Many internet users have viewed the video of the Japanese whaler colliding with the Ady Gil, a speed-boat which belongs to an ecological organization fighting in the Antarctic. Nevertheless, this sad scene has brought a light onto the organization, which notably strives to defend whales. It also enables us not to forget the ravages of whaling carried out under the guise of “scientific surveys”.

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Organic products: Good for you, Good for the environment

Author: Mauro F C Lins |

Organic products are coming along. In the beginning in Brazil, the consumer culture behind organic products was seen as a niche market for the “tree huggers” or “hippies.” This seemed to be a temporary trend uniquely for a small group of specific consumers. In contrast today, organic products have a stronger reputation in the scientific community such as in the European Commission which has a campaign entitled “Organic Agriculture- Good for nature, Good for you”¹.

The advantages of organic products can be placed into three different categories: organic products are more nutritional and contain less toxic substances for your health (more healthy). Furthermore, they are better for the planet.

Focus on Sea Shepherd…

Author: Antoine Morisot |

Many internet users have viewed the video of the Japanese whaler colliding with the Ady Gil, a speed-boat which belongs to an ecological organization fighting in the Antarctic. Nevertheless, this sad scene has brought a light onto the organization, which notably strives to defend whales. It also enables us not to forget the ravages of whaling carried out under the guise of “scientific surveys”.

Sea_Shepherd_1
In addition to Japan, Norway and even Denmark practice whaling and catch around 2000 whales a year. However, whale is only a generic name, because all cetaceans are threatened by whaling, phenomenon which will probably increase. Indeed, Japan has expressed its intentions to raise the number to 1000 per year (!!) instead of 300-400 at the present time.

On cetacean, research and growing tourism industry in the Red Sea. Do your part!

Author: Maddalena Fumagalli |

The Egyptian Red Sea has become one of the most accessible and appreciated tourism destination in the last decade. The consequences of this tourism invasion are, so far, unpredictable; nonetheless something can be done to understand the possible effects this high exposure could lead to.

As a biologist, I strongly believe in science as tool for conservation purposes. I am persuaded that any data, whether biological, ecological or behavioural, coming from a proper scientific project can give much more than a nice figure with a statistical robustness. Moreover, an approach targeting to the ecosystem as a whole is fundamental in any attempt to protect and preserve a site.