Toxin in algal blooms sink to ocean floor to poison marine life 
Harmful algae blooms poison marine animals and birds. Researchers at the University of South Carolina in the USA have determined that harmful algae blooms (HABs) often end up on the ocean’s floor, where the neurotoxin domoic acid poisons other species in the marine ecosystem, including sea birds and shellfish. Harmful algal blooms are caused by agricultural runoff containing nitrates and phosphates from chemical fertilizers and livestock production. Although domoic acid easily dissolves in sunlight and seawater, when the HABs bind together and sink, the toxin stays on the ocean floor for weeks, where it is consumed by shellfish, crustaceans or other fish. It has also been linked to seizures in marine mammals such as sea lions.

Our gratitude, University of South Carolina researchers, for alerting us to this additional human-caused threat to the marine ecosystem. May we be inspired toward avoiding the consumption of our marine co-inhabitants as we also work to restore the environmental balance in which they can thrive.

In a videoconference for the Heart-Touch Tour of the Supreme Master Ching Hai: Eden on Earth Arts Gallery Exhibition, Supreme Master Ching Hai called on all people to be better stewards of the Earth for the protection of our marine co-inhabitants.

BM Builds A Better Water Filter
IBM partners to bring advanced water purification. In a joint effort with Central Glass of Japan, the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, and the University of Texas at Austin, USA, US-based computer company International Business Machines (IBM) has developed an innovative filtration system that creates safe drinking water from previously unusable sources. With presently only 2 percent of the world’s water supply suitable for drinking, this new technology, which removes toxins, salts and other impurities, could be a promising step toward ensuring sufficient access to fresh water for people around the globe.

What a practical green development, International Business Machines and international collaborating agencies, especially this time of global urgency and reduced water availability. We wish much life-enhancing success to this new technology while we also take other steps to conserve this precious resource.

Federal judge says no to modified crops on U.S. refuge land By Bill Lambrecht
Genetically modified farming at wildlife refuge ended. A US federal court judge ruled in favor of a group of concerned organizations to stop the growth of genetically modified soy and corn at the 4000 hectare Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in the east coast state of Delaware. The suit was brought by the Delaware Audubon Society, the Center for Food Safety and the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, who said that farming within wildlife refuges interferes with the protection of the biodiversity. Moreover, scientists have warned of the adverse effect of genetically engineered crops on birds, aquatic animals, and other wildlife.

We are gladdened to know of this noble decision and our hats off to all the groups who worked to preserve this nature space. Blessed be our world to flourish in the myriad natural creations of the Divine.

China, Japan launch forest project to protect north China's coastal environment
China and Japan partner on forest protection. Japan’s Greening Association, with funds donated by both China and the Sino-Japanese Communication Fund, is assisting the China Greening Foundation in planting 200,000 trees across 200 acres in Tianjin, north China’s largest port city. The new 200-meter-wide, 10 kilometer-long greenbelt is designed to protect the coastal environment and is planned for completion within three years.

Our sincere green thanks, Japan Greening Association, Sino-Japanese Communication Fund and China Greening Foundation for your efforts to conserve the Tianjin coastal area. May your efforts bring flourishing results to protect and beautify the land.