Lord Howe Island: Protecting One of the World’s Most Unique Ecosystems

Iruni Kalupahana Jadetimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Australia

---

Image Source: Nathan Dyer 

Introduction

Lord Howe Island Group, a world renowned volcanic oceanic island chain, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and endemic species. Located in the Tasman Sea, around 570 kilometers off Port Macquarie's east coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has the world's southernmost coral reef and supports a significant proportion of endemic and threatened species.

Biodiversity and Endemic Species

The island chain is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else. Amongst the most stunning species are the flightless Lord Howe Woodhen (Gallirallus sylvestris), considered one of the world's most threatened birds in the past, and the Lord Howe Island Phasmid (Dryococelus australis), the world's largest stick insect, rediscovered on Balls Pyramid after being extinct. The location also provides key breeding habitat for seabird colonies, including the Providence Petrel and Red tailed Tropicbird.

Geological and Ecological Importance

Formed from submarine volcanic material, the Lord Howe Island Group represents nearly the entire phase of the shield volcano's erosion. Its sensational scenery is composed of steep mountain sides, a hilly surrounded lagoon, and Balls Pyramid, an astonishing rock face abruptly rising out of the sea. The area is ecologically unique in that it represents a boundary zone between algal and coral reef ecosystems, with species at their ecological limits co-existing in a mixed assemblage of temperate and tropical ecosystems.

Management Efforts

Approximately 75% of the land surface is a Permanent Park Preserve, ensuring protection of its ecosystems. The Lord Howe Island Board, assisted by national and state government authorities, has stringent conservation measures, including the reintroduction of native habitats and eradication of feral pests such as pigs, cats, and goats. Development and tourism are also controlled to prevent damage to the World Heritage values of the island under laws contained in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Future Conservation

Despite rigorous conservation efforts, the island is still under threat from climate change, invasive species, and tourism. Visitor numbers are controlled to protect the fragile environment, and introduced rodent control programs and invasive vegetation establishment prevention programs exist. Continued monitoring and adaptive management techniques will be crucial in preserving the ecological integrity of this outstanding collection of islands for future generations.

Discover the Charm of the Ring of Kerry

Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe

---

Image Source: Chris Hill Photographic

Introduction

The Ring of Kerry (Irish: Morchuaird Chiarraí) is a breathtaking 179 kilometer scenic circular drive in County Kerry, Ireland's southwest. It is one of the most frequented Irish scenic drives and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The route showcases the Iveragh Peninsula's natural beauty and historic wealth, offering a diverse mix of lush green hills, sparkling lakes, rugged mountains, and pristine beaches. It begins and ends in Killarney, making its way through quaint towns and villages such as Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and Glenbeigh. The Ring of Kerry is not just a visual feast; it is also a journey through Ireland's history, with ancient stone forts, castles, and early Christian ruins scattered along the way.

Top Attractions

The Ring of Kerry has numerous must-visit attractions. Muckross House and Gardens, a 19th century mansion within Killarney National Park, offers an insight into Ireland's aristocratic past. Ross Castle, a 15th century castle on the banks of Lough Leane, is another gem of history. The panoramic Ladies View, named after Queen Victoria's ladies in waiting, offers one of Ireland's most famous views. The Torc Waterfall, within the lush woodland, is a favorite haunt with nature lovers. These feature Staigue Stone Fort, a good early medieval ring fort, and Derrynane House, the former home of Irish political leader Daniel O'Connell. Offshore, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skellig Michael is famous for its early monastic settlement and more recently for being featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

The Ring of Kerry on Foot or by Bike

Aside from driving, the Ring of Kerry can also be explored on well-established walking and cycling routes. The Kerry Way is a 214 kilometer long distance walking route that roughly follows the scenic drive route, providing walkers with a closer experience of the region's dramatic landscape. Cyclists can take advantage of the Ring of Kerry cycle route, which utilizes quieter roads where they are available and includes a scenic detour around Valentia Island, which has the world's oldest known fossilized footprints. The island was also an important location in the history of telecommunications as the landing point for the first transatlantic cable connection between Europe and North America in 1866. On foot or by bicycle, the stunning scenery and fresh Kerry air combine for an unforgettable experience.

Travel Tips

As a very popular tourist destination, the Ring of Kerry is crowded with visitors, particularly in summer. Sightseeing buses travel counterclockwise, starting in Killorglin, so independent travelers are best going clockwise to avoid congestion. Some variations of the route, such as visits to St. Finian's Bay, the Skellig Ring, or Valentia Island, provide additional opportunities to find hidden gems. The Dingle Peninsula, nearby, provides a coastal landscape of similar beauty and is an excellent choice for those wishing to extend their outing. For others who enjoy guided tours, numerous bus tours offer day trips around the Ring with commentary and convenient access to the main sites.

A Journey Through Ireland's Natural Wonder

The Ring of Kerry is more than a scenic drive, it is a journey through Ireland's natural beauty, history, and culture. From the heights of the Gap of Dunloe to Rossbeigh Strand's golden sands and Kerry's dramatic shoreline cliffs, every part of this route has its own unique appeal. The area is home to a profusion of wildlife, including red deer, otters, and a variety of seabirds. Whether overnighting or on a more leisurely tour, the Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland's most beautiful and popular travel destinations, leaving lasting memories for those who see its beauty.

How Could MCAS Rules Influence Current and Former Students Across Massachusetts?

Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes Contributor

W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering America News

---

Image Source: ABC6

Dighton, Massachusetts – For the first time in over two decades, high school students in Massachusetts would no longer pass the standardized test to graduates. Residents voted yes to remove the MCAS exam requirement in November 2024.

Dighton-Rehoboth Superintendent Bill Runey explained to ABC6 that he condicted the matter.

“I understand the logic of it,” Runey said. “I was hoping that it would remain as one of the competency determinations for graduation, because if something is optional for students, they don’t always take it as seriously.”

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam became a graduation requirement in 2003. Recently passing this form of standardized test would be no longer required to graduate. Runey explained that former students are now eligible to get their diplomas.

“Anyone from 2003 to 2024 who did not get their high school diploma because of their MCAS requirement, they can reach out to us,” said Runey. “We will gladly do an audit of their transcript.”

Runey explained if those students passed the local curriculum they needed to with the expectation of MCAS, Dighton–Rehoboth would provide them diplomas. The school committee would convene several times over the following couple of weeks before the policy allowing the diplomas to be addressed is now approved. 

“The discussions at the policy subcommittee have been positive thus far, so I’m very confident that it’s going to pass,” Runey said.

As for how the change would influence current students, the superintendent reported that there were discussions about the curriculum. Runey notified that many teachers addressed to him that the MCAS requirement constrained them.

“They were limited by the information that they had to make sure they were preparing the students for,” said Runey. “Sometimes that handcuffed their creativity in the classroom. I think what we’re gonna see as an eventual aspect of this new mindset is that the creativity of our teachers in those MCAS subjects is going to expand.”

The problem is continuous substance, according to Runey, who asked leaders around Massachusetts to talk about the appropriate practices above this upcoming graduation season.