Maverick Musings #5

“A house you can rebuild; a bridge you can restring; a washed-out road you can fill in. But there is nothing you can do about a tree but mourn.” ―?Louise Dickinson Rich,?We Took to the Woods

Can't believe we are at the fifth edition, what does that make.. three months? Nhiice ??.

This edition of Maverick Musings presents you with the chaos of forest fires!

An unplanned, uncontrolled, and unpredictable fire in an area of flammable vegetation is known as wildfire, forest fire, bushfire, wildland fire, and rural fire. These fires can be a result of both natural and human activities.. [climate change has entered the chat!]

Without further ado, let's move on to our first stop,

Mastering green skills

Sustainable Development Goal 15 - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. In order to achieve SDG15, we individual needs to garner the following skills.

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Before proposed projects, policies, or actions are put into action, their potential environmental, social, and economic effects are assessed in a methodical manner. The objectives of EIA are to determine and evaluate potential environmental consequences, reduce adverse effects, and increase beneficial outcomes.

• Engage in EIA projects: Look for chances to get involved in EIA projects or to team up with individuals who have experience conducting EIAs. This practical experience will give you useful insights into the procedures, approaches, and difficulties faced in real-world situations.
• Delve into the EIA rules and regulations: Learn about the EIA rules and regulations that apply in your country or region. Recognize the governing laws, important criteria, and techniques laid out for performing EIAs. Additionally, by addressing particular criteria and producing thorough and accurate EIA reports that meet regulatory bodies' requirements, you are better able to traverse the EIA process.

Forest fires have significant environmental impacts that need to be assessed through a systematic process known as environmental impact assessment (EIA).??This study looks at hazards related to soil erosion and stability, loss of vegetation and habitat, deterioration of air and water quality, implications on biodiversity and wildlife, contributions to climate change, and socioeconomic repercussions. We can identify sensitive places and species, gauge the amount of damage, and design ways to lessen the effects of forest fires, such as putting restoration initiatives and prevention measures into action.

2. Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems provide invaluable insights into the conservation of biodiversity, guardianship of forests, and sustainable land management. For SDG 15 to be accomplished and sustainability to be promoted, it is crucial to recognize, appreciate, and incorporate this information. Integrating indigenous and traditional knowledge into policies, practices, and conservation initiatives requires creating partnerships, maintaining traditional knowledge, and protecting indigenous rights.

Traditional and indigenous knowledge is essential in the fight against forest fires. Indigenous groups have deep knowledge and practices that have been passed down through generations, enabling them to control and reduce the hazards connected with forest fires. They can provide helpful insights and tactics for preventing and combating wildfires due to their knowledge of the local ecosystems, weather patterns, and conventional fire management practices. To reduce fuel loads and maintain ecological balance, indigenous and traditional knowledge systems place a strong emphasis on the use of controlled burns, selective clearing, and other land management techniques. This expertise also includes early detection techniques that can help with prompt firefighting efforts, like analyzing changes in animal behavior or keeping an eye on smoke patterns. Effectiveness can be increased by incorporating indigenous and traditional knowledge into wildfire management strategies.

We have an update!

Do you remember weeks ago we announced Climate Leadership Program (CLPx) in Uttarakhand? In the enchanting Champawat district of Uttarakhand, the CLPx Uttarakhand unfolded, offering a dynamic platform for young minds to envision, collaborate, and take action against the perils of climate change. ?

The cohort mapped environmental challenges and developed recommendations for policymakers. This inspired the formation of the Uttarakhand Climate Action Network (UCAN), empowering youth to raise awareness and drive sustainable development. UCAN aims to mobilize and engage policymakers, creating a resilient future. CLPx and UCAN mark a milestone in the battle against climate change, with passionate participants ready to make a lasting impact and inspire others to join the cause.

Seizing opportunities

???? ??Young Professional Program A recruitment drive for young, outstanding professionals looking to begin a career as a global civil servant with the UN Secretariat. If selected, the journey of professional growth unfolds, with each step propelling them towards an illustrious destiny, shaping a world of global impact.

??The club of Rome communications Fellowship 2023 is a super cool five-month mentorship program that aims to bring more diverse voices into the sustainability conversation. It's all about supporting early-career communication pros from underrepresented communities and regions. And get this—it's a remote gig, so you can work from the comfort of your own home, with just one awesome trip to meet The Club of Rome team (probably somewhere in Europe).

?? Rooting for resilience a volunteer meet up for the people and planet. Team Sustera Foundation is yet again here with an amazing opportunity. It's time to gather with like-minded individuals, mingle, and make amazing connections. Prepare to be inspired by climate leaders who are rocking the environmental scene. And guess what? This is also your chance to shine! Step up and showcase your brilliant ideas for a better, greener world.

Youth-led initiatives

Francisco Javier Vera Manzanares, founder of 'Guardians for life' is a Columbian young earthling. This superstar got crowned as the very first eco-warrior in all of Latin America and the Caribbean by the folks at UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund. Their mission? Rocking the world with environmental education and kid power! Now, Vera's officially part of a global squad of incredible youngsters leading the way in saving our planet. Talk about being an environmental rock star!"

Children and adolescents must be included in environmental decision-making for several reasons. Firstly, as the future stewards of the planet, it is vital for them to cultivate a sense of responsibility and commitment from an early age. Hence, environmental education should become a fundamental right. Their untainted viewpoints often challenge established norms and can provide novel approaches to problems that adults might overlook. By actively involving them, we tap into this wellspring of creativity and encourage out-of-the-box thinking ???

????Combating forest fires. Residents of villages, which are about 300 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, have taken it upon themselves to stop the spread of forest fires that surround them. A prime example of this is the village of Kudupakia in the Kandhamal district's Nuagoan block, where the residents have taken on the responsibility of forest guardianship because the forest not only provides for their needs but also has incomparable value. You know what's super cool? The youth have totally taken the lead in this whole thing!

Volunteers from the Youth4Water Plus initiative, which is funded by 联合国儿童基金会 , have worked closely with the locals to disseminate information to help prevent forest fires.?This awesome initiative has gathered a massive crew of over half a million young volunteers all across Odisha. And guess what? They've made incredible strides in educating and empowering the locals to shield their precious forests from any potential fire mishaps. It's been a game-changer, folks!

Eco headlines

??Planting trees for Monarch butterflies here's the deal, this awesome project is all about bringing back the green! Two restoration superpowers at play here: one is turning barren farmland into lush native forest, and the other is bringing back the trees in areas that got chopped down or burnt to a crisp (fires!). Teaming up with local landowners who are passionate about protecting the monarchs. And get this, most of the areas we're tackling are the hilly spots that ain't suitable for big-scale farming. A mission to restore those vital monarch habitats and make our mountains majestic once again!"

?? The reforestation and regeneration of indigenous woodlands!

Intensive and regeneration efforts to happen in fenced-off sections, ranging from 15 to 18 hectares. These areas will be meticulously transformed from old agricultural land into lush indigenous forests. In the initial phase, the fences will protect the young trees from wildlife browsing, granting them optimal conditions for growth and establishment. It's a vital step towards achieving vibrant canopies and a harmonious coexistence of species. ????

Indigenous trees from local nurseries, ensuring they are at a mature and established stage of 2 years old, will then be carefully transported to Imire, where they will be planted by dedicated community members who are employed locally. It's a collaborative effort that strengthens both the environment and the community. ????

Excitingly, Climate Wise has generously provided full funding for Phase 1 of this initiative, allowing us to sequester an incredible 8,255 tCO2. Together, we are taking a significant stride towards a greener future, replenishing our planet and combating climate change. ????

A few insights from our CEO

A note from our CEO on Refugee Nation. Refugee Nation is a conceptual idea that envisions creating a self-governing nation for refugees, offering them a sense of identity, autonomy, and community. Read his LinkedIn post here: Read on.

From our archives to yours

Here is a video on air pollution and how it silently affects the life around us.

That's all folks from our side!??

See you in a few weeks earthlings ???