New International Conservation Actions Agreed for Saiga Antelopes

Bonn, 27 October 2021 – Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Russian Federation, and Uzbekistan agreed on new joint conservation measures to conserve the Saiga Antelope under the United Nations’ Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). For the next five years, the international Work Programme for the Saiga Antelope will provide a new framework to conserve and sustainably use the species throughout its migratory range.

The new Work Programme was agreed at the Fourth Meeting of the Signatory States to the CMS Memorandum of Understanding concerning Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use of the Saiga Antelope (Saiga MOU) held online on 28 - 29 of September 2021.

The agreed Work Programme considers different approaches to Saiga conservation depending on the individual status of the species in the four Range States. While the population is dwindling in Uzbekistan, it has increased tenfold in Kazakhstan since 2015. In both Mongolia and Russia populations are increasing but remain low.   

CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel said: “The adoption of the new Work Programme by the four Saiga Range States underscores the importance of transboundary conservation. The seasonal migrations of the Saiga antelope show why ecological connectivity - the unimpeded movement of wild species - is so vital.”

The Meeting also endorsed the report “Sustainable Use of the Saiga Antelope: Perspectives and Prospects”, prepared by the Saiga Conservation Alliance on behalf of the CMS Secretariat, in close consultations with all Range States. The report seeks to guide the establishment of sustainable use of Saigas, where this is possible, taking into account population dynamics and threats to Saiga antelopes across the range. According to the report, the current number of Saiga in the Ural population in Kazakhstan is sufficiently high for the Government to consider sustainable harvest of the animals.

The most recent population counts have shown an increase in Saiga numbers in three Range States, and especially in Kazakhstan, where the total population of Saigas has increased from about 83,000 in 2015 to 842,000 in 2021.

The conservation efforts of the Range States, scientific institutions, and NGOs facilitated by the CMS and CITES Secretariats have played a significant role in this positive dynamic. Range States and NGOs reported on current conservation programmes, including anti-poaching efforts that were stepped up in recent years.

Yet, threats to Saigas, such as wildlife disease, poaching, human-wildlife conflict and barriers to migration persist and can have devastating effects, especially in smaller populations. Over the next five years, Governments will continue to address these threats.

Saiga antelopes rely on their ability to migrate over large distances to avoid unfavorable weather conditions and are prone to mass die-off events. In 2015 about 200,000 Saiga antelopes perished due to a combination of disease and extreme weather events.

The meeting was organized by the CMS Secretariat and hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.

Mr Sergey Anoprienko, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation and Chair of the meeting, said: “Conservation and sustainable use of the Saiga antelope is an important issue for Russia, considering that the species is included in the Russian Red book. Thanks to the conservation efforts undertaken by the Russian Federation, the number of the Pre-Caspian Saiga population in Russia increased from 3,500 in 2015 to currently 10,000 animals.”

Notes for Editors

Medium-Term International Work Programme for the Saiga Antelope (2021 - 2025) [EN, RU]:  https://www.cms.int/saiga/en/document/medium-term-international-work-programme-saiga-antelope-2021-2025

Report on The sustainable Use of Saiga Antelopes: Perspectives and Prospects [EN, RU]:

https://www.cms.int/saiga/en/publication/sustainable-use-saiga-antelopes-perspectives-and-prospects

About the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)

An environmental treaty of the United Nations, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. This unique treaty brings governments and wildlife experts together to address the conservation needs of terrestrial, aquatic, and avian migratory species and their habitats around the world. Since the Convention entered into force in 1979, its membership has grown steadily to include 132 Parties from Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

About the CMS Memorandum of Understanding concerning Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use of the Saiga Antelope (Saiga MOU)

The CMS Saiga MOU is the only international instrument for the conservation of the Critically Endangered Saiga antelope. The MOU is a legally non-binding international instrument, which has been in force since 2006 and has been signed by all five Range States – Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Russian Federation, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The MOU aims to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for Saigas based on the best available scientific information and considering the socio-economic value of Saigas for the people of various countries.

Visit: cms.int/saiga:

https://www.facebook.com/bonnconvention

PDRF, partners install new water system in Marawi

(R-L) Bebot Barhan (Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Consultant), Anna Katrina Aspuria (PDRF) & Robert Cabiles (Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water COO) 

MANILA—The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), in partnership with the US-Philippines Society, Metrobank, Metro Pacific Water, PLDT, and United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat), began installing 109 rainwater catchments in Hadiya Village, Marawi City last October 19, providing clean water to the community.

The installation and ceremonial turnover took place on the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Marawi City after the five-month siege in 2017. This project aims to support communities and areas currently not connected to piped systems due to challenging geographic locations by providing them with tools for rainwater harvesting. The installation will be completed by the end of the month.

Metro Pacific Water (MPW) joined the group in Marawi to check water sources in two sites: Hadiya Village and Darussalam Village. MPW will recommend strategies on how to improve water systems in UN-funded permanent shelter sites.

Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainfall for human consumption, as a supplement to existing water systems. According to the Stockholm Environment Institute report for the United Nations Environment Programme, “rainwater harvesting can serve as an opportunity to enhance ecosystem productivity, thereby improving livelihoods, human well-being and economies.” 

This system provides an independent water supply where clean water is difficult to access. It can help reduce flooding and soil erosion, mitigating some of the adverse effects of climate change. The water collected can be suitable for irrigation and human consumption and help reduce groundwater demand. Rainwater harvesting is also low-cost, easy to maintain, and sustainable.

"PDRF’s donation of Rainwater Catchment for Hadiya Village is an essential part of our Meranaw  brothers and sisters, as water plays a vital role in the practice of their religion,” said Felix J. Castro, Jr., Field Manager and Assistant Secretary of Task Force Bangon Marawi.

"UN-Habitat advocates for Climate Change Resilience.  The donations of PDRF together with its partners will surely enhance the maximization of rainwater for domestic use of the individual family. Financially, it will reduce the monthly contribution per household on electric consumption and they can divert their funds as savings or for other payables,” said Warren C. Ubongen, Project Manager of UN-Habitat. 

The rainwater harvesting system is an important lifeline for communities like Hadiya Village, who have limited access to clean water. This helps reduce their vulnerability from water shortages and thus improve their livelihoods and wellbeing, demonstrating how prosperity and peace can go hand in hand.

“This project symbolizes the numerous things we can achieve if we work together for the welfare of the many.  We hope that this will help address the community’s needs by providing adequate and clean water daily,” said Anna Katrina Aspuria, Head of Development Programs and Innovation at PDRF.

"Nais ko pong magpasalamat sa proyektong ito mula sa ating mga partners na pinangungunahan ng PDRF na hanggang ngayon hindi kami iniiwan at binibitawan...

At sa ating mga residente dito sa Hadiya Village, salamat sa inyong kooperasyon, pang-unawa at patuloy na pagtitiwala sa ating mga partners, sa lokal na pamahalaan at sa national government.

Nawa'y ipagpatuloy natin ang ating magagandang nasimulan at pagtutulungan upang sabay-sabay nating maibangon ang Marawi sa lalong madaling panahon, Insha Allah," said Hon. Atty Majul U. Gandamra the Mayor of the Islamic City of Marawi.

[“I would like to express our gratitude to all the partners, led by PDRF who have continued to support us even until now/have not never wavered in their support for us even until now. And to the residents here at Hadiya Village, thank you for your cooperation, understanding, and continued trust in our partners and in the local and national government. May we continue the good work we have started and our close collaboration so that together we can help Marawi recover as soon as possible, God willing.]

This project is part of PDRF’s continuous commitment to helping the people of Marawi recover and become more resilient after the crisis.

UN Habitat has recently published the Blue Drop Series on Water Harvesting and Utilization, a collection of guides on rainwater harvesting for policy makers, beneficiaries and capacity and implementing agencies.  

200 Men and Women participated in a Nude Artistic Installation in Israel

200 men and women participated in a nude artistic installation by the American artist Spencer Tunick in the desert landscape around Arad. The photographic installation is designed to support the establishment of the Dead Sea Museum in Arad. As part of the artwork, the artist used a white body paint that had never before been used. 

In a cooperation with the Israel Ministry of Tourism, the Arad Municipality, the Dead Sea Revival Project, Spencer Tunick has returned to the Dead Sea region after two earlier installations that won international acclaim and helped raise awareness of Israel as a tourism destination. 

Participants in the project say that, this project is expected to be one of the most daring and controversial ever undertaken by the artist. Tunick has created installations in, among others, New York, London, Vienna, Barcelona and Sydney. Today, Arad joins this illustrious list, hosted by the Israel Ministry of Tourism. 

About 200 people who agreed to participate in the installation arrived in Arad in the early afternoon and disrobed somewhere in the desert landscape surrounding Arad. The event took about three hours, during which the artist positioned the volunteer models and the camera, according to the background and the light etc. 

The installation is designed to draw world attention to the importance of preserving and restoring the Dead Sea, as well as the establishment of the Dead Sea Museum to be built in Arad, under the initiative and leadership of Ari Fruchter who recruited Tunick for the promotional campaign. 

Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov: “Every image published by the artist represents a tourism boost for Israel. Millions of people from around the world see the beauty and the tourism potential of Arad and Dead Sea. As Israel opens it skies to vaccinated tourists, we look forward to welcoming them once again to the unique landscapes of the Dead Sea region, one of Israel's leading tourist destinations. " 

Spencer Tunick: “It is difficult to hide the fact that the Dead Sea is disappearing and the establishment of the Dead Sea Museum is our way to create awareness of this fact. My visit to Israel was an experience for me and I am always happy to return here and photograph in the only country in the Middle East that allows art such as this.” 

Israeli Ambassador Presents Credentials to President Duterte

Ambassador-designate Ilan Fluss presented to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte his credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to the Republic of the Philippines at Malacañang Palace on 20 October 2021.

Ambassador Fluss formerly served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Manila from 1995 to 1998.

“I am honored to be back in the Philippines, this time as the Ambassador of the State of Israel. I am excited to take on this new role in the Philippines as my first assignment in this capacity,” Ambassador Fluss shared.

Ambassador Fluss noted the very warm and friendly relations between Israel and the Philippines, which was strengthened further by the historic visit of President Duterte to Israel in 2018. Since then, significant developments have been achieved in the fields of economy, agriculture, tourism, among others.

“Mr. President, innovation and technologies are not the future – they are the present – and the development of more cooperation in this field is one of my main goals for the years ahead. The goal of our partnership is to create sustainable development, improve lives, create jobs, generate income, and enable the transfer of relevant know-how and technologies,” Ambassador Fluss said during his speech.

Ambassador Fluss hopes to make substantial contributions to the furthering of the countries’ friendship and partnership, and to the continued work towards the prosperity of Israel and the Philippines.

Ambassador Fluss was born in December 1965 in Haifa, Israel. He served in the Israeli navy for five years. He graduated from the University of Haifa with a degree in psychology and Israel studies, and an MBA from the University of Derby. He joined the foreign service in 1994 where, since then, he represented Israel in a variety of capacities.

He served successively as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines (1995 – 1998), Spokesperson and Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of Israel in the Hague, Netherlands (1998 – 2000), served in the Ministry’s Asian Division (2000 – 2004), Acting Ambassador and later on, as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in Pretoria, South Africa, (while in South Africa he was also responsible for Israel’s diplomatic relations with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Swaziland), Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN (2006), Director for Policy Planning and External Relations and later on as Deputy Head of MASHAV (2009 – 2016), special envoy for the Bureau of the Director General (2016 – 2018), and eventually as the Deputy Head of the Economic Division at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2018 – 2021). He was appointed as the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines in October 2021. He is married to his wife, Gila, and has four children.

Results of Ivermectin clinical trials may benefit drug developers and the public - DOST

“If results are good, drug developers and the public will benefit from the local Ivermectin clinical trials,” said the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Research and Development, Usec. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.

In April 2021, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) together with the Department of Health (DOH), announced its support for the conduct of local clinical trials on Ivermectin to provide data on the safety and efficacy of the drug in treating Filipino patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The eight-month project is spearheaded by Dr. Aileen Wang of the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). 

In preparation for the start of the trials, the project is working with its own formulation to comply with the existing standards for double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. As explained by Usec. Guevara, the project team will make their own capsules because the trials require the placebo and the active drug to look the same to avoid patient and physician bias.

To standardize the study drugs to be used -- placebo and active drug, the project team has partnered with the UP Manila College of Pharmacy who can develop and compound the local Ivermectin capsules easily in a short period of time.

“We would like to reiterate that the compounded capsules to be used solely for the purpose of clinical trials will adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice and Compounding Practice, and will be subjected to tests for raw materials and finished product,” emphasizes Dr. Yolanda Robles, lead of the Pharmacy team of the ivermectin trials. 

“The use of Ivermectin as medication for COVID-19 became a public clamor for the past months despite insufficient scientific evidence, if the results of this study is good, then the drug developers can use the results of the study for guidance on how to use ivermectin. Eventually, benefitting the public,” emphasized Usec. Guevara.

“We assure the public that our ultimate goal in the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) is to provide them with solutions backed by scientific evidence,” says PCHRD Executive Director Jaime C. Montoya.

Currently, there are 75 registered clinical trials on the use of Ivermectin as COVID-19 treatment around the world. However, as of today, the DOH and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still do not recommend the use of Ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 due to insufficient scientific evidence. 

DOST-NICER Centers in Regions work to achieve UN’s Zero Hunger target in PH

Innovation Hubs to end hunger in the Philippines. 

These lofty ideals power the formation of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Niche Centers in the Region for R&D (NICER).  In an online symposium held last Tuesday, October 19, 2021, the NICERs focusing on food security such as inland marine and aquatic resources, together with crop and livestock presented their latest breakthroughs to contribute to the achievement of zero hunger in the country.  

Under the umbrella of the DOST-Science for Change Program, NICERs capacitate regional higher educational institutions’ ability to conduct quality research and boost regional economic growth.  

“We need to capacitate our regions to be ready for the challenges of the new environment,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña.  “Food security and safety are two sectors that propel our nation forward.  We must invest in R&D to end hunger and strengthen our food systems and sustain activities that support regional development.” 

“The establishment of these NICERs are among the key strategies towards developing a more STI-driven, sustainable, resilient, and progressive countryside – stimulating the industry sector and contributing towards achieving zero hunger in the near future,” said Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang. 

The first center presented was under the Inland Aquatic industry. The Isabela State University (ISU) in Cagayan Valley Region hosts the Freshwater Fisheries R&D Center.  This NICER has successfully increased the average weight of glass eels or igat by 204% and their average survival rate from 70% to 94%, established rearing facilities in eleven (11) municipalities to grow ludong or Lobed-River Mullet, generated employment for the Indigenous People, and established the Cagayan Valley Aquaculture Producers Cooperative which encouraged the community to venture into eel and freshwater fish production. 

The second center presented was under the Marine Resources industry. The Mindanao State University-Naawan (MSU-Naawan) in Northern Mindanao hosts the Sea Cucumber R&D Center.  The Center focuses on 2 species of sea cucumbers, the white teatfish, Holothuria fuscogilva, and sandfish, Holothuria scabra. The white teatfish is still in its experimental stages of developing its spawning and larval rearing protocols, and the sandfish is up and running for its production and promotion for farming among community beneficiaries as their source of alternative livelihood. 

This NICER has recorded 58 commercial sea cucumber species across stations in Mindanao, and found that sea cucumber fisheries in sampling sites in Mindanao are generally small-scale involving 700 households with varying gathering methods depending on location and depth.

The third center presented was under the Crops industry. The Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) in Central Luzon hosts the Tamarind R&D Center.  In 2 years’ time, this NICER has increased the areas in Central Luzon planted with tamarind from 187 to 271.5 hectares. 

Lastly, under the Livestock industry. The Marinduque State College (MSC) in MIMAROPA hosts the Markaduke R&D Center.  This NICER has achieved improvement in the number of piglets weaned from 13 to as high as 18 pigs weaned per sow per year (PWSY). More genetic improvements are soon to be achieved having found favorable genes for litter size (Estrogen Receptor 1: 17% to 36%), growth (Myogenin: 14%), meat quality (Leptin: 86%), and disease resistance (Fucosyltransferase 1: 22% to 50%). Its artificial insemination laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art computer assisted sperm analyzer to improve the reproductive efficiency of the male breeding pig (boar). The technology on feeding and husbandry practices are in line with the low-cost, low-input production system to be adaptable and practical under the house-hold farming condition. 

With all these achievements, DOST pushes to sustain their efforts in the Science for Change Program by lobbying for the passage of the Science for Change Program (S4CP) Bill which seeks to address the disparity in research and development (R&D) funding in the Regions and lack of R&D in the private sector.  Once approved, the S4CP Bill will promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development through the optimal use of the R&D budget equitably and systematically in all regions in the country.  The S4CP bill also aims to achieve self-reliance in various sectors including the food sector, manufacturing sector and health sector, among others.

“The NICER program introduced R&D interventions to enhance agricultural yields in the Regions to spur economic growth and contribute to food security,” said Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara. “DOST intends that these NICERs will produce and attract the leading experts in high-impact sectors in support of the creation of regional hubs for the technology transfer and commercialization of R&D outputs.”

Nicanor Perlas Asks the Duterte Government to Cease and Desist Extreme and Unscientific Covid Policies That Are Killing and Harming Filipinos and Destroying the Country

Nicanor Perlas, Chief Researcher and Head of Covid Call to Humanity, a Filipino-based global information network, today issued a letter to the Duterte Government to cease and desist from unscientific and extreme Covid policies that are killing and harming Filipinos as well as destroying the country in the process. 

The Cease and Desist document, which is also a Notice of Liability, highlights the following problems with current Covid policies including mindless lockdowns and forced mass vaccinations:

• We had no excess deaths in 2020; hence no health emergency.
• There are safe treatments available but suppressed by government. 
• Our immune system is 2700% more protective than vaccine-induced immunity. 
• We are creating a real epidemic of the vaccinated. The vaccinated still get infected and die from the disease. They are also super spreaders of the disease. Worst, they incubate variants. 
• The young have a survival rate of 99.997% yet government is running after them to inject them with vaccines that have already killed millions worldwide.
• Recent global investigations are showing that these are not vaccines but sophisticated bioweapons. Military officers have already died. 
• The Duterte Covid mandates violate many articles of the Constitution and are illegal, including the issuance for the EUAs for the vaccines. 

“This is going to be worst than the Dengvaxia scandal and the Extra Judicial Killings (EJK) combined”, warned Perlas. “In the Philippines, thousands have already died and hundreds of thousands seriously injured. This is genocide. Yet the DOH keeps on lying to the Filipino people that the vaccines are safe and effective.”  

The Cease and Desist document is 86 pages long with 227 references that back up the claims of the notice. It highlights many scientific discoveries and news items that are not known to most Filipinos. Taiwan, for example, is reporting more deaths from the vaccinated than all their COVID-19 deaths. 

Perlas explained: “We are giving the government three days to respond. If they do not respond, we will file a TRO before the Supreme Court to stop the massacre and the destruction of livelihoods and the economy. The scientific evidence is so overwhelming that, God willing, we will get a positive response from the Supreme Court.”

Visit here: https://covidcalltohumanity.org/blog-archives/