Rendy Mulaudzi - Podcast Details

Shows

Natural Resource Today Podcast#185: Rendani Mulaudzi - “The Most Significant Research Findings: Top 50 Scientific Breakthroughs and Discoveries of 2022”More information: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:4a2ed096-3500-39a4-a77f-511d0efb9a95 Episode Sponsor:Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services company, reaching thousands of listeners and readers worldwide. 2024-05-1000 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#99: Addressing Africa's data gap in combating land degradationChinese scientists help Africa combat land degradation – By Chinese Academy of Sciences. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi.2022-06-2401 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#98: Discovery of crocodile species that roamed East AfricaResearchers discover long-extinct giant dwarf crocodile species – By University of Iowa. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi.2022-06-1701 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#97: Understanding geological provinces and plate tectonicsUpdating our understanding of Earth’s architecture – By University of Adelaide. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi.2022-06-1001 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#96: Increasing climate extremes in East AsiaGlobal warming increases risks of East China flooding – By Chinese Academy of Sciences. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi.2022-06-0302 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#95: World's biggest water challengesCritical global water questions – By University of Leeds. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/main-index/news/article/5090/critical-global-water-questions 2022-05-2801 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#94: How plastic-eating enzymes can address pollutionPlastic-eating enzyme could eliminate billions of tons of landfill waste – By The University of Texas at Austin. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://news.utexas.edu/2022/04/27/plastic-eating-enzyme-could-eliminate-billions-of-tons-of-landfill-waste/2022-05-2001 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#93: Understanding the paths followed by migratory birdsDashboard reveals migration path of billions of birds – By Cornell University. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi.2022-05-1301 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#92: New species of frog discovered in MexicoSix new species of tiny frog discovered in Mexico – By University of Cambridge. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi.2022-05-0601 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#91: Using artificial intelligence to improve cancer prognosisUsing AI to detect cancer from patient data securely – By University of Leeds. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://www.leeds.ac.uk/news-health/news/article/5069/using-ai-to-detect-cancer-from-patient-data-securely 2022-04-2901 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#90: Understanding how the immune system worksNew tool reveals how immune cells find their targets – By MIT. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://news.mit.edu/2022/immune-cells-proteins-0408 2022-04-2201 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#89: How to manage urban runoffSustainable strategies to treat urban runoff – By McGill University. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom 2022-04-1502 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#88: Development of stress in the cells of individuals with metabolic diseasesHigher blood fats make cells share stress – By University of Leeds. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://www.leeds.ac.uk/news-health/news/article/5060/higher-blood-fats-make-cells-share-stress 2022-04-0801 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#87: Understanding Antarctic sea ice retreatSolar energy explains fast yearly retreat of Antarctica's sea ice – By University of Washington. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://www.washington.edu/news 2022-04-0102 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#86: Computer models and Covid-19 treatmentCancer computer models identify new drug combinations to treat Covid-19 – By University College London. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2022/feb/cancer-computer-models-identify-new-drug-combinations-treat-covid-19 2022-03-2501 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#85: Human-nature connection and animal phobiasFeeling connected to nature linked to lower risk of snake and spider phobias – By British Ecological Society. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/feeling-connected-to-nature-linked-to-lower-risk-of-snake-and-spider-phobias/2022-03-1801 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#84: Conservation of monarch butterfliesMilkweed species proves beneficial for monarch conservation – By Cornell University. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/02/milkweed-species-proves-beneficial-monarch-conservation 2022-03-1101 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#83: How is global warming impacting the water cycle?Global warming is amplifying our water cycle - and it's happening much faster than we expected – By UNSW Sydney. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/science-tech/global-warming-amplifying-our-water-cycle-and-its-happening-much-faster-we 2022-03-0401 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#82: How water flows affect Chinook salmon runStudy finds that river flows linked to the ups and downs of imperiled Chinook salmon population – By Simon Fraser University. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/stories/2022/01/study-finds-that-river-flows-linked-to-the-ups-and-downs-of-impe.html 2022-02-2501 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#81: Setting your own physical activity goalsStudy finds adaptability, rewards help increase physical activity – By Arizona State University. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://news.asu.edu/20220120-solutions-study-finds-adaptability-rewards-help-increase-physical-activity 2022-02-1802 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#80: Understanding the complicated dynamics of radiocesium flowScientists trace the path of radioactive cesium in the ecosystem of Fukushima – By National Institute for Environmental Studies. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://www.nies.go.jp/whatsnew/20220118-2/20220118-2-e.html 2022-02-1102 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#79: Continental subduction and obductionRadiometric dating sheds light on tectonic debate - By American Geophysical Union. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://news.agu.org/press-releases/2022-02-0401 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#78: Overconsumption of natural resources has accelerated in the past three decadesNations are overusing natural resources faster than they are meeting basic human needs - By University of Leeds. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://www.leeds.ac.uk/main-index/news/article/4962/nations-are-overusing-natural-resources-faster-than-they-are-meeting-basic-human-needs 2022-01-2802 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#77: COVID-19 impacts on teachers' mental healthLessons of COVID-19 underscore need for better teacher support, study says - By Tulane University. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://news.tulane.edu/pr/lessons-covid-19-underscore-need-better-teacher-support-study-says 2022-01-2101 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#76: Unusual cellular mutations of monarch butterfly predatorsHow to eat a poison butterfly - By University of California - Riverside. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2021/11/22/how-eat-poison-butterfly 2022-01-1401 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#75: Illegal fishing in African watersSurvival of the richest – attempts to curb illegal fishing are hurting small-scale fishers in Africa most - By University of St Andrews. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://news.st-andrews.ac.uk/archive/survival-of-the-richest-attempts-to-curb-illegal-fishing-are-hurting-small-scale-fishers-in-africa-most/ 2022-01-0702 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#74: Increasing trend of meteorological droughtMeteorological drought on global land likely to intensify in the future - By Chinese Academy of Sciences. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/earth/202111/t20211116_292380.shtml 2021-12-3101 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#73: The future of World Wide Voice Web is brightWill the Future of the Internet Be Voice? Proposing a World Wide Voice Web - By Stanford University. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://hai.stanford.edu/news/will-future-internet-be-voice-proposing-world-wide-voice-web 2021-12-2402 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#72: Decline of tree species in the UKLoss of tree species has cumulative impact on biodiversity - By James Hutton Institute. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://www.hutton.ac.uk/news/loss-tree-species-has-cumulative-impact-biodiversity 2021-12-1701 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#71: The Shared Platform for Antibiotic Research and Knowledge (SPARK)SPARKing the fight against deadly superbugs - By The University of Queensland. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2021/11/sparking-fight-against-deadly-superbugs 2021-12-1001 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#70: Roles bacteria play in carbon cyclingStudy digs up roles bacteria play in global carbon cycle By Cornell University. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2021/11/study-digs-roles-bacteria-play-global-carbon-cycle 2021-12-0301 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#69: New software to track infectious disease outbreaksGeorgia State researchers develop rapid computer software to track pandemics as they happen By Georgia State University. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://news.gsu.edu/2021/11/16/georgia-state-researchers-develop-rapid-computer-software-to-track-pandemics-as-they-happen/ 2021-11-2602 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#68: Biodiversity decline in Brazil's Atlantic ForestLarge wild herbivores reduce the fast biodiversity decline of plants in a tropical forestry hotspot by British Ecological Society. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. To read the full story, go to https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/large-wild-herbivores-reduce-the-fast-biodiversity-decline-of-plants-in-a-tropical-forestry-hotspot/ 2021-11-1901 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#67: Advancement in medical imagingDetector advance could lead to cheaper, easier medical scans by UC Davis. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. Researchers in the U.S. and Japan have demonstrated the first experimental cross-sectional medical image that doesn’t require tomography, a mathematical process used to reconstruct images in CT and PET scans. To read the full story, go to https://www.ucdavis.edu/health/news/detector-advance-could-lead-cheaper-easier-medical-scans 2021-11-1202 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#66: Saving the coral reefsKAUST scientists propose a nature-based adaptive approach to boost coral restoration by King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST). Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. Coral reefs are rapidly degrading all over the world due to climate change and human activity. This phenomenon has dire consequences on the livelihoods of almost one billion people who directly depend on the ecosystem services delivered through healthy tropical reefs. Based on current projections, and without active intervention, coral reefs may become extinct by the year 2050. To read the full story, go to...2021-11-0502 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#65: Herbal cosmetics in rural South AfricaPlants offer home-grown solutions to healthcare by North-West University. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. Approximately 80% of South Africa’s population depend on medicinal plants for their healthcare needs, leading to an increased interest in the commercialisation of plant-based remedies. Research by Tshepiso Ndhlovu, a PhD candidate at the North-West University (NWU), is shedding light on the potential of medicinal plants in the skincare market and in the treatment of childhood diseases. The use of medicinal plants in treating childhood diseases is the current focus of Tshepiso, who is busy wi...2021-10-2902 min

Natural Resource Today Podcast#64: Climate crisis and extreme drought events in EuropeClimate crisis could double frequency of extreme regional summer droughts in Europe By Suzanna Burgelman. Read by Rendy Mulaudzi. Europe is heading towards a future with more extreme summer droughts, a new study shows. In the long-term future (from 2080 to 2099), regions like the Alps, France, the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula could see an increase in extreme summer droughts by more than 50%. This means that extreme droughts could occur more than every second summer. The study shows the critical need for rapid climate crisis mitigation in Europe, such as the adaptation to summer droughts and...2021-10-2201 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 60: Climate risks and food securityA recent report, published by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), gives insights into transboundary climate risks. The report claims that transboundary climate risks to food security are often overlooked. The analysis was based on the six key agricultural commodities (maize, rice, wheat, soy, sugar cane, and coffee). The findings show that the United States, China and Brazil are the major sources of climate risks. The report suggests that international cooperation is paramount to reduce transboundary climate risks. Read More: https://www.sei.org/publications/climate-change-trade-global-food-security/ 2021-09-2401 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 59: Increasing global light pollutionNew research reveals an increase in global light pollution for the period 1992 to 2017. In their paper published in the journal Remote Sensing, the authors have shown evidence to suggest that Africa is one of the worst-affected continents. "The global spread of artificial light is eroding the natural night-time environment," said lead author Alejandro Sánchez de Miguel. The study was led by the University of Exeter. Read more: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/13/16/3311 2021-09-1701 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 58: Framework for marine plastic pollution interventions & Drier conditions in Eastern AfricaFramework for marine plastic pollution interventions A new study, published in the journal Conservation Biology, has presented a framework to estimate the costs and benefits of plastic pollution interventions. The authors were interested in the socioeconomic and ecological aspects of the costs and benefits. The development of their framework was informed by a net cost equation: "Net cost is equal to the cost of implementing an intervention (direct, indirect, and nonmonetary [NM]) minus recovered costs and benefits (monetary and NM) produced by the interventions. If the sum is positive, there is a net cost. If it is...2021-09-1002 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 57: Tropical storms in 2020, Synthetic biology approach & Development of galaxiesTropical Storms in 2020 A new report published by the American Meteorological Society reveals that 2020 recorded more than 100 tropical storms. Read More: https://www.ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/publications/bulletin-of-the-american-meteorological-society-bams/state-of-the-climate/ Synthetic Biology Approach A team of researchers at the Washington University in St. Louis has developed an approach that will enable microbes to produce muscle protein called titin (also known as connectin). Read More: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-25360-6 Development of Galaxies ...2021-09-0302 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 56: New study sheds light on why sea snakes attack scuba diversA new study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, has found that mistaken identity may be the reason why scuba divers are attacked by male Olive sea snakes. The authors used data from the southern great Barrier Reef for the period 1994 to 1995. They suggest that scuba diver attacks may be strongly linked to misdirected courtship behaviours. The study was led by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Read More: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94728-x 2021-08-2701 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 55: The effect of light pollution on flesh fly species.A new study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, shows that increasing temperatures and light pollution affect hibernation patterns in flesh fly species. "The study looks at a species of flesh fly called Sarcophaga similis, but the results could be applicable to any animal species that relies on predictable environmental signals for biological processes like growth, reproductive behavior, sleep, and migration," said Ayumu Mukai, lead author of the study. The study is a collaboration between Setsunan University and Osaka City University. Read More: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.210866 2021-08-2001 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 54: Study suggests a multi-stakeholder Conservation Management Plan for dolphins.A study, published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, reveals that there is an urgent need for conservation action to save the Indian Ocean humpback dolphins in South Africa. The authors have concluded that "no single cause for the rapid decline of humpback dolphins in South African waters can be identified, and that the cumulative effects of multiple stressors, which are difficult to pinpoint and mitigate, are impacting population numbers". They have suggested a multi-stakeholder Conservation Management Plan. Read More: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.642226/full 2021-08-1301 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 53: Projected population decline of the emperor penguins.A recent research paper, published in the journal Global Change Biology, shows that climate change is threatening the survival of the emperor penguins. Emperor penguins are native to the coastal regions of Antarctica. The scientists have demonstrated that extreme climate events will increase risk of extinction. The study was led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.2021-08-0601 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 52: New rainforest tracking system to improve conservation efforts.A recent research paper, published in the journal One Earth, sheds light on a new tracking system to monitor threats to global rainforests. The scientists have developed a novel tropical rainforest index (TFVI) to "track vulnerability of global rainforests to climate and land use". The tracking system will play an important role in increasing conservation efforts worldwide. The study was led by the California Institute Technology. The project was funded by the National Geographic and the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. 2021-07-3001 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 51: Understanding how sharks digest food.A recent study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, gives insights into how shark intestines function. The scientists used a CT scanner to create 3D images of intestines. The intestines were from specimens at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. The findings show that the spiral-shaped intestines function like Tesla valve invented by Nikola Tesla. 2021-07-2301 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 50: International research project to map biodiversity in the Western Cape of South Africa.A team of scientists from the United States and South Africa seeks to map biodiversity in South Africa's Greater Cape Floristic Region. The project, Marine, Freshwater, and Terrestrial Biodiversity Survey of the Cape (BioScape), will use remote sensing technology from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It aims to improve the understanding of species distribution and abundance. The project is led by scientists from the University at Buffalo, the University of California, the University of Cape Town, and the South African Environmental Observation Network.2021-07-1601 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 49: Urgent need for a new integrated land-sea governance framework.A recent report by the International Resource Panel, part of the United Nations Environment Programme, says there is an urgent need for a new integrated land-sea governance framework to address coastal pollution from land-based activities. The main purpose of the study was to "determine appropriate governance approaches to reduce the effects of land-based activities on coastal resources". The full report, "Governing coastal resources: Implications for a sustainable blue economy", is available on www.resourcepanel.org/reports. 2021-07-0901 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 48: Millions of Africans face chronic hunger by 2050.Nearly 80 million people will be be affected by chronic hunger by 2050, and more than 50% of them are in Sub-Saharan Africa, new report predicts. The study, published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), shows that investment in agricultural research and development is key in adapting to the effects of climate change.2021-07-0201 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 47: Bauxite mining project threatens Atewa forest in Ghana.Atewa Range Forest Reserve is located in the eastern region of Ghana. It is threatened by a proposed bauxite mining project.2021-06-2501 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 46: Sudan's first commercial wind farm.The wind power project is located near the town of Dongola in the northern part of the Republic of the Sudan.2021-06-1801 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 45: The largest gold mine in Mauritania.Tasiast mine is the largest gold mine in Mauritania. It started to be fully operational in 2008.2021-06-1102 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 44: The story of South Africa's largest copper producer.Phalaborwa copper mine is the leading copper producer in South Africa. It is located near the town of Phalaborwa in Limpopo Province. 2021-06-0402 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 43: Sierra Leone's first rainforest national park.Gola Rainforest National Park is located southeast of Freetown. It was declared a national park in 2011.2021-05-2801 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 42: The Gambia's first protected area.Abuko Nature Reserve was established in 1968. It is one of the top tourist attractions in the Gambia.2021-05-2101 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 41: Saving the cedar tree of Malawi.Mulanje cedar is the national tree of Malawi. It is endemic to Mulanje Mountain Biosphere Reserve. Due to unsustainable harvesting, the tree is threatened with extinction.2021-05-1402 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 40: The Republic of Congo's landmark agreement to reduce deforestation.The Republic of Congo has signed a landmark agreement with the World Bank to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. 2021-05-0702 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 39: Madagascar's largest hydropower project.The Sahofika hydropower project is located on the Onive River, a tributary of the Mangoro River. It is about 100 km from Antananarivo.2021-04-3002 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 38: Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Power Project.The Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Power Project is located at Rusumo Falls on the Kagera River.2021-04-2302 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 37: Namibia's Kudu offshore gas field.Kudu offshore gas field is located about 130 km off the south-west coast of Namibia. It was discovered by Chevron in 1974. It is estimated that the field is home to more than 36 billion cubic metres of proven natural gas reserves.2021-04-1603 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 36: Facts you should know about the West African Gas Pipeline.The West African Gas Pipeline is transporting natural gas from Itoki (Nigeria) to Takoradi (Ghana), through Benin and Togo. This 678 km long pipeline was completed at a cost of nearly $1 billion. Commercial operation started in March 2011. The pipeline is owned and operated by the West African Gas Pipeline Company. Chevron has the largest stake (36.7%). It is followed by the Nigerian National Petroleum (25%).2021-04-0902 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 35: Equatorial Guinea's offshore natural gas development.Equatorial Guinea is the third-largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past few years, the government has been attracting investors to develop offshore natural gas resources. The country is home to unexploited gas reserves off the coast of Bioko Island. There is Alen gas field gas development project. First gas flow was in February 2021. The project is operated by Noble Energy. The company was acquired by Chevron in October 2020.2021-04-0202 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 34: Major natural gas projects in Morocco.Two major natural gas projects are Tendrara onshore gas field development in Eastern Morocco, close to the Algerian border and Anchois offshore gas field development in the Atlantic, about 40km off the coast of the country.2021-03-2602 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 33: Severe water shortage in Somalia.At least 90 000 Somalis have been displaced due to severe water shortage over the past few months.2021-03-1901 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 32: Gold rush in Luhihi, DRC.Discovery of gold-rich ore in Luhihi has brought hundreds of people into the village. Mining activities are currently suspended until further notice. 2021-03-1201 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 31: Lake Malawi fish species crisis.Overfishing and poor agricultural practices are threatening fish species in Lake Malawi.2021-03-0501 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 30: Overharvesting of rosewood tree in Africa.Rosewood trees are under human threat.2021-02-2601 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 29: Bulawayo's water scarcity.Bulawayo is facing water scarcity due to population growth and recurring drought events.2021-02-0501 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 28: World's oldest known mine is in Africa.Eswatini is home to the oldest known mine in the world.2021-01-2902 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 27: Desert locusts are causing a lot of problems in East Africa.Desert locusts have invaded Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.2021-01-2201 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 26: Africa's largest oil refinery.Africa's largest oil refinery is almost complete near Lagos, Nigeria.2021-01-1502 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 25: Zambia's fruit bat migration.Thousands of straw-coloured fruit bats congregate in swamp forest within Kasanka National Park from October to December each year. It is regarded as the largest mammal migration in Africa.2020-12-1802 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 24: Human pressure threatens the survival of African forest elephants.African forest elephants are under human pressure in central and west Africa. 2020-12-1101 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 23: Major threats to the survival of African penguins.African penguins are at risk of extinction.2020-12-0403 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 22: Oil and gas drilling project in Zimbabwe.Australian energy company Invictus Energy is planning to drill oil and gas wells in Zimbabwe. The project is expected to start in October 2021.2020-11-2703 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 21: East Africa's major crude oil pipeline project.Nearly 15 years ago, there was a major oil reserve discovery in Uganda. In September 2020, Uganda and Tanzania finally signed an agreement for a construction of crude oil pipeline from Uganda to the port of Tanga in Tanzania. This $3.5 billion dollar project is led by Total. Environmentalists and a number of local communities have been opposing the project for several years. 2020-11-2004 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 20: South Africa's Vhembe Biosphere Reserve.According to UNESCO, biosphere reserves provide local solutions to global challenges. Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. There are 701 biosphere reserves in 124 countries across the globe. Africa is home to 86 biosphere reserves which are found in 31 countries. There are 10 biosphere reserves in South Africa. Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (VBR) is found in the Vhembe District of Limpopo province.2020-11-1303 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 19: The ghosts of Madagascar are threatened with extinction.Lemurs are only found in Madagascar. There are an estimated 112 species and more than 98% are facing extinction due to deforestation and overhunting. There is evidence to suggest that wildlife trafficking is also a major threat.2020-11-0603 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 18: White gold (salt) mining in the northern part of Ethiopia.The Danakil Depression is regarded as one of the main sources of salt in Ethiopia. It is an active geological depression due to the pulling apart of three tectonic plates. This area is one the hottest and driest places on earth. There is evidence that the Afar people have been mining salt for more than 2 000 years. 2020-10-3004 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 17: The forgotten precious gemstone of Madagascar.Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. More than 80% of plants and animals are endemic. With a population of under 30 million, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Major sapphire deposits were discovered in 1998. The place of discovery is Ilakaka in the south western part of the country. In 2005 or 2006, Madagascar became the largest producer of sapphire.2020-10-2303 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 16: Poor country which is home to the world's largest bauxite reserves.The Republic of Guinea is home to the largest reserves of bauxite in the world. The touching story is that it remains one of the poorest countries. The bauxite industry was less developed between the 1970's and 2016. The country started to witness a booming bauxite industry over the last three years. However, bauxite mining is dominated by foreign companies.2020-10-1603 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 15: Who is controlling platinum resource in South Africa?South Africa is the largest producer of platinum in the world. It is home to more than 80% of the global reserves. Three main players in the production of platinum resource are Anglo American Platinum, Lonmin (acquired by Sibanye-Stillwater in June 2019) and Impala Platinum.2020-10-0903 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 14: The unbreakable marriage between South Africa and coalSouth Africa is the largest producer of coal in Africa and 7th in the world. Over the last two years, the country produced between 250 to 260 million tonnes per year. Although there has been a drop in investment for the past decade, coal is the third-largest mining sector in the country. It employs nearly 93 000 people. Energy generation is dominated by coal. Nearly 80% of electricity generation is from coal. The marriage between South Africa and coal will remain strong for the next 30 years. The country has been making new major discoveries in the northern part, specifically in the Waterberg and Vhembe...2020-10-0202 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 13: What is the interest of foreign powers in Mali?Foreign interference has been happening for many years in Mali. It is a fact that foreign powers are interested in natural resources.2020-09-2505 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 12: Complexity of the conflict in LibyaOil-rich Libya has been experiencing political instability since the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Two rival governments are battling for the control of the country. These are the UN-backed government, Government of National Accord (GNA), and the Libyan National Army (LNA). Foreign countries are intervening in order to get a share of oil and gas resources wealth.2020-09-1803 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 11: Lake Chad is drying upSeveral accounts have reported that Lake Chad has shrunk by about 90% since the early 1960s. They are claiming that the following are among the main drivers: climate change, unsustainable irrigation practices and the increasing human demand for freshwater.2020-09-1102 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 10: What we know about African lion population declineWe have less than 40 000 lions in the wild across Africa. Significant population decline has been recorded since the late 1990s. The following are listed among the main drivers of population decline: habitat loss, prey loss, and poaching.2020-09-0402 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 9: Wildlife ranchingWildlife ranching is the management of wildlife on private land. Is it an effective biodiversity conservation tool?2020-08-2804 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 8: Africa's largest tropical rainforest protected area.Salonga National Park is Africa's largest tropical rainforest protected area.2020-08-2103 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 7: Most trafficked mammal in the worldPangolin is the most trafficked mammal in the world. There are 8 species (4 live in Africa and 4 are found in Asia). Pangolin scales are used for medicinal purpose in many parts of China and Vietnam. The mammal plays an important role in balancing the ecosystem.2020-08-1402 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 6: Untapped solar energy resource potential in Africa.Solar is one of the fastest-growing energy resources. Africa still lags behind the rest of the world. However, few countries are making progress.2020-08-0704 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 5: Major natural resources in North AfricaThis episode looks at an overview of the main natural resources in North Africa.2020-07-3104 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 4: Major natural resources in West AfricaThis episode gives an overview of the main natural resources in West Africa. 2020-07-2408 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastEpisode 3: An overview of the main natural resources in Eastern AfricaThis episode gives an overview of the main natural resources in East Africa.2020-07-1705 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastMajor natural resources in central AfricaThis episode gives an overview of the main natural resources in central Africa.2020-07-1006 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastAn overview of the major natural resources in southern AfricaThis episode gives an overview of the main natural resources in the south region of Africa.2020-07-0306 min

Natural Resource Today PodcastIntroduction to Natural Resource TodayThis is an introduction to Natural Resource Today podcast.2020-06-2600 min