Rivers in the Media
RiverFoundation Recognises Derwent Estuary Partners
RiverFoundation CEO, Matthew Reddy and Programs Manager Natalie Baker, visited Hobart, Tasmania on 12 January to present partners of the Derwent Estuary Program (DEP) with certificates recognising their participation in winning the 2010 National Riverprize.
The DEP is a regional partnership between local governments, the Tasmanian state government, commercial and industrial enterprises, and community-based groups to restore and promote the estuary. Established in 1999, the DEP runs a range of projects aimed at restoring and promoting the Derwent estuary. Projects focus on five central themes - managing human pressures, protecting ecosystems, conserving cultural heritage, enhancing human uses, and promoting understanding, awareness and participation.
Photo caption: Mr Matthew Reddy presented certificates to representatives of Brighton, Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough Councils, the Tasmanian State Government, Southern Water, Tasmanian Ports Corporation, Norske Skog Boyer, Hydro Tasmania and Nyrstar Hobart smelter and a DEP Steering Committee meeting on 12 January, 2011.
Frog Findings: Devil Frog May Have Eaten Baby Dinosaurs
Beelzebufo ampinga, the so-called "devil frog," may be the largest frog that ever lived. These beach-ball-size amphibians, now extinct, grew to 41 centimetres in length and weighed about 4.5kgs. They inhabited the island of Madagascar during the Late Cretaceous, about 65 to 70 million years ago.
These largely terrestrial frogs may have been as ill-tempered and aggressive as their relatives, the ceratophyrines of South America, scientists say. Ceratophyrines are nasty sit-and-wait predators that are eager to snap at just about anything that happens by, experts note. The ancient devil frogs may have snatched lizards, small vertebrates, and possibly even hatchling dinosaurs with their huge mouths and powerful jaws.
The presence of Beelzebufo on Mdagascar poses an important question for biogeographers: How is it that the modern relatives of this gigantic frog are only found halfway around the world in South America?
Most scientists think Madagascar separated from Africa about 160 million years ago during the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana, then broke free from India and became an isolated island some 88 million years ago. But Beelzebufo and other Madagascan fossils with South American characteristics suggests a land connection between South America, Madagascar, and possibly Antarctica may have existed as late as 65 to 70 million years ago.
This article is an excerpt from the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch Newsletter. Vol 12 Issue 6. Dec 2010
IRF visits Pak Mun Dam in NE Thailand
International RiverFoundation has partnered with the Planet Wheeler Foundation to investigate the feasibility of homestays with Pak Mun Agricultural Cooperative and its associated villages in Thailand’s north east for the International WaterCentre’s Masters program.
In October, RiverFoundation’s Program Manager, Natalie Baker accompanied International WaterCentre’s Bruce Missingham (Lecturer, Education and Training) on a visit to Pak Mun Agricultural Cooperative. The village community Cooperative members, located along the lower Mun River in Ubon Ratchathani province, are among the poorest communities in Northeast Thailand.
The Pak Mun Agricultural Cooperative was established in 1997 in the wake of a historic compensation payment from the Royal Thai Government, to villagers severely affected by the Pak Mun Dam. Since it was established, the Cooperative has been one of the main community-based organisations representing about 55 villages living along the lower Mun River.
Cooperative leaders and members have a great deal of experience and knowledge in community organising, local history, local fishing ecology, local livelihood strategies, and other aspects of local culture. The wealth of knowledge, as well and passion and perseverance, of the villagers has inspired the WaterCentre to offer an optional homestay component of their Master of Integrated Water Management program, to enable their students to gain a full understanding of water and people issues.
Congratulations Riverprize winners!
Thiess International Riverprize Winner – River Thames, England!
The Environment Agency, England has been reviving the iconic River Thames. From being declared biologically dead in the 1950s the River Thames has made a remarkable recovery, with salmon and otters returning to the river. The Agency is working on a number of projects and initiatives with a range of partners to help the River Thames reach its ecological potential.
The Environment Agency is also planning for the future. The Thames Estuary 2100 vision is a 100 year adaptable plan directing the future sustainable management of tidal flood risk in the Thames estuary. It is this type of innovative, forward-thinking behaviour that demonstrates the Environment Agency’s commitment to protect and improve the environment, and promote sustainable development in England and Wales.
Read EA media release on Riverprize
Derwent Estuary, Tasmania wins 2010 National Riverprize!
The Derwent Estuary, Tasmania, has been recognised for excellence in reducing water pollution, conserving habitats and species, monitoring river health and promoting greater use and enjoyment of the foreshore. The Derwent Estuary Program is a partnership between the Tasmanian State Government, six local councils, five major industry and commercial businesses, scientists and the community to restore the Derwent estuary. Since establishment in 1999, over $100 million has been invested in environmental projects, and the Derwent is showing signs of recovery. During the past five years, there has been an 80% reduction in organic inputs, 50% reduction in heavy metals, and 30% reduction in sewage-derived nutrients in the estuary, as well as improvements in stormwater treatment.
International RiverFoundation would like to thank the international and national Riverprize Judging Panels for their time and expertise; the Australian Government for funding the National Riverprize; and International Riversymposium for hosting the Gala Dinner, our presenter, Ticky Fullerton and Thiess International Riverprize presenter, Tim Winton.
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