Stakeholders from across Europe are coming together at Green Week to discuss biodiversity and ecosystem services in Europe. The European Environment Agency (EEA) will present its latest findings, recently published in its reports 'State of nature in the EU' and 'The European Environment – state and outlook 2015'. 

The European Environment Agency's recent assessments, including The European environment – state and outlook 2015 and State of Nature in the EU, show that Europe's biodiversity is still being eroded, despite significant local improvements. To halt the loss of biodiversity, stabilise and restore degraded ecosystems, the European Union has adopted the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, which sets various targets and actions. An effective implementation of the strategy depends, among others, on the data and information available on biodiversity in Europe. Through its extensive network and close collaboration with partners, the EEA contributes extensively to the knowledge base on Europe's biodiversity.

Read the full original news story on the EEA website.

A new issue in Science for Environment Policy "Monitoring Nature: Research Developments" provides a flavour of recent work by scientists in the area of biodiversity monitoring to highlight both up-to-date approaches to conservation and evaluation, and how long-term monitoring data could be used more effectively in management and policy decisions.

This Issue also includes topics such as monitoring to environmental policy, remote sensing, citizen science, DNA barcoding and more.

Find this issue on the SEP website here, or go straight to download.

Global biodiversity loss is intensifying. But it is hard to assess progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets for 2011–20 set by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Target 5, for instance, aims to halve global deforestation rates by 2020; but reliable indicators for deforestation that can be monitored remotely have not been developed or agreed on. National biodiversity monitoring programmes differ widely, most data sets are inconsistent, and few data are shared openly.

Read more on the topic in the original commentary article.

The Museum für Naturkunde and the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum are honored to be hosting the 31st Annual Meeting of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) as well as the 2nd International Conference on Biodiversity Biobanking of the Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN) in Berlin from June, 20 to June, 25, 2016. The conferences will be held in parallel at the andel’s Hotel Berlin, Landsberger Allee.

• SPNHC conference web site: http://www.spnhc2016.berlin/, conference theme: "Green Museum – How to practice what we preach?"
• GGBN conference web site: https://meetings.ggbn.org/conference/ggbn/2016/index, conference theme: "Meeting the Challenge: How to Preserve a Cross-Section of the Tree of Life"

The registration for both conferences is now open. Please check the conference web sites for information on the conference program, field trips, social events, accommodation, registration and abstract submission. All social events and field trips as well as the opening session on Tuesday are joint events for attendees of both conferences. During lunch and coffee breaks one will have the chance to visit the vendor booths and chat with attendees of both conferences. The sessions of both conferences cover complementary topics to avoid duplications.

The ECOPOTENTIAL H2020 project, focusing its activities on blending Earth Observations from remote sensing, field measurements, data analysis and modeling of current and future ecosystem conditions and services, is organizing this workshop in Brussels on the 10th of January 2018, from 9.00 to 17:30. 

The main objective of the workshop is to prospect the state-of-the-art of Remote Sensing as a Sentinel tool to monitor, characterize and understand the state, ongoing changes and effectiveness of conservation and management actions of natural landscapes and to facilitate an open debate among scientists and the involved Institutions. This workshop is part of the multiple events organized by the ECOPOTENTIAL Project on the week of 9th-12th of January 2018, starting on Jan 9th with the opening of the photo-exhibition with the same title, on display at the European Parliament. 

Registration: http://ves.cat/emIm

Agenda: http://www.ecopotential-project.eu/images/ecopotential/img_news/Spaced-workshop-AGENDA-Jan-10-2018.pdf

Event's website: http://www.ecopotential-project.eu/2015-08-19-15-19-05/2015-10-16-13-48-29/205-spaced-using-earth-observations-to-protect-natural-landscapes.html

The EU BON project which is coordinated by the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin/Germany has started on 1 December and will continue for 4.5 years. The EU BON Kickoff Meeting will be held in Berlin from 13 to 15 February 2013.
With respect to EU BON’s objectives the International Symposium "Nature and Governance – Biodiversity Data, Science, and the Policy Interface" will be held prior to the EU BON Kickoff Meeting from 11 to 12 February in Berlin with high-ranking speakers. You are most welcome to attend the Symposium.
The Museum für Naturkunde Berlin is pleased to host this international symposium and will bring together high-ranking speakers and guests from worldwide to talk and discuss about these
Major Topics:
- What (data) policy needs
- The future of biodiversity information: new ways for generating, managing, and integrating biodiversity data
- How new approaches / models can link scales and disciplines
- Broadening the base and opening up: new ways to engage the public and stakeholders in biodiversity monitoring and assessments
- Résumé / conclusions
For more details, please have a look at the programme page.
The 1^st day of the Symposium and the reception will be held "under the dinosaurs" in the central exhibition hall of the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin.
The 2^nd day will be held in the Seminaris Conference Center in the quiet south-west of Berlin. The closing of the Symposium will be celebrated as "Come together & Ice-Breaker for EU BON Kickoff Meeting" in the nearby beautiful Large Green House of the Botanic Garden Berlin.
If you want to take part, please register at the registration page.

A conference marking the start of the Natural History Museum’s Biodiversity Initiative has been announced to take place on 3-4 June, 2013 in the NHM, London.  A workshop of the Genomic Observatories Network will be also hosted during the conference

The conference will focus on how inter-disciplinary, genomic approaches can be developed to accelerate the study of biodiversity and function of tropical ecosystems.

More information on the conference can be found here.

The Europena Conference "Nature-based Solutions to Climate Change  in Urban Areas and their Rural Surroundings: Linkages between science, policy and practice" will take place from 17 to 19 November 2015 in Bonn, Germany.

The event is a joint European Conference held by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and the European Network of Heads of Nature Conservation Agencies (ENCA) in co-operation with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) / German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv).

Climate change has significant impact on society and biodiversity in Europe. Urban inhabitants are most likely to experience climate change effects directly because currently 73 per cent of Europeans live in urban areas. Here, management of urban ecosystems offer sustainable and cost-effective solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation while contributing to human well-being.

This European conference will bring together experts from science, policy and practice to highlight and debate the importance of nature-based solutions to climate change in urban areas and their rural surroundings. Emphasize is given to the potential of nature-based approaches to create multiple-benefits.

The conference is divided into three main areas (day 1: science, day 2: practice and implementation, day 3: policy and business), each of which will be opened by keynote speakers including:

• Hans Bruyninckx (Executive Director European Environmental Agency, EEA)
• Wilhelm Krull (Chair of the H2020 expert group on nature-based solutions and re-naturing cities, Secretary General Volkswagen Foundation)
• Georgina Mace (University College London – UCL, Director of Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research)
• Christine Wamsler (Lund University, Centre for Sustainability Studies)
• Nataša Jazbinšek (Head of Department for Environmental Protection City of Ljubljana and Head of working group for European Green Capital programme 2016)
• Wolfgang Teubner (ICLEI Regional Director for Europe)
• Kurt Vandenberghe (Director for Climate action and resource efficiency at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation)
• Chantal van Ham (IUCN – EU Programme Manager Nature Based Solutions)
• Dirk Sijmons (Delft University of Technology)

Keynote speeches are complemented by plenary presentations given by leading experts in the fields of urban biodiversity, climate change, and socio-economic effects of nature-based solutions, interactive sessions and a poster exhibition.

Deadline for abstract submission is 24 July 2015 (abstract submission guidelines)

Registration:

Early bird registration deadline: 18 September 2015

Final registration deadline: 30 October 2015

For more information and to register please visit: http://www.ecbcc2015.com/

Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was a composer who, like many of his contemporaries, drew deep inspiration from his natural environment. His passion for his home country ... Read more

The post The Influence of Nature in the Compositions of Jean Sibelius appeared first on CMUSE.

Rustling of leaves, sploshing of water, birds calling, bees buzzing. Wherever you live — city or country, East coast, West coast, or in between — we share common, contemplative experiences on our walks outside. In this hour, we assemble a sonic guide to finding solace in nature.

Original Air Date: May 09, 2020

Guests: 

William Helmreich — David Rothenberg — Laura Dassow Walls — Robert Moor — Nate Staniforth — Andreas Weber

Interviews In This Hour: 

The Great Urban Nature Explorer — Why The Walden Pond Experiment In Self-Reliance Is More Relevant Than Ever — The Wisdom of Trails — Lose Yourself In The Sky — Finding Love In The Ecosystem

I’ve been using natural cements and natural hydraulic limes in the traditional plastering craft for many years. However, I never had the opportunity to visit a quarry where the unique limestones used to produce them are mined.

We knew we had to be bold to reach the wider public, writes the director of communications and fundraising at the wildlife charity

The Israel Nature & Parks Authority (INPA) is using PowerG™ technology from Visonic Ltd., Tel-Aviv, Israel, a developer and manufacturer of wireless home security and safety systems and components, to enable research that will help protect the griffon vulture population in Israel.

Approximately 60 miles southeast of Los Angeles, in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, the National Audubon Society’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary rolls across 4,000 acres. SoCal’s sprawling development is not far from the sanctuary borders, reminding everyone of the critical need to balance development with open spaces.

Because natural disasters can result in significant loss of life and property, it’s incumbent not only on individuals and homeowners to prepare to respond, but also on businesses to have response plans in place.

Around half of adults – and 58% of parents – visit local parks or spend time in nature to help relieve stress, results of a recent survey show.

Psyllium husk has been employed for centuries as a remedy for digestive issues. Highly versatile, psyllium husk is also a staple in various baking and thickening applications. 

Kraft Signature Shreds are available in three debut offerings for the ultimate recipe versatility: Cheddar Blend, Mozzarella Blend, and Mexican Blend, all conveniently packaged in 8oz resealable bags. 

The California-based subsidiary of one of the world’s top flavor and fragrance companies has unveiled a patented new technology that produces rich-tasting, creamy low-fat foods and beverages – all while reducing reliance on increasingly expensive edible oil additives. 

Cargill pioneered and debuted its fermentation technology in October 2015 with the commercial launch of EverSweet™ Reb D and Reb M sweetener, which enables food and beverage makers to create great-tasting products with deep calorie reductions. 

With 40-45 calories per slice (serving size two slices, 80-90 calories), Healthy Habits includes the brand's first keto-friendly variety – Healthy Habits White made with Whole Grain – a soft and fluffy white bread with six net carbs per slice (serving size two slices, 12 net carbs).

Lycored, a global leader in lycopene and beta-carotene derived color and taste-enhancing ingredients for food and beverages, will be showcasing its range of super-stable red, orange, gold and yellow hues and real food ingredients at this year’s Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Expo in Chicago.

When it comes to formulating sweet and salty snacks, a huge challenge is that of matching the vibrancy, versatility, and stability of synthetic food colorants. “The sensitivity of natural compounds to various stressors within the system causes them to be difficult to depend on and use effectively,” explains Ryan Erwin, food chemist and Innovation Manager for Fresca Foods, Inc.

When food color innovation turned decisively toward nature for its sources of desirable pigments, food color technologists worked overtime to develop cost-effective, clean-label colors. Some shades proved an extra challenge, with stability and fixing being major trouble spots. Red colors figured largely in that task.

Sun Chemical introduces SUNFOODS™Natural Colorants, a product line available in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. SUNFOODS natural colors can match a wide array of industry standard and custom colors that can be applied to a variety of food and beverage products.

Oterra now offers ready-to-use Red and Pink ColorFruit® and FruitMax® blends for plant-based meat and seafood.

Common technical challenges that arise when formulating with natural colors in bakery applications include color degradation during processing, color bleeding, and color fading over the product’s shelf life. “When selecting natural colors for bakery items with longer shelf lives, developers must consider various factors to maintain product quality,” explains Nidhi Jaiswal, MS, a food scientist specializing in human nutrition.

Three of Innova Market Insights’ Top Ten Trends for 2021 have everything to do with health (including immunity, food and mood and “nutrition hacking”). Meanwhile, Innova also identifies “transparency” as another key topic resonating with today’s consumers. This focus relates to the ethical, ecological and clean label aspects of a new product.

Clasen Quality Coatings is a world-class manufacturer of confectionery coatings, chocolate and fillings. Our product line includes milk, dark, white, yogurt, peanut, colored and flavored formulations. These products are ideal for numerous applications in bakery (including bars), ice cream and frozen novelties, trail mixes and snacks, cookies and confections.

The new, naturally derived preservative is not the first clean label mold inhibitor to reach the market, but it is the first to equal the performance of calcium propionate without adversely affecting product flavor.

Looking ahead to 2030, the food and beverage color palette will almost exclusively contain vibrant, naturally-derived hues that offer clean-label charm, as consumers continue to seek better-for-you products.

Bascom Maple Farms, the trusted source and supplier of 100% pure and organic maple syrup and maple sugar, is hosting IBIE 2022 attendees this week in Las Vegas. Visitors to IBIE booth #7026 can sample a beautiful array of great-tasting natural and organic maple syrups and sugars.

As an alternative to traditional fruit servings, Fruit Pearls® makes it easy for consumers to keep healthy snacks on hand and reduce food waste versus highly perishable products.

Applegate Farms LLC, the maker of natural and organic meat, announced its latest innovation: APPLEGATE NATURALS® Fully Cooked SUNDAY BACON® Bacon, the newest addition to the iconic APPLEGATE® bacon lineup.

In addition to an already robust portfolio of cuts and flavors, including the recently added Nashville Hot pork loin filet, the new Hatch Chile tenderloin underscores Prairie Fresh’s commitment to quality, innovation and providing consumers with the best taste and flavor profiles possible.  

The company will exhibit 35+ products across 15+ brands in one Nestlé USA booth (#527) – in addition to separate booths for Nestlé Health Science brands Solgar® (#3739), Vital Proteins® (#3215), Garden of Life® (#4031), Orgain® (#2037) and Nuun® (#715), and pet food brand Castor & Pollux® (#1017) – to highlight innovation across the plant-based and nutrition, health and wellness categories that remain an integral part of its business strategy.

Kemin Industries invites 2022 SupplySide West Exposition (SSW) attendees to visit booth #5245. Kemin will feature its naturally sourced functional ingredient solutions including a range of health-forward concepts created for the expo event, Nov. 2-3, 2022 in Las Vegas.

In the expanding nutrition market, perception is key. Consumers want to discover new products that contain appealing clean ingredients with powerful benefits known to fuel vitality, health, and well-being.

DolCas Biotech, LLC has attained two Health Canada natural product licenses, one for its concentrated turmeric extract, Curcugen®, and the other for Ginfort®, a powerful ginger extract in powdered format.

Nutraland USA, Inc., will use its SupplySide West booth, #6951, to introduce Somato™, a whole-food derived melatonin sourced exclusively from tomatoes. This innovative ingredient is poised to revolutionize the natural products industry, offering an eco-friendly, natural alternative to synthetic melatonin for use in functional foods and dietary supplements.

Watch or listen to a Prepared Foods interview with ethnobotanist and contributing editor Kerry Hughes discussing the trending foods, beverages, and ingredients using botanicals featured at 2024 Natural Products Expo West.

Mineral expert Omya used Fi/Hi Europe to showcase a range of natural ingredients that address processing challenges while also offering health benefits.

Lipid balance was achieved with no concomitant reduction of plasma CoQ10 levels, a phenomenon typically associated with a number of lipid-lowering drugs. Other related parameters, such as fasting blood glucose, homocysteine levels, and apo-B/apo lipoprotein levels, also tended to lower. This potentially widens Tri-low’s scope for targeting diabetic dyslipidemia.