⚠️IUCN Conservation Status

NOT EXTINCT

🌳Names of the Tree

Vernacular Name/s: Gliricidia Sepium, Madre De Cacao, Mexican Lilac

Scientific Name: Madre De Cacao

Family Name: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

📜Details

Average Height: 10-12 Meters

Average Length of Leaves: 2-7 Centimeters

Timber Classification: Multi-purpose Legume Tree

USDA Hardiness Rating: 10-12

Propagation: Seed or Cutting

Where to Find: Gliricidia sepium's true native range is limited to the dry and sub-humid lowlands along the Pacific coasts of Mexico and Central America and nearby dry inland valleys. Other regions of Central America were colonized by native Americans who domesticated the species. It was brought by the Spanish to the Philippines and the Caribbean. Gliricidia has spread widely throughout the tropics in recent decades.

Uses: The most prevalent species of the living fence in the tropics may be Gliricidia sepium. Large stakes are used to build fence posts (see Propagation). They could be spaced 1 to 2 meters apart and connected with bamboo or barbed wire. Alternately, they could be planted as a stockade with their branches intertwined, spaced 10 to 20 cm apart (Stewart 1996). Fences can be used to harvest green manure, fodder, fuelwood, and stakes. The wood is dense and strong, with a specific gravity ranging from 0.5 to 0.8. It has a calorific value of 4,900 kcal/kg and is a good fuel, burning cleanly and without sparks. Gliricidia woodlots, secondary forests, and natural stands have all been managed for the purpose of producing commercial fuel (Glover 1989, Stewart 1996). The wood is also used for poles, timber, furniture, and agricultural implements.

Notable Features: Gliricidia sepium has a medium-sized crown, grows to a height of 2–15 m, and has may have one or more stems. The bark colour is variable but is mainly Greyish-brown in color and prone to fissures. The tree has deep roots when mature.

Habit of Matured Tree

Fruit

Leaf

Phyllotaxy

Some Facts

Fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing gliricidia sepium, also known as "gliricidia," is a shrub that is native to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and the United States of America but is an exotic species in Kenya. Gliricidia produces excellent biomass, including leaf and wood. Thus, it offers homes both firewood (including charcoal) and animal and poultry feed. The feed contains a lot of nitrogen. Being both a good nitrogen fixer and a good nutrient recycler, it is an excellent soil enhancer. This results in a nearly 2- to 3-fold increase in soil fertility and crop yields without the use of fertilizer.

🔗Reference/s:

• https://belize-travel-blog.chaacreek.com/2013/01/madre-de-cacao-a-simple-elegant-tree/

• https://www.tropicalforages.info/text/entities/gliricidia_sepium.htm

Global food security is an issue of paramount importance, as it affects the lives of billions of people around the world. It is essential to ensure that everyone, regardless of their geographic or economic background, has access to nutritious and affordable food. Food insecurity is an essential factor in determining a nation’s economic, political and social stability, as it can lead to malnutrition and increased poverty. Investing in global food security can help to reduce poverty, improve nutrition and provide a better quality of life for people across the world. It also has public health impacts, reducing the spread of disease and ensuring that people have access to the nutrition they need to stay healthy. In addition, global food security can help to strengthen interregional and international relations, by providing a more equitable distribution of resources and building bridges between countries. Ultimately, global food security is a critical part of achieving stability, prosperity, and peace.

What is Food Security and Why Does It Matter?
The term "global food security" has many different definitions. It is a situation in which "all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life," according to the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS). One of the most fundamental and significant human rights is the right to adequate food, yet hundreds of millions of people go hungry every day, with about 25,000 people dying from it. There are also thought to be 854 million undernourished people. The Global Food Security Measure, a tool that measures food security in 113 countries, was first published by The Economist in 2012. Yearly rankings show that this varies greatly across the globe. Some regions are more vulnerable to food insecurity due to a lack of fertile land as well as capital to purchase enough food through imports. External factors, such as suddenly armed conflicts, such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, or global health issues, such as the pandemic, can jeopardize food supplies in'safe' countries as well.

What Happens When Food Security is Compromised?
The demand for food has steadily increased as a result of population growth, rising incomes, and changing dietary patterns. Global food security will be irreparably harmed if we do not change quickly enough. And if this takes place, it will have disastrous repercussions for societies all over the world. Increased rates of hunger and famine, particularly in developing nations, as well as, in the worst-case scenario, a global food crisis, are the most obvious effects. Since undernourishment makes children weak, vulnerable, and less able to fight off common childhood illnesses like diarrhea and measles, it is expected that children will suffer the most from food scarcity. According to Save the Children, 5.7 million kids worldwide are in danger of going hungry. Large-scale economic repercussions follow when global food security is compromised. Produce shortages would inevitably result in a sharp increase in food costs. In addition, undernourished individuals may experience stress and anxiety, which may impair their performance at work, school, and other activities and even result in job loss. A sharp decline in household income coupled with an increase in prices will inevitably slow the economy and set off a dangerous feedback loop that results in increased unemployment and diminished political clout for governments to address the food crisis. Furthermore, as wealthy nations take advantage of poor ones in the race to secure already scarce food supplies, food scarcity frequently causes political unrest and both internal and external conflicts.

Ensuring the Future of Food Security
More efficient food supply distribution and a significant transformation of the current food system are necessary first steps to ensuring global food security. Food production is no longer profitable economically. To ensure that no one goes hungry, demand should be reduced in developed countries while supply is increased in developing ones. In addition, we must educate people about the effects of food waste in society and make investments in new technologies and more environmentally friendly agricultural methods. We must look ahead and concentrate on methods to avoid shortages in the first place, even though this proposal gives us hope that we can restore global food security before it is too late. But to do this, we must fundamentally alter how we produce and consume food.

SCUBAsurero is an innovative scuba diving company that provides some of the world's best dive experiences. SCUBAsurero's well-trained and certified staff ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for divers of all levels. SCUBAsurero can provide the necessary equipment and instruction to get you out on the water and exploring the wonders of the underwater world, whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver. The company takes pride in having cutting-edge dive equipment and offers specialized courses to help divers hone their skills. SCUBAsurero also provides a diverse range of tours and packages to meet the specific needs of each customer. With a focus on customer service and satisfaction, SCUBAsurero is certain to provide you with an unforgettable diving experience.

The livelihood of fisheries and other communities has been impacted by the rehabilitation of foreshore areas in the Philippines that were devastated by tourism and typhoon activity. This collaboration aims to improve the condition of vital ecosystems, increase public awareness of overfishing, benefit local fishing communities, and increase community engagement initiatives. At the current rate of destructive practices, fishing will become unprofitable in the Philippine seas within the next 10 to 20 years. However, efforts can be made to buck this trend through recovery efforts like those led by Scubasurero. Scubasurero will have access to a talent pool of volunteers from FEED's network for all of its clean-up dive operations thanks to the organization's experience working with its "Students and Volunteers for the Environment" program.

Bluewater Maribago extends beyond the surface of the water in Cebu. The certified green hotel aims to promote environmentally friendly causes. Scubasurero, one of their initiatives, organizes underwater cleanup drives for licensed divers. Divers can explore and preserve the marine wonders of Maribago, Cebu, by participating in this activity. Divers can arrange for a private underwater cleanup drive by contacting Bluewater Maribago. The week-long activity is intended to raise environmental awareness and consciousness among Negrenses about the significance of various ecosystems as basic life support systems. Based on the Ridge to Reef approach, the provinces will also conduct several environmental-related activities in collaboration with the province's 31 Local Government Units (LGUs).

In accordance with this, the City of Sipalay, the City of Sagay, and San Carlos City, Negros Occidental Philippines are the three Local Government Units (LGUs) where the Provincial Environment Management Office will launch and conduct the Scubasurero: Reef and Coastal Cleanup on June 22, 2013. A group of divers or a single person who participates voluntarily in the reef and structure cleanup is known as a SCUBAsurero. SCUBAsurero is a coordinated coastal and dive cleanup in the three local government units (LGUs) that will undoubtedly raise community awareness and consciousness, encourage community attention and action on current environmental issues and concerns, and promote behavioral change toward sustainable development. We cordially invite all divers to participate in the SCUBAsurero for one earth... one chance... one choice!

Ecosystem restoration is critical to preserving our planet's health. Species are essential components of ecosystems and contribute to the balance of their respective environments, so they play an essential role in this effort. In the case of ecosystem restoration species, restoring keystone species, those critical to the health of a specific ecosystem is critical for the area's sustainability. Furthermore, introducing new species into the habitat can help increase diversity while improving conditions for existing animals and plants. To ensure the success of the restoration, it is critical to approach the process with caution and knowledge. Furthermore, understanding the interactions between the species and the environment is required to ensure that any changes are effective.

From forests to farmlands, mountains to oceans, our modified and natural ecosystems provide numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits to both people and nature. Our forests are home to an estimated 80% of all amphibian species, 75% of all bird species, and 68% of all mammal species. Our freshwater bodies are home to one-third of all vertebrate species and 10% of all known species. Mountain ecosystems support roughly half of the world's biodiversity hotspots, while our oceans support 99 percent of all living space. These diverse ecosystems and species provide us with a variety of essential ecosystem services ranging from biodiversity and climate change adaptation and mitigation to economic, health, and security support.

According to figures from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, Over 8,400 species of wild fauna and flora are critically endangered, while close to 30,000 more are understood to be endangered or vulnerable. It is estimated that over a million species are threatened with extinction. Continued loss of species and degradation of habitats and ecosystems threatens humanity as a whole. All conversations were inspired by and seek to inform efforts towards the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns), 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life Below Water). However, these ecosystems and their ability to provide these ecosystem services are being damaged, degraded, and destroyed, affecting both people and nature. We lost approximately 10 million hectares of forest per year between 2015 and 2020,1 and more than two-thirds of our ocean ecosystems are now damaged, degraded, or modified globally.2 On a finer scale, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species lists over 8,400 species as critically endangered and nearly 30,000 species as endangered or vulnerable.

We require healthy and productive ecosystems in order to reap the many environmental, economic, and social benefits they provide. Ecosystem restoration allows us to effectively halt and reverse degradation, improve ecosystem services, and recover biodiversity. It is estimated that the effective restoration of 15% of converted lands could prevent 60% of expected species extinctions.6 Furthermore, protecting existing intact ecosystems and restoring degraded ecosystems has the potential to contribute to more than one-third of the total climate change mitigation required by 2030. There are an increasing number of examples of the environmental, economic, and social benefits of restoring ecosystems and species around the world. The restoration of oyster reefs in Mobile Bay, Alabama, United States, resulted in a 53-91 percent reduction in wave height and energy at the shoreline, while the local economy benefited from improved seafood and increased fish stocks.7 Looking ahead, the Great Green Wall initiative aims to combine the restoration of 100 million hectares of degraded land with the promotion of peace and security across the Sahel.

Climate breakdown is a worldwide phenomenon characterized by unprecedented changes in the Earth's climate. It is caused by a combination of climate-forcing factors, the most significant of which are human-caused greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and methane. Climate breakdown is caused by a complex system of interactions between these gases, the atmosphere, and the Earth's climate, resulting in widespread disruptions to the climate system and the environment, such as extreme weather events, sea level rise, and ocean acidification. Climate change has serious consequences not only for the natural environment, but also for human health, livelihoods, and food security. To address this global challenge, governments, businesses, and individuals must take swift and decisive action to reduce emissions and transition to a more sustainable economy.

Climate breakdown was extreme temperatures in Western Europe are increasing faster than expected. Researchers discovered that climate change made the recent record-breaking heatwave in the United Kingdom ten times more likely. According to World Weather Attribution, temperatures in the UK during the heatwave, which reached 40.3 degrees Celsius, were higher than those predicted by climate models.   To determine whether climate change contributed to the heatwave, scientists analyzed weather data and computer simulations to compare the current climate with the climate of the past, using peer-reviewed methods. They then examined the maximum temperatures over two days of the heatwave, when the UK was hardest hit by the heat.

Climate experts are concerned that the consequences of global warming will be even more severe than previously thought. "In Europe and other parts of the world, we are seeing more and more record-breaking heatwaves causing extreme temperatures that have become hotter faster than in most climate models," said Friederike Otto, a senior climate lecturer at Imperial College London's Grantham Institute for Climate Change.

It's a concerning finding that suggests that if carbon emissions are not rapidly reduced, the effects of climate change on Europe's already lethal extreme heat could be even worse than previously thought. According to the model results, such a heatwave has a 1% chance of occurring next year. However, weather records indicate that similar heatwaves in Europe have occurred more frequently and been hotter than climate models predict.

Macaca fascicularis philippensis is a subspecies of the crab-eating macaque. The Philippine long-tailed macaque is endemic in the country's forests and woodland, it can grow from 35 inches to 47 inches. It is commonly known as matching or matsing and the most popular term, unggoy, which literally means "monkey". Matsing are widely used in Philippine literature. Most notable is a fable that includes "pagong" or turtle called "Ang Pagong at ang Matsing", it was created and popularized by the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal back in 1885. Yet despite the cultural impact in literature and popularity of the Matsing, the long-tailed macaque is generally considered and assessed by the Internatational Union of Conservation of Nature in 2008 as Near Threatened, it is now under serious threat or already extinct in the majority of its original home. In fact, in 2017, according to PCSD Resolution No. 15-521, pursuant to Republic Act 9147, the Philippine long-tailed macaque is now considered an Endangered Species by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.

The matsing as commonly called in the country, are victims of human abusive behaviors and continuous land development, which drives the matsing out of their original home range. For instance, in Olongapo, Zambales, where a small forest remains that serves as the monkeys refuge, they are often road killed, accidentally electrocuted by live wires, and sometimes stoned. As they are considered an endangered species, Philippine long-tailed Macaque sightings are considered uncommon and rare. In November 2022, a group of trekkers sighted an alpha male Philippine long-tailed macaque in its natural habitat in Mount Apo. The post by Sta. Cruz Tourism office of Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur garnered 2.6k reactions and 1.5k shares in 1 week and was reported multiple times by mainstream media because of the rarity of sightings of the matsing. The appearance of the alpha male prompted DENR-Davao to remind trekkers to maintain a significant distance and refrain from touching, feeding, and hurting them. As well as avoidance of excessive noise to keep them undisturbed.

To properly ensure the recovery of the population of matsing and other threatened species, rules, and laws on wildlife conservation should be properly implemented and proper guidance on encounters with the wild population should be followed. This was assured by the DENR earlier, in March 2022, by ensuring that wildlife law enforcement, protection and management of wildlife habitat, and species and habitat conservation program are being implemented to recover and protect the threatened species. The DENR also launch programs and webinars that aim to educate the public on the importance of the conservation and protection of species and habitats. The Philippines also has a law that protects the wildlife through Republic Act. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits the illegal trading, hunting, collecting, or possessing of any wildlife.

Kiwi is one of the most iconic birds native to New Zealand. It is well-known for its long bill, which is the same length as its body, and its ability to walk instead of fly. Kiwi can be found in a variety of habitats throughout New Zealand and has become a beloved symbol of the country’s unique biodiversity. Kiwi are unique birds with a long evolutionary history, and they play an important role in New Zealand’s ecology. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the unique features of the kiwi, its biology, habitat and conservation status, as well as its cultural significance in New Zealand. We'll also explore the threats facing the species, and how people can help protect these iconic birds.

New Zealand's native land birds are facing an urgent and worrying problem; the rapid decline of their population. Human activities such as destruction of natural habitats, invasive species, and climate change are all contributing to this decline. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that many of these birds are endemic, meaning that they exist nowhere else in the world. This makes them especially vulnerable to these threats, reducing their ability to adapt to their changing environment. Additionally, the illegal trade of these birds, especially for the pet market, is also putting them at risk. This problem is of grave concern to conservationists, as the loss of these birds would mean the destruction of an integral part of New Zealand's unique biodiversity. Therefore, concerted efforts must be taken to protect these birds and their habitats in order to ensure their future survival.

The population of the New Zealand kiwi is an ongoing concern for conservationists in the country. The species is listed as nationally vulnerable, and as of 2019, there are an estimated 68,000 individuals left in the wild. This low number is largely due to predation by introduced species such as cats and stoats, as well as habitat loss. The New Zealand government has implemented conservation measures such as trapping and translocation, but the kiwi population is still in decline. With the population continuing to decrease, conservationists are worried about the long-term survival of the species and its impact on the local ecology. New Zealand is home to many native species, and the kiwi is a vital part of the natural ecosystem. It is important that steps are taken to protect this species for future generations.

In order to save the New Zealand kiwi, we need to put into place effective countermeasures. The first step is to implement predator control methods, such as trapping, baiting, and fencing, to reduce threats from predators like cats, ferrets, and stoats. It is also important to protect kiwi habitat, as well as promoting public awareness of the plight of the kiwi. Additionally, we need to establish kiwi sanctuaries and breeding programs to increase the population of the species and ensure their long-term survival. Finally, we need to work with local communities, who are often heavily reliant on the kiwi, to help protect the species and ensure a sustainable future. Through these countermeasures, we can help to ensure the future of the New Zealand kiwi for generations to come.

Rhizophora apiculata (Bakau Minyak), commonly known as the mangrove or red mangrove, is a species of flowering plant in the Rhizophoraceae family, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific. This species of mangrove has a wide range of environmental adaptations and is noted for its ability to thrive in the harsh conditions of coastal regions, including the presence of salt water, low oxygen levels, and high temperatures. The species is of particular importance due to its ability to act as a buffer zone between land and sea, helping to protect coastal areas from storms and floods. Furthermore, it serves as an important habitat for a variety of fish, birds, and other animals, as well as providing shelter to numerous species of coral. This blog will investigate the distinctive qualities of Rhizophora apiculata and its significance in coastal habitats.

Rhizophora apiculata is an endangered species of mangroves native to Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. This species of mangrove is a vital component of coastal ecosystems as it provides shelter, protection, and nutrition for a multitude of marine species. However, this species is threatened by rapid habitat destruction from activities such as coastal development, urbanisation and pollution. Additionally, the species is vulnerable to rising sea levels due to climate change, and is further impacted by changes in salinity, temperature and sedimentation. This species is also threatened by overharvesting, with mangroves being used for fuel, charcoal and timber. In order to ensure the survival of Rhizophora apiculata and the species it supports, it is essential that habitat destruction is reduced and that appropriate management and conservation plans are developed to protect this species.

The Bakau Minyak (Rhizophora apiculata) Mangrove tree is an incredibly important species to the environment, but it is facing significant threats due to human activities. Its habitats are being destroyed due to coastal development, and its populations are being threatened by fishing activities, pollution, and sedimentation. Furthermore, climate change is causing sea level rises which are destroying the tree's natural habitats and home. This is both upsetting and concerning, as the loss of this species can have a serious impact on the local ecosystems. As such, it is essential that steps are taken to protect the species and its habitats, such as conservation efforts and enforcement of existing regulations. Ultimately, these steps are essential in order to ensure the future of the Bakau Minyak Mangrove tree.

The ongoing problem of Rhizophora apiculata can be addressed through a multi-pronged approach that includes both short- and long-term solutions. In the short-term, monitoring and reducing human activities that are causing the species' decline is key. This includes reducing water pollution, preventing over-harvesting, and increasing protection of the species' habitat. Long-term solutions involve restoring the species' populations through replanting mangrove forests and implementing conservation strategies. Additionally, research should be conducted to better understand the species' ecology and response to climate change to inform future conservation strategies. Ultimately, these collaborative strategies can help ensure the ongoing survival of Rhizophora apiculata.

Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States, located in the states of Arizona and Nevada. It is one of the most iconic destinations for visitors and residents alike, offering stunning views of its 1.5 million acres of water and over 700 miles of shoreline. It's also a popular recreational spot, with activities like fishing, boating, camping, and more. Visitors appreciate the wide range of activities it has to offer and the unique chance to explore a truly unique landscape. With its many coves, inlets, and bays, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Along with a variety of activities and incredible views, Lake Mead also provides an array of wildlife and plant life that can be observed in the area. With such a unique landscape, it's no wonder why Lake Mead remains a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. We will take a closer look at the history of Lake Mead, the activities it offers, and the wildlife and plant. 

The rising problem of Lake Mead is an increasing concern for environmentalists, government officials, and citizens alike. Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, provides drinking water to millions of people in the Southwest, including Arizona, Nevada, and California. It also serves as a major source of hydropower and recreation. Unfortunately, the lake is rapidly shrinking due to prolonged drought, population growth, and increased water usage. This has caused water levels to drop dramatically, resulting in the loss of vital habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as reduced water supply for communities in the region. The situation has become even more dire in recent years, as Lake Mead is now at its lowest level in more than a century. The issue of Lake Mead is a complex one that requires a multifaceted approach to solve. Recent drought conditions and over-reliance on the lake's water has resulted in decreasing levels, posing a significant threat to the resources and environment of the surrounding area. The impacts of over-allocation have contributed to an increase in the salinity of the water, arising in the destruction of aquatic life and vegetation.

The drought of Lake Mead is a major cause for concern, as the lake is a major source of water for the southwestern United States. The lake has been steadily shrinking since 2000, and is now close to its all-time low. This has caused a strain on the resources that rely on the lake for water for both human and animal consumption. As a result, the drought has caused water restrictions throughout the region and has had a major impact on the ecology and wildlife of the area. The drought has also had a major economic impact, as the lake supplies water to many businesses, farmers, and other industries. The consequences of the drought are far-reaching and have the potential to affect the entire southwestern United States. This is particularly concerning for local farmers who rely on the lake for irrigation, and for the state's energy needs. To address this issue, it is essential to develop strategies to conserve water and enhance water supplies in the region.

In order to protect and find a solution to Lake Mead, it is important to consider the many factors that are contributing to its degradation. Pollution from surrounding industrial activities, runoff from agricultural operations, and urban development have all had an effect on the lake's health. As a result, it is essential to take steps to reduce these sources of pollution and find ways to restore the lake's natural environment. Additionally, we must also look into methods of increasing water conservation, improving water quality, and controlling the growth of invasive species in the lake. All stakeholders must continue to work together to find sustainable solutions to protect and restore Lake Mead to its full potential. Together, these efforts can help protect and restore Lake Meads to its former glory.