23 ° C
Profile

Month: March 2020

Large-scale disinfection efforts against Covid-19

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/03/2020

The Principality has now embarked on a major sanitization programme, disinfecting sidewalks, train station platforms, public elevators and escalators.
The government has again stepped up measures to protect people in Monaco, this time targeting the most used public spaces.
“It is important that we commit all of our teams and all of our resources to reduce the risk of contamination of Monegasques, residents and employees,” said Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Minister of Equipment, Environment and Town Planning.
Since 5am Monday 23rd March, the Société Monégasque d’Assainissement (SMA) has been disinfecting sidewalks, station platforms, elevators and escalators with a biodegradable bactericide with the scent of forest pines. There will be around 30 SMA officers in operation seven days a week.
For sidewalk disinfection, regular street cleaning trucks are equipped with three rods distributing the disinfectant.
For the disinfection of elevators and escalators, teams are provided with the necessary equipment to manually disinfect elevator buttons, as well as escalator and elevator handrails.
 
Photo: ©DR
 
 

Sunda Pangolin gets a break from extinction

by: Kat Pirelli-Zucchetta
23/03/2020

Pangolins have recently received a lot of attention due to the recent pandemic of Covid-19. It is speculated that the new coronavirus incubated in bats and was transmitted to humans through endangered pangolins.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
The current global health crisis is believed to have begun in a wildlife market or wet market in the province of Wuhan, China, the same as the SARS virus. However, the SARS virus was transmitted to humans through another animal called a Civet.
Conservationists in Asia and Africa have been combining efforts to save the dwindling species of Pangolin. Not much is known about Pangolins, but in this interview with scientific research expert Benoit Goossens of Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia, we will get a glimpse of this gentle species and why it is now in the limelight of protection.
Danau Girang Field Center (DGFC) is located on the Island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. It is situated in an ideal location rich in biodiversity in the rainforest of the lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. DGFC is a research and training facility managed by the Sabah Wildlife Department and Cardiff University of the United Kingdom.

Shy and vulnerable

Pangolins are a very elusive and unique mammal. They are a gentle and shy species and when threatened they simply roll into a ball protecting themselves with their full armour of scales. Unfortunately for them this does not protect them from humans and actually makes them quite easy to be scooped up by poachers. Young pangolins will stay with their mothers for several months riding on their backs while learning survival skills. As an adult they live solitary lives and have a life expectancy of up to 20 years, however the exact age is unknown in the wild. They are often called a scaly ant eater as their diet consists of ants and termites. They also play an important part of our ecosystem by keeping the ant and termite population balanced.

Katerina Pirelli-Zucchetta and Dr. Benoit Goossens

Katerina: Tell me about yourself and how you arrived at DGFC in Sabah, Borneo?
Dr. Benoit Goossens: I’m a Belgian citizen who left when I was 18 years old. I studied in France (Grenoble), and got a PhD in Ecology in 1998 from University Joseph Fourier in Grenoble. Then I moved to London where I started a post-doc at the Institute of Zoology of the Zoological Society of London, working on mating systems and conservation genetics of the Sumatran orangutan. After a year I moved to Cardiff University. I started working in Sabah in 2000, running a project on the conservation genetics of the Bornean orangutan in the Kinabatangan from 2000 to 2003, then after a couple of years spent in Gabon and in France, I moved back to Sabah to work on the conservation genetics of the Bornean elephant, from 2005 to 2008. This is when I started setting up DGFC (2007). I opened the doors of DGFC in July 2008. I got married to a Mexican woman and my son, eight-years-old, was born here in Sabah.
After spending some time in Sabah, I can certainly understand how your passion grew for this amazing island with its vast diversity of life.  It’s truly a never-ending paradise of discovery for a research facility. 
The Pangolin has grabbed news headlines lately due to its connection to the recent coronavirus, Covid-19. What can you tell us about this and do you think it will have a significant effect on the future of the eight pangolin species?
I don’t know how accurate those results coming from China are, but if this is true, it might have an effect on wildlife trade in general and on pangolin trade in particular. Right now, there is a temporary ban on wildlife animal trade, but for how long? Even if the trafficking can be decreased during this pandemic, as soon as it is sorted it is very likely that China will lift the ban on wildlife markets and business as usual will restart, as it did in 2003 after the SARS outbreak.  The ban was lifted just six months after it started.
© Danau Girang Field Center/DGFC

The Pangolin is the most trafficked mammal on the planet, other than humans, accounting for 20% of all illegal wildlife trade. Why is there such a large market for these animals?   
Yes, all eight species of pangolins (four in Africa, four in Asia) are the most trafficked animals on the world. Their scales are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and their meat is consumed in restaurants. Most of the trafficked pangolins are destined to China.
Of the eight pangolin species, six are either endangered or critically endangered while two are considered vulnerable to extinction. As the director of DGFC, what is your primary focus with regards to conservation and the now endangered Sunda pangolins found in Borneo?
My primary focus is to train the future generation of Malaysian conservationists. One was Nurzhafarina Othman who did her PhD with me on the Bornean elephant and she is now running her own NGO, Seratu Aatai, focusing on human-elephant conflicts. Another PhD student, Elisa Panjang, is passionate about pangolins and she is currently doing her PhD with me on the species. She will become the Ambassador for Sunda pangolin in Sabah. I’m also involved in policy work and, together with Elisa, I was instrumental in getting the Sunda pangolin upgraded to Schedule 1 of Totally Protected Species under the Sabah Wildlife Enactment 1997.
What has the Sabah Wildlife department and DGFC been doing to protect the pangolins in the last 10 years?
DGFC is doing a lot of capacity building and is responsible for the training of Elisa Panjang to become the expert on Sunda pangolin. SWD has upgraded the Sunda pangolin to Schedule 1 of Totally Protected Species under the Sabah Wildlife Enactment 1997. DGFC is supporting the Sabah Forestry Department in increasing the size of their enforcement unit, PROTECT. DGFC is also supporting the Sabah Wildlife Department with the setting up of an intelligence and forensic unit, and for that we have secured funding from the US government.
© Danau Girang Field Center/DGFC

When was the largest amount of illegally seized pangolins?
I believe that the biggest seizure of pangolin parts in Sabah was in February 2019, with 29.8 tons of pangolins. The haul included about 1,800 boxes full of frozen pangolins stuffed inside three refrigerated containers, 572 more frozen pangolins in six freezers, 61 live pangolins in cages and in a car boot and 361kg of pangolin scales.
How dangerous is the wildlife trade in Borneo?
Wildlife trade can drive species to extinction, especially if it is combined with habitat loss and fragmentation. It is also usually linked to other crimes such as drug trafficking and human trafficking.
How many Sunda pangolins are left alive in Borneo?
We have no idea about the population size of the Sunda pangolin in Sabah, and even less in Borneo. The species is extremely elusive and the only way to estimate population size would be to carry out a state-wide camera trap survey that would be extremely costly. What we do know is that the detection rate is very slow and that they can be found almost everywhere (including close to human settlements).
What can we do to help the species?
Increase awareness on the plight of the species. Report any trafficking, selling, consumption of pangolins to the wildlife authorities.
 

Awareness at an all-time high

Never in history has there been a pandemic involving this many lives. It is evident that illegal activity occurs in wildlife trafficking which trickles down to wildlife markets – a breeding ground for disease – as well as social media platforms. Considering this developing news, it’s time we stand up and rethink our values of life and what positive changes we can make for the future of our planet. Whether your concerns are with human life, animal life, ethical or ecological reasons, or preservation of our planet, now is the time to support change for the ethical treatment of human and animal life. Let this crisis lead us to creative innovations and positive changes.
 
Contact :  goossensbr@cardiff.ac.uk
For donations : www.justgiving.com
For more information : www.dgfc.life
 
 
Top photo: © Scuba Zoo
 
[/ihc-hide-content]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Taxis offer support during crisis

by: Stephanie Horsman
23/03/2020

Monaco’s taxis are offering free transport to people receiving government assistance and in need of medical treatment.

Monaco taxis are uniting during this lockdown period to help the most vulnerable in the community, such as the elderly, get to and from necessary doctor appointments without requiring them to pay.

Of course, the official government line is that those who are most at risk should stay indoors and have supplies and services come to them, but the Monaco taxi association understands this is not always practical. After a period of discussion with the Town Hall, the taxi drivers were given the green light to undertake their initiative.

Roughly 15 of the 95 taxis in the Principality are currently operational. Though the rest are in confinement, they are still willing to help if it is required of them. Most taxis will be equipped with “health kits” to ensure the virus does not spread between passengers. If the taxi has not yet received their kit, the mandatory health rules will be strictly enforced with disinfectant wipe downs after each fare.  

 
 

Prince sanctions curfew on Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/03/2020

A curfew of 10pm is now being enforced in Monaco, and those caught breaking the rules will be hit with a 200€ fine.
Prince Albert has ordered Monaco to follow the lead of the Alpes Maritimes and impose a curfew across the Principality.
The Monaco Government made the announcement on Sunday afternoon to take effect at 10pm that same night. The curfew will be in place until 5am the following day.
It means that authorised day trips – including food shopping and exercise – will no longer be allowed between these hours until further notice.
Shops have been told that they are not allowed to accept customers after 9.30pm.
The restrictions will not apply to people undertaking ‘essential’ tasks, such as care and assistance personnel, those working in security or those looking after a person in need.
People caught breaking the curfew will be issued a fine of 200€.
 
 

Parks, beaches now out of bounds

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/03/2020

The government has banned people from accessing coastal areas, public parks and gardens throughout Monaco as it ramps up lockdown measures. The order was made on Friday 20th March and took effect immediately.
Beaches that are now closed to the public are:

  • The breakwater around the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club
  • The Méridien Beach Plaza private beach
  • The entire Larvotto Cove
  • The Portier Cove
  • The dykes of Port Hercule including the Lucciana pier, the Rainier-III quay and the Stefano-Casiraghi promenade
  • The Pêcheurs beach and path
  • The entire eastern bank of Fontvieille
  • The western bank of Fontvieille that is part of Monaco

“For reasons of health precautions, knowing that the Covid-19 virus remains active for several hours on inert surfaces, the Prince’s Government has also decided to close access to public parks and gardens as well as the use of children’s play areas until further notice.”
The government reminds citizens that – in addition to essential business trips which cannot be postponed – only individual trips (not in groups), brief and close to the home, are authorised and for the following sole reasons:

  • To purchase supplies necessary for professional activity and purchases of basic necessities in establishments and local shops authorised to welcome the public;
  • For health reasons;
  • For compelling family reasons, for assistance to vulnerable persons or childcare;
  • For the individual physical activity of people, excluding any collective sports practice, and for the needs of pets.

“The government urges all residents to respect the provisions, the only effective way to break the chain of transmission of the virus. Everyone is responsible for everyone’s safety.”
 
 

Monaco boosts recovery package

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/03/2020

The Prince’s Government has presented additional economic support measures to the National Council for approval, saying it is listening to Monaco’s business people amid an unprecedented health crisis for which the end date remains uncertain.
“All the measures that are being taken, which are essential for health, will have an economic impact,” said the government on Friday 20th March. “There are rules to follow to stop the pandemic, a treatment, and one day, a phase of recovery.”
It announced the following economic measures:

Protecting treasury

The government is extending the length of time that social security payments can be postponed, as well as the use of partial or temporary total unemployment.
For example, it was decided last week to delay the payment of VAT collected by companies for two months. This postponement is now increased to three months. Declarations will still need to be made, however.

Extension of 0% bonus system

Monaco-based companies that finance an investment with a bank loan can currently apply for an interest subsidy.
This subsidy consists of a reduced interest rate charged by the bank, over the entire duration of the loan. The loan subsidy system will now be reduced to zero.
This means that an entrepreneur, tradesman, craftsman, etc., who asks their bank for a treasury loan or a bank overdraft will benefit from a zero interest rate. If the bank enforces an interest rate, it will be paid by the State.

Creation of a €50 million loan guarantee fund

This fund, the amount of which can be revised as conditions change, is intended to support the development of economic activities in the Principality. The guarantee share, currently set at 65%, rises to 100%.
This also means that an entrepreneur, tradesman, craftsman, etc., who would not be able to repay a loan would see the State reimburse the loan for them. The guarantee fund, to date, has been shared equally by credit institutions and the State. Now, the State is taking full responsibility.

Ensure minimum income

Recognising that the situation is particularly delicate for the self-employed, the Prince’s Government is exploring the implementation of an extraordinary minimum income for a slightly higher amount than the Monegasque minimum wage.

Commercial rents

The government has decided, in an exceptional measure, that business people will be exempt from paying rent and charges for the entire 2nd quarter of 2020 for government-owned premises. It is a cancelation of rent not a postponement. For those who paid rent in March, the rent will be refunded.
Office or industrial activities that do continue, even in a reduced mode, will experience a negative impact on activity and turnover, says the government, so it is examining a procedure with OECM which will allow it to also offer assistance accordingly.
Meanwhile, the government has decided, in anticipation of the National Council’s vote of Bill No. 1003 on the exercise of professional activity by Monegasques and their spouses in a state-owned premises, that they will be exempt from payment for 2020. Those who have already partially paid will be reimbursed and those who are liable to date will be exempt.
The government also asks private owners to adjust and/or spread out the payments due by their tenants. “An owner whose tenants are in trouble can, and must, make an effort. A landlord whose tenant is bankrupt will face their responsibilities. It would be unfortunate if the government had to go further, and propose to the National Council to legislate, but nothing should be ruled out.”

Looking to the future

“The Prince’s Government understands that the funding of all these measures will impact the balance of public finances,” it said. “As provided for in the Constitution, the Constitutional Reserve Fund will have to make up for this expected deficit, the first in eight years, due to both the foreseeable drop in revenues and the increase in certain temporary and exceptional expenses.
This is precisely what a Reserve Fund must be used for, to cope financially with the unexpected, without raising taxes, without issuing debt, while preserving the Monegasque economic and social model and the country’s ability to rebound and to invest for the future.”