A study led by WCS researchers pulled together wildlife survey data collected between 2003 and 2013 at 59 sites in five countries across western Central Africa.They then developed mathematical models to understand where the highest densities of gorillas and chimpanzees are and why, as well as broader trends in the populations.They found that more than 361,000 western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and almost 129,000 central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) inhabit these forests — about 30 percent more gorillas and 10 percent more chimpanzees than previously estimated.The team’s analyses also demonstrate that western lowland gorilla numbers are slipping by 2.7 percent a year. Leveraging the most comprehensive dataset ever compiled for the gorillas and chimpanzees that live in western Central Africa, scientists have concluded that there are more of the two subspecies than previously estimated, but that most of them also live outside the protected confines of parks and reserves.“It’s great news that the forests of Western Equatorial Africa still contain hundreds of thousands of gorillas and chimpanzees, but we’re also concerned that so many of these primates are outside of protected areas and vulnerable to poachers, disease, and habitat degradation and loss,” conservation scientist Samantha Strindberg of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) said in a statement.The study produced a total population estimate for the central chimpanzee, pictured here, of nearly 130,000 individuals, approximately one-tenth more chimpanzees than previously believed. Image by Emma Stokes/WCS.Strindberg and co-lead author and WCS conservation scientist Fiona Maisels led a team of more than 50 researchers in pulling together wildlife survey data collected between 2003 and 2013 at 59 sites in five countries. Field researchers walked some 8,700 kilometers (5,400 miles) to gather the information used in the study, covering an area of 192,000 square kilometers (74,100 square miles) — larger than the country of Syria or the U.S. state of Washington.They published their work on April 26 in the journal Science Advances.They found that more than 361,000 western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and almost 129,000 central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) inhabit these forests. That’s more than 30 percent more gorillas and about 10 percent more chimpanzees than estimates from prior research.“The boots on the ground research teams and partnerships are crucial to the success of these programs and the conservation of gorillas and chimpanzees,” said study co-author Dave Morgan, a biologist with the Lincoln Park Zoo who leads the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project in the northern Republic of Congo, in the statement from the WCS.During these surveys, researchers also collected data on other animals they came across. In 2013, the journal PLOS ONE published similar data collected on forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis), with the startling conclusion that forest elephant numbers in Central Africa had gone down by more than 60 percent between 2002 and 2011. Maisels said members of the team also had plans to do a similar analysis on forest antelopes this year.A pair of central chimpanzees observing their surroundings from a tree. Image by Emma Stokes/WCS.After compiling the data, the team built mathematical models to understand where the highest densities of gorillas and chimpanzees are and why, as well as broader trends in the populations.The team’s analysis demonstrates that, despite the sheer number of western lowland gorillas living in the region, that figure is slipping by 2.7 percent a year. It’s further evidence that the IUCN should continue to list this subspecies of gorillas as critically endangered, or just a step away from being extinct in the wild.The data did not indicate a similar slide in endangered chimpanzee numbers. But that doesn’t mean that a decline isn’t happening, Maisels said, only that their analysis didn’t pick up a significant trend.“What is certain is that they have just as much difficulty as gorillas in recovering after a population decline,” Maisels told Mongabay. Like gorillas, chimpanzees are slow to mature and reproduce. That makes coming back from big losses an uphill climb for populations, whether the losses are the result of disease, habitat loss or illegal hunting — the three primary threats to the animals’ survival.Prior research has shown that diseases, like the one caused by the Ebola virus, can decimate ape numbers by 90 percent in specific areas, Maisels said. Likewise, hunting remains a serious threat, even though international and national laws prohibit the killing of apes and other endangered animals.Infant western lowland gorilla twins Inganda and Inguka riding on their mother’s back when they were a year old, in Bai Hokou, Central African Republic. Image by Terence Fuh Neba/WWF Central African Republic.“All great apes, whether in Africa or Asia, are threatened by poaching, especially for the bushmeat trade,” WWF primatologist and co-author David Greer said in the WCS statement.But the study also showed that parks and timber concessions can reduce this threat substantially.“Our study found that apes could live in safety, and thus in higher numbers, at guarded sites than if there was no protection,” Greer said.Timber concessions can be the “next best thing” to protected areas, Maisels said, if they adhere to the standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council by only cutting a few trees per hectare, keeping hunters out, and closing down logging roads once they’re finished.The northern Republic of Congo is home to tens of thousands of apes as well as a timber industry that serves as an economic engine for the country. Gorilla numbers stay fairly steady in “well-managed” logging concessions, Maisels said, as research by Dave Morgan and his colleagues in the journal Biological Conservation has recently shown.An adult male (silverback) western lowland gorilla in Bai Hokou, Central African Republic. Image by Terence Fuh Neba/WWF Central African Republic.That 80 percent of the region’s central chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas live outside protected areas makes good management of these concessions even more critical. Still, in an overarching strategy to protect these animals, “Protected areas are the core because they can be maintained with more confidence in the very long term than other types of concession,” Maisels said.She explained that it’s much more difficult for authorities to turn a park into an agricultural plantation for bananas, oil palm or another crop than it is to convert a logging concession to those uses. The forest clearing necessary to establish these plantations devastate the habitats of apes and countless other species.This study grew out of the IUCN’s action plan for western lowland gorillas and central chimpanzees put together in 2014, which lays out a series of steps to protect the subspecies at both local and regional levels. It demonstrates that a combination of strategies just might be enough to provide some hope for the region’s threatened apes, said Liz Williamson, a primatologist at the University of Stirling and a co-author of the paper.“A combination of responsible industrial practices, conservation policies, and a network of well-managed parks and corridors would provide wildlife managers with a winning formula for conserving great apes in Central Africa,” Williamson said in the statement from the WCS. “Our study has revealed that it is not too late to secure a future for gorillas and chimpanzees.”Banner image of western lowland gorilla infants by Terence Fuh Neba/WWF Central African Republic.John Cannon is a staff writer at Mongabay. Find him on Twitter: @johnccannonCITATIONSBermejo, M., Rodríguez-Teijeiro, J. D., Illera, G., Barroso, A., Vilà, C., & Walsh, P. D. (2006). Ebola outbreak killed 5000 gorillas. Science, 314(5805), 1564-1564.Maisels, F., Strindberg, S., Blake, S., Wittemyer, G., Hart, J., Williamson, E. A., … & Bakabana, P. C. (2013). Devastating decline of forest elephants in Central Africa. PloS one, 8(3), e59469.Morgan, D., Mundry, R., Sanz, C., Ayina, C. E., Strindberg, S., Lonsdorf, E., & Kühl, H. S. (2017). African apes coexisting with logging: Comparing chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) and gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) resource needs and responses to forestry activities. Biological Conservation.Strindberg, S., Maisels, F., Williamson, E. A., Blake, S., Stokes, E. J., Aba’a, R., … Wilkie, D. S. (2018). Guns, germs, and trees determine density and distribution of gorillas and chimpanzees in Western Equatorial Africa. Science Advances, 4(4).FEEDBACK: Use this form to send a message to the author of this post. If you want to post a public comment, you can do that at the bottom of the page. Agriculture, Animal Behavior, Animals, Apes, Biodiversity, Bushmeat, Certification, Chimpanzees, Conservation, Critically Endangered Species, Deforestation, Elephants, Endangered Species, Environment, Forest Elephants, Gorillas, Habitat, Habitat Degradation, Habitat Destruction, Habitat Loss, Iucn, Logging, Mammals, Oil Palm, Palm Oil, Parks, Poaching, Primates, Protected Areas, Rainforest Animals, Rainforest Biodiversity, Rainforest Conservation, Rainforest Deforestation, Rainforests, Research, Timber, Tropical Forests, Wildlife, Wildlife Conservation Popular in the CommunitySponsoredSponsoredOrangutan found tortured and decapitated prompts Indonesia probeEMGIES17 Jan, 2018We will never know the full extent of what this poor Orangutan went through before he died, the same must be done to this evil perpetrator(s) they don’t deserve the air that they breathe this has truly upset me and I wonder for the future for these wonderful creatures. So called ‘Mankind’ has a lot to answer for we are the only ones ruining this world I prefer animals to humans any day of the week.What makes community ecotourism succeed? In Madagascar, location, location, locationScissors1dOther countries should also learn and try to incorporateWhy you should care about the current wave of mass extinctions (commentary)Processor1 DecAfter all, there is no infinite anything in the whole galaxy!Infinite stupidity, right here on earth.The wildlife trade threatens people and animals alike (commentary)Anchor3dUnfortunately I feel The Chinese have no compassion for any living animal. They are a cruel country that as we knowneatbeverything that moves and do not humanily kill these poor animals and insects. They have no health and safety on their markets and they then contract these diseases. Maybe its karma maybe they should look at the way they live and stop using animals for all there so called remedies. DisgustingConservationists welcome China’s wildlife trade banThobolo27 JanChina has consistently been the worlds worst, “ Face of Evil “ in regards our planets flora and fauna survival. In some ways, this is nature trying to fight back. This ban is great, but the rest of the world just cannot allow it to be temporary, because history has demonstrated that once this coronavirus passes, they will in all likelihood, simply revert to been the planets worst Ecco Terrorists. Let’s simply not allow this to happen! How and why they have been able to degrade this planets iconic species, rape the planets rivers, oceans and forests, with apparent impunity, is just mind boggling! Please no more.Probing rural poachers in Africa: Why do they poach?Carrot3dOne day I feel like animals will be more scarce, and I agree with one of my friends, they said that poaching will take over the world, but I also hope notUpset about Amazon fires last year? Focus on deforestation this year (commentary)Bullhorn4dLies and more leisSponsoredSponsoredCoke is again the biggest culprit behind plastic waste in the PhilippinesGrapes7 NovOnce again the article blames companies for the actions of individuals. It is individuals that buy these products, it is individuals that dispose of them improperly. If we want to change it, we have to change, not just create bad guys to blame.Brazilian response to Bolsonaro policies and Amazon fires growsCar4 SepThank you for this excellent report. I feel overwhelmed by the ecocidal intent of the Bolsonaro government in the name of ‘developing’ their ‘God-given’ resources.U.S. allocates first of $30M in grants for forest conservation in SumatraPlanet4dcarrot hella thick ;)Melting Arctic sea ice may be altering winds, weather at equator: studyleftylarry30 JanThe Arctic sea ice seems to be recovering this winter as per the last 10-12 years, good news.Malaysia has the world’s highest deforestation rate, reveals Google forest mapBone27 Sep, 2018Who you’re trying to fool with selective data revelation?You can’t hide the truth if you show historical deforestation for all countries, especially in Europe from 1800s to this day. WorldBank has a good wholesome data on this.Mass tree planting along India’s Cauvery River has scientists worriedSurendra Nekkanti23 JanHi Mongabay. Good effort trying to be objective in this article. I would like to give a constructive feedback which could help in clearing things up.1. It is mentioned that planting trees in village common lands will have negative affects socially and ecologically. There is no need to even have to agree or disagree with it, because, you also mentioned the fact that Cauvery Calling aims to plant trees only in the private lands of the farmers. So, plantation in the common lands doesn’t come into the picture.2.I don’t see that the ecologists are totally against this project, but just they they have some concerns, mainly in terms of what species of trees will be planted. And because there was no direct communication between the ecologists and Isha Foundation, it was not possible for them to address the concerns. As you seem to have spoken with an Isha spokesperson, if you could connect the concerned parties, it would be great, because I see that the ecologists are genuinely interested in making sure things are done the right way.May we all come together and make things happen.Rare Amazon bush dogs caught on camera in BoliviaCarrot1 Feba very good iniciative to be fallowed by the ranchers all overSponsored
Article published by John Cannon
Avoided Deforestation, Cap-and-trade, Carbon Conservation, Carbon Credits, Carbon Finance, Conservation, Deforestation, Environment, Forest Carbon, Forests, Global Warming Mitigation, Green, Rainforests, Redd, Tropical Forests A group of prominent scientists is calling on California governor Jerry Brown to incorporate tropical forest conservation into the state’s cap-and-trade regulation.California has been mulling the inclusion of tropical forests in its cap-and-trade regulation, which was authorized by the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB32), for a decade.If California were to adopt the tropical forest standard in its climate law, the move would signal to tropical forests nations that industrialized countries are willing to put money into forest conservation efforts as part of their climate change mitigation frameworks, say the scientists. A group of prominent scientists is calling on California governor Jerry Brown to incorporate tropical forest conservation into the state’s cap-and-trade regulation ahead of next month’s Global Climate Action Summit, which is being held in San Francisco.The letter, signed by 20 scientists from a range of institutions, highlights the climate change mitigation potential of tropical forests, which lock up vast amounts of carbon in their vegetation and soils.“The best science points to an important part of the climate change solution that you are uniquely positioned to unlock: tropical forests,” the scientists write. “These carbon- and species-rich ecosystems could deliver up to a fourth of the carbon emissions reductions needed by 2030 to avoid dangerous climate change. Slowing the deforestation and degradation of tropical forests, the source of as much as one fifth of global emissions, while allowing damaged forests to recover is one of the most cost-effective, near-term steps towards a zero net carbon budget globally.”Deforestation and forest degradation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities after power generation.California has been mulling the inclusion of tropical forests in its cap-and-trade regulation, which was authorized by the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB32), for a decade. During that time, the state has been developing a tropical forest standard in consultation with experts and using feedback from a set of forest conservation pilot projects run under Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force, an initiative involving leaders from states and provinces in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Spain, and the United States.If California were to adopt the tropical forest standard in its climate law, the move would signal to tropical forests nations that industrialized countries are willing to put money into forest conservation efforts as part of their climate change mitigation frameworks, say the scientists.“Moving forward to adopt this standard in a regulation would inspire and motivate tropical forest governments around the world to put the brakes on the loss and degradation of tropical forests while allowing damaged forests to recover,” states the letter. “It would establish the foundation for the first regulated market for carbon emissions reductions from tropical forests, providing an important precedent and example to other states, provinces, and nations that are poised to emulate it.”“The high bar that the California Air Resources Board has set for the environmental and social safeguards of this market would inform the design of similar markets under consideration.”Dan Nepstad, a tropical forest ecologist the Earth Innovation Institute who has been closely involved with the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force, told Mongabay that “All of the heavy lifting has been done” on the tropical forest standard, including a multi-year process to develop recommendations, establish safeguards, hold public hearings, and articulate how the international offset mechanism would work.“[It’s] in Brown’s court to say ‘Yes, let’s issue the standard,’” said Nepstad. “His decision is imminent.”Nepstad added that action by California could usher in a wave of entities including forest conservation-based offsets in cap-and-trade programs.“California has a set a high bar, and would link with jurisdictional REDD programs,” he told Mongabay. “International offsets are included in the cap-and-trade extension through 2030, although at a very low level, in terms of the percentage of emissions reductions. Nonetheless, the California standard would likely encourage other markets — International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), even China cap-and-trade, and others — to move forward.” Article published by Rhett Butler
Popular in the CommunitySponsoredSponsoredOrangutan found tortured and decapitated prompts Indonesia probeEMGIES17 Jan, 2018We will never know the full extent of what this poor Orangutan went through before he died, the same must be done to this evil perpetrator(s) they don’t deserve the air that they breathe this has truly upset me and I wonder for the future for these wonderful creatures. So called ‘Mankind’ has a lot to answer for we are the only ones ruining this world I prefer animals to humans any day of the week.What makes community ecotourism succeed? In Madagascar, location, location, locationScissors1dOther countries should also learn and try to incorporateWhy you should care about the current wave of mass extinctions (commentary)Processor1 DecAfter all, there is no infinite anything in the whole galaxy!Infinite stupidity, right here on earth.The wildlife trade threatens people and animals alike (commentary)Anchor3dUnfortunately I feel The Chinese have no compassion for any living animal. They are a cruel country that as we knowneatbeverything that moves and do not humanily kill these poor animals and insects. They have no health and safety on their markets and they then contract these diseases. Maybe its karma maybe they should look at the way they live and stop using animals for all there so called remedies. DisgustingConservationists welcome China’s wildlife trade banThobolo27 JanChina has consistently been the worlds worst, “ Face of Evil “ in regards our planets flora and fauna survival. In some ways, this is nature trying to fight back. This ban is great, but the rest of the world just cannot allow it to be temporary, because history has demonstrated that once this coronavirus passes, they will in all likelihood, simply revert to been the planets worst Ecco Terrorists. Let’s simply not allow this to happen! How and why they have been able to degrade this planets iconic species, rape the planets rivers, oceans and forests, with apparent impunity, is just mind boggling! Please no more.Probing rural poachers in Africa: Why do they poach?Carrot3dOne day I feel like animals will be more scarce, and I agree with one of my friends, they said that poaching will take over the world, but I also hope notUpset about Amazon fires last year? Focus on deforestation this year (commentary)Bullhorn4dLies and more leisSponsoredSponsoredCoke is again the biggest culprit behind plastic waste in the PhilippinesGrapes7 NovOnce again the article blames companies for the actions of individuals. It is individuals that buy these products, it is individuals that dispose of them improperly. If we want to change it, we have to change, not just create bad guys to blame.Brazilian response to Bolsonaro policies and Amazon fires growsCar4 SepThank you for this excellent report. I feel overwhelmed by the ecocidal intent of the Bolsonaro government in the name of ‘developing’ their ‘God-given’ resources.U.S. allocates first of $30M in grants for forest conservation in SumatraPlanet4dcarrot hella thick ;)Melting Arctic sea ice may be altering winds, weather at equator: studyleftylarry30 JanThe Arctic sea ice seems to be recovering this winter as per the last 10-12 years, good news.Malaysia has the world’s highest deforestation rate, reveals Google forest mapBone27 Sep, 2018Who you’re trying to fool with selective data revelation?You can’t hide the truth if you show historical deforestation for all countries, especially in Europe from 1800s to this day. WorldBank has a good wholesome data on this.Mass tree planting along India’s Cauvery River has scientists worriedSurendra Nekkanti23 JanHi Mongabay. Good effort trying to be objective in this article. I would like to give a constructive feedback which could help in clearing things up.1. It is mentioned that planting trees in village common lands will have negative affects socially and ecologically. There is no need to even have to agree or disagree with it, because, you also mentioned the fact that Cauvery Calling aims to plant trees only in the private lands of the farmers. So, plantation in the common lands doesn’t come into the picture.2.I don’t see that the ecologists are totally against this project, but just they they have some concerns, mainly in terms of what species of trees will be planted. And because there was no direct communication between the ecologists and Isha Foundation, it was not possible for them to address the concerns. As you seem to have spoken with an Isha spokesperson, if you could connect the concerned parties, it would be great, because I see that the ecologists are genuinely interested in making sure things are done the right way.May we all come together and make things happen.Rare Amazon bush dogs caught on camera in BoliviaCarrot1 Feba very good iniciative to be fallowed by the ranchers all overSponsored
Article published by Basten Gokkon Coastal Ecosystems, Conservation, Environment, Environmental Law, Environmental Policy, Environmental Politics, Fisheries, Governance, Illegal Fishing, Law Enforcement, Marine, Marine Conservation, Marine Ecosystems, Oceans, Overfishing, Politics, Regulations, Sustainability Neither of Indonesia’s presidential candidates has articulated a strong position on boosting sustainable management of the country’s fisheries or empowering small-scale fishermen, activists say.The incumbent, Joko Widodo, has rolled out policies aimed at cracking down on illegal fishing by foreign vessels, but has fallen short on measures to empower local fishermen, according to the critics.His rival, Prabowo Subianto, has framed his fisheries policy in the context of resource nationalism, while his proposed programs to support fishing communities are a rehash of what’s already being done.Fishing communities also face threats to their livelihoods from coastal development projects for land reclamation, mining, and tourism. JAKARTA — Marine conservationists in Indonesia say neither of the two candidates running in this year’s presidential election has shown any real commitment to boosting the sustainability of one of the world’s largest ocean fisheries.President Joko Widodo is seeking re-election in next month’s vote after coming to office in 2014 on a promise to fulfill Indonesia’s potential as a maritime powerhouse. His rival, Prabowo Subianto, has similarly made resource nationalism, including of fisheries and other marine industries, a cornerstone of his platform.But observers have criticized both men over their lack of stated policies for improving the sector to achieve sustainable fisheries and oceans in Indonesia.“In 2014, the campaign to shift our focus back to the ocean was widely espoused. But where are we on that this year?” said Chalid Muhammad, an adviser to the Indonesian Traditional Fishermen’s Union (KNTI).Both Widodo and Prabowo have published vision and mission statements ahead of the April 17 vote, but Chalid said these were short on substance when it came to the issues of fisheries and marine management, including empowerment of fishing communities, protection of coastal communities from the impacts of climate change, and resolving land conflicts arising from coastal development projects.In their latest in a series of scheduled presidential debates, both Widodo and Prabowo failed last month to describe their top priorities for sustainable development of the country’s coastal and small islands, said Arifsyah Nasution, oceans campaigner for Greenpeace Indonesia.“Protecting ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs wasn’t mentioned at all,” Arifsyah said.Greenpeace also noted that tackling marine plastic pollution, a global crisis for the world’s oceans and to which Indonesia is a major contributor — second only to China — wasn’t raised by either candidate at the debate. The group has called on the candidates to describe a plan to curb the overconsumption of plastics, particularly single-use packaging, from the production end of the problem.“We need a concrete step to save our land and ocean from plastic waste invasion,” Leonard Simanjuntak, head of Greenpeace Indonesia, said in a statement.Yellowfin tuna on sale at a fish market in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province. Image courtesy of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.One area where the Widodo administration has made a splash is in tackling illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing. Under a high-profile campaign spearheaded by Susi Pudjiastuti, the fisheries minister, the government has seized and sunk nearly 500 illegal foreign fishing vessels caught in Indonesian waters since 2014.Widodo brought this up at the Feb. 17 debate, which centered on environmental and natural resource issues, saying he was committed to seeing local fishermen benefit from Indonesia’s rich marine resources.The country recorded 22.3 million metric tons of fisheries production in 2015, the Widodo administration’s first full year in office, up 1.5 million metric tons from the previous year. In 2016, the figure increased again. The fisheries sector has long been important to the food security of the archipelagic nation, with most of Indonesia’s more than 260 million inhabitants living in coastal areas. The country straddles the Pacific and Indian oceans, and hosts large parts of the Coral Triangle, a region with the highest coral and reef fish diversity in the world.But Widodo’s commitment to building Indonesia into a “global maritime fulcrum” also includes plans to exploit offshore oil deposits. “This is what we continue to push so that our oil deposits can benefit the state by way of income, by generating a lot of revenue for the state,” he said at the debate.Greenpeace’s Arifsyah said any further exploration of offshore oil fields must be done carefully to prevent damage to marine and coastal biodiversity and ecosystems. He also called for a shift toward greater use of renewable energy and away from fossil fuels.“It’s time for our government to stop depending on fossil fuels to supply and sustain our energy needs,” he said.Workers on board an Indonesian fishing boat. Image courtesy of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.Prabowo, who is running against Widodo for the second time, having lost to him in 2014, touched on the plight of fishermen during the debate. He acknowledged that they faced problems such as accessing financing to buy equipment, and were subjected to what he called discriminative regulations, in an apparent reference to a ban introduced by Susi on the use of seine nets. He promised that, if elected, he would set up a state-owned company that would provide training to fishermen, give them access to boats and equipment, and ensure there’s a market for their catches.“We want to not only manage but also empower poor fishermen to live in a decent condition,” Prabowo said.Widodo responded that most of those points were already being done under his administration. Indonesia has two state-owned companies, Perindo and Perinus, tasked with purchasing fish from traditional and small-scale fishermen, who account for 89 percent of the country’s fisheries output, and supply them to the market. Fishermen with boats smaller than 10 gross tonnage are not required to obtain a fishing permit from the national government, only local authorities. Fishermen can also get loans from certain micro lenders for business needs.But critics have long decried what they say is the poor implementation of these programs. The micro-lending program, for instance, has reached less than 1 percent of the estimated 2.7 million fishermen in Indonesia, according to KNTI data.A 2015 ban on foreign fishing vessels, which are typically bigger, with better equipment, has allowed local fishermen to increase their catches while also giving fish stocks a chance to recover. Fish stocks reportedly surged to 12.5 million tons in 2017 from 7.3 million tons in 2013. But that hasn’t been met by an improvement in operational management among local fishermen, who aren’t bound by traceability requirements and continue to rely on unsustainable fishing equipment and outdated processing technology. Law enforcement on the seas remains weak, which has allowed for the continuation of slave labor on board fishing vessels and the transshipment of catches between vessels to evade catch limits.“Unfortunately, neither candidate has described any plans to improve fisheries production by Indonesian fishermen,” Chalid of the KNTI said.A key point that the current administration has failed to establish is a more stringent fisheries law, said Greenpeace’s Arifsyah.He said the more progressive efforts to reform the fisheries sector for sustainability, such as banning trawl and seine nets and foreign fishing boats, and going after the corporate owners of IUU fishing vessels, were only laid out in ministerial or presidential decrees, which are easily struck down should a new administration see fit to do so.Arifsyah called for those efforts to be enshrined in a revision to the 2009 Fisheries Law. “Otherwise, small fishermen will eventually feel the impact. Whoever the next president is must be able to continue these efforts,” he said.Small-scale fishermen account for 89 percent of Indonesia’s fisheries output, yet are also among the poorest communities in the country, highly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming and large-scale coastal infrastructure developments. Image courtesy of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.Besides issues at sea, Indonesians living in coastal regions and small islands also have to deal with land conflicts arising from development plans that include land reclamation projects, mining, and coastal tourism programs.“Neither of the two candidates has a plan to protect and empower the livelihoods of more than 12 million fishing households who live in 12,000 coastal villages in Indonesia,” said Susan Herawati, secretary general of the local NGO People’s Coalition for Justice in Fisheries (Kiara).Land reclamation projects are underway or planned in 42 locations, and involve the creation of nearly 800 square kilometers (310 square miles) of new land from sand dredged from the seabed, according to Kiara. These projects threaten more than 740,000 fishing households, the group says. Tourism developments in coastal areas have also shown minimal benefits for fishing communities, the group says.“There’s going to be a serious impact if reclamation and tourism projects continue, and that’s the extinction of maritime life in Indonesia,” Susan said.Chalid of the KNTI said the protection and empowerment of coastal and fishing communities should be among the priorities for whoever wins the election next month.“We must not let the future generation refuse to be fishermen like their parents just because the profession no longer offers any financial benefits,” he said.FEEDBACK: Use this form to send a message to the author of this post. If you want to post a public comment, you can do that at the bottom of the page.
Popular in the CommunitySponsoredSponsoredOrangutan found tortured and decapitated prompts Indonesia probeEMGIES17 Jan, 2018We will never know the full extent of what this poor Orangutan went through before he died, the same must be done to this evil perpetrator(s) they don’t deserve the air that they breathe this has truly upset me and I wonder for the future for these wonderful creatures. So called ‘Mankind’ has a lot to answer for we are the only ones ruining this world I prefer animals to humans any day of the week.What makes community ecotourism succeed? In Madagascar, location, location, locationScissors1dOther countries should also learn and try to incorporateWhy you should care about the current wave of mass extinctions (commentary)Processor1 DecAfter all, there is no infinite anything in the whole galaxy!Infinite stupidity, right here on earth.The wildlife trade threatens people and animals alike (commentary)Anchor3dUnfortunately I feel The Chinese have no compassion for any living animal. They are a cruel country that as we knowneatbeverything that moves and do not humanily kill these poor animals and insects. They have no health and safety on their markets and they then contract these diseases. Maybe its karma maybe they should look at the way they live and stop using animals for all there so called remedies. DisgustingConservationists welcome China’s wildlife trade banThobolo27 JanChina has consistently been the worlds worst, “ Face of Evil “ in regards our planets flora and fauna survival. In some ways, this is nature trying to fight back. This ban is great, but the rest of the world just cannot allow it to be temporary, because history has demonstrated that once this coronavirus passes, they will in all likelihood, simply revert to been the planets worst Ecco Terrorists. Let’s simply not allow this to happen! How and why they have been able to degrade this planets iconic species, rape the planets rivers, oceans and forests, with apparent impunity, is just mind boggling! Please no more.Probing rural poachers in Africa: Why do they poach?Carrot3dOne day I feel like animals will be more scarce, and I agree with one of my friends, they said that poaching will take over the world, but I also hope notUpset about Amazon fires last year? Focus on deforestation this year (commentary)Bullhorn4dLies and more leisSponsoredSponsoredCoke is again the biggest culprit behind plastic waste in the PhilippinesGrapes7 NovOnce again the article blames companies for the actions of individuals. It is individuals that buy these products, it is individuals that dispose of them improperly. If we want to change it, we have to change, not just create bad guys to blame.Brazilian response to Bolsonaro policies and Amazon fires growsCar4 SepThank you for this excellent report. I feel overwhelmed by the ecocidal intent of the Bolsonaro government in the name of ‘developing’ their ‘God-given’ resources.U.S. allocates first of $30M in grants for forest conservation in SumatraPlanet4dcarrot hella thick ;)Melting Arctic sea ice may be altering winds, weather at equator: studyleftylarry30 JanThe Arctic sea ice seems to be recovering this winter as per the last 10-12 years, good news.Malaysia has the world’s highest deforestation rate, reveals Google forest mapBone27 Sep, 2018Who you’re trying to fool with selective data revelation?You can’t hide the truth if you show historical deforestation for all countries, especially in Europe from 1800s to this day. WorldBank has a good wholesome data on this.Mass tree planting along India’s Cauvery River has scientists worriedSurendra Nekkanti23 JanHi Mongabay. Good effort trying to be objective in this article. I would like to give a constructive feedback which could help in clearing things up.1. It is mentioned that planting trees in village common lands will have negative affects socially and ecologically. There is no need to even have to agree or disagree with it, because, you also mentioned the fact that Cauvery Calling aims to plant trees only in the private lands of the farmers. So, plantation in the common lands doesn’t come into the picture.2.I don’t see that the ecologists are totally against this project, but just they they have some concerns, mainly in terms of what species of trees will be planted. And because there was no direct communication between the ecologists and Isha Foundation, it was not possible for them to address the concerns. As you seem to have spoken with an Isha spokesperson, if you could connect the concerned parties, it would be great, because I see that the ecologists are genuinely interested in making sure things are done the right way.May we all come together and make things happen.Rare Amazon bush dogs caught on camera in BoliviaCarrot1 Feba very good iniciative to be fallowed by the ranchers all overSponsored
FILE – In this Friday, Aug. 22, 2008 file photo, Jamaica’s gold medal winning relay team, from left, Usain Bolt, Michael Frater, Asafa Powell and Nesta Carter celebrate after the men’s 4×100-meter relay final during the athletics competitions in the National Stadium at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Usain Bolt has been stripped of one of his nine Olympic gold medals, Wednesday Jan. 25, 2017, in a doping case involving teammate Nesta Carter. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)GENEVA — Usain Bolt has lost one of his nine Olympic gold medals because of a doping case involving Jamaican teammate Nesta Carter.The IOC said Wednesday that Carter tested positive for methylhexaneamine, a banned stimulant, in re-analysis of samples from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.ADVERTISEMENT DILG to lock shops in Tagaytay City, other areas near Taal Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely Bolt set world record times for all three sprint titles at the Bird’s Nest, establishing himself as the defining superstar of Olympic track.“I want to share it with my team,” said Bolt said after completing his hat trick in 2008. “It’s down to them that I beat the world record today. When you beat the relay world record, you feel four times happier.”Bolt and Carter will retain their gold medals from Jamaica’s relay win at the 2012 London Olympics — in a record time of 36.84 seconds that stands today. Bolt ran the final leg on that team. He took the baton from Yohan Blake, who served a ban in 2009 for ingesting the same substance as Carter.Carter and Bolt also helped lower their relay world record between the Olympic titles, taking gold at the 2011 world championships in Daegu, South Korea, in 37.04.The 31-year-old Carter has teamed with Bolt on three straight world championship relay-winning teams, from 2011 through 2015. He also took an individual bronze in the 100 in 2013 in Moscow, behind Bolt and Justin Gatlin of the United States.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ Luis Manzano jokes about Mikee Morada’s proposal to Alex Gonzaga: ‘Baka nagtali lang ng sintas’ Carter, who did not compete at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, faces a ban from the IAAF.Trinidad and Tobago is in line to get the gold medal from 2008, Japan could be upgraded to silver, and fourth-place finisher Brazil could get the bronze medal.Carter testified by videoconference to an IOC disciplinary hearing held in Lausanne on Oct. 17.The IOC’s ruling states that Carter noted he was taking supplements in 2008 “advised in this respect by his coach, Mr. Stephen Francis.”“The athlete explained that he had given several samples for doping controls whilst he was taking Cell Tech and Nitro Tech before the 2008 Olympic Games and he had never tested positive for a prohibited substance,” the detailed verdict stated.“He therefore did not believe that these supplements could contain prohibited substances. He did not understand how methylhexaneamine could have been found in 2016.”Though methylhexaneamine was not specifically named on the 2008 list of prohibited substances, it “fell within the scope of the general prohibition of stimulants having a similar chemical structure or similar biological effect as the listed stimulants,” the judging panel of three IOC members wrote.The panel doubted if the supplements identified had caused the positive test given that Carter “used such supplements regularly and that this did not lead to other problems.”The runner cast doubt on his own ability to avoid doping rule violations. In a written statement to the IOC, “(Carter) asserted that he did not remember having received any formal anti-doping training in his career.”Carter can appeal the sanction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. However, the IOC panel already anticipated one challenge in its written verdict. DILG to lock shops in Tagaytay City, other areas near Taal Ben&Ben, IV of Spades, SB19 win big at 5th Wish Music Awards “The Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”) has confirmed that the presence or use of substances falling within the scope of generic definitions of the prohibited list, can be used as a basis of establishing anti-doping rules violations,” the verdict said.In a separate ruling Wednesday, another former Olympic champion was stripped of two silver medals from the Beijing Games.The IOC said Russian athlete Tatiana Lebedeva tested positive for the anabolic steroid turinabol in re-tests, and would be disqualified from her runner-up placings in the long jump and triple jump.Lebedeva won long jump gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and also previously won Olympic silver and bronze in triple jump.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparc Olympic rules state that the entire relay team can be disqualified and stripped of medals if one runner fails a doping test.Carter and Bolt were teammates on the winning 4×100-meter team, which set a world record of 37.10 seconds. Carter ran the opening leg, and Bolt took the baton third in a team that also included Michael Frater and Asafa Powell.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return“The Jamaican team is disqualified,” the IOC said in a statement. “… the corresponding medals, medalist pins and diplomas are withdrawn and shall be returned.”The relay title in Beijing completed the first of Bolt’s gold medal sweeps in the 100, 200 and relay at three straight Olympics. Nadal wins, keeps prospects of Roger-Rafa final alive Bulacan inmates, jail guards raise donations for Taal victims Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Read Next LATEST STORIES Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Anne Curtis talks about renewing faith in God amid the world’s ‘noise and clutter’ View comments
Duterte’s ‘soft heart’ could save ABS-CBN, says election lawyer Presidency bid needs ‘deep reflection’ – Sara Duterte LATEST STORIES Lady Chiefs eye Game 2 victory Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Composed of A-list players like Michele Gumabao and Denden Lazaro, Ylaya said they are ready to take on the challenge but are keeping their expectations low considering the level of play in the PSL.As it is, the Assets Managers offer a unique mix of the players in an attempt to break the great divide between the two most dominant schools in the collegiate league.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnFormer La Salle stalwart Gumabao and Wensh Tiu will join hands with former Ateneo starter Lazaro in the new club. Final lineup will be released by next week.“We have no problem with them playing against each other before because off the court they are friends,” said Ylaya who was part of the La Salle champion team in 2003. Cocolife, a new team composed of former superstars of bitter rival schools La Salle and Ateneo, is not worried over tough competition when it joins the Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup starting March 4.Team executive Joshua Ylaya said they will use the Invitationals to test the waters before embarking in the All-Filipino Conference later in the season.ADVERTISEMENT Adamson mentor Airess Padda will coach Cocolife.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely Taal Volcano evacuees warned against going home
MOST READ Wildlife rescuers asked to turn over animals to DENR Ex-Bulacan town vice mayor, village chief shot dead Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Bulacan town gears up for biggest cookie jar Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
China counts sharp rise in coronavirus cases, 2 in Beijing Taal Volcano continues to emit steam, ash from weak explosions Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite MOST READ LATEST STORIES WATCH: Spectator jumps into ring, hits rival boxer Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks a shot by Kyle Anderson #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of the game at Staples Center on Feb. 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Spurs won 119-98. AFPLOS ANGELES, United States — The San Antonio Spurs pounced quickly on the Los Angeles Lakers and cruised to a 119-98 NBA triumph at Staples Center Sunday to close out an eight-game road trip.“It was a good trip,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said of his team’s six-win circuit. “We had one bad night out of 11 or 12 days.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Beggar dead in Quezon hit-and-run incident Prince Harry: ‘No other option’ but to cut royal ties “We started the game well by attacking them from the start,” said the Spurs’ veteran point guard Tony Parker, who chipped in eight points with eight assists. “It was important, because they’re the kind of team that when they score their first baskets get a lot of confidence.”Brandon Ingram scored a career-high 22 points to lead the Lakers, who dropped their fourth straight.“We didn’t get as many stops as we wanted to start the game and it kind of got out of hand early,” said D’Angelo Russell, who scored 18 points for the hosts.Nineteen turnovers, resulting in 27 Spurs points, cost the Lakers, but coach Luke Walton was most disappointed in his team’s effort in the opening half.“We came out today and I don’t know if it was the early start or what,” Walton said. “I love our guys and I’m supportive toward them, and I think they did a good job in the second half, but that first half, that can’t happen if we’re trying to build and trying to get somewhere.ADVERTISEMENT 2 ‘bookies’ bet collectors held in Quezon Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely “That was unacceptable,” he said after the Spurs built a 36-20 lead after the first quarter and never let their advantage drop below double digits the rest of the way.The Spurs’ 37 assists were one shy of the season-high 38 they passed out against the Brooklyn Nets in December.“Obviously it was a good trip to test ourselves and come together,” said Gasol, who played his second game after missing 15 with a broken left hand. CBBSports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos “I thought they maintained their focus really well, especially coming back off the (All-Star) break and playing the last couple of games. I thought we did a good job.”Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs with 25 points. LaMarcus Aldridge added 16 points and nine rebounds and Spanish big man Pau Gasol added 15 points and seven rebounds as the Spurs beat the Lakers for the eighth straight time to improve to 45-13.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnThey are second in the Western Conference behind the 49-9 Golden State Warriors, who became the first team to secure a playoff berth on Saturday with a 112-95 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.Leonard reached double figures in scoring for the 87th consecutive game, the longest such streak by a Spurs player since Tim Duncan posted 91 straight in 2003. View comments
View comments Duterte’s ‘soft heart’ could save ABS-CBN, says election lawyer MOST READ LATEST STORIES Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite #KicksStalker: Pope Francis gets exclusive Jordan Vs from Michigan team And Aguilar hopes for the same intensity in their duel as he looks at the second leg of the midseason festivities as his tryout to fortify his spot in the final roster for the 2017 Seaba Championships in May.“It’s a different feeling. I still don’t feel secured because there’s still no final decision. I hope I make it so I can focus on Gilas too,” the reed thin forward said.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Aguilar, however, won’t be on hand to guide the youthful pool members as he will be on the opposite side, seeing action in the loaded Luzon All-Stars crew on Friday at Quezon Convention Center here.Though the PBA All-Stars have the distinct advantage when it comes to experience, the Ginebra forward expects nothing short of an intense duel between the two squads in Lucena.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return“This will be a different All-Star and the purpose is to have a more competitive game compared from last year. We expect a hard fight from both teams,” he said.Gilas already got itself a close duel in Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday, where the guard-heavy Mindanao All-Stars fought the Nationals to a 114 draw. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos
Bulacan town gears up for biggest cookie jar Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netLUCENA — Despite being one of the elder statesmen in Gilas Pilipinas, Japeth Aguilar isn’t resting on his laurels as he vows to fight for his slot in the national team’s final 12.“I’m the type of guy who will just sit back and play my best. But I’m a veteran here so I just want to be a good example for the younger guys,” he said.ADVERTISEMENT Ex-Bulacan town vice mayor, village chief shot dead Presidency bid needs ‘deep reflection’ – Sara Duterte Wildlife rescuers asked to turn over animals to DENR Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Taal Volcano evacuees warned against going home Palace: Crisis over ABC-CBN franchise unlikely
ETOBICOKE, Ontario, (CMC): Patrick Husbands guided the popular choice, Listenlindalisten, to her second successive stakes title on Wednesday’s midweek racecard at Woodbine as he gave a strong reminder of his class. The ace Barbadian reinsman collected a four-timer on the eight-race card, moving his aggregate for the season to 60 wins, putting him fourth in the jockeys’ championship behind leader Eurico Da Silva (103), Luis Contreras (76) and Rafael Hernandez (73). Husbands, a multiple Woodbine champion, ensured that Listenlindalisten did not disappoint her backers, after she was sent postcard as the even-money favourite in the CAN $125,000 Eternal Search Stakes contested over 1700 metres on the Polytrack. He took Listenlindalisten across to take command over the quick-leaving Hailey’s Prize (under Jesse Campbell) out of the gate and set all the fractions before expanding the three-year-old filly’s lead down the homestretch when the same foe made her bid. Listenlindalisten won by 1 3/4 lengths in a time of one minute, 14.88 seconds, as she followed up her victory in the Passing Mood Stakes on August 2. “The first four strides, I really let Jesse know I wanted the lead, so we took the lead, and she was just enjoying herself out there,” said Husbands, who previously rode the animal in her first two career starts. Earlier, Husbands kicked off the day with a narrow victory aboard the 7-5 favourite Head Hunter, which won the CAN $21,700 first race, going 1200 metres on the turf track. Husbands followed up with a 3 1/4-length victory on the 3-1 chance Image of Lucy in the CAN $20,000 second race over 1700 metres on the Polytrack. He rounded off his very successful day with a victory by a head astride the 6-1 chance Brilliant Charlie in the final race over 1400m on the Polytrack.
High-riding Jamaica Women will go in search of their second win in the Cricket West Indies Super50 tournament when they square-off with Windward Islands Women in round two action at Kensington Park today. Guided by an unbeaten 98 from captain Stafanie Taylor, Jamaica, who captured the preceding T20 tournament, scored an emphatic seven wickets win over defending champions Trinidad and Tobago in the opening round. “It’s good to get off on the right footing, but we will need to come again and get in right in our next games,” expressed Taylor. “The Windwards are usually one of those teams, who normally put up a fight against us, and as such we will need to focus.” Jamaica, in addition to Taylor, will again look to Chedean Nation, Natasha McLean, Chinelle Henry, and rookie opener Rashada Williams. In-form seamers Nation and Roshana Outar are expected to lead the bowling. The Windwards will enter the contest seeking to rebound after losing their opening match to Barbados. In other matches, Trinidad and Tobago will face Leewards at Sabina Park, while Barbados and Guyana will face-off at Chedwin Park. All matches are scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m.
Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) secretary, Garth Gayle, says there is no cause for concern at this time as some local athletes move to join overseas track clubs for training. Gayle made his comments following news that Olympic 4x400m silver medallist Javon Francis has left the St Andrew-based Akan Track Club to join American coach Darryl Woodson’s Training Ground Elite club in Houston, Texas. Gayle said that the athletes have a right of choice in where they train and that he sees it as a “win/win” situation for all parties concerned. “Athletes whether training locally or overseas, once they are in programmes that actually enhance their performances, the JAAA stands ready to acknowledge and work with them in their pursuits,” he said. “It’s their choice. It still benefits Jamaica. “In the 1960s and before, schools like Kingston College, Excelsior High and others opened the doors to athletes going to tertiary institutions in the US on scholarships. So it provided a fertile ground for training for many of our athletes over the years. However, in the 90s, we saw a number of athletes choosing to remain here with their high school coaches and attend the University of Technology, University of the West Indies and the GC Foster College.” Track and field pundit Hubert Lawrence agrees with Gayle that there are positives to be taken from the situation. “I don’t think it is cause for concern,” he said. “Athletes trained overseas before the golden era between 2008 and 2016, during that period and now afterwards. As with anything, athletes will make an individual choice that they think aids their future and with the IAAF World Championships coming up next year, the Olympic Games in 2020 and the World Champs again in 2021.” However, Lawrence said that if the local track and field fraternity wants to keep more athletes training locally, there should be expansion of the tertiary institutions to facilitate athletes training and studying. “There need to be more space, more capacity at the colleges for people to continue their studies while training,” he shared. “Since the Mico (University College) came on board a couple of years ago, there hasn’t been any real expansion since then. But the latest trail of athletes training overseas is just part of the process of athletes trying to find where they could be comfortable to make a run at championship medals. If you get 40 leaving per year, then that’s cause for concern but I don’t think this is a major problem.” Earlier this year, Olympic 200m silver medallist Warren Weir made the decision to migrate to Florida to train and it is also believed that sprinter Kemar Bailey-Cole and hurdler Ristananna Tracey will follow suit and travel to the USA for new track clubs.