[sizeofwales]

Welsh schools host mock climate conference

The United Nations came to Cardiff on Friday when students from across Wales took part in MockCOP – Beyond Marrakesh, a mock United Nations conference on climate change. Students travelled from far and wide, including from Wrexham, Aberystwyth and Pembrokeshire to join the debate and represent countries such as Brazil, USA, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.

The conference, run annually by Size of Wales in partnership with Welsh Centre for International Affairs, gives young people an opportunity to discuss the issue of climate change from the perspective of world leaders. Topics discussed ranged from clean energy, protecting rainforests, disaster management and how to finance these.

“The conference encourages young people to be more engaged with climate change and political issues” said Janie Pridham, Education Officer at Size of Wales. “It also helps them develop understanding of other nations and cultures and to consider the responsibility of Wales, both locally and globally”

“The standard of debate was extremely high this year,” she continued “It was wonderful to see the students take on their roles in such a realistic way. Some delegates were quoting Trump and there was even a smear campaign between countries!”

The aim of the day was for delegates to agree an international resolution on the issue of climate change, similar to the UN climate change COP22 talks that were held in Marrakesh in November.

This year Sophie Howe, the Future Generations Commissioner, joined the event, acting as the secretary general and presiding over teams of 3 pupils representing 20 countries and organisations.

“The bright, engaged young people I met today not only understand the critical point we have reached in terms of tackling climate change but understand that it is they who will be experiencing the positive or negative impact of our actions today.” the Commissioner said.

“If we continue to give them a voice and an opportunity to influence, it gives me hope that there is a better future for everyone in Wales and that we will be a nation that makes a positive contribution to global well-being.”

Size of Wales is a unique initiative which is helping to protect an area of rainforest twice the size of Wales as part of a national response to climate change. MockCOP is a highlight in its education programme, which also offers free workshops and assemblies to schools across Wales.

The event was kindly sponsored by Jenny Rathbone AM.

[sizeofwales]

A tree for Christmas

Cymraeg isod

Christmas is nearly here and you’ve probably already decked your halls. Whether you like baubles, fairy lights or are tinsel-tastic, the centerpiece of most homes is the Christmas tree.

This year, as well as your beautiful Christmas tree at home why not get another tree for Christmas? No, not a second one for your house, (that would be silly!) but a tree that can make a difference to somebody’s life this Christmas.

A tree in Uganda, can mean fruit, better health, increased income. It can mean better harvests for a farmer. It can mean soil stability and fewer devastating landslides. It can mean tackling climate change.

And you can plant this tree for just £3. What is £3 during the festive period? £3 can help someone in need and improve a life this Christmas.

Give a tree for Christmas

P.S. Tell you friends to get one too, or why not give a tree on their behalf as a gift?

Coeden ar gyfer y Nadolig

Mae’r Nadolig ar y ffordd a dwi’n siŵr rydych chi wedi addurno’r tŷ. Beth bynnag sy’n mynd â’ch bryd, addurniadau, goleuadau bach neu dinsel, canolbwynt y rhan fwyaf o gartrefi yw’r goeden Nadolig.

Eleni, yn ogystal â’r goeden Nadolig brydferth yn eich cartref, beth am gael coeden arall ar gyfer y Nadolig? Na, nid ail goeden ar gyfer eich tŷ (byddai hynny’n wirion!) ond coeden a all wneud gwahaniaeth i fywyd rhywun y Nadolig hwn.

Gall coeden yn Uganda olygu ffrwythau, gwell iechyd, a chynyddu incwm. Gall olygu cynaeafau gwell i ffermwr. Gall olygu pridd mwy sefydlog a llai o dirlithriadau dinistriol. Gall olygu brwydro yn erbyn newid hinsawdd.

Ac fe allwch blannu’r goeden hon am £3 yn unig. Beth yw £3 yn ystod cyfnod y Nadolig? Gall £3 helpu rhywun mewn angen a gwella’u bywyd y Nadolig hwn.

Rhowch goeden ar gyfer y Nadolig

[sizeofwales]

Wales went a brilliant shade of Green!

Cymraeg isod

It’s been 2 months since Go Green Day, and we’re just about seeing life in normal colours again.

Wales was awash with green on Friday 14 October as people, schools and businesses across the country celebrated #GoGreenDay, all with the aim of helping to tackle climate change by protecting an area of rainforest twice the size of Wales!

Go Green Day has so far raised over £5,000, with more coming in every day. Every penny is doubled by Size of Wales meaning over £10,000 will be going straight to our forest projects in Africa and South America.

We were overwhelmed by the support. The day started and finished with a major Welsh landmarks going green. The Principality Stadium kicked off the day by revealing its new green pitch, while the Wales Millennium Stadium finished in style with a green light show.

Loads of schools across Wales joined in and dressed in green, including Ysgol Carreg Emlyn in Ruthin who were also visited by their regional Assembly Member Llyr Gruffydd. Other inventive activities included collecting pennies in the shape of Wales and trees at Abbey Primary in Neath, and holding raffles with rainforest hamper prizes at Ysgol Penalltau in Caerphilly.

This year Size of Wales worked in partnership with Cynnal Cymru/Sustain Wales to get businesses across Wales involved with our annual green day. We were again thrilled with the support.

Many organisations signed up as Go Green Champions and had a full day of fun and fundraising in their workplaces, including Melin Homes, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Newport City Homes. Bake sales were a popular choice too with our friends WWF Cymru and Cardiff University Bute building – both raising over £100 from their cakes, brilliant!

There was also a special Go Green Day prize at the Sustain Wales Awards this year. This was won by Minuteman Press who designed and printed an original, rainforest themed colouring book to sell.

Go Green Day 2016 was brilliant and we were truly thrilled by all the support. Bring on 2017!

Did you go Green? Let us know what you got up to & send your photos and any donations to us: [email protected], gogreenday.sizeofwales.org.uk

 Cymru’n troi’n wyrdd! 

Mae dros 2 fis wedi mynd heibio ers ein Diwrnod Gwyrdd, ac mae’r byd wedi dychwelyd i’w liwiau arferol eto fwy neu lai.

Trodd Cymru’n wyrdd ar ddydd Gwener 14 Hydref wrth i bobl, ysgolion a busnesau ledled y wlad ddathlu #Diwrnod Gwyrdd, oll gyda’r nod o helpu i fynd i’r afael â newid hinsawdd drwy ddiogelu ardal o goedwig law ddwywaith maint Cymru!

Hyd yn hyn mae’r Diwrnod Gwyrdd wedi codi dros £5,000, ac mae mwy o roddion yn dod i law bob dydd. Mae pob ceiniog yn cael ei dyblu gan Maint Cymru, sy’n golygu y bydd £10,000 yn mynd yn uniongyrchol i’n prosiectau coedwigol yn Affrica a De America.

Roeddem wrth ein bodd gyda’r holl gefnogaeth. Dechreuodd a gorffennodd y diwrnod gyda thirnodau Cymreig o bwys yn troi’n wyrdd. I agor y diwrnod dangosodd Stadiwm y Principality ei gae gwyrdd newydd, ac fe ddaeth y diwrnod i ben mewn steil gyda sioe oleuadau werdd yn Stadiwm y Mileniwm.

Ymunodd llu o ysgolion ledled Cymru yn yr hwyl drwy wisgo dillad gwyrdd, yn cynnwys Ysgol Carreg Emlyn yn Rhuthun, a dderbyniodd ymweliad hefyd gan yr Aelod Cynulliad rhanbarthol, Llŷr Gruffydd. Roedd y gweithgareddau dyfeisgar eraill yn cynnwys casglu ceiniogau yn siâp Cymru a choed fel y gwnaeth Ysgol Gynradd Abbey yng Nghastell Nedd, a chynnal rafflau i ennill basgedi o nwyddau ar thema’r coedwigoedd glaw, fel y gwnaeth Ysgol Penalltau yng Nghaerffili.

Eleni gweithiodd Maint Cymru mewn partneriaeth â Cynnal Cymru i gael busnesau ledled Cymru i gymryd rhan yn ein diwrnod gwyrdd blynyddol. Unwaith eto roeddem wrth ein bodd â’r gefnogaeth.  

Cytunodd llawer o sefydliadau i fod yn Bencampwyr Diwrnod Gwyrdd gan gynnal diwrnod llawn  hwyl i godi arian yn eu gweithleoedd, yn cynnwys Melin Homes, Prifysgol Fetropolitan Caerdydd a Newport City Homes. Roedd digwyddiadau gwerthu cacennau hefyd yn ddewis poblogaidd gyda’n ffrindiau WWF Cymru a adeilad Bute Prifysgol Caerdydd – llwyddodd y ddau ohonynt i godi dros £100 drwy werthu’u cacennau. Ardderchog!

Yn ogystal â hyn roedd gwobr arbennig ar gael at noson Wobrwyo Cynnal Cymru eleni. Yr enillydd oedd Gwasg Minuteman a wnaeth ddylunio ac argraffu llyfr lliwio gwreiddiol i’w werthu ar thema’r coedwigoedd glaw.

Roedd Diwrnod Gwyrdd 2016 yn gwych, ac roeddem ar ben ein digon o weld yr holl gefnogaeth. Edrychwn ymlaen at 2017!

A wnaethoch chi droi’n Wyrdd? Gadewch i ni wybod beth y buoch yn ei wneud - gallwch anfon eich lluniau ac unrhyw gyfraniadau i: [email protected] gogreenday.sizeofwales.org.uk

[sizeofwales]

Supporting Gorilla’s in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Cymraeg isod

Thalia Liokatis, Programme Coordinator for the Democratic Republic of the Congo for Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is stepping up to the challenges of protecting the world’s largest gorilla. This vital work is being enabled by the support of Size of Wales. Here she tells us more about it:

The Grauer’s gorilla is the world’s largest living primate, but despite its size it is still incredibly vulnerable. Also known as the eastern lowland gorilla, population numbers have dropped by 77% from 17,000 to around 3,800 over the last 15 years. FFI and the Wildlife Conservation Society have collaborated to make the case for the species being officially re-categorised as ‘Critically Endangered’ by IUCN – signifying the severity of the situation.

Since conducting surveys of the area from 2012 to 2015, FFI has been supporting community reserves through the recruiting, training and equipping of village rangers. In addition a monthly patrol program has been put in place to monitor the areas of the reserves where Grauer’s gorillas are present.

These patrols provide consistent population monitoring and help prevent illegal activities. Examples of these include the identification and subsequent removal of snare traps, and spotting illegal mining and hunting camps.

FFI is also working to engage whole communities in the conservation process. Through a combination of education, establishing sustainable livelihoods in the area and provision of fuel efficient stoves we aim to reduce human impacts on the forest.

All of these elements combined should make it possible to establish long term, sustainable change for the better, and help preserve the future of Grauer’s gorillas in the forests of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

It would be a dream to be able to bring my sons to see these magnificent creatures one day, and for them to be able to look into their eyes and see the same curiosity, interest and intelligence reflected there.

Nestor Mayala, Manager of Regomuki Community Reserve says, ‘The support given to us allows us to continue the work to identify vital gorilla areas in the reserve and protect them. ’

Size of Wales has made a real difference by offering to match £21,000 of funding to the program. This opportunity has enabled FFI to leverage additional funds which can help make a significant difference to its work. For more information about FFI’s work please visit www.supportgorillas.org.

 Cefnogi Gorila yng Ngweriniaeth Ddemocrataidd y Congo

Mae Thalia Liokatis, Cydlynydd Rhaglen ar gyfer Gweriniaeth Ddemocrataidd y Congo ar gyfer Fauna & Flora International (FFI) yn mynd i’r afael â’r her o ddiogelu gorila mwyaf y byd. Mae’r gwaith hanfodol hwn yn bosibl diolch i gefnogaeth Maint Cymru. Dyma hi yn ddweud mwy wrthym am y prosiect:

Gorila Grauer yw’r primat mwyaf yn y byd, ond er gwaethaf ei faint mae’r rhywogaeth mewn perygl difrifol. Mae niferoedd y gorila, a elwir hefyd yn orila’r iseldir dwyreiniol, wedi gostwng 77% o 17,000 i tua 3,800 dros y 15 mlynedd diwethaf. Mae FFI a’r Gymdeithas Cadwraeth Bywyd Gwyllt wedi dod ynghyd i gyflwyno achos i’r Undeb Rhyngwladol dros Gadwraeth Natur dros ail-gategoreiddio’r rhywogaeth yn swyddogol fel un sydd ‘Mewn Perygl Difrifol’ – er mwyn cyfleu difrifoldeb y sefyllfa.

Ers cynnal arolygon o’r ardal o 2012 hyd 2015, mae FFI wedi bod yn cefnogi gwarchodfeydd cymunedol trwy recriwtio, hyfforddi a darparu offer i wardeniaid pentref. Yn ogystal, trefnwyd rhaglen o batrolau misol i fonitro’r ardaloedd o’r gwarchodfeydd sy’n cynnwys gorilaod Grauer.

Mae’e wardeniaid yma yn monitro’r poblogaethau’n gyson ac yn helpu i atal gweithgareddau anghyfreithlon, er enghraifft trwy ganfod a chael gwared ar faglau, a darganfod mwyngloddiau a gwersylloedd hela anghyfreithlon.

Mae FFI hefyd yn gweithio i ennyn diddordeb cymunedau cyfan yn y broses gadwraethol. Trwy gyfuniad o addysg, creu bywoliaethau cynaliadwy yn yr ardal a darparu stofiau tanwydd effeithlon anelwn at leihau effeithiau gweithgarwch dynol ar y coedwigoedd.

Gyda’i gilydd, dylai’r holl elfennau hyn ei gwneud yn bosibl i sicrhau newid hirdymor a chynaliadwy er gwell, a helpu i ddiogelu dyfodol gorilaod Grauer yng nghoedwigoedd dwyrain Gweriniaeth Ddemocrataidd Congo.

Fy mreuddwyd yw cael dod â’m meibion i weld y creaduriaid anhygoel hyn rhyw ddydd, ac iddynt fedru edrych i fyw eu llygaid a gweld yr un chwilfrydedd, diddordeb a deallusrwydd yn cael eu hadlewyrchu yno.

Dywedodd Nestor Mayala, Rheolwr Gwarchodfa Gymunedol Regomuki, ‘Mae’r cymorth a roddwyd i ni yn golygu bod modd i ni barhau â’r gwaith o ddod o hyd i ardaloedd o’r warchodfa sy’n hanfodol i’r gorilaod, a’u diogelu. ’

Mae Maint Cymru wedi gwneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol drwy gynnig darparu £21,000 o arian cyfatebol i’r rhaglen. Mae’r cyfle hwn wedi galluogi FFI i sicrhau cyllid pellach a all helpu i wneud gwahaniaeth sylweddol i’w gwaith. Am ragor o wybodaeth am waith FFI gweler: www.supportgorillas.org. 

[sizeofwales]

Education opportunities: Mock COP and Wales-wide workshops

Cymraeg isod

Janie Pridham, Size of Wales’ Education Coordinator updates us on how you or your school can get involved and learn about rainforests and climate change.

MockCOP – Beyond Marrakesh

Friday 27 January, Cardiff

We’re very excited to be running our Mock COP again this year. Teams of 3 sixth form pupils from schools all over Wales are invited to take part in this bilingual mock United Nations conference on climate change. After the success of MockCOP last year, we have invited Sophie Howe, the Future Generations Commissioner, to chair this year’s event.

Each team will take on the role of a different country and debate issues around climate change, finishing the day with an agreed resolution.

We had great feedback from last year’s MockCOP:

“a thoroughly enjoyable and challenging day!”

“having spoken to the year 13s, our year 12s want to book now for next year”

If your pupils are interested in taking part, please email: [email protected]

 Schools workshops now available in Gwynedd and North Ceredigion

We continue to receive high demand for our schools programme across the country. Due to this we are delighted to announce that following requests from teachers we have appointed a new Welsh-speaking workshop leader for Gwynedd and North Ceredigion. Guto Dafydd is a former teacher and is able to deliver assemblies and workshops to Key Stages 2, 3 and 4.

If you are interested in a visit from Size of Wales in these areas or indeed anywhere in Wales please email [email protected]

Cyfleoedd Addysg: Mock COP a gweithdai ledled Cymru

Dyma ddiweddariad gan Janie Pridham, Cydlynydd Addysg Maint Cymru ar sut y gall eich ysgol gymryd rhan a dysgu am goedwigoedd glaw a newid yn yr hinsawdd.

MockCOP – y Tu Hwnt i Marrakesh

Dydd Gwener 27 Ionawr, Caerdydd

Rydym yn falch iawn ein bod yn cynnal ein ffug gynhadledd Cenhedloedd Unedig, MockCOP eto eleni. Gwahoddir ysgolion ledled Cymru i anfon timau o 3 disgybl chweched dosbarth i gymryd rhan yn y ffug gynhadledd ddwyieithog hon ar newid hinsawdd. Ar ôl llwyddiant MockCOP y llynedd, rydym wedi gwahodd Sophie Howe, Comisiynydd Cenedlaethau’r Dyfodol, i gadeirio’r digwyddiad eleni.

Bydd pob un o’r timau’n chwarae rôl gwahanol wledydd ac yn trafod materion yn ymwneud â newid hinsawdd ac, i gloi’r diwrnod, yn cytuno ar benderfyniad.

Cawsom sylwadau ardderchog ar ôl MockCOP y llynedd:

“diwrnod hynod bleserus a heriol dros ben!”

“ar ôl siarad â disgyblion blwyddyn 13, mae’n disgyblion blwyddyn 12 yn awyddus i archebu nawr ar gyfer y flwyddyn nesaf”

Os hoffai eich disgyblion gymryd rhan, e-bostiwch: [email protected]

 Gweithdai ysgolion ar gael nawr yng Ngwynedd a Gogledd Ceredigion

Mae galw mawr o hyd am ein rhaglenni i ysgolion ledled Cymru. O ganlyniad, yn dilyn ceisiadau gan athrawon, mae’n bleser gennym gyhoeddi ein bod wedi penodi arweinydd gweithdai Cymraeg ei iaith ar gyfer Gwynedd a Gogledd Ceredigion. Mae Guto Dafydd yn gyn athro ac mae ar gael i gynnal gwasanaethau a gweithdai i Gyfnodau Allweddol 2, 3 a 4.

Os hoffech drefnu ymweliad gan Maint Cymru yn yr ardaloedd hyn neu unrhyw le yng Nghymru, e-bostiwch: [email protected]

[sizeofwales]

New partnerships in clean energy sector

 Cymraeg isod

Size of Wales is enjoying exciting new developments at the moment. Aimee Parker has joined the Size team as the new Assistant Director. She will be working to develop new partnerships and also increase support and awareness of climate change and forest protection across Wales.

One exciting new partnership is with Swansea Community Energy and Enterprise Scheme (SCEES). SCEES is a community-owned company which offers ethical investments in renewable energy projects. Profits from these schemes are used to support disadvantaged communities in Swansea.

SCEES will be donating £5 from the sale of each of its first 50 shares. We are delighted that the company has decided to support Size of Wales.

Size of Wales will also be working with Lightology. This company is based in South Wales and specialises in embracing new technologies in lighting. The organisation works to lower energy consumption for clients by switching to efficient LED lighting. These lighting experts have committed to donating at least 5% of their profits to Size of Wales.

Size of Wales can offer a high level of support to corporate partners. If you or your business would be interested in working with us, please get in touch with Aimee Parker, [email protected]

Partneriaethau newydd yn y sector ynni glân

Mae Maint Cymru yn mwynhau datblygiadau newydd a chyffrous ar hyn o bryd. Mae Aimee Parker wedi ymuno â thîm Maint Cymru fel y Cyfarwyddwr Cynorthwyol newydd. Bydd yn gweithio i ddatblygu partneriaethau newydd a hefyd i ennyn cefnogaeth a chodi ymwybyddiaeth ledled Cymru ynglŷn â newid hinsawdd a diogelu coedwigoedd.

Partneriaeth newydd gyffrous yw’r un gyda Cynllun Ynni a Menter Cymunedol Abertawe (SCEES). Mae SCEES yn gwmni cymunedol sy’n cynnig buddsoddiadau moesegol mewn prosiectau ynni adnewyddadwy. Defnyddir elw’r cynlluniau hyn i gynorthwyo cymunedau difreintiedig yn Abertawe.

Bydd SCEES yn cyfrannu £5 am bob un o’r 50 cyfran gyntaf a werthir. Rydym yn hynod falch bod y cwmni wedi penderfynu cefnogi Maint Cymru.

 Bydd Maint Cymru hefyd yn gweithio gyda Lightology. Mae’r cwmni hwn wedi’i leoli yn Ne Cymru ac mae’n arbenigo mewn cofleidio technolegau goleuo newydd. Maent yn gweithio i leihau defnydd ynni eu cleientiaid drwy newid i ddefnyddio goleuadau LED effeithlon. Mae’r arbenigwyr goleuo hyn wedi ymrwymo i gyfrannu o leiaf 5% o’u helw i Maint Cymru.

Gall Maint Cymru gynnig lefel uchel o gefnogaeth i bartneriaid corfforaethol. Os hoffech chi neu’ch busnes gydweithio â ni, plîs cysylltwch ag Aimee Parker, [email protected]

[sizeofwales]

Minuteman Press Cardiff win Sustain Wales #GoGreenDay award

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Following the amazing success of #GoGreenDay in October, Size of Wales was pleased to sponsor a special award at the Sustain Wales Award last night.

Minuteman Press in Cardiff were the worthy winners of the award. The small team designed and sold an original rainforest & green themed colouring book ‘Whaleys and Friends GO GREEN Colouring book’. This innovative fundraising idea was then shared across the company’s networks, and sold in many local shops. The judges felt the small team went above and beyond to support the campaign.

The winning team at Minuteman Press Cardiff themselves said “We are passionate about being green and sustainable. In fact all of our papers are from FSC accredited sources and our ink toners are plant based too.”

“Our illustrator Louise had just finished drawing our first colouring book ‘Wonderland Whaleys and friends’ but thought a rainforest themed book would be fun to draw and raise money for Go Green Day as well as awareness of the cause.”

The team at Size of Wales were thrilled to be able to congratulate this effort with this special #GoGreenDay award.

Lowri, Campaigns Manager at Size of Wales said “Go Green Day was brilliant. As well as having fun participants have so far raised over £3,500 with donations still flowing in. This will be doubled to over £7,000 by our partners and will go directly to help protect forest projects twice the size of Wales. This will have an amazing impact on these forests and in tackling climate change”

“Having worked in partnership with Cynnal Cymru during Go Green Day, this special award was the perfect way to show our appreciation to all our Go Green Champions, and especially for all the efforts made by Minuteman Press. Congratulations to them”

Colouring books are still available to buy through Size of Wales – contact [email protected]

 Minuteman Press Caerdydd yn ennill gwobr Diwrnod Gwyrdd Cynnal Cymru

Yn dilyn llwyddiant anhygoel Diwrnod Gwyrdd ym mis Hydref, roedd Maint Cymru yn falch i noddi gwobr arbennig yng Ngwobrau Cynnal Cymru neithiwr.

Minuteman Press yng Nghaerdydd oedd yr enillwyr teilwng o'r wobr. Fe wnaeth y tîm bach gynllunio a gwerthu llyfr lliwio gwreiddiol a’r thema coedwigoedd law “Whaleys and Friends GO GREEN Colouring book”. Cafodd y syniad codi arian blaengar yma ei rannu ar draws rhwydweithiau'r cwmni, a chafodd y llyfr ei werthu mewn nifer o siopau lleol. Teimlai'r beirniaid aeth y tîm bach thu hwnt i’r galw i gefnogi'r ymgyrch.

Dywedodd y tîm buddugol yn Minuteman Press Caerdydd "Rydym yn angerddol am fod yn wyrdd ac yn gynaliadwy. Yn wir mae ein holl bapurau yn dod o ffynonellau achrededig FSC ac mae ein harlliw inc yn seiliedig ar blanhigion hefyd. "

"Mae ein darlunydd Louise newydd orffen tynnu ein llyfr lliwio cyntaf “Wonderland Whaleys and friends” ond yn meddwl y byddai llyfr ar thema coedwigoedd law yn hwyl i arlunio ac yn ffordd i godi arian ar gyfer Diwrnod Gwyrdd yn ogystal ag codi ymwybyddiaeth o'r achos."

Mae tîm Maint Cymru yn falch iawn o allu llongyfarch yr ymdrech hon gyda'r wobr Diwrnod Gwyrdd arbennig.

Dywedodd Lowri, Rheolwr Ymgyrchoedd Maint Cymru, "Aeth Diwrnod Gwyrdd yn wych. Yn ogystal â chael hwyl, mae cyfranogwyr wedi codi hyd yn hyn dros £ 3,500 gyda rhoddion yn dal yn llifo i mewn. Bydd hyn yn cael dyblu i dros £ 7,000 gan ein partneriaid a bydd yn mynd yn uniongyrchol i helpu i ddiogelu prosiectau coedwig ddwywaith maint Cymru. Bydd hyn yn cael effaith anhygoel ar y coedwigoedd hyn ac ar yr ymdrech i daclo newid hinsawdd "

"Ar ôl gweithio mewn partneriaeth â Chynnal Cymru yn ystod Diwrnod Gwyrdd, mae’r wobr arbennig hon yn ffordd berffaith i ddangos ein gwerthfawrogiad am yr holl ymdrechion a wnaed gan Minuteman Press, llongyfarchiadau iddyn nhw"

Mae llyfrau Lliwio yn dal i fod ar gael i'w prynu drwy Faint Cymru – cysylltwch â [email protected]

[sizeofwales]

Wales Goes Green to tackle climate change

Cymraeg isod

Schools and businesses across Wales will today turn green in support of rainforests with environmental charity Size of Wales as part of GO GREEN DAY.

Local schools and businesses will join a national day of action - #GoGreenDay – today by going green to support climate change charity, Size of Wales. From wearing green socks to green wigs and face paints, hundreds of people across Wales will raise funds to tackle climate change by helping to protect an area of rainforest twice the size of our nation.

Schools from Caerphilly to Wrexham will join other schools up and down Wales for this national day of action, by dressing up in green, holding non-uniform days and playing Go Green Games. 

Businesses across Wales are also signing up as champions to run Go Green Day in their workplace. Ammanford business Corgi Hosiery have designed limited edition green socks while Cardiff based Minuteman Press have designed and printed a special Go Green Day colouring book to sell. Other business across the country will hold bake sales and raffles and donate the proceeds to the charity.

A launch event is also being held at the Principality Stadium which Paralympics gold medallist Aled Davies MBE will attend alongside other Go Green champions and politicians.

Claire Raisin, Director of Size of Wales said: “We’re really impressed with the amazing ideas people are coming up with to go green in their own way for Go Green Day. We're excited that so many people are on board, and hope the whole of Wales will join in with the day. And what’s great is that every penny donated during Go Green Day will be doubled!”

She continued: “If you’d like to take part, it’s not too late. You can follow everything on #GoGreenDay or go online to find out more and to make a donation gogreen.sizeofwales.org.uk”

 Money raised for Size of Wales will be spent on a range of projects that will help protect tropical forests, from supporting communities to gain land rights, to buying tree seedlings and funding rangers. Supporters and partners of the project are currently linked directly to communities and projects in Africa and South America.

The world’s rainforests absorb around a fifth of the world’s man-made carbon dioxide emissions and Size of Wales aims to raise awareness of the importance of rainforest protection, as part of Wales' national response to climate change. Having reached its initial £2 million target, and successfully helping to protect an area of rainforest the size of Wales, the project now hopes Go Green Day 2016 will have a significant impact in helping towards its new target of supporting an area of rainforest twice the size of Wales.

 -Ends-

To find out more visit www.sizeofwales.org.uk

For more information and photos, please contact Lowri Jenkins on 07950 355508 / [email protected]

Register today at: gogreen.sizeofwales.org.uk 

 Cymru yn mynd yn wyrdd i daclo newid hinsawdd

Heddiw, bydd ysgolion a busnesau ledled Cymru yn troi'n wyrdd i gefnogi coedwigoedd glaw ag elusen amgylcheddol Maint Cymru fel rhan o Ddiwrnod Gwyrdd.

Bydd ysgolion a busnesau lleol yn ymuno â diwrnod cenedlaethol o weithredu - #GoGreenDay - heddiw drwy gymryd camau gwyrdd i gefnogi elusen newid hinsawdd, Maint Cymru. O sanau gwyrdd i wigiau gwyrdd neu hyd yn oed paent wyneb gwyrdd, bydd cannoedd o bobl ledled Cymru yn codi arian i helpu atal newid hinsawdd trwy helpu i amddiffyn ardal o goedwig law ddwywaith maint ein gwlad.

Bydd ysgolion o Gaerffili i Wrecsam yn ymuno ag ysgolion eraill ar hyd a lled Cymru ar gyfer y diwrnod o weithredu cenedlaethol, trwy wisgo gwyrdd a chwarae Gemau Gwyrdd.

Mae busnesau ar draws Cymru hefyd yn cofrestru fel hyrwyddwyr i redeg Diwrnod Gwyrdd yn eu gweithle. Mae busnes Rhydaman Corgi Hosiery wedi creu sanau gwyrdd arbennig tra bod Minuteman Press yng Nghaerdydd wedi dylunio ac argraffu llyfr lliwio arbennig i Ddiwrnod Gwyrdd. Bydd busnesau eraill ar draws y wlad yn cynnal rafflau a gwerthu cacennau a rhoi elw i'r elusen.

Mae digwyddiad lansio yn cael ei gynnal yn Stadiwm y Principality a bydd aelod o dîm Paralympaidd Prydain ac enillwr o’r fedal aur, Aled Davies MBE yn mynychu yn ogystal â gwleidyddion a hyrwyddwyr Diwrnod Gwyrdd eraill.

Meddai Claire Raisin, Cyfarwyddwr Maint Cymru: "Mae’n bleser i weld y syniadau rhyfeddol mae pobl wedi meddwl am i fynd yn wyrdd yn eu ffordd eu hunain ar gyfer Diwrnod Gwyrdd. Rydym yn gyffrous bod cymaint o bobl yn cymryd rhan ac yn gobeithio y bydd Cymru gyfan ymuno a’r diwrnod. A beth sy’n wych yw y bydd pob ceiniog a roddir yn ystod Diwrnod Gwyrdd yn cael ei ddyblu! "

"Os hoffech chi gymryd rhan, nid yw'n rhy hwyr. Gallwch ddilyn popeth ar #GoGreenDay neu ewch ar-lein i gael gwybod mwy ac i gyfrannu gogreen.sizeofwales.org.uk"

Bydd yr arian a godir ar gyfer Maint Cymru yn cael ei wario ar amrywiaeth o brosiectau a fydd yn helpu i warchod coedwigoedd trofannol, o gefnogi cymunedau i ennill hawliau tir, i brynu eginblanhigion coed. Mae cefnogwyr a phartneriaid yng Nghymru yn cael eu cysylltu'n uniongyrchol ar hyn o bryd i gymunedau a phrosiectau yn Affrica a De America.

Mae coedwigoedd glaw'r byd yn amsugno tua un rhan o bump o allyriadau carbon deuocsid sydd yn cael eu creu gan ddyn ac mae Maint Cymru yw codi ymwybyddiaeth o bwysigrwydd diogelu coedwig law, fel rhan o ymateb cenedlaethol Cymru i newid hinsawdd. Wedi cyrraedd ei tharged gwreiddiol o helpu i amddiffyn ardal o goedwig law maint Cymru, mae'r prosiect yn awr yn gobeithio bydd Diwrnod Gwyrdd 2016 yn cael effaith sylweddol  tuag at ei tharged newydd o gefnogi ardal o goedwig law ddwywaith maint Cymru.

[sizeofwales]

Protecting an area of the Amazon the size of Wales!

Cymraeg isod

Unique Welsh charity Size of Wales today announced that it will help protect an area of rainforest the size of the nation in South America.  

As well as taking on a new project in Peru, the charity will renew its support for a project in Guyana. The two projects cover over 2 million hectares of the Amazon basin – roughly the size of Wales.

Together with projects across Africa, this puts the charity well on the way to its new ambition to help protect tropical forests twice the size of Wales.

Olympic hosts Rio have used the biggest stage on Earth to draw attention to the twin threats of climate change and deforestation.  With the Amazon rainforest providing a stunning backdrop to the games, the organisers have committed to planting a tree for every athlete taking part.

As 2016 looks set to be the world’s hottest year on record it is clear that planting trees and protecting forests like the Amazon are both crucial in the fight against climate change. These unique tropical forest habitats absorb around a fifth of manmade CO2 emissions every year.

Having already helped plant over 4 million trees and helped protect an area of rainforest the size of the nation, Size of Wales now aims to double this; as a unique national response to climate change and a positive reply to the country’s common use as a measurement of deforestation.

Size of Wales’ South American projects are run by its partner Forest Peoples Programme and support indigenous groups; the Wampis in Peru and the Wapichan in Guyana; in their efforts to secure legal rights to their traditional lands and forests.

Ron James, a Wapichan mapper involved in the community conserved forest project in Guyana said: “Without the support of Size of Wales we would not have advanced our work this far. Thanks to the solidarity of the people and businesses of Wales, in April this year we started formal land talks with our government regarding steps to secure legal title to our ancestral forest. We are so glad the charity has chosen to continue its support and help our villages realise our collective vision for a Wapichan Conserved Forest.”

Size of Wales’ Acting Director Lowri Jenkins said: “We’re so chuffed to be able to say we’re helping to protect an area of rainforest the size of Wales in South America, and support these worthwhile communities. We’re currently looking at new projects in Africa, which would mean Wales is protecting an area the size of itself on both continents. That’s an incredible achievement for our nation!

But the charity still needs your help – Size of Wales needs to raise funds to help protect these precious habitats and the unique communities that call them home.

“We’re asking everyone in Wales to join us on Friday the 14th of October for Go Green Day, our national fundraising day. Show your support for rainforests by wearing green and donating a few pounds.”

Every £1 donated by the Welsh public will be doubled by a generous match fund provided by The Waterloo Foundation, meaning each donation goes twice as far.  

Go to www.sizeofwales.org.uk for more information and details about Go Green Day.

Ends

Notes to Editors High res images available from Lowri Jenkins 07950 355508 [email protected]

Gwarchod coedwig law yn yr Amason maint Cymru!

Mae Maint Cymru, elusen Gymreig unigryw, heddiw yn cyhoeddi y bydd yn helpu i amddiffyn ardal o goedwig law maint y genedl yn Ne America.

Yn ogystal â chefnogi prosiect newydd ym Mheriw, bydd yr elusen yn adnewyddu ei gefnogaeth i'w brosiect yn Guyana. Mae'r ddau brosiect yn cwmpasu dros 2 filiwn hectar o fasn yr Amason - tua'r un maint â Chymru.

Ynghyd â phrosiectau ar draws Affrica, mae hyn yn rhoi'r elusen ymhell ar y ffordd i'w uchelgais newydd i helpu i warchod coedwigoedd trofannol ddwywaith maint Cymru.

Mae gwesteiwyr y Gemau Olympaidd yn Rio wedi defnyddio llwyfan mwyaf y byd i dynnu sylw at y bygythiadau deublyg o newid hinsawdd a datgoedwigo. Gyda goedwig law'r Amason yn gefndir trawiadol i'r gemau, mae'r trefnwyr wedi ymrwymo i blannu coeden ar gyfer pob athletwr sy'n cymryd rhan.

Gyda 2016 yn edrych i fod blwyddyn boethaf y byd ar record mae'n amlwg bod blannu coed ac amddiffyn coedwigoedd fel yr Amason yn hanfodol yn y frwydr yn erbyn newid hinsawdd. Mae'r cynefinoedd unigryw yma yn amsugno tua un rhan o bump o allyriadau CO2 dynol bob blwyddyn.

Mae Maint Cymru eisoes wedi helpu plannu dros 4 miliwn o goed a helpu gwarchod ardal o goedwig law maint y genedl; nawr ei amcan newydd yw dyblu hwn fel ymateb cenedlaethol unigryw i newid hinsawdd, ac ateb cadarnhaol i ddefnydd cyffredin y wlad fel mesuriad o ddatgoedwigo.

Mae prosiectau De America Maint Cymru yn cael eu rhedeg gan ei bartner Forest Peoples Programme ac yn cefnogi grwpiau brodorol; y Wampis ym Mheriw a'r Wapichan yn Guyana; yn eu hymdrechion i sicrhau hawliau cyfreithiol i'w tiroedd a choedwigoedd traddodiadol.

Dywedodd Ron James, aelod Wapichan sydd yn cymryd rhan yn y prosiect coedwig gymunedol yn Guyana: "Heb gefnogaeth Maint Cymru ni fyddem wedi datblygu ein gwaith mor bell. Diolch i undod y bobl a busnesau o Gymru, ym mis Ebrill eleni, ddechreuon ni sgyrsiau ffurfiol gyda'n llywodraeth ynglŷn â'r camau nesaf i sicrhau teitl cyfreithiol i ein coedwig deuluol. Rydym mor falch y mae'r elusen wedi dewis parhau i'n cefnogi a rhoi cymorth i'n pentrefi wireddu ein gweledigaeth ar gyfer Coedwig Cadw Wapichan."

Dywedodd Lowri Jenkins, Rheolwr Dros Dro Maint Cymru: "Mae'n bleser i ddweud ein bod yn helpu i amddiffyn ardal o goedwig law maint Cymru yn Ne America, ac i gefnogi'r cymunedau gwerth chweil yma. Ar hyn o bryd rydym yn edrych ar brosiectau newydd yn Affrica, bydd yn golygu fod Cymru yn diogelu ardal maint ei hunain ar ddau gyfandir. Dyna gyflawniad anhygoel i'n cenedl ni!"

Ond maent yn dal angen eich help - mae angen i Faint Cymru godi arian i helpu i amddiffyn y cynefinoedd gwerthfawr yma a'r cymunedau unigryw sy'n ei galw yn gartref.

"Rydym yn gofyn i bawb yng Nghymru i ymuno â ni ar ddydd Gwener 14eg Hydref ar gyfer Diwrnod Gwyrdd, ein diwrnod codi arian cenedlaethol. Dangoswch eich cefnogaeth i goedwigoedd glaw trwy wisgo gwyrdd a rhoi ychydig o bunnoedd i'r achos"

Caiff pob £1 a rhoddwyd gan y cyhoedd yng Nghymru ei ddyblu gan gronfa gyfatebol yr elusen, sy'n golygu bod pob rhodd yn mynd ddwywaith mor bell.

Ewch i www.sizeofwales.org.uk am fwy o wybodaeth a manylion am Ddiwrnod Gwyrdd.

 Diwedd

 Nodiadau

Cyfweliadau ac lluniau ar gael oddi wrth: Lowri Jenkins: 07950 355508 [email protected]

[sizeofwales]

Cyfle Swydd - Swyddog Addysg Allgymorth

English below

Ar ôl cyflawni ei nod gwreiddiol o godi £2 filiwn i helpu i ddiogelu 2 filiwn hectar o goedwigoedd trofannol, mae Maint Cymru yn parhau i ddatblygu ei waith i godi ymwybyddiaeth am y materion sy’n ymwneud â newid hinsawdd a datgoedwigo.

Rydym yn ehangu ein rhaglen addysg ar draws Cymru. Rydym yn chwilio am addysgwyr Cymraeg ei hiaith i ddarparu gwasanaethau a gweithdai i ysgolion cynradd ac uwchradd i ennyn diddordeb disgyblion ar faterion newid hinsawdd a choedwigoedd trofannol.

Byddwn yn croesawu ceisiadau gan bobl sy'n gallu gweithio yn yr ardaloedd canlynol: Ynys Môn, Gwynedd, Gogledd Powys, a  Gogledd Ceredigion.

Prif Dasgau:

Darparu gwasanaethau a gweithdai Cymraeg i 10-20 o ysgolion yn eich rhanbarth erbyn Mawrth 2017.  Mae nifer yr ysgolion yn agored i drafodaeth, ac yn debygol o gael ei ymestyn, yn dibynnu ar gyllid

Cyfarfod ag athrawon a grwpiau eco allweddol i hwyluso gwaith addysg bellach o fewn yr ysgol

Ennyn diddordeb ysgolion a’u hannog i godi arian i Maint Cymru, fel allbwn o’r gwaith addysg

Helpu i ledaenu adnoddau addysg y tu hwnt i’r ysgolion a dargedir

Casglu tystiolaeth o waith mewn ysgolion, i greu astudiaethau achos

Darparu adroddiadau dros dro a therfynol i Maint Cymru

Cynnal cronfa ddata o’r ysgolion sy’n derbyn sesiynau allgymorth a chasglu adborth.

Bydd yr ymgeisydd delfrydol yn gyfathrebwr ardderchog yn Gymraeg ac yn Saesneg, a bydd ganddo/ganddi hanes cryf o weithio gyda phlant a dealltwriaeth am y sector addysg (gan gynnwys Addysg ar gyfer Datblygu Cynaliadwy a Dinasyddiaeth Fyd-eang) yng Nghymru.

Bydd yr ymgeisydd llwyddiannus yn angerddol am faterion amgylcheddol ac gyda sgiliau trefnu ardderchog. Mae’r gallu i gyflwyno trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yn hanfodol.

Adrodd:

Bydd eich gwaith yn cael ei oruchwylio gan Gydlynydd Addysg Maint Cymru. Bydd gofyn i chi gyflwyno adroddiad dros dro a therfynol yn nodi cynnydd yn erbyn y targedau uchod ac i gynnal cofnodion ymweld yn rheolaidd.

Cyllid:

Bydd Maint Cymru yn talu £140 y dydd ar gyfer ymweliadau i ysgolion. Bydd y cyllid hwn yn talu am yr amser paratoi, costau teithio ac amser cyswllt. Bydd Maint Cymru yn darparu adnoddau a deunyddiau. Gellir dosbarthu gwaith dros gyfnod y contract fel y bo’n briodol. Mae’n bosib y bydd costau ychwanegol yn cael eu talu mewn amgylchiadau eithriadol, a thrwy drefnu ymlaen llaw yn unig.

Ceisiadau:

Dylid cyflwyno ceisiadau yn electronig gyda cv a llythyr eglurhaol i [email protected] erbyn canol dydd, Dydd Llun 11 Gorffenaf Mehefin 2016. Caiff ymgeiswyr ei hasesu gan siaradwyr Cymraeg a gan staff nad ydynt yn siarad Cymraeg felly cyflwynwch eich cais yn Saesneg. Cynhelir cyfweliadau yn ddwyieithog yng Nghanolbarth Cymru yn ystod yr wythnos o 25 Gorffenaf.

Job Opportunity - Education Outreach Officers

Having achieved its initial aim of raising £2million to help protect 2 million hectares of tropical forest, Size of Wales continues to develop its awareness raising work of the issues surrounding climate change and deforestation.

We are expanding our education programme across Wales. We are seeking fluent Welsh-speaking educators to deliver assemblies and workshops to primary and secondary schools to engage pupils on the issues of climate change and tropical forests.

We would particularly welcome applications from people able to work in the following areas: Anglesey, Gwyned, North Powys and North Ceredigion.

Main tasks:

Deliver Welsh medium assemblies and workshops in 10 – 20 schools in your area by March 2017. The number of schools is negotiable, and is likely to be extended, funding dependent

Meet with key teachers and eco groups to facilitate further education work within the school

Encourage engagement with and fundraising for Size of Wales, as an output of the education work

Help disseminate education resources beyond targeted schools

Collect evidence of work in schools, to create case studies

Update a database of schools receiving outreach sessions and collect feedback

Provide interim and final reports to Size of Wales

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator in both Welsh and English, with a proven track record of working with children and an understanding of the education sector (including ESDGC) in Wales.  The candidate must be passionate about environmental issues and have excellent organisational skills. The ability to deliver in Welsh is essential.

Reporting:

Your work will be overseen by Size of Wales’ Education Coordinator. You will be required to submit an interim and final report detailing progress against the above targets and to maintain visit records on a regular basis.

Funding:

Size of Wales will pay £140 per day for visits to schools. This funding will cover preparation time, travel costs and contact time. Size of Wales will provide resources and materials. Work can be distributed over the duration of the contract as appropriate. Additional expenses may be covered in exceptional circumstances and by prior arrangement only.

Applications:

Please apply electronically, with a cv and covering letter to [email protected] no later than midday Monday 11 July 2016. Candidates will be shortlisted by Welsh and non-Welsh speaking staff, therefore please submit applications in English. Interviews will be held bilingually in Mid Wales during the week of 25 July.

[sizeofwales]

Assistant Director (Campaigns and Partnerships)

Cymraeg isod

Size of Wales is an environmental charity which aims to bring everyone in Wales together to help sustain an area of tropical forest the size of Wales as part of a national response to climate change. Established in 2011, Size of Wales works with the people of Wales and beyond to support projects across the world to preserve tropical forest and protect the global climate. Size of Wales is part-funded by the Welsh Government and is supported by The Waterloo Foundation who also provide a match fund for project fundraising.

Job Purpose

Maximise investor income for Size of Wales by developing and implementing an active UK-wide fund-raising programme to support Size of Wales’ expanding forest projects and associated education programmes, whilst developing and implementing a campaign strategy.    

Duties and responsibilities

The role will report to the Director with responsibility to:

Prepare and implement a new strategy to create and deliver an active campaign programme to attract sponsors and partners.

Identify prospective campaign partners and convert them to active sponsors.

Devise and develop individual bespoke partner plans; develop strong relationships with core corporate and funding networks; research and source intelligence on individuals, major donors and foundations.

Enhance Size of Wales’ capability to sustain a long term campaign.

Develop the proposition and engage potential UK wide sponsors as part of the strategy for applying the model outside of Wales.

Work with Campaign Partners, such as Cynnal Cymru, in the delivery of the business engagement and sponsorship plan.

Build relationships with Size of Wales’ current and past project partners to fully engage them in key campaigns.

Maximise the value of the Waterloo Foundation matched fund by securing new donations.

Main tasks

Make the persuasive ‘case for support’ for sponsors and partners which define the benefits of the project(s) for them; the project purpose; why funding is required; how the money will be used; project outcomes and their impact; and how Size will ensure the project delivers the result required.

Develop the script for specific approaches; the format/presentation of each case for support; and the content of “elevator pitches”.

Support the development and submission of funding applications for the Size of Wales education programme.

Prioritise targets and define lead roles involving Size of Wales staff, trustees, forest partners and ambassadors.

Set out what is required of individual trustees to help open doors and develop contacts.

Maintain accurate records and reports of all fundraising activities and create a long-term fundraising database.

Assist the Director in regular progress reports to the board and funders.

Work with the Assistant Director (Communication) and the relevant trustees to maximise media coverage.

Investor categories

The four main targets are:  

Potential major investors (including major corporates) committed to climate change mitigation and rainforest preservation especially those willing to commit to high-value financial support for a period of up to 3 years or more.

Trusts and statutory entities interested in more niche areas of rainforest conservation, such as scientific research, community sustainability and sustainable forest based business activities.

Corporate sponsorship for specific Size of Wales initiatives – eg Go Green Day.

Corporate sponsors for Size of Wales schools programme.

Individual requirements

Professional experience & skills

Essential

Significant experience of major fundraising.

Experience of building relationships and accounting to donors for the way their money is spent.

Demonstrable interest in the environment, climate change, international development and related fields.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues in a clear and accessible way.

Good IT skills, with experience of project management tools.

Experience of marketing, public relations, events and sales/finance.

Personal attributes

A self-starter

Enthusiasm

Results oriented with a strong personal track record of delivering to defined and challenging goals

Good planning skills

Evidence of innovative thinking

Ability to work fast and to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines

The ability to communicate fluently in Welsh is desirable

Key working relationships and line management

This position reports to the Size of Wales Director.

Key working relationships include

Assistant Director (Communication)

Education Coordinator

Board of Trustees

Size of Wales Partners and Ambassadors

Employment details

Salary: £26,000 - £32,000 (negotiable dependent on experience).

Contract duration: one year fixed term contract with a view to extension (upon completion of a three month trial period).

Hours: 40 hours per week full time. Pro-rata part-time contract requests will be considered as will job-share proposals. There will occasionally be a requirement to work evenings and weekends.  

Pension: the post-holder may join Size of Wales’ pension scheme.

Annual leave: 30 days pro rata including bank holidays.

Base: Size of Wales offices in the Temple of Peace, King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays, Cardiff CF10 3AP. We operate a flexible working policy and will consider home-working requests.

Travel: This role will require travel within the UK. Expenses will be paid

Application process

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Please submit your application by e-mail to [email protected] with your name and the job title you are applying for in the subject line.  Postal applications are accepted but e-mail applications are preferred.

We will send an e-mail acknowledgement to all applicants. If you do not receive an acknowledgement before the deadline, please contact us. We cannot be held responsible for applications that do not reach us or that arrive after the deadline.

The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight 12 June (Sun night/Mon morning).

Interviews will take place week commencing 20 June and will be conducted at the Temple of Peace, Cardiff.

If we wish to invite you for an interview, we will contact you directly. No references will be taken up until a provisional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate will be required to prove their eligibility to work in the UK before we can confirm their appointment.

Cyfarwyddwr Cynorthwyol (Ymgyrchoedd a Phartneriaethau)  

Elusen amgylcheddol yw Maint Cymru, a’i nod yw uno pawb yng Nghymru i helpu i gynnal ardal o goedwig law yr un maint â Chymru fel rhan o ymateb cenedlaethol i newid hinsawdd. Sefydlwyd Maint Cymru yn 2011, ac mae’n gweithio gyda phobl Cymru a thu hwnt i gefnogi prosiectau ledled y byd i ddiogelu coedwigoedd trofannol ac i amddiffyn yr hinsawdd fyd-eang. Ariennir Maint Cymru yn rhannol gan Lywodraeth Cymru ac fe’i cefnogir gan Sefydliad Waterloo, sydd hefyd yn darparu cronfa arian gyfatebol i godi arian ar gyfer prosiectau.

Diben y swydd

Gwneud y mwyaf o incwm buddsoddwyr Maint Cymru gan ddatblygu a gweithredu rhaglen codi arian ledled y DU i gefnogi prosiectau coedwigoedd Maint Cymru a rhaglen addysg gysylltiedig, wrth ddatblygu a gweithredu strategaeth ymgyrchoedd.

Dyletswyddau a chyfrifoldebau

Bydd deiliad y swydd yn atebol i’r Cyfarwyddwr, ac yn gyfrifol am:

Paratoi a gweithredu strategaeth newydd i lunio a darparu rhaglen o ymgyrchoedd i ddenu noddwyr a phartneriaid.

Canfod darpar bartneriaid ar gyfer ymgyrchoedd a’u trosi yn noddwyr gweithredol.

Llunio a datblygu cynlluniau wedi’u teilwra’n bwrpasol ar gyfer partneriaid unigol; meithrin cysylltiadau cryf gyda rhwydweithiau ariannu a corfforaethol creiddiol; ymchwilio a dod o hyd i wybodaeth am unigolion, rhoddwyr mawr a sefydliadau.

Gwella gallu Maint Cymru i gynnal ymgyrch tymor hir.

Datblygu’r fenter a chysylltu â darpar noddwyr ledled y DU fel rhan o’r strategaeth ar gyfer cymhwyso’r model y tu hwnt i Gymru.

Gweithio gyda phartneriaid ymgyrchu fel Cynnal Cymru, i baratoi cynllun ymgysylltu â busnes a nawdd.

Meithrin cysylltiadau gyda chyn-bartneriaid prosiect, a phartneriaid prosiect presennol Maint Cymru i’w cael i ymrwymo’n llawn mewn ymgyrchoedd allweddol.

Cynyddu gwerth cronfa arian gyfatebol bresennol Sefydliad Waterloo trwy sicrhau rhoddion newydd.

Prif Dasgau

Drafftio ‘achos dros gefnogi’ argyhoeddiadol i noddwyr a phartneriaid, sy’n diffinio manteision y prosiect(au) iddynt; diben y prosiect; pam bod angen cyllid; sut y defnyddir yr arian; canlyniadau’r prosiect a’u heffaith; a sut y bydd Maint Cymru yn sicrhau bod y prosiect yn darparu’r canlyniadau angenrheidiol.

Drafftio’r sgript ar gyfer agweddau penodol; ffurf/dull cyflwyno pob achos am gefnogaeth; a chynnwys ar gyfer “sgyrsiau mewn lifft” (elevator pitches).

Cynorthwyo i ddatblygu a chyflwyno ceisiadau am gyllid ar gyfer rhaglen addysgol Maint Cymru.

Blaenoriaethu targedau a diffinio cyfrifoldebau arweiniol sy'n ymwneud a staff, ymddiriedolwyr, partneriaid coedwig a llysgenhadon Maint Cymru.

Egluro’r hyn sy’n ofynnol gan ymddiriedolwyr unigol i helpu i agor drysau a meithrin cysylltiadau.

Cadw cofnodion cywir ac adroddiadau am yr holl weithgareddau codi arian, a chreu cronfa ddata codi arian tymor hir.

Cynorthwyo'r Cyfarwyddwr i roi adroddiadau rheolaidd i'r bwrdd a chyllidwyr.

Gweithio gyda'r Cyfarwyddwr Cynorthwyol (Cyfathrebu) a’r ymddiriedolwyr perthnasol i wneud y mwyaf o sylw yn y cyfryngau.

 Categorïau Rhoddwyr

Y pedwar prif darged yw:  

Darpar roddwyr mawr (gan gynnwys corfforaethau mawr) sy’n ymroddedig i liniaru newid hinsawdd a diogelu coedwigoedd glaw, yn enwedig y rhai sy’n barod i ymrwymo i ddarparu cymorth ariannol uchel ei werth am gyfnod o hyd at 3 blynedd neu fwy.

Ymddiriedolaethau ac endidau statudol sydd â diddordeb mewn agweddau mwy arbenigol ar ddiogelu coedwigoedd glaw, megis ymchwil gwyddonol, cynaliadwyedd cymunedol a gweithgareddau busnes cynaliadwy sy’n seiliedig ar goedwigoedd.

Nawdd corfforaethol ar gyfer prosiectau bach unigol e.e. Diwrnod Gwyrdd.

Noddwyr corfforaethol ar gyfer rhaglen ysgolion Maint Cymru.

Manyleb yr unigolyn

Sgiliau a phrofiad proffesiynol

Hanfodol

Profiad sylweddol o godi arian mawr.

Profiad o feithrin cysylltiadau ac o roi gwybod i roddwyr sut y caiff eu harian ei wario

Diddordeb amlwg yn yr amgylchedd, newid hinsawdd, datblygu rhyngwladol a meysydd cysylltiedig.

Sgiliau cyfathrebu ysgrifenedig a llafar cryf, gan gynnwys y gallu i gyfleu materion cymhleth mewn ffordd glir a hygyrch.

Sgiliau TG da, gyda phrofiad o ddefnyddio rhaglenni rheoli prosiect.

Profiad o farchnata, cysylltiadau cyhoeddus, digwyddiadau a gwerthiant/cyllid.

Nodweddion personol

Hunan-ddechreuwr

Brwdfrydedd

Canolbwyntio ar ganlyniadau gyda hanes llwyddiannus o gyflawni amcanion penodol a heriol

Sgiliau cynllunio da

Tystiolaeth o feddwl yn arloesol

Y gallu i weithio’n gyflym ac i addasu i flaenoriaethau a therfynau amser cyfnewidiol

Mae’r gallu i gyfathrebu'n rhugl yn y Gymraeg yn ddymunol

 Cysylltiadau gwaith allweddol a rheoli llinell

Mae’r swydd hon yn adrodd i’r Cyfarwyddwr.

Mae’r cysylltiadau gwaith allweddol yn cynnwys

Cyfarwyddwr Cynorthwyol (Cyfathrebu)

Cydlynydd Addysg

Bwrdd yr Ymddiriedolwyr

Llysgenhadon a Phartneriaid Maint Cymru

Manylion cyflogaeth

Cyflog: £26,000 - £32,000 (yn dibynnu ar brofiad).

Hyd y contract: contract tymor penodol o un flwyddyn gyda’r bwriad o estyn y swydd (ar ôl cwblhau’r cyfnod prawf 3 mis).

Oriau: 40 awr yr wythnos, amser llawn. Ystyrir ceisiadau am gontractau pro-rata a rhannu swydd. Bydd yn ofynnol i gweithio gyda’r hwyr ac ar benwythnosau o bryd i’w gilydd.

Pensiwn: gall deiliad y swydd ymuno â chynllun pensiwn Maint Cymru.

Gwyliau blynyddol: 30 diwrnod pro-rata gan gynnwys gwyliau banc.

Swyddfa: Mae swyddfeydd Maint Cymru yn y Deml Heddwch, King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays, Caerdydd CF10 3AP. Rydym yn gweithredu polisi gweithio hyblyg a byddwn yn ystyried ceisiadau sy'n gweithio-gartref.

Teithio: Bydd y swydd hon yn gofyn am deithio o fewn y DU. Telir treuliau teithio.

 Y broses ymgeisio

I wneud cais, cyflwynwch eich CV a llythyr yn manylu ar eich cymhwyster ar gyfer y swydd.

Cyflwynwch eich cais drwy e-bost i [email protected] gan roi eich enw a theitl y swydd rydych yn ymgeisio amdani yn y llinell testun. Derbynnir ceisiadau drwy’r post ond mae’n well gennym gael ceisiadau trwy e-bost.

Byddwn yn anfon e-bost at bob ymgeisydd i gydnabod bod y cais wedi dod i law. Os na fyddwch wedi cael cydnabyddiaeth cyn y dyddiad cau, cysylltwch â ni os gwelwch yn dda. Ni fyddwn yn derbyn cyfrifoldeb am geisiadau nad ydynt yn cyrraedd, neu sy’n cyrraedd ar ôl y dyddiad cau.

Y dyddiad cau ar gyfer derbyn ceisiadau yw canol nos 12 Mehefin (nos Sul/bore Dydd Llun).

Cynhelir y cyfweliadau yr wythnos sy’n cychwyn 20 Mehefin, a byddant yn cael eu cynnal at y Deml Heddwch, Parc Cathays, Caerdydd.

Os byddwn yn dymuno eich gwahodd i gyfweliad, byddwn yn cysylltu â chi yn uniongyrchol. Ni fyddwn yn mynd ar drywydd unrhyw dystlythyrau nes bod cynnig amodol o gyflogaeth wedi cael ei wneud. Bydd gofyn i’r ymgeisydd llwyddiannus brofi ei fod ef/hi yn gymwys i weithio yn y DU cyn y gallwn gadarnhau’r penodiad.

[sizeofwales]

Protecting Kenya’s sacred forests and changing people’s lives through ecotourism and village banking

Originally posted on WWF UK blog

For almost 20 years now, we’ve been working hard to promote the conservation of Kaya forests in Kenya, supporting local people to build their communities and protect their environment. Encouraging ecotourism helped bring in money to support people and nature, but communities still faced barriers. So here I explain how a Financial Services Association, set up with WWF’s support, is now growing year-on-year – helping to build communities and protect the beautiful Kaya forests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A member of Kaya Kinondo Financial Services Association © WWF Kenya

Ecotourism helps build communities and protect the forest

Whilst most of the ancient Kaya forests had already been declared as National Monuments under Kenyan law, about 15 years ago we realised we needed to find additional ways to make sure that these beautiful forests were being managed in a sustainable way. Giving them the status of National Monuments was just one way of conserving them, but we needed to find other ways to bring the communities they supported closer to them.

We soon realised that the communities living next to the forests were often very poor and highly dependent on the forests for their well-being. It was clear we needed to find a way of increasing the amount of money going directly to the people themselves and help them be more involved in the decisions about how the forests were managed. That’s why it was decided that a pilot ecotourism project was needed in one of the sacred Kaya forests. Soon, the project would see visitors paying to experience the sacred forest, meeting locals, and buying their goods, while some of the money raised would be used to support conservation work in the forest, which is reported to be home to 52 bird species and 192 plant species!

The sacred Kaya Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to rich wildlife and supports local communities © Cath Lawon / WWF-UK

But we need to do more!

But after two years of piloting the project from 2001 to 2003, we found that that over 95% of the women involved with the project didn’t have access to commercial banks, so they had no way of saving the small amounts of income that they got from selling their handcrafts to tourists, dances and entry fees to the forest. As a result, they couldn’t borrow money either to support their families or develop their communities. We needed to do more! So in 2003, the Kaya Kinondo Financial Services Association was set up.

At the start, the Association had 125 members across two villages but since then, has expanded to cover the whole of the Kinondo area across 25 villages surrounding three forest blocks: Kaya Kinondo sacred forest, Kaya Muhaka sacred forest, and Gogoni Forest Reserve. By today, the Association serves over 4,000 members of the community, including 869 women, 779 men and 140 groups (which have an average of 20 members each). Since the first loans of £180 were given to five women, the Association has grown massively – in terms of membership, savings, and loans. In fact, last year the bank issued credit of over £160,000!

Kaya Kinondo Financial Services Association now has thousands of members © WWF Kenya

Changing lives in Kenya’s sacred forests

Most of the money is used to set up ‘micro-enterprises’ in the villages – things like food kiosks, buying and selling coconuts, motorbikes for taxi services, tree growing, setting up tree nurseries and improving farming practices. We’re also using loans from the bank to help communities implement the Clean Energy Village Initiative. With greater financial security, people have the opportunity to use natural resources in a more sustainable way. The Association also provides a really great way for us to engage with the communities on wider environmental and conservation issues.

Many people have had their lives changed completely because of the project. One of them is Rama Ismail, a young man from a very poor background. He used to sell freshwater to the local villages, getting around on an old bicycle which his father gave him, making just 50 Kenyan shillings, about 34p, a day. Today, five years after joining the village bank, Rama owns three motorcycles and a tuktuk which he uses to provide transport services in the villages. He now earns at least 2,000 Kenyan shillings, about £13, every day. He is also an employer now – with three other young men working with him! Isn’t that incredible?

Kenya’s ancient and beautiful forests support rich biodiversity and communities to thrive in harmony © iStock

Your support helps people and nature to thrive in harmony

Rama’s life, and the lives of so many people like him, would be very different were it not for the continued support of WWF-UK and Size of Wales. Your support helps us in WWF Kenya to work with many more communities near important conservation areas to protect the environment and improve their lives, helping turn WWF’s mission of a world where people and nature thrive in harmony into a reality.

WWF’s work in Boni-Dodori is supported by Size of Wales and the UK Government through the Darwin Initiative and the Department for International Development.

[sizeofwales]

Government of Guyana to open land-rights talks with Wapichan thanks to Welsh support

Cymraeg isod

An indigenous group based in the forests of Guyana, South America are hopeful that their land will be officially recognised by the government thanks to the support of the people of Wales.

The Wapichan people have been living in and using their forests sustainably for generations, yet the government only officially recognises the group’s legal rights to a small portion of their ancestral home. The community have called for fair and effective actions to title the full extent of their collective land since Guyana’s independence in 1966.

Their forest territory, made up of beautiful primary rainforest, is 1.4million hectares (3/4 the size of Wales at approx. 2 million hectares). Size of Wales, a unique Welsh climate change charity, has been supporting work to secure legal rights for this land. Once recognised the group wish to establish a large community owned Wapichan Conserved Forest to protect the precious eco-system.

Now the government may be listening. The President of Guyana has agreed to hold formal discussions with Wapichan representatives on the next steps to legally secure their territory. This action has been applauded and preliminary discussions with the government are expected to happen in the coming weeks.

Elizabeth Andre, an elder of Aishalton Village, said “Since I was a little girl I used to hear my daddy talking about the land… (and) the need to have our land rights respected. I never believed that after all this time, which is nearly 60 years now, that nothing would have been done to properly protect our territory.”

“My mother is very elderly. I want her to see our territory legally recognized so she may die peacefully, knowing that our people and our future generations are secure on our collective land. We look to our new government to take action now. We have waited long enough.” she continued.

Welsh support through Size of Wales has been vital for this project. Since 2011 it has helped the community map their traditional lands, develop plans for a large community conserved forest, and create sustainable management plans. New technology is supporting this endeavour; the group recently built a drone to monitor threats of illegal logging and mining within their lands, and are currently developing a community managed website.

International pressure has helped push for a change of stance from the Guyanese government. Nicholas and Faye Fredericks from the community recently raised awareness for their plight by attending the UN’s climate conference COP21 in Paris last December.  

Whilst there the group were awarded the UN’s Equator Prize which recognises outstanding local community initiatives and solutions to climate change. Size of Wales also attended the COP21 conference to raise awareness for tropical forests and highlight Wales’ positive impact on climate change.

Tropical forests are crucial in the fight against the changing climate – they absorb nearly a fifth of the world’s man-made CO2 emissions every year. Size of Wales helps protect these precious environments by supporting an area of tropical forest the size of Wales as part of a national response to climate change.

Size of Wales supports the work of Forest Peoples Programme and South Central Peoples Development Association. You can support this project by visiting sizeofwales.org.uk. Any donations made will be doubled by Size of Wales’ generous match fund.

Llywodraeth Gaiana yn agor trafodaethau ar hawliau tir gyda’r bobl Wapichan diolch i gefnogaeth o Gymru

Mae grŵp brodorol sy’n byw yng nghoedwigoedd Gaiana, De America, yn obeithiol y bydd eu tir yn cael ei gydnabod yn swyddogol gan y llywodraeth diolch i gefnogaeth pobl Cymru.

Mae’r bobl Wapichan wedi bod yn byw yn eu coedwigoedd a’u defnyddio’n gynaliadwy am genedlaethau. Serch hynny, dim ond hawliau cyfreithiol y grŵp dros ran fach o’r goedwig fu’n gartref i’w hynafiaid y mae’r llywodraeth yn ei gydnabod yn swyddogol. Mae’r gymuned wedi bod yn galw am weithredu teg ac effeithiol i sicrhau eu hawliau llawn dros eu holl diroedd ers i Gaiana ennill ei hannibyniaeth yn 1966.

Mae eu tiriogaeth goedwigol, sy’n cynnwys coedwigoedd glaw gwyryfol prydferth, yn 1.4miliwn hectar (3/4 maint Cymru, sydd tua 2 miliwn hectar). Mae Maint Cymru, elusen unigryw o Gymru sy’n ymgyrchu yn erbyn newid hinsawdd, wedi bod yn cefnogi gwaith i sicrhau hawliau cyfreithiol i’r brodorion dros y tir hwn. Unwaith y caiff yr hawliau eu cydnabod, mae’r grŵp yn dymuno sefydlu Coedwig Wapichan Warchodedig fawr, a fydd yn eiddo i’r gymuned, i ddiogelu’r ecosystem werthfawr.

Mae’n bosib bod y llywodraeth nawr yn gwrando. Mae Arlywydd Gaiana wedi cytuno i gynnal trafodaethau ffurfiol gyda chynrychiolwyr y Wapichan ynglŷn â’r camau nesaf sydd angen eu cymryd i ddiogelu eu tiriogaeth yn gyfreithlon. Mae’r cam hwn wedi cael ei gymeradwyo, a disgwylir y bydd trafodaethau cychwynnol gyda’r llywodraeth yn dechrau yn yr wythnosau nesaf.

Dywedodd Elizabeth Andre, un o henuriaid Pentref Aishalton, “Ers fy mod yn ferch fach, roeddwn yn arfer clywed fy nhad yn siarad am y tir… (ac am yr) angen i sicrhau bod ein hawliau drosto yn cael eu parchu. Chredais i byth, ar ôl yr holl amser – bron i 60 mlynedd nawr – na fyddai unrhyw beth wedi cael ei wneud i ddiogelu ein tiriogaeth yn iawn.”

“Mae fy mam yn hen iawn. Hoffwn iddi weld ein tiriogaeth yn cael ei chydnabod yn gyfreithiol fel bod modd iddi farw yn dawel ei meddwl gan wybod bod ein pobl a chenedlaethau’r dyfodol yn ddiogel ar ein tir. Gofynnwn i’n llywodraeth newydd weithredu nawr. Rydym wedi aros yn hen ddigon hir” dywedodd.

Mae cefnogaeth o Gymru trwy Maint Cymru wedi bod yn hanfodol ar gyfer y prosiect hwn. Ers 2011 mae wedi helpu’r gymuned i fapio eu tiroedd traddodiadol, i ddatblygu cynlluniau ar gyfer coedwig warchodedig fawr i’r gymuned, ac i greu cynlluniau rheoli cynaliadwy. Mae technoleg newydd yn cynorthwyo’r ymdrechion hyn; yn ddiweddar, adeiladodd y grŵp drôn i fonitro bygythiadau torri coed a mwyngloddio anghyfreithlon o fewn eu tiroedd, ac maent ar hyn o bryd yn datblygu gwefan a reolir gan y gymuned.

Mae pwysau rhyngwladol wedi helpu i wthio llywodraeth Gaiana i newid ei safbwynt. Yn ddiweddar, cododd Nicholas a Faye Fredericks (dau o aelodau’r gymuned) ymwybyddiaeth am eu sefyllfa drwy fynychu cynhadledd y Cenhedloedd Unedig ar newid hinsawdd, COP21, ym Mharis mis Rhagfyr diwethaf.  

Tra eu bod yno, enillodd y grŵp Wobr Cyhydedd y Cenhedloedd Unedig, sy’n cydnabod syniadau a mentrau cymunedol lleol eithriadol sy’n mynd i’r afael â newid hinsawdd. Aeth Maint Cymru i gynhadledd COP21 hefyd i godi ymwybyddiaeth am goedwigoedd trofannol ac i amlygu’r effaith gadarnhaol y mae Cymru’n ei chael ar newid hinsawdd.  

Mae coedwigoedd trofannol yn hanfodol yn y frwydr yn erbyn newid yn yr hinsawdd – maent yn amsugno bron i bumed rhan o’r allyriadau CO2 a grëir gan ddyn bob blwyddyn. Mae Maint Cymru yn helpu i ddiogelu’r amgylcheddau gwerthfawr hyn drwy gynnal ardal o goedwig drofannol yr un maint â Chymru fel rhan o ymateb cenedlaethol i newid hinsawdd.

Mae Maint Cymru yn cefnogi gwaith Forest Peoples Programme a’r South Central Peoples Development Association. Gallwch gefnogi’r prosiect hwn drwy ymweld â sizeofwales.org.uk. Bydd unrhyw gyfraniadau yn cael eu dyblu gan gronfa arian cyfatebol hael Maint Cymru.

For more information / Am fwy o wybodaeth: [email protected]

[sizeofwales]

Celebrating the Rainforest in Wales

Cymraeg isod

by Janie Pridham, Education Coordinator

A few weeks ago 55 pupils from 7 Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire joined a day of rainforest celebration with Size of Wales at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. It was the finale to a project that began earlier this term with exciting rainforest workshops in each school from Size of Wales’ Nigel Little.

Following Nigel’s workshops, pupils learned more about rainforests and how to encourage people to look after them, before meeting together at the Garden to take part in rainforest-themed activities.

During the day, pupils enjoyed exploring the Ghost Forest, an installation of 10 primary rainforest tree stumps from Western Africa reminding us of deforestation across the world.

Pupils were interested to find out about plants that grow in rainforests with Jo at the Tropical House, and they learned more about climate change and the threats to rainforests through games with Nigel and Janie from Size of Wales.

Size of Wales is a unique organisation that has campaigned successfully to help protect an area of rainforest the size of Wales, and prevent deforestation, a major cause of climate change. This project was part of their ongoing education outreach programme.

“We need rainforests” said one pupil, while others agreed, citing the fruits available and the forests’ contribution to mitigating climate change, as well as the threat to the forests from palm oil.

But perhaps the most perceptive quote of the day was this one, “I learned that rainforests are getting cut down because we just want more and more.” We can all learn something from that.

  Size of Wales offers a limited number of free assemblies and workshops to schools to raise awareness of the effects of deforestation on both the human and natural environment.

The workshops at KS2 are supported by a brand new set of resources. New resources for KS3 will be available shortly. Check out our education resources here.

If you are interested in this for your school, please contact [email protected]

Watch this:

The Ghost Forest arriving at the National Botanic Garden of Wales

The Ghost Forest in Trafalgar Square

Dathlu’r Coedwigoedd Glaw yng Nghymru

gan Janie Pridham, Cydlynydd Addysg

Rhai wythnosau yn ôl, cymerodd 55 disgybl o 7 ysgol yn Sir Benfro a Sir Gaerfyrddin ran mewn diwrnod arbennig i ddathlu’r coedwigoedd glaw gyda Maint Cymru yng Ngardd Fotaneg Genedlaethol Cymru. Roedd yn ddiweddglo prosiect a ddechreuodd yn gynharach y tymor hwn gyda gweithdai cyffrous ar y coedwigoedd glaw yn cael eu cynnal ym mhob un o’r ysgolion gan Nigel Little o Maint Cymru.

Ar ôl gweithdai Nigel, dysgodd y disgyblion ragor am y coedwigoedd glaw a sut i annog pobl i ofalu amdanynt, cyn ymgynnull gyda’i gilydd yn yr Ardd i gymryd rhan mewn gweithgareddau ar thema’r coedwigoedd glaw.

Yn ystod y diwrnod, bu’r disgyblion yn mwynhau archwilio Coedwig y Bwganod, gosodwaith sy’n cynnwys bonion 10 coeden o goedwigoedd glaw Gorllewin Affrica, i’n hatgoffa am ddatgoedwigo ar draws y byd.

Roedd y disgyblion yn llawn diddordeb wrth glywed am blanhigion sy’n tyfu mewn coedwigoedd glaw gyda Jo yn y Tŷ Trofannol, ac fe wnaethant ddysgu mwy am newid hinsawdd a’r bygythiadau i goedwigoedd glaw drwy chwarae gemau gyda Nigel a Janie o Maint Cymru.

Mae Maint Cymru yn sefydliad unigryw sydd wedi ymgyrchu’n llwyddiannus i helpu i ddiogelu ardal o goedwig law yr un maint â Chymru, yn ogystal ag atal datgoedwigo - un o brif achosion newid hinsawdd. Roedd y prosiect hwn yn rhan o’u rhaglen addysg allanol barhaus.

“Rydyn ni angen coedwigoedd glaw” meddai un disgybl. Cytunodd eraill, gan gyfeirio at y ffrwythau sydd ar gael yno, a chyfraniad y coedwigoedd i liniaru newid hinsawdd, yn ogystal â’r bygythiad i’r coedwigoedd glaw a achosir gan olew palmwydd.

Ond efallai mai sylw craffaf y diwrnod oedd: “Dysgais bod y coedwigoedd glaw yn cael eu torri i lawr gan ein bod ni eisiau mwy a mwy”. Gall pob un ohonom ddysgu rhywbeth o hyn.

Mae Maint Cymru yn cynnig nifer gyfyngedig  o wasanaethau a gweithdai rhad ac am ddim i ysgolion i godi ymwybyddiaeth am effeithiau datgoedwigo ar yr amgylchedd dynol a’r amgylchedd naturiol.

Ategir y gweithdai ar gyfer Cyfnod Allweddol 2 gan becyn adnoddau newydd sbon. Bydd adnoddau newydd ar gyfer Cyfnod Allweddol 3 ar gael cyn hir.

Os hoffech drefnu hyn ar gyfer eich ysgol, cysylltwch ag [email protected]

 Gwyliwch hwn:

Coedwig y Bwganod yn cyrraedd Gardd Fotaneg Cymru 

Coedwig y Bwganod yn Sgwâr Trafalgar

[sizeofwales]

Winner of Rugby Raffle!

Cymraeg isod

We had a great time running our Rugby Raffle again this year - while loads of you entered, unfortunately there could only be one winner and that was Sam Semple-Thomas. Originally from Haverfordwest, Sam now works as a senior nurse in Southampton and is a loyal Welsh rugby fan. We’ve been speaking to her about her once-in-a-lifetime prize:

How did you feel when you found out you’d won?

I was at work when I found out I had won. I could not believe it initially and then the thrill and excitement kicked in. The unexpected surprise, I felt like I had won the lottery. 

Who did you share your prize with?

I took my husband to the game. We both enjoy watching rugby even though he supports Scotland. I think over the years he has also adopted Wales. He did have stiff competition from Welsh friends and family though, I received a few funny offers!

How was your prize and what was your highlight?

The prize was amazing. I was not sure what to expect but it was a wonderful experience. The highlight? Too many to mention! Returning to visit Cardiff (where Sam trained); the meal; the lovely people we met, including past and present Welsh rugby stars and icons; and of course the atmosphere of the match day and the euphoria of Wales winning so triumphantly!

Do you have any thoughts on Wales’ response to climate change?

Climate change is a concern that everyone needs to be aware of and do what they can. I don't believe that there is enough public awareness and groups like Size of Wales are taking steps towards changing that. I was really interested to learn about the projects that Size of Wales raise money towards. I think it is so worthwhile and I will be keeping my eye on what I can contribute towards in the future. I have admiration and praise for all the work Size of Wales is doing and what you have so far achieved. 

Sam with the great JJ Williams and ‘Lightening’ Scott Williams

Enillydd y Raffl Rygbi!

Cawsom amser ardderchog yn cynnal ein Raffl Rygbi eto eleni – er bod llawer ohonoch wedi cystadlu, yn anffodus dim ond un enillydd allai fod, a Sam Semple-Thomas oedd yr enillydd y tro hwn. Yn wreiddiol o Hwlffordd, mae Sam bellach yn gweithio fel uwch-nyrs yn Southampton ac mae’n gefnogwr brwd o dîm rygbi Cymru. Rydym wedi bod yn siarad â hi am ei gwobr unwaith-mewn-oes:

Sut oeddech chi’n teimlo pan glywoch eich bod wedi ennill?

Roeddwn i yn y gwaith pan glywais mod i wedi ennill. Allwn i ddim credu’r peth i ddechrau, ond yna dechreuais deimlo’r wefr a’r cyffro. Roedd yn syrpréis annisgwyl, roeddwn yn teimlo fel pe bawn wedi ennill y loteri. 

Gyda phwy wnaethoch chi rannu’r wobr?

Es i a ‘ngŵr gyda mi i’r gêm. Mae’r ddau ohonom yn mwynhau gwylio rygbi er ei fod yn cefnogi’r Alban. Rwy’n meddwl dros y blynyddoedd ei fod hefyd wedi mabwysiadu Cymru. Fe wynebodd e gystadleuaeth galed, cofiwch, oddi wrth ffrindiau a theulu o Gymru, gan i mi dderbyn nifer o gynigion digrif!

Sut brofiad oedd eich gwobr, a beth oedd yr uchafbwynt?

Roedd y wobr yn anhygoel. Doeddwn i ddim yn siŵr beth i’w ddisgwyl, ond roedd yn brofiad rhyfeddol. Yr uchafbwynt? Ble alla i ddechrau? Dychwelyd i ymweld â Chaerdydd (lle yr hyfforddwyd Sam); y pryd bwyd; y bobl hyfryd y gwnaethom gwrdd â nhw, gan gynnwys sêr ac eiconau rygbi Cymru o’r gorffennol a’r presennol; ac wrth gwrs awyrgylch diwrnod y gêm ac ewfforia gweld Cymru’n ennill mor fuddugoliaethus!

A oes gennych unrhyw feddyliau am ymateb Cymru i newid yn yr hinsawdd?

Mae newid yn yr hinsawdd yn destun pryder y dylai pawb fod yn ymwybodol ohono a gwneud cymaint ag y gallant yn ei gylch. Dwi ddim yn credu bod digon o ymwybyddiaeth ymhlith y cyhoedd ac mae grwpiau fel Maint Cymru yn cymryd camau i newid hynny. Roedd gen i ddiddordeb mawr mewn clywed am y prosiectau y mae Maint Cymru yn codi arian ar eu cyfer. Dwi’n meddwl ei fod yn hynod fuddiol a byddaf yn cadw fy llygaid ar agor i weld beth gallaf gyfrannu tuag ato yn y dyfodol. Rwy’n edmygu ac yn canmol yr holl waith y mae Maint Cymru yn ei wneud, a’r hyn rydych wedi’i gyflawni hyd yma.

[sizeofwales]

Elections are coming – get involved!

Cymraeg isod

As you may know, the Welsh Assembly elections are happening in just under a month’s time on Thursday 5 May. We’ve teamed up with some of our Welsh partners and will be supporting a selection of husting events between now and the election.

The first one is tomorrow night (Tuesday 12 April) in Cardiff and will be looking into how the main political parties plan to support future generations if they were to form the next Welsh Government. It will address some of the biggest long-term global issues affecting the lives of people in Wales and around the world.

It’s not too late to come along – find out more and book your ticket here. You can also find the event on facebook.

We’ll also be working with Stop Climate Chaos Cymru in the near future for an online hustings on twitter which will cover issues around climate change and the environment.

Follow us on twitter or facebook to keep up to date with other hustings goings-on.

Mae’r etholiadau ar y ffordd – cymerwch ran!

Fel y gwyddoch o bosib, mae etholiadau Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru yn digwydd mewn ychydig llai na mis, ar ddydd Iau 5 Mai. Ar y cyd â rhai o’n partneriaid o Gymru, byddwn yn cefnogi detholiad o hystingau rhwng nawr a’r etholiad.

Cynhelir yr un cyntaf nos yfory (dydd Mawrth 12 Ebrill) yng Nghaerdydd, a bydd yn edrych ar sut y mae’r prif bleidiau gwleidyddol yn bwriadu cefnogi cenedlaethau’r dyfodol pe byddent yn llunio Llywodraeth nesaf Cymru. Bydd yn mynd i’r afael â rhai o’r materion byd-eang tymor hir pwysicaf sy’n effeithio ar fywydau pobl yng Nghymru a ledled y byd.

Nid yw’n rhy hwyr i chi ddod i’r digwyddiad – gallwch gael rhagor o wybodaeth ac archebu’ch tocyn yma. Gallwch hefyd ddod o hyd i’r digwyddiad ar Facebook.

Byddwn hefyd yn gweithio gyda Stop Climate Chaos Cymru yn y dyfodol agos ar gyfer hystingau ar-lein ar Twitter a fydd yn trafod materion yn ymwneud â newid hinsawdd a’r amgylchedd.

Dilynwch ni ar Twitter neu Facebook i gael y newyddion diweddaraf am yr hystingau.

[sizeofwales]

Traditional knowledge is helping safeguard the future of Kenya’s threatened forests

Originally posted on WWF UK Blog

I remember it like it was yesterday. Several years ago we were engaged in a meeting with the indigenous Aweer community discussing their rights in relation to natural resources. The Aweer, traditionally hunter-gatherers, live in Boni Dodori, a part of Kenya which is home to a rich array of wildlife. We’d been discussing at length why the community needed to advocate to the government to protect their lands and natural resources. These are under immense pressure from, amongst other things, infrastructure development in the area, and the resulting population influx.

Camera trap image of an Aders’ duiker from the forests of Boni-Dodori. Recent mammal surveys suggest that the area is a stronghold for this Critically Endangered species © WWF / ZSL

Suddenly, an elderly female member of the community stood up. Initially we paid little attention, thinking she was just moving seats. But then it became clear she was making a bee-line for the front of the room, with her hand raised and a point to make.

She then gave one of the most impassioned speeches that I have ever heard.

She spoke about the strong and intricate links between the lives of the community and the adjacent forest. She also explained that since time immemorial the Aweer have had communal access to the forests for a variety of purposes related to both their livelihoods and cultural identity.  Forest product such as tubers, roots, medicinal plants, wild fruits, water and honey provide much need livelihoods whilst sacred groves in forest are used for traditional ceremonies.

Aweer woman weaving © WWF Kenya

Traditionally, selected elders have supervised how the people use the forests, through a system based on customary rules and regulations. Those breaking the rules face penalties and as a consequence haphazard forest destruction has been rare.

Finally, she reminded us that traditional uses and practices, both material and spiritual, have led to extensive indigenous knowledge, which is just as important as scientific knowledge and highly relevant to conservation efforts. Ensuring that the main root of a herbal plant isn’t extracted when collecting plants for medicinal use so that the plant doesn’t die, and not settling or farming in areas which are important wild animal corridors were just a few of the examples she gave which have clear overlap with conservation efforts.

Sisters from the Aweer community © WWF Kenya

Harnessing traditional knowledge to protect forests

Generally, the traditional rules and regulations adhered to by the Aweer have not been documented but instead kept alive through ongoing application and word of mouth. Through WWF’s work however, we’ve tried to document some of this indigenous knowledge and harness its value to improve conservation efforts and ensure that the Aweer have a strong voice in decisions affecting how the forests and other natural resources are managed.

We’ve repeatedly come to realise that our work and traditional use of the forest share a common priority: sustainability!

For centuries, traditional knowledge and practices have been used to ensure that forests continue to provide benefits for now, and for future generations.  This includes tangible benefits such as food and medicine as well as non-tangible benefits such as spiritual and psychological health.

But these systems are under increasing pressure from threats such as poorly planned development which is leading to significant loss of both forests and the species that depend on them.

Supporting the community

We’re working hard to rally behind the Aweer community to promote and support the role of culture in sustainable forest management. Similar work is under way on the south Kenyan coast.

A key part of our work is to continue to improve our understanding of traditional knowledge and practices and help make sure that decision makers know about it, to support efforts to protect the forests and the natural environment. As well as speaking to decision makers directly, we help the Aweer share this message themselves. We’re also working with the National Museums of Kenya to try and get the Aweer’s sacred forests recognised as National Monuments. This will help to offer these forests – and the cultural heritage that they represent – a greater level of protection.

You can support our work through Size of Wales in Kenya by making a donation today.

We wish to acknowledge and thank the financial support offered by Size of Wales and the UK government through the DEFRA/DFID Darwin Initiative and DFID’s PPA with WWF-UK.