News Biofuel

Producing biofuels without increasing greenhouse gas emissions

A recent report about the Dutch biofuels market, compiled by research institute CE Delft, reveals that the environmental performance of biofuels sold on the Dutch market could be significantly improved by shifting to biofuels that produce low levels of CO2 emissions.

Europe and Central Asia Netherlands

The on-going conversion of tropical habitats to cropland could jeopardise global efforts to halt the loss of biodiversity

A new report reveals the alarming rate at which tropical habitats are being cleared to make way for crops. The scale of habitat conversion predicted in the biodiversity-rich tropics could seriously undermine society’s capacity to meet internationally-agreed conservation targets.

Guided by science, Kenyan authority rejects the case for jatropha at Dakatcha IBA

Following a campaign led by Nature Kenya, supported by other BirdLife Partners, Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has officially rejected a proposal to convert 10,000 hectares of Dakatcha Woodland IBA to grow the biofuel crop jatropha.

Worldwide

Planning process for Tana River Delta under way!

A high-level meeting has stated the need for a strategic plan for the Delta.

Africa

Kenya’s environment authority advises jatropha is 'not viable' in coastal Kenya

Hope rise that the planting of the biofuel crop jatropha within the Coast region of Kenya is to halt.

Africa

EU postpones cleanup of biofuels policy again

Hopes of a sustainable future for EU biofuels policy have been dealt a blow following the European Commission's decision to delay a critical decision on how to account for the impacts of 'indirect land use change' (ILUC).

Europe and Central Asia

Debate heating up on biofuels – BirdLife’s November 2010 Round Up

Biofuels are any kind of fuel derived from living things. In principle, they are a way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels like oil and coal. It is also estimated that emissions from burning biofuels are broadly comparable to the amount of the gas absorbed from the atmosphere when the biofuel plants are grown. Sounds great. Right? Sadly not...

Worldwide

Out of Africa – a round up of stories by Andre Farrar (RSPB – BirdLife in the UK)

One of the attractions of spending a couple of weeks in South Africa was the chance to escape a bit of the British winter – so why was I wrapped up, wishing I had brought gloves, walking into a foggy dawn? Altitude.

Europe’s biofuels plans driving social and environmental destruction

New research warns of massive increase in carbon emissions and land conversion through the use of biofuels in Europe.

Worldwide

Biofuels policy threatens wildlife habitats

Meeting a European target to use biofuel in Britain’s 30 million cars will result in the destruction of an area of wildlife habitat the size of the West Country, a study has found...

Africa

Large-scale biofuels production threatens biodiversity and food security

Current demand for biofuels is leading to conversion of natural habitats, on a huge and potentially catastrophic scale.

Worldwide

Delta blues lift slightly - by Andre Farrar (RSPB - BirdLife in the UK)

The Tana River Delta on Kenya’s coast is at cross-roads. The massive pressure to exploit the area for growing sugar and biofuel crops amongst other development pressure is forcing an intense campaign to ensure that the delta’s peerless natural environment...

Africa

Biofuels and biodiversity – Policy Briefing

BirdLife International welcomes the CBD’s consideration of the impacts of biofuels on biodiversity1. The draft COP-10 decisions refer to minimising the negative impacts of biofuel production on biodiversity and maximising the benefits.

Full list of BirdLife COP-10 Products and Policy Briefs

Full list of BirdLife Products and Policy Briefs for COP-10 in Nagoya, Japan.

Green State of Nature Address

Last Thursday, the Green Con-vergence for Safe Food and Healthy Environment, a loose coalition of networks and NGOs, held its third Green State of Nature Address (SONA). We were very appreciative that DENR Secretary Ramon Paje stayed the entire day to hear out our long complaints, urgent pleas and sturdy arguments particularly on forestry issues and mining.

Asia

How BirdLife is conserving tropical forests - with Roger Safford

Tropical forests are disappearing at a rate of one football pitch per second - more than 10 million hectares per year. These losses are driven by global demand for timber, paper and land for food crops and bio-fuels. BirdLife's work has shown that 913 species worldwide are threatened by forest destruction and degradation; that's almost one in ten of the world's birds.

Worldwide

Thirst for biofuels still threatening Kenya’s Dakatcha Woodlands - By Andre Farrar (RSPB - BirdLife in the UK)

In a move that buys a little time for the Dakatcha Woodlands, Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has refused a licence...

Leading by example - BirdLife’s July 2010 Round Up

BirdLife works hard to hold governments to account, ensuring they keep their promises. And when governments fail, or fall below international best practices, BirdLife is ready with the practical solutions and encouragement to get them back on track...