Daniel Abugre Anyorigya is a multimedia journalist, wikipedian and environmentalist.

Exporting fish from Ghana to the EU – Broken system?

19 Apr 2023  |  Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana  |  English  |  Economic Impact

Ghana's Fisheries Minister, Hawa Koomson, announced an initiative to combat illegal fishing, amidst criticism and a 'yellow card' warning from the European Commission for poor fishing practices. Despite the warning, over €40 million worth of overfished small pelagic fish were exported to the EU in 2020 and 2021. An investigation by iWatch Africa and Gideon Sarpong revealed that the EU failed to sanction companies engaged in IUU fishing, including Rongcheng Ocean Fishery. Ghana's certification system for fish exports has significant flaws, with discrepancies in data and lack of stringent checks for trawler vessels. The EU's preference for dialogue over direct action against specific companies has been questioned. The overfishing has severely impacted artisanal fishers, with a decline in catches and income. The report calls for stricter enforcement of laws and regulations to protect the sustainability of fish stocks and the livelihoods of local fishers.

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Environmental Justice Foundation European Commission Sustainable Fisheries Management Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA) World Bank Ghana Tuna Association Wannimas Complex Obourwe & Co. Ltd Nduman Fishing JournalismFund Europe

Ékoué Blamé is a journalist based in Lomé, Togo. I am a bilingual writer. I have worked from 2011 till 2023 for BBC's Focus on Africa programme in the tiny West African of Togo. I have also worked several years for Associated Press. I am currently reporting for the Paris-based French media house LE ...

Danger at sea – West Africa's scourge of foreign fleets

01 Jan 2024  |  Africa in Fact  |  English  |  Economic Impact

Foreign fleets, mainly Chinese and South Korean, dominate West African waters, causing economic and environmental harm through illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This overexploitation threatens local fishing communities, food security, and marine biodiversity. Efforts to combat IUU fishing include regional cooperation, legal reforms, and international support, but challenges remain due to weak enforcement and high operational costs. Sustainable solutions require coordinated action, involving local fishers and harmonizing legal frameworks to protect marine resources and livelihoods.

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Environmental Justice Foundation World Bank International Development Association European Union Sea Shepherd Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission Fisheries Committee for the West-Central Gulf of Guinea European Fisheries Control Agency Regional Maritime Security Centre for West Africa Trygg Mat Tracking Amnesty International

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Seth Bokpe is an investigative journalist focusing on anti-corruption, environmental and health environmental reporting. 
A multiple award-winning journalist, he is a versatile writer with eye for details. He is passionate about Environmental, Health and Anti-Corruption reporting. He Fact-checks ...

A mixed bag: Akufo-Addo’s words and deeds on climate change

14 Oct 2022  |  thefourthestategh.com  |  English  |  Government Actions

Ghana's President Akufo-Addo has made strong statements on the global stage about the need for action on climate change, criticizing wealthy nations for not fulfilling financial pledges to poorer countries. However, his government's actions domestically, such as mining in the Atewa forest and missed renewable energy targets, contradict his international rhetoric. Initiatives like the 1-Village-1-Dam and Green Ghana have seen limited success, and illegal mining continues to be a problem. Despite some progress, the government's efforts fall short of the urgent action required to combat climate change and achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

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Environmental Justice Foundation Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation Volta River Authority

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Jorisna is a content creator, editor and award-winning journalist with more than 20 years’ of experience in the media industry. She worked at Media24 at Die Burger newspaper as an in-depth environmental and political reporter before joining WWF-SA as a content creator for four years. Here she ...

Mother of asthmatic children fights for air in dirty shadow of coal power stations

27 Feb 2022  |  Daily Maverick  |  English  |  Energy Policy

The article tells the story of Mbali Mathebula, a mother of two children with severe asthma living in Emalahleni, South Africa, an area heavily polluted due to its coal-intensive industry. Mbali struggles to care for her children, Princess Nondumiso and Asemahle Angel, amidst the health risks posed by the polluted air. The family lives in poverty, and Mbali has lost her job due to the demands of caring for her sick children. The article also covers the broader issues of air pollution, the impact of coal mining, and the legal actions taken by environmental justice organizations to halt the construction of new coal power plants. These organizations argue that the government's plans violate environmental, life, dignity, and equality rights, particularly affecting poor, black South Africans. The article highlights the mental health impacts of climate change and the urgent need for a transition away from fossil fuels.

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International Women’s Media Foundation Centre for Environmental Rights Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action Witbank TB Specialised Hospital Shoprite African Climate Alliance groundWork Nancy Shiba Primary School

Steven Crook is a journalist based in Tainan City, Taiwan.

Environmental Impact Assessment: Cruel delicacy

24 Jul 2024  |  www.taipeitimes.com  |  English  |  Illegal Fishing

Despite a decade-long prohibition, Taiwanese fishers continue the practice of shark finning, driven by the high value of shark fins. Recent offenses highlight the challenges in enforcing regulations, with significant quantities of fins found on vessels like the Jin Maan Fa No. 66. The Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST) calls for stricter laws, advocating for a zero-tolerance policy and permanent license revocation for first-time violators. Comparatively, the US and EU have implemented effective measures against finning. Efforts to reduce demand for shark fin soup in Taiwan have seen some success, but domestic consumption remains substantial.

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Environmental Justice Foundation Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan EU US

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Zoom DOSSO is a journalist based in Monrovia, Liberia.

Liberia wrestles with poverty and ecology in bid to protect sharks

01 Jan 2019  |  phys.org  |  English  |  Fishing Industry

Liberia faces a dilemma in balancing shark conservation with the economic needs of its fishing communities. Local fishermen, like George Toe, recall better days when shark catches were abundant, but now struggle with declining numbers. The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, supported by the Environmental Justice Foundation, has initiated a three-year monitoring program to track shark and ray populations. Despite the conservation efforts, local fishermen express doubts, attributing declining fish stocks to illegal trawlers rather than overfishing of sharks. The program aims to educate fishermen on the ecological importance of sharks, with potential legal measures if voluntary compliance fails.

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Environmental Justice Foundation National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority International Union for Conservation of Nature

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Abdulwasiu Hassan is a multimedia journalist based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Why does Ghana struggle to achieve fish sufficiency?

17 May 2023  |  Why does Ghana struggle to achieve fish sufficiency?  |  English  |  Economy

Ghana, despite its abundant water resources, struggles to produce enough fish for local consumption, relying heavily on costly imports. The deputy minister of fisheries and aquaculture, Moses Anim, expressed determination to boost local production. The country spends about $240 million annually on fish imports and produces only half of its required 1.2 million tonnes. Illegal fishing, particularly 'saiko', and high feed costs are significant challenges. The Chamber of Aquaculture in Ghana and the Environmental Justice Foundation highlight the need for increased local production and the fight against illegal fishing practices.

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Environmental Justice Foundation Chamber of Aquaculture in Ghana Ghana News Agency Centre for Maritime Law and Security in Africa

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Sarah is a multimedia journalist based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her expertise is radio, but she is also handy when it comes to video and print mediums as well. While Canada serves as a home base, she also travels through the Middle East and Europe looking for new stories to tell.

What if your country disappeared? Nation mulls digital existence as sea waters rise

15 Nov 2022  |  www.cbc.ca  |  English  |  International Law

Tuvalu, a small South Pacific island nation, faces existential threats from climate change and rising sea levels. Leaders, including Simon Kofe and Seve Paeniu, are exploring innovative solutions such as creating a digital nation in the metaverse and seeking legal protections to maintain sovereignty. The country aims to preserve its culture and governance systems online while advocating for international recognition and support. The situation highlights broader issues of climate-induced displacement, with parallels drawn to Kiribati's climate refuge efforts and the challenges faced by climate refugees like Ioane Teitiota.

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Environmental Justice Foundation Tuvalu UNESCO Queensland University of Technology Chinese government The World Bank Group UN's Human Rights Committee

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Davide Mancini is a journalist based in Lisboa, Portugal.

“This sea used to be full of life”: Illegal fishing mortally wounds a Mediterranean breeding ground

05 Apr 2023  |  El País México  |  Spanish  |  Mediterranean Sea

Illegal fishing in the Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia, is severely impacting local fish populations and the marine ecosystem. Traditional fishermen like Ahmed Taktak are struggling as illegal trawling methods, banned since 1994, continue to deplete marine life. The charfiya method, a UNESCO-recognized traditional fishing technique, is being overshadowed by more destructive practices. Reports from organizations like the FAO and Environmental Justice Foundation highlight the unsustainable exploitation of Mediterranean species. Despite efforts by the EU to promote sustainable fishing, the lack of effective control in North African countries exacerbates the problem. The article underscores the urgent need for better enforcement and international cooperation to protect the Mediterranean's marine biodiversity.

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Environmental Justice Foundation UNESCO Oceana FAO European Union Tunisian Government

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I am a freelance writer based in Bangkok, Thailand.  I specialise in stories about Sustainability, Education, Conservation and the Environment in the region.  Having lived in Thailand for 14 years, I have access to a growing network of people involved in environmental work and sustainable ...

Thai fishers step up to clear seas strangled by deadly 'ghost nets'

01 Oct 2023  |  coconuts.co  |  English  |  Sustainable Fishing

Thai fishers, led by Duanpen Jaengpracham, are tackling the issue of 'ghost nets'—abandoned fishing gear that harms marine life. The Environmental Justice Foundation's Net Free Seas project helps recycle these nets, providing economic benefits and reducing marine pollution. Companies like Cirplas Tech and Qualy Design are turning recycled nets into consumer products. Despite these efforts, challenges like climate change, industrial pollution, and illegal fishing persist, threatening the sustainability of Thailand's fishing industry.

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Environmental Justice Foundation Net Free Seas Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center

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Emeka Nwokocha is a journalist and Senior Correspondent at TheBrief Online News Platform. He brings his honed expertise in news reportage and feature writing to bear on his current job. His area of specialty includes politics, governance, economy, gender inequality and human rights. He is a ...

8Th DTHA: Delta Civil Society Leaders Congratulate Anyafulu On Successful Inauguration, Set Agenda For Delta Lawmakers

24 Jun 2023  |  www.thebrief.com.ng  |  English  |  Governance

Delta State civil society leaders congratulated Hon. Bridget Anyafulu on her inauguration as a lawmaker representing Oshimili South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly. They praised her extensive contributions to gender activism and civic space development, urging her to achieve unprecedented accomplishments in her tenure. The leaders also set an agenda for the new government, emphasizing citizen-centered policies, the establishment of Civil Society Desks, and the inclusion of civic space actors in governance. The statement included prayers for Anyafulu's success and highlighted her qualifications and past roles in governance.

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Hands to Help International Foundation Shield Development Foundation SAFE AID Foundation Center for Peace and Environmental Justice Delta State House of Assembly Credible Civic Space Actors Int’l Centre For Women Empowerment & Child Development Nigerian Bar Association Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative One Love Community Development Delta Cultural Initiative Organization Of West African Youth Hope Shield Initiative Global Women for Quality and Sustainable Development The Healthy Real Initiative for Valued Entrepreneurship Safety & Rescue Emergency Respond Service Initiative Initiative for Peace and Stability

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Brian Otieno is a freelance photojournalist and documentary photographer based in Nairobi, Kenya. He was raised in Kibera, where he documents the everyday realities of ordinary life through his photo project called KiberaStories, which started in 2013. His passion and commitment lie in capturing ...

Chumani residents angry after meeting over nuclear power plant aborts

29 Mar 2024  |  The Star  |  English  |  Public Participation

A public participation meeting in Chumani, Kilifi county, to discuss a proposed nuclear power plant was called off, leading to anger among residents. The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (Nupea) is accused of shifting the project site from Uyombo to Chumani and using underhand tactics. Environmental activists, led by Phyllis Omido, oppose the plant due to potential environmental and agricultural impacts. Nupea CEO Justus Wabuyabo stated the meeting was postponed due to potential disruptions and emphasized the agency's commitment to community engagement. The situation remains contentious, with accusations of inadequate public participation and transparency.

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Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology Centre for Justice, Governance and Environmental Action Nuclear Power and Energy Agency Lenga Community Development Organisation

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Andrei Popoviciu is an independent investigative journalist, reporter, audio-visual producer and photographer covering human rights, security, migration, international development and foreign affairs stories across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He is currently based in Dakar, Senegal but has ...

Senegal’s fishermen pin hopes on new president to help them fill their nets

30 Mar 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Environmental Issues

Senegal's traditional fishermen are hopeful that newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will address the challenges they face, including depleted fish stocks due to foreign industrial fishing and the impact of oil and gas projects. Faye, seen as a symbol of change, has promised to protect artisanal fishing zones and implement sustainable fishing practices. The previous government under Macky Sall faced criticism for agreements that favored foreign interests, leading to economic and environmental issues for local fishermen. Faye's election brings hope for better governance and support for the fishing community.

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Environmental Justice Foundation Senegalese Government European Union Greenpeace

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Malaka Rodrigo is a journalist based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

India’s Adani exits controversial Sri Lanka wind project

26 Feb 2025  |  Eco-Business  |  English  |  International Business

Adani Green Energy Limited has withdrawn from a controversial wind power project in Mannar, Sri Lanka, due to environmental concerns and financial irregularities. The project faced opposition from environmentalists and legal challenges, leading to renegotiations by the Sri Lankan government. Despite the potential for renewable energy, the ecological significance of Mannar has prompted calls for ecotourism over industrial development. Adani's exit leaves Sri Lanka balancing renewable ambitions with conservation efforts.

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Environmental Foundation Ltd Centre for Environmental Justice Sri Lankan Government Wildlife and Nature Protection Society University of Colombo

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Lucinda Rouse is a multimedia journalist with a focus on audio and podcasting. She is now based in London and hosts the Third Sector Podcast, a weekly show covering the charity and not-for-profit sector. She previously spent over six years in West Africa, where she reported from Liberia, Senegal, ...

Senanu Tord is a video journalist and a documentary filmmaker who reports on a wide range of issues across Africa. He is originally from Ghana and reports in English but speaks and understands basic French. He has worked in many English-speaking African countries and some francophone countries ...

Ghanaian Football Team Scores Against Sea Turtle Poachers

24 Jan 2022  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Community Engagement

In Ghana, endangered sea turtles face threats from fishing nets and poaching. The Fetteh Youngsters Football Club has been actively protecting turtle nests and rescuing turtles since 2019. Their community-based approach, supported by the local chief, involves patrolling beaches and educating locals, including turtle meat sellers. The Environmental Justice Foundation's Peter Kusaana reports a decrease in poaching and an increase in nesting events, indicating the success of these conservation efforts.

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Environmental Justice Foundation World Wildlife Fund

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