#Rewilding #Romania advances river #restoration project in #SouthernCarpathians

Irina Marica, 04 December 2024

"#RewildingRomania has successfully completed the first phase of its river restoration project in the Southern Carpathians, an effort backed by a EUR 74,700 grant from the #EuropeanOpenRiversProgramme. Moving forward, the organization plans to apply for new grants starting next year to continue its long-term efforts to improve river connectivity and restore #biodiversity.

Over four months, the team mapped 72 barriers across five key river catchments - #Belareca, #PârâulRece, #Feneș, #Sebeș, and #Bistra. These include 39 dams, 26 weirs, 3 natural waterfalls, and other obstacles impacting river connectivity.

"This phase enabled the inventory of species, assessment of the impact of these barriers, and the prioritization of those suitable for removal. Rewilding Romania has also established clear priorities for future actions and is preparing to advance to the next two phases of the initiative, which require additional funding.

"Marina Drugă, Team Leader at Rewilding Romania, stated: “The progress we’ve made in identifying and evaluating river barriers is an essential step toward restoring aquatic ecosystems and the habitats of numerous fish species. This initiative is part of our long-term vision to enable rivers to flow freely again and restore natural processes. By undertaking scientifically grounded interventions and feasibility studies that account for associated risks, we aim to generate sustainable benefits for both biodiversity and local communities.'

"The project, funded by the Open Rivers Programme, will continue until the end of March 2025 and ensures the completion of the first phase of Rewilding Romania’s broader river restoration initiative.

"Upon concluding this phase, the organization plans to secure additional funding to proceed with subsequent phases of the same initiative: phase two - conducting technical feasibility studies and obtaining the necessary permits and phase three - the actual removal of the selected barriers.

"Planned actions for 2025 include collaborating with land owners to secure the necessary consent for removals, engaging with stakeholders, and creating a report with best practices to guide similar initiatives.

"Rewilding Romania is working to ensure the long-term health of aquatic ecosystems in the Southern Carpathians by increasing river connectivity, improving breeding habitats, and boosting the resilience of key species. Removing obsolete barriers will improve sediment transport and water quality, benefiting several fish species."

https://www.romania-insider.com/rewilding-romania-advances-river-restoration-carpathians-2024

#SolarPunkSunday #NativePositiveApproaches #RestoringNature #WaterIsLife #LandIsLife #RestoreTheRivers #OpenRivers

Around 9,000 species have already gone extinct in Australia and we’ll likely lose another this week – new study
#nature #biodiversity #science
https://theconversation.com/around-9-000-species-have-already-gone-extinct-in-australia-and-well-likely-lose-another-this-week-new-study-241362

Biodiversity at risk in most rainforests, research warns
#science #nature #biodiversity
https://phys.org/news/2024-12-biodiversity-rainforests.html

Please leave the leaves. And make a vow: no more leaf blowers!

#Nature #Bees #Biodiversity

Biodiversity - our shame

The four nations of the United Kingdom are in the bottom 25% of nations and territories for biodiversity intactness, ranking the lowest in the G7 countries. Scotland has a score of 56%, Wales 51%, Northern Ireland 50% and England 47%.

9% over England really is a poor showing. The island(s) need to do better.

https://bylines.scot/environment/revive-asks-the-big-land-question-does-scotland-need-to-look-like-this/

#biodiversity #Uk #Scotland #Environment #PrivateGreed

The Aspen Proposal suggests that a key element of a sustainable future involves understanding and meeting real human needs.

In a recent paper by Jason Hickel and Dylan Sullivan, they analyze a needs-based approach to development that creates good quality lives for 8.5 billion people using only 30% of the current global throughput of energy and resources.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452292924000493

Bottleneck? What bottleneck?

http://www.aspenproposal.org

#biodiversity #sustainability #Nature #spirituality #humanity #poverty #ClimateChange

Masked owls, wild devils and giant crayfish: inside the ancient forests of Tasmania’s Takayna
Teeming with wildlife under lush canopies, this area in Australia’s island state is one of the world’s most remarkable – and one most in need of protection
#nature #biodiversity #conservation
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/01/masked-owls-wild-devils-and-giant-crayfish-inside-the-ancient-forests-of-tasmanias-takayna

Una papallona zebrada o reina zebrada (Iphiclides feisthamelii) amb les ales completament intactes. Al mostrar-se molt territorials, és freqüent que pateixen cops i fregaments amb la vegetació, així com en els enfrontaments aeris amb altres congèneres.

#butterfly #insects #macro #macrophotography #photo #photography #entomology #biology #wildlife #biodiversity #natura #nature #naturaleza #lepidoptera

Les flors del Card girgoler (Eryngium campestre) són visitades i pol·linitzades per una ampla varietat d'insectes. Aquí podem veure dos exemplars de vespa de l'espècie Scolia hirta.

#wasp #insects #macro #macrophotography #photo #photography #entomology #biology #wildlife #biodiversity #natura #nature #naturaleza #eryngium

We thought we'd start a new series letting you look behind the glass on our Communities.

Every week we look at how Community Feeds have performed to better understand what people on the Fediverse want to see and what they like to post about.

Last week, the @biodiversity Community Feed caught your attention leading to a jump in Feed followers! 🦆

You can see all 62 of our Community Feeds in this thread: https://newsmast.social/@newsmast/111840234033144502

#Fediverse #Biodiversity #Rewilding

Purple donkey orchid (Diuris punctata) still flowering in mid-November on the edge of Croajingolong NP, VIC. Lightly blotched forms are possibly hybrids with Diuris meridionalis ms (blotched donkey orchid) but still haven't sighted this rare species at this location.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #Nature #BloomScrolling #EastGippsland

Copper beard orchid (Calochilus campestris) variations north of Mallacoota, VIC. Good numbers of this widespread and variable species out in roadside heathland at the start of November - with a nice range of beard styles on show!

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #Nature #BloomScrolling #EastGippsland

Roadside flying duck north of Mallacoota, VIC. Still only finding the occasional scattered large duck orchid (Caleana major) in locations between Genoa & Mallacoota where there are usually larger colonies. Might just be a bit dry this spring to see a lot up and out.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #Nature #BloomScrolling #EastGippsland #FlyingDucks

Politicians not ambitious enough to save nature, say scientists

Scientists say there has been an alarming lack of progress in saving nature as the UN #biodiversity summit, #COP16, draws to a close.

The scale of political ambition has not risen to the challenge of reducing the destruction of #nature that costs the economy billions, said one leading expert.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy9jdpep4ydo

#BiodiversityLoss #environment #collapse #Collapse2040

Our allotment AGM today and we made a significant step towards increased biodiversity on our site. Agreeing in principle to allow small-scale ponds on individual allotment plots.

We need to agree the specifics of the ponds that will be allowed (size, depth, materials used, sustainability, location etc) but provided plot holders meet this criteria they will be allowed small ponds on site next year.

#Allotment #Biodiversity #Wildlife #Gardening

Nature Positive
Australia's collapsing ecosystems declared a 'critical infrastructure'

Australia has destroyed and degraded nature. The remaining collapsing ecosystems are declared a 'critical infrastructure'. This new system of governance to organise life is framed as a 'Nature Positive' policy with the help of a large consulting business.

The remaining nature is now a market not a common good and has no rights (Rights of Nature laws). The ‘more-than-human-worlds’ becomes a market of 'ecosystem services' to serve a few of the human species. Nature is now a mere 'essential infrastructure' like roads, highway, sewers, sewage etc.

>>
"At least 19 Australian ecosystems have been reported to show signs of collapse or near collapse."
https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/overview/environment/ecosystems

"Nature Positive Plan:
better for the environment, better for business." au gov
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/publications/nature-positive-plan

"The term “nature-positive”
has become a call to action across society and business." PwC
https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/about/corporate-sustainability/environmental-stewardship/nature.html

##biodiversity #nature #NaturePositive #infrastructure #EcosystemServices #governance #CriticalInfrastructure #KMGBF #depletion #ResourceFrontiers #NatureNegative #Unsustainability

Croajingolong National Park wildflowers - still some late waxlip orchids flowering on the edge of the forest in late October with an occasional flying duck out in the fields of pink trigger plants (plus sundews!) near the Genoa River, East Gippsland, VIC.

Top : Waxlip orchid (Glossodia/Caladenia major) + Trigger plant - Stylidium sp.

Bottom: Sundew - Drosera sp. + large duck orchid (Caleana major).

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #Nature #BloomScrolling #EastGippsland #CarniverousPlants #Wildflowers

Every chewed leaf is proof that our gardens are part of a living web.

Yet beneficial insects that naturally prey on aphids, mites, etc. can help keep pest populations in check. Flowering plants such as yarrow, dill, and fennel, create an inviting habitat for garden allies like ladybugs, lacewings and hoverflies.

A biodiverse garden isn’t just good for pest control; it also supports pollination and soil health. Native plants support a diversity of beneficial insects.

They also provide food and habitat for local wildlife, birds, and pollinators, encouraging a garden that’s healthier, more resilient, and truly in harmony with nature.

- from Eden Seeds, Symbiotic Pest Management (Australia)

#Gardening #Australia #Biodiversity #Ecosystems #BeneficialInsects #Pollinators #Wildlife #Habitat #Birds #Flowers #NativePlants #Garden

First flowers out in early October on the patch of sun orchids (Thelymitra pauciflora - or adjacent) just behind the house at home in Corunna, NSW. I first noticed a handful of flowers out the kitchen window post 2020 bushfires - with a slight adjustment to lawn mowing I now have 150+ plants! Quite a few interesting variations out this year so not 100% sure on the ID now - or if there are actually multiple species growing together.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #Nature #BloomScrolling #SunOrchids #Thelymitra

Caladenia carnea (pink fingers) variations growing in light forest near the Wonboyn River, NSW. These plants are much more more uniform in flower size and shape than similar forest populations of this widespread orchid further south in East Gippsland VIC - and also out slightly later.

I've never seen any other small Caladenia orchids at this location - which may be part of the reason for less variations compared to populations near Genoa, VIC where there are 4-5 similar Caladenia species out in early spring - possibly leading to some degree of hybridisation.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #Nature #BloomScrolling #EastGippsland #Caladenia

First duck orchid of the spring starting to take flight near Genoa, VIC. These large duck orchids (Caleana major) are fairly common around Mallacoota most years but are usually out in larger numbers in October. Only saw the one early flower on the one plant this trip.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #EastGippsland #InTheField #Nature

Midge orchids near Monga, NSW - probably Corunastylis ostrina* (purple midge orchids) which are more common nearby at Mongarlowe, although there are several very similar dark midges found in this area. Have only ever seen a couple of these tiny summer-flowering orchids at this location. *Still Genoplesium ostrinum in NSW and other places.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Summer #InTheField

Musky Cap (Caladenia moschata) at 1200m in Namadgi NP, ACT. Montane forms of this widespread species can flower right through to mid/late December in mild seasons - well after flowering has finished in most populations at lower altitudes around Canberra.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Summer #InTheField #Nature #BloomScrolling #Canberra

Highland sun orchids (Thelymitra alpina) near Corin Forest, ACT. Most sun orchids at this location are single, scattered plants but sometimes 2 or 3 do grow together in small clumps - usually on roadside verges.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #InTheField #Thelymitra #Nature #BloomScrolling

Red beard orchids (Calochilus paludosus) in open forest near Genoa, VIC. Plants at this location usually flower slightly later than other nearby heath land populations closer to the coast. Only found a handful of flowers out in late spring this year.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #BloomScrolling #Nature

Interesting Diuris orchid near Square Rock, Namadgi NP, ACT. Possibly a hybrid of D. semilunulata (Late Leopard Orchid) and D. sulphurea (Tiger or Hornet Orchid) which both grow nearby. Flowers are smaller and lateral sepals are more crossed than typical D. sulphurea forms.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #BloomScrolling #Nature

Late spring sun orchids (Thelymitra) near Corin, ACT. Most plants here have the forward pointing spurs on the anther lobe often associated with T. alpina - but the single pink-flowering plant doesn't have spurs and may be closer to T. megcalyptra (or T. nuda). Have seen sun orchids still out here well into December in past seasons but most have finished up before the end of November this year.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #Thelymitra #Nature #BloomScrolling

Copper beard orchid (Calochilus campestris) variations at Genoa (left) and Mallacoota (right). Both forms were growing on roadside verges and wide open on a coolish, cloudy day.

Many plants at Mallacoota are very similar to the Genoa form with impressive 'moustaches' while the plants with longer/bushier beards probably have the best 'eyes' and most aggressive/annoyed facial expressions ;)

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #BloomScrolling #Nature

Slender sun orchids (Thelymitra pauciflora), Gipsy Point, VIC. With this variable orchid there is always a good chance that larger populations include plants that are either a) hybrids or b) similar species that are hard to tell apart from T. pauciflora ;)

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #Thelymitra #Nature

Diuris orientis (eastern donkey orchid / wallflower orchid) variations growing in open grassland near the Genoa River, East Gippsland VIC. Yellow flowering forms are fairly uncommon and often only appear after fires.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField

When a wind turbine hits a bird, it's a bad wind turbine. But when a plane hits a bird, it's a bad bird.
#windenergy #windpower #biodiversity #birds

Interesting white Caladenia orchid near Black Mt, ACT. Most likely a pale form of Caladenia ustulata / Brown Caps (growing nearby) but no brown tips on sepals/petals + almost no colour on the labellum. Maybe some superficial similarities to C. dimorpha - which is not found in the ACT.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #Caladenias #Canberra

East Gippsland sun orchids - Thelymitra carnea (pink sun orchid) + Thelymitra ixioides (spotted sun orchid) growing together near the Genoa River, VIC. These two species combine to form some beautiful hybrids at this location but haven't seen any out yet this spring.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #EastGippsland

Caladenia orchids in forest west of the Ulladulla, NSW. Probably ticking more C. carnea (pink fingers) boxes than anything else encountered along the coast on this trip north. Several other Caladenias nearby were probably closer to C. hilmanii - but all flowers at this location were slightly different.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #Caladenias

Caladenia ustulata (Brown Caps), on Black Mountain, ACT. Usually the first of Canberra's three more common white 'cap' orchids out in flower - can be fairly easily found at several spots from mid-Sept into Oct.

Only had time for a very quick scout yesterday while in CBR for work - but looked like orchid numbers where probably down a bit from really good seasons - but still a few around in the 'lowlands' (600-700m altitude). Hopefully some spring rain will see more out in the mountains later in the year.

#Orchids #OzPlants #Biodiversity #Ecology #Botany #Photography #Spring #InTheField #Canberra

Wo die #Gletscher weichen, , können #Pflanzen wachsen und #Tiere sich ansiedeln. @christianschwaegerl hat für die FAZ mit Britta Erschbamer darüber gesprochen, was in diesem ökologischen Neuland passiert und warum diese Gebiete geschützt werden müssen: https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wissen/erde-klima/gletscherschmelze-in-den-alpen-wie-sich-neue-oekosysteme-bilden-19160042.html (€)

Bild: Tiia Monto (CC BY-SA 3.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en)

#klimakrise #klima #umwelt #ökologie #biodiversität #climate #biodiversity #glacier

Informative infographic on Nature-based Solutions: locally adapted methods addressing societal challenges while promoting well-being + #biodiversity. 🌱🌳

Design: Erik Tuckow

#ActOnClimate
#ClimateChange #Stopmethaneemissions #deforestation #RenewableEnergy #FossilFuels #ActNow #environment #ClimateCrisis #Science #warming #Nature #climate #development #gasemissions #ClimateEmergency #climatecrisis #wildlife #ClimateAction #photo #photography #GlobalWarming #pollution #news #earth #amazon

🌱Check out Pawankafund's latest infographic: "Indigenous Peoples and Biodiversity"! 🌿✨

Discover the crucial role that Indigenous Peoples play in preserving our planet's rich #biodiversity. 🌺🌳

They are the guardians of diverse ecosystems and habitats.

#ClimateChange #Stopemissions #deforestation #environment #ClimateCrisis #Science #warming #Nature #development #gasemissions #ClimateEmergency #climatecrisis #wildlife #ClimateAction #photo #photography #GlobalWarming #pollution #news #earth

One thing we know for sure: building and widening highways always succeeds in helping sell more cars, gas and suburban sprawl; burning more public budgets; and increasing GHG emissions. So if those are your goals, it’s the perfect thing to do.

Just don’t expect it to reduce traffic.

Pic/cartoon: André Philippe Côté

#climatechange #Nature #climate #development #gasemissions #cars #car #planet #biodiversity #people #Science #study #photo #ClimateEmergency #climatejustice #Photography #gas #oil