Australian Government’s Great Barrier Reef Plans’ Questioned
A monitoring mission from the UN educational and cultural arm, UNESCO, will visit Queensland next month to examine concerns about major port developments and other potential threats to the World Heritage listed reef, as WWF challenged the Australian Government’s view that the Great Barrier Reef is being sustainably managed, citing publications showing that coral had declined by up to 50 per cent.
Delta State Government Bans the Dredging of Sand, Nigeria
The Niger Delta State Government has banned the dredging of sand in the 25 local governments. Commissioner for Environment Frank Omare said yesterday after a meeting with sand dredgers in Asaba, the state capital, that the directive was to save communities from ecological disaster.
Mining Black Sand, Lingayen, Philippines
The black sand of coastal villages facing the Lingayen Gulf, Philippines, is being mined for magnetite, a highly-valuable mineral used by industrial companies. The once pristine beaches are now destroyed and coastal erosion alarms residents.
Vietnam: Police Takes Action Against Illegal Sand Dredging
Bien Hoa City Police and the waterway traffic police in the southern province of Dong Nai, gave chase to nine boats seen illegally dredging sand.
Fishing Community Against Mining Sea For Sand, India
Fishing community in the Kerala state, under the banner of the National Fishworkers Forum, has opposed finance minister K M Mani’s suggestion to mine sea sand for use in local construction, and sand exportation, mainly to Singapore.
Chinese Boat Seized Over Illegal Sand Mining In Kinmen, Taiwan
Coastguards have arrested the captain of a chinese sand dredger illegally dredging sand in Kinmen waters. So far it is the fourth chinese boat arrested for attempting to steal sand from around the island.
Environment Ministry Removes Obstacles To Sand Mining, India
A recent survey by WWF-India along the coast of the Kerala State, had revealed the frightening picture of the extent of illegal coastal beach sand-mining being conducted by organised groups in various places. The Government’s approval for coastal sand mining by local communities using manual methods will have disastrous consequences as the provisions of the order will be twisted by the vested interests, said the State Director of WWF.
Sand Mining In Badagry Suspended Due To Environmental Degradation; Nigeria
Governor Fashola of Lagos State has ordered the suspension of all forms of surface sand mining in Badagry area of Lagos, southwest Nigeria, as a result of environmental degradation. The suspension is sequel to a petition written by a resident in Badagry.
Illegal sand mining threatens Suvali’s ecosystem, India
Continuous illegal sand mining from costal village near Surat, has created threat upon the existence of the beaches. Miners are pumping out sand without any fear, while the administration appears totally unaware about the entire situation.