Venezuela Recognized for Protecting the Amazon

Venezuela is the nation with the 10th-largest amount of biodiversity in the world. Efforts to protect that biodiversity are highlighted in a new study by RAISG, or La Red Amazónica de Información Socioambiental Georreferenciada.

According to the study, Venezuela has the second-highest proportion of its Amazon region protected. The Amazonian basin covers an astounding 3 million square miles in South America, overlapping several different countries and encompassing a population of perhaps 33 million. Venezuela has already protected 71.5% of its share — second only to Ecuador’s 79.7%, and far ahead of Colombia, Brazil, and Peru.

RAISG measured Indigenous territory and other protected lands, which are generally the best conserved. Venezuela has 43 national parks. A respect for nature is enshrined in the constitution of Venezuela under a chapter that guarantees all citizens the right to a safe and healthy environment.

Since the Amazon Rainforest is often called the “lungs” of South America, we can breathe a little easier thanks to Venezuela.

Read Full Post »

Venezuelan Scientist Aids in Census of Marine Life

The world’s first Census of Marine Life is making a splash, and it is doing so with some help from Venezuela.

The census is an enormous effort to take stock of the past, present, and future of marine life with the participation of seventy nations over the course of ten years. The fourth progress report on its findings was given yesterday in Valencia, Spain.

Patricia Miloslavich, Professor of Marine Biology at the Universidad Simón Bolívar in Caracas, is co-Senior Scientist and coordinator for the areas of the Caribbean and Coastal South America.

Professor Miloslavich is also the curator of the mollusk collection at the Museo de Ciencias Naturales of the Universidad Simón Bolívar.

Miloslavich is quoted in a BBC article on the Census of Marine Life. She points out that the study could help contribute to knowledge about the effects of global warming: “Over the past few years, there has been huge public interest in biodiversity because there is a legitimate concern about the changes being caused by humans.”

Read Full Post »

Venezuelan Scientists Report on the Environment

A group of Venezuelan scientists have returned from a research expedition to Antarctica, where they measured environmental degradation. TeleSur reports that the scientists, who collaborated with Uruguayan researchers, warned that significant environmental shifts documented in Antarctica indicate the accelerating pace of global climate change.

Venezuela’s Minister of Science and Technology reiterated the commitment of the oil-producing nation to issues of environmental protection and conservation. The Minister also heralded the Antarctica expedition with Uruguay as evidence of a “great spirit of cooperation, of brotherhood” between the two countries.

Later this year, Venezuela and Uruguay will jointly launch a satellite called “Simón Bolívar Satellite” in homage to South America’s famed independence hero. The new technology will allow both countries to improve their tele-communications industries.

Read Full Post »

Venezuelan Scientists Tackle Climate Change

As climate change becomes a pressing issue both globally and locally, Venezuela is poising itself to become a key player in finding common solutions.

Eleven Venezuelan scientists recently departed for Antarctica to do research on climate change.

The scientists, who are aboard a Uruguayan ship, will spend 45 days studying the effects of global warming on the atmosphere, coastal areas, and flora and fauna. The expedition is historically significant, for it is Venezuela’s largest scientific mission to date.

Venezuela’s Minister of Science and Technology Hector Navarro said that Venezuela hopes to set up a permanent research station in Antarctica and may also sign the Antarctic Treaty, which states: “in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord.”

Read Full Post »