Category Archives: Wildlife

Protecting Iraq’s Southern Marshlands

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In mid-January 2021, Iraqi President Barham Salih approved the country’s decision to join the Paris Climate agreement. Iraq signed on to the international climate accords in 2016 but has spent the past few years negotiating its ratification through its parliament. The Paris Climate agreement encourages signatory countries to cut their carbon emissions and invest in the sustainable energy sector. Such a move might prove difficult for Iraq, a country in which oil provides 90% of government revenue and amounts to 99% of national exports. Despite these challenges, Iraq has now committed to modernizing and decarbonizing its energy sector for its … Continue reading →

Islamic Teachings on Animal Welfare

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During the last few decades, agriculture and animal-rearing has become commercialized and industrialised. The breeding and slaughtering of farm animals in Muslim countries has become an unethical money-making business. In addition, the halal label  has lost its real meaning due to focus on maximum productivity and minimal compassion towards animals. The consumption of meat products  has increased manifolds in recent years which has led to significant increase in public health issues. Moreover, it is having harmful effects on the environment and on animal health as well. Animals and the Holy Quran Long before the emergence of the animal rights movement, … Continue reading →

Animal Welfare: Guiding Principles in Islam

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Survival and sustainability of animals are key principles in Islam. We are not their creator, only their caretakers, and have no right to engage in practices that will bring about their extinction or even their suffering. Animals have God-given roles to play on the earth and we are not entitled to stop or hinder them, except in the case of defending ourselves or our property from danger. We are not entitled to destroy the environments in which animals live, as this also impacts their ability to survive. Animals, humans, and plants all live together in an interrelated ecosystem, dependent on … Continue reading →

Microbial Biodiversity and Sustainable Development

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Biodiversity is one of the Earth’s greatest treasures. Microbes despite their small size have a huge impact on our lives, therefore understanding their role in the environment is important to the maintenance of our planet and preserving the diversity of plants and animals. Microorganisms have the largest genetic diversity on Earth; billions of species of bacteria are suspected to exist, however only 1-5% or so species are characterized. Microorganisms, being the pioneer colonizers of this planet and the masters of the biosphere as they considered by some, they are ubiquitous, can exist in most inhospitable habitats with extreme temperature, pH, … Continue reading →

Sustainable Cattle Farming: Is It Possible?

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Cattle farming is often linked to climate change and pollution. As the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations pointed out in a report from 2013, cattle emit the biggest percent of methane out of all livestock. The most evident solution to this problem is for the population to consume less beef and dairy. However, according to statistics, the per capita meat consumption has gradually increased since 1961 and this tendency is not likely to change. As countries get richer, their population will keep eating more and more meat. So, is sustainable cattle farming a possibility? Regenerative agriculture As … Continue reading →

The Future Of Dermatological Testing: Is Vegan The Way Forward?

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The rapidly growing consumer awareness surrounding ethical choices in skincare and cosmetics is pushing the industry to evolve. The idea of ‘vegan’ extends far beyond diet, reaching into every aspect of consumer lifestyle choices, including beauty and healthcare products. Traditional dermatological tests involve allergen and irritation checks, often performed on animals or using animal-derived substances. Vegan dermatological testing, on the other hand, utilizes cutting-edge technology to mimic human responses without causing harm to living beings. This harmonizes with a wider societal shift toward ethical and sustainable practices, making skincare compatible with moral and ethical considerations. Understanding Dermatological Testing When the … Continue reading →

Restocking the Seas around Bahrain through Fish Farming

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The marine waters around Bahrain have been showing a decline in fish stock for several decades. But in the first decade of this millennium, restocking has become a routine practice endorsed by the former Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife (now the Supreme Council for the Environment). In recent years, the fishing industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain is starting to really look up with the restocking of the waters from farmed fish. Requirements of a Fish Farm Fish farming means growing fish in fixed enclosures (tanks, ponds or cages) exposed to the natural climatic conditions … Continue reading →

لحفاظ على التنوع البيولوجي في الأردن

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على الرغم من صغر رقعة الأردن الجغرافية ,إلا أنه يتمتع بغنى وتنوع فريد بالموائل الحيوية والذي يمثل التنوع البيولوجي للأراضي الجافة ,وذلك لتميز الطبيعة الأردنية بتعدد المناخات والتراكيب الجيولوجية, حيث تنقسم البلاد إلى أربع مناطق حيوية جغرافية: منطقه إقليم البحر الأبيض المتوسط، الإقليم الإيراني- الطوراني ،الإقليم الصحراوي (المنطقه الصحراوية العربية) والإقليم السوداني .تعتبر هذه الأقاليم عناصر أساسية في دعم التنوع البيولوجي، وتحتوي على ثلاثة نظم بيئية رئيسية – الأرضية والبحرية والأراضي الرطبة. دور التنوع الحيوي في البيئة الأردنية ساهم التنوع الطبوغرافي في الأردن في وجود تنوع حيوي ومناخي ساعد على ظهور بيئات متنوعة لعبت دوراً هام في التنوع الحيوي والإستقرار … Continue reading →

Islam and Animal Rights

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All living beings – humans, birds, animals, insects etc – are worthy of consideration and respect. Islam has always viewed animals as a special part of God’s creation. Mankind is responsible for whatever it has at its disposal, including animals whose rights must be respected. The Holy Qur’an, the Hadith, and the history of Islamic civilization offer many examples of kindness, mercy, and compassion for animals. According to Islamic principles, animals have their own position in the creation hierarchy and humans are responsible for their well-being and food. Islam strongly asks Muslims to treat animals with compassion and not to abuse them. The Holy Qur’an states … Continue reading →

World Environment Day 2016: Focus on Illegal Wildlife Trade

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World Environment Day, also known as WED, is commemorated annually on 5th June and is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness on the environment and promotes suitable actions. WED’s agenda is to empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development, promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues, advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future. The theme of World Environment Day 2016 is “Fight against the Illegal Trade in Wildlife” or Zero Tolerance for Illegal Wildlife Trade, … Continue reading →

Benefits of Rotational Grazing + Creating A Herd Migration In Your Farm Pasture

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Rotational grazing is a concept that has similar benefits to rotating farm crops. When an area is constantly sucked of its nutrients, it can have a harder time naturally restoring itself. The same can be said for grazing fields. However, livestock prefer eating premature new crops instead of grazing in areas that haven’t been touched. That’s why rotational grazing and creating a herd migration in your farm pasture is a great idea. Free range is still a concept, but you may notice that the landscape has continued to change in pastures. When you drive by a farm now and see … Continue reading →

Things to Know About Habitat Loss in MENA

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Habitat loss of native species in MENA region is increasing at a sensational rate as a consequence of natural and human causes. MENA has diverse ecosystems, including aquatic and terrestrial, with different climate patterns. The region have three globally recognized hotspots; the Irano-Anatolian region, the Mediterranean forest region and the Horn of Africa region. According to 2015 IUCN Red List, approximately 2476 species in MENA are under threat comprising of mammals, fishes, birds, mollusc, amphibians, reptiles, and other species.  28% of threatened species comprises of fishes, 18% plants, 12% birds, 9% mammals and rest others. IUCN data show highest threatened … Continue reading →