Students

College Students to Showcase Viable Projects Aimed at Addressing Global, Regional Water Issues

Posted by admin on April 18th, 2013

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Metropolitan Water District of Southern California:

WHAT:		Up to 100 students and faculty from 11 local universities and community colleges (see accompanying list) will present 15 prototypes and policies developed to deal with regional and worldwide water issues as part of the Southern California World Water Forum. Many of these projects provide real-world solutions for specific water challenges.

		Featured projects include providing clean water for a region in El Salvador, designing a water distribution and treatment system for a health center and school for the blind in Malawi in southeast Africa, and a sustainability program for a Guatemalan community.

WHEN:		Friday, April 19, at 9 a.m.

WHERE:		Board Room, Metropolitan Water District headquarters, 700 N. Alameda St., adjacent to historic Union Station, downtown Los Angeles

PARTICIPANTS:
	Metropolitan Water District General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger; William Steele, area manager, Bureau of Reclamation; Grace Robinson Chan, chief engineer/general manager, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County; college students and faculty

BACKGROUND:
	Co-sponsored by Metropolitan Water District, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, the Southern California World Water Forum awards college teams $ 10,000 grants to research, develop and communicate water-use efficiency technology that can be employed cost-effectively in water-stressed regions, locally or globally.

	Since the first World Water Forum launched in late 2004, more than 300 students from more than 20 universities and community colleges have participated in three grant cycles.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a
cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving nearly 19 million
people in six counties. The district imports water from
the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies,
and helps its members to develop increased water conservation,
recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.


SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WORLD WATER FORUM COLLEGE GRANT PROGRAM RECIPIENTS & SPONSORING AGENCIES: 2011-2013
California State University, Long Beach CITY OF LONG BEACH			An Integrated Water Recycling, Treatment and Efficient Landscape Design System for Water Conservation at the American Gold Star Manor, Long Beach
Fullerton College CITY OF FULLERTON			Wastefully or Sustainably, How Does Your Garden Grow?
Loma Linda University USBR			Eastern Coachella Crowd Sourcing: Empowering youth to advocate for improved wastewater management
Loyola Marymount University LADWP			Clean Water for Isla Espiritu Santo, Usulatán, El Salvador
Loyola Marymount University LADWP			Water Conveyance and Filtration System for the Malingunde School for the Blind and Health Center
Mt. San Antonio College THREE VALLEYS MWD			Mt. SAC Student Water Forum
Pasadena City College CITY OF PASADENA			Water, Fish and Food: Aquaponic Technology & Community Outreach in Times of Water Scarcity
San Diego State University HELIX WATER DISTRICT			Formation of Halonitromethanes during Ozonation of Drinking Water
San Diego State University CITY OF SAN DIEGO			Compressible Filters from Flexible Granular Media
University of California, Los Angeles LADWP			Water Sustainability Project: Chocantariy, Guatemala
University of California, Riverside WESTERN MWD			Pulse Method: Pasteurization Using a Lens and Solar Energy Method
University of California, Riverside WESTERN MWD			Are Water Conservation Programs Effective?
University of California, Santa Barbara USBR			Groundwater Chlorination and Distribution System Design for Rural Kenyan Communities
University of California, Santa Barbara USBR			Bucket Biosand Filter Enhanced with Slow-Release Silver-Impregnated Ceramic Debris: An Innovative Point-of-Use Water Filtration and Disinfection System for Malawi and Beyond
Woodbury University / Aridlands Institute CITY OF BURBANK			“Where is it? Let’s (re)Use It”: Developing a Fine-Scaled Geospatial Modeling Tool for the Strategic Reassessing and Uncovering of Urban Stormwater Resources

Business Wire Environment News

Media Advisory: WWF Celebrates Earth Hour in Vancouver with Students at UBC

Posted by admin on March 23rd, 2013

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – March 23, 2013) - To celebrate the sixth anniversary of Earth Hour, WWF-Canada and a University of British Columbia (UBC) student group, Common Energy, will host an open-mic night on Saturday, March 23.

The event will take place at UBC’s Buchanan Building and will feature live acoustic music, inspirational speakers, improv sketches and spoken word.

Event co-host, Common Energy, is represented by UBC student and Earth Hour Team Captain, Connie Chen. She is one of seven environmental champions from all over Canada recognized by WWF for their commitment to community-based environmental initiatives.

Earth Hour brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, from around the world to sound a clear call-to-action for our most pressing global challenge: climate change.


WHAT:		WWF and Common Energy host Earth Hour celebration at UBC

WHO:		Connie Chen, Earth Hour Team Captain, and Samantha Davis, Common Energy Co-Coordinator
		Carolyn Dawe, Youth Engagement Office, WWF
		James Casey, Community Conservation Analyst, WWF
		Mike Lidin, Branch Manager, University Marketplace Branch, BMO Bank of Montreal

WHEN:		Saturday, March 23, 2013
		7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
		Lights out for Earth Hour at 8:30 p.m.

WHERE:		Buchanan Building – Block D (UBC)
		1866 Main Mall V6T 1Z1
		Vancouver, B.C.
		http://ow.ly/iSAxy

To view the map associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/861157Figure.jpg.

About WWF’s Earth Hour

Join hundreds of millions of people worldwide and switch off your lights on Saturday, March 23 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Visit www.wwf.ca/earthhour to join the movement.

WWF’s Earth Hour is an opportunity for individuals, businesses and communities around the globe to unite in a powerful call to action of hope for a better, healthier planet. In Canada, BMO Financial Group and the Toronto Star are the national sponsors, Ontario Power Authority is a regional sponsor and Staples Canada is the education sponsor. As sponsors for WWF’s Earth Hour, BMO Financial Group, Toronto Star, Ontario Power Authority and Staples Canada will harness their incredible ability to engage employees and reach customers in spreading our message and encouraging individual action.

Marketwire – Environment

EPA fines six Arizona school districts for asbestos violations / More than 15,000 students to be protected by additional inspections, asbestos plans (AZ)

Posted by admin on February 19th, 2013

Release Date: 02/19/2013
Contact Information: Rusty Harris-Bishop, [email protected], 415-972-3140

(2/19/2013) SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined six Arizona school districts a combined total of $ 94,575 for Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) violations. More than 15,000 children attend the 25 schools not in compliance with the federal AHERA in these districts.

During inspections conducted in 2011, EPA inspectors discovered numerous violations, from failing to inspect facilities for asbestos containing materials, failing to re-inspect campuses with known asbestos containing materials, and failing to have an Asbestos Management Plan. All of the school districts have since taken necessary actions to comply with the law, with the cost of compliance reducing the penalties in most cases to zero.

“Asbestos in schools has the potential to harm the health of students, teachers, and maintenance workers,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “EPA takes these violations seriously, and we are satisfied the schools have now conducted inspections and put their asbestos plans in place.”

Each school district is allowed to subtract properly documented costs of complying with the regulations from the penalty amount. The six school districts are:

·

Apache Junction Unified School District

(Pinal County): fined $ 21,675, but this was reduced to $ 7,933 because of the school district’s cost of achieving compliance.

·

St. John’s Unified School District

(Apache County): fined $ 14,195, reduced to $ 824 by the school district’s cost of achieving compliance.

·

Florence Unified School District

(Pinal County)

:

fined $ 31,705, but no cash payment was due because the documented costs of compliance exceeded the penalty.

·

Vernon Elementary School District

(Apache County): fined $ 2,700, but no cash payment was due because the documented costs of compliance exceeded the penalty.

·

McNary Elementary School District

(Fort Apache Indian Reservation): fined $ 14,200, but no cash payment was due because the documented costs of compliance exceeded the penalty.

·

Round Valley Unified School District

(Apache County): fined $ 10,100, but no cash payment was due because the documented costs of compliance exceeded the penalty.

Federal law requires schools to conduct an initial inspection using accredited inspectors to determine if asbestos-containing building material is present and develop a management plan to address the asbestos materials found in the school buildings. Schools are also required to appoint a designated person who is trained to oversee asbestos activities and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Finally, schools must conduct periodic surveillance and re-inspections of asbestos-containing building material, properly train the maintenance and custodial staff, and maintain records in the management plan.

Local education agencies must keep an updated copy of the management plan in its administrative office and at the school which must be made available for inspection by parents, teachers, and the general public.

For more information about federal asbestos regulations visit: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/lawsregs.html

###

U.S. EPA News

Rewarding Students for Innovative Stewardship Ideas

Posted by admin on February 19th, 2013

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA–(Marketwire – Feb. 19, 2013) - Students interested in the air they breathe, the water they drink and the land they live on will be keen on entering the 2013 Caring for our Watersheds™ contest.

Geared for grade 6 to 8 classrooms, students interested in the environment can submit their ideas to the Caring for our Watersheds program for a chance to win $ 1,000 for their classroom. Over $ 15,000 in cash awards are up for grabs plus an additional $ 10,000 in funding is also available to help implement the contest ideas.

When sixth grade science students at H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program examined stream conditions at Gulf Branch in Arlington, they noticed that the vegetation alongside the stream was dominated by invasive species. As part of the Caring for our Watersheds program the students decided to plant a demonstration garden at school and develop an elementary-school teaching packet that could be used to show how invasive plants affect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Agrium Inc. (TSX and NYSE: AGU) and Earth Force are proud to bring this international competition to Virginia. “Through the years students have provided viable answers to the question – What can you do to improve your watershed?” explains Lindsey Metheral, Agrium Program Advisor. “It is apparent how much future generations care about watersheds, their world and their place in it.”

“The creativity this contest affords students is beneficial for our environment and the communities we serve,” says Kurt Moser, Earth Force. “Anytime we can engage and involve our younger generation in environmental conversation benefits us all. They are actively seeking ways to make our communities sustainable for future generations and we are here to help them.”

The entry deadline for students living in the City of Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax counties is March 20, 2013. The top 10 finalists will be judged by the community and the winners will be announced on April 24, 2013.

For more information please visit www.CaringForOurWatersheds.com or to schedule a media interview, please contact Kurt Moser at 703-684-0178.

About Agrium:

Agrium Inc. is a major retail supplier of agricultural products and services in Australia and North and South America and a leading global producer and marketer of agricultural nutrients and industrial products. Agrium produces and markets three primary groups of nutrients: nitrogen, phosphate and potash as well as controlled release fertilizers and micronutrients. Agrium’s strategy is to grow through incremental expansion of its existing operations and acquisitions as well as the development, commercialization and marketing of new products and international opportunities. Contact us at: www.agrium.com.

About Earth Force:

Earth Force engages young people as active citizens who improve the environment and their communities now and in the future. Earth Force is a leading not-for-profit organization who provides community partner networking, training for local groups, and curriculum resources to run service-learning and civic action programs in their community. Contact us at: www.earthforce.org

Marketwire – Environment

Landmark helps map students’ career paths at Newcastle University

Posted by admin on February 19th, 2013

Landmark Information Group, the UK’s leading provider of land and property search information, has today announced a partnership with Newcastle University to provide its students with access to its commercial digital mapping software, Promap. The aim is for its Civil Engineering and Geosciences students, who are studying for a Master’s Degree, to gain real-life practice of using the tools, which are widely-used by property professionals throughout the UK.

Over 50 students will benefit from using the Promap Contaminated Land module as part of their studies, which will provide valuable knowledge of the commercial mapping application before they graduate and move into their chosen careers in the environmental and engineering industries.

The system, part of the Landmark Information Group portfolio of software systems and solutions, enables students to query complex databases that are used by surveyors, architects, developers, builders and engineers, and access Ordnance Survey mapping, Aerial View photography, Local Plan data, Flood reports or 3D models, to name just a few services.

Martin Cooke, Teaching Fellow at Newcastle University said: “By partnering with Promap, our students are able to broaden their skills and knowledge of using digital mapping systems that are used day-in, day-out by professionals working across the property industry. By utilising the software here at the University, they are able to gain invaluable, practical knowledge of the software, which can only be an advantage for the students themselves and also their future employers.”

In addition to gaining experience with the software, students will receive a certificate to verify that they have used the Promap software as part of their Master’s Degree, which can be provided to future employers.

Added Nick Mills, National Trainer at Landmark Promap who is managing the sessions at Newcastle University: “We are pleased to partner with Newcastle University to help equip the next generation of property professionals with valuable experience of using digital mapping tools that are used throughout the industry. We are proud to play our part in giving students practical experience that will benefit them as they move into their chosen careers in the future.”

For further information, visit www.promap.co.uk.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

About Promap:
With over 27,000 users, Promap is a fast, easy and reliable system that is used by surveyors, architects, property developers, builders, engineers and industry professionals that require instant access to Ordnance Survey maps and related digital mapping data. An extensive range of datasets, 3D models, aerial photography and land use reports are available on a pay-as-you-go model offering complete flexibility and so are widely used as part of the property and land planning / development process.

Promap is a Landmark Information Group company and more details can be viewed here: http://www.promap.co.uk/ or via Twitter www.twitter.com/promap.

About Landmark Information Group:
Landmark Information Group, part of the Daily Mail General Trust, has quickly developed into a leading provider of digital mapping services, property, and environmental risk information since the inception of the business in 1995. With one of Europe’s largest database of land, property and environmental information, Landmark delivers comprehensive data and reports electronically to professionals in environment, property, conveyancing and government.

Working closely with data providers including Ordnance Survey, the Environment Agency, the Coal Authority and the British Geological Survey enables Landmark to offer current and historical environmental risk management information and desktop mapping solutions for the property industry. Since 1995, substantial investment has been made in establishing the Landmark database which is one of the largest geographical information databases in Europe.

www.landmark.co.uk
Custom Release Wire

EPA Fellowships Awarded to 25 Ariz., Calif., Nev. Students (AZ, CA, NV)

Posted by admin on November 20th, 2012

Release Date: 11/20/2012
Contact Information: David Yogi, [email protected], (415) 972-3350

$ 5.3 Million Awarded Nationwide for Environmental Studies

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded academic fellowships, as part of its Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) and Science to Achieve Results (STAR) programs, to six undergraduate and 19 graduate students in Arizona, California, and Nevada pursuing degrees in environmental studies.

These 25 fellowships, worth up to nearly $ 2.5 million, are among 33 GRO and 69 STAR fellowships awarded nationally to encourage leadership in the nation’s environmental science, research, restoration, pollution prevention and sustainability efforts. In total, $ 5.3 million was awarded across the country for both fellowship programs as part of EPA’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education program.

“EPA is proud to support some of the most outstanding young thinkers in the environmental field,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “Investing in the development of our students will better equip us as a society to tackle the environmental challenges facing us and future generations.”

“These fellowship awards enable undergraduate and graduate students all over the country to pursue research and education opportunities that would otherwise be beyond their means,” said Dr. Jim Johnson, Director of EPA’s National Center for Environmental Research. “Many of the fellowship opportunities springboard aspiring scientists and engineers into careers in environmental protection.”

Celebrating its 30^th anniversary this year, the GRO fellowship program encourages promising undergraduate students to pursue careers in environmental fields and to continue their education beyond the baccalaureate level. Supporting graduate environmental study for masters and doctoral students, the STAR fellowship program provides resources for students performing new environmental research in engineering and in the physical, biological, health, and social sciences.

Applications for the fiscal 2013 GRO Program and STAR fellowships are currently open and applicants have until November 27, 2012 to apply.

For more information on the GRO program and STAR fellowships, visit: http://epa.gov/ncer/fellow/

###

U.S. EPA News

EPA Awards Research Fellowships to Four Students in Region 7 (KS, MO)

Posted by admin on November 15th, 2012

Release Date: 11/15/2012
Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, 913-551-7557, [email protected]

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., Nov. 15, 2012) - EPA has announced that four students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in environmental studies in Region 7 will receive research fellowships through the Agency’s Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) program and Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program for 2012.

“EPA Region 7 is proud to announce the selection of four students for research fellowships,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “Each year, students compete for these fellowships through a rigorous review process.”

Region 7 students receiving research fellowships are Keri Caudle, Ft. Hays State University; Grant Connette and Christopher Kassotis, University of Missouri-Columbia; and Jessica Ray, Washington University.

Overall, EPA announced more than $ 5.3 million in 2012 fellowship grants for 127 students. The 39 GRO fellows and the 88 STAR fellows exemplify the Agency’s efforts to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. These fellowships encourage leadership in the nation’s environmental science, research, restoration, pollution prevention and sustainability efforts.

2012 marks the 30th anniversary of the GRO Fellowship program, part of a national effort to ensure that the United States continues to graduate students ready to meet environmental science, engineering, and policy challenges. By enhancing and supporting quality environmental education for undergraduate students, the GRO Fellowship program encourages promising students to pursue careers in environmental fields and continue their education beyond the baccalaureate level. Supporting graduate environmental studies for masters and doctoral students, the STAR Fellowship program provides a steady stream of well-trained environmental specialists that are meeting society’s environmental challenges by performing new environmental research in engineering and in the physical, biological, health, and social sciences.

Applicants for the fiscal 2013 GRO program have until Dec. 5, 2012, to apply. Applicants for STAR fellowships have until Nov. 27, 2012, to apply.

U.S. EPA News

BirdLife International Across the River Project Presents Research Work to students of the University of Liberia

Posted by admin on October 29th, 2012

University of Liberia students listen to a talk on the unique biodiversity of their country. (photo: SCNL)

On October 11th, the Across the River – a Transboundary Peace Park for Sierra Leone and Liberia project presented an over view of the biodiversity research done in the past three years in the Gola National Forest in Liberia and the Gola Rainforest National Park in Sierra Leone. The event was held at the University of Liberia and was very well attended with over 100 students, faculty members and other invitees. The Across the River Project which is funded by the European Union aims at linking the Gola Rainforest National Park in Sierra Leone with the proposed Gola National Park in Liberia, creating one transboundary protected area of over 200,000 hectares.

The main objective of the event was to provide students of the College of Science and the College of Agriculture and Forestry with practical examples of the natural resource management, forestry and conservation work that they, the country’s future natural resource managers, will hopefully pursue as a career after graduating from the University. The event presented a unique opportunity for the students to learn more about the practical side of natural resource management.

The Across the River Project Research Coordinator and two Liberian Research Technicians, who both have received extensive research training under the project, presented on various animal species found in the Gola forest, including forest elephants, pygmy hippos, chimpanzees, bats, birds, dragonflies and butterflies; animal species which are all of great importance to both Liberia and the international community.

The Gola forest is part of the Upper Guinea Forest Eco-Region of West Africa which is considered a biodiversity hotspot of global importance and which provides livelihoods for millions of West Africans. The research conducted under the project confirms the uniqueness of the Gola forest: large numbers of animal species were recorded including several species never before recorded in Liberia and several species completely new to science. But the research also confirms the urgent need to properly protect and conserve the area: the researchers indicated that the field research has recorded extensive threats to the area as signs of illegal activities were observed throughout the forest.

The general need to expose the students to information other than what can be gained from books became apparent from the comments after the presentation. One of the students said “I have never visited this unique and untouched rainforests of our country. I feel fascinated by the presentation and realize I hardly knew the unique biodiversity of this country and the techniques used to research and monitor it.”

In addition to the research presentation, the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL – BirdLife in Liberia) presented its conservation and community work in the Gola area, a vital component of the project. SCNL is implementing a large micro-credit scheme among 28 groups in the forest edge communities. The revolving loans provide community members with an opportunity to develop sustainable income generating activities as an alternative to activities that have a negative unsustainable effect on the forest, its biodiversity and other natural resources.

The presentations reflect part of the work done under BirdLife International’s Across the River project. The current next vital step in the establishment of this Peace Park is to Park, a process that has been initiated but which is experiencing delays.

The presentation and interaction with students and the wonder and enthusiasm they expressed about biodiversity and natural resources gives hope for the future. It also points to the need for projects and decision makers to share information with young people.

The next vital step in the project is for the authorities to upgrade the status of the Liberian Gola from a National Forest to National Park to enable the establishment of the transboundary Peace Park. This will ensure that this forest of international allure continues to be conserved for current and future generations.

This post was written by:

BirdLife Africa – who has written 69 posts on BirdLife Community.

The BirdLife Africa Partnership currently operates in 23 African countries: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Across the river project, Gola Rainforest, Liberia

BirdLife Community

U.S. EPA, Calif. State University, Fresno Collaborate to Engage Students in Environmental Careers (CA)

Posted by admin on October 16th, 2012

Release Date: 10/16/2012
Contact Information: EPA Contact:: Michael Ardito, 415-972-3081, [email protected]; Fresno State Contact: Lanny Larson, 559-278-4620, [email protected]

Fresno State is a leading university in the San Joaquin Valley committed to partnerships for addressing regional issues with global applications. The San Joaquin Valley has many environmental challenges facing its future, including access to clean drinking water in rural communities, providing sustainable water supplies for both agriculture and urban uses, improving air quality, and accelerating economic growth in the region.

“Fresno State is looking forward to this partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which accents our university’s long history as a pathway to community improvement,” said Fresno State President John D. Welty. “This agreement will open new opportunities for diverse and underserved communities throughout the region Fresno State serves by offering our students internships that will lead to productive careers in an important agency in our federal government,” he added. “At the same time, joint projects and scientific research will benefit not only our students, but also our university faculty, the EPA and the entire community.”

At today’s signing ceremony, Dr. Lynnette Zelezny, the university’s associate provost said, “Fresno State has been working for many years solving our region’s environmental challenges, with special emphasis on finding and efficiently using water and energy. Now we will have greater opportunities to work on these issues side-by-side with the EPA to maximize implementation of our research on the broadest possible scale.”

The MOU will also help address the dwindling participation of students in environmental fields, and to help EPA attract a workforce as racially-diverse as the public it serves. Fresno State has been recognized by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities as one of 221 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) nationwide. A HIS is defined as a “college, university, or system / district where total Hispanic enrollment constitutes a minimum of 25 percent of the total enrollment.”

The agreement between EPA and Fresno State provides numerous opportunities for both partners including:

· Student internships with EPA, during summer and/or the academic year.

· EPA participation in career fairs, on-campus career orientations, and other outreach at Fresno State events, in order to make students, faculty and alumni aware of employment opportunities at EPA.

· Fresno State faculty and student participation in public policy forums, presentations, and other events at EPA.

· EPA staff participation in lectures, conferences, and other events at Fresno State.

· Provision of EPA expertise and/or resources for environmental curriculum development and teaching at Fresno State.

· Enhanced access by Fresno State faculty and students to EPA research facilities and instrumentation.

· Fresno State faculty serving as visiting scientists / researchers at EPA.

· EPA staff members serving as mentors or coaches for Fresno State students.

· Joint research projects between Fresno State and EPA.

###

Follow the U.S. EPA’s Pacific Southwest region on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EPAregion9 and join the LinkedIn group: http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/1823773/

U.S. EPA News

Love for lovebirds … as potrayed by park scouts and students

Posted by admin on October 9th, 2012

Lilian’s Lovebird (Photo by Tiwonge Mzumara)

Park scouts of Liwonde National Park (Malawi) and students from neighbouring schools have now teamed up with a member of Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM, BirdLife in Malawi) to save the Lilian’s Lovebird.

Lillian’s Lovebird Agapornis lilianae is a near-threatened bird species occurring in the central southern Africa, including Malawi. It occurs in large flocks and associates with Mopane woodlands where birds feed and roost. In Malawi, the species is mainly known from Liwonde National Park where about 1000 individuals have been estimated. Hunting activities of the surrounding communities pose a great threat to these birds. Hunters poison small pools of water during the dry season, aiming to catch small mammals and larger birds such as doves for food.

Lilian’s lovebirds fall victim of this hunting as they come to drink in the same pools in large numbers. Communities also hunt these birds in their maize and rice fields during the lovebirds breeding season for food. In part, the communities say that it is done to protect their crops as the lovebirds are seen as agricultural pests.

Between March and June 2012, Tiwonge Mzumara, a member of WESM with help from staff from the National Museum of Malawi initiated efforts to really assess the current status of this bird, fondly referred to as the “Liwonde Jewel”. With partial support from the Good Gifts Catalogue and other well wishers, the team started engaging park staff in running transects across the park recording sightings of the lovebirds. Briefings were done with park scouts from four camps in the park and each camp was given a GPS set to help in mapping localities of the birds sightings and poisoning incidents. Three birds were fitted with radio transmitters to follow their movements. Awareness talks were also initiated at local schools.

Exciting news were received in September 2012, park scouts are still sustaining the efforts and are doing a great job patrolling, recording lovebird sightings and listening out for poisoning incidents. Already they have filled quite many record forms and returned them. Luckily their efforts are yielding. By mid-September 2012, no poisoning incidents had been reported and all the areas that were previously frequently poisoned now under watch by scout camps. Also, one of the nearby schools has taken interest in the project and some students are reporting localities where they often see the species in their villages as well as places where traps are often set to capture the species.

This post was written by:

BirdLife Africa – who has written 64 posts on BirdLife Community.

The BirdLife Africa Partnership currently operates in 23 African countries: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

lilian’s lovebird, malawi, WESM

BirdLife Community

Posts Tagged ‘Students’

College Students to Showcase Viable Projects Aimed at Addressing Global, Regional Water Issues

Media Advisory: WWF Celebrates Earth Hour in Vancouver with Students at UBC

EPA fines six Arizona school districts for asbestos violations / More than 15,000 students to be protected by additional inspections, asbestos plans (AZ)

Rewarding Students for Innovative Stewardship Ideas

Landmark helps map students’ career paths at Newcastle University

EPA Fellowships Awarded to 25 Ariz., Calif., Nev. Students (AZ, CA, NV)

EPA Awards Research Fellowships to Four Students in Region 7 (KS, MO)

BirdLife International Across the River Project Presents Research Work to students of the University of Liberia

Related posts:

This post was written by:

U.S. EPA, Calif. State University, Fresno Collaborate to Engage Students in Environmental Careers (CA)

Love for lovebirds … as potrayed by park scouts and students

Related posts:

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