Here’s a roundup of some of the stories that have captured Life & Soul Magazine’s attention this week:

1. Wales appoints UK’s first wildlife and rural crime coordinator – The new post is important in co-ordinating the wildlife and rural work of the police and key partner agencies to reduce crime and its impact on rural communities across Wales, according to Powys County Times.

2. Kenya’s first national wildlife census – Kenya Wildlife Service is expected to complete its first ever wildlife census this month. The census began in May, with rangers, researchers and community members counting animals on land and from helicopters. It focuses on counting rare species, such as the pangolin, in order better understand population sizes and their distribution, to identify threats to animals and suggest conservation strategies.

3. How your seaweed-filled beach pics could help monitor climate change – Planning a trip to the beach? If you are holidaying in the UK, remember to cast a keen eye over the seaweed lying around. What you see could help monitor the impact of climate change on marine life, New Scientist writes.

4. Vertical farming method to produce British strawberries ‘nine months a year’ – British strawberries could be on supermarket shelves nine months of the year using a new vertical-growing technique that is also better for the environment. The system, which is being pioneered by a fruit-grower in Arundel, West Sussex, uses 50% less water and has a 90% lower carbon footprint but has yields five times higher than normal production methods, according to PA Media. 

5. Sustainable travel in demand – A Booking.com study has found the Covid-19 pandemic has been the tipping point for travellers to finally commit to sustainable journeys, with 87% of Thai travellers believing people have to act now to save the planet for future generations, Bangkok Times writes. 

6. Flor de Caña and bars to reduce 9 tons of food waste through sustainable cocktails – Flor de Caña, a carbon neutral and sustainably produced premium rum, has launched a global initiative called “Zero Waste Month” that invites eco-conscious bars, restaurants and consumers around the world to join forces to reduce food waste, one sustainable cocktail at a time. 

7. How this startup is upcycling discarded coconut shells into trendy, sustainable lifestyle products – Maria Kuriakose, founder of sustainable lifestyle startup Thenga speaks to SocialStory about how she is trying to promote sustainable living while providing livelihoods to artisans.

Image Credit: Flor de Caña

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living.