

“All states except for Sarawak are expected to receive normal rainfall beginning September,” the department said adding that the less rainfall received during the period could also result in drought, haze and forest fires.

It said, during the monsoon period, the maximum temperature in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak was forecast to range between 34 degrees Celsius and 37 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, several parts of the west coast of the peninsula and Sarawak recorded moderate Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 6 pm, today.

According to the Department of Environment’s portal, Mukah in Sarawak recorded the highest reading at 85, while the other affected areas recorded moderate API of between 52 and 71.

An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy and 300 and above, hazardous.-- BERNAMA

Phee: We’re worried, the API is rising in Penang
tan sin chow The Star 16 Aug 18;

GEORGE TOWN: Penangites woke up to the haze which is expected to go on for the next few days.

Penang Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh says the state government will give out face masks to the public if the Air Pollutant Index (API) goes above 75.

A check on the Department of Environment website at 3pm yesterday showed that the readings in Seberang Prai, Seberang Jaya, Minden and Balik Pulau were hovering between 63 and 65.

An API reading of between 0 and 50 is good, while 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 very un­healthy, and 301 and above deemed hazardous.

“We expect worsening air quality although the air readings are still classified as moderate.

“Drink more water and avoid being caught in the rain as it could be acid rain,” he said.

“Under extreme hot weather, the rainwater which comes into contact with pavements or roads could gene­rate a ‘steam’ that is not good for health,” he added.

Phee said the haze was brought about by the Southwest Monsoon and the Northwest Monsoon, while the heat wave was also causing health problems.

“This is due to the suspended particles likely from the Lombok earthquake.

“Right now, there are no peat fires or hot spots in the region, and there are no flight cancellations,” he said.

State Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said the hazy condition would not cause any major health issues other than irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.

“Those who are feeling unwell, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, are advised to seek medical attention immediately.”

Many people were seen buying “antelope’s horn and mak dong” drinks from a shop in Bayan Baru that sells an assortment of tradi­tional medicinal teas.

Supervisor Wong Wai Ching, 50, claims the homemade drinks, selling at RM11.20 for a 500ml bottle, could help cool the body.

“It also helps if you have a sore throat, loss of voice or are feeling feverish,” she said.


Unhealthy air quality in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Sarawak
The Star 16 Aug 18;

PETALING JAYA: Perlis, Kedah and Penang have been hit by the haze, along with Mukah in Sarawak.

As at noon Thursday (Aug 16), the air quality was at unhealthy levels in Kangar (Perlis); Alor Setar and Sungai Petani (Kedah); Seberang Jaya and Seberang Perai (Penang); and Mukah.

The worst so far is Alor Setar, which had a reading of Air Pollutant Index (API) level at 157, according to the Air Pollutant Index of Malaysia.

According to the readings, the air quality in several areas started to climb from green or moderate (where the API is between 51-100) to yellow, or unhealthy (101-200), from Wednesday (Aug 15).

Kuala Lumpur is still in the green, though, with an API of between 65 (Cheras) and 67 (Batu Muda).

Petaling Jaya also recorded a moderate API reading of 63.


Yeo: No resources is no excuse not to fight open burning
The Star 16 Aug 18;

KUALA LUMPUR: Bucking up on enforcement, shifting resources and even borrowing cars and equipment – these are some of the measures Minister Yeo Bee Yin (pic) is taking to put an end to open burning as Malaysia simmers under a dry and hot season.

Yeo, who holds the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change portfolio, said she had held meetings with the Department of Environment (DoE) and told them to buck up.

“Only two or three weeks ago, I realised that the DoE doesn’t even have cars to conduct enforcement. That’s ridiculous! And, they don’t even have enough equipment.

“I am shifting resources from the ministry to DoE to perform their jobs. I told them ‘no excuse’. If you don’t have cars, I will borrow these for us,” she said in an interview here yesterday.

Malaysia is currently facing sweltering temperatures, rising to as high as 37°C in Kapit, Sarawak, on Sunday.

The ministry, said Yeo, was serious in eradicating open burning, which also contributed to haze and pollution in the country.

image: https://www.thestar.com.my/~/media/online/2018/08/16/06/27/yeo-bee-yin.ashx?la=en



“I want them (DoE) to give me a plan – there is no ‘cannot do’. Open burning is a tricky issue but as a government, we cannot say we cannot solve the problem.

“But I hope the public will give me some time,” she said

This includes setting the standard operation procedure with the lead agency as well as for DoE to get their act together. “Now, it’s completely direction-less,” Yeo said.

Asked if the ministry would seek to increase the penalties on those found guilty of open burning, Yeo said the current fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both were “high enough”.

“The problem right now is that you cannot catch the culprits. So, we need to find a solution to bring them to court and make sure they are penalised.

“I’ve told DoE that I want enforcement to be strict and there will be no compromise,” she said.

On the probability of haze recurring this year, usually during the months of July and September, Yeo said this would “not be very high” due to lower number of hotspots detected in Indonesia this time around.

“But we have put together an emergency plan. For example, once haze reaches a certain level, we may carry out cloud seeding,” she said.

To a question if she would seek a meeting with Indonesian authorities, Yeo said: “I am trying to pay them a visit. If possible, I would like to discuss but time is short.”


200ha bushes in Sarawak destroyed in fire
Mohd Roji Kawi New Straits Times 16 Aug 18;

KUCHING: A total of 163 open burning cases were ravaging some 200 hectares of land were reported since early this month.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Nor Hisham Mohamad said the cases identified involved bush fire, open burning on garden or farm as well as peat land fire.

The first open burning cases for the month, he said, was reported in Miri on Aug 3 followed by seven cases recorded in other parts of the state during the following day.

“Since then, the department have been receiving reports on open burning involving forest, peat land and bushes until Wednesday (Aug 15).

“These areas are vulnerable to open burning especially during the hot and dry weather.

“The situation worsened if open burning occurred on peat land since it will made it harder for firefighters to put off the fire,” he said.

For this month, Nor Hisham said Sibu recorded the highest number open burning occurrence, which is 46 cases, involving forest and peat land fire.

A total of 23 cases in Miri followed by 14 cases in Mukah were reported during the same period.

He said 17 other areas statewide recorded below than 10 cases of open burning.

The areas are Kapit, Petra Jaya, Batu Lintang, Simunjan, Limbang, Bintulu, Tabuan Jaya, Tanjung Manis, Bintangor, Kanowit, Lundu, Siburan, Kota Samarahan, Serian, Betong, Sarikei and Saratok.

Nor Hisham reiterated his reminder against the public to avoid open burning especially during the current hot weather and dry spell.

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Malaysia: Injured Borneo Pygmy elephant rescued in Lahad Datu

muguntan vanar The Star 16 Aug 18;

KOTA KINABALU: Another Borneo Pygmy elephant has been rescued from a poacher’s trap in the east coast of Sabah as endangered jumbos in the state continue to face threat of extinction.

Sabah Wildlife Department rangers rescued a young male elephant, aged between seven and nine years, that suffered an injury on its front right leg due to a snare in the Taliwas area of Lahad Datu late Tuesday (Aug 14).

The department’s public relations officer Siti Nurain Ampuan Acheh said the snare caused a two-inch deep wound on the leg and it was infested with maggots.

She said with the initial treatment, there were signs of healing. However, the veterinarians treating it remained guarded about the elephant's full recovery.

The elephant will be transferred to the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary for further treatment and observation.

On the post-mortem results conducted on the male elephant aged about two to three that was found floating in the Kinabatangan river near Pangi Forest Reserve on Aug 13, Siti Nurain said that no external injuries were found.

She said preliminary findings discovered that the jumbo suffered from ulcerative gastritis, which led to severe loss of blood in its gastrointestinal.

“The cause of ulcerative gastritis can be infectious or non-infectious in origin,” she said, adding that samples of vital internal organs were taken for toxicology and bacteriology analysis.

Confirmation on the cause of death could only be ascertained when results of the analysis of the samples were obtained, she added.

Since April this year, some 18 elephants rescued have died from various reasons including poachers' traps.

Pygmy elephant injured by Lahad Datu snare trap recovering
Avila Geraldine New Straits Times 16 Aug 18;

KOTA KINABALU: A Borneo pygmy elephant found with a severe snare trap injury to one of its front legs has shown signs of improvement after being treated by the Wildlife Rescue Unit from the Sabah Wildlife Department.

The snare trap had caused a two-inch deep wound on the male pachyderm’s front leg which had become infested with maggots.

The department’s public relations officer, Siti Nur’ain Ampuan Acheh, said most areas of the wound are already healing, but the prognosis is still guarded.

“General treatments have been given to the elephant and topical wound management will continue.

“Its general condition, such as hydration and appetite, will be observed as the injury still needs time to fully heal,” she said in a statement.

Siti added that the elephant, aged between 7 and 9, will be transferred to the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary for further treatment and observation.

On Tuesday, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew revealed that yet another elephant had been found injured by a snare trap.

The pachyderm was rescued at Taliwas, Lahad Datu, on Tuesday afternoon.

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Malaysia: Green turtle found dead on beach near UMS

Borneo Post 15 Aug 18;

KOTA KINABALU: An endangered juvenile green turtle was found dead on the beach near Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here on Sunday night.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Juanita Joseph, the carcass of the 65-centimeter long green turtle was found on the beach near the Borneo Marine Research Institute, UMS at 10.35pm on Sunday night and was immediately reported to the Sabah Wildlife Department.

“We suspect that the turtle has been killed after being hit by a boat propeller and this can be seen from the crack on the carapace and injury on its head.

“However, we are still waiting for the official post-mortem result from the Sabah Wildlife Department,” she said.

Classified as endangered, green turtle; scientifically known as Chelonia mydas is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world.

Based on the statistics from the Department of Marine Park Malaysia, the population of sea turtles worldwide has dropped significantly by 90 percent over the past half century.

“Green turtles are threatened by poaching of their eggs and loss of their nesting beach sites. They are also being caught in fishing gear and harvested from their foraging grounds around Sabah waters by foreign fishermen.

“On top of that, marine debris such as plastics is killing our sea turtles because it is often perceived as food,” she said.

Under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 Section 1 Schedule 1, green turtle is a totally protected species. Individuals who are found guilty of killing/taking/selling/buying/be in possession of the species including eggs and its parts, can face imprisonment of up to five years or fine of up to RM250, 000.

For the record, UMS initiated research on sea turtles in Sabah in 1998, including on green and hawksbill turtles in Pulau Mabul. A total of 207 green turtles and 21 hawksbill turtles have been tagged since the research began in August 2010.

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Indonesia: Thousands affected by drought in Central Java without permanent solution

Ganug Nugroho Adi The Jakarta Post 15 Aug 18;

At least 50,000 residents living in 31 villages across seven districts in Wonogiri, Central Java, have been affected by drought since July, according to local authorities, which predict that the water shortage will last until October.

Wonogiri regent Joko “Jekek” Sutopo said that residents had tried to survive the drought by buying water for up to Rp 200,000 (US$13.60) per water tank, or around 6,000 liters.

Jekek further said a limited budget had hampered the administration’s plans to solve the water crisis once and for all. The regency required at least Rp 165 billion to build a better system, including pumping water from 180 existing groundwater sources to distributing it to residents’ houses.

Wonogiri regency allocated only Rp 2 billion this year to meet the residents’ water needs.

Water crisis is a recurring theme in the region, especially during the prolonged dry season.

“The water crisis should be addressed permanently to prevent it from recurring,” Jekek said.

Wonogiri Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) head Bambang Haryanto echoed Jekek’s statement, saying at least 488 tanks of clean water — worth Rp 81 million — were needed daily to meet the needs of 50,000 residents. (vny/swd)

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Malaysia: Haze hits Sarawak

Mohd Roji Kawi New Straits Times 15 Aug 18;

KUCHING: At least five areas in Sarawak recorded moderate Air Pollution Index (API) readings this morning.

This follows the presence of haze in Kuching, Serian, Sibu, Mukah and Bintulu.

Hot weather that has persisted for more than a week is made worse with the peat fire in Daro, central Sarawak.

Cross border haze from Kalimantan is also affecting the state's air quality.

As of this morning, hundreds of hotspots have been detected in west Kalimantan near the Malaysia-Indonesia border, among them in Singkawang and Sambas.

Based on the latest API readings on the Department of Environment's website, Kuching recorded 56, Serian (51), Sibu (66), Mukah (75) and Bintulu (70).

Local wildfires under control, but Kalimantan hotspots a worry
stephen then The Star 15 Aug 18;

MIRI: Satellite images obtained by Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department are showing worsening wildfires in Kalimantan, resulting in smog being blown into the state.

Firemen in Sarawak are also battling several wildfires in Mukah, Bintulu and Bintangor.

Some 10 acres of wildfires have been burning since Tuesday (Aug 14) evening in Kg Assykirin in Bintulu.

In Mukah, peat fires in Daro are being extinguished, while in Bintangor, wildfires have been contained.

Sarawak Bomba in its latest updates said firemen were on the ground to contain local wildfires but the main worry now was the transboundary haze from the dozens of hotspots raging in west Kalimantan.

A change in wind direction is believed to have blown the haze across the border into Sarawak.

Dozens of hotspot clusters, appearing as red dots on satellite images, have been detected in western Kalimantan

A hotspot signifies a fire that is at least one sq km in size, thus making it big enough to be detected by satellite hovering 100km above earth.

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