Category: Environment

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fly-tipper prosecuted and ordered to pay £1.500

Source: St Albans City and District

Publication date: 01 Apr 2025

A fly-tipper has been ordered to pay £1,500 after allowing a large amount of waste to be dumped in a rural road in St Albans District.

St Albans City and District Council’s Environmental Enforcement team launched an investigation after alerted to the fly-tip and traced it to a restaurant in Central London.

Enquiries revealed that Taoufik Kouki had been hired by the business to dispose of the waste.

Interviewed under caution, he said that he had gone to a waste and recycling centre in Brent but was refused access.

He said he was then approached by two men who agreed to dispose of the waste in return for a £160 payment.

Kouki said he followed them in his van to St Albans before putting the waste on their vehicle.

He said he had been surprised to find it had been dumped on the roadside of Barley Mow Lane, near Colney Heath.

Kouki, of Hanover Road, London, denied failing to check that the waste carriers he employed had the necessary licence, a duty of care offence under the Environmental Protection Act.

He was found guilty after a trial by District Judge Aneeta Borwick at St Albans Magistrates Court on Thursday 20 March.

Kouki was fined £300 and told to pay a victim surcharge of £120 along with a contribution to the Council’s legal costs of £1.080.

Chris Traill, the Council’s Strategic Director for Community and Place Delivery, said after the hearing:

I am pleased that our Environmental Enforcement team traced and successfully prosecuted another fly-tipper.

It is a further demonstration of our commitment to take action against fly-tippers and deter others from carrying out this crime.

Fly-tipping is an antisocial criminal offence and there is no excuse for it. Fly-tips are not only unsightly but are a potential health hazard and are costly to clear up.

Once again, we would also warn people who are clearing a house or other property that they must ensure their waste carrier has a proper licence and obtain a receipt. You leave yourself open to a duty of care offence if you don’t do that.

Photo: the Barley Mow Lane fly-tip.

Media contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727- 819533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How memes spread conspiracy theories – and what to consider before sharing one

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emily Godwin, Senior Research Associate in Digital Marketing and Virtual Environments, University of Bristol, and PhD Candidate in Conspiracy Theories, University of Bath

“I am become meme,” declared Elon Musk at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference, just after hoisting a chainsaw – a gift from Argentina’s president, Javier Milei – above his head. The tech billionaire and head of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) was correct. Within hours, images of the moment had spread across social media, spawning countless edits, humorous remixes and sharp commentary.

This moment was more than just a spectacle. It exemplified how, in a digital age where the battle for attention is paramount, memes are a key part of political conversation. While memes might seem purely entertaining, my research confirms their influence goes deeper, shaping and intensifying political views and attitudes in significant ways.

The power of memes lies in their ability to distil complex ideas into instantly recognisable forms. They rely on established visual templates, which eliminate the need for lengthy explanations and communicate to the viewer how they should think about the topic of the meme.

Distracted boyfriend (in which a man looks over his shoulder at an attractive woman to the annoyance of his girlfriend) is a perfect example. It succinctly communicates the universal experience of being tempted by one option while neglecting another – applicable to everything from consumer preferences to political allegiances.

Distracted boyfriend meme.
Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

However, this simplification can quickly become problematic when memes portray distorted or misleading views of reality.

Harmful stereotypes, misinformation and conspiracy theories have all found their way into meme format. Memes can transmit dangerous ideas, cloaked in humour that makes them more palatable.

Conspiracy theories and memes

Conspiracy theories prove especially adaptable to the meme format. Their narratives rely heavily on simple “us v them” portrayals of enlightened truth-seekers standing up against powerful conspirators and an unaware or passive public.

My analysis of hundreds of memes from COVID conspiracy communities on Reddit revealed a striking pattern: the same templates appeared repeatedly, reinforcing this simplistic but powerful dichotomy.

Many memes portrayed conspiracy believers as enlightened truth-seekers. “Lisa Simpson’s Presentation”, showing the comic cartoon character confidently presenting to an audience, was commonly used to share claims that challenged mainstream narratives about science, medicine and the government.

Other memes portrayed authorities as powerful manipulators. “Daily Struggle/Two Buttons”, showing a character sweating over which of two contradictory buttons to press, was commonly used to suggest that health officials and media outlets deliberately switched between opposing vaccination narratives when convenient.

Most prevalent were portrayals of an unaware or passive public, with “NPC Wojak” – a grey, expressionless figure named after video game “non-playable characters” – presenting a visual shorthand. Those who followed public health advice and mandates were portrayed as mindless automatons, incapable of critical thinking or independent judgment.

These kinds of meme did not just reflect existing beliefs – they actively shaped and intensified them. Through repeated exposure, these ideas became normalised and accepted as truth. Memes created a feedback loop where existing suspicions were validated, amplified and spread to others – with real-world effects.

During the pandemic, conspiracy theories that were shared widely via memes led to real-world action, from vaccine refusal to violent global protests against public health mandates.

The accessible humour of memes served as an entry point, attracting audiences who might have initially engaged with the content as “just jokes”, but subsequently adopted increasingly extreme perspectives.

Elon Musk, before ‘becoming meme’.
Joshua Sukoff/Shutterstock

Think before sharing

Given their power to influence political views and attitudes and to spread misinformation, it is important to think critically before sharing a meme. Here are some key pointers:

1. Think about the hidden message

Memes often use humour or exaggeration, but consider the underlying message. Is it simplifying a complex issue or distorting reality? Remember that memes can disguise the extremity of viewpoints, making them appear more familiar and acceptable.

2. Identify who’s behind it

Consider the source or origin of the meme. Who might benefit from spreading this message? Is it associated with extreme or conspiratorial communities? If you are unsure, a quick check on Know Your Meme or a reverse image search can provide helpful context.

3. Check for implicit assumptions

Memes often operate through implicit assumptions about society, expertise and evidence that go unstated. Ask yourself: what core beliefs must someone accept for this meme to make sense? For example, a meme mocking people who “trust the science” might contain the unstated assumption that scientific consensus is merely opinion, rather than evidence-based conclusion.

4. Think about emotional manipulation

Memes rely heavily on emotional reactions – often humour, anger, or outrage – to encourage rapid sharing. Before clicking “share”, reflect on whether you’re being manipulated emotionally into spreading an idea you wouldn’t openly support.

5. Consider potential harm

Ask yourself if sharing the meme could contribute to harm, whether by reinforcing harmful stereotypes, or spreading misinformation or conspiracy theories. Humour can disguise the impact of these ideas, making them seem acceptable when they aren’t.

6. Remember that context matters

A meme may seem funny or insightful on its own – but within wider conversations, it can take on new meanings. Consider how it might be interpreted alongside other messages circulating in similar spaces. Could it be contributing to a pattern of misinformation, division or trivialisation?

Ultimately, becoming mindful of the memes we share isn’t about losing a sense of humour, it’s about gaining control over the ideas we help circulate. Before you click share, take a second to think – every meme you spread can affect how people see the world.

Emily Godwin receives funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for her position as a PhD Candidate at the University of Bath.

– ref. How memes spread conspiracy theories – and what to consider before sharing one – https://theconversation.com/how-memes-spread-conspiracy-theories-and-what-to-consider-before-sharing-one-252780

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: HSE Opens Applications for Online Master’s Programs

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

The admissions campaign for 32 master’s programs of the HSE online campus started on April 1, five of which are opening enrollment for the first time. We tell you more about which programs are available for study entirely online.

The Higher School of Economics is the leader among universities in the Russian Federation and the CIS in terms of the number of educational programs implemented online and the number of students studying in them. Since the launch of the country’s first English-language online Master’s degree program, Master of Data Science, in 2020, the number of students admitted to the first year has increased 12-fold.

In December 2024, HSE was among the 11 global universities that are leaders in online education according to the Online Learning Rankings 2024 of Times Higher Education magazine, and also became the only Russian university to win gold.

In 2025, five more new programs will be added to the portfolio, most of which are cross-disciplinary and meet the needs of emerging markets.

The program “Applied Linguistics: Foreign Language Teaching and Translation in the Digital Environment” includes two specializations to choose from. Students can study digital methods of teaching foreign languages or the development of educational programs EdTech and professionally oriented automated translation and language localization. The program “Instructional Design: Theory and Practice of Learning”, which is close in scope, will train specialists capable of designing educational experiences and developing programs, courses and training materials.

Another new online program, “Chinese Language in Intercultural Business Communication,” is aimed at training personnel with knowledge of the Chinese language, cultural and social aspects, as well as business approaches for effective interaction with partners from China in order to build business, scientific, and educational contacts between the countries.

The Digital Marketing program will provide future masters with knowledge and skills at the intersection of marketing, data analysis and digital technologies for the implementation of advertising campaigns in the digital environment. And graduates of the Digital Engineering for Computer Games program will have competencies in developing games and gaming software with in-depth knowledge of engine features.

A total of 32 programs became available for submission of documents from April 1, most of which are implemented entirely online, and for three, in addition to the online track, an offline track is also available. Applicants can choose an unlimited number of educational programs. The acceptance of documents for the online master’s program will last until August 8 or September 15, depending on the chosen program.

Master’s programs with application deadline until August 8, 2025:

«Big data analytics“;

«Artificial Intelligence in Marketing and Product Management“;

«Artificial intelligence“;

«Applied Linguistics: Foreign Language Teaching and Translation in the Digital Environment“, HSE University – St. Petersburg (new program);

«Applied social psychology“;

«Design and development of high-load information systems“, National Research University Higher School of Economics – Saint Petersburg;

«Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy» (offline and online tracks);

«Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic business consulting» (offline and online tracks);

«Digital Engineering for Computer Games» (new program);

«Economic analysis“.

Programs for which application submission is available until September 15, 2025:

«Investments in financial markets“;

«Data Engineering“;

«Interactive design“;

«IT lawyer“, HSE University – Perm;

«Cybersecurity“;

«Chinese Language in Intercultural Business Communication» (new program);

«Master of Science in Data Science“;

«Marketing management“;

«Instructional Design: Theory and Practice of Learning» (new program);

«Management in creative industries“;

«Innovative Business Management“;

«Organization and Project Management“, HSE University – Nizhny Novgorod;

«Strategic Communications Management“;

«Digital Product Management“;

«Digital Urbanism and City Analytics“;

«Digital Marketing“, HSE University – Nizhny Novgorod (new program);

“Artifice to the intelligentsian Andi Computer Vision”, National Research University Higher School of Economics – Nizhny Novgorod;

“Date analysts And Social Statistix“;

“Lay those“;

“Master of Busineses Analytics“;

“Master of the Finance“;

“Master of OF InterNATIONAL BUSINESS” (offline and online tracks).

For each program is installed list of entrance examinations, the most common format is a portfolio competition. All of them are held remotely. Training is carried out according to standards: 2 years are allocated for a master’s degree. Upon completion of the final qualifying work, graduates will receive a state diploma indicating full-time education in Russian and English. You can sign up for a consultation to learn more about the programs, the possibility of obtaining an educational loan, and ask other questions at page.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 2, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Where the Land Meets the Sea

Source: Government of India

Where the Land Meets the Sea

Mangroves as Guardians of Life and Livelihoods

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 2:36PM by PIB Delhi

As the morning tide gently laps against the shores of Navghar, Vandana Patil steps onto the damp earth of her village’s coastline. She recalls a time when the sea was generous, offering abundant crab and fish catch. But over the years, that generosity faded. “Earlier, we used to see unpredictable crab and fish catch and had to rely on other sources of livelihoods,” she says, her voice carrying the weight of years spent worrying about an uncertain future.

The culprit was clear: the unchecked destruction of mangroves. The towering green guardians of the coastline had been silently disappearing, their roots no longer anchoring the land, their dense canopies no longer sheltering marine life. With every tree lost, so too was a piece of the community’s livelihood. Yet, many in Navghar remained unaware of the deep connection between the mangroves and their survival.

Change arrived in the form of a far-reaching initiative. The Government of India, in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund and UNDP, launched a project to enhance climate resilience in India’s coastal communities. This initiative, operational across three coastal states-Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha focused on conserving and restoring marine ecosystems, including mangroves, while creating climate-resilient livelihoods.

Navghar became a symbol of this transformation. In 2021, the project formed a Mangrove Co-Management Committee, bringing together village members, the Gram Panchayat, and women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Their mission was twofold: protect the mangroves and revive local livelihoods. Women, often the most affected by economic instability, were placed at the forefront.

Through structured training, they learned sustainable crab farming techniques, creating new livelihood groups like Healthy Harvest and Wild Crab Aqua Farm. These groups now farm mud crabs over two acres of coastal land while ensuring the protection of mangroves from illegal cutting. The impact was immediate.

“Through our campaigns and drives, we have raised awareness about mangroves and their link to healthy fish catch and livelihoods,” explains Rohan Patil, president of the committee. “People no longer see them as just trees—they see them as protectors.”

By 2023, the once-barren coastline had transformed. The mangroves stood tall, shielding the land from erosion and storms, while the waters teemed with life again. The benefits extended beyond the environment. “The project helped us a lot,” Vandana shares. “Earlier, women worked only seasonally. Now, we have employment throughout the year. Besides, earlier we had to travel far and wide for crab farming; now, we can do it locally.”

What is Mangrove?

A mangrove is a salt-tolerant plant community found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. These ecosystems thrive in high-rainfall areas (1,000–3,000 mm) with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 35°C. Mangrove species are adapted to survive in waterlogged soils, high salinity, and frequent tidal surges. They serve as crucial biodiversity refuges and act as bio-shields against extreme climatic events. Additionally, rural populations depend on mangroves for biomass-based livelihoods.

India’s Progress in Mangrove Conservation

India has made significant strides in mangrove conservation through a combination of robust regulatory frameworks and targeted promotional initiatives. As per the India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR-2023), India’s total mangrove cover stands at 4,991.68 sq. km, constituting 0.15% of the nation’s geographical area. There has been net increase of 363.68 Sq.km (7.86%) in Mangrove cover area of the country in 2023 as compared to 2013 and net increase of 509.68 Sq.km (11.4%) between 2001 and 2023.

West Bengal holds the largest share of the country’s mangrove forests, accounting for 42.45% of the total cover, followed by Gujarat (23.32%) and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (12.19%). Notably, Gujarat has recorded an impressive increase of 253.06 sq. km in mangrove cover between 2001 and 2023, attributed to large-scale plantations, community participation, and public-private partnerships.

Key Regulatory Measures

India has implemented a series of stringent legal frameworks to ensure mangrove protection:

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, categorises mangroves as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), restricting activities within a 50-metre buffer zone where mangrove cover exceeds 1,000 sq. m.
Mandates compensatory replantation at a 3:1 ratio if mangroves are affected by development.
Additional protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Indian Forest Act, 1927, and Biological Diversity Act, 2002, among others.

Key Promotional Initiatives and Achievements

Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI):
- Launched on 5 June 2023 to promote restoration and afforestation across 540 sq. km in 9 coastal States and 4 Union Territories.
- Implementation through convergence funding with the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
- For FY 2024–25, ₹17.96 crore has been allocated to Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and Puducherry for the treatment and restoration of 3,836 hectares of degraded mangroves.
National Coastal Mission – Conservation of Mangroves and Coral Reefs:
- Financial assistance for the conservation of 38 mangrove sites and 4 coral reef sites across the country.
- Operates on a 60:40 cost-sharing model between the Centre and States.
- ₹8.58 crore released to seven coastal States during 2021–23 for mangrove conservation.
GCF-ECRICC Project (Green Climate Fund – Enhancing Coastal Resilience of Indian Coastal Community):
- Active since 2019 in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
- Aims to restore and conserve 10,575 hectares of mangroves.
- As of 2024, 3,114.29 hectares have been successfully restored.

Why Mangroves Matter

Mangroves: Nature’s Carbon Vault

As per World Wildlife Fund mangroves store 7.5–10 times more carbon per acre than tropical forests. Their loss contributes to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. These coastal forests hold over 21 gigatons of carbon, 87% of which is locked in the soil beneath their roots. Restoring just 1.6 million acres of lost mangrove forests could capture an additional 1 gigaton of carbon.

A Tidal Shift Towards Sustainability

Navghar’s transformation reflects a broader movement sweeping across India’s coastline where communities are not just adapting to change but actively shaping it. The revival of mangroves, once overlooked and degraded, now stands as a testament to collective action and inclusive development.

Through the integration of science, policy, and grassroots participation, India is forging a path where ecological restoration directly uplifts local economies. Women like Vandana Patil are no longer passive witnesses to environmental loss but active custodians of their natural heritage, securing livelihoods while nurturing resilience.

This shift marks more than environmental progress. It signals a future where nature-based solutions become central to climate action and communities, once vulnerable, emerge as champions of sustainable change.

References

Click here to see PDF

Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Anchal Patiyal

(Release ID: 2117223) Visitor Counter : 272

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 2, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lease arrangements for public market stalls in April

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (April 1) that open auctions for a total of 642 stalls in 46 public markets will be held in April. Market stalls not taken at open auctions will be available to the public for renting at their upset prices on April 22 on a first-come, first-served basis.

1. Open auctions

The types of stalls to be auctioned this time cover cooked food, frozen meat, fresh meat, fresh fish, frozen (chilled) poultry, fruits, vegetables, ready-to-eat food, food-related dry goods and wet goods, non-food related dry goods and wet goods, service trades, siu mei and lo mei, mobile phones/mobile phone accessories/electronic products/electronic parts, pet goods and pet food, hardware/locksmith, etc. The tenancy agreement is a three-year fixed term from May 1, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on the sizes, locations and vacancy periods of the individual stalls. The upset prices for the stalls in an open auction will be initially fixed at 80 per cent of the open market rent (OMR) if the stalls have been vacant for over six months, and at 60 per cent of the OMR if the vacant period has been over eight months. Relevant information is available on the FEHD website.

The date and venue of the auctions and the number of stalls are as follows:

Kowloon (except Lai Wan Market) (1)
—————————————–
Auction date: April 8 (Tuesday) (am)
Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Number of stalls: 101

Lai Wan Market
—————–
Auction date: April 8 (Tuesday) (pm)
Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Number of stalls: two

Kowloon (except Lai Wan Market) (2)
—————————————–
Auction date: April 9 (Wednesday) (am)
Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Number of stalls: 46

Kowloon (except Lai Wan Market) (3)
—————————————–
Auction date: April 9 (Wednesday) (pm)
Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Number of stalls: 28

New Territories (1)
———————
Auction date: April 10 (Thursday) (am)
Auction venue: Tseng Choi Street Community Hall, 27 Tseng Choi Street, Tuen Mun, New Territories
Number of stalls: 126

Hong Kong Island and Islands District (except Aberdeen Market) (1)
—————————————————————————-
Auction date: April 11 (Friday) (am)
Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Number of stalls: 118

Aberdeen Market
——————-
Auction date: April 11 (Friday) (pm)
Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Number of stalls: 21

Hong Kong Island and Islands District (except Aberdeen Market) (2)
—————————————————————————-
Auction date: April 14 (Monday) (am)
Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Number of stalls: 81

Hong Kong Island and Islands District (except Aberdeen Market) (3)
—————————————————————————-
Auction date: April 14 (Monday) (pm)
Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Number of stalls: 63

New Territories (2)
———————
Auction date: April 15 (Tuesday) (am)
Auction venue: Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Number of stalls: 56

Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The admission tickets will be issued 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each auction. Persons who want to attend the auctions must wait at the waiting area of the auction venue and produce their Hong Kong identity card or passport for registration. The registered person will then be provided with an admission ticket for the auctions. In addition, eligible bidders after verification will be issued with a bidding paddle for the auction. The FEHD has also invited representatives of the Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption to monitor the auctions at the auction venue in order to ensure that the open auctions are conducted in an orderly and fair manner.

2. Renting at upset prices on first-come, first-served basis

The tenancy agreement of market stalls renting on a first-come, first-served basis is a three-year fixed term from June 1, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on their sizes, locations, vacancy periods and the reduced upset prices from the last open auction of the individual stalls. Relevant information is available on the FEHD website after open auctions.

Members of the public who are interested in renting a market stall at its upset price should approach the following FEHD offices, as appropriate, to apply in person from 9.30am to 12.30pm or 2.30pm to 4.30pm on April 22:

Districts in which the market stalls are located	Venues for selection of market stalls
Hong Kong Island and Islands District	Hawkers and Markets Section (Hong Kong and Islands) Office, 8/F, Lockhart Road Municipal Services Building, 225 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Kowloon	Hawkers and Markets Section (Kowloon) Office, Room 301-302, 3/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Kwai Tsing District	Kwai Tsing District Environmental Hygiene Office, 9/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices, 166-174 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung, New Territories
North District	North District Environmental Hygiene Office, 4/F, Shek Wu Hui Municipal Services Building, 13 Chi Cheong Road, Sheung Shui, New Territories
Sai Kung District	Sai Kung District Environmental Hygiene Office, 7/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
Sha Tin District	Sha Tin District Environmental Hygiene Office, Units 1201-1207 and 1220-1221, 12/F, Tower 1, Grand Central Plaza, 138 Sha Tin Rural Committee Road, Sha Tin, New Territories
Tai Po District	Tai Po District Environmental Hygiene Office, 3/F, Tai Po Complex, 8 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po, New Territories
Tsuen Wan District	Tsuen Wan District Environmental Hygiene Office, 3/F, Yeung Uk Road Municipal Services Building, 45 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories
Tuen Mun District	Tuen Mun District Environmental Hygiene Office, 1/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices Building, 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories
Yuen Long District	Yuen Long District Environmental Hygiene Office, 2/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, New Territories

A spokesman for the FEHD said, “Bidders or applicants for the market stalls must be at least 18 years old and ordinarily reside in Hong Kong. To allow more people to bid for or select the stalls and increase customer choices by enhancing the diversity in terms of the variety of stalls, there will be a restriction on the number of stalls to be rented in the same market by a single tenant. Any person who is currently a stall tenant is not allowed to bid in the first round of auction for any stall in the same market, and will only be allowed to bid for one stall in the second round of auction or to select one stall in the same market on a first-come, first-served basis. The existing tenants under the new three-year fixed term tenancy scheme (i.e. those persons who became stall tenants through the market open auctions after August 2022) are allowed to bid for a stall in the auction or select a stall on a first-come, first-served basis in the same market, but shall vacate the current stall and return it to the FEHD before the effective date of commencement of the new tenancy agreement.”

â€‹Details of the open auctions and the public market stalls concerned (including stalls for open auction at reduced upset prices) have been uploaded to the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/tidy_market/open_auction_coming.html). Details on renting public market stalls on a first-come, first-served basis will be uploaded to the FEHD website after open auctions (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/tidy_market/FCFS/index.html). Interested bidders or applicants may visit the department website or contact the respective District Environmental Hygiene Office.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 2, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Welcome remarks by SDEV at opening ceremony of International Water Pioneers Summit (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Welcome remarks by SDEV at opening ceremony of International Water Pioneers Summit (English only)
Honourable Minister Li Guoying (the Minister of Water Resources), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

A very warm welcome to all of you to Hong Kong and to this International Water Pioneers Summit. It is my honour to join prestigious water leaders on this significant occasion and to benefit from discussions among experts.

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to the co-organisers, including Hong Kong branch of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the Hong Kong branch of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering. I thank them for their collaboration and generous effort to make the Summit possible. My heartfelt thanks also goes to the Minister of Water Resources of China and his team for their presence in this Summit. Your presence means a lot to us. I also wish to thank all our distinguished speakers and moderators from the Mainland and overseas for accepting our invitations and travelling to Hong Kong to participate in this Summit. We are honoured to welcome an exceptional lineup of speakers and moderators from nine countries across four continents here today. They are distinguished experts and leaders of international water and health organisations and senior government officials. With these renowned leaders sharing their insights, I am sure the upcoming exchanges would be inspiring and rewarding.

From the Hong Kong Palace Museum to the theme of the Summit

Today’s venue, the Hong Kong Palace Museum showcasing the rich tapestry of Chinese art and culture, is a setting particularly fit for the Summit. Water is the essence of life and the cornerstone of human civilisation. It also has symbolic meanings in the Chinese culture. Most of you would have come across the Exhibition of Chinese Water Culture in the foyer before entering this Auditorium. The exhibition explains the origin, symbolism, philosophy and wisdom of water through the lens of Chinese culture. It also reminds us how water has shaped human civilisation, culture and connections.

The supply of Dongjiang water from the Mainland is a showcase of the Chinese water culture. It is not just an engineering achievement to address Hong Kong’s water demand. More importantly, it is a touching demonstration of the core value in Chinese culture, “血濃於水” in Chinese, which means “family connections are inseparable”. The supply of Dongjiang water underscores the deep bonding between our country and Hong Kong as a special administrative region, as well as the unwavering love of our Motherland for Hong Kong. The extended spirit of unity and the sense of mission extending beyond the family to make the world a better place, serves as a guiding principle for us to work together to foster a community of life against the global water challenges.

With the growing impacts of global climate change and increasing pressure on how best we should use the finite resources around the world, the sustainable management of water is no longer optional but imperative. The theme of the Summit, “Smart Water · High-Quality Development”, is undoubtedly very close to our hearts as it captures the urgency and importance of our having to overcome challenges we face nowadays. We need collective responses. We need innovative and actionable solutions. We also need forward-thinking strategies. Today’s Summit comes in time.

The theme of the Summit – “Smart Water · High-Quality Development”

So how can we achieve “Smart Water · High-Quality Development”? Our morning session will focus on the high-quality development of water supply and technologies in response to global crises, the essential co-ordination of water, economy, and ecology for sustainable growth, and the transformative role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in enhancing water management.

And we all know that the reliability and safety of water supplies are crucial to public health. So in the afternoon session, our speakers will lead us in delving into crucial strategies and technological advances for developing low-carbon, as well as green urban and rural water systems. We will also touch on recent developments in drinking water safety, and the challenges and opportunities in protecting health through water, adaptability, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

The special panel discussion – Belt and Road

The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013 has connected countries, regions and continents through advancing infrastructure development and strengthening collaboration in various aspects. To bolster high-quality co-operation in water management among countries along the Belt and Road, a special panel discussion is arranged in this Summit to showcase successful examples of collaboration and highlight how shared expertise and resources can pave the way for sustainable water management across borders.

Special keynote speeches on the Dongjiang Water Supply

Another highlight of today’s programme is the special keynote session on the Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong, which is scheduled to take place later in the afternoon. I am sure that the renowned speakers would provide valuable insights on this mega water supply project, the achievement in safeguarding the water quality of the Dongjiang water and a great strive taken over the years in advancing the operation and maintenance through smart technologies.

Ladies and gentlemen, the significance of this Summit lies not only in the exchange of knowledge but also in the spirit of collaboration it fosters. Water is not just a resource, it is a lifeline of the ecosystems, economies and communities to where we belong.

As we embark on today’s discussions, let us remember that the challenges we face can only be solved through collective efforts. I encourage everyone here to actively engage in the discussions. Once again, a warm welcome to all of you and I wish the Summit every success. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 13:23

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CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: All gazetted beaches continue to meet bacteriological Water Quality Objective (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) released the 2024 Beach Water Quality Report today (April 1). The report reveals that all 42 gazetted beaches in Hong Kong continued to fully achieve the bacteriological Water Quality Objective (WQO) for bathing waters in that year, with 23 beaches ranked as “Good” and the remaining 19 ranked as “Fair”. No beaches were ranked as “Poor” or “Very Poor”.

An EPD spokesman said, “All gazetted beaches have fully complied with the WQO for 15 consecutive years since 2010.

“The satisfactory beach water quality over the years is attributed to various pollution control and environmental improvement measures implemented by the Government, including the enforcement of the Water Pollution Control Ordinance and Livestock Waste Control Scheme, extension of the sewerage network to the beach hinterland, and the implementation of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme.

“The EPD will continue to embrace the use of innovative technologies to enhance the effectiveness of environmental water quality management, with a view to protecting and improving beach water quality to safeguard the health of swimmers,” the spokesman added.

The 2024 Beach Water Quality Report can be found at the EPD’s website (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach).

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CFS announces test results of targeted surveillance on nutrition labelling of breakfast cereal

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (April 1) released the test results of a targeted food surveillance project on the nutrition labelling of breakfast cereal. Among 40 samples tested, three samples were found with total fat or saturated fat content inconsistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels, while one sample was found to have a label format on durability indication that was not in compliance with legal requirements. The remaining 36 samples passed the test.

“The CFS collected samples from different retail outlets for the targeted food surveillance project. Tests were conducted to check if the energy content and specified nutrient content (total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugars, sodium, protein, carbohydrates, and more) are consistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels. The food labels were also checked if they comply with relevant requirements under the laws,” a spokesman for the CFS said.

The CFS has announced the irregularities on the actual nutrient contents earlier. The vendors concerned have also stopped selling the relevant batches of the affected products. Prosecution will be instituted should there be sufficient evidence.

The Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) require all applicable prepackaged foods to list the ingredients and the content of energy plus seven core nutrients, namely carbohydrates, protein, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugars, and regulate any associated nutrition claims. The “best before” or “use by” date of all prepackaged food shall be shown either in Arabic numerals or in both the English and Chinese languages.

Nutrition labelling can assist consumers in making informed food choices, encourage food manufacturers to apply sound nutrition principles in the formulation of foods, and regulate misleading or deceptive labels and claims. According to Section 61 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), if any person falsely describes food or misleads as to the nature, substance or quality of the food on a label of the food sold by him or her, he or she shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.

The CFS will continue to conduct surveillance on other food samples to check if their energy content and specified nutrient content are consistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels, and the results will be released in due course. The spokesman reminded the food trade to comply with the law, and urged members of the public to pay attention to the information on nutrition labels when purchasing food to make informed food choices to achieve a balanced diet and stay healthy.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental Announces Completion of the Divestiture of Its Fluid Handling Business to May River Capital

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ADDISON, Texas, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, today announced it has completed the previously announced divestiture of its Fluid Handling business (also known as its Global Pump Solutions, or GPS, business) contained in its Industrial Process Solutions segment to May River Capital, effective March 31, 2025.

The enterprise value of the transaction is approximately $110 million, paid in cash at closing. The Company intends to use the proceeds from this transaction to pay down debt and to fund future strategic growth investments.

The GPS business consists of three niche leadership severe service industrial metallic, fiberglass and thermoplastic centrifugal pump brands – Dean, Fybroc and Sethco – which joined the CECO family through an acquisition in 2013. The business operates from strategic locations in Indianapolis, Indiana and Telford, Pennsylvania, and services over 1,500 customers globally.

“I am pleased to have completed our previously announced divesture of GPS, which enables greater alignment of our portfolio of leading environmental solution businesses against our high growth opportunities in energy and industrial markets,” said Todd Gleason, CECO’s Chief Executive Officer. “We believe that the GPS business is well positioned as a niche leader in its respective end markets and applications, and we also believe that we have found the right buyer and future home to ensure its continued success and development of the GPS team. This sale will – after our recent acquisitions of Verantis Environmental and Profire Energy – create additional capacity for further investment in CECO’s growth and business expansion, and execution of our strategies in Industrial Air, Industrial Water, and the Energy Transition.”

EC M&A and Koley Jessen were the primary financial and legal advisors to CECO for the transaction. Paul Hastings and TD Securities served as legal and financial counsel to May River Capital.

ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL
CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving a broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water, and energy transition markets globally through its key business segments: Engineered Systems and Industrial Process Solutions. Providing innovative technology and application expertise, CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. In regions around the world, CECO works to improve air quality, optimize the energy value chain, and provide custom solutions for applications in power generation, petrochemical processing, refining, midstream gas transport and treatment, electric vehicle and battery production, metals and mineral processing, polysilicon production, battery recycling, beverage can production, and produced and oily water/wastewater treatment along with a wide range of other industrial applications. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Addison, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.

About May River Capital
May River Capital is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on partnering with lower middle-market industrial growth businesses. The firm invests in high-performing companies in advanced manufacturing, engineered products and instrumentation, specialized industrial services, and value-added industrial distribution services. For more information, please visit www.mayrivercapital.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
Any statements contained in this Press Release, other than statements of historical fact, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended, and should be evaluated as such. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance. We use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “will,” “plan,” “should” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties, among others, that could cause actual results to differ materially are discussed under “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and may be included in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and include, but are not limited to: the effect of the divestiture of our Global Pump Solutions business on business relationships, operating results, and business generally, disruption of current plans and operations and potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the transaction, diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations in connection with the integration of recent acquisitions, the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and other charges related to the transaction, the achievement of the anticipated benefits of transactions, our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from acquisitions, as well as a number of factors related to our business, including the sensitivity of our business to economic and financial market conditions generally and economic conditions in CECO’s service areas; dependence on fixed price contracts and the risks associated therewith, including actual costs exceeding estimates and method of accounting for revenue; the effect of growth on our infrastructure, resources, and existing sales; the ability to expand operations in both new and existing markets; the potential for contract delay or cancellation as a result of on-going or worsening supply chain challenges or other customer considerations; liabilities arising from faulty services or products that could result in significant professional or product liability, warranty, or other claims; changes in or developments with respect to any litigation or investigation; failure to meet timely completion or performance standards that could result in higher cost and reduced profits or, in some cases, losses on projects; the potential for fluctuations in prices for manufactured components and raw materials, including as a result of tariffs and surcharges, and rising energy costs; inflationary pressures relating to rising raw material costs and the cost of labor; the substantial amount of debt incurred in connection with our strategic transactions and our ability to repay or refinance it or incur additional debt in the future; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock and the amounts and timing of repurchases; our ability to successfully realize the expected benefits of our restructuring program; economic and political conditions generally; our ability to optimize our business portfolio by identifying acquisition targets, executing upon any strategic acquisitions or divestitures, integrating acquired businesses and realizing the synergies from strategic transactions; and the unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including cyber security threats, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities or public health crises, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors. Many of these risks are beyond management’s ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material aspects from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements as they speak only to our views as of the date the statement is made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Company Contact:
Peter Johansson
Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
888-990-6670

Investor Relations Contact:
Steven Hooser and Jean Marie Young
Three Part Advisors
214-872-2710
Investor.Relations@OneCECO.com

The MIL Network –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pier Road Car Park refurbishment01 April 2025 Pier Road Car Park will undergo six months of refurbishment, starting on Monday 7 April. The car park will remain open to the public, with no more than two levels being closed at any one time. The… Read more

Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

01 April 2025

Pier Road Car Park will undergo six months of refurbishment, starting on Monday 7 April.

The car park will remain open to the public, with no more than two levels being closed at any one time. The shopper parking will also remain accessible on the first two levels.

The refurbishment will include repairs to concrete damage, deep cleaning the road surfaces, replacing the fencing, and redecorating. The work is expected to take until the end of October.

Car park users are advised that the surface treatment will have an odour but is not harmful. Dust and noise barriers will also be in place throughout the works.

The Infrastructure and Environment Department thanks car park users for their patience while this essential refurbishment takes place to ensure the car park continues to remain practical for all to use.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Acorn Farm’s New Gate Lodge Garden officially opens

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Acorn Farm’s New Gate Lodge Garden officially opens

1 April 2025

Spring has certainly sprung in the new Acorn Farm Gate Lodge Garden located at the St Columb’s Park Gate Lodge which has been officially opened by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr.

The new garden is part of the ambitious Acorn Farm Project, a partnership project supported by funding from The National Lottery Community Fund’s, Climate Action Fund and the UK Government.

Mayor Barr was joined by pupils from St Anne’s Primary School in Derry, who had the opportunity to learn about the importance of seed planting and growing cycles, and taste the benefits of the freshly harvested food.

The new space has been created to connect local communities, families, households and food producers with sustainable food practices, healthy eating and climate-friendly learning. It will help facilitate elements of the Acorn Farm’s wider engagement programme through events, workshops and guided visits.

The Acorn Farm project is delivered by a partnership team consisting of Derry City and Strabane District Council, The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, The Conservation Volunteers, Developing Healthy Communities and Community Garden Support.

Officially opening the gardens, Mayor Barr said they provided a beautiful learning space for all ages. “I am thrilled to be here today and to see the next stage in the development of the Acorn Farm project. There is a fantastic array of produce already being grown, and local people can draw on the expertise from local horticulturists and other experienced growers. Congratulations to everyone involved in realising this wonderful new green space.”

Paul Sweeney, Northen Ireland Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “I am delighted to be at the Gate Lodge Gardens today for the official opening and to see the progress made so far in the Acorn Farm Project, which has been supported by over £2 million of National Lottery funding.

“A priority of The National Lottery Community Fund’s strategy to 2030 is to support communities in becoming environmentally sustainable. Innovative and ambitious projects like Acorn Farm are a fantastic example of our funding being put into action by communities, by creating a movement and helping develop more sustainable and responsible ways of sourcing and producing food.

“Well done to everyone involved in developing this community hub which will boost mental health, encourage physical activity and build stronger community connections.”

Shauna Kelpie, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “What we see here today is the culmination of outstanding collaboration between partner organisations committed to improving the lives of local people and our environment through access to more sustainable food choices. This project kick starts so many ‘green focused’ activities and will be life changing for so many families now and into the future.”

The total funding investment pot of £6.2m in capital infrastructure (UK Government and Derry City and Strabane District Council) and over £2m (National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund) in skills-based engagement programmes, is assisting local people to take climate action through food choice and make the link between sustainable food and better health outcomes for this generation and future ones.

Find out more about the project at https://acornfarmni.com/

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulatory fees for British chemicals sector slashed
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Regulatory fees for British chemicals sector slashed

New legislation to cut UK REACH costs for chemical businesses comes into force as part of Government’s Plan for Change
New legislation coming into force today (Tuesday 1 April) will slash regulatory burdens on the chemicals industry – saving businesses £40 million over the next six years.

The move as part of the Government’s Plan for Change means nearly all current fees and charges for chemical businesses are going down. Changes are expected to lead to a total reduction of costs by £40 million for businesses across the next six years – from 2025/26 to 2030/31.

Included in the changes is a new standard registration fee of £2,222, which will mean a significant reduction to the cost of registration for 92% of firms. Alongside this, the continuation of the small and medium enterprise discounts and a reduction in legal identity changes will ensure the chemicals industry is fairly regulated and remains competitive.

This will relieve the UK’s chemicals industry of unnecessary cost burdens, create conditions for them to invest in new infrastructure and delivering growth for the sector.

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said:

The UK chemicals sector is world-leading but has faced a range of challenges in recent years, including high regulatory costs.

As part of Plan for Change, we’re reducing UK REACH fees by £40 million over the next six years, helping businesses continue to deliver growth in this vital sector.

UK REACH is the regulatory regime that applies to many chemical substances that are manufactured or imported into the Great Britain. It exists to provide a high level of protection of human health and the environment when chemicals are used.

To ensure UK REACH is enforced effectively, chemical businesses pay fees to recover the cost of the services provided. The new charges will ensure businesses pay for what they get.

The Government is committed to protecting human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals. This includes reshaping the UK REACH Work Programme in future years to ensure it delivers the Government’s ambitions, while also setting out a clear direction of travel to support businesses and the chemicals industry, taking account of UK REACH’s relationship with regulation in the EU.

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Published 1 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New strategy paves the way for a greener, more connected Greater Norwich
Source: City of Norwich

Published on Tuesday, 1st April 2025

The Greater Norwich Growth Board (GNGB), a unique partnership of Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council, South Norfolk District Council, and Broadland District Council, today announced the appro
This collaborative, cross-boundary approach will guide the development and enhancement of green spaces across the Greater Norwich area.

Recognising the importance of strategic infrastructure planning, the GNGB pools Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding into a dedicated Infrastructure Investment Fund (IIF) to support infrastructure development across the Greater Norwich area. The updated GI Strategy builds upon the previous Strategy of 2007 and 2009 Delivery Plan, and reflects new environmental legislation, including the Environment Act 2021, and the adopted Greater Norwich Local Plan.

The strategy, developed in partnership with public, environmental, educational, health and third sector organisations, has been informed by extensive public consultation and stakeholder workshops. It focuses on delivering multiple benefits: nature-rich places, active and healthy communities, thriving economies, improved water management, and resilient, climate-positive environments.

Objectives:

The strategy outlines six key objectives:

Enabling access to nature and healthy lifestyles

Harnessing productive landscapes

Strengthening distinctive places

Supporting nature recovery

Promoting urban greening

Strengthening blue-green infrastructure

Councillor Sue Holland, Chair of the GNGB said: “This updated Green Infrastructure Strategy demonstrates the GNGB’s commitment to sustainable growth and environmental enhancement. By working collaboratively, we can create a greener, healthier, and more resilient Greater Norwich for current and future generations.”
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fly tipping blitz campaign and community lounge partnership shortlisted for national awards
Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

Published: Tuesday, 1st April 2025
An innovative community partnership that has helped more than 4,000 people access vital support and a council service leading a blitz on fly-tipping are up for awards that recognise local government.

Environmental Services is nominated for ‘Best Council Services Team’ at the MJ Achievement Awards 2025, while the Communities Together scheme is up for the ‘Community Engagement Award’.

The first relates to the IDIOT (Illegal Dumping in Our Towns) campaign, which was launched in 2023 after fly tipping emerged as a major concern during that year’s local elections. It pledged rapid responses to clearing dumped waste, tougher enforcement and educating the community.

The initial aim was to clear 1,000 fly tipping incidents in the first 100 days and this was achieved in half the time. This initial crackdown resulted in 2,395 clearances of illegal waste, as well as 523 fixed penalty notices.

By the end of 2024, 7,661 reported fly tipping incidents were cleared and the average time when responding to these fell to just 3.3 days on average (previously 13.1 days).

This was an 84 per cent increase in reports on the previous 16 months – with the much-improved visual appearance of the city and the upsurge of civil pride amounts to a resounding success.

In addition, Communities Together has evolved from the community and city council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming a local partnership programme to set up locations where people can easily access help, advice and support.

There are now 18 community lounges across Stoke-on-Trent, with each one tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of their location – effectively helping reduce health inequalities.

Through this more focused and preventative approach, Communities Together has helped reduce the stigma around seeking help, promoted independence and reduced pressure on other services.

Since April 2024, the community lounges have helped 4,019 residents in a wide range of areas:

1,273 people received emergency food provision

783 people had help with financial matters

737 people has help with housing

196 people received mental health support

159 people received help with homelessness

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Having two projects receiving national recognition at the MJ Awards is an amazing achievement and a reflection of the hard work so many of the city council and our partners have put in to accomplish this.

“By promoting community cohesion, we have been able to help and support residents in a variety of ways, whilst also helping communities look and feel healthier through the crackdown on fly tipping.

“Congratulations to all involved on their hard work and dedication and wishing you the best of luck at the upcoming MJ Awards ceremony.”

The winners of the MJ Awards will be announced at a ceremony at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on Friday 20th June 2025.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The Institute of Civil Engineering of SPbPU expands cooperation with China

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

At the end of March, at the invitation of the Chinese side, a delegation from the Civil Engineering Institute visited four universities in China. The Russian delegation included the director of the institute Marina Petrochenko, deputy director for international activities Mikhail Romanov and director of the Center for additional professional programs Ksenia Strelets.

The Polytechnics visited Chang’an University in Xi’an. There, a ceremonial signing of a cooperation agreement between SPbPU and Chang’an University took place. From the Chinese side, the meeting was attended by Vice President for International Relations of Chang’an University Huang Guawen, Director of the School of Water Resources Management and Environmental Protection Professor Bei Bo, as well as Professors Luo Pingping and Li Junyuan.

Following the negotiations, agreements were reached on organizing academic mobility programs for students in the areas of “Water Resources Management”, “Environmental Safety” and “Civil Engineering”. Initiatives were also discussed on holding guest lectures by teachers and developing joint programs of additional professional education with the possibility of internships at construction sites in China.

Vice President Huang Guawen expressed confidence in the successful development of the partnership: Academician Li Peichen and President of Chang’an University Sha Aiming studied in Russia, so we are optimistic about the prospects of our cooperation.

One of the key events was the open lectures of the teachers of the Civil Engineering Institute Ksenia Strelets and Mikhail Romanov for postgraduate students of Chang’an University. Mikhail Romanov shared his experience in the field of organizing water resources management in Russia and China. Ksenia Strelets’ lecture was devoted to the topic of sustainable development and assessment of the environmental impact of construction.

Faculty from the Institute of Water Resources and the School of Water Resources and Environmental Management at Chang’an University have jointly developed an online course on Environmental Impact Assessment.

The SPbPU delegation also visited the partner Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology. Its representatives gave their colleagues from SPbPU a tour of the laboratories, including a visit to the Research Center of the Institute of Civil Engineering. Unique installations and test benches for assessing seismic impacts on the structures of buildings and structures are presented there. In addition, the Russians visited the laboratory for cleaning polluted waters.

During the negotiations with the Director of International Services Wang Chumei, Deputy Director Zhao Jingzhu and the person responsible for interaction with the CIS countries Wang Xiang, agreements were reached on developing a roadmap for interaction between the two universities. It will include academic mobility of students, joint research work, and summer and winter schools.

Director of International Services Wang Chumei noted: Our universities have already established partnerships within the framework of the Silk Road Alliance of International Universities of Architecture and Technology. Now it is time to strengthen these ties in the areas of architecture and construction.

Representatives of SPbPU received an invitation to participate in the conference of the Alliance of International Universities of Architecture and Technology of the Silk Road in May this year. An important part of the event was a visit to the international student office and dormitory located on the university campus.

The next stop for visiting partner universities was Nanjing. The SPbPU delegation visited Nanjing University of Science and Technology, where they held talks with representatives of international services and professors of the construction and energy departments. From the Chinese side, the meeting was attended by the director of the international office department Chen Ji, deputy director of the international office Chen Dan, director of the institute of construction and technosphere safety Linlin Gu, professor of the institute of construction Bo Yao, professors of the institute of energy and electric power Jun Guan and Zhang Wen.

Polytechnicians presented key scientific developments and projects in the field of modeling highways, bridges and tunnels, assessing the indoor microclimate of premises, environmental impact and technosphere safety. Director of the Institute of Construction Linling Gu spoke about the educational programs and areas of research activities of the department.

A visit to the College of Ecology and Water Resources of Hohai University became a significant event for the development of international relations in the field of water resources management and hydropower. The meeting was attended by the Director of the College of Water Resources Hua Weng, the Director of the College of Ecology Yaping Li, teachers and students of the university. Marina Petrochenko gave a presentation about SPbPU and the Civil Engineering Institute.

At the meeting, agreements were reached on preparing a cooperation agreement between SPbPU and Hohai University, conducting guest and implementing joint research projects in the field of water resources management, ecology and hydropower.

The staff of all the above-mentioned Chinese universities have received invitations and will actively participate in the II International Conference “Civil, Industrial and Urban Construction – 2025” of the Civil Engineering Institute. It will be held on April 2, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Large Crocodile captured near Lucinda boat ramp
Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 31 Mar 2025

A large estuarine crocodile has been captured in a baited trap near the Dungeness Creek boat ramp at Lucinda in north Queensland.

Wildlife Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) captured the animal on Friday evening.

The 3.8 m crocodile was targeted for removal after displaying concerning behaviour around the boat ramp and interfering with crab pots. It is believed the crocodile was attracted to the boat ramp by discarded fish frames and bait.

The removal is a reminder for people living in crocodile habitat to make sensible choices around the water and to prioritise their safety.

People living in crocodile habitat should never discard fish frames or unused bait at boat ramps or fishing spots as crocodiles can begin to associate those locations with food.

All crocodile sightings should be reported to DETSI in a timely manner.

Crocodiles can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.
- Expect crocodiles in ALL northern and far northern Queensland waterways even if there is no warning sign
- Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
- Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
- Stay well away from croc traps – that includes when fishing and boating
- The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks
- Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
- Camp well back from the water’s edge
- Never leave food, fish scraps or disused bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps
- Never provoke, harass or feed crocs
- Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.
Further information is available at: https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/crocodiles/croc-wise

MIL OSI News –
April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Cardwell cassowary incident
Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 1 Apr 2025

A Cardwell man was taken to Tully Hospital on Friday 28 March 2025 after reportedly being kicked in the leg by an adult cassowary, which resulted in a 2-3 inch deep wound to his upper thigh.

The man was treated for a minor injury following the interaction with the cassowary and reported the incident to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

According to the report, the man was in his backyard with his back to the bird when the cassowary approached him and kicked him in the back of the leg.

On 31 March 2025, wildlife rangers will conduct a site visit and assess the behaviour of the cassowary if it remains in the area.

The behaviour of the cassowary is consistent of a cassowary that has become accustomed to being fed. It’s a good reminder to the public not to be complacent when they are in close proximity to these animals.

People who live in the wet tropics are reminded that cassowaries are large animals and can act in an unpredictable way, which can include dangerous behaviour.

Cassowaries should never be fed or given access to food. This can cause them to become habituated and begin to approach people expecting food. Cassowaries have been known to become aggressive when approaching people for food but not receiving any.

People can help preserve wild populations of cassowaries by being Cass-O-Wary:
- Never approach cassowaries.
- Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
- Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal and can be dangerous for the birds and for humans.
- Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
- Always slow down when driving in cassowary territory.
- Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road.
- Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.
Cassowary sightings in north Queensland should be reported to QPWS by calling 1300 130 372.

MIL OSI News –
April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Freshwater crocodile handed to DETSI

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 1 Apr 2025

A small freshwater crocodile reportedly found near Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast has been handed over to wildlife rangers by a concerned member of the public.

The crocodile was reportedly found by a man on a suburban street on 30 March 2025 and he took it home before contacting the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).

Wildlife rangers collected the animal on 31 March 2025 and took it to the department’s Moggill facility for assessment.

The animal is believed to be around two months old and appears to be in good health. Following vet checks, the crocodile could be placed with a farm or zoo.

The circumstances that led to the animal being found on the Gold Coast are being investigated.

The animal is believed to either be an escaped pet or to have been illegally taken from the wild.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact DETSI on 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.

Freshwater crocodiles are native to Queensland, but their natural habitat is in rural areas in central, western and northwest Queensland. The Gold Coast is not considered to be freshwater crocodile habitat.

Open larger image

A small freshwater crocodile has been handed over to wildlife rangers.

MIL OSI News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Tree harvester hit with fine for flattening vulnerable plants

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 1 Apr 2025

Open larger image

Wildlife officer inspecting vegetation.

A tree harvesting company recently received an $8,000 fine for damaging vulnerable native plants in the Gympie area.

The plant species that was damaged is critical to the resilience of this ecosystem, as it assists in minimising soil erosion and maintaining water quality which helps this area to withstand environmental stresses.

Public concern for the native vegetation led to an investigation by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service where rangers discovered dozens of the endangered plants were flattened.

We are dedicated to protecting our environment throughout Queensland so future generations can enjoy these amazing areas.

Protected plants are protected for a reason – particularly these plants which are classified as vulnerable.

Wildlife ranger at the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Chris Heckathorn said this is an important reminder for anyone carrying out works to ensure they undertake the relevant checks and operate within the law.

“Not only should the potential environmental impact be a deterrent, but there is also a possible fine of up to $500,000 or two-years imprisonment.

“We will continue to investigate incidents where our native species are impacted by illegal activities and will take strong compliance action to protect and preserve our environment.”

Samadera bidwillii is listed as Vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992.

MIL OSI News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Torrential rains created inland seas in outback Queensland. Soon, they will supersize Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia

The small Queensland town of Eromanga bills itself as Australia’s town furthest from the sea. But this week, an ocean of freshwater arrived.

Monsoon-like weather has hit the normally arid Channel Country of inland Queensland. Some towns have had two years’ worth of rain in a couple of days. These flat grazing lands now resemble an inland sea. Dozens of people have been evacuated. Others are preparing to be cut off, potentially for weeks. And graziers are reporting major livestock losses – more than 100,000 and climbing. In some areas, the flooding is worse than 1974, the wettest year on record in Australia.

Why so much rain? Tropical, water-laden air has been brought far inland from the oceans to the north and east. This can happen under normal climate variability. But our ocean temperatures are the highest on record, which supercharges the water cycle.

In coming weeks, this huge volume of water will wend its way through the channels and down to fill Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, the ephemeral lake which appears in the northern reaches of South Australia. It’s likely this will be a Lake Eyre for the ages.

In the first three months of the year, deadly record-breaking floods hit northern Queensland before Cyclone Alfred tracked unusually far south and made landfall in southeast Queensland, bringing widespread winds and rains and leaving expensive repair bills. Now the rain has come inland.

Why so much rain in arid areas?

Some meteorologists have dubbed this event a pseudo-monsoon. That’s because the normal Australian monsoon doesn’t reach this far south – the torrential rains of the monsoonal wet season tend to fall closer to the northern coasts.

Because the Arafura and Timor Seas to the north are unusually warm, evaporation rates have shot up. Once in the air, this water vapour makes for very humid conditions. These air masses are even more humid than normal tropical air, because they have flowed down from the equator. Many Queenslanders can vouch for the intense humidity.

But there’s a second factor at work. At present, Australia’s climate is influenced by a positive Southern Annular Mode. This means the belt of intense westerly winds blowing across the Southern Ocean has been pushed further south, causing a ripple effect which can lead to more summer rain in Australia’s southeast, up to inland Queensland. This natural climate driver has meant easterly winds have blown uninterrupted from as far away as Fiji, carrying yet more humid air inland.

Many inland rivers in Queensland are in major flood (red triangles) as of April 1.
Bureau of Meteorology, CC BY

These two streams of converging humid tropical air were driven up into the cooler heights of the atmosphere by upper and surface low pressure troughs, triggering torrential rain over wide areas of the outback

While these humid air masses have now dumped most of their water, more rain is coming in the aftermath of the short-lived Cyclone Dianne off northwest Australia. These rains won’t be as intense but may drive more flood peaks over already saturated catchments.

This is why it has been so wet in what is normally an exceptionally dry part of Australia.

What is this doing to the Channel Country?

Many Australians have never been to the remote Channel Country. It’s a striking landscape, marked by ancient, braided river channels.

Even for an area known for drought-flood cycles, the rainfall totals are extreme. This is a very rare event.

People who live there have to be resilient and self-sufficient. But farmers and graziers are bracing for awful losses of livestock. Livestock can drown in floodwaters, but a common fate is succumbing to pneumonia after spending too long in water. After the water moves down the channels, it will leave behind notoriously boggy and sticky mud. This can be lethal to livestock and native animals, which can find themselves unable to move.

Where will the water go next?

Little of these temporary inland seas will ever reach the ocean.

Some of the rain has fallen in the catchment of the Darling River, where it will flow down and meet the Murray. The Darling is often filled by summer rains, while the Murray gets more water from autumn and winter rains. This water will eventually reach the Southern Ocean.

But most of the rain fell further inland. The waters snaking through the channels will head south, flowing slowly along the flat ground for weeks until it crosses the South Australian border and begins to fill up Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. Here, the waters will stop, more than 300 km from the nearest ocean at Port Augusta, and fill what is normally a huge, salty depression and Australia’s lowest point, 15 metres below sea level.

When Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre fills, it creates an extraordinary spectacle. Millions of brine shrimp will hatch from eggs in the dry soil. This sudden abundance will draw waterbirds in their millions, while fish carried in the floodwaters will spawn and eat the shrimp. Then there are the remarkable shield shrimps, hibernating inland crabs and salt-adapted hardyhead fish.

It’s rare that Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre fills up – but when it does, life comes to the desert.
Mandy Creighton/Shutterstock

The rain event will send enough water to keep Lake Eyre full for many months and it usually takes up to two years for it to dry out again. We can expect to see a huge lake form – the size of a small European country. Birdwatchers and biologists will flock to the area to see the sight of a temporary sea in the desert.

Eventually, the intense sun of the outback will evaporate every last drop of the floodwaters, leaving behind salted ground and shrimp eggs for the next big rains.

As the climate keeps warming, we can expect to see more sudden torrential rain dumps like this one, followed by periods of rapid drying.

Steve Turton has previously received funding from the federal government.

– ref. Torrential rains created inland seas in outback Queensland. Soon, they will supersize Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre – https://theconversation.com/torrential-rains-created-inland-seas-in-outback-queensland-soon-they-will-supersize-kati-thanda-lake-eyre-253529

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Why do I see or smell smoke?

Source:

With calm autumn conditions across much of the state, communities can expect to see smoke in the air as a mix of planned burns, private burns under CFA’s permit system and agricultural burns take place over the coming weeks.

While current conditions are ideal for burning, weather patterns may cause smoke to linger over parts of the state overnight and through to early morning on some days.

FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said it is crucial fire agencies take advantage of favourable conditions when they present.

“Planned burning on public land is one of the tools FFMVic uses to keep Victoria safer from bushfires,” Mr Hardman said.

“Our climate is changing and that means finding the right days for safe and effective planned burning is becoming more challenging. Autumn typically provides our crews more opportunities to conduct planned burns, as the weather is more stable, and fire behaviour tends to be manageable and predictable

“With the current favourable weather and forest conditions, we are delivering as much planned burning as we can.

“Reducing dry vegetation such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and small fallen branches means fires are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose a risk to communities.

“We work closely with Country Fire Authority (CFA), Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Bureau of Meteorology to keep the smoke impact from planned burns as low as possible. We make every effort to make sure favourable weather conditions reduce smoke drift into communities.

“Victorians can register to receive notifications of upcoming planned burns at the Planned Burns Victoria website.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan is urging Victorians to understand permit requirements before conducting private burn-offs while the Fire Danger Period (FDP) remains in place across most of Victoria.

“We are now starting to issue schedule 13 permits to farmers to burn crop stubble to kill off weeds and reduce pests, however we remind Victorians, that no burning off is to occur unless people have received permission,” Mr Heffernan said.

“While the FDP has ended in East Gippsland, it remains in place across the rest of Victoria. It is vital that landowners check local conditions are safe and appropriate before burning off – both on the day and the days following.

“You may see a large amount of smoke in areas where these activities take place, so we ask farmers to let their neighbours know who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precaution.

“Any burning off activity should have enough water and resources on hand to monitor and extinguish and Triple Zero Victoria must be notified as awareness for emergency services and community members.”

Victoria’s Chief Environmental Scientist Professor Mark Patrick Taylor said EPA understands smoke from any source, including planned burns and private burn-offs can cause health concerns.

“Be prepared by watching for FFMVic planned burn notifications and by checking the air quality in your area through EPA’s AirWatch,” Professor Taylor said.

“Your nose is also an excellent smoke detector. If you can smell smoke, take the necessary precautions to protect your health.”

The Planned Burns Victoria website has details of all planned burns currently on the three-year Joint Fuel Management Program, visit https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/.

To find out what can and can’t be done during fire danger period, visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i

Check fire restrictions and register private burns at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.

Detailed information about current air quality throughout Victoria can be found on EPA’s website.

Visit the EPA website for tips about looking after health when there is smoke.

Submitted by CFA Media

MIL OSI News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: Nexif Ratch Energy Secures Pre-Development ECC for San Miguel Bay Wind Power Project in the Philippines

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MAKATI, Philippines, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nexif Ratch Energy is pleased to announce that its 500MW San Miguel Bay Wind Power Project has successfully obtained the Pre-Development Environmental Compliance Certificate (Pre-Dev ECC) on 3 March 2025. This certificate was granted by the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in accordance with its administrative order and the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS).

The Pre-Dev ECC approval paves the way for crucial pre-development activities, including offshore geotechnical and geophysical investigations, wind and metocean measurements, as well as environmental and social baseline and assessments. These activities are essential for understanding the project site’s characteristics, ensuring that development decisions are informed and sustainable.

In December 2024, the San Miguel Bay Wind Project received the Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CEPNS) from the Department of Energy (DOE), alongside being recognized as a Strategic Investment under the Green Lane Initiative of the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI). The issuance of the Pre-Dev ECC further reinforces the project’s strategic importance in advancing the Philippines’ renewable energy goals, supporting the country’s clean energy transition.

“This achievement marks a significant step forward in our commitment to developing offshore wind projects in the Philippines in an environmentally responsible manner,” said Cyril Dissescou, CEO of Nexif Ratch Energy. “It aligns with national priorities, and we are proud to contribute to the Philippines’ growing renewable energy sector.”

In addition to San Miguel Bay, Nexif Ratch Energy is also progressing toward securing the Pre-Dev ECC for the 475 MW Lucena Wind Power Project in Quezon Province, after the project being awarded CEPNS in January 2025. These ongoing development efforts position the Company strongly for the upcoming Green Energy Auction 5 (GEA-5) by the DOE, slated for the third quarter of 2025.

Nexif Ratch Energy remains committed to collaborating with key stakeholders and regulatory bodies to ensure the successful development of its offshore wind projects, with a focus on sustainable outcomes for both the environment and local communities.

“We deeply appreciate the ongoing collaboration with the Philippine government in driving the nation’s renewable energy initiatives,” said Matthew Bartley, Chairman of the Development Committee at Nexif Ratch Energy. “The San Miguel Bay Offshore Wind Project, alongside the Lucena Offshore Wind Project, will play a pivotal role in advancing the Philippines’ clean energy transition. We are confident that both projects will be well-positioned for the upcoming Green Energy Auction Program”.

About Nexif Ratch Energy

Nexif Ratch Energy is a leading renewable energy company focused on the development, acquisition, construction, and operation of clean-energy projects across the Asia Pacific region. Headquartered in Singapore with regional offices in Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand, the company’s portfolio includes 378 MW of operating, under-construction, and shovel-ready hydro, solar, and wind energy assets. Additionally, Nexif Ratch Energy has a development pipeline totaling 3.6 GW across wind, solar, and energy storage projects.

Nexif Ratch Energy is jointly owned by Nexif Energy (Singapore) with a 51% stake and RATCH Group (Thailand) with a 49% stake.

For Media Inquiries:

Chariya Poopisit
Nexif Ratch Energy
communications@nexifratch.com

The MIL Network –

April 1, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: From Rongelap to Mejatto – how Rainbow Warrior helped move nuclear refugees

The second of a two-part series on the historic Rongelap evacuation of 300 Marshall islanders from their irradiated atoll with the help of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior crew and the return of Rainbow Warrior III 40 years later on a nuclear justice research mission. Journalist and author David Robie, who was on board, recalls the 1985 voyage.

SPECIAL REPORT: By David Robie

Mejatto, previously uninhabited and handed over to the people of Rongelap by their close relatives on nearby Ebadon Island, was a lot different to their own island. It was beautiful, but it was only three kilometres long and a kilometre wide, with a dry side and a dense tropical side.

A sandspit joined it to another small, uninhabited island. Although lush, Mejatto was uncultivated and already it was apparent there could be a food problem.Out on the shallow reef, ﬁsh were plentiful.

Shortly after the Rainbow Warrior arrived on 21 May 1985, several of the men were out wading knee-deep on the coral spearing ﬁsh for lunch.

Islanders with their belongings on a bum bum approach the Rainbow Warrior. © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

But even the shallowness of the reef caused a problem. It made it dangerous to bring the Warrior any closer than about three kilometres offshore — as two shipwrecks on the reef reminded us.

The cargo of building materials and belongings had to be laboriously unloaded onto a bum bum (small boat), which had also travelled overnight with no navigational aids apart from a Marshallese “wave map’, and the Zodiacs. It took two days to unload the ship with a swell making things difﬁcult at times.

An 18-year-old islander fell into the sea between the bum bum and the Warrior, almost being crushed but escaping with a jammed foot.

Fishing success on the reef
The delayed return to Rongelap for the next load didn’t trouble Davey Edward. In fact, he was celebrating his ﬁrst ﬁshing success on the reef after almost three months of catching nothing. He ﬁnally landed not only a red snapper, but a dozen ﬁsh, including a half-metre shark!

Edward was also a good cook and he rustled up dinner — shark montfort, snapper ﬁllets, tuna steaks and salmon pie (made from cans of dumped American aid food salmon the islanders didn’t want).

Returning to Rongelap, the Rainbow Warrior was confronted with a load which seemed double that taken on the ﬁrst trip. Altogether, about 100 tonnes of building materials and other supplies were shipped to Mejatto. The crew packed as much as they could on deck and left for Mejatto, this time with 114 people on board. It was a rough voyage with almost everybody being seasick.

The journalists were roped in to clean up the ship before returning to Rongelap on the third journey.

‘Our people see no light, only darkness’
Researcher Dr Glenn Alcalay (now an adjunct professor of anthropology at William Paterson University), who spoke Marshallese, was a great help to me interviewing some of the islanders.

“It’s a hard time for us now because we don’t have a lot of food here on Mejatto — like breadfruit, taro and pandanus,” said Rose Keju, who wasn’t actually at Rongelap during the fallout.

“Our people feel extremely depressed. They see no light, only darkness. They’ve been crying a lot.

“We’ve moved because of the poison and the health problems we face. If we have honest scientists to check Rongelap we’ll know whether we can ever return, or we’ll have to stay on Mejatto.”

Kiosang Kios, 46, was 15 years old at the time of Castle Bravo when she was evacuated to “Kwaj”.

“My hair fell out — about half the people’s hair fell out,” she said. “My feet ached and burned. I lost my appetite, had diarrhoea and vomited.”

In 1957, she had her ﬁrst baby and it was born without bones – “Like this paper, it was ﬂimsy.” A so-called ‘jellyﬁsh baby’, it lived half a day. After that, Kios had several more miscarriages and stillbirths. In 1959, she had a daughter who had problems with her legs and feet and thyroid trouble.

Out on the reef with the bum bums, the islanders had a welcome addition — an unusual hardwood dugout canoe being used for ﬁshing and transport. It travelled 13,000 kilometres on board the Rainbow Warrior and bore the Sandinista legend FSLN on its black-and-red hull. A gift from Bunny McDiarmid and Henk Haazen, it had been bought for $30 from a Nicaraguan ﬁsherman while they were crewing on the Fri. (Bunny and Henk are on board Rainbow Warrior III for the research mission).

“It has come from a small people struggling for their sovereignty against the United States and it has gone to another small people doing the same,” said Haazen.

Animals left behind
Before the 10-day evacuation ended, Haazen was given an outrigger canoe by the islanders. Winched on to the deck of the Warrior, it didn’t quite make a sail-in protest at Moruroa, as Haazen planned, but it has since become a familiar sight on Auckland Harbour.

With the third load of 87 people shipped to Mejatto and one more to go, another problem emerged. What should be done about the scores of pigs and chickens on Rongelap? Pens could be built on the main deck to transport them to Mejatto but was there any fodder left for them?

The islanders decided they weren’t going to run a risk, no matter how slight, of having contaminated animals with them. They were abandoned on Rongelap — along with three of the ﬁve outriggers.

Building materials from the demolished homes on Rongelap dumped on the beach at arrival on Mejatto. Image: © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

“When you get to New Zealand you’ll be asked have you been on a farm,” warned French journalist Phillipe Chatenay, who had gone there a few weeks before to prepare a Le Point article about the “Land of the Long White Cloud and Nuclear-Free Nuts”.

“Yes, and you’ll be asked to remove your shoes. And if you don’t have shoes, you’ll be asked to remove your feet,” added first mate Martini Gotjé, who was usually barefooted.

The last voyage on May 28 was the most fun. A smaller group of about 40 islanders was transported and there was plenty of time to get to know each other.

Four young men questioned cook Nathalie Mestre: where did she live? Where was Switzerland? Out came an atlas. Then Mestre produced a scrapbook of Fernando Pereira’s photographs of the voyage. The questions were endless.

They asked for a scrap of paper and a pen and wrote in English:

“We, the people of Rongelap, love our homeland. But how can our people live in a place which is dangerous and poisonous. I mean, why didn’t those American people test Bravo in a state capital? Why? Rainbow Warrior, thank you for being so nice to us. Keep up your good work.”

Each one wrote down their name: Balleain Anjain, Ralet Anitak, Kiash Tima and Issac Edmond. They handed the paper to Mestre and she added her name. Anitak grabbed it and wrote as well: “Nathalie Anitak”. They laughed.

Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira and Rongelap islander Bonemej Namwe on board a bum bum boat in May 1985. Fernando was killed by French secret agents in the Rainbow Warrior bombing on 10 July 1985. Image: © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

Fernando Pereira’s birthday
Thursday, May 30, was Fernando Pereira’s 35th birthday. The evacuation was over and a one-day holiday was declared as we lay anchored off Mejato.

Pereira was on the Paciﬁc voyage almost by chance. Project coordinator Steve Sawyer had been seeking a wire machine for transmitting pictures of the campaign. He phoned Fiona Davies, then heading the Greenpeace photo ofﬁce in Paris. But he wanted a machine and photographer separately.

“No, no … I’ll get you a wire machine,” replied Davies. ‘But you’ll have to take my photographer with it.” Agreed. The deal would make a saving for the campaign budget.

Sawyer wondered who this guy was, although Gotjé and some of the others knew him. Pereira had ﬂed Portugal about 15 years before while he was serving as a pilot in the armed forces at a time when the country was ﬁghting to retain colonies in Angola and Mozambique. He settled in The Netherlands, the only country which would grant him citizenship.

After ﬁrst working as a photographer for Anefo press agency, he became concerned with environmental and social issues. Eventually he joined the Amsterdam communist daily De Waarheid and was assigned to cover the activities of Greenpeace. Later he joined Greenpeace.

Although he adopted Dutch ways, his charming Latin temperament and looks betrayed his Portuguese origins. He liked tight Italian-style clothes and fast sports cars. Pereira was always wide-eyed, happy and smiling.

In Hawai`i, he and Sawyer hiked up to the crater at the top of Diamond Head one day. Sawyer took a snapshot of Pereira laughing — a photo later used on the front page of the New Zealand Times after his death with the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by French secret agents.

While most of the crew were taking things quietly and the “press gang” caught up on stories, Sawyer led a mini-expedition in a Zodiac to one of the shipwrecks, the Palauan Trader. With him were Davey Edward, Henk Haazen, Paul Brown and Bunny McDiarmid.

Clambering on board the hulk, Sawyer grabbed hold of a rust-caked railing which collapsed. He plunged 10 metres into a hold. While he lay in pain with a dislocated shoulder and severely lacerated abdomen, his crewmates smashed a hole through the side of the ship. They dragged him through pounding surf into the Zodiac and headed back to the Warrior, three kilometres away.

“Doc” Andy Biedermann, assisted by “nurse” Chatenay, who had received basic medical training during national service in France, treated Sawyer. He took almost two weeks to recover.

But the accident failed to completely dampen celebrations for Pereira, who was presented with a hand-painted t-shirt labelled “Rainbow Warrior Removals Inc”.

Pereira’s birthday was the ﬁrst of three which strangely coincided with events casting a tragic shadow over the Rainbow Warrior’s last voyage.

Dr David Robie is an environmental and political journalist and author, and editor of Asia Pacific Report. He travelled on board the Rainbow Warrior for almost 11 weeks. This article is adapted from his 1986 book, Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage of the Rainbow Warrior. A new edition is being published in July to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 1, 2025

Submitted by	CFA Media

MIL-OSI: Carbon Streaming Announces Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carbon Streaming Corporation (Cboe CA: NETZ) (OTCQB: OFSTF) (FSE: M2Q) (“Carbon Streaming” or the “Company”) today reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. All figures are expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The Company will host a live audio call at 11:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. In addition, the Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sam Wong to the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) effective April 1, 2025.

Carbon Streaming Chief Executive Officer Marin Katusa stated: “In the fourth quarter of 2024, Carbon Streaming focused on its restructuring efforts and evaluating strategic alternatives while taking significant steps to reduce costs and improve financial sustainability. We successfully reduced the number of individuals receiving full-time salaries from 24 at the start of 2024 to 4 by January 2025, resulting in significant savings to ongoing operating expenses. With cost reductions complete, our priority in 2025 is to maximize value from our existing portfolio while continuing to explore all strategic options to enhance shareholder value. More specifically, we will evaluate all potential acquisitions, divestments, corporate transactions, and strategic partnerships. While the voluntary carbon market continues to experience difficult market conditions and many economic uncertainties exist, we are committed to adapting to market conditions and ensuring the best path forward for our shareholders. With respect to the Rimba Raya, Magdalena Bay and Sustainable Community Streams, the Company remains focused on protecting our investments and preserving our rights as we will with all our investments.”

Annual Highlights

Ended the year with $37.4 million in cash and no corporate debt.
Reduced the number of individuals receiving full-time salaries at the Company – including employees, consultants, and directors – from 24 at the start of 2024 to 8 by year-end, with a further decrease to 4 full time employees by January 2025, resulting in significant savings in ongoing operating expenses.
Recognized a net loss on revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements of $58.2 million (net loss on revaluation of $32.9 million in 2023). The net loss on revaluation for each period was driven by reductions in the carbon credit production and sales profiles and carbon credit pricing assumptions, and an increase to the risk-adjusted discount rate.
Continued the previously-announced corporate restructuring plan, which resulted in a non-recurring restructuring charge of $2.6 million.
Generated $1.6 million in settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (settlements of $55 thousand in 2023).
Operating loss of $68.3 million (operating loss of $45.0 million in 2023).
Recognized net loss of $67.4 million (net loss of $35.5 million in 2023).
Adjusted net loss was $5.2 million (adjusted net loss of $7.6 million in 2023) (see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release).
Paid $8.1 million in upfront deposits for carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (paid $7.6 million in upfront deposits in 2023).

Fourth Quarter Highlights

Recognized a net loss on revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements of $13.2 million (net loss on revaluation of $24.0 million in Q4 2023). The net loss on revaluation for each period was driven by reductions in the carbon credit production and sales profiles and carbon credit pricing assumptions, and an increase to the risk-adjusted discount rate.
Generated $0.5 million in settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (settlements of $nil in Q4 2023).
Operating loss of $14.9 million (operating loss of $26.8 million in Q4 2023).
Recognized net loss of $16.9 million (net loss of $26.1 million in Q4 2023).
Adjusted net loss was $0.9 million (adjusted net loss of $2.2 million in Q4 2023) (see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release).

Paid $2.2 million in upfront deposits for carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (paid $2.1 million in upfront deposits in Q4 2023).

Financial Highlights Summary

Three months ended
December 31, 2024

Three months ended
December 31, 2023

Year ended December 31, 2024

Year ended December 31, 2023

Carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements

Revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements

(13,190)

(23,952)

(58,155)

(32,897)

Settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements¹

513

–

1,550

Other financial highlights

Other operating expenses

1,760

2,691

10,340

12,035

Operating loss

(14,923)

(26,784)

(68,335)

(45,002)

Net loss

(16,932)

(26,092)

(67,369)

(35,501)

Loss per share (Basis and Diluted) ($/share)

(0.32)

(0.55)

(1.34)

(0.75)

Adjusted net loss²

(884)

(2,225)

(5,214)

(7,586)

Adjusted net loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)²

(0.02)

(0.05)

(0.10)

(0.16)

Statement of financial position

Cash³

37,350

51,416

37,350

51,416

Carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements³

9,081

60,122

9,081

60,122

Total assets³

48,683

117,111

48,683

117,111

Non-current liabilities³

112

1,083

112

1,083

Relates to the net cash proceeds generated from the Company’s carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements.
“Adjusted net loss”, including per share amounts, is a non-IFRS^® Accounting Standards (the “IFRS Accounting Standards”) financial performance measure that is used in this news release. This measure does not have any standardized meaning under the IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For more information about this measure, why it is used by the Company, and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable measure under the IFRS Accounting Standards, see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release.
Cash, carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements, total assets and non-current liabilities are presented as at the relevant tabular reporting date.

Portfolio Updates

Rimba Raya Stream: On April 26, 2024, the Company announced that it was informed that PT Rimba Raya Conservation (“PT Rimba”), the local concession holder for the Rimba Raya project, had its Forest Utilization Business License (the “Concession License”) revoked by the Indonesian Government’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (the “MOEF”). PT Rimba challenged the MOEF’s revocation of the Concession License, and in July 2024, the State Administrative Court of Jakarta (the “Court of Jakarta”) reached a decision on PT Rimba’s claim and declared that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void. The MOEF appealed the decision of the Court of Jakarta and in September 2024, the State Administrative High Court of Jakarta (the “High Court of Jakarta”) upheld the Court of Jakarta’s decision declaring that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void. The MOEF submitted an appeal of the decision of the High Court of Jakarta and as such, the decision of the High Court of Jakarta upholding that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void does not yet have permanent legal force. While the appeal process is underway, the interlocutory decision issued by the Court of Jakarta on May 16, 2024, requiring the MOEF to suspend the implementation of its decree in respect of the revocation of the Concession License, will remain in place.

In October 2024, InfiniteEARTH Limited and its Indonesian subsidiary PT InfiniteEARTH Nusantara, the project operators of the Rimba Raya project (collectively “InfiniteEARTH”) delivered a notice of intent to abandon the project (the “RR Notice of Abandonment”). Pursuant to the RR Notice of Abandonment, InfiniteEARTH claims that a Regulation entitled Regulation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Number 7 Year of 2023 issued on June 14, 2023 by the Indonesian Government (“Regulation No. 7 2023”), prohibits the issuance and transfer of carbon rights from PT Rimba to InfiniteEARTH. InfiniteEARTH claims that as a result of Regulation No. 7 2023, it has been unable to economically develop or continue to operate the Rimba Raya project and that this is a force majeure event under the Rimba Raya Stream. The Company has notified InfiniteEARTH that it rejects the assertion that Regulation No. 7 2023 is an event of force majeure and has commenced an arbitration seeking, among other things, an order that the RR Notice of Abandonment is invalid or void.

In October 2024, the Company commenced an arbitration administered by the International Centre of Dispute Resolution against InfiniteEARTH in accordance with the Rimba Raya Stream; and against the shareholders of InfiniteEARTH Limited in accordance with the Strategic Alliance Agreement (the “SAA“). The arbitration has since been bifurcated into two arbitration proceedings, dealing with (i) the Rimba Raya Stream; and (ii) the SAA.

In October 2024, the Company also issued a Notice of Action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice seeking declaratory relief against the principals of InfiniteEARTH Limited and their related entities, seeking to enforce its rights in relation to guarantees and non-competition agreements related to the Rimba Raya Stream and the SAA. Some of the defendants have counterclaimed. The dispute between the Company and InfiniteEARTH arises out of acts and omissions that the Company alleges are improper and in breach of the Rimba Raya Stream, the SAA and related agreements. Management of the Company believes that delivering the Notice of Arbitration and issuing the Notice of Action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice were important steps in preserving the Company’s legal and contractual rights.

As a result of the uncertainty of the duration and outcome of the appeal process in respect of the Concession License and the ongoing legal dispute between the Company, InfiniteEARTH and the founders of InfiniteEARTH, the Company has reclassified the status of the Rimba Raya Stream to “Expired”. As at December 31, 2024, the Company has determined the fair value of the Rimba Raya Stream to be $nil.

Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream: In the third quarter of 2024, Fundación MarVivo Mexico, A.C. and MarVivo Corporation (collectively, “MarVivo”) delivered a notice of intent to abandon the project (the “MarVivo Notice of Abandonment”). Pursuant to the MarVivo Notice of Abandonment, MarVivo claims that the failure to transfer the concession rights from the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (“SEMARNAT”), Mexico’s environment ministry, to the jurisdiction of Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (“CONANP”), constitutes an event of force majeure and that it is no longer economical to develop or continue to operate the project. The Company’s position is that the attempt to abandon the project constitutes a breach of the terms of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream. The Company has notified MarVivo that it rejects the assertion that the failure to transfer the concession rights constitutes an event of force majeure and that if MarVivo abandons the project or takes steps to wind-down, this will amount to a breach of the terms of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream. As a result of the MarVivo Notice of Abandonment and the assertions of MarVivo, the Company has determined the fair value of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream to be $nil as at December 31, 2024. The Company reserves all rights with respect to the agreements between the parties and intends to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream.

Sustainable Community Stream: In the third quarter of 2024, the Company exercised its contractual rights to terminate the Sustainable Community Stream as a result of, among other things, the failure of the project operator, Will Solutions Inc., to meet its milestone related to the registration of its Ontario project and its failure to develop and implement the project in accordance with the project plan (including continued delays in project development activities and lower-than-expected project enrollments). As a result of the Sustainable Community Stream being terminated, the fair value of the Sustainable Community Stream was determined to be $nil as at December 31, 2024. The Company intends to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Sustainable Community Stream.

Cerrado Biome Stream: At the time of project registration, the project planned to expand the project to 80,000 hectares by incorporating more land parcels, and to generate approximately 13 million carbon credits over a 30-year project life. Enrollment of additional land parcels has been slower than anticipated, primarily due to declining demand and lower pricing for REDD+ carbon credits. As a result, the expected revenue from carbon credit sales has decreased, reducing the financial incentive for landholders to transition from agricultural production to REDD+ project enrollment. Currently, the project consists of two land parcels covering approximately 11,000 hectares, expected to generate 1.2 million carbon credits over 30 years; however, the actual number of carbon credits issued will depend on the project’s ability to attract additional landholders. Revenue shortfalls have been driven by delays in the Verra verification process and price volatility for credits issued by REDD+ projects.

Waverly Biochar Stream and Royalty: Following the accelerated payment of the final milestone payments in the second quarter of 2024, the project reached mechanical completion and first biochar production in the third quarter of 2024. However, additional technical challenges prevented continuous operation of the facility and have continued to delay full production capacity. The project is currently focused on securing additional funding to support commissioning, the initial facility audit, and the first output audit with Puro.earth. Verification was anticipated in the third quarter of 2025, with first issuance of carbon credits to follow immediately thereafter, but is now expected to be delayed.

In 2023, the Company announced an agreement to provide Microsoft Corporation with carbon credits from the Waverly Biochar Stream of up to 10,000 carbon credits per year. Under this agreement, the Company is committed to delivering a minimum quantity of credits on specified future dates. If the Company is unable to fulfill this commitment, Microsoft Corporation may request that credits be sourced from an alternative project of their choosing.

Community Carbon Stream: In 2024, the projects under the Community Carbon Stream issued over 1,600,000 carbon credits from the Mozambique cookstove project, the Uganda cookstove project, the Tanzania cookstove project, and the Uganda household safe water project. Additionally, the Community Carbon Stream generated $1.1 million in cash settlements for the year ended December 31, 2024.

On May 8, 2024, the Company amended the terms of the Community Carbon Stream resulting in, among other things, revising the Company’s economic interest to provide for a tiered streaming structure which is adjusted as certain return on invested capital thresholds are achieved, and adjusting the portfolio composition and milestone payments to focus on the five strongest projects, three cookstove projects in Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda and two water purification projects in Malawi and Uganda.

Following the May 2024 amendment, the Company anticipates that the project’s actual emission reductions will be materially lower than previously expected due to methodological changes and declining prices, which have reduced forecasted creditable unit deployments. Concerns over emissions reduction overestimation, additionality, and verification challenges have raised questions about cookstove credit quality, prompting methodological revisions as the market adapts to evolving buyer expectations. While these changes aim to enhance credibility, they have also reduced demand and driven down prices.

Nalgonda Rice Farming Stream: In December 2024, the Company delivered a notice to Core CarbonX Pte. Ltd. and its services provider, Core CarbonX Solutions Private Limited that an event of default occurred and is continuing due to the failure of the project to reach development completion prior to June 30, 2024. While no further action has been taken at this time, the Company reserves all rights under its agreements.

The project was registered with Verra on February 10, 2025, using the UNFCCC Clean Development Mechanism Methodology AMS-III.AU: Methane emission reduction by adjusted water management practice in rice cultivation in the VCS program (“AMS-III.AU”). Registration and first validation of the project was delayed when Verra temporarily inactivated AMS-III.AU as part of a broader review of validation and verification quality and began developing a revised rice-specific methodology to replace AMS-III.AU. During this review, Verra determined that certain projects identified as having quality issues with validations and/or verifications would remain on hold, but Core CarbonX’s projects, including the Nalgonda Rice Farming project, were approved for registration under AMS-III.AU.

Verra released the new VCS Methodology VM0051 (Improved Management in Rice Production Systems v1.0) on February 27, 2025, which the project plans to transition to for the second monitoring period. However, the project has already applied the guidelines required under the VCS Methodology VM0051. At this time, it is not known how the transition to the new methodology will impact the project, if at all.

As of December 31, 2024, approximately 32,000 landholders were enrolled in the project, covering 36,548 hectares of farmland. Enrollment remains ongoing, with a target of expanding to approximately 62,000 hectares. However, progress has been slower than expected due to registration delays, which have also postponed farmer compensation and, in turn, affected enrollment. The project was registered with Verra on February 10, 2025.

Enfield Biochar Stream: In April 2024, Standard Biocarbon Corporation (“Standard Biocarbon”) achieved its first biochar production. However, technical challenges have delayed the commissioning process. Standard Biocarbon is working with PYREG GmbH, the engineer and builder of the PYREG Machines, to resolve these issues as it scales toward full operating capacity. The project continues to collect operational data required for a facility audit and official registration with the Puro.earth carbon credit standard. Currently, the project is on care and maintenance while seeking additional funding to support commissioning, the initial facility audit, and the first output audit.

Azuero Reforestation Stream: On May 21, 2024, the Company, Microsoft Corporation and Rubicon Carbon Capital LLC (“Rubicon”) entered into a carbon credit streaming agreement, as amended on November 23, 2024 (the “Azuero Reforestation Stream”) with Azuero Reforestation Colectiva, S.A. (“ARC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ponterra Ltd. (“Ponterra”), for a reforestation project located on Azuero Province, Los Santos Province, Republic of Panama. Under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream, ARC will deliver 13.5% of the carbon credits created by the project to the Company. Additionally, Microsoft Corporation has entered into an offtake agreement to purchase 100% of the Company’s carbon credits delivered under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream through to 2040. Carbon Streaming will also act as the sole marketer of ARC’s carbon credits not already committed to the co-investors under the Azuero Reforestation Stream.

Under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream, Carbon Streaming, alongside Rubicon and Microsoft Corporation, will fund 100% of project costs over seven years. The Company agreed to make an upfront deposit of up to $7.1 million with $0.3 million paid on closing, and additional milestone payments made as the project achieves planting and sapling survival milestones, and will receive 13.5% of total credits, which is expected to be approximately 438,000 carbon credits through 2052.

Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream: In January 2025, the Company received a Notice of Adverse Impact from Mast Reforestation SPV I, LLC (“Mast”) and the parent company of Mast, Droneseed Co. d/b/a Mast Reforestation under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream pursuant to which, among other things, Mast advised the Company that the Sheep Creek project has experienced significantly higher than expected mortality rates and that the surviving seedlings had exhibited slower than expected growth rates. As a result, Mast indicated to the Company that it no longer expects to deliver the Company the agreed-upon 286,229 carbon removal credits, referred to as forecast mitigation units (“FMUs”) under the Climate Action Reserve’s Climate Forward program under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream, as Mast no longer considers the existing Sheep Creek project plan and budget to be viable. The Company has formally responded to the Notice of Adverse Impact and requested that Mast respond to the Company’s significant concerns regarding, among other things, the timing of the delivery of the Notice of Adverse Impact, and the characterization of the cause of the adverse impact. The Company is continuing to evaluate all legal avenues available under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream. As a result, the Company no longer anticipates generating cash flow from the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream and has determined its fair value to be $nil as of December 31, 2024.

Feather River Reforestation Stream: In 2024, carbon credit market demand has generally shifted towards lower risk carbon credits. FMUs, which are designed to facilitate forward financing, inherently carry higher risk, leading to supply that has exceeded demand. FMU issuance is expected in 2025. However, given the uncertainties surrounding FMU sales, the Company has determined the fair value of the Feather River Reforestation Stream to be $nil as of December 31, 2024.

Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream: In March 2025, Mast delivered the Company a notice of termination of the Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream and the Baccala Ranch project, thereby confirming it will forego any plantings. The Company had not advanced any funds for the Baccala project and the closing of the Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream remained subject to customary closing conditions.

Amazon Portfolio Royalty: Following a corporate reorganization, Future Carbon assigned its interests in the Yellow Ipe, ABC Norte and Gairova projects (collectively the “Ecologica Portfolio”) to Ecological Assessoria Ltda. and its affiliates (collectively “Ecologica”), and retained the Rio Madeira Project, (the “Future Carbon Portfolio”). To reflect this restructuring, the Original Amazon Royalty was replaced on April 17, 2024, by two new royalty agreements: one between the Company and Future Carbon for the Future Carbon Portfolio (the “FC Amazon Royalty”), and another between the Company and Ecologica on the Ecologica Portfolio (the “Ecologica Amazon Royalty”). Each agreement carried a purchase price of $1.5 million, maintaining the original $3.0 million investment. No additional funds were advanced by the Company as part of Future Carbon’s reorganization.

Bonobo Peace Forest Royalty: The royalty agreement was originally intended to convert into a stream agreement upon successful validation and verification of the project. However, due to political instability in the DRC, weakened market sentiment for REDD+ projects, and a significant decline in demand for REDD+ carbon credits, Carbon Streaming decided to halt further investment. The Company currently has no plans to proceed with a stream agreement.

The project has been seeking additional investment to support a renewed technical effort for registration under the new Verra VM0048 methodology. Given the material uncertainty surrounding fundraising for REDD+ project development, the early-stage nature of the project’s technical development, and persistent weakness in demand for REDD+ carbon credits, the Company has determined the fair value of the Bonobo Peace Forest Royalty to be $nil as at December 31, 2024.

Strategy

Carbon Streaming is currently focused on maximizing value from the existing portfolio of investments and pursuing all options to achieve that goal. During 2024, the Company has undergone changes to the Board and management, including the termination of certain consulting contracts, which reduced ongoing cash expenditure and streamlined decision-making. The Company continues to focus on its previously announced evaluation of strategic alternatives with a focus on maximizing value for all shareholders. These alternatives could include acquisitions, divestments, corporate transactions, financings, other strategic partnership opportunities or continuing to operate as a public company.

The Company’s carbon credit streaming agreements are structured to retain a portion of the cash flows from carbon credit sales, with stream-specific retention varying. Project partners typically receive the balance through ongoing delivery payments under the terms of each agreement. Cash flows are subject to fluctuations based on realized carbon credit prices and agreement terms. As the Company continues to evaluate its strategic direction, it remains focused on optimizing portfolio economics and managing exposure to market volatility.

Outlook

Carbon Streaming continues to reposition itself for success and for maximizing shareholder value amid ongoing challenges. In May 2024, as part of its ongoing corporate restructuring first initiated in 2023, the Company announced changes to its senior management and Board after constructive discussions with certain shareholders. The Company continues to evaluate strategic alternatives for the business and remains focused on cash flow optimization through the reduction of operating expenses and a reassessment of its existing streams and royalties. Building on the previous measures implemented by the Company to reduce ongoing operating expenses, further steps have been taken in recent months, including significantly reducing employee headcount, renegotiating and amending vendor agreements to lower costs, eliminating cash-settled director’s fees to the Board and terminating certain consulting contracts. As the Company’s broader strategy continues to evolve, these recent steps are expected to result in significant reductions to annualized ongoing operating expenses when compared to 2024.

While the Company aims to increase cash flow generation through the sale of carbon credits from several streaming agreements over the next year, there remains ongoing uncertainty regarding the evolving nature of carbon markets, including potential registry delays, project-specific issues, and methodology-related risks, in addition to impacts the industry may face as a result of general economic, political and regulatory conditions. In 2024, the Company has recognized a decrease in the fair values of the Rimba Raya Stream, the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream, the Sustainable Community Stream, and the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream to $nil as a result of the failure of the respective projects to meet their obligations under the stream agreements and ongoing legal disputes. The Company is actively pursuing all available legal remedies to protect its investments and enforce its contractual rights. Given the multiple ongoing litigation matters, the outcomes remain uncertain and could materially impact the Company’s financial position and strategic direction. Please refer to the “Legal Proceedings” section of the Company’s most recently filed MD&A for further information.

Given the evolving nature of carbon markets and ongoing legal considerations, Carbon Streaming is focussed on maximizing value from the existing portfolio of investments and pursuing all options to achieve that goal.

For a comprehensive discussion of the risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could impact the Company’s strategy and outlook, including without limitation, changes in demand for carbon credits and Indonesian developments described herein, investors are urged to review the section of the Company’s most recently filed AIF entitled “Risk Factors” a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

2024 Results Conference Call Details

The Company’s management team will host a conference call on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET to provide a brief company update. Participants may join by dialing +1 289-514-5100 or toll free from North America at +1 800-717-1738. A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company website until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 1, 2025.

About Carbon Streaming

Carbon Streaming’s focus is on projects that generate high-quality carbon credits and have a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and biodiversity, in addition to their carbon reduction or removal potential. This approach aligns our strategic interests with those of project partners to create long-term relationships built on a shared commitment to sustainability and accountability and positions us as a trusted source for buyers seeking high-quality carbon credits.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY:
Marin Katusa, Chief Executive Officer
Tel: 365.607.6095
info@carbonstreaming.com
www.carbonstreaming.com

Investor Relations
investors@carbonstreaming.com

Media
media@carbonstreaming.com

Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures

Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Loss Per Share

The term “adjusted net loss” in this news release is not a standardized financial measure under the IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies where similar terminology is used. These non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance, cash flows and financial position as prepared in accordance with the IFRS Accounting Standards. Management believes that these non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures, together with performance measures and measures prepared in accordance with the IFRS Accounting Standards, provide useful information to investors and shareholders in assessing the Company’s liquidity and overall performance.

Adjusted net loss is calculated as net and comprehensive loss and adjusted for the revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements, the revaluation of warrant liabilities, the impairment loss on early deposit interest receivable, the revaluation of derivative liabilities, the revaluation of the convertible note, the impairment loss on investment in associate, the gain on dissolution of associate, and the corporate restructuring which the Company views as having a significant non-cash or non-continuing impact on the Company’s net and comprehensive loss calculation and per share amounts. Adjusted net loss is used by the Company to monitor its results from operations for the period.

The following table reconciles net and comprehensive (loss) income to adjusted net loss:

Three months ended
December 31, 2024

Three months ended
December 31, 2023

Year ended
December 31, 2024

Year ended
December 31, 2023

Net loss and comprehensive loss

(16,932)

(26,092)

(67,369)

(35,501)

Adjustment for non-continuing or non-cash settled items:

Revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements

13,190

23,952

58,155

32,897

Revaluation of warrant liabilities

(43)

(79)

(642)

(6,530)

Impairment of early deposit interest receivable

–

307

–

Revaluation of derivative liabilities

–

(680)

(686)

Revaluation of Convertible Note

–

(558)

Revaluation of preferred shares

2,558

–

2,558

–

Impairment of investment in associate

–

1,044

Gain on dissolution of associate

–

(104)

–

Corporate restructuring

343

(6)

2,561

1,748

Adjusted net loss

(884)

(2,225)

(5,214)

(7,586)

Loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)

(0.32)

(0.55)

(1.34)

(0.75)

Adjusted net loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)

(0.02)

(0.05)

(0.10)

(0.16)

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking information, including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated impact of changes to the Company’s Board and management; the impact of the Company’s restructuring strategies, including evaluation of strategic alternatives; the ability of the Company to execute on expense reductions and savings from operating cost reduction measures; statements with respect to cash flow optimization and generation; its sales strategy; supporting the Company’s carbon streaming and royalty partners; timing and the amount of future carbon credit generation and emission reductions and removals from the Company’s existing streaming and royalty agreements; statements with respect to the projects in which the Company has streaming and royalty agreements in place; statements with respect to the Company’s growth objectives and potential and its position in the voluntary carbon markets; statements with respect to execution of the Company’s portfolio and partnership strategy; statements with respect to the ongoing legal process to protect the Company’s investment in the Rimba Raya project and to enforce its legal and contractual rights; statements ; and statements regarding the Company’s intention to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Sustainable Community Stream and the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream and the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream.

When used in this news release, words such as “estimates”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “will”, “believes”, “intends” “should”, “could”, “may” and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. They should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: general economic, market and business conditions and global financial conditions, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and stock market volatility; volatility in prices of carbon credits and demand for carbon credits; change in social or political views towards climate change, carbon credits and environmental, social and governance initiatives and subsequent changes in corporate or government policies or regulations and associated changes in demand for carbon credits; the Company’s expectations and plans with respect to current litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings; limited operating history for the Company’s current strategy; concentration risk; inaccurate estimates of project value, which may impact the ability of the Company to execute on its growth and diversification strategy; dependence upon key management; impact of corporate restructurings; the inability of the Company to optimize cash flows or sufficiently reduce operating expenses; reputational risk; risks arising from competition and future acquisition activities failure or timing delays for projects to be registered, validated and ultimately developed and for emission reductions or removals to be verified and carbon credits issued (and other risks associated with carbon credits standards and registries); foreign operations and political risks including actions by governmental authorities, including changes in or to government regulation, taxation and carbon pricing initiatives; uncertainties and ongoing market developments surrounding the validation and verification requirements of the voluntary and/or compliance markets; due diligence risks, including failure of third parties’ reviews, reports and projections to be accurate; dependence on project partners, operators and owners, including failure by such counterparties to make payments or perform their operational or other obligations to the Company in compliance with the terms of contractual arrangements between the Company and such counterparties; failure of projects to generate carbon credits, or natural disasters such as flood or fire which could have a material adverse effect on the ability of any project to generate carbon credits; volatility in the market price of the Company’s common shares or warrants; the effect that the issuance of additional securities by the Company could have on the market price of the Company’s common shares or warrants; global health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics; and the other risks disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated as of March 31, 2025 filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date of this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

The MIL Network –

April 1, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Markey, Rep. Ansari Introduce Legislation to Help Families Pay their Heating and Cooling Bills

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Legislation would provide urgently needed relief for families as energy prices rise
Bill Text (PDF) | Section-by-Section (PDF)
Washington (March 31, 2025) — Senator Edward J. Markey, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) today reintroduced the Heating and Cooling Relief Act, bold legislation to significantly expand and modernize the severely underfunded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The bill would ensure year-round access to affordable and reliable heating and cooling for lower-income households who experience disproportionately high energy burdens.
Despite the urgent need for relief, in 2023, only about 18 percent of income-eligible households received LIHEAP assistance, with less than 3 percent of eligible households receiving cooling assistance. Meanwhile, low-income families spend nearly three times more on energy bills than non-low-income households, and nearly one in six households are behind on their utility bills. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act would deliver critical energy assistance to millions more households, protecting families from utility shutoffs and empowering states to address the growing threat of climate-fueled extreme heat and cold.
“No one should have to choose between turning the heat on in the winter and putting food on the table, but that’s a sacrifice more and more families are forced to make, especially as the climate crisis exacerbates extreme weather,” said Senator Markey. “Our Heating and Cooling Relief Act would significantly expand LIHEAP so that energy assistance is available to all those who need it. It would also protect consumers from predatory practices and utility shutoffs, and boost emergency energy assistance and access to life-saving cooling relief. I will keep fighting to ensure that every household can afford the energy they need to stay healthy and safe—and to support a just transition away from fossil fuels.”
“No one should have to make sacrifices around paying for food, rent, or essential medication to keep air conditioning on in the summer and heat on in the winter,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari. “In Arizona, this is a matter of life or death. Last year, over 600 people died from extreme heat, and Phoenix already broke our own record for the first 99-degree day of the year. Our Heating and Cooling Relief Act will expand LIHEAP so that every family can afford their energy bills – in Maricopa County, this will literally save lives.”
The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representatives Nannette Barragán (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Andre Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam Smith (WA-09), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
“On behalf of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, I applaud Senator Markey’s introduction of the Heating and Cooling Relief Act of 2025. Senator Markey was a cosponsor of LIHEAP when it began as a temporary program in 1981 and has played a key role in transforming it into the successful program that it is today. This bill will transform LIHEAP into a program that provides year-round energy assistance, recognizing that access to cooling is now as essential as heating for low-income families. No family should have to struggle between paying their home energy bill or food, clothing, and medicine, and this bill will help protect families from having to make that difficult decision,” said Mark Wolfe, Executive Director at the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
“This ambitious bill shines a spotlight on the energy affordability challenges faced by low-income families who urgently need access to LIHEAP,” said Olivia Wein, Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “We look forward to working with parties to refine this legislation and focus its impact on people with the greatest need.”
“As extreme heat and climate chaos continue to intensify year after year, millions of families are grappling with the real-life, devastating consequences. These unnatural events are killing people and making them sick in their own homes. Our communities, many of whom don’t own housing and are struggling with the rising cost of living, should not have to risk their lives to avoid extremely high energy bills. In this critical moment, to save lives and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities, access to essential heating and cooling relief is both a necessity and a right,” said Caleb Smith, Resiliency Coordinator at WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
“As extreme heat becomes increasingly dangerous with longer, more frequent, and more intense heat waves every year, it is critical people can protect themselves from unhealthy and potentially deadly home temperatures. The risk of heat-related illness, injury, and death is particularly high for families and older adults who don’t have air conditioning or can’t afford to run it. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act would help people stay safe by making crucial investments in efficient and affordable home cooling strategies. Extreme heat events kill more people than any other type of severe weather or climate disaster, but Congress can prevent some of these deaths by passing the Heating and Cooling Relief Act,” said Jill Rosenthal, Director of Public Health Policy at the Center for American Progress.
“Too many households face a terrible choice when summer temperatures soar. Feed the kids? Pay the rent? Or stay safe from deadly heat? This critical bill will alleviate that burden by helping low-income households keep their power on and make their homes more weatherproof and energy efficient. It will also refill a long-empty emergency contingency fund, giving states an important backstop in an increasingly extreme climate,” said Juanita Constible, Senior Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
“In the richest country in the world, no kid should have to go to bed freezing cold because their family can’t afford to keep the heat up. No one should die in their own home during heat waves because they can’t afford air conditioning. This legislation is a vital step towards lowering the cost of living for working people and ensuring every American has a safe and healthy home. It shows that tackling the climate crisis goes hand in hand with helping working people,” said Sunrise Movement Executive Director Aru Shiney-Ajay.
“Expanding federal funding to help families afford to pay their energy bills is essential as tens of millions of American families continue to experience punishing energy burdens. President Trump’s chaotic disruption of our economy and his gutting of indispensable government programs has resulted in a crisis of energy affordability. This legislation is vitally important to ensure that American families can afford essential energy service under Trump’s disastrous economy,” said Tyson Slocum, Energy Program Director at Public Citizen.
“No American family should have to skip heating or cooling their home to a safe and comfortable temperature just to make ends meet. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is a commonsense update to an essential program that keeps our lights on, protects the vulnerable, and ensures we’re prepared for growing energy demand and worsening disasters. Strengthening LIHEAP is about fiscal, moral, and national responsibility. At a time of rising costs and extreme weather, this bill brings overdue reforms that put working families first, cut red tape, and modernize our response to energy emergencies. The Sierra Club is proud to support it,” said Xavier Boatright, Deputy Legislative Director at Sierra Club.
Specifically, the Heating and Cooling Relief Act would:
Substantially increase LIHEAP funding to ensure year-round assistance, including an additional $2 billion for emergency energy assistance and $1 billion in Just Transition Grants to help vulnerable households adapt to a changing climate;
Broaden eligibility so that households earning up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Line or 80 percent of State Median Income can qualify, while ensuring lower energy burdens for lower-income households and capping household energy burdens at 3 percent of monthly income;
Protect consumers from utility shutoffs, excessive late fees, and predatory energy practices that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities;
Expand emergency assistance, ensuring extreme heat and cold are recognized as qualifying emergencies and that states can provide vital cooling relief;
Increase funding for weatherization and home electrification, to help low-income households reduce energy costs, improve health and safety, and transition to clean, resilient energy systems;
Streamline enrollment and outreach, improving coordination with other federal programs and increasing access through automatic enrollment and simplified verification; and
Strengthen reporting requirements to better track affordability, equity, and climate resilience outcomes.
The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is endorsed by National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), Center for Energy Poverty and Climate, Public Citizen, Sunrise Movement, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, Center for American Progress, Sierra Club, Citizens for Citizens, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), National Housing Law Project (NHLP), National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA), Citizens Action Coalition, WE ACT, The Utility Reform Network (TURN), Climate Resolve, Indiana Conservation Voters, Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), Elevate, Evergreen Action, Center for Biological Diversity, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Climate and Community Institute, Federation of American Scientists (FAS), Solar United Neighbors Action, North Carolina Justice Center, Creation Care Partners, Faith in Place Action Fund, National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH), Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy (DAACE), Energy for All Coalition, Indiana Environmental Clean Energy J40 Corporation, Office of the People’s Counsel – District of Columbia Government, Arizona Sustainability Alliance.
Senator Markey is a champion for energy access, affordability, and reliability. In March 2025, he hosted a roundtable with Massachusetts LIHEAP providers, consumer advocates, and national energy assistance organizations to discuss the urgent need to strengthen and expand LIHEAP. In July 2024, Senator Markey and several New England Senators sent a letter to the Department of Energy urging it to consider the disproportionate negative impacts of LNG on New England—especially on energy prices—in its underlying environmental and economic analyses for LNG export authorization decisions. In December 2023, Senator Markey led a letter urging the Federal Trade Commission to immediately intervene, investigate, and rigorously enforce consumer protection laws against certain electric supply companies. In October 2023, he celebrated the release of $130 million in LIHEAP funding for Massachusetts, helping residents afford winter heating costs. Additionally, he has pushed for greater investments in home efficiency and electrification to help low-income families reduce their energy burdens. He originally introduced the Heating and Cooling Relief Act with Representative Jamaal Bowman in January 2022.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Make the Feral Swine Eradication Program Permanent

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) today introduced the Feral Swine Eradication Act, which would extend and make permanent a pilot program to safeguard public health, agriculture, and local ecosystems against the threat of feral swine:
“Feral hogs can inflict serious economic and environmental damage to our agricultural communities by destroying crops, trampling farmland, and threatening other livestock,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would support our farmers, ranchers, and producers in Texas and across the country by promoting removal and restoration efforts to mitigate the risk posed by this invasive species.”
“New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers, and producers play a vital role in supporting our state’s economy and it’s critical that their crops and livestock are protected from harm,” said Sen. Luján. “Feral hogs pose serious threats to New Mexico’s agriculture industry by disrupting their land, killing plants, and increasing the chance for unwanted weeds. That’s why I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that safely removes feral swine and protects New Mexico’s critical agricultural communities.”
“Feral swine are a serious threat to the livelihoods of Alabama’s farmers. Feral hogs destroy crops, land, and undo months, if not years, of work by our farmers to feed our country,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Feral swine cause an estimated $50 million in damages annually to Alabama. Despite eradication efforts, the pigs are still running rampant throughout the South. And so today, I’m standing with Alabama farmers and taking action to fight back against this threat.”
“In Georgia, feral hogs have been responsible for over $150 million a year in economic damage for our farmers. They destroy crops, damage pastures, and devastate livestock and horticulture,” said Sen. Rev. Warnock. “As a voice for Georgia farmers on the Senate Agriculture committee, I am committed to protecting this program to provide farmers and workers on the frontlines of our agriculture industry with the tools and resources needed to combat this destruction.”
“I remain committed to supporting Alabama’s incredible farmers, including by addressing the devastating economic and environmental impacts of feral swine. The Feral Swine Eradication Act would establish a permanent program to eliminate this threat,” said Sen. Britt. “I’m proud to introduce federal legislation to help mitigate the estimated $50 million in agricultural damage caused in our state each year and protect the livelihoods of farmers who continue to feed and clothe our nation.”
Background:
There are approximately six million feral hogs across the United States, which cause more than $2.5 billion in damages each year. The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) was established in the 2018 Farm Bill to respond to rampant feral swine outbreaks and was implemented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS). This program included feral swine removal by APHIS, restoration efforts supported by NRCS, and assistance to producers for feral swine control through grants with non-federal partners. NRCS and APHIS successfully carried out these pilot projects in ten states.
This legislation is endorsed by the Texas Farm Bureau, Plains Cotton Growers, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: ‘We’re not just welcoming you as allies, but as family’ – Rainbow Warrior in Marshall Islands 40 years on

The first of a two-part series on the historic Rongelap evacuation of 300 Marshall islanders from their irradiated atoll with the help of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior crew and the return of Rainbow Warrior III 40 years later on a nuclear justice research mission.

SPECIAL REPORT: By Shiva Gounden in Majuro

Family isn’t just about blood—it’s about standing together through the toughest of times.

This is the relationship between Greenpeace and the Marshall Islands — a vast ocean nation, stretching across nearly two million square kilometers of the Pacific. Beneath the waves, coral reefs are bustling with life, while coconut trees stand tall.

For centuries, the Marshallese people have thrived here, mastering the waves, reading the winds, and navigating the open sea with their canoe-building knowledge passed down through generations. Life here is shaped by the rhythm of the tides, the taste of fresh coconut and roasted breadfruit, and an unbreakable bond between people and the sea.

From the bustling heart of its capital, Majuro to the quiet, far-reaching atolls, their islands are not just land; they are home, history, and identity.

Still, Marshallese communities were forced into one of the most devastating chapters of modern history — turned into a nuclear testing ground by the United States without consent, and their lives and lands poisoned by radiation.

Operation Exodus: A legacy of solidarity
Between 1946 and 1958, the US conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands — its total yield roughly equal to one Hiroshima-sized bomb every day for 12 years.

During this Cold War period, the US government planned to conduct its largest nuclear test ever. On the island of Bikini, United States Commodore Ben H. Wyatt manipulated the 167 Marshallese people who called Bikini home asking them to leave so that the US could carry out atomic bomb testing, stating that it was for “the good of mankind and to end all world wars”.

Exploiting their deep faith, he misled Bikinians into believing they were acting in God’s will, and trusting this, they agreed to move—never knowing the true cost of their decision

Bikini Islanders board a landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVP) as they depart from Bikini Atoll in March 1946. Image: © United States Navy

On March 1, 1954, the Castle Bravo test was launched — its yield 1000 times stronger than Hiroshima. Radioactive fallout spread across Rongelap Island about 150 kilometers away, due to what the US government claimed was a “shift in wind direction”.

In reality, the US ignored weather reports that indicated the wind would carry the fallout eastward towards Rongelap and Utirik Atolls, exposing the islands to radioactive contamination. Children played in what they thought was snow, and almost immediately the impacts of radiation began — skin burning, hair fallout, vomiting.

The Rongelap people were immediately relocated, and just three years later were told by the US government their island was deemed safe and asked to return.

For the next 28 years, the Rongelap people lived through a period of intense “gaslighting” by the US government. *

Nuclear weapon test Castle Bravo (yield 15 Mt) on Bikini Atoll, 1 March 1954. © United States Department of Energy

Forced to live on contaminated land, with women enduring miscarriages and cancer rates increasing, in 1985, the people of Rongelap made the difficult decision to leave their homeland. Despite repeated requests to the US government to help evacuate, an SOS was sent, and Greenpeace responded: the Rainbow Warrior arrived in Rongelap, helping to move communities to Mejatto Island.

This was the last journey of the first Rainbow Warrior. The powerful images of their evacuation were captured by photographer Fernando Pereira, who, just months later, was killed in the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior as it sailed to protest nuclear testing in the Pacific.

Evacuation of Rongelap Islanders to Mejatto by the Rainbow Warrior crew in the Pacific 1985. Rongelap suffered nuclear fallout from US nuclear tests done from 1946-1958, making it a hazardous place to live. Image: © Greenpeace/Fernando Pereira

From nuclear to climate: The injustice repeats
The fight for justice did not end with the nuclear tests—the same forces that perpetuated nuclear colonialism continue to endanger the Marshall Islands today with new threats: climate change and deep-sea mining.

The Marshall Islands, a nation of over 1,000 islands, is particularly vulnerable to climate impacts. Entire communities could disappear within a generation due to rising sea levels. Additionally, greedy international corporations are pushing to mine the deep sea of the Pacific Ocean for profit. Deep sea mining threatens fragile marine ecosystems and could destroy Pacific ways of life, livelihoods and fish populations. The ocean connects us all, and a threat anywhere in the Pacific is a threat to the world.

Marshallese activists with traditional outriggers on the coast of the nation’s capital Majuro to demand that leaders of developed nations dramatically upscale their plans to limit global warming during the online meeting of the Climate Vulnerable Forum in 2018. Image: © Martin Romain/Greenpeace

But if there could be one symbol to encapsulate past nuclear injustices and current climate harms it would be the Runit Dome. This concrete structure was built by the US to contain radioactive waste from years of nuclear tests, but climate change now poses a direct threat.

Rising sea levels and increasing storm surges are eroding the dome’s integrity, raising fears of radioactive material leaking into the ocean, potentially causing a nuclear disaster.

Aerial view of Runit Dome, Runit Island, Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands . . . symbolic of past nuclear injustices and current climate harms in the Pacific. Image: © US Defense Special Weapons Agency

Science, storytelling, and resistance: The Rainbow Warrior’s epic mission and 40 year celebration

At the invitation of the Marshallese community and government, the Rainbow Warrior is in the Pacific nation to celebrate 40 years since 1985’s Operation Exodus, and stand in support of their ongoing fight for nuclear justice, climate action, and self-determination.

This journey brings together science, storytelling, and activism to support the Marshallese movement for justice and recognition. Independent radiation experts and Greenpeace scientists will conduct crucial research across the atolls, providing much-needed data on remaining nuclear contamination.

For decades, research on radiation levels has been controlled by the same government that conducted the nuclear tests, leaving many unanswered questions. This independent study will help support the Marshallese people in their ongoing legal battles for recognition, reparations, and justice.

Marshallese women greet the Rainbow Warrior as it arrives in the capital Majuro earlier this month. Image: © Bianca Vitale/Greenpeace

The path of the ship tour: A journey led by the Marshallese
From March to April, the Rainbow Warrior is sailing across the Marshall Islands, stopping in Majuro, Mejatto, Enewetak, Bikini, Rongelap, and Wotje. Like visiting old family, each of these locations carries a story — of nuclear fallout, forced displacement, resistance, and hope for a just future.

But just like old family, there’s something new to learn. At every stop, local leaders, activists, and a younger generation are shaping the narrative.

Their testimonies are the foundation of this journey, ensuring the world cannot turn away. Their stories of displacement, resilience, and hope will be shared far beyond the Pacific, calling for justice on a global scale.

Bunny McDiarmid and Henk Haazen greet locals at the welcoming ceremony in Majuro, Marshall Islands, earlier this month. Bunny and Henk were part of the Greenpeace crew in 1985 to help evacuate the people of Rongelap. Image: © Bianca Vitale/Greenpeace

A defining moment for climate justice
The Marshallese are not just survivors of past injustices; they are champions of a just future. Their leadership reminds us that those most affected by climate change are not only calling for action — they are showing the way forward. They are leaders of finding solutions to avert these crises.

Local Marshallese women’s group dance and perform cultural songs at the Rainbow Warrior welcome ceremony in Majuro, Marshall islands, earlier this month. Image: © Bianca Vitale/Greenpeace

Since they have joined the global fight for climate justice, their leadership in the climate battle has been evident.

In 2011, they established a shark sanctuary to protect vital marine life.

In 2024, they created their first ocean sanctuary, expanding efforts to conserve critical ecosystems. The Marshall Islands is also on the verge of signing the High Seas Treaty, showing their commitment to global marine conservation, and has taken a firm stance against deep-sea mining.

They are not only protecting their lands but are also at the forefront of the global fight for climate justice, pushing for reparations, recognition, and climate action.

This voyage is a message: the world must listen, and it must act. The Marshallese people are standing their ground, and we stand in solidarity with them — just like family.

Learn their story. Support their call for justice. Amplify their voices. Because when those on the frontlines lead, justice is within reach.

Shiva Gounden is the head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific. This article series is republished with the permission of Greenpeace.

* This refers to the period from 1957 — when the US Atomic Energy Commission declared Rongelap Atoll safe for habitation despite known contamination — to 1985, when Greenpeace assisted the Rongelap community in relocating due to ongoing radiation concerns. The Compact of Free Association, signed in 1986, finally started acknowledging damages caused by nuclear testing to the populations of Rongelap.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Peters Presses Agency Leaders on DOGE Access to Federal IT Systems and Data Repositories

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, demanded answers from 24 federal agencies on how the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and DOGE-affiliated individuals, many of whom do not possess security clearances, have accessed and used data in federal information technology systems. Peters is requesting information on how individuals accessing these systems are complying with federal cybersecurity and privacy laws to protect sensitive information.
“Since January 23, 2025, employees working on behalf of the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), which the Administration is referring to as DOGE, have gained access to systems and databases at multiple federal agencies,” Senator Peters wrote. “Federal agencies, as part of their authorized activities, collect, maintain, and utilize an enormous amount of sensitive data to carry out their missions. This data can include personally identifiable information (PII) collected from the public, federal and contractor employee data, law enforcement sensitive data, and confidential commercial information, including from critical infrastructure operators. Failure to appropriately control access to this data creates significant privacy and security risks and may violate federal law.”
Recent reports indicate that individuals claiming to be DOGE employees have allegedly threatened federal agency staff with dismissal when seeking unauthorized access to federal systems and data repositories. The Trump Administration has not yet provided information about whether DOGE personnel are following legal requirements for privacy and security, including the Privacy Act, E-Government Act, and Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA). There are also no details about how DOGE-affiliated individuals with system access are being vetted.
Given the sensitive nature of federal agency data, this lack of transparency raises concerns about the potential for data misuse. Moreover, reports suggest DOGE plans to apply artificial intelligence to agency systems and collected data. However, little is known about which AI tools may be used, what agency data will be processed, how data will be combined, or the cybersecurity consequences of allowing sensitive data to be processed with artificial intelligence tools.
In the letters, Peters requested more information about the positions, employment details, security clearances, and reporting structures of all DOGE-affiliated individuals working at these federal agencies, along with details about which systems and data repositories were accessed by DOGE personnel, whether the systems contained sensitive or classified information, how data was transferred, and which security measures were in place. Finally, Peters pushed for information about any AI tools or models that DOGE-affiliated individuals have applied to agency data, including procurement details, use cases, and security and privacy assessments.
Peters sent letters to the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Justice, Department of Labor, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Interior, Department of the Treasury, Environmental Protection Agency, General Services Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Personnel Management, Small Business Administration, Social Security Administration, and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Peters also sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office requesting an audit of DOGE’s activities, focusing on whether they are complying with established privacy and cybersecurity laws for federal agency data and systems.
Text of the letter to the Department of Homeland Security can be read here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Introduces Bill to Release Illegally Withheld Funding for Wisconsin Farmers

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues introduced the Honor Farmer Contracts Act, legislation to release illegally withheld funding for all contracts and agreements previously entered into by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). President Trump’s USDA has refused to make reimbursement payments to fulfill signed contracts, without any indication of when or whether farmers will be paid the money they paid out and are owed. Farmers in Wisconsin and the organizations that serve them operate on tight margins and cannot be left waiting without funding they rightfully were awarded and planned for. This legislation would require the USDA to pay farmers all past due payments as quickly as possible to prevent them from having to shut down their operations.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are stiffing our farmers and processors – taking away resources these folks were guaranteed, threatening small businesses’ ability to stay open and people’s livelihoods. Wisconsin farmers work hard on tight margins and drive our rural economy forward – and there is no reason they should be left high and dry by this administration just so Elon Musk and Donald Trump can pass a tax break that makes their rich friends richer,” said Senator Baldwin. “It’s wrong and I am fighting back.”
When farmers successfully apply to USDA programs and then spend their own dollars under contracts with the agency, they rightfully expect that they will receive reimbursement. Similarly, farmer-serving organizations—which farmers rely upon to connect to local markets and implement practices that make them more productive and less resource intensive—are facing imminent funding crises from not being reimbursed for completed or in-progress contracted work. If not quickly made whole, these organizations will be forced to make agonizing decisions to lay off staff and stop helping farmers, destroying years of progress and investment in our agriculture economy.
In March of this year, Senator Baldwin successfully pushed the USDA to restart payments already committed to Wisconsin Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiative recipients after calling on the Trump Administration the month prior to release the funding. She’s also called on the Trump Administration to reverse course on funding for a partnership between Wisconsin farmers and local food banks that was clawed back by the federal government earlier this month.
The Honor Farmer Contracts Act would:
Require USDA to unfreeze all signed agreements and contracts;
Require USDA to make all past due payments as quickly as possible;
Prohibit USDA from cancelling agreements or contracts with farmers or organizations providing assistance to farmers unless there has been a failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract.
Prohibit USDA from closing any Farm Service Agency county office, Natural Resources Conservation Service field office or Rural Development Service Center without providing 60 days prior notice and justification to Congress.
The bill is led by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and also co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse, and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) also introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
Full text of this legislation is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Completion of New Water Supply for Hoosick Falls

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of construction on a new permanent water transmission line for the village of Hoosick Falls. The new water supply distribution system is part of the State’s ongoing commitment and community collaboration to address water contamination from past operations at the Saint-Gobain McCaffrey Street State Superfund site.

“The Hoosick Falls community is a national example of strength, resiliency, and collaboration in meeting an extraordinary challenge, and the milestone reached today will ensure clean drinking water for generations of residents,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration remains focused on holding polluters accountable for fully cleaning up contamination in Hoosick Falls and providing record investments to help support other communities to ensure drinking water protection across the state.”

Approximately 6,800 linear feet of raw water transmission line was constructed between a newly developed wellfield and the village of Hoosick Falls water treatment plant. Construction activities were performed by the parties responsible for the contamination, Honeywell and Saint-Gobain, and overseen by the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH). View a map of the new transmission line in the village of Hoosick Falls here. DEC worked closely with the community and local leaders to evaluate water supply options and ensure the new groundwater source was located outside of the contaminated aquifer and fully compatible with the water treatment plant’s capabilities.

The $5.5 million project is part of a $45 million agreement between New York State, Saint-Gobain, and Honeywell to implement the new water supply, address perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contamination from historic industrial operations at the McCaffrey Street facility and other sites in the village, and reimburse the State for costs incurred by taxpayers for the cleanup.

Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “The completion of a new drinking water source for Hoosick Falls begins a new chapter for this community, part of New York State’s extensive, science-based efforts led by DEC and DOH in collaboration with Mayor Rob Allen, Supervisor Mark Surdam, Rensselaer County, and the Community Participation Working Group. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York State continues to be a national leader on addressing emerging contaminants and we remain committed to the full completion of critical cleanup work ahead.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Under the leadership of Governor Hochul and thanks to the collaboration of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Health, and our local partners, the Hoosick Falls community has a permanent, safe and reliable water source. The Department will continue to collaborate with our partners to monitor and prioritize public health and to ensure that safe drinking water is available to this community for years to come.”

Hoosick Falls Mayor Rob Allen said, “With the activation of its new water supply, the Village passes a significant milestone in its efforts to recover from PFOA contamination. With a new water source, new infrastructure and the retention of our permanent filtration system, ordered by the state and constructed and paid for by the companies responsible for the pollution, the Village is grateful to mark this accomplishment with our state partners, our local and state elected officials, and most importantly, the members of the great Hoosick community.”

Town of Hoosick Supervisor Mark Surdam said, “We are grateful for New York State’s continued focus on addressing PFOA contamination in the Hoosick Falls area to ensure our drinking water is safe and hold the responsible companies accountable for paying for the cleanup. I extend my thanks to Governor Hochul and the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health for their support and commitment to protecting the health of Hoosick residents.”

In addition to the municipal water supply, DEC installed and maintains hundreds of point-of-entry treatment systems for individual homes in the surrounding area, including in the town of Hoosick. DEC continues to require Honeywell and Saint-Gobain to identify and address the sources of PFOA contamination in the Hoosick Falls community. DEC and DOH will continue to provide Hoosick-area residents with information and  updates regarding ongoing remediation efforts. In addition, State agencies work with the  Hoosick Area Community Participation Work Group to discuss the progress of the PFOA cleanup.  Additional information and documents regarding State actions underway in the Hoosick Falls area are available on the DEC website.

New York’s commitment to communities like Hoosick Falls remains at the forefront of Governor Hochul’s 2025-26 State of the State and Executive Budget priorities. The Governor proposed changes to modernize the State’s Superfund program to address emerging contaminants, enhance engagement with local communities, and better serve the state’s pressing economic, renewable energy, and affordable housing development needs. To complement these enhancements, the Executive Budget proposes $1.25 billion over 10 years to continue the ongoing progress in removing water and soil pollution in communities statewide. It would complement the additional $500 million to support clean water infrastructure that raises the State’s total water quality investments to $6 billion since 2017 for municipal drinking water distribution, filtration systems, and wastewater treatment. In 2024 , more than $800 million helped upgrade water and stormwater infrastructure, safeguarding public health by ensuring access to clean drinking water for all New Yorkers and bolstering community resilience against the increasing threat of flooding.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 1, 2025

Category: Environment

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Where the Land Meets the SeaMangroves as Guardians of Life and Livelihoods

01 April 2025

Acorn Farm’s New Gate Lodge Garden officially opens

Regulatory fees for British chemicals sector slashed

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said:

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Why so much rain in arid areas?

What is this doing to the Channel Country?

Where will the water go next?

With calm autumn conditions across much of the state, communities can expect to see smoke in the air as a mix of planned burns, private burns under CFA’s permit system and agricultural burns take place over the coming weeks.

Where the Land Meets the Sea

Mangroves as Guardians of Life and Livelihoods