by Komoneed | Jun 10, 2024
Western Australia’s Cook government has doubled the size of grants for horticulture and viticulture growers who rely on the Gnangara groundwater system — Perth’s largest natural water source for drinking water and private supply.
The increased funding is intended to drive sustainability in the sector and protect this valuable water resource.
As part of the $1.19 million Gnangara Horticulture Water Use Efficiency Grants Program, up to $100,000 will be made available to growers, and grower co-contribution requirements will be reduced.
“This government has listened to growers who depend on Gnangara groundwater and we’ve adapted this important program to help commercial horticulture and viticulture growers adopt more efficient irrigation strategies for the future,” said Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis.
The grants will help Gnangara growers to install water use efficiency infrastructure, including irrigation system design, soil and crop sensor technology, permanent protected cropping and soil amelioration.
Vouchers of up to $5000 are also available for professional advice to help develop efficient irrigation systems and to adopt new technology and sustainable cropping strategies.
“These grants will drive more sustainable use of groundwater for horticulture and viticulture from the Gnangara groundwater system, so the area can continue to provide fresh produce and employment opportunities close to Perth,” said Water Minister Simone McGurk.
“The program will assist the horticulture sector with the transition to reduced groundwater use before lower water entitlements come into effect from 2028 as part of the Gnangara Groundwater Allocation Plan.”
For more information and to apply for a Gnangara Horticultural Water Use Efficiency Grant or voucher, visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/horticulture-water-use-efficiency-grants. Applications close 30 June 2025.
Image credit: iStock.com/BeyondImages
by Komoneed | Jun 10, 2024
Feminine deities intertwine with nature in Mary Maka’s digital illustrations. Depicting the deep connection between humans and the environment, the artist (previously) questions the prospect of maintaining a harmonious bond with other living creatures. Though holistic coexistence pervaded mythological narratives, can that type of kinship still exist today?
Simultaneously emanating an aura of gentleness and power, each figure almost completely melds into the lush environments they find themselves in. More
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Mary Maka’s Digital Illustrations Evoke the Tender Coexistence of Humans and Nature appeared first on Colossal.
by Komoneed | Jun 10, 2024
There are five oceans and five first-place winners of the 11th annual Photo Competition for United Nations World Oceans Day (UN WOD). The winners were announced at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on Friday, June 7.
The post Meet the Winners of the 11th Annual UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition appeared first on EcoWatch.
by Komoneed | Jun 10, 2024
First report: electric supermini gets the seal of approval from Andy
by Komoneed | Jun 6, 2024
In a world grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change, urgent action is essential to confront the environmental challenges threatening our planet’s future. Human activity has led to changes to Earth’s climate of a magnitude unprecedented over centuries and thousands of years. As the effects of climate change rapidly intensify, demand for specialists trained to address these pressing issues has never been greater.
At the University of Newcastle, the Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability aims to develop these specialists. The program offers a unique blend of environmental courses that focus on key principles of environmental management, sustainability, and climate change.
“The program has a very good reputation with alumni and current students, scoring highly on student satisfaction of teaching,” says program convenor Geoff MacFarlane.
“It is also accredited by the United Nations in teaching sustainable development goals in the curriculum.”
The core courses are certified by both the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Newcastle’s International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL), the only CIFAL centre in Australia and Asia Pacific region. These courses ensure graduates have been taught best practice skills that can be immediately applied to their career.
“The career destinations of graduates are diverse, with many entering government roles at the local, state and federal level in sustainability and environmental management,” said Geoff.
“The Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability program gives students a good understanding of the complexities of the natural world, the vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems to climate change as well as strategies to mitigate the activities that are driving our changing climate and strategies to adapt to the changing climate,” emphasised Michael Osborne, an academic who teaches into the program.
Students can tailor their learning with the option to study two of three specialty areas: business management, natural resource management, and spatial science. Suitable for people from a range of backgrounds and experience, the degree caters for both suitably qualified graduates from related fields and mid-career professionals wishing to gain postgraduate qualifications in the field. There are study pathways from 80 units to 160 units depending on your level of experience. Students can study at a time that suits with the program offered 100% online with multiple intakes per year.
Current student Danielle spoke about one of the courses offered within the program. “The course content was highly relevant, addressing critical aspects of environmental science and public policy. The focus on climate change — an urgent global challenge — captivated my interest and underscored the course’s significance,” Danielle emphasised.
“I gained a comprehensive understanding of international climate agreements and conventions. Learning about the processes behind launching, negotiating, and ratifying these agreements was eye-opening,” she added.
“The knowledge and skills I acquired through ENVS6545 [Impact Assessment and Climate Change Policy course] are invaluable to my work. I am already applying my learnings related to the IPCC, international treaties, and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs),” she continued.
There is also a shorter Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability, a 40-unit 100% online program that provides core knowledge and is designed to provide credit into the Master’s program, allowing students to complete two degrees in less time.
Applications are now open. Visit newcastle.edu.au/enviro-sustainability for more information.
Image caption: Photo of student Danielle (right) and staff members from SPREP, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Samoa and the Japanese Technical Cooperation Project for Promotion of Regional Initiative on Solid Waste Management, Phase II in Pacific Island Countries (J-PRISM II). Taken on 30 April 2024.
Top image credit: iStock.com/Petmal
