Latest news with #localcommunities
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe Storm Threat Increases Along East Coast Thursday
The severe weather threat has increased to a level 3 out of 5 along the Interstate 95 corridor from New York City to Philadelphia down to Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Richmond. Clusters of storms should develop late Thursday afternoon, impacting the evening commute for many. Damaging winds will be the main threat, but hail and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Locally heavy rain could also lead to flash flooding.
CBC
2 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Riley Laychuk's Manitoba forecast for Thursday, June 19, 2025
Thursday brings another risk of thunderstorms across southern Manitoba, with the greatest risk in the southwest corner. Friday and Saturday bring temperatures close to 30 C.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kananaskis Wildfire Charter
KANANASKIS, AB, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - We, the Leaders of the G7, are deeply concerned that the world has experienced record-breaking wildfires across every forested continent over the past decade, often overwhelming available national resources and requiring governments to request assistance from other countries. These increasingly extreme wildfires are endangering lives, affecting human health, destroying homes and ecosystems, and costing governments and taxpayers billions of dollars each year. We resolve to boost global cooperation to prevent, fight and recover from wildfires by taking integrated action to reduce the incidence and negative impacts of wildfires and ensure our readiness to help each other, and partners, when needed. We will take steps to prevent and mitigate the occurrence of wildfires by: Adopting a whole of society approach, including different levels of government, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, international and non-governmental organizations, academia, and the private sector, to share knowledge and drive research on reducing risks. Implementing mitigation and adaptation actions, grounded in scientific research and local knowledge, that reduce the risk of extreme wildfires, such as sustainable forest management, nature-based solutions, Indigenous land management practices including cultural or controlled burning, and adopting fire risk reduction measures around communities, buildings, and infrastructure. Raising awareness of the different causes of wildfires and measures to prevent them, including to reduce the number of wildfires started accidentally or maliciously. We will strengthen global capacity to prepare for and respond to wildfires when they happen by: Leveraging research, tools and technology that forecast, identify, and monitor wildfires, such as fire danger rating systems, geospatial technologies, and systems to provide early warnings when wildfire moves towards inhabited areas or infrastructure. Collaborating on data collection and information sharing to better understand and respond to wildfires and their impacts, including on different population groups. Building our shared capacity to mitigate and respond to the impacts of wildfire exposure on human health and well-being. Enhancing interoperability, through sharing best practices and where relevant, developing common protocols, capabilities, and procedures related to wildfire response, including on training. Exploring ways to improve timely access to basic firefighting equipment and capabilities that help meet country-specific needs. We will rebuild for resilience to recover from wildfires by: Identifying areas for active restoration efforts versus those where natural regeneration works best, taking actions that support biological diversity and restore nature and deploying nature-based solutions to strengthen resilience and reduce risks. Rebuilding with wildfire-resilient infrastructure, including strengthening the wildland-urban interface through resilient urban design, landscape, and infrastructure planning. Encouraging research to better understand local conditions to support and scale-up ecological restoration, finding best methods for sustainable forest management to help prevent and mitigate wildfires, including in rapidly shifting conditions, and using community-based, whole of society approaches that incorporate local and, where opportunities exist, Indigenous practices, and increased participation by women. We will seek synergies with work underway at the G20. Interested signatories will also work through forums like the United Nations Global Fire Management Hub. We will align with commitments to halt and reverse deforestation and forest and land degradation by 2030 globally. Together, we will achieve a stronger and more coordinated global approach to wildfire resilience. We welcome the endorsement of the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter by the Leaders of Australia, India, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, and South Africa. SOURCE Prime Minister's Office View original content:
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Ecotourism investment boosts economy, empowers local communities
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is working to achieve integrated environmental, economic, and tourism goals by investing in its 30 natural reserves, which span approximately 15,000 square kilometres. These reserves cover 17% of the country's terrestrial area and 10% of its marine territory. Oman places great emphasis on preserving these natural reserves, promoting ecotourism, and encouraging researchers and students to study these areas. This enables them to examine ecological systems and natural processes, raising awareness about biodiversity conservation while supporting investment projects and leveraging unique opportunities. Represented by the Environment Authority and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, Oman is committed to safeguarding biodiversity and creating investment opportunities within these reserves due to their environmental and tourism significance. A comprehensive management plan has been developed to ensure biodiversity protection and meet the reserves' needs through partnerships with relevant entities and civil society. Investment in ecotourism within Oman's natural reserves strengthens the national economy, bolsters local communities, and aligns with the strategic vision for a sustainable green economy. Additionally, it generates employment opportunities in surrounding areas, thanks to the reserves' natural and geological attractions that draw visitors. Royal decrees have further prioritised the protection of endangered wildlife and plant species, preserving their ecosystems and diverse terrains. These reserves—both terrestrial and marine—contribute to ecological balance and safeguard natural landmarks. The Environment Authority is intensifying efforts to protect these reserves by implementing strict environmental regulations to prevent harm to biodiversity and natural resources. It also promotes tourism and economic activities that diversify income sources and support development programs for these protected areas. In this context, the Authority has signed nine contracts for eco-investment projects across seven natural reserves, with a total value exceeding OMR44 million. These projects aim to enhance sustainable development, protect ecosystems, promote ecotourism and environmental education, increase revenue streams, and ensure the sustainability of natural resources. The agreements cover the development, operation, and management of several reserves, including Ras Al Shajar, Turtle Reserve, Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, Wetlands Reserve, and Jabal Samhan's Lejashlyon site, among others. Projects also feature the establishment of an eco-resort and a star-gazing park in the Al Jabal Al Akhdar Starlight Reserve. In partnership with the private sector, the Environment Authority has invested in nine ecotourism projects across Muscat, South Al Sharqiyah, Al Wusta, Al Dakhiliyah, and Dhofar governorates. These include eco-friendly lodging facilities built to advanced environmental standards, along with the comprehensive development and management of natural reserves. The initiatives feature eco-resorts, star-gazing parks, eco-lodges, sustainable campsites, visitor centers, interactive exhibits, restaurants, observation trails, safari tours, and adventure tourism in protected areas, including an open-sea turtle lagoon. These projects will deliver richer tourism experiences that balance environmental conservation with sustainable economic growth, aligning with Oman Vision 2040. They follow an integrated model for developing tourist destinations that prioritizes natural resource preservation and value-added offerings. Community involvement is a key aspect, with locals participating in development, operation, and management—particularly through direct employment opportunities. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are also engaged in these initiatives. This ecotourism investment is part of broader efforts to achieve integrated environmental, economic, social, and tourism objectives. It reinforces Oman's commitment to sustainable tourism by offering eco-conscious travel experiences with cultural relevance, in line with sustainable development goals.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Motorhome and campervan drivers face new 48-hour parking rule in England – check if you are affected
MOTORHOME and campervan owners should take note of proposed parking rules reported to be under consideration. With the summer months now upon us, many motorhome drivers will want to take their vehicles out for a trip to enjoy the warmer weather. 2 2 The new proposed regulation would apply to such vehicles when parking. It would let motorhomes and campervans stay in towns and cities for up to 48 hours for a set price. This comes as the 80 per cent of motorcaravan owners say they would visit new areas if such parking facilities were available, according to the Campaign for Real Aires. Donald Macdonald, founder and President of CAMpRA, said: "This research confirms previous surveys that have been carried out over a number of years regarding how much people spend when they visit somewhere in a motorhome or campervan. "It gives us some really solid statistical evidence that we can share with local authorities and businesses to help them understand the importance of trying to accommodate this new style of tourism and the clear financial advantage to local communities that embrace this type of tourism." Steve Haywood, managing director of CAMpRA, said there is "clear demand" for these vehicles as staycations grow in popularity. He said: "More councils are seeing the benefits of providing facilities over the cost to local taxpayers of enforcement and bans, not to mention the loss of potential revenue to businesses. "In addition, every council that has operated a 12-month trial aire, has been successful and made the overnight parking permanent." Birmingham Live reports one driver saying: "Currently sitting in an Aire in Beaune France. "Costing me 12 Euros and short walk into town centre for a meal. Drivers hit with $50 tickets over Costco parking rule – they came out to find slips on cars after being forced to circle "If hadn't been available then more expensive campsite and cook own meal would have been the alternative. "It is a no brainer." Another said: "I would rather pay the extra pennies to visit main land Europe due to parking being awful in the UK and most campers not being welcomed in a lot of places." It comes following a warning to caravan owners that they could face a £1,000 fine for not towing their trailers properly. The DVSA has urged motorists to book safety checks before setting off on holiday so they can avoid fines. Anyone caught towing a caravan without the proper mirrors will face a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on their licence.
