We bring together citizen, congregational, government and business leaders to work collaboratively to create sustainable communities.
The Alliance for Sustainability with 4,000 members in Minnesota and nation-wide is a network and growing community of sustainability leaders from cities, neighborhoods, non-profits, businesses, congregations and schools working together to bring about personal, organizational and planetary sustainability by supporting projects and policies that are ecologically sound, economically viable socially just and humane.
The Alliance for Sustainability and our members and affiliated organizations are bringing communities together to act to create a sustainable future through positive, high impact projects
IN 2019 the Alliance for Sustainability will co-launch the Resilient Cities Coalition (RCC) to support cities, their citizens and institutions to become fully resilient through impactful collaboration, innovative programs, community engagement, and policy advocacy. We are launching the RCC with leaders from 50 metro cities, building upon our past ten years of successful work with the cities.
Values – the RCC is a non-partisan group that focuses on collaborative, win-win-win solutions to community issues of health, equity, sustainability, and resiliency.
Strategy – We seek to accelerate the shift to resiliency by building upon our collaborative work with 40 metro area cities and aligning local and statewide goals and policies for greater impact. We will support and strengthen these cities to become successful, inspiring models for other cities throughout Minnesota and the United States.
Need – The 2018 UN Climate Report warns that all nations must work more rapidly to cut greenhouse gas emissions to avoid catastrophic environmental and humanitarian results. Cities are taking the lead across the world, U.S. and in Minnesota in achieving our state and U.N. climate goals on time.
Environmental Rights Action (ERA) is a Nigerian advocacy non-governmental organisation founded on January 11, 1993 to deal with environmental human rights issues in Nigeria. ERA is the Nigerian chapter of Friends of the Earth International (FoEI). ERA is the co-ordinating NGO in Africa for Oilwatch International, the global South network of groups concerned about the effects of oil on the environment of people who live in oil-bearing regions. Oilwatch was founded in 1995 (in Ecuador), in the aftermath of local struggles against oil companies such as Shell (in Nigeria) and Texaco (now Chevron) in Ecuador. Both cases have given rise to well-known court cases where damages in the billions of euros are being claimed at present. ERA has been the winner of the Sophie Prize.
The organisation is dedicated to the defence of human ecosystems in terms of human rights, and to the promotion of environmentally responsible governmental, commercial, community and individual practice in Nigeria through the empowerment of local people. ERA will mainly provide its great knowledge of oil extraction conflicts and gas flaring to Work Package 2 on the database of environmenal conflicts and to Work Package 4 on oil and gas extraction and climate justice, as well as giving input in many other parts of the EJOLT project. ERA is also the coordinating NGO for the Nigerian Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA).
The organization’s committed struggles for environmental human rights has won it recognition through awards such as Sophie Prize (1998) for excellence and courage in the struggle for environmental Justice and the Bloomberg Award for Tobacco control activism (2009
The African Climate Technology Centre (ACTC) is a project hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to support sub-Saharan African countries in scaling-up the deployment of low-carbon and climate resilient technologies for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
This is delivered by:
- Enhancing networking and dissemination of knowledge, with respect to climate technology transfer and financing.
- Enabling the scaling up of technology transfer through policy, institutional and organizational reforms of the country and regional enabling environments.
- Integrating climate change technologies into investment programmes and projects.
The ACTC was established in July 2014 and is housed in the Climate Change and Green Growth Department of the AfDB.
The project originated within the policy arm of the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP16) Technology Mechanism, established to support adaptation and mitigation activities in developing countries. Consequently, the Global Environment Facility set aside funding to finance the set up of regional climate technology transfer and financing centres, and networks with regional multilateral development banks.
The centre focuses on the water sector for adaptation and on the energy sector for mitigation. For the Energy part, the ACTC supports the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative (SEforALL).
The Ministry of Environment & Forestry is a ministry of the Government of South Sudan. The incumbent minister is Mrs. Josephine NAPWON, while Mr.Joseph Africano Bartel serves as the Under Secretary
Vision
“Clean, healthy and safe environment for the people of South Sudan”
Mission
“To provide policy guidance, direction and coordination of all stakeholders for protection, conservation and sustainable management of the environment”
Welcome to the Buckminster Fuller Challenge (BFC) archive! Here you will find a comprehensive history of the BFC program and a curated archive of the ‘best of’ entries reviewed by the program from 2007-2017 making visible the vibrancy and dedication of an emerging field of comprehensive, whole-systems designers. This searchable archive is offered as a resource and tool for educators, the design community, and the general public to use to discover the remarkable ideas and successful projects at work in the world today.
ORIGINS AND HISTORIES
In 2010 Fuller Challenge juror David Orr – the esteemed sustainability educator and author – remarked that human civilization has entered the historical equivalent of shooting the dangerous rapids of a treacherous white-water river. With a broken paddle. Blindfolded.
Buckminster Fuller put it in stark relief with this famous question: Are we heading toward Utopia or Oblivion? He challenged his contemporaries to creatively respond to the urgency of this moment by re-framing the crisis as an opportunity pointing to humanity’s “option to make it – to live successfully without compromising the ability for all of life to thrive.”
Fuller demonstrated through his research and design practice that the resources needed for all forms of life on the planet to live in relative peace and prosperity exist. Creatively deployed, these resources are more than enough to raise the standard of living for everybody.
He called for a revolution by design –not political or military – but a revolution driven by the problem-solving creativity of design combined with the empirical demands of science.
Fuller’s practice took a comprehensive approach, starting with the whole; anticipating future trends and needs; employing the scientific method; and aligned with nature’s operating principles. He saw that this way of thinking and doing was to be the future of design. He called his practice design science. And in the 1960’s he launched the Design Science Revolution with an open call to the world’s creative communities “to make the world work for 100% of humanity in the shortest possible time, through spontaneous cooperation, without ecological offense or the disadvantage of anyone.”
In 2007 The Buckminster Fuller Challenge Prize program reintroduced Bucky’s vision. After extensive research we determined that the development of a competitive prize – an open call to anyone creatively addressing any of the world’s most urgent problems – would enable us to accomplish several goals:
1. honor the legacy of Fuller and create a prestigious program that would encourage innovation and recognize integrity;
2. draw attention and support to the thinkers and doers applying a comprehensive, whole-systems approach to designing solutions to the
great challenges we face today;
3. leverage the power of a prestigious innovation prize to demonstrate the importance of whole systems-thinking and its integral function in design-
thinking;
4. educate a new generation of designers to take up Fuller’s Challenge to transform our world through design, by showcasing world class projects
and celebrating the people behind them”,
Over the program’s ten-year history (2007-2017) the Fuller Challenge attracted thousands of initiatives from across the globe, tackling every conceivable issue facing humanity and the planet today. Each team submitted an application that was subject to a rigorous vetting process in which our esteemed review team and juries invested hundreds of hours of investigation, research, and debate to select our honored entries.
First recognized in 2011 by Metropolis Magazine as “socially responsible design’s highest award”, the program conferred an annual grand prize of
$100,000 to a project that best fulfilled the entrance criteria and embodied what we have called the ‘spirit of the Challenge’. Winning projects are visionary initiatives that address multiple problems simultaneously, and evoke inspiration for others to study and replicate.
The winning team also received with The Omnioculi, a commissioned sculpture created by artist Tom Shannon in collaboration with geodesics expert Joseph Clinton.
While one project was selected as the winner, each year the Fuller Challenge program awarded resources and support to an additional 40-60 projects through our Catalyst Program. These projects typically represented the top 20% of the entry pool and received opportunities for additional funding and investment, pro-bono legal services, fast-track access to accelerator programs, mentorship opportunities, and international press coverage.
The projects included in the archive demonstrate that design can and must be applied to every aspect of the global system, and reveal a groundswell of successful solutions to our most complex and urgent problems.
With an expanded view of design’s scope, we were able to recognize design innovation in places and projects that were unusual and new. And in the process we discovered an extraordinary group of passionate people with an unusual capacity to feel a deep sense of generosity for the future. It is our hope that
history will look back on their sacrifice, commitment and creativity to recognize that these were the trimtabs of our time who navigated us to safer shores, calmer waters, a world that works for all.
On behalf of the Fuller Challenge staff, review team and our generous supporters we thank you for your interest in this project and hope you will enjoy this archive!
-Elizabeth Thompson, Founding Director
The Renewables Academy (RENAC), based in Berlin, Germany, is a leading international provider of training and capacity building in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Since 2008, about 5,800 participants from more than 140 countries have attended RENAC programmes.
RENAC delivers customised educational solutions, as well as capacity building and market development services that target the entire market value chains; starting from the setting up of political frameworks, to financing, design and installation, through to operation and maintenance of applications. RENAC transfers know-how on solar thermal energy, photovoltaics, CSP, wind power, bioenergy, hydro power, hybrid technologies, grid integration and energy efficiency.
RENAC clients belong to companies, energy agencies, governmental bodies, NGO’s, associations and educational institutes, among others.
350.org is building a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis. Our online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions are led from the bottom up by thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries.
350 means climate safety. To preserve our planet, scientists tell us we must reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere from its current level of 392 parts per million to below 350 ppm. But 350 is more than a number—it’s a symbol of where we need to head as a planet.
350.org works hard to organize in a new way—everywhere at once, using online tools to facilitate strategic offline action. We want to be a laboratory for the best ways to strengthen the climate movement and catalyze transformation around the world.
We operate at a large scale to take on the world’s greatest challenge. In October of 2009 we coordinated 5200 simultaneous rallies and demonstrations in 181 countries, what CNN called the ‘most widespread day of political action in the planet’s history.’ On 10/10/10, we organized a day of climate solutions projects–from solar panel installations to community garden plantings–and changed communities from the bottom up with over 7000 events in 188 countries. And at the end of last year, we coordinated a climate art project so large it had to be photographed from a satellite in outer space.
In 2011, we are building people power in every corner of the planet. With a huge mobilization planned for September and a series of bold campaigns in strategic countries around the world, we’ve got big plans. With the help of millions of people, we’ll create a wave a hard-hitting climate activism all over the world that can lead to real, lasting, large-scale change.
We think we can turn the tide on the climate crisis–but only if we work together. If an international grassroots movement holds our leaders accountable to realities of science and principles of justice, we can realize the solutions that will ensure a better future for all.
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We strive for a just world, working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners.
The Northern Rangelands Trust is a community conservancy membership organisation. Our mission is to develop resilient community conservancies, which transform people’s lives, secure peace and conserve natural resources.
We do this by supporting communities to:
- Develop locally-led governance structures that complement traditional systems
- Run peace and security programmes
- Take the lead in natural resources management
- Manage sustainable businesses linked to conservation
We fundraise for our member conservancies, and provide advice and guidance on management. We support a wide range of training, monitor performance, and work as an independent third party in support of conservancy partnerships with county and national government, investors and development partners.
Geological Survey of Ethiopia (GSE) was set up in 1968 as a Department within the Ministry of Mines (MM), and became the Ethiopian Institute of Geological Surveys(EIGS) in 1984, an autonomous federal government agency accountable to MM.It was recently renamedas GSE in 2000.
The GSE has been generating , collecting and managing geoinformation of the country for the last 4 decades.
Currently the Survey manage, store and process its volumes information using digital systems to satisfy the increasing users’ demand.
VISION To facilitate the utilization of the geoscience data of Ethiopia for developing the country’s mineral resources, so as to contribute as much as possible to its economic growth.
MISSION To carry out geoscientific surveys of Ethiopia so as to produce high quality geodata in a format suitable for easy utilization by end –users, thus enabling rapid development of the mining sector.
GOAL To improve the quality and coverage of the geoscience data of the country.
The GSE is responsible for collecting of basic geoscience information from the whole country and disseminate to all stakeholders. The GSE carries out geological mapping and investigations related to mineral resources, oil and natural gas, hydrogeology and engineering geology. It has well equipped laboratories capable of undertaking geochemical analysis of solid and liquid samples, physical property testing, and petrographic and mineralogical studies.
Plans are in-hand to enhance the capacity of the GSE in order to ensure that they meet the highest international standards and provide an efficient and effective service to potential investors, both foreign and domestic.
Sources of information
Many of the reports and data generated by commercial and Government mineral surveys in Ethiopia can be obtained free of charge from the national Geoscience Information Centre at the GSE or direct from the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Some digital geochemical data and a comprehensive digital mineral deposits database are also available. Geophysical surveys have been flown over most of the greenstone belts. In addition, particularly in the Southern Greenstone Belt, a substantial amount of ground geophysical data is available. Full details of these surveys can be obtained from the Geoscience Data Centre.
Organization Chart
Objective
Generally GSE Carry out geosience mapping activities to produce detail maps and reports used in various undertakings. Evaluate the economic mineral potential of the country by conducting reconnaissance, follow-up and detailed exploration; Provide an assessment of groundwater situation by preparing hydrogeological maps at 1:250,000 and larger scales; Give geotechnical information essential to designs of all types of civil works and investigate natural hazard such as, landslide, slope instabilities and volcanic activities ; Explore for geothermal resources potential of the country; Conduct geophysical surveys ; Identify, analyze and interpret data from geological samples such as mineral, rock, soil, stream sediment, and water etc.; Collect, classify, store, display, publish and disseminate user oriented geoscience data of the country including museum-piece specimens; Carry out core, water well, and geothermal deep well drilling and associated geotechnical works; Provide consultancy service in the areas of hydrogeology and engineering geology etc. to government and non-governmental organizations; and Collect and own information related to earth science studies.
Objectives
- Carry out regional geological and geochemical mapping activities to produce detail maps and reports for use in various undertakings;
- Evaluate the economic mineral potential of the country by conducting reconnaissance, follow-up and detailed exploration;
- Provide an assessment of groundwater situation by preparing hydrogeological maps at 1:250,000 and larger scales;
- Give geothechnical information essential to designs of all types of civil works and investigate natural hazard such as, landslide, slope instabilities and volcanic activities;
- Explore for geothermal resources potential in the country;
- Conduct geophysical surveys;
- Identify, analyze and interpret data from geological samples such as mineral, rock, soil, stream sediment, and water etc;
- Collect, classify, store, display, publish and disseminate user oriented earthscience information of the country including museum-piece specimens;
- Carry out core, water well, and geoghermal deep well drilling and associated geotechnical works;
- Provide consultancy service in the areas of hydrogeology and engineering geology etc. to government and non-governmental organizations;
- Collect and own information related to earth science studies;
BORDA (Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association), founded in 1977, is a civil society expert organization focused on the provision of essential public services.
In 2006, BORDA started operating in Africa through cooperation with TED (Technology for Economic Development), a Lesotho based NGO.
In 2010, the regional BORDA Africa office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania was established. The regional office coordinates the program activities and facilitates a constantly growing partner network within Africa.
In 2017, BORDA opened its latest office in Mali’s capital Bamako.
Our countries of operation — Lesotho, Mali, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia — are characterised by urban migration and rapid urbanisation. In most cases, the infrastructure is unable to keep up with population growth. Local policy-makers and authorities face an enormous challenge: to provide all citizens with adequate sanitation systems. Those living in low-income unplanned communities are particularly affected.
BORDA Africa is specialised in integrated decentralised sanitation solutions in the fields of wastewater, sludge and solid waste management.
Our Services
- Successful implementation of sanitation solutions
- Strengthening local governments, municipalities, and utilities and advising them on sanitation solutions
- Marketable systems and instruments for integrated sanitation solutions in urban areas
- Supported sanitation solutions play an important role in developing holistic solutions for liveable cities
L’Institut Africain de Gestion Urbaine (IAGU) est une ONG internationale créée en 1987 dans le but d’appuyer les municipalités et les autorités des villes de l’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre à renforcer leurs capacités de planification et de gestion pour améliorer la gouvernance locale, l’environnement et lutter contre la pauvreté.
La mission de l’IAGU est d’accompagner les municipalités de l’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre à renforcer leurs capacités de planification et de gestion pour
construire des villes inclusives, prospères et durables.
L’IAGU agit par l’entremise de l’appui technique aux collectivités locales, la diffusion des innovations issues de la recherche et des expérimentations locales, la conduite de missions de prestations de service et de renforcement de capacités. Il exécute son mandat sur la base des demandes formulées et des besoins exprimés par les collectivités locales, les organisations communautaires de base, les agences de coopération et autres acteurs de la gestion urbaine. Il assiste à cet effet en permanence les villes africaines dans l’élaboration, la formulation et la mise en œuvre des stratégies et politiques locales de développement durable.
Il procède par la recherche/action participative, la formation, l’information, l’appui technique et la conduites d’études de faisabilité et sectorielles à travers trois (3) pôles : Planification environnementale, Gestion des Déchets et Agriculture urbaine. Son personnel d’encadrement est constitué de chargés de programme et de chargés de projet qui sont des ingénieurs, des environnementalistes, des géographes-aménagistes, des géomaticiens, des socio-économistes et des sociologues.
L’IAGU est devenu une institution de référence internationale dans les domaines de la planification stratégique environnementale, de la gestion des déchets, du développement durable de l’agriculture urbaine et de la promotion des stratégies d’adaptation aux inondations urbaines. Il conduit des programmes et projets de recherche-action, d’appui technique et de formation sur les problématiques de développement durable des collectivités locales en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre en général, au Sénégal en particulier. Il demeure une organisation professionnelle, performante, reconnue pour son expertise et sa capacité d’innovation dans la formulation des réponses à apporter aux besoins des municipalités et des villes en perpétuelle mutation. Il est accrédité par le Programme des Nations Unies pour l’Environnement (PNUE) et est devenu l’institution d’ancrage de l’UN Habitat en Afrique francophone. L’IAGU travaille aussi en collaboration avec le Centre de Recherches pour le Développement International du Canada (CRDI), le Programme des Nations Unies pour le Développement (PNUD), la Banque Mondiale, Cities Alliance, les agences de coopération bilatérale, les agences gouvernementales, les municipalités ainsi que la plupart des acteurs de la gestion urbaine au Sénégal et dans la sous-région.
In Kiswahili the whale shark is called “papa shillingi”, translating as “shark covered in shillings”. There is a local legend that God was so pleased when he created this beautiful fish, that he gave his angels handfuls of gold and silver coins to throw down from heaven onto its back. So it goes that whale sharks have their magical markings and swim near the surface, catching the sun on their backs, as a way of saying thank you to their maker.
Whale sharks have called Kenyan waters home for many years. Recently, there has been a significant increasewhich is perhaps related to the post El Nino mantis shrimp invasion.
Based on Diani Beach the East African Whale Shark Trust was founded by Volker Bassen in response to the dramatic increase in sightings as well as increased interest from the tourist sector.
The increase in whale sharksalong the Kenyan coast has meant that they have become more of a target. Under international law, whale sharks are only given a secondary type of protection. They are listed under CITES Appendix II meaning that trade in whale sharks is allowed but must be monitored. Although relatively little is known about the biggest fish in the ocean, most specialists will agree that this level of protection is not enough.
The overall aim of many whale shark projects is to raise awareness so that the level of protection afforded to whale shark is increased. The more we know about whale sharks the easier it will be to review the level of protection. The EAWST aims to provide a research centre for collecting and analyzing data on the local whale shark population, its habits and movements. The Trust works closely with other regional organizations because whale sharks are migratory.
EAWST feels that their work to date is just the beginning for whale shark conservation in Kenya. The potential for cutting edge research and conservation initiatives as well as tourism boosters is immense. We are dedicated to raising awareness and protecting the whale shark, and would ask that you help us to continue our work.
The Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) is a groundbreaking environment and climate change fund. Its purpose is to be the engine of green growth in Rwanda, while serving as a touchstone for Africa and the rest of the world. Its strategy is to provide unheralded technical and financial support to the best public and private projects that align with Rwanda’s commitment to a green economy.
Uganda Water and Sanitation NGO Network (UWASNET) is the national umbrella organisation for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the Water and Environment sector. UWASNET is crucial in helping government realise its targets of alleviating poverty and achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through universal access to safe, sustainable water and improved sanitation. UWASNET plays this vital role in partnership with other key sector players such as the Government of Uganda, Development Partners (DP’s) and the private sector.
The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) came into being in 1983 when the Government of Tanzania enacted the National Environment Management Act No. 19 of 1983. NEMC was established with a broad mandate in response to the national need for such an institution to oversee environmental management issues and also implement the resolutions of the Stockholm conference (1972), which called upon all nations to establish and strengthen national environmental Councils to advise governments and the international community on environmental issues.
The enactment of Environmental Management Act No. 20 of 2004 (EMA, 2004) by Parliament in October 2004, repealed the National Environmental Management Act No.19 of 1983 and re-established NEMC. EMA 2004 provides for a legal and institutional framework for sustainable management of the environment, prevention and control pollution, waste management, environmental quality standards, public participation, environmental compliance and enforcement. Furthermore, it gives NEMC mandates to undertake enforcement, compliance , review and monitoring of environmental impacts assessments, research, facilitate public participation in environmental decision-making, raise environmental awareness and collect and disseminate environmental information.
The challenge of integrating Environmental concerns into development processes for sustenance was first realized in the late 1960s and this culminated in the Stockholm Conference on Environment and Development in 1972.
Tanzania responded to this global Environmental Processes by enactment of the NEM- Act 1983, creating an Environmental Council [known as National Environmental Management Council-NEMC] which became operational in 1986; the formulation and approval of the National Environment Policy 1997 and the recent Environmental Management Act (EMA), 2004. Further Tanzania has ratified several of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements
The object and purpose for which NEMC is established is to undertake environmental enforcement, compliance, review and monitor environmental impact statements, research and awareness raising.
- Animal Shelter – Many animals in Kenya suffer from neglect, cruelty and abuse. We run a shelter for animals in need; such as lost animals or victims of cruelty. We provide care and a safe environment until animals are reclaimed or re-homed to carefully vetted new owners.
- Investigations and Rescue – We respond to over 6000 calls per year to give help and advice to owners on pet care.
- Education & Advocacy – We arrange and encourage school visits to the shelter to teach children about the importance of animal welfare.
- Spay/Neuter Campaigns – We feel strongly that overpopulation of cats and dogs should be controlled by sterilization rather than by the killing of healthy animals. The KSPCA conducts spay and neuter campaigns in lower income areas when funds are available.
- Humane Slaughter– KSPCA was instrumental in introducing humane slaughter of livestock to Kenya. After having seen the way animals suffer in abattoirs, we embarked on a humane slaughter programme promoting the use of captive bolt pistols. We import captive bolt pistols and blank ammunition, which are sold to abattoirs at cost price. Our inspectors teach slaughter house staff on proper use of captive bolt pistols and their maintenance.
We are based in Kenya and support startups abd individuals to achieve their sustainable projects.
Wildlife Conservation
Protecting an astounding diversity of species. (Humans included.)
Africa is home to keystone wildlife species that are facing extinction, including the mountain gorilla, Grevy’s zebra, and Ethiopian wolf. To protect populations from further decline, our on-the-ground safeguards involve training rangers and using sniffer dogs to stop wildlife traffickers. Wildlife must survive in their natural habitats, so we empower local communities through conservation-friendly development and work with international agencies to protect Africa’s natural resources.
Critical to protecting these vital ecosystems are people. Sharing land across the continent, local communities and wildlife often live alongside each other, leading to struggles for space and water. If people and wildlife learn to live together — inside and outside of protected areas — the future for all will thrive.
Protecting waterbird populations has been part of Audubon’s mission even before the official establishment of the National Audubon Society. Outrage over the slaughter of millions of waterbirds, particularly egrets and other waders, for the millinery trade led to the foundation, by Harriet Hemenway and Minna B. Hall, of the Massachusetts Audubon Society in 1896. By 1898, state-level Audubon Societies had been established in Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire, Illinois, Maine, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Minnesota, Texas, and California. In 1900, Audubon member Frank M. Chapman launched the first Christmas Bird Count – Audubon’s all-volunteer holiday census of early-winter bird populations – as an alternative to the traditional Christmas “Side Hunt,” in which hunters competed to kill as many birds (and mammals) as possible.
In 1901, state-level Audubon groups joined together in a loose national organization, which helped to establish the first National Wildlife Refuge in the U.S. – Pelican Island, in Florida, in 1903 – and facilitated the hiring of wardens to protect waterbird breeding areas in several states. In 1905, the National Audubon Society was founded, with the protection of gulls, terns, egrets, herons, and other waterbirds high on its conservation priority list.
In 1918, President Wilson signed the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which remains to this day one of the strongest laws protecting wild North American birds. Shortly after the passage of the MBTA, Audubon established its first system of waterbird sanctuaries in seven states along the eastern coast of the U.S., and thus initiated the implementation of large-scale, scientifically-based bird conservation efforts.
The objective of the Society is to generally promote public health, conserve natural resources and protect the environment through the following:
- Ensure that members or organizations working or associated with Waste Management conduct their operations in accordance with good standards of practice and ethics of the Industry.
- Providing expert opinion on waste management to Nigerian public, develop technical guidance and promote competition through the spread of best practice, exchange of knowledge and experience in planning, investigation, collection, treatment, recycling and disposal of all streams of wastes
- Build public consciousness and develop members on Waste Management through industrial training scheme, professional publications, conferences, seminars and exhibitions.
- Promote scientific research and development in matters in or related to waste management with the desired coordination between our country and others.