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Conservation News – Ground-breaking automated species-specific AI traps move closer to commercial production

Source: Predator Free 2050

Potential unwanted impacts to our prized taonga species such as kea and kaka is a critical concern when controlling invasive predators in many parts of Aotearoa. However, this is all set to change.
Field trials are underway on revolutionary predator control traps based on ground-breaking artificial intelligence (AI). The fully automated Critter Solutions Kill Traps trigger only when a target has been identified by AI as a pest species. Importantly, the traps are ultra-low power, self-resetting, and self-luring – designed to be left in the field for long periods without servicing.
Project lead Dr Helen Blackie from Boffa Miskell describes this innovatively designed, next generation of AI traps as the “holy grail for pest eradication and a game-changer, not only for Aotearoa, but worldwide”.
“These traps are the first to be able to effectively ‘think for themselves’ and make a decision as to whether an interacting animal is a target pest species or not. A key technical success has been developing the trap so that it is extremely fast at triggering when an animal is recognised – within a fraction of a second – after detecting the presence of a pest,” Dr Blackie says.
“Importantly, using AI to trigger traps means that the trap design can be far more open, as we’re not trying to stop other species from entering. This makes the trap far more appealing for pests to go into, as we haven’t had the same restraints on design. Traditional traps also require the pest to push, pull or stand on a trigger to activate the trap, which can further reduce catch-rates, by using AI we can do away with manual triggers completely.”
The traps are also able to remotely notify a user that it has triggered and can send a picture of the animal it’s triggered on.
“This is the first time I’ve been able to run a trial from the comfort of my couch,” says Dr Blackie. “We use our AI monitoring cameras trained on the traps which show us the approaching species in real-time, then we get a notification of the trap triggering, which species it was and a further notification that the trap has reset and is ready and waiting for the next animal.”
The traps have already passed requirements for delivering a humane kill for rats, stoats and possums in independent trials. As well as controlling pest species, the device can also be used in a ‘passive’ mode to collect monitoring data on native species.
Critter Solutions Director Kenji Irie says: “We have applied 20 years of animal trapping knowledge and spent five years working on the generation of a robust AI system for this specific idea, and we are now excited to be testing the tool in the field.
“We have enough data from the first field trials already to prove the trap’s effectiveness for possums, which is hugely exciting. Every time the fully automated trap has identified a possum and triggered has resulted in a successful kill. In our first night testing in the field the trap had recognised and killed its first possum within an hour, and then its second a few hours afterwards, highlighting the benefit of the open design of the trap to increase animal interaction rates, which was very exciting for the research team.
Funding from Predator Free 2050 Limited through the Government’s Jobs for Nature initiative in 2021 has helped to speed up the development of this game-changing technology.
Predator Free 2050 Limited’s Professor Dan Tompkins, who leads the Products to Projects portfolio, couldn’t be more pleased with the outcomes of the research and development. “We want to ensure that achieving national eradication of rats, mustelids and possums, the Predator Free 2050 goal, is carried out in the best way possible. Reducing impacts to non-target species is a critical part of that.
“The Predator Free 2050 mission was launched knowing that new tools and approaches would be needed to get the job done, and this is one of many great advances that we are already seeing. The quality of this new trap combined with the speed and accuracy of the AI species identification makes this innovation at its finest.”
An immense amount of work has gone into ensuring the device can reliably identify even small details of non-target species including kea, kaka, weka and kiwis, from thousands of animal interactions with the prototype units.
Critter Solutions Ltd has already started to receive international attention from as far as the United Kingdom where there has been no control tool that can easily distinguish a native red squirrel from the introduced grey squirrel (red squirrels are at risk of local extinction due to the grey invasion).
The Critter Solutions Species Specific Kill Trap is expected to be ready for sale by late 2024.
Background
New Zealand based Critter Solutions Ltd, a collaboration between Boffa Miskell and Red Fern Solutions, is leading the way when it comes to artificially intelligent pest control tools. The revolutionary trap will be a cost-effective, intelligent trap for possums, rats, and stoats, based on proven CritterPic® imaging technology with real-time species identification. The use of onboard AI has allowed trap design to significantly change, with an open architectural design maximising animal interaction without the need for tunnels or baffles to restrict non-target animal entry.
Although there are AI traps currently available, most use Cloud technology which relies on the information being relayed from the trap to the Cloud, with the animal being held until a decision is made. The AI on this trap makes a decision on-board the unit in a fraction of a second, triggering the trap when the species is a target of interest and positioned within the trap’s kill zone.
Throughout the design and implementation process high animal welfare has been a top priority. Where other traps require high interaction from the animal such as stepping on a plate or biting a bar (which can lead to unfavourable positioning of the animal within the mechanism), the Critter Solutions AI trap identifies the animal and then it need only put its head into the trap before it is activated.
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Education News – New build for extended community services at Te Āti Awa marae completed with help from 44 Whitireia and WelTec scholarship trades students

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

Following two years of hard work and collaboration, Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa has opened a new building at Te Whiti Park in Waiwhetū, Lower Hutt, to provide extended hauora (health) services to the community. The new structure was built by 44 Whitireia and WelTec ākonga (students) doing on-the-job training as part of their construction trades certificate funded by the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training scholarship (MPTT).

The building has been named Hinerua, acknowledging the dedication of two women, Hine Luke and Elizabeth (Betty) Winitana, who during the sixties established marae-based health and wellbeing services for the community.

“It has been a wonderful process for us to think back to the good work of these two amazing wahine and really reflect on the ‘why’ of providing services to our whānau and community,” said Wirangi Luke, Te Tumu Whakarae, chief executive of Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa. “It is steeped in the traditions of sharing knowledge, sharing kai and networking – whakawhanaungatanga.”

“The idea of young people from our community helping build what is needed for all is not new for us, so having the ākonga, many of whom have links to Te Āti Awa, work on the Hinerua building has been meaningful and appropriate,” said Mr Luke. “It is our hope that they can bring their own young one day to see the fruits of their hard work and learning.  

“Our shared priority with WelTec, and now extended to Te Pūkenga, remains to create successful pathways for our rangatahi through education into satisfying work, the partnership on this project is an example of that.”

Henry Ma’alo is the WelTec programme manager who has been guiding the students through their training on-site in Waiwhetū: “We have had two groups of MPTT construction trades ākonga work on the project and we invited all of them back to see the end product – there were lots of smiling faces! I reminded them that their hard work and dedication has created something meaningful for the community, that every nail and piece of timber is thanks to them, and they are all extremely proud of being part of this.”

Commenting on the project, Mark Oldershaw, Tumu Whenua ā-Rohe 3 | Executive Director, Region 3 at Te Pūkenga said: “The essence of our long-standing relationship with Te Āti Awa is brought alive when we collaborate on a project like this – together we are giving meaning to ākonga coming through the education system, we are teaching them real-life skills to help them stand on their own feet and feel proud, and we are helping so many in the community who rely on accessible health and wellbeing services. I look forward to the continuation of such significant ties with iwi.”

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Renewable Energy – New Zealand crowned the country with 7th highest supply of renewable energy

Source: Utility Bidder
A new study has revealed that 41.02% of New Zealand’s energy supply comes from renewable sources – 7th most of any OECD country!

As part of a new study into renewable energy across OECD countries, the team at Utility Bidder have revealed the countries with the highest (& lowest) supply of renewable energy, as well as the locations with the biggest increase in renewable energy supply, and the energy products with the highest percentage of worldwide energy consumption.

You can view the full research here – https://www.utilitybidder.co.uk/blog/powering-the-world-2023/

Countries with the highest supply of renewable energy 

Rank

Country

Total Renewable Energy Supply (PJ)

Total Overall Energy Supply (PJ)

% of Renewable Energy Supply

1

Iceland

221

247

89.47%

2

Norway

625

1150

54.35%

3

Costa Rica

108

200

54.00%

4

Sweden

960

1877

51.15%

5

Latvia

78

179

43.58%

6

Denmark

264

638

41.38%

7

New Zealand

338

824

41.02%

8

Finland

492

1329

37.02%

9

Austria

451

1320

34.17%

10

Estonia

56

187

29.95%

Further findings from the study:

Oil products make up over 44% of the total energy consumption worldwide – more than any other product. This is followed by electricity (23.01%) and natural gas (21.36%).

Renewable energy sources made up 41.38% of Denmark’s energy supply in 2020, as compared with 21.99% in 2010 – the biggest change of any OECD country.

With only 3.36% of its total energy supply coming from renewable sources, Korea is the country with the lowest supply of renewable energy.

You can review the research by clicking here:  https://www.utilitybidder.co.uk/blog/powering-the-world-2023/

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Save the Children – Statement re: lowered voting age for local elections

Source: Save the Children

Save the Children New Zealand is welcoming the Government’s Bill to reduce the voting age to 16 for local body elections, saying rangatahi have a right to have their voices heard and a right to non-discrimination. 
The Bill follows the Supreme Court’s ruling in favour of the Make it 16 group in November that the provisions of the Electoral Act 1993 and the Local Electoral Act 2001 were inconsistent with the rights declared in the New Zealand Bill of Rights, which states the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of age. 
Earlier this year, the child rights organisation presented to the Justice Select Committee on the Declaration of Inconsistency: Voting age in the Electoral Act 1993 and the Local Electoral Act 2001, calling on the Government to re-prioritise action on introducing a new Bill to lower the age.
“This Bill is an important step toward ensuring the democratic participation of children aged 16 and 17 years,” says Save the Children’s Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey.
“Lowering the voting age would see the valuable voices of 16-and 17-year-olds included in election-based decision making.
“Local government has a significant impact on the lives of children and young people, responsible as it is for much of the infrastructure and facilities in local communities. This includes public transport access, roading infrastructure including safe cycleways, recreation facilities like parks, playgrounds, sports grounds and swimming pools. 
“Understanding the connection between political policies and our daily lives is crucial to making informed voting decisions.”
Alongside a change in the law to lower the voting age, Save the Children is also encouraging investment in civics and citizenship education to support young voters in exercising their right to vote.
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.
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Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga finalist in design awards

Source: Heritage New Zealand

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is delighted its new website has been chosen as a finalist in the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Awards. 
The website, created in partnership with developers Tribal Aotearoa, launched in March 2023, and highlights the organisation’s breadth of work and its bi-cultural ethos.
The awards recognise exceptional achievements in graphic, spatial, product, digital, and motion design.
Director of Organisational Development Roxane Gajadhar says the team are honoured by the accolade which recognises the depth of thought and careful design that went into the project. “To see the website acknowledged as a finalist in these prestigious awards, is testament to the remarkable collaborative efforts of internal experts and the creative team at Tribal Aotearoa.
“The result is a groundbreaking design infused with our organisational values and offering a fresh way to explore, learn and engage with Aotearoa New Zealand’s place-based heritage.”
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Kaihautū and distinguished artist Dean Whiting, provided creative guidance throughout the design process to create the visually rich and fit-for-purpose site.
“The ‘Pouhere Taonga’ part of our name was chosen as something that is unique to this organisation and means ‘the pou that binds taonga together’, and this quickly became a focus for the design,” says Whiting. “We know that for many ‘heritage’ is often associated with a building, where pou or pillars are an essential structural element to create built form, and in heritage landscapes pouwhenua and memorials are the focus to remember and retell our stories.
“We view this new website as our digital pouhere – a place where stories and histories are kept safe and shared with communities, but also a meeting place where people come together to share, celebrate, discuss, and decide,” says Whiting.
Accented with contemporary pops of colour, this site represents a new appearance for forward-looking Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. The rich palate has been drawn from the unique natural environment of Aotearoa, with an acknowledgement of the wide range of colours Māori use in their decorative arts.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is proud to be selected among the range worthy finalists.
“As we celebrate this significant achievement, we also acknowledge the growing influence of Te Ao Māori – culture, stories, and arts – in design. We are honoured to contribute to this cultural movement, drawing inspiration and shaping a bicultural direction that echoes our whakatauākī: ‘Tairangahia a tua whakarere; Tātakihia ngā reanga o āmuri ake nei. Honouring the past; Inspiring our future’,” expresses Whiting.
The Best Awards is an annual event that recognises excellence across various design disciplines. Established in the mid-seventies, the awards serve as a platform to showcase and honour outstanding design achievements in Aotearoa New Zealand while fostering growth within the design community through evaluation by an international panel of experts.
ABOUT HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA
Tairangahia a tua whakarere; Tātakihia ngā reanga o āmuri ake nei | Honouring the past; Inspiring the future
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is an autonomous Crown Entity, and the leading national historic heritage agency for Aotearoa New Zealand. Their vision is to identify, protect and promote heritage – Kia mōhiotia atu, kia tiakina, kia hāpaingia ā tātau taonga tuku iho.
The agency works to engage with communities, develop partnerships, and provide resources for those interested in exploring, learning, and engaging with cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.heritage.org.nz
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Culture and Heritage – Vietnam Veterans’ Day national commemoration marks 60 years since New Zealand’s involvement

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

The national commemoration to mark Vietnam Veterans’ Day will be held on Friday 18 August at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.
“We welcome the members of the public to attend the National Commemoration to mark Vietnam Veterans’ Day at Pukeahu” said Glenis Philip-Barbara, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage Pou Mataaho o Te Hua, Deputy Chief Executive, Delivery.
“This year marks 60 years since a New Zealand civilian surgical team arrived in Vietnam- it was another two years before combat troops were sent. The team was also the last to leave Vietnam in 1975.
“By the conclusion of the conflict, more than 3000 New Zealand military personnel served in South Vietnam. In addition, approximately 300 civilian medical and aid workers travelled from New Zealand to assist the people of South Vietnam.
“Thirty-nine New Zealanders lost their lives during the conflict, with two civilians among them who were serving in the Red Cross or civilian surgical team. Many others were wounded or suffered the effects of toxins such as Agent Orange – effects which continue to affect our citizens and the citizens of Vietnam for succeeding generations.”
“The commemoration will reflect on the service and sacrifice of the New Zealanders who took part in the Vietnam War, as well as the ongoing impact of war on veterans and their families.
The Vietnam War (also known as the Second Indo-China War or the American War) lasted from 1960 to 1975. The conflict was between the communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) and the US-backed Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) and ended in the defeat of South Vietnam in April 1975. More than one million soldiers and approximately two million civilians died during the war.
It is often described as the longest and most contentious military experience of the twentieth century, and New Zealand’s involvement attracted significant political and public debate.
People wishing to attend this year’s commemoration are asked to arrive at the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park by 10.45am for an 11.00am start. For anyone unable to attend in person, there will be a livestream of the ceremony on the Pukeahu Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pukeahu/
More information about New Zealand’s involvement in the Vietnam War is available at:
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Health News – Laps For Lungs

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

In an extraordinary display of endurance and commitment to a cause, Victoria University marketing professor and ultra-marathon runner, Nick Ashill is challenging himself to beat his 2021, 24-hour non-stop run for Breathe Better September, by embarking on a 48-hour non-stop run around Boyd-Wilson field in Kelburn, Wellington. Dubbed ‘Laps for Lungs’, the run, scheduled from 8th to 10th September 2023, is aimed at raising funds and amplifying awareness around the impact of respiratory disease in New Zealand.
Supported by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand and our Friends of the Foundation sponsors, Comfortech, the campaign hopes to underscore the urgent need for further research, education, and advocacy in the respiratory health sector in New Zealand.
Letitia Harding, CEO of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, shares, “We are excited by Nick’s monumental effort to support our cause. His dedication and this unique campaign will undoubtedly shine a light on the pressing respiratory health challenges many New Zealanders face.”
For Professor Ashill, this is more than just another ultra-marathon. “Every lap I take symbolises the everyday struggles and challenges faced by those with respiratory issues. By channelling my passion for running into a cause so close to many, I hope to make a tangible difference in the respiratory health community,” he said.
To further incentivise donations, each contribution made in support of Nick’s ‘Laps for Lungs’ campaign at www.lapsforlungs.org.nz enters the donor into a draw, with a chance to win 1 of 40 Samsung AX90T Air Purifiers, thanks to the generosity of Mercury Energy.
Together, with every stride Nick takes, the community can assist by making strides in respiratory health education, research, and support. Join him in his journey, cheer him on, and make a donation to transform lives and breathe hope into the future of respiratory health in New Zealand.
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Health News – ProCare and Le Va announce partnership for collective impact in Pacific healthcare

Source: ProCare

Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, is delighted to announce a partnership with Le Va to improve health equity and Pacific healthcare in Tāmaki Makaurau.

This formal partnership is the result of several years of working together and alongside each other to support Pacific families. Some of the activities this partnership will support include workforce development, co-designing Pacific models of care, and collaborating to address health and wellbeing.

Bindi Norwell, ProCare Group CEO, says: “This partnership is a natural progression of how closely ProCare and Le Va have been working together over the last few years, so we are delighted to recognise this with a formal agreement.”

Le Va is part of the Wise Group, one of the largest providers of mental health, addiction and wellbeing services in Aotearoa New Zealand, which has many social support services that will benefit ProCare families. “We both share very similar goals and aspirations for uplifting the health and wellbeing of our Pacific kāinga (family), so we hope that working together will help us get there faster,” concludes Norwell.

Viv Pole, Head of Pacific Health at ProCare, says: “Le Va has built strong connections with Pacific people over many years, so are a trusted leader in this space. They have a wealth of knowledge and resources we can tap into to support both our communities, and our GP practices.

“One of ProCare’s areas of focus is workforce development. We have been supporting our practice staff, particularly in areas with high Pacific and Māori populations, to increase their confidence and competency in engaging with these communities. We are excited to work with Le Va to offer a fantastic online cultural training programme tailored for our healthcare practices across the network through this partnership,” says Pole.

Le Va Chief Executive, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, says: “At Le Va we work alongside the services and in our communities to deliver mental health, addiction, public health, suicide prevention, disability, youth wellbeing and violence prevention social sectors. to develop flourishing Pasifika communities who are reaching their full potential.

“The support, resources and knowledge that ProCare and Le Va can share through this partnership will help us collectively impact more of our Pacific kāinga. We are excited to formalise this valued partnership.” concludes Kingi-‘Ulu’ave.

A signing ceremony was held at the ProCare offices yesterday, signifying the official start of the partnership agreement. ProCare and Le Va look forward to sharing more about the partnership activities in due course.

Notes

About ProCare

ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 830,000 people across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

About Le Va

Le Va is a Pasifika-led mental health and wellbeing organisation dedicated to supporting young people, families and communities to unleash their full potential. We provide clinically safe, evidence-informed and co-designed resources, tools, information, training, workshops and support services. Le Va takes a holistic view of wellbeing, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, cultural and environmental components. This is reflected in our portfolio of work spanning the mental health, addiction, public health, suicide prevention, disability, youth wellbeing and violence prevention social sectors. Le Va’s evidence-based work is co-created with people who have lived experience, Pasifika cultural knowledge holders and expert thought leaders nationally and internationally. We do this all while recalling our traditional values and applying them safely in a contemporary way. Discover more about Le Va at www.leva.co.nz

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Animal Welfare – Lame sheep caked in mud an “unacceptable” sight

Source: SAFE For Animals

Footage has been passed on to SAFE which shows sheep caked in mud and struggling to walk. The footage was shot in Southland on Sunday 13 August 2023.
This property has had ongoing issues with winter grazing. Photos were taken in early July also showing sheep standing in mud.
SAFE Head of Investigations Will Appelbe says people are sick of seeing animals standing in mud.
“Winter grazing is widespread and every year we see the same issues,” says Appelbe.
“Not only are these sheep caked in mud, but they’re also struggling to walk. This suggests that they’re lame, which is one of the risks of winter grazing.”
“The Animal Welfare Act 1999 is clear that animals should be provided with adequate shelter. Nothing about this footage is adequate.”
Last month, footage provided to SAFE by showed a newly born calf collapsed, writhing in wet and muddy conditions on a winter grazing paddock. The calf, which appeared to be on the verge of drowning, was filmed with their mother on a farm near Rangitata.
“The agriculture industry should be aware by now that winter brings with it cold, wet and snowy temperatures. Forcing animals to stand in mud, which is utter neglect.”
“This is why they need fair representation in Government to ensure the Animal Welfare Act is enforced. A Commissioner for Animals could give animals a voice at the highest level.”
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Conservation News – 10,000 days to Predator Freedom, Community Leaders on why it’s more than just the birds

Source: Predator Free 2050

As of Tuesday 15 August 2023, Aotearoa will have 10,000 days to accomplish the ambitious Predator Free goal of eradicating possums, rats, and stoats by the end of 2050. Thousands of community groups across the country are doing their part and the movement is gaining momentum exponentially, bringing people together for a common goal.
In celebration of the 10,000-day countdown which we see as an opportunity to take a moment to imagine what the future will hold, Predator Free 2050 Limited reached out to some top community leaders throughout New Zealand and asked them what they thought about the gains being made by the movement.
Sir Graham Henry, who knows something about winning teams, says that Te Korowai o Waiheke, the community-led trust established to make Waiheke the world’s first predator free urban island, is “a big team all committed, all working together – you can’t get much better than that!”
Estelle Leask, speaking for her Ngāi Tahu whakapapa, ki Murihiku (Southland) community, says Predator Free 2050 is about more than biodiversity. “I found purpose in my life, created wonderful friendships with likeminded people doing really meaningful mahi enhancing mana, and enabling me to practice kaitiakitanga o te taiao.”
In the last six years Predator Free 2050 Limited has come a long way and now funds 18 large projects that are targeting possums, rats and stoats over more than 750,000 hectares across a mix of rural and urban landscapes. Already, over 50,000 hectares have been cleared and are being defended using a suite of tools and technology developed and brought to market through Predator Free 2050 Limited’s Products to Projects funding.
Included in this powerful collection of new tools are long life biodegradable lures, self-resetting traps, thermal cameras, remote communications, and world first AI technology.
PF2050 Limited CEO Rob Forlong says of the milestones achieved so far “More and more we are seeing our earlier projects accomplishing significant goals that are showing us that with community support and innovation it can be done at widescale on the mainland”.
“Through the sharing of knowledge from these projects to newer projects we are building momentum and able to move at speed as we get closer to the goal”.
“There is no silver bullet, it will take a suite of new technologies, leading research and science, along with social and community engagement, but given how far we have come in such a small amount of time, I believe we will get there”.