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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford and Peters Reintroduce Bill to Streamline Federal Cybersecurity Regulations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce and Regulatory Affairs, and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, have reintroduced legislation to simplify cybersecurity regulations across federal agencies. The Streamlining Federal Cybersecurity Regulations Act would address overlapping and contradictory compliance requirements that hinder effective cybersecurity efforts and create unnecessary burdens for critical infrastructure owners and operators, as well as communities across the nation.
    “Bureaucratic red tape shouldn’t get in the way of preventing a cyber-attack, but complicated regulations are making it more difficult to address the major cyber threats facing our national security and critical infrastructure,” said Senator Lankford. “Harmonizing these efforts will make sure that federal requirements are focused on actually improving security instead of imposing a convoluted set of compliance challenges.” 
    “By reducing the number of duplicative or burdensome reporting requirements, we can give businesses the tools to better secure our critical infrastructure against the serious threat of cyberattacks,” said Senator Peters. “This legislation ensures federal agencies can work collaboratively to create effective cybersecurity standards, enabling businesses to focus on safeguarding their systems rather than navigating a maze of conflicting requirements.”
    As cyberattacks continue to grow, requirements to prevent cybersecurity breaches have become more complex. Some companies estimate that their cybersecurity teams are spending between 30 to 60% of their time on compliance with reporting requirements, rather than on improving their cybersecurity. This bill tackles the challenges of overlapping regulations by creating an interagency Harmonization Committee within the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) to align cybersecurity regulations, rules, and compliance standards. It also requires that all agencies, including independent regulatory agencies, consult with the committee before issuing or updating regulations. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salinas Reintroduces Bill to Create Scholarship Program for Future Behavioral Health Workers

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) reintroduced a bill to grow and strengthen America’s mental and behavioral health workforce. The Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Plus Scholarship Act would create a new scholarship program for students of diverse backgrounds pursuing a degree in the mental health, behavioral health, or substance use disorder treatment professions.

    “We have a drastic shortage of behavioral health workers in America – a shortage that is partly due to the high price tag that comes with obtaining a behavioral health degree,” said Rep. Salinas. “That is why I am proud to reintroduce the STAR Plus Scholarship Act, which would create a new scholarship program for students in the mental and behavioral health fields. My bill would prioritize students from underrepresented backgrounds to ensure that our future workforce is both highly qualified and reflective of the communities they serve. Ultimately, my legislation will break down barriers and encourage more students to pursue this critical line of work.”

    It is estimated that about one in five adults – or about 50 million Americans – struggle with mental illness, many of whom receive no treatment. Meanwhile, 17.1% of Americans report suffering from a substance use disorder, and 96.6% receive no treatment. While the prevalence of mental and behavioral health problems is growing, there are simply not enough providers to meet demand, especially for those living in rural areas or people seeking a provider who looks like them or speaks their primary language.

    However, a significant barrier to entry for mental and behavioral health providers is the cost of attending school. The average graduate with a master’s in social work had $67,000 in debt in 2019. Students pursuing graduate degrees in psychology take on an average debt load between $95,000-$160,000. These figures are even higher for Black and Latino students.

    The STAR Plus Scholarship Act would help address the mental and behavioral health workforce shortage by:

    • Creating a scholarship program for students pursuing a degree to provide substance use disorder treatment, mental health and behavioral health services;
    • Students would be eligible for non-taxable scholarships to cover the costs of their programs;
    • Requiring students to fulfill their obligations in a mental health shortage area or an area where the mean drug overdose rate exceeds the national average;
    • This bill also includes provisions to recuperate funds from students who do not fulfill their obligations;
    • Prioritizing students from groups or populations that are underrepresented in the substance use disorder treatment, behavioral and mental health workforce.

    ​​​​​​​In addition to Rep. Salinas, the STAR Plus Scholarship Act is cosponsored by Reps. Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Dan Goldman (NY-10).

    The legislation is also endorsed by the following organizations: American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP), American Counseling Association (ACA), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), American Psychiatric Association (APA), American Psychological Association (APA), NAADAC — The Association for Addiction Professionals, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), NAMI Oregon, National Association of Social Workers (NASW), National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Oregon Council of Behavioral Health (OCBH), Young Invincibles.

    “There are simply not enough clinicians to address the mental health crisis in this country,” said American Psychiatric Association CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A. “The APA applauds Rep. Salinas for introducing The STAR Plus Scholarship Act. This critical legislation would help alleviate the behavioral health care shortage and diversify our workforce to enhance access to much needed care.”

    “The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) applauds Rep. Andrea Salinas for her vision to introduce the STAR Plus Scholarship Act. NASW supports opportunities to grow the social work workforce in a way that allows social workers to afford their education. This legislation would help social workers and other mental health professionals complete their education with the knowledge that they have financial support. This is a step in the right direction to meet the needs of individuals in a mental health professionals shortage area and help bolster the social work workforce,” said Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, Chief Executive Officer, NASW. 

    “The American Psychological Association applauds Congresswoman Salinas for introducing the STAR Plus Scholarship Act. This important legislation would help alleviate the cost of education, which often serves as a barrier to growing the behavioral health workforce, as more prospective psychologists are forced to rely on student loans,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association. “By creating a scholarship program for students pursuing a career as a mental health services or substance use disorder treatment provider, the STAR Plus Scholarship Act would ensure that more qualified professionals are trained to meet the needs of underserved communities without having to take on additional student debt.”

    “Access to mental health care cannot be achieved without a skilled and diverse workforce, yet our country faces a severe shortage of mental health and substance use providers,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “There is an urgent need to expand and diversify the mental health and substance use workforce to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of people seeking care. Expanding and sustaining scholarship programs is a critical strategy to recruit and retain professionals in this field. NAMI strongly supports Representative Salinas’ STAR Plus Scholarship Act as an investment in building the workforce needed to ensure timely and equitable access to mental health care.”

    “NAADAC is excited and proud to support the STAR Plus Scholarship Act, as creation of these scholarship opportunities is an essential step towards building a more robust and well-trained addiction workforce. NAADAC applauds Representative Salinas for her leadership and recognition of the meaningful difference this policy solution will make in countless lives,” said Terrence Walton, MSW, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, NAADAC — The Association for Addiction Professionals.

    To read the full text of this legislation, click here.

    To download a one-page description of this legislation, click here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Pushes to Cap Medicare Late Enrollment Fees

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the Medicare Economic Security Solutions Act, a bipartisan bill that would lower Medicare costs for seniors by capping late Medicare enrollment fees. 

    Under current law, American seniors who defer enrollment in Medicare may unexpectedly find themselves with a higher bill due to late enrollment charges. This bill would cap the fee amount and duration for late Medicare Part B enrollment and lift penalties for COBRA, retiree, and Veterans Affairs (VA) enrollees who delay Medicare coverage.  

    Rep. Kim also co-led this bill in the 118th Congress. 

    “Seniors shouldn’t be punished for working later in life. Unfortunately, Americans can face higher fees for delaying Medicare enrollment,” said Congresswoman Kim. “The Medicare Economic Security Solutions Act will cap these unnecessary, burdensome fees hurting seniors already struggling on fixed income.” 

    “Seniors in Georgia’s Fighting Fifth and across the country are finding themselves hit with surprise fees simply because they didn’t know all the rules about signing up for Medicare. It doesn’t have to be this way. The Medicare Economic Security Solutions Act makes sure seniors who continued to work are not unnecessarily punished for missing confusing deadlines. This bill is about protecting our seniors and helping them get the care they’ve earned,” said Congresswoman Williams. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB Global and Kazakhstan Housing Company sign accord to promote energy-efficient homes in country.
    • Agreement comes in wake of first EU-Central Asia summit. 
    • The company will also benefit from technical assistance provided under the joint EIB and GIZ initiative, FELICITY II. 

    The European Investment Bank’s development arm (EIB Global) and state-owned Kazakhstan Housing Company JSC are teaming up to increase the number of energy-efficient and sustainable homes in Kazakhstan.

    EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris and Altay Kuzdibayev, chairman of the management board of Kazakhstan Housing Company, signed a memorandum of understanding today in the Kazakh capital Astana for financing to build energy-efficient homes.    

    “We will work closely with Kazakhstan Housing Company to explore financing opportunities for housing projects that meet high energy-efficiency standards,” said EIB Vice-President Kakouris. “The agreement reflects a commitment by the European Union and the bank to deepening our strategic partnership with central Asia. Contributing to the sustainable future of the region through initiatives like this one is a high priority for us.”

    This new accord is part of an initiative – FELICITY II Cities Advisory Facility – undertaken jointly by the EIB and German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The initiative is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany to support low-carbon investments in countries in eastern Europe and central Asia.  

    “Improving people’s quality of life and developing a modern, comfortable urban environment are the key priorities of Kazakhstan Housing Company. Signing a memorandum with EIB Global is an important step in the implementation of long-term international cooperation initiatives that are in line with both national priorities and global climate challenges. We are confident that this partnership will contribute to the formation of a new standard of housing and the development of sustainable and energy efficient housing projects in Kazakhstan,” said Kazakhstan Housing Company Management Board Chairman Kuzdibayev.

    The memorandum of understanding builds on the first EU-Central Asia summit held in April 2025, when government leaders pledged to strengthen ties between the two regions. During the summit, EIB Global announced plans to expand its strategic investments in sustainable development across central Asia.

    GIZ, which was represented at today’s signing event in Astana, , in cooperation with the German Energy Agency (dena) will offer technical assistance to Kazakhstan Housing Company under FELICITY II.

    Cooperation between the EIB and Kazakhstan Housing Company creates a real opportunity to accelerate the low-carbon transformation of Kazakhstan’s building sector, which accounts for a third of the country’s energy use,” said GIZ Project Director André Fabian. “It will also stimulate the market for energy-efficient construction and foster the uptake of innovative technologies and services.” The signing took place during the Astana International Forum, an annual conference that promotes global dialogue and attracts leaders of governments, international organisations, businesses and academic institutions. At the Forum, EIB Vice-President Kakouris participated in panel discussions on water security, global trade and climate action.

    Background information

    About EIB Global

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It finances investments that pursue EU policy objectives.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world.

    Photos of EIB headquarters for media use are available here

    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
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    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
    ©EIB
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    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
    Kazakhstan to get EIB Global support for energy-efficient homes
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Corran Ferry foot passenger fare to be introduced

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    At today’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee (Thursday 29 May 2025), Members agreed to introduce a foot passenger fare for the Corran Ferry.

    The Corran Ferry service carries over 10,000 foot passengers per year.

    Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “The Council recognises the importance of the Corran Ferry service and the flexibility that a frequent, short crossing offers both the local community and visitors to the Highlands. The foot passenger fare agreed today will contribute to the sustainability of this vital transport link and will bring the Corran Ferry in line with other passenger services.

    “To enhance the service and following feed-back from the local community, seasonal onshore marshals are in place this year to manage traffic safety during the summer months.”

    The new charge will come into effect this summer and will include foot passengers and pedal cyclists (no charge for the pedal cycle), concessions apply in accordance with wider travel provisions.

    Concessions – the foot passenger fare will not apply to:

    • Senior Citizens (60+)
    • Young persons (16-22)
    • Children 5-15, or
    • Disabled Passengers

    For Corran Ferry timetables and service updates, please follow the Corran Ferry Facebook page and the @CorranFerry  X page. You can also find information on the Council’s Corran Ferry website.

    29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Focus on Planning Enforcement with new charter adopted

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee have agreed to adopt the 2025 Planning Enforcement Charter that captures all planning enforcement policy and procedures. It explains how the enforcement process works, the Council’s roles and responsibilities and the service standard that have been set.  

    Building work, engineering works or the use of buildings or land for an alternative use, in planning legislation, is known as ‘development’. Some smaller scale development does not require planning permission however, most does. Sometimes, “developers” (which can be a company or individual and includes householders) undertake work without the benefit of planning permission or fail to keep to the terms of the permission they have been given.

    Where this happens, the Council has powers to take enforcement action against such unauthorised development, if it considers it is in the public interest to do so.

    Committee Chair, councillor Ken Gowans said: “Planning enforcement is one of the more complex parts of the planning system. The charter clearly explains in detail how the enforcement process works in Highland and includes information about the role that the public play in reporting unauthorised development and assisting us to investigate breaches of planning control.

    He added: “The Charter will ensure that our procedures are fair, reasonable, consistently applied, and transparent. It will also mean all interested parties are fully aware of the procedures involved in the process, the powers available to us as a Council and equally importantly the limits of those powers.”

    The Council regularly monitors progress of development to ensure planning controls are being followed. Given the size of the Council area, there is also a role for the pubic in alerting the Council to any problems that they become aware of.

    The committee also noted progress being made to enhance the Council’s Enforcement Team. There will be 4 full-time Planning Enforcement Officers working under the Principal Planning Enforcement Officer. The team will be supported by  3 access officers, on a part-time basis, whose role is to gather information to assist planning enforcement officers as well as to investigate some potential breaches of planning control.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 20mph scheme in Highlands – final traffic order approved today

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee today (Thursday 29 May) approved the final step to formalise all 20mph schemes in the Highlands and a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will now be actioned.

    All the roads included in the final TRO follow the outcome of technical assessments, discussions with Members, Community Councils and the public.

    Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “In the summer of 2022 the Council agreed to take on the opportunity provided by Transport Scotland for the early adoption of 20 mph speed limits in our Council area.

    “This has been a huge piece of work so firstly I want to thank many members of the public, community groups and my fellow councillors, for getting involved and providing feedback throughout the process. I’d also like to thank our small but very dedicated Road Safety Team for all their hard work. To do a roll out on this scale is unprecedented. This is a significant milestone for road safety and another big step in our ambition to reduce accidents on our roads.”

    By being an early adopter, Highland Council havs fast tracked the implementation of 20mph speeds limits and worked closely with Transport Scotland to look at the process and how it can be refined for the wider roll out that is currently happening across Scotland

    In the report presented to the committee there was detailed information on the benefits of the programme along with the information provided to all objectors which addresses some of the perceptions around 20mph speed limits.

    Pre and post 20 mph implementation speed counts have been taken at over 250 locations in Highland. The results have been available to view on the dedicated Council 20mph webpages throughout the project.

    Councillor Gowans added: “The information gathered since we introduced 20mph across our towns, villages and settlements shows an encouraging reduction in collisions compared to those statistics before the 20mph speed limit was introduced. This is really very positive news for communities across Highland. Our 20mph scheme will improve road safety through simplifying speed limits for drivers, reducing perceptions of road danger, making it safer for people to walk and wheel, and create more pleasant towns, villages and neighbourhoods by providing a more calm environment for all road users. “

    As The Highland Council was selected by The Scottish Government to pilot the roll-out of 20mph schemes, all costs for the project are being met by Transport Scotland.

    Following the decision a roll out of roundels and markings will be done with a contract in place already for work to be undertaken in Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, Caithness and Sutherland. Other areas will follow.

    Details of the TRO can be found by visiting – https://www.highland.gov.uk/20mph

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 2025/26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund Delivery Plan Approved – Highland Events To Benefit From New Grant Fund

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have agreed a delivery plan that will see £3 million of funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) invested to support Highland communities, businesses, employment and tourism.

    The 2025/26 Highland UKSPF Delivery Plan is made up of a range of projects geared to delivering positive impacts across the Highlands, building on the successes of the 2022-25 Delivery Plan and introducing new interventions, all aimed at maximising the return on the 2025/26 investment.

    Included in the 2025/26 Delivery Plan is a new £75,000 Strategic Events Grant Fund to support the region’s vibrant events sector and stimulate the visitor economy during the quieter shoulder and off-season months.

    Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, welcomed the initiative, saying: ““This fund is a fantastic opportunity to support the creativity and resilience of our communities. By investing in events that celebrate our culture, attract visitors, and extend the tourism season, we’re helping to build a stronger, more sustainable Highland economy.”

    The fund, which is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme, will offer grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 to eligible events taking place between September 2025 and March 2026. It is open to a wide range of public events, including music, food and drink, cultural, sports, and nature-based festivals.

    Priority will be given to events that demonstrate strategic value—such as those that drive overnight stays, promote responsible tourism, and align with national and regional strategies including Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024–2035 and The Highland Council’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2024–2030.

    Applications will open on Monday 2 June and close on Monday 30 June 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-July.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council Showcases Regional Strengths at UKREiiF 2025

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has taken part in the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2025 in Leeds, joining forces with the Scottish Cities Alliance to spotlight Scotland’s collective strengths in sustainable development and innovation. This year marked the Council’s most proactive engagement yet, presenting the Highlands as a region of strategic opportunity within a united national vision.

    As co-host of the ‘Team Scotland’ pavilion, the Council worked alongside partners from across Scotland to highlight the Highlands’ unique contributions to the country’s green economy – particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, and inclusive growth. The collaborative spirit of the event drew interest from investors, developers, and policymakers eager to explore Scotland’s potential.

    Leader of The Highland Council,  Councillor Raymond Bremner officially opened the “Scotland’s Energy Transition” panel session, setting the tone for a series of forward-looking discussions.

    He said: “UKREiiF 2025 has been an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how the Highlands are contributing to Scotland’s shared ambitions for sustainable investment and inclusive prosperity

     “We’re proud to be part of a national effort that’s not only attracting investment but also delivering real social and environmental value.

    “Attending major events like UKREiiF is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the Highlands on a national and international stage. There’s a real buzz around what’s happening in our region – from renewable energy and the Green Freeport to infrastructure housing – and we’re seeing huge interest from investors and partners who want to be part of that journey. It’s also a chance to champion the incredible businesses and communities that are driving progress here. It’s great to be showcasing the Highlands as a place of ambition, collaboration, and opportunity.”

    Throughout the forum, Highland Council representatives participated in key conversations on energy transition, infrastructure provision, and regeneration. In partnership with Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and other Scottish stakeholders, the Council underscored the Highlands’ vital role in helping the UK meet its net zero targets.

    With significant investment already underway and more opportunities emerging, the Council’s presence at UKREiiF 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively to build a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for Highland communities—and for Scotland as a whole.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cruise ship levy will mitigate tourism pressures and support infrastructure

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has issued its support to a Scottish Government proposal to give local authorities the power to create a cruise ship levy in the area.

    A meeting of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday (29 May) heard that such a levy could provide additional funds to mitigate the impacts of tourism and ensure the area remains a world leading and sustainable tourism destination.

    Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: “As agreed at today’s E&I Committee, The Highland Council supports the introduction of discretionary powers for local authorities to implement a cruise ship levy, recognising its potential to generate recurring revenue to mitigate tourism-related pressures and sustain local infrastructure.

    “Such a levy would empower communities to reinvest in services and help develop the Highlands as a world-class, sustainable destination all at no cost to Highland Council taxpayers, something everyone across our communities will welcome.

    “Should such powers be granted, the Council will then undertake further extensive analysis and engagement to inform future decision-making.”

    While the growth of the cruise ship sector has been welcomed and contributed to the economy, as with all visitors, cruise ship passengers can place significant pressure on local infrastructure and services.

    The Scottish Government has undertaken a public consultation to seek views on a proposal to provide local authorities with discretionary powers to implement a levy on cruise ships.

    The primary aim of a cruise ship levy is to ensure that local authorities experiencing pressures from the industry have additional funds to address these pressures and help contribute towards a thriving and sustainable tourism sector.            

    If implemented, such powers would be the first in the UK although cruise ship levies are already in place internationally, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubrovnik and Venice.

    Members agreed that any levy should be based on the number of passengers per ship, and cruise ship operators would be the most suitably placed to collect the levy from passengers for remitting to the local authority.

    The committee said local authorities should decide the rate of any levy, with revenue raised retained and used strategically within that same area. This would enable funds to be dispersed where visitors visit within the implementing local authority area and improve the wider tourist experience.

    The Scottish Government’s consultation also proposes that local authorities with islands be given the power to charge a levy on those arriving to visit an island, regardless of the means of transport by which they arrived.

    In response, The Highland Council has strongly encouraged the Scottish Government to not focus solely on islands and instead to introduce a point of entry levy for all of Scotland, enabling all Scottish local authorities to exercise their discretion to introduce a Point of Entry levy within their geographical boundaries.

    In addition to responding to the Scottish ‘Government’s consultation, The Highland Council is preparing a proposition based on a means of having the ability to charge at points of entry into the Highlands, which will go some way to address the impacts of motorhomes and campervans.

    The Scottish Government’s consultation closes on 30th May 2025.

    • In 2023 passenger numbers to Highland ports reached almost 300,000 and the gross tonnage of cruise vessels hit the 10,000,000 GT mark.
    • Within Highland there are 16 ports and harbours with cruise ship activities. These range in type, size and capacity from the Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon, which is a trust port and the busiest cruise ship port in Scotland, to Shieldaig which is a rural municipal harbour accommodating only one or two small cruise ships each year.
    • Scottish Government research indicates that although highly seasonal, significant increases in passenger numbers demonstrate the cruise ship sector is growing three times faster than the rest of the tourism sector.
    • In 2019, 893 cruise ships docked in Scottish ports, carrying 817,000 passengers and by 2024 this had increased to 1,000 cruise ships carrying 1.2 million passengers with the busiest day seeing 9,600 visitors arrive in the Port of Invergordon.
    • Existing levy rates across European ports range from approximately €3-14 per passenger
    • In 2019 The Highland Council engaged in a public visitor levy consultation, the outcome of which resulted in a decision to support ‘in principle’ the introduction of a visitor levy.
    • The consultation found that nearly 70% of respondents believed that cruise ship passengers should be included in a Highland visitor levy, just behind those ‘Overnight Visitors staying in paid accommodation’ (74%) and ‘Motorhome Users (not staying at paid sites)’ (84%).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Committee Chair appointed to represent the Council at two European Maritime networks

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans has been appointed to the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe (CPMR) and the North Sea Commission (NSC).

    Both organisations can provide access to broader based lobbying on common priorities and issues.

    Chair, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “The Highland Council is a longstanding member of the CPMR and NSC, with a track record of pro-active involvement in the work of the network. It provides opportunities to influence policies that may affect the Highlands and also offers a wide range of information exchange so we can learn from other European partners.

    He added: I very much welcome this opportunity to learn from others and to exchange common experiences on aspects of regional development and service delivery, especially in relation to issues that are relevant to the North Sea.”

    The CPMR brings together more than 150 regional authorities from 24 countries across the European Union and beyond, representing around 200 million people. Organised into geographical commissions, the CPMR operates as both a think tank and a lobby, focusing on key areas such as policy, maritime affairs, transport and accessibility, energy and climate change, migration, neighbourhood and development,

    The North Sea Commission is one of the six geographical commissions of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) and its mission is to strengthen partnerships between regional authorities which face the challenges and opportunities presented by the North Sea.

    29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Committee Discusses Social Value Charter Aimed To Ensure Communities Get Fair Share

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    At today’s meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, (Thursday 29 May 2025), members gave their support to the progress being made in taking a Social Value Charter forward that aims to maximises economic benefits from the natural environment and resources and ensure communities receive tangible benefits from renewable energy developments.

    Members agreed that representations continue to be made to both the Scottish and UK Governments on the need of mandatory benefit and that the Council continues to engage with renewable developers to sign up to the Charter.

    The aims of the Charter are to:

    • embed an approach to community wealth building into Highland;
    • maximise economic benefits from our natural environment and resources;
    • engage and involve relevant stakeholders to understand how we can continually improve our impact; and
    • unlock economic opportunities for area

    The Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “The Social Value Charter is separate to any planning process. It aims to ensure that if developments get the go ahead there is a clear community benefit. Currently once they have planning permission, developers are not obliged to follow through on providing community benefit. This has to change. The report we discussed today takes us a step forward and reinforces the need for meaningful engagement with developers Scottish Renewables to continues.

    “Given the scale of the on-shore and off shore energy pipeline being anticipated in the Highlands and the concerns of communities about potential impacts of these plans, it is important that public and private sector partners work together, so our communities can benefit for years to come.”

    29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Holds Series of Meetings with Pacific Island Colleagues

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    XIAMEN, May 29 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday held a new round of separate meetings with foreign guests who arrived in China to attend the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province.

    At a meeting with Foreign Minister of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Lorin Robert Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, he said that the two heads of state reached an important consensus on strengthening mutual trust and friendship, as well as deepening mutually beneficial cooperation.

    China highly appreciates the resolution passed by the FSM Congress in support of the one-China principle and believes that the FSM will continue to firmly support China’s just position on Taiwan-related issues, Wang said.

    China is willing to further expand cooperation with the FSM in key areas such as infrastructure, climate change and marine exploration, promoting the continuous development of the China-Micronesia comprehensive strategic partnership, he said.

    L. Robert, for his part, congratulated on the successful holding of the 3rd China-Pacific Island States Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and reaffirmed the FSM’s continued commitment to the one-China principle. Micronesia is ready to further develop its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, he added.

    During a meeting with Vanuatu Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Trade Mark Athey, the Chinese Foreign Minister stressed that the China-Vanuatu comprehensive strategic partnership has been continuously developing under the leadership of the leaders of the two countries.

    According to Wang Yi, since the new Vanuatu government took office in February this year, the country has been pursuing a positive and friendly policy toward China, which is highly appreciated by the Chinese side. The two countries should take advantage of the current favorable situation to strengthen exchanges at all levels and expand practical cooperation, the Chinese diplomat noted.

    M. Ati, for his part, noted that China’s support not only helps Vanuatu improve the living conditions of its population, but also increases its confidence and sustainability in development.

    The Vanuatu government firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with China, accelerate negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, and develop cooperation in areas such as education, infrastructure, health and law enforcement, moving towards a brighter future, Athi said.

    At a meeting with Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko, Wang Yi said the two countries should implement the consensus reached by their leaders, begin negotiations on a free trade agreement as soon as possible and deepen cooperation in various fields.

    China values Papua New Guinea’s influence as a major country in the South Pacific and its role as a gateway to Asia, Wang continued, adding that China is willing to work with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific island countries to implement the outcomes of this foreign ministers’ meeting to make greater contributions to regional peace and development.

    J. Tkachenko, for his part, noted that relations with China are of utmost importance for Papua New Guinea. According to him, the government of Papua New Guinea strongly supports China’s efforts to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Papua New Guinea, he added, is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China to advance cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as to expand practical cooperation in such areas as agriculture, education, telecommunications, energy and regional development.

    In addition, Wang Yi met with former President and current Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Nauru Russ Coon, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji Lenora Kerekeretabua and Deputy Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Esala Nayasi. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China urges relevant countries to stop escalating tensions in South China Sea

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang has called on relevant countries to stop ganging up and escalating tensions in the South China Sea and refrain from actions that undermine regional peace.

    Zhang Xiaogang made the statement in response to a question about joint patrols by the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea.

    He stressed that the current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, and there are no problems with freedom of navigation and overflight, which all states enjoy in accordance with international law.

    “Some countries are engaging in confrontation under the guise of cooperation, flexing their muscles under the guise of freedom, and sowing chaos under the guise of order, thereby becoming the main source of risks to undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea,” said a Chinese defense official. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s New Hospital Ship Will Provide New Public Safety Benefits

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang on Thursday confirmed the commissioning of China’s third large hospital ship, the Happy Ark, stressing the important role of such ships in providing security public goods to the international community.

    At a regular press conference, Zhang Xiaogang said the Happy Ark was the third hospital ship with a displacement of 10,000 tons or more designed and built in China.

    The official said the new vessel, equipped with combat capabilities and advanced medical equipment, will join the Peace Ark and Silk Road Ark as the main vehicle for conducting maritime medical assistance missions.

    Zhang Xiaogang drew attention to the multifunctionality of the hospital ship, which can perform tasks such as providing international humanitarian medical services, providing emergency medical assistance in major disasters, and promoting military medical exchanges. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Japan must learn lessons from WWII: PM

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TOKYO, May 29 (Xinhua) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday recalled that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, saying Japan should actively learn from the painful memory of the war and its history.

    Speaking at the 30th Future of Asia Forum in Tokyo, Shigeru Ishiba said Japan is determined not to repeat the mistakes of the war period and to follow the path of a peaceful country. This position will not change in the future, he said.

    Shigeru Ishiba expressed his willingness to study the history and culture of Asian countries with an open mind, emphasizing that Japan should not only deepen economic ties with them, but also build genuine trust.

    The Future of Asia Forum, organized by Nikkei, has been held annually since 1995. This year’s event is themed “Challenging Asia in a Turbulent World” and is being held over two days from May 29 to 30. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNDRR and the CCRO Network build momentum towards launch of new Resilience Assessment Tool at Risk-!n Conference

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Geneva, 22 May 2025 – In a compelling display of cooperation, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Corporate Chief Resilience Officers (CCRO) Network came together last week at the Risk-!n conference to underline the growing importance of enterprise resilience in strengthening societal disaster risk reduction efforts.

    During a dedicated session titled “How the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and a network of Chief Resilience Officers are partnering to improve societies’ resilience”, UNDRR and CCRO Network representatives showcased how strategic collaboration with the private sector is helping to drive tangible progress toward a more resilient future.

    The session, held on 12 May, featured Dr. Abhilash Panda, Deputy Chief of the Intergovernmental Processes, Interagency Cooperation and Partnerships Branch at UNDRR, and Laurent Giezendanner, Head of Corporate Security at Syngenta, representing the CCRO Network. Together, they introduced participants to the principles behind the Resilience Maturity Assessment (ReMA) tool-a forthcoming initiative aimed at helping businesses of all sizes assess and strengthen resilience across six core operational dimensions.

    The event generated significant interest and anticipation for the official launch of the ReMA tool, scheduled to take place at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025) this June-the premier global forum for disaster risk reduction practitioners.

    The Risk-!n session also served as a valuable forum for early feedback. Participants expressed enthusiasm about the potential for the ReMA tool to benchmark resilience across industries, while also recommending the inclusion of guidance for local community engagement and strategies to integrate human resilience into corporate planning. The discussion underscored strong support for continued collaboration between UNDRR and private sector actors, positioning this partnership as a blueprint for effective risk reduction.

    By fostering strategic dialogue between global disaster risk experts and corporate resilience leaders, the collaboration between UNDRR and the CCRO Network is helping to shape tools and solutions that are scalable, data-driven, and inclusive-key ingredients for a safer and more resilient world.

    For more information on the ReMA tool and its launch at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, visit: ReMA Launch at GP2025

    Learn more about the CCRO Network here: CCRO Network – UNDRR.

    For media inquiries, please email: [email protected]

    About the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)

    UNDRR is the lead agency in the United Nations on disaster risk reduction. It provides leadership, expertise, and tools to enable countries to understand and act on disaster risks before they become disasters. UNDRR’s work is guided by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which aims to achieve a substantial reduction in disaster risk and losses by the year 2030.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Portuguese cities advance MCR2030 commitments at 12th National Resilience Meeting

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    From 21 to 23 May 2025, the municipalities of Funchal, Machico, and Ponta do Sol hosted the 12th edition of the National Meeting of Resilient Cities and Towns — a key event under the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative.
    Bringing together more than 120 participants representing 38 Portuguese cities, along with international delegations from Brazil and Greece, the meeting served as a vital platform for local authorities, civil protection professionals, international partners, and resilience experts to exchange knowledge and reinforce collective action toward urban resilience.

    The three-day program featured thematic panels, roundtables, technical field visits, and strategic dialogue. Topics included:

    • Artificial Intelligence for Disaster Risk Reduction
    • Resilience in urban and tourism contexts
    • Risk communication strategies
    • International cooperation for disaster mitigation
       

    One of the key moments of the event was the certificate ceremony during the opening session, where several new Portuguese cities were officially recognized and awarded by UNDRR for joining the MCR2030 initiative. This growing network of engaged municipalities reflects Portugal’s continued leadership in promoting disaster resilience at the local level.

    UNDRR joined the meeting to support dialogue on urban resilience with Ms. Yigyeong Oh, Regional focal point for MCR2030 at UNDRR Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, delivering remarks and engaging in discussions on local risk governance and multi-level coordination.

    “Portugal has consistently demonstrated strong leadership within the MCR2030 global network. With two MCR2030 Resilience Hubs and an actively growing number of committed cities, it offers a model for peer learning and local action,” said Ms. Oh of UNDRR.

    This event reaffirmed the commitment of Portuguese cities to building safer, more resilient communities through knowledge-sharing and collective action. It also highlighted Portugal’s continued efforts to align local resilience strategies with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    About MCR2030

    MCR2030 is a ‘who’s who’ of international partners with unmatched expertise and experience in supporting urban resilience. The partnership has 35 MCR2030 Resilience Hubs globally, recognized global leaders in urban resilience that are increasingly active in terms of capacity-building support to other local governments. Portugal has been a champion in the MCR2030 network with two Resilience Hubs and 82 cities as of 28 May 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Corporate Chief Resilience Officers Network

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The UNDRR-convened network of Corporate Chief Resilience Officers (CCROs) intends to advance the resilience of businesses to disaster, and hence the one of society as a whole. 

    This network, part of the UNDRR’s broader efforts to address the growing threat of natural and human-made hazards, aims to foster public-private collaboration and encourage businesses worldwide to take proactive measures in preparing for and mitigating disaster risks.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement on the glacier disaster that struck the Swiss village of Blatten

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    On behalf of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, I would like to express my sorrow over the glacier landslide disaster that hit the Swiss Alpine village of Blatten, in the canton of Valais.

    According to the Swiss Seismological Service, this was one of the largest mass movements recorded in the country. The disaster largely destroyed the village and one person is reportedly missing. The loss of this tranquil village, located in an area that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a loss for the entire world. 

    That said, this tragedy could have been much worse if not for the quick actions of Swiss authorities, who provided early warning to the village’s residents and evacuated them, and their livestock, days ago. This is a testament to the power of disaster risk reduction in reducing loss of life and protecting livelihoods. Over the decades, the Swiss have developed significant expertise in managing mountain-related disaster risks and have been generously sharing it with countries across the world.

    It is also a reminder of the rising cost of disasters and the increasing danger of glacier-related disasters in a warming planet. Mountain communities around the world, from the Alps to the Andes and the Himalayas, are threatened by increasing intensity and frequency of mountain-related hazards. Their lives, ways of life, culture, and heritage are all threatened.

    As we prepare to join Switzerland in welcoming delegates from 175 countries to the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, I call on all countries to make “every day count” and accelerate action to fully implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction so we may achieve a significant reduction in disaster losses by the year 2030. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Special report on the use of Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    This special report consists of a series of independent chapters organized as follows: Chapter 1 introduces the role of technology in disaster risk reduction (DRR), emphasizing the need to explicitly consider the context and discussing the close relationship between technological innovation and risk assessment methods. 

    Chapter 2 presents the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in DRR, describing their benefits and limitations through a series of case studies from Latin America and the Caribbean. 

    Chapter 3 discusses the need to adopt an inclusive approach when developing and training technologies in order to increase their adoption and ensure they are responsive to local needs. 

    Chapter 4 highlights the benefits of adopting technologies in activities related to multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS), indicating that the introduction and adoption of relatively simple technologies based on Indigenous and local knowledge can yield high life-saving benefits. 

    Finally, Chapter 5 explores how certain communication systems, such as social media, have contributed to reducing disaster risk. It also examines the challenges regarding the accuracy and validity of information during and in the aftermath of a disaster that AI and ML can help to solve. 

    Some chapters include a series of case studies that highlight the power of digital tools. In most cases, benefits have been identified at the local level—where DRR must be implemented—but it is also essential to recognize that fostering cooperation, information exchange, and the sharing of best practices can maximize the benefits of these tools.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sarh hosts landmark workshop on urban risk-Informed development and resilience

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Sarh, a major city in southern Chad along the Chari River, faces frequent flooding due to its tropical climate, long rainy season, poor infrastructure, and rapid urban growth.  To address these challenges, the city of Sarh hosted, from 7 to 9 April 2025, a high-level workshop on urban development planning based on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate resilience, under the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative. 

    Opening the event, His Excellency Abdramane Hamat Bargou, Government Delegate of the Province of Moyen-Chari, called attention to the impact of climate change on Sarh, a city increasingly vulnerable to floods. He praised the city’s commitment to aligning development planning with disaster risk reduction and adaptation efforts. 

    A collaborative effort for a safer Sarh 

    The workshop demonstrated strong political support and highlighted the importance of multilevel governance. City officials, provincial leadership, national institutions, regional organizations, including Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), came together to jointly assess disaster risks, identify priorities, and co-create solutions tailored to Sarh’s context.

    “The Ministry is fully committed to supporting cities like Sarh in developing and operationalizing their disaster risk reduction plans. Strengthening local governance structures and ensuring that DRR is mainstreamed into local development planning is a national priority. We will work to replicate the example of Sarh to other municipalities across Chad.” Mr Hassan Abdoulaye Mahamat, Director Risk Prevention, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Republic of Chad

    The participation of the city of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, which developed its Action Plan last year, further deepened the workshop’s impact. The representative shared their experience and lessons learned on challenges also faced by Sarh offering a powerful example of peer learning and South-South cooperation.  

    Sarh sets a model for urban resilience

    Reflecting on the exercise, Honourable Ramadan Boka, Mayor of Sarh, stated: 

    “The Disaster Resilience Scorecard exercise was a real eye-opener. The tool sparked real conversations between sectors that don’t always sit at the same table. It’s not just an assessment—it’s a starting point for collective action.”

    Sarh’s commitment to embedding DRR into governance and planning makes it the first city in Chad to both establish a multisectoral DRR committee and join the global MCR2030 network. “Sarh is leading by example. What we’ve seen here is not just planning—it is transformation in motion,” said Mr Semingar Ngaryamngaye, Director Disaster Risk Reduction at ECCAS. 

    The city now serves as a reference point for others across Central Africa on the journey to resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban futures. 

    Honourable Djime Ngandéré Member of Parliament added: 

    “Our earlier engagement in an MCR2030 regional training laid the foundation for this initiative. That experience gave us the tools and vision to launch Sarh’s resilience journey.” 

    As a result, the Multisectoral Committee for Disaster Risk Reduction is now tasked with finalizing the Action Plan developed during the workshop and laying the groundwork for its implementation.

    The workshop was organized by UNDRR in collaboration with the City of Sarh, Ministry of Administration, Territorial and Decentralization, and ECCAS, and through the financial support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ), through the GIZ Resilience Initiative Africa Project implemented by UNDRR Regional Office for Africa.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The path to resilience: Alfred Nzo municipality’s journey

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    In the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, characterized by its rural landscapes and environmental vulnerability, is quietly undergoing a transformation. With rising threats from floods, wildfires, droughts, and even snowstorms, the district’s leadership has embarked on a journey to equip its local institutions with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed to prevent hazards from becoming disasters.

    From 6 to 8 May 2025, over 50 local government officials and stakeholders participated in the Urban Risk-Informed Development Planning and Making Cities Resilient workshop. Organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in collaboration with Alfred Nzo District Municipality and funded through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Resilience Initiative Africa, the workshop advanced the efforts towards achieving the Sendai Framework target E: substantially increasing the number of local DRR strategies by 2030.

    From Global Framework to Local Action

    Alfred Nzo has made notable strides. “We’ve developed a Climate Change Response Plan, Environmental Management Framework, and ecosystem-based projects focused on water conservation, invasive species control, and rangeland restoration,” said Zola Mbuyana, Assistant Manager for Environmental Management and Water Quality. 

    Learning by Doing: From Theory to Action 

    Local government officials explored how to align local planning with national policy and the Sendai Framework. The Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative provides specific tools, such as the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities and the Ten Essentials for Making Cities Resilient, designed specifically to support local governments in aligning strategies with global DRR commitments. The preliminary assessments revealed key strengths, such as the existence of a Disaster Management Centre and a climate change strategy. However, gaps remain, such as the lack of dedicated disaster risk management units in the four local municipalities, poor coordination among stakeholders, and limited budget allocations.

      Prioritizing What Matters

    “This workshop marks a step toward ensuring local governments like Alfred Nzo lead from the front in risk-informed development,” said Ms. Isabel Njihia, Programme Management Officer at UNDRR. “The Scorecard is not a performance audit but a practical guide for identifying priority actions and aligning local efforts with global resilience targets.” Understanding local risk in Alfred Nzo, including flood patterns, wildfire zones, and snowstorm vulnerabilities, was emphasized as critical to developing relevant solutions. Emphasis was placed on community engagement, indigenous knowledge, and local leadership as pillars of sustainable DRR strategies.

    “We cannot stop the floods or droughts from coming, but we can ensure our communities are prepared, our infrastructure is resilient, and our response systems are ready before disaster strikes,” Mduduzi Mkhalane, Deputy Director Health Programmes

    Building a Blueprint for Resilience

    By the final day, the officials moved from diagnosis to creating a draft DRR Action Plan rooted in local risks and realities. This plan promotes a phased, multi-sectoral approach, with clear indicators for progress and defined roles across departments. Some key priorities for action include establishing dedicated DRM units in all local municipalities, conducting multi-hazard infrastructure audits and mainstreaming DRM into urban design and development and developing a Post-Disaster Recovery Framework.

    Toward a Resilient Future

    What emerged from the Alfred Nzo workshop was more than a plan – it was a shared commitment. Local leaders recognized that resilience is a continuous process, requiring learning, investment, and inclusive governance. The plan calls for the engagement of NGOs, private sector actors, traditional leaders, and marginalized groups, affirming the principle of leaving no one behind, embedded in both the Sendai Framework and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The Alfred Nzo District Municipality now has a draft roadmap, built on evidence, collaboration, and global best practice. With the guidance of UNDRR and the support of GIZ’s Resilience Initiative Africa, the next phase will be crucial: finalizing, endorsing, and implementing the DRR Action Plan with appropriate institutional backing and funding. Continued intersectoral cooperation, community awareness, and adequate funding will be vital. This journey is just beginning, but one thing is clear: in Alfred Nzo, the principles of the Sendai Framework are not just ideals – they are being translated into action.

    Explore the Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative at mcr2030.undrr.org.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Road resurfacing season starts in northern B.C.

    People in northern British Columbia will benefit from improved roads as the Province rolls out highway and side-road resurfacing projects in summer 2025 covering approximately 320 kilometres.

    In the Prince George area, approximately 20 kilometres of highway and side roads will be repaved, including six kilometres of Highway 97 from the Simon Fraser Bridge to Sintich Road, and 14 kilometres of side roads, including Old Cariboo Highway, Sintich Road and Johnson Road. The $11.5-million project is expected to be completed by fall 2025.  During repaving work, drivers can expect delays as long as 15 minutes. The project will minimize traffic disruptions by scheduling night work on Highway 97.

    In the Valemount area, 24 kilometres of Highway 5 are being resurfaced from Tete Jaune Cache to the Cedarside Bridge overhead, as well as six kilometres of side roads, including Whiskey Fill Road and Cedarside Road. The $7.7-million project is expected to be completed by fall 2025, with delays as long as 15 minutes for the duration of the project.

    Other major resurfacing projects taking place in the region this spring and summer include:

    • Highway 29 Cache Creek to Hudson’s Hope and Canyon Drive (35 kilometres) – hot-in-place recycling asphalt resurfacing
    • Highway 16 Fort Fraser to Engen (25 kilometres) – conventional asphalt resurfacing
    • Highway 37A Bitter Creek Bridge to Surprise Creek and Highway 37 Meziadin Area (35 kilometres) – hot-in-place recycling asphalt resurfacing
    • Highway 37 Serpentine Creek to Dease River Bridge (51 kilometres) – graded aggregate sealcoat resurfacing
    • Highway 77 Junction Highway 97 to Tsinhia (82 kilometres) – graded aggregate sealcoat resurfacing
    • Smithers side roads (42 kilometres) – graded aggregate sealcoat resurfacing

    This year’s construction season will see approximately $56 million invested into resurfacing northern highways and local roads.  

    Drivers are reminded to observe construction-zone speed limits and traffic-control personnel.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about updates on delays and closures, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Spring legislative session focuses on standing strong for B.C., growing economy

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    In the face of global instability, the first session of the 43rd parliament focused on growing a stronger, more self-sufficient economy that supports good-paying jobs and protecting the services British Columbians rely on.

    “In this time of rapid change and disruption, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here in British Columbia,” said Premier David Eby. “We have everything we need to build lasting prosperity, including the abundant natural resources, clean energy and critical minerals and metals the world needs. That’s why we are taking action to leverage our strengths. B.C. will emerge from this global transition as Canada’s economic engine.”

    Key actions during the spring session include:

    Standing strong for B.C. and Canada: Standing up to the Trump administration by passing a new law to respond quickly to tariff threats, including by removing interprovincial trade barriers, pulling American liquor from store shelves and directing government to cancel contracts with U.S. companies and support suppliers from Canada and trusted trading partners.

    Growing the economy and creating good jobs: Expediting major natural-resource and renewable-energy projects in partnership with First Nations equity owners, while passing new laws to get vital public infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, built faster and create good jobs throughout the province. Government also outlined a new vision for mining development in the northwest focused on generating tens of billions of dollars in investment and creating thousands of family-supporting jobs.

    Helping people with costs: Eliminating the consumer carbon tax, while ensuring big polluters pay their fair share. Delivering a fifth ICBC rebate to drivers, while maintaining basic car insurance rates through to 2026, marking six years in a row with no increases. Seniors with low incomes are also receiving more financial help to pay their rent.

    Strengthening health care: Recruiting more doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals from the United States by fast-tracking credential recognition for nurses and launching a targeted marketing campaign, while introducing legislation to prohibit employers from requiring employees who are sick to provide a doctor’s note, freeing doctors to spend more time treating patients.

    This session, the B.C. government also launched the Clean Power Action Plan to harness B.C.’s clean-electricity advantage through a second call for power to power 500,000 homes, building on the first call for power that attracted $6 billion in private-sector investment. In addition, government has opened hundreds of new homes for families, delivered a relief package to tree-fruit growers and made heat pumps more affordable for low- and moderate-income households.

    The legislature has passed 13 pieces of legislation this session, including two members’ bills. The Supply Bill will be introduced and passed on Thursday, May 29, 2025, bringing the total to 14 pieces of legislation. Three other bills will be considered in the fall session.

    “The challenges our province and country faces are best met with a united front,” said Mike Farnworth, government house leader and Minister of Transportation and Transit. “This past session, our government has worked closely with the Green Party caucus to put B.C. first and work together on our shared priorities. We’re removing barriers to interprovincial trade, reducing everyday costs for British Columbians and addressing the shift in the global economy by leveraging our province’s many advantages.”

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the legislation introduced this spring, visit: 
    https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/legislation

    To learn more about the government’s new vision for mining development in the northwest, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PREM0059-000496

    To learn more about the government’s efforts to recruit health-care workers from the U.S., visit: 
    https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0020-000443

    To learn more about the Clean Power Action Plan, visit:
    https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025ECS0018-000412

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Belconnen Oval Wetland now open

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Medical, Dental and Funeral Assistance for Survivors of May Tornadoes in Kentucky

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Medical, Dental and Funeral Assistance for Survivors of May Tornadoes in Kentucky

    Medical, Dental and Funeral Assistance for Survivors of May Tornadoes in Kentucky

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    – If you sustained injury, illness or death of a loved one due to the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from May 16-17 in Kentucky, you may be eligible for medical, dental and/or funeral assistance from FEMA

    Medical/dental assistance can help cover uninsured expenses for medical care related to disaster-caused injury or illness

    This funding can also be used to help replace medical/dental equipment, breastfeeding equipment or prescribed medicine damaged or lost due to the severe storms and tornadoes

    If you had funeral or burial expenses because of the severe storms and tornadoes of May 16-17, funeral assistance may be available from FEMA

    Eligible Funeral ExpensesFEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program provides assistance with certain eligible disaster-caused funeral expenses

     Eligible expenses may include cost of transfer of remains, casket or urn, funeral services, death certificates, burial plot, cremation, interment, cost of reinterment if disinterment is caused by the disaster, and/or occurs in a family cemetery on private property

     Eligibility Criteria for Funeral AssistanceTo verify eligibility, FEMA will need:An official state-issued death certificate or a signed statement from a medical examiner, coroner or other certifier stating that the death was directly or indirectly related to the disaster

    Evidence of an unmet funeral expense – a receipt or verifiable estimates for funeral expenses that indicate the applicant incurred, or will incur, eligible interment, reinterment or funeral expenses

    Confirmation that funeral expenses have not been paid using other resources

    By law, FEMA cannot provide you a grant when any other source – Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits – has covered expenses for the same disaster-related need

    How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceTo request medical/dental or funeral assistance you must first apply with FEMA

    Survivors in Caldwell, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Trigg and Union counties who have disaster-caused damage or loss from the May tornadoes can apply for federal disaster assistance under the major disaster declaration DR-4875 in several ways: Online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Visit any Disaster Recovery Center

    To find a center close to you, visit fema

    gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”)

    Use the FEMA mobile app

    Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    It is open 7 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    Eastern Daylight Time

    Help is available in many languages

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service

     FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis

    For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4875

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

     
    martyce

    allenjr
    Thu, 05/29/2025 – 16:18

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Integrated Testing on Horizon for Artemis II Launch Preparations

    Source: NASA

    Teams responsible for preparing and launching Artemis II at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida are set to begin a series of integrated tests to get ready for the mission. With the upper stage of the agency’s SLS (Space Launch System) integrated with other elements of the rocket, engineers are set to start the tests to confirm rocket and ground systems are working and communicating as planned.
    While similar to the integrated testing campaign conducted for NASA’s uncrewed Artemis I test flight, engineers have added tests ahead of Artemis II to prepare for NASA’s first crewed flight under the Artemis campaign – an approximately 10-day journey by four astronauts around the Moon and back. The mission is another step toward missions on the lunar surface and helping the agency prepare for future astronaut missions to Mars.
    Interface Verification Testing
    Verifies the functionality and interoperability of interfaces across elements and systems. Teams will conduct this test from the firing room in the Launch Control Center and perform health and status checks of various systems and interfaces between the SLS core stage, the solid rocket boosters, and the ground systems. It will ensure different systems, including core stage engines and booster thrust control, work as planned. Teams also will perform the same series of tests with the interim cryogenic propulsion stage and Orion before conducting a final interface test with all segments.
    Program Specific Engineering Test
    Teams will conduct separate engineering tests for the core stage, rocket boosters, and upper stage following the interface verification tests for each part of the rocket.
    End-to-End Communications Testing
    Integrated test of SLS core and upper stages, and Orion command and telemetry radio frequencies with mission control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to demonstrate flight controllers’ ability to communicate with the ground systems and infrastructure. This test uses a radio frequency antenna in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), another near the launch pad that will cover the first few minutes of launch, as well as a radio frequency that use the Tracking Data Relay Satellite and the Deep Space Network. Teams will do two versions of this test – one with the ground equipment communicating with a radio and telemetry station for checkouts, and one with all the hardware and equipment communicating with communications infrastructure like it will on launch day.
    Countdown Demonstration Test
    Teams will conduct a launch day demonstration with the Artemis II astronauts to test launch countdown procedures and make any final necessary adjustments ahead of launch. This test will be divided into two parts. The first will be conducted while SLS and Orion are in the VAB and include the Artemis II crew departing their crew quarters after suiting up at the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building and driving to the VAB where they will enter Orion like they will on launch day and practice getting strapped in. Part two will be completed once the rocket is at the launch pad and will allow the astronauts and Artemis launch team to practice how to use the emergency egress system, which would be used in the event of an unlikely emergency at the launch pad during launch countdown.
    Flight Termination System End-to-End Test
    Test to ensure the rocket’s flight termination system can be activated in the event of an emergency. For public safety, all rockets are required to have a flight termination system. This test will be divided into two parts inside the VAB. The first will take place ahead of Orion getting stacked atop SLS and the second will occur before the rocket and spacecraft roll out to the launch pad.
    Wet Dress Rehearsal
    Teams will practice loading cryogenic liquid propellant inside SLS once it’s at the launch pad and run through the launch countdown sequences just prior to engine ignition. The rehearsal will run the Artemis II launch team through operations to load liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the rocket’s tanks, conduct a full launch countdown, demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock, and also drain the tanks to give them an opportunity to practice the timelines and procedures they will use for launch.
    Teams will load more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic, or super cold, propellants into the rocket at the launch pad on the mobile launcher according to the detailed timeline they will use on the actual launch day. They will practice every phase of the countdown, including weather briefings, pre-planned holds in the countdown, conditioning and replenishing the propellants as needed, and validation checks. The Artemis II crew will not participate in the rehearsal.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Langley Uses Height, Gravity to Test Long, Flexible Booms

    Source: NASA

    Researchers at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, have developed a technique to test long, flexible, composite booms for use in space in such a way that gravity helps, rather than hinders, the process. During a recent test campaign inside a 100-foot tower at a NASA Langley lab, researchers suspended a 94-foot triangular, rollable, and collapsible boom manufactured by Florida-based aerospace company, Redwire, and applied different forces to the boom to see how it would respond. 
    Having a facility tall enough to accommodate vertical testing is advantageous because horizontal tests require extra equipment to keep gravity from bending the long booms, but this extra equipment in turn affects how the boom responds. These mechanical tests are important because NASA and commercial space partners could use long composite booms for several functions including deployable solar sails and deployable structures, such as towers for solar panels, that could support humans living and working on the Moon.  
    Redwire will be able to compare the results of the physical testing at NASA Langley to their own numerical models and get a better understanding of their hardware. NASA’s Game Changing Development program in the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate funded the tests. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s MAVEN Makes First Observation of Atmospheric Sputtering at Mars

    Source: NASA

    After a decade of searching, NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere Volatile Evolution) mission has, for the first time, reported a direct observation of an elusive atmospheric escape process called sputtering that could help answer longstanding questions about the history of water loss on Mars.

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    Scientists have known for a long time, through an abundance of evidence, that water was present on Mars’ surface billions of years ago, but are still asking the crucial question, “Where did the water go and why?”
    Early on in Mars’ history, the atmosphere of the Red Planet lost its magnetic field, and its atmosphere became directly exposed to the solar wind and solar storms. As the atmosphere began to erode, liquid water was no longer stable on the surface, so much of it escaped to space. But how did this once thick atmosphere get stripped away? Sputtering could explain it.
    Sputtering is an atmospheric escape process in which atoms are knocked out of the atmosphere by energetic charge particles.
    “It’s like doing a cannonball in a pool,” said Shannon Curry, principal investigator of MAVEN at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder and lead author of the study. “The cannonball, in this case, is the heavy ions crashing into the atmosphere really fast and splashing neutral atoms and molecules out.”
    While scientists had previously found traces of evidence that this process was happening, they had never observed the process directly. The previous evidence came from looking at lighter and heavier isotopes of argon in the upper atmosphere of Mars. Lighter isotopes sit higher in the atmosphere than their heavier counterparts, and it was found that there were far fewer lighter isotopes than heavy argon isotopes in the Martian atmosphere. These lighter isotopes can only be removed by sputtering.
    “It is like we found the ashes from a campfire,” said Curry. “But we wanted to see the actual fire, in this case sputtering, directly.”
    To observe sputtering, the team needed simultaneous measurements in the right place at the right time from three instruments aboard the MAVEN spacecraft: the Solar Wind Ion Analyzer, the Magnetometer, and the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer. Additionally, the team needed measurements across the dayside and the nightside of the planet at low altitudes, which takes years to observe.
    The combination of data from these instruments allowed scientists to make a new kind of map of sputtered argon in relation to the solar wind. This map revealed the presence of argon at high altitudes in the exact locations that the energetic particles crashed into the atmosphere and splashed out argon, showing sputtering in real time. The researchers also found that this process is happening at a rate four times higher than previously predicted and that this rate increases during solar storms.
    The direct observation of sputtering confirms that the process was a primary source of atmospheric loss in Mars’ early history when the Sun’s activity was much stronger.
    “These results establish sputtering’s role in the loss of Mars’ atmosphere and in determining the history of water on Mars,” said Curry.
    The finding, published this week in Science Advances, is critical to scientists’ understanding of the conditions that allowed liquid water to exist on the Martian surface, and the implications that it has for habitability billions of years ago.
    The MAVEN mission is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program portfolio. MAVEN’s principal investigator is based at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder, which is also responsible for managing science operations and public outreach and communications. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the MAVEN mission. Lockheed Martin Space built the spacecraft and is responsible for mission operations. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California provides navigation and Deep Space Network support.

    By Willow ReedLaboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado Boulder
    Media Contacts: 
    Nancy N. JonesNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    Karen Fox / Molly WasserHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov
    karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –