NewzIntel.com

Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New appointment to the EPA board

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final appointee to the refreshed Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board.

    “I am pleased to welcome Brett O’Riley to the EPA board,” Ms Simmonds says.

    “Brett is a seasoned business advisor with a long and distinguished career across the technology, tourism, and sustainable business sectors.

    “His extensive experience across multiple sectors, combined with his governance expertise, leadership and deep commitment to innovation, will be a tremendous asset to the board.”

    Brett O’Riley is currently the Executive Chairman of Manawaroa Education and a member of the APEC Business Advisory Council. He also serves as Managing Partner of GSD Corporation and is an advisor at Tata Consultancy Services, where he assists in delivering consulting and business solutions that leverage technology for business transformation.

    He has been appointed for a three-year term, which will conclude in August 2027. 

    Brett O’Riley joins other recently appointed first-term board members Barry O’Neil, Jennifer Scoular, Alison Stewart, and Nancy Tuaine, all of whom are also serving three-year terms.

    “I look forward to working closely with Brett and the rest of the refreshed board to achieve balanced outcomes that protect the environment while supporting key industries.”

    The EPA is New Zealand’s national environmental regulator and plays a vital role across the entire economy.

    “EPA decisions impact the daily lives of all New Zealanders,” Ms Simmonds says.

    “It’s critical to have timely, businesslike decision-making for the agriculture and horticulture sector, alongside ensuring positive environmental outcomes.” 

    Notes to editors: 

    Mr Brett O’Riley has a long career as a business advisor and entrepreneur across the technology, tourism and sustainable business sectors. He is currently the Executive Chairman of Manawaroa Education, a member of the APEC Business Advisory Council, Managing Partner of GSD Corporation, and is an advisor at Tata Consultancy Services that provides consulting and business solutions, leveraging technology for business transformation and change. He was previously a Board member of the New Zealand Film Commission and a member of Te Pūkenga Establishment Board. He has held several executive roles including as Chief Executive of the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development and founding Chief Executive of NZICT (now NZTech). Mr O’Riley will bring extensive governance experience and expertise in business transformation through technology and change to the Board.

    Further information: New appointments to the EPA board | Beehive.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada appoints new Chair of the Canada Foundation for Innovation Board of Directors

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    Nancy Déziel will further strengthen Canada’s leadership in science and research

    October 3, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

    Canada’s science and research sector pushes the boundaries of innovation thanks to cutting-edge facilities, laboratories and equipment. Working alongside universities, research institutions and businesses, the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) provides essential funding for modern, high-quality research facilities and infrastructure. By equipping Canadian researchers with the tools they need, the CFI fosters solutions to today’s global challenges, drives innovation and advances knowledge that enhances the well-being of Canadians.

    Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced the appointment Nancy Déziel as Chair of the CFI Board of Directors for a three-year term, effective September 20, 2024.

    Ms. Déziel has a wealth of experience in the science and research sectors, having held various senior leadership positions throughout her career. She has been working actively with the College Centres for the Transfer of Technologies for 30 years and was previously a member of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Council.

    Ms. Déziel began her career as a laboratory technician and advanced to roles such as quality lead, project lead, business development officer and ultimately, Director General at the National Center in Environmental technology and Electrochemistry. She helped establish laboratories at the Industrial Waste Technology Centre, and she served as a technology advisor with Réseau Trans-Tech, enhancing her expertise in agriculture, food, and biotechnology. She also chaired the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Shawinigan from 2011 to 2013 and served as the Vice-President of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies board of directors from 2011 to 2019. Ms. Déziel is actively involved in numerous organizations, including serving as Administrator of the Réseau des CCTT Synchronex and President of the ADRIQ board of directors.

    In addition to welcoming Ms. Déziel to her new role, Minister Champagne thanks former board chair Dr. Ingrid Pickering, who served in the position for six years.

    The CFI is an independent organization created through federal legislation in 1997 to support advanced research infrastructure in Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions. The CFI provides funding for state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that increase Canada’s capability to carry out high-quality research.

    Quotes

    “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nancy Déziel on her new leadership role. Her guidance will be pivotal as CFI continues to enhance Canada’s research ecosystem, not only in supporting groundbreaking projects but also in fostering collaboration among institutions.”
    – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

    “The Canada Foundation for Innovation contributes to the advancement of research and development and the pursuit of excellence, which are the drivers of Canada’s innovation. I am proud to be undertaking this major role in supporting the ecosystem dedicated to an increasingly efficient innovation continuum: universities, colleges and industries for a better future for the citizens of Canada. I want to thank Minister François-Philippe Champagne for his trust, along with all those who contribute to this wonderful ecosystem through their work.”
    – Nancy Déziel, Chair, Canada Foundation for Innovation Board of Directors

    Quick facts

    • The CFI Board of Directors is made up of 13 people, six of whom—including the Chair—are appointed by the Governor-in-Council on the recommendation of the Minister. The Board makes final decisions on projects to be funded and approves the CFI’s annual plans and objectives, reviewing the outcomes of these objectives every year. By providing strategic direction and oversight, the Board of Directors supports the CFI in its mandate to increase Canada’s capability to carry out important world-class scientific research and technology development, leading to economic growth and job creation through innovation.

    • This appointment follows an open, transparent and merit-based selection process.

    • Since 2016, the federal government has invested over $22 billion in science and research initiatives, including infrastructure, emerging talent and other science and technology support measures.

    • Budget 2024 provided investments of $734 million in modern, high-quality research facilities and infrastructure to help solve real-world problems, create economic opportunities, and attract and train the next generation of scientific talent.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Audrey Milette
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
    audrey.milette@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
    media@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Stay connected

    Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website.

    Follow Canadian Science on social media.
    Facebook: Canadian Science | Instagram: @cdnscience

    Follow the department on social media.
    X (Twitter): @ISED_CA | LinkedIn: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada Advances Small Modular Reactor Research and Development With $13.6-Million Investment

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 3, 2024                                    Ottawa, Ontario                                                Natural Resources Canada

    As Canada continues to move toward a low-carbon economy, many forms of clean energy are needed to power the growing demand for affordable and reliable electricity. These include nuclear energy, which is non-emitting, consistent and safe.

    Today, Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced funding of $13.6 million from National Resources Canada’s Enabling Small Modular Reactors (SMR) Program for nine research projects to promote the safe, commercial development of SMRs to contribute to our low-carbon economy and help fight climate change. The projects are:

    • $935,542 to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, to study fuel dry storage and to conduct a techno-gap / life-cycle assessment to enable the effective deployment of SMRs.
    • $2,131,000 to Chemetics in Pickering, Ontario, to support the research and development of SMR fabrication. This project will enable Chemetics to develop, test and qualify new fabrication technologies for SMR components.
    • $2,750,000 to Prodigy Clean Energy Ltd in Montreal, Quebec, to support research and development to enable transportable nuclear power plants as part of the SMR supply chain.
    • $3,750,000 to the Nuclear Waste Management Organization in Toronto, Ontario, to enhance the compatibility of the NWMO’s current Adaptive Phased Management program with the upcoming deployment of SMRs.
    • $261,535 to Calian Ltd. in Ottawa, Ontario, to provide a guidance document to SMR vendors and planned owners or operators in Canada that outlines the characterization of radiological elements in building materials for the construction of new SMR facilities.
    • $543,000 to the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries in Pickering, Ontario, to develop a National Ready4SMR program to identify procurement risks due to technological gaps in Canada’s SMR projects and subsequently develop supply strategies for at-risk parts and components.
    • $126,475 to Kinectrics in Etobicoke, Ontario, to investigate the feasibility of disposing the isotope carbon-14 by recovering it from radioactive wastes and to engage with stakeholders to identify a route to divert waste streams from disposal.
    • $2,070,336 to North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council in Eel Ground, New Brunswick, to study and develop robust supply chains in Canada for SMR manufacturing while anchoring elements in New Brunswick with First Nations ownership.
    • $1,094,850 to Opportunities New Brunswick in Fredericton, New Brunswick, to provide a research and development life-cycle framework and roadmap for the manufacturing of cost-effective modularized SMR technology to enhance the development and deployment of SMRs within Canada.

    As Canada advances toward a net-zero future, investments like these are key to reducing emissions, maximizing energy performance and industry competitiveness. These investments support workers and industry in building a more prosperous and sustainable future. With over 70,000 hard-working Canadians employed across its supply chain, Canada’s nuclear industry is well positioned to leverage its science and technology innovation to become a leader in the development and deployment of small modular reactor technology.

    Quotes

    “Developing next-generation nuclear technologies, like small modular reactors, will be essential as Canada faces growing energy demands and is called upon to export our clean technologies to partners around the world. Our nuclear sector is poised to be a leader in an emerging global SMR market that some estimate to be worth up to $150 billion a year by 2040.”

    Julie Dabrusin
    Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change

    Quick facts

    • Budget 2022 allocated $29.6 million to NRCan over four years for research and development to support the conditions and frameworks necessary for SMRs to displace fossil fuels and contribute to climate change mitigation.

    • NRCan introduced the Enabling Small Modular Reactors Program in 2023 to support the development of supply chains for SMR manufacturing and fuel and to fund research on SMR waste management solutions to ensure that SMRs and the waste they generate can be safely managed, now and into the future.

    • The Enabling SMR Program has announced $3.5 million to date for projects being led by the Canadian Standards Association, the University of Alberta and the University of Regina.

    Related products

    Contacts

    Natural Resources Canada
    Media Relations
    343-292-6100
    media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Cindy Caturao
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    613-795-5638
    cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The company Avjet Holding inc. fined $200,000 for violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On October 1, 2024, Avjet Holding inc., a company specializing in aviation fuel distribution, was fined $200,000 by the Court of Québec.

    October 3, 2024 – Sept-Îles, Quebec

    Canadians know the value of a healthy and safe environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers strive to ensure that businesses and individuals comply with laws and regulations that protect Canada’s natural environment.

    On October 1, 2024, Avjet Holding inc., a company specializing in aviation fuel distribution, was fined $200,000 by the Court of Québec. The company pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The conviction is the result of a petroleum product spill that occurred between January 17 and 18, 2023. The fine will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund to support projects that have a positive impact on Canada’s natural environment.

    Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers launched an investigation after being informed of a petroleum product spill at the Natashquan Airport in Quebec. The investigation proved that while delivering fuel, a quantity of approximately 4,900 litres of the product was spilled into the environment. Two valves left open by an Avjet Holding inc. employee, as well as another defective valve in the storage system’s filling cabinet, were the cause of the release.

    Releasing a petroleum product into the environment as a result of a leak in, or spill from, a tank is an offence under the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

    As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. The Registry contains information on convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under federal environmental laws.

    Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to help Canadians stay current with what the Government of Canada is doing to protect the natural environment.

    Media Relations
    Environment and Climate Change Canada
    819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
    media@ec.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and US Secretary of Commerce Ms. Gina Raimondo co-chair India-U.S. CEO Forum

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and US Secretary of Commerce Ms. Gina Raimondo co-chair India-U.S. CEO Forum

    Forum stands as indispensable catalyst for economic cooperation between India and US; serves as key advisory body to India-US Commercial Dialogue

    Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 5:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The India-U.S. CEO Forum, chaired jointly by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Shri Piyush Goyal, and US Secretary of Commerce, Ms. Gina Raimondo was held today in Washington D.C., USA.

    The India-U.S. CEO Forum convened as a platform to allow private sector members to develop and provide recommendations to the Indian and US governments that reflect the private sector’s views, concerns and suggestions about the creation of an environment in which the bilateral economic links are strengthened. The Forum works in tandem with, and provides inputs to, government-to-government U.S.-India Commercial Dialogue.

    The Forum is co-chaired from Private Sector by Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, and Mr. James Taiclet, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lockheed Martin. This is the third time the Forum has been convened since its reconstitution in November 2022 by the Governments of India and the USA and saw participation from 16 CEOs. Both governments appreciated the Forum’s progress on initiatives and its achievements over the past two years.

    The CEOs, under the seven working groups, presented priority areas to create stronger partnerships and boost growth across various critical areas such as Entrepreneurship and Promoting Small Businesses, Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace and Defence, ICT and Digital Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Environment, Infrastructure and Manufacturing, Financial Services, Trade and Investments, among others.

    Both sides deliberated on the progress made as of the last meeting of the Forum in March 2023, including the launching of innovation handshake and a knowledge sharing platform called NIHIT (Network for Innovation and Harnessing Investments and Trade).

    Government representatives and CEOs reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening commercial and trade ties, driving economic growth and innovation, and fostering a resilient bilateral partnership.

    Earlier during the day, Minister Goyal began his third day of the U.S. tour with the offering of a floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial across the Embassy of India in Washington D.C. in remembrance of his 155th birth anniversary.

    The Minister of Commerce and Industry met with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ms. Gina Raimondo over a luncheon meeting and discussed areas of mutual interests. They discussed the pathway for strengthening bilateral cooperation in critical minerals supply chains as recommended by the US-India CEO forum. They also discussed opportunities to increase US investments in India especially in some of the new industrial cities being planned in India.

    ***

    AD/VN/CNAN

    (Release ID: 2061595) Visitor Counter : 73

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase II comprising three corridors – (i) Madhavaram to SIPCOT, (ii) Light House to Poonamallee Bypass and (iii) Madhavaram to Sholinganallur

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Cabinet approves Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase II comprising three corridors –  (i) Madhavaram to SIPCOT, (ii) Light House to Poonamallee Bypass and (iii) Madhavaram to Sholinganallur

    Phase II will comprise 128 stations with new lines of 118.9 km enabling total Metro Rail Network of 173 kms in Chennai

    Financial implications will be Rs.63,246 crore

    Commuter friendly multi-modal integration at 21 locations

    Approved corridors connect North to South and East to the West of Chennai

    Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 8:23PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs for Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase-II comprising three corridors.  The total length of the approved lines will be 118.9 km with 128 stations.

    The project completion cost is Rs.63,246 crore and is planned to be completed by 2027.  Once Phase-II is fully operational, the Chennai city will have a total Metro Rail network of 173 Km.  The Phase II Project comprises following three corridors:

    • Corridor-(i):         from Madhavaram to SIPCOT for a length of 45.8 Km with 50 stations.
    • Corridor-(ii):        from Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass for a length of 26.1 Km with 30 stations, and
    • Corridor-(iii):       from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur for a length of 47 Km with 48 stations.

     

    Once Phase-II is fully operational, the Chennai city will have a total Metro Rail network of 173 Km.

    Benefits and Bolstering Growth:

    The Phase-II of Chennai Metro Rail Project represents a significant advancement in the city’s infrastructure development. Phase-II acts as a major expansion of the Metro Rail Network in the city.

    Enhanced Connectivity: Phase-II will add approximately 118.9 Km of new metro lines. The Corridors of Phase-II connects North to South and East to the West of Chennai passing through the major influence areas at Madhavaram, Perambur, Thirumayilai, Adyar, Sholinganallur, SIPCOT, Kodambakkam, Vadapalani, Porur, Villivakkam, Anna Nagar, St. Thomas Mount connecting large number of industrial, commercial, residential and institutional establishments and also provides effective Public Transport for the work force engaged in these clusters       and connectivity to various parts of the city. It will extend connectivity to rapidly growing areas like Sholinganallur, which serves as a hub for the south Chennai IT corridor. By connecting Sholinganallur via ELCOT, the metro corridor will cater to the transportation needs of the burgeoning IT workforce.

    Reduction in Traffic Congestion: Metro Rail as an efficient alternate road transport and with Phase-II as an extension to the Metro Rail network in the Chennai city is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and will be particularly impactful on heavily congested routes of the city. Reduction in road traffic can lead to smoother movement of vehicles, reduction in travel time, increasing overall road safety etc.

    Environmental Benefits: With the addition of Phase-II Metro Rail Project and increase in overall Metro Rail Network in Chennai city, can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based transport.

    Economic Growth: Reduced travel times and improved access to different parts of the city can enhance productivity by allowing individuals to reach their workplaces more efficiently. The construction and operation of Phase-II will generate numerous jobs in various sectors, from construction workers to administrative staff and maintenance personnel. Also, the enhanced connectivity can stimulate local businesses, especially in areas near new metro stations which can also attract investment and development in previously less accessible regions.

    Social Impact: The expansion of Phase-II Metro Rail network in Chennai will provide more equitable access to public transport, benefiting diverse socio-economic groups and reducing transport disparities which will contribute to a higher quality of life by reducing commute times and improving access to essential services.

    The Phase-II Chennai Metro Rail Project is set to be a transformative development for the city. It promises to deliver enhanced connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, environmental benefits, economic growth, and improved quality of life. By addressing key urban challenges and providing a foundation for future expansion, Phase-II will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s development trajectory and sustainability.

    *****

    MJPS/BM

    (Release ID: 2061653) Visitor Counter : 53

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Interstate Transportation of Stolen Andy Warhol Art Print

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    LOS ANGELES – An Ohio man has agreed to plead guilty to a federal criminal charge for trafficking a stolen Andy Warhol print worth at least $175,000. 

    Image Source: Federal Plea Agreement

    Brian Alec Light, 58, of Hudson, Ohio (formerly a resident of downtown Los Angeles), is expected to plead guilty in the coming weeks to one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods. His initial appearance in federal court is scheduled for October 28.

    According to his plea agreement, a thief stole the Warhol print – a trial proof depicting former Soviet Union leader Vladimir Lenin and was print number 44 of 46 total Warhol made – from the victim’s home in Los Angeles County in early 2021. The victim informed law enforcement of its theft soon after, as well as the original gallery in West Hollywood that sold him the artwork. Days after the theft, the thief brought the artwork to a pawnshop, which purchased it. The pawnshop’s owner contacted Light for help selling the artwork, which Light knew was stolen. Light contacted an auction house to sell the print within weeks of its theft. Light told the pawnshop owner to drop off the Warhol at the auction house in Beverly Hills so that it could be transported to Dallas for inspection and sale, which the pawnshop owner did.

    The auction house shipped the Warhol artwork to Dallas where it was to be inspected and included in an upcoming auction in the spring of 2021. An employee of the auction house in Dallas reached out to the gallery in West Hollywood for its opinion of the piece. The gallery immediately recognized the piece as the stolen piece of art. As a result, the gallery notified the auction house of its stolen nature and notified the FBI. When the FBI questioned Light about it, he lied and created a fake receipt purporting to show that he bought the print before it was stolen. 

    Upon pleading guilty, Light will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. 

    As part of his plea agreement, Light will forfeit the stolen artwork retrieved by law enforcement.

    The FBI’s Art Crime Team is investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Erik Silber, Senior Counsel in the Criminal Division and Assistant United States Attorneys Dominique Caamano and Matthew O’Brien, of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section, are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Lake Washington in Glocester

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Lake Washington in Glocester due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the lake. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. Toxins and/or high cell counts have been detected by the RIDOH State Health Laboratory from water samples collected by the DEM.

    Use caution in all areas of Lake Washington. Cyanobacteria can sink or float to control their location in the water column. Other factors such as, wind, rain and wakes from recreational activities can affect the location of a bloom. All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from the ponds. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins and thus owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

    Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

    If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.

    It is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.

    To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HARRISBURG – Shapiro Administration to Announce Grants to Eliminate Food Waste and Fight Hunger

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 04, 2024 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – HARRISBURG – Shapiro Administration to Announce Grants to Eliminate Food Waste and Fight Hunger

    The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley will announce new grant availability for the Food Recovery Infrastructure Grants program, which offer grants up to $50,000 to reimburse the cost of equipment to store food that can be redistributed to fight hunger.

    WHAT:
    DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley Announces New Grant Opportunities to Fight Hunger and Prevent Food Waste

    WHEN:
    Friday, October 4, 2024; 11:00 AM

    WHERE:
    Central Pennsylvania Food Bank – Volunteer Center, 1530 Bobali Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17104

    For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s website, or follow DEP on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or LinkedIn.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kashmir Road closed for public safety during wilding pine removal

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  04 October 2024

    The Department of Conservation (DOC) engaged Forest 360 to harvest pines which are creating a seed source of wilding pine at the end of Kashmir Rd. Wilding pines are invasive weeds which threaten to permanently alter our unique New Zealand landscapes.

    Forest 360 will remove the pines, allowing native forest to regenerate and will continue to undertake pest plant and animal control in the area for five years after harvesting.

    Kelly Hancock, Acting Operations Manager for DOC Manawatu, says closing access is a last resort, but several close calls from people wandering into dangerous situations have left DOC with no other options.

    “Initially we kept the road open to the public during weekends, so hunters and trampers could access the local hut and track network.

    “Unfortunately there have been multiple incidents, with logging trucks coming across vehicles on the road unexpectedly, hunters popping up next to felling machines while they are operating, and quite a bit of theft and vandalism occurring during weekends.”

    Kelly says it is great to see the local community so keen to get into the Ruahine Forest Park and make the most of the opportunities on our doorstep, but it is not safe for people to be driving or walking through an area being actively logged.

    “This is really heavy-duty machinery, and an incident could lead to someone being seriously hurt. If people are going to ignore the signs and barriers and venture into the area outside of the agreed access times, we have no choice but to close the area to all public access.

    “We must ensure public safety above all else, so it really leaves us with no option but to completely close the road to the public while the pines are being harvested.”

    There are several other ways to access the forest park nearby, such as Mill Rd.

    Kashmir Rd will reopen to the public for two weeks over the Christmas/New Year period, while Forest 360 staff and contractors take a well-earned break. It will be closed again from 5 January until harvest is completed in May or June 2025.

    Without the risk of public venturing into the area over the weekend, forestry operations will be able to move to six days per week so the harvest may be able to be completed sooner.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New toad species discovered in south China’s Guangdong

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese researchers have discovered a new horned toad species, which has been named Boulenophrys pepe, in Lianshan Bijiashan Nature Reserve in south China’s Guangdong Province.
    The research findings, led by Guangdong Polytechnic of Environmental Protection Engineering and other institutions, were published in a recent edition of the international academic journal Zootaxa.
    The new species was discovered in evergreen broadleaf forests at altitudes of 490 to 540 meters, where mountain streams and a layer of leaf litter create diverse microhabitat systems.
    The toad, notable for its swollen lips, differs significantly from closely related species in the same area, according to Lin Shishi, a member of the research team.
    Lin noted that Boulenophrys pepe is highly sensitive to changes in the forest ecosystem. The discovery of this new toad species enhances the understanding of biodiversity and shows that China’s conservation efforts to protect mountain forest ecosystems have been very effective, Lin said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AFCD urges grave sweepers to prevent hill fires

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    AFCD urges grave sweepers to prevent hill fires
    AFCD urges grave sweepers to prevent hill fires
    ***********************************************

         The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (October 4) reminded people paying tribute to ancestors at graveyards in the countryside during the Chung Yeung Festival period to exercise caution and prevent hill fires.     An AFCD spokesman said it is an offence under the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) to leave behind kindling or burn offerings without considering fire risks in the countryside. Any person who contravenes the ordinance may be prosecuted and is liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and one year’s imprisonment upon conviction.     AFCD staff will step up patrols at graveyards in the countryside during the Chung Yeung Festival period and take enforcement action against any irregularities.     The majority of hill fires in the countryside are caused by human negligence. Accidents can be prevented if grave sweepers observe some simple guidelines:* Remove weeds around graves with tools and never burn weeds;* Burning should only be done inside a container or iron bucket;* Never leave burning offerings unattended; and* Make sure all kindling is put out before leaving.     The spokesman said that metal containers for burning offerings properly will be handed out to grave sweepers who have such a need at suitable locations in country parks during the Chung Yeung Festival. The AFCD will also patrol hill fire black spots and distribute hill fire prevention leaflets together with the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Civil Aid Service.     Members of the public are reminded to keep the countryside clean and properly clean up their offerings or rubbish.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 4, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pacific Nuclear Issues- Pacific STATEMENT ON THE NUCLEAR LEGACY IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

    Source: Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG)

    SOLIDARITY STATEMENT BY CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTING THE RESOLUTION TO THE 57th SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY-BUILDING TO ADDRESS THE HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS OF THE NUCLEAR LEGACY IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

    We are Pacific activists in national, regional and international CSOs which support longstanding campaigns for nuclear justice by governments and peoples of Pacific Island countries which were subjected to unconscionable nuclear weapons testing by imperialist powers. We wholeheartedly support the Resolution to be submitted by the President of the Republic of Marshall Islands, H.E. Dr Hilda Heine, to the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council on 4 October 2024 on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands.

    We are aware that this Resolution builds on the sustained efforts by the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) over many years to attain nuclear justice through the United Nations and the UN Human Rights system, seeing this as offering a supportive pathway to nuclear justice. We also remember and cherish the strong roles played by Marshallese anti-nuclear activists like Darlene Keju Johnson in challenging the injustice and racism of occupying colonial powers conducting dangerous nuclear weapons testing programmes in the Pacific region, and in raising global awareness and helping to build the regional anti-nuclear movement.

    We note the earliest international appeal by the people of the RMI to stop the deadly nuclear weapons tests being carried out by the United States in their islands was made on 6 May 1954, when they filed a petition with an urgent plea to the United Nations Trusteeship Council on the nuclear weapons testing, saying they were ‘not only fearful of the danger to their persons from these deadly weapons, but also

    concerned about the increasing number of people removed from their land’, and ‘requesting that all experiments with lethal weapons in the area be immediately ceased.’1 Although the Trusteeship Council (comprising the

    1 Recorded in A/HRC/RES/51/35 Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 7 October 2022 at the Fifty-first session of the Human Rights Council.

    1

    We note that since 2012, the RMI has submitted reports to Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and reported on the impacts of nuclear testing, especially on women’s health and lives, to the CEDAW Committee, a UN Human Rights treaty body.3 The Reports of two Special Rapporteurs Confirm recognition of the serious intergenerational health problems, continuing environmental contamination and loss of land and livelihoods resulting from the US nuclear weapons testing programme as impacting the enjoyment of human rights by the Marshallese people.

    Despite the best efforts of successive RMI governments to seek support for the implementation of the comprehensive Recommendations submitted 12 years ago by the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the Recommendations have not been implemented.

    On 7 October 2022, by HRC Resolution 51/35 on “Technical assistance and capacity-building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands,” the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was requested to prepare a report on the RMI’s nuclear legacy.

    The resulting report, submitted by the OHCHR on 4 September 2024 at the Fifty-seventh session of the HRC and titled Addressing the challenges and barriers to the full realisation and enjoyment of the human rights of the Marshallese people stemming from the state’s

    permanent members of the UN Security Council) heard the petition on 20 August 1954, the nuclear testing programme continued until 1958.2

    2Ibid.
    3 CEDAW/C/MHL/CO/1-3, Concluding observations on the combined initial to third periodic reports of the Marshall

    Islands*, 14 March 2018 https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n18/070/31/pdf/n1807031.pdf 4 A/HRC/21/48/Add.1 Annex – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes on his mission to the Marshall Islands (27-30 March 2012) and the United States of America (24-27 April 2012)https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g12/163/76/pdf/g1216376.pdf

    A/HRC/49/53. Report of the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment in a non-toxic environment, 12 January 2022 https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc4953-right-clean-healthy-and-sustainable-environment -non toxic

    2

    nuclear legacy (A/HRC/57/77),5 details plainly the nuclear history of their Islands and its legacy, noting amongst other things:

    • that ‘sixty-seven known nuclear tests were conducted by the United States from 1946 to 1958 in the Marshall Islands.4 These tests had a total yield equivalent to 108,490,500 tons of dynamite – approximately 7,232 times the explosive power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and equivalent to dropping said atomic bomb daily for nearly twenty years’;

    • that the Marshallese filed multiple actions in US courts claiming property losses resulting from nuclear testing, without success;

    • that the RMI established a Nuclear Claims Tribunal and provided some compensation to claimants from a $150 million Trust Fund established by the US, but claims assessed by the Tribunal for personal injury and damages caused on Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap and Utrōk atolls totalled more than $2.3 billion;

    • that the Marshallese government in 2017 established a National Nuclear Commission, which developed a national justice strategy centred on 5 pillars: Compensation, Health Care, the Environment, National Capacity and Education and Awareness;

    • that as part of the Human Rights 75 Initiative, the RMI has pledged to pursue transitional justice for the human rights violations and challenges stemming

    from the nuclear legacy; and

    • that ‘the nuclear legacy is not just a chapter in history, but a continuing reality for the Marshallese people’.

    The report recommended:

    • that the United Nations, through the HRC, continue to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to the Marshall Islands; and

    5 A/HRC/57/77: Addressing the challenges and barriers to the full realization and enjoyment of the human rights of the people of the Marshall Islands, stemming from the State’s nuclear legacy – Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 4 September 2024 https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session57/advance-versi ons/ A-HRC-57-77-AUV.pdf

    3

    • that it prepares subsequent reports on transitional justice measures to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy through a cross-jurisdictional, inter-disciplinary, and gender-responsive approach.

    The RMI Resolution on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands seeks to operationalise the recommendations of the OHCHR.

    It makes four specific requests: one to all States, relevant UN agencies and other stakeholders to support the efforts of the RMI Government to improve the health of its people and its environment; and three renewed requests to the OHCHR:

    • to work with the Government of the RMI and provide technical assistance and capacity building to the National Nuclear Commission of the Marshall Islands in advancing its national strategy for nuclear justice;

    • to prepare a further report for submission to the HRC, followed by ‘an enhanced interactive dialogue’ which includes participation by the National Nuclear Commission of the Marshall Islands; and

    • in preparing the requested report, to widely seek views – of the RMI Government, the National Nuclear Commission, States, UN agencies, funds and programs, NGOs, Indigenous peoples, youth representatives, the Marshallese diaspora and affected communities.

    We stand this week with H.E. President Dr Hilda Heine, Ambassador Doreen de Brum and staff at the RMI Embassy in Geneva, National Nuclear Commissioners, and with all Marshallese people in their determined and dignified national struggle for nuclear justice.

    We strongly support the Resolution the Marshall Islands Government is submitting to the Human Rights Council on October 4 to address the adverse impacts of the nuclear legacy on the realisation and enjoyment of human rights by the people of the Marshall Islands. We extend our solidarity and best wishes in securing all the resources needed to achieve nuclear justice for present and future generations of Marshallese.

    ENDORSED BY:: 1. Aid/Watch

    2. Alliance for Future Generations
    3. Asia Pacific Network of Environmental Defenders (APNED)
    4. Association for Promotion of Sustainable Development
    5. Banaba Human Rights Defenders Network
    6. Belau Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (BANGO-Palau) 7. Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT)
    8. Conservation International – Palau Office
    9. Council of Pacific Education (COPE)
    10. DAWN (Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era) 11. Diverse Voiced and Actions for Equality (DIVA FIJI)
    12. Environmentalists Against War
    13. femLINKpacific
    14. Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS)
    15. Fiji Nuclear Veterans Association
    16. Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC)
    17. Fiji Womens Rights Movement (FWRM)
    18. Fiji Youth SRHR Alliance
    19. Hawai’i Institute for Human Rights
    20. Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross – Member of the French Polynesian Assembly 21. ICAN Aotearoa New Zealand
    22. ICAN Australia
    23. International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) Pax Romana Asia Pacific 24. International Youth Training Centre-IYTC
    25. Kiribati Association of Non-Government Organizations
    (KANGO) 26. Moruroa e Tātou
    27. Nagasaki Appeal for Peace
    28. Nauru Island Association of Non‐Government Organisations (NIANGO) 29. Ngaratumetum Traditional Womens Organization
    30. Nuclear Truth Project
    31. Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC)
    32. Pacific Disability Forum (PDF)
    33. Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) 34. Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN)
    35. Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG)
    36. Pacific Womens Mediators Network (PWNM)
    37. PacificwinPacific

    38. Palau Resource Institute (PRI)
    39. Pax Christi Korea (PCK)
    40. Peace Movement Aotearoa
    41. Peoples Development Community (PDC)
    42. Samoa Umbrella for Non-Government Organisations (SUNGO) 43. Social Watch – Tamilnadu

    44. South Lakeland and Lancaster District Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
    45. Think Tank
    46. Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition (VHRC)

    47. Vanuatu Indigenous Land Defense Desk (VILDD) 48. Washington Butterfly for Hope
    49. Women Empowerment Nauru Association (WENA)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Northern Kosciuszko National Park reopened to the public

    Source: New South Wales Environment and Heritage

    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) closes much of this section of the park to traffic every winter, while parts of the national park are covered in snow. Resort precincts remain open for tourism and recreational activities including skiing and snowboarding.

    This year’s closure started 2 months early to enable implementation of measures under the Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan, as well as the control of pigs, deer and other feral animals.

    The control program is designed to protect the globally significant conservation values in Kosciuszko National Park, including a suite of threatened native plants and animals.

    All control operations have been conducted in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards.

    It is standard practice when undertaking feral animal control on public and private land for carcasses to be left to decompose where the animal was shot.

    However, additional measures are implemented in Kosciuszko National Park to move horse carcasses away from waterways and key visitor areas wherever practical.

    Visitors may still encounter deer, pig or horse carcasses. These carcasses do not present a risk to the public provided they are left alone.

    Some carcasses may also be apparent in central and southern areas of Kosciuszko National Park. Recent ground shooting operations around Geehi Camping area saw the removal of significant numbers of deer.

    If you are concerned about the location of animal carcasses, their location can be reported to npws.wildhorses@environment.nsw.gov.au.

    Visitors to Kosciuszko National Park will be able to enjoy key areas such as the Currango Homestead, campgrounds around Blue Waterholes, Long Plain and Tantangara areas as well as facilities adjacent to the Snowy Mountains Highway.

    Further updates on Kosciuszko National Park can be found via the National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ‘Beat the bite’ helps youngsters stay mosquito safe

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 4 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Health

    Thousands of children can help their families ‘Beat the Bite’ with the statewide distribution of books that help teach the importance of mosquito bite prevention.

    ‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ is an entertaining story about two youngsters who love playing in and exploring the great outdoors while staying safe from mosquito bites.

    More than 77,000 books have been printed and are being delivered to schools, early childhood and education centres and local councils across NSW, with 430 public and independent schools, 103 early childhood and education centres, 66 councils already having opted in to receive books. Other services such as Aboriginal health and immunisation services, scouts and guides across NSW have also ordered books.

    The statewide distribution is an expansion of a popular Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) initiative which saw more than 43,000 books distributed across Murrumbidgee, Southern and Western NSW.

    Mosquitoes can transmit diseases that are spread to humans through mosquito bites. In NSW they can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Ross River, and Barmah Forest virus.

    These viruses may cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache, and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

    Protective measures to avoid bites, include:

    • Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks
    • Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk
    • Apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin, especially those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus which are the most effective against mosquitoes
    • Reapply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
    • Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos. Mosquito coils should only be used outside.

    A vaccine is available to protect against Japanese encephalitis virus, which is available for free to those at greatest risk of exposure. For more information on eligibility visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevaccine

    Services interested in receiving ‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ can contact the Surveillance and Risk Unit, Environmental Health Branch at HSSG-EHBSurveillance@health.nsw.gov.au

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

    “This is a fun and informative way of helping youngsters understand the risk mosquitoes pose and ways to protect themselves and their families.

    “The best way to avoid infection by mosquito borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, and this creative children’s book explains to children and their families four simple steps to take to stay bite free; spray up, cover up, screen up and clean up.

    “Through this story, we hope children can encourage their families, peers, and even the community to take simple actions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.”

    Quotes attributable to MLHD Senior Environment Officer and Author, Tony Burns:

    “I am really excited that Jack and Angie are going to be helping spread the message about mosquito bite prevention to a much wider audience.

    “We know mosquitoes can transmit a range of diseases, so we want to make sure as many people as possible get this important message. We’re keen to see youngsters get the message early, so they can develop good habits around taking precautions against mosquito bites.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New toad species discovered in Guangdong

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This image shows the habitat of Boulenophrys pepe, a new horned toad species. Chinese researchers have discovered a new horned toad species, which has been named Boulenophrys pepe, in Lianshan Bijiashan Nature Reserve in south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua)

    Chinese researchers have discovered a new horned toad species, which has been named Boulenophrys pepe, in Lianshan Bijiashan Nature Reserve in south China’s Guangdong Province.

    The research findings, led by Guangdong Polytechnic of Environmental Protection Engineering and other institutions, were published in a recent edition of the international academic journal Zootaxa.

    The new species was discovered in evergreen broadleaf forests at altitudes of 490 to 540 meters, where mountain streams and a layer of leaf litter create diverse microhabitat systems.

    The toad, notable for its swollen lips, differs significantly from closely related species in the same area, according to Lin Shishi, a member of the research team.

    Lin noted that Boulenophrys pepe is highly sensitive to changes in the forest ecosystem. The discovery of this new toad species enhances the understanding of biodiversity and shows that China’s conservation efforts to protect mountain forest ecosystems have been very effective, Lin said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Panda pair doing well at Hong Kong home

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    This combo photo shows giant pandas An An (L) and Ke Ke. (China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda/Handout via Xinhua)
    It’s been a week since a new panda pair’s arrival in Hong Kong and the two chubby ones gifted by the central government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) were well adapting to their new life at Ocean Park Hong Kong.
    The pair was currently in a 30-day quarantine period, after which they will need to acclimatize to another venue for about a month, before they meet the public in December this year at the earliest, park officials told a briefing on Thursday.
    Video footage from the Ocean Park showed frisky An An sitting on the ground, playing with and eating bamboo, and Ke Ke quietly eating carrots.
    Male panda An An is more adventurous, open and adaptive to new things, while female Ke Ke is more reserved and timid, curious about sounds, said Matt Leung, assistant curator of Ocean Park’s animal care team, who went to the pair’s hometown in Sichuan as early as mid-July to make friends with them.
    A naming campaign for the two pandas kicked off on Wednesday across Hong Kong and is expected to run until the end of this month.
    Currently, caretakers feed An An and Ke Ke four meals day, much the same as they had in Sichuan, and they are getting accustomed to bamboo from Guangdong province.
    The two pandas are currently in stable condition with normal appetite and behavior, and the care team and veterinarians will continue monitoring their food intake and bowel movements on a daily basis, said Howard Chuk Hau-chung, head of zoological operations and conservation at the park, on Thursday.
    The veterinarians will then arrange for them full physical examinations, encourage them to explore natural plants in the playground, use the jungle gym, and so on, to develop different natural behaviors, Chuk added.
    To help them fight homesickness and make themselves at home in Hong Kong, Leung said caretakers will mainly speak Cantonese, but will use Mandarin or Sichuan dialect when calling their names. “Hopefully through such daily talks, An An and Ke Ke can recognize their voices and establish a bond with them so as to enhance mutual trust and a sense of security,” he said.
    A more precise date to meet the public will be determined according to their adaptation, park officials said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: More than 2 billion rubles have been allocated for the development of the agro-industrial complex of the Novosibirsk region

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Patrushev met with the Governor of Novosibirsk Region Andrey Travnikov

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev visited Novosibirsk Oblast as part of a working trip to the regions of the Siberian Federal District, where he discussed issues of the region’s socio-economic development with Governor Andrei Travnikov.

    According to Dmitry Patrushev, Novosibirsk Region is traditionally one of the centers of attraction for competent personnel, scientific community and business. This year, active growth of investments is noted. The manufacturing sector is developing, in particular, technological and knowledge-intensive production.

    Speaking about agriculture, the Deputy Prime Minister separately noted the positive dynamics in livestock farming. Novosibirsk Oblast is the first region in Siberia in terms of livestock and poultry production, and is among the top three in terms of milk production. The new harvest is currently being harvested here in full swing. Despite the difficult weather conditions, more than 2 million tons of grain have already been harvested, the Deputy Prime Minister noted, and wished farmers worthy results.

    “The government, for its part, supports the development of the region’s agro-industrial complex. In 2024, more than 2 billion rubles have been allocated for these purposes. But the pace of delivery needs to be increased. It is also necessary to analyze the work within the framework of the state programs “Land” and “Comprehensive Development of Rural Territories,” Dmitry Patrushev emphasized.

    He also noted the work of the Novosibirsk Region in the field of nature management and environmental protection. The region participates in the activities of the national project “Ecology” to eliminate illegal dumps and preserve forests. This year, the Government allocated 281 million rubles for them. In the national project “Ecological Well-being”, the list of areas will be expanded. In particular, the region will continue to work on creating a waste management system within the framework of the new federal project “Closed Cycle Economy”.

    The Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that all this will improve the level of comfort and quality of life of the population of the Novosibirsk Region.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52893/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA to Conduct Second Extensive Sampling of Marine Environment Near Fukushima Daiichi Since Start of Treated Water Release

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    A team of scientists from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will return to Japan next week to conduct marine sampling near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). This mission is part of the Agency’s extensive monitoring and assessment activities that support its ongoing safety review of the ALPS treated water discharges.

    The IAEA conducts interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) based on marine environment samples to verify the radiological data used by Japan in planning and implementing the water discharges. The ILCs also facilitate assessments of the application of relevant international safety standards in establishing and implementing monitoring programmes to accurately evaluate public exposure by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) – operator of the plant – and the Government of Japan.

    From 7 to 18 October, the IAEA team will observe the collection of seawater, marine sediment, fish and seaweed samples from coastal waters in the vicinity of the FDNPS. The mission will also include sampling at a local fish market and monitoring the preparation of samples for delivery to participating laboratories.

    International experts from the Third Institute of Oceanography, China, the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety, and the Spiez Laboratory, Switzerland—all members of the IAEA’s Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) network – will participate in the mission to provide independent corroboration of Japan’s environmental monitoring capabilities.

    After collection, the samples will be sent to all participating laboratories for analysis for a range of radionuclides. The results of analyses from the IAEA Laboratories in Monaco and Vienna, the ALMERA member laboratories as well as the participating Japanese laboratories, will be submitted to the IAEA for evaluation, with a focus on identifying any statistically significant differences.

    The results of the analyses of the samples can also be compared with those from previous ILCs to assess any changes in radionuclide levels in the marine environment since the discharge of ALPS-treated water began in August last year.

    The findings will be publicly released to ensure transparency by September 2025.

    This mission is part of the IAEA’s extensive monitoring and assessment activities for the safety review of ALPS-treated water. In the series of ILCs, the Agency has already published several reports evaluating TEPCO’s capabilities for accurately measuring the radionuclides in the treated water stored on site, and another analyzing radionuclides in seawater, sediment, fish, and seaweed samples collected in November 2022.

    Additionally, IAEA experts stationed at the Agency’s office at FDNPS conduct regular independent on-site analyses of the batches of treated water. In September this year, the Agency confirmed that the tritium level in the ninth batch of ALPS treated water was far below Japan’s operational limit. The IAEA has earlier confirmed that the tritium concentrations in the previous eight batches, totalling approximately 64 500 cubic meters of water, were also far below operational limits.

    Next week’s mission will also provide samples for the Agency’s ILC project initiated in 2014 to support the quality assurance of broader marine environmental monitoring by Japanese laboratories. The results for this segment of the work will be released in June 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notifies Ecomark Rules under Lifestyle for Environment initiatve

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notifies Ecomark Rules under Lifestyle for Environment initiatve

    Ecomark Scheme to Promote Sustainable Consumption and Eco-Friendly Production with Strict Environmental Standards

    The scheme will be implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

    Posted On: 04 OCT 2024 12:05PM by PIB Delhi

    In alignment with the ‘LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) Mission announced by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi in 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Ecomark Rules on 26thSeptember 2024. It replaces the Ecomark scheme of 1991.

    The scheme will encourage the demand for environment-friendly products aligning with the principles of ‘LIFE’, promote lower energy consumption, resource efficiency and circular economy. The scheme seeks to ensure accurate labelling and prevent misleading information about products.

    Products accredited under the Ecomark Scheme will adhere to specific environmental criteria, ensuring minimal environmental impact. It will build consumer awareness of environmental issues and encourage sustainable consumption. It will also motivate manufacturers to shift towards environmentally friendly production.

    The scheme will be implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

    The scheme marks a significant step in promoting sustainable lifestyles and, through individual and collective decision making, encourages sustainable consumption in India. It aligns with global sustainability goals and reflects the government’s commitment to conservation and protection of the environment.

    The gazette notification can be accessed through the following link: –

    https://moef.gov.in/storage/tender/1727787383.pdf

    *****

    VM/GS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notifies Ecomark Rules under Lifestyle for Environment initiative

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notifies Ecomark Rules under Lifestyle for Environment initiative

    Ecomark Scheme to Promote Sustainable Consumption and Eco-Friendly Production with Strict Environmental Standards

    The scheme will be implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

    Posted On: 04 OCT 2024 12:05PM by PIB Delhi

    In alignment with the ‘LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) Mission announced by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi in 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Ecomark Rules on 26thSeptember 2024. It replaces the Ecomark scheme of 1991.

    The scheme will encourage the demand for environment-friendly products aligning with the principles of ‘LIFE’, promote lower energy consumption, resource efficiency and circular economy. The scheme seeks to ensure accurate labelling and prevent misleading information about products.

    Products accredited under the Ecomark Scheme will adhere to specific environmental criteria, ensuring minimal environmental impact. It will build consumer awareness of environmental issues and encourage sustainable consumption. It will also motivate manufacturers to shift towards environmentally friendly production.

    The scheme will be implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

    The scheme marks a significant step in promoting sustainable lifestyles and, through individual and collective decision making, encourages sustainable consumption in India. It aligns with global sustainability goals and reflects the government’s commitment to conservation and protection of the environment.

    The gazette notification can be accessed through the following link: –

    https://moef.gov.in/storage/tender/1727787383.pdf

    *****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special Campaign 4.0: Implementation Phase commences in

    Source: Government of India

    Special Campaign 4.0: Implementation Phase commences in

    Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances with Categorization, Weeding- out of Files and Conservation of Historical Records

    Posted On: 04 OCT 2024 1:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Special Campaign 4.0 has been launched in Department of Administrative Reforms Public Grievances (DARPG) for institutionalizing Swachhata and minimizing pendency in Govt. offices under the leadership of Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh.

    Special campaign 4.0 is being implemented in 2 phases namely Preparatory phase from 16th – 30th September 2024 and Implementation phase from 2nd – 31st October 2024. DARPG has identified following targets for special Campaign 4.0-

    1. No. of PG cases- 800
    2. No. of Records due for review- 4190 files
    3. Cleanliness campaign sites-4
    4. Easing  of Rules/ Processes -1

    On the commencement of Implementation Phase of Special Campaign 4.0, Shri V Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, took a round of the DARPG office on Thursday and inspected the progress of record management practices aimed at streamlining efficiency.

    Shri V Srinivas, initiated the first weeding of files at DARPG today, marking the beginning of enhanced record management. Senior officers of DARPG actively participated in the file shredding, reinforcing the commitment to a clutter-free and efficient office premise. DARPG has also commenced review of Categorization of files and conservation of files.

     

    NKR/DK

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister to Release 18th Instalment of PM-KISAN Scheme at Washim, Maharashtra on 5th October 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister to Release 18th Instalment of PM-KISAN Scheme at Washim, Maharashtra on 5th October 2024

    More than 9.4 crore farmers to benefit with over ₹20,000 crore in direct transfers

    Distribution of 5th Instalment of Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana (Govt of Maharashtra)

    Dedication of 7516 completed projects under Agri. Infrastructure Fund

    Dedication of around 9,200 FPOs to the Nation

    Launch of Unified Genomic Chip for Cattle and Indigenous Sex Sorted Semen Technology

    e-Distribution of Social Development Grant to Gram Panchayat

    Dedication to the nation 5 Solar parks for 19 MW under MSKVY 2.0

    Posted On: 04 OCT 2024 1:34PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will release the 18th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 5th October 2024 in Washim, Maharashtra. This significant event will see over 9.4 crore farmers across the country receive direct financial benefits, amounting to more than ₹20,000 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) without involvement of any middlemen.

    The occasion will be attended by prominent dignitaries, including Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Minister of Agriculture, Government of India, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri. Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Ajit Pawar and Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Minister of Soil & Water Conservation, Shri Sanjay Rathod, who is also the Guardian Minister for Washim and Yavatmal districts. Around 2.5 Cr. farmers will join the event including those at 732 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), over 1 lakh Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies and 5 lakh Common Service Centres across the country through web cast. Special events will also be organised in the States/UTs celebrating the day of the release as PM-KISAN Utsav Divas.

    Launched on 24th February 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to landholding farmers in three equal instalments. The Prime Minister will release the 18th instalment of PM-KISAN on 5th October. With the 18th instalment release, the total disbursement under the scheme will exceed ₹3.45 lakh crore, supporting more than 11 crore farmers nationwide and further reaffirming the government’s commitment to rural development and agricultural prosperity.

    In Maharashtra, about ₹32,000 crores have been transferred to around 1.20 cr farmers in 17 instalments of the scheme which is second highest among all the States in India. In the 18th instalment, around 91.51 lakh farmers will receive the benefits of over ₹1,900 crore.

    Alongside the PM-KISAN instalment distribution, the Prime Minister will also release the additional benefit of around ₹2,000 crore to   the  farmers of  the Maharashtra under the 5th instalment of the Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana, to further support their efforts.  

    Further, as a significant step for boosting agricultural infrastructure, the event will witness the dedication of several projects completed under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) in the first 100 days of New Govt. The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), launched in 2020, is a medium to long-term debt financing facility aimed at enhancing post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets. The scheme provides one lakh crore rupees in loans to eligible borrowers with a 3% interest subvention and a credit guarantee facility. Over the last 100 days, more than 10,066 Agri-infrastructure projects have been sanctioned nationwide, involving a sanction of of  ₹6,541 crore (including 101 projects for FPOs with a sanctioned amount of ₹97.67 crore). Additionally, 7,516 projects with a total sanction of ₹1,929 crore have been completed, including 35 FPO projects valued at ₹13.82 crore will be dedicated. These projects are strengthening the agricultural infrastructure, improving storage, and processing and logistics facilities, and enabling FPOs to scale operations, significantly benefiting farmers and the agricultural sector on the whole.

    To establish a strong value supply chain and support small, marginal, and landless farmers, the Government of India launched the Central Sector Scheme (CSS) for the formation and promotion of 10,000 FPOs, covering every block in the country. To date, around 9,200 FPOs have been formed, benefiting 24 lakh farmers, including 8.3 lakh women and 5.77 lakh ST and SC beneficiaries. These FPOs now have a combined annual turnover of over ₹1,300 crore, and they will also be dedicated by the Prime Minister to the nation during the event.

    In alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, an indigenous sex-sorted semen production technology will also be launched at the event. This affordable technology aims to increase the availability of sex-sorted semen for farmers, reducing the cost by approximately ₹200 per dose. Additionally, the Prime Minister will launch a Unified Genomic Chip – the ‘Gau Chip’ for cattle and ‘Mahish Chip’ for buffalo – developed by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD). This chip, tailored for Indian breeds, will enable farmers to make informed decisions on animal selection by identifying young, high-quality bulls at an early age, improving the efficiency of dairy farming in India.

    Looking ahead, the Prime Minister will also lead the e-Distribution of Letters of Award for around 3,000 MW under the KUSUM-C (MSKVY 2.0) scheme and the e-Distribution of Social Development Grants to Gram Panchayats. Five solar parks with a total capacity of 19 MW will be dedicated to the nation under MSKVY 2.0, contributing to sustainable power solutions and providing farmers with daytime electricity and an additional income source through land leasing.

    The 5 Solar parks are as follows:

    (i)   Dhondalgaon, Cha. Sambhaji Nagar-3 MW

    (ii)  Bamni Bk. Nanded – 5 MW

    (iii)   Kondgiri, Kolhapur – 3 MW

    (iv) Jalalabad, Akola – 3MW

    (v)  Palshi Bk. Buldhana – 5MW

     

    ******

    SS

    (Release ID: 2061928) Visitor Counter : 11

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA calls for financing model to fund climate change

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George has called for a comprehensive, outcomes-based financial model to effectively fund the global response to climate change.

    “For South Africa and many other developing countries, this is vitally important, given that financing available for adaptation is lagging behind,” George said on Thursday. 

    The Minister was speaking at the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers meeting in Brazil.

    He said Brazil, through the G20, has seen the need to prioritise scaling-up and expediting adaptation financing and strengthening institutional capacity, through measures such as increasing the volume of adaptation finance; and strengthening capacities to access financing promptly and to implement effective adaptation programmes and initiatives.

    “The impacts of climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss and pollution are severe and far-reaching and require innovative global solutions.

    “We must acknowledge the centrality of the United Nations system and must continue to adhere to agreed multilateral processes, including the negotiating of outcome documents.

    “We must continue to strive towards a balance of ambition and action on all three aspects of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC] and its Paris Agreement, namely mitigation, adaptation and the means of implementation,” George said.

    According to the United Nations, the UNFCCC is a multilateral treaty adopted in 1992 to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations “at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human-induced) interference with the climate system”.

    “Since entering into force in 1994, the UNFCCC has provided the basis for international climate negotiations, including landmark agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015),” it said.

    The Paris Agreement sets long-term goals to guide all nations to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and to provide financing to developing countries to mitigate climate change, among others.

    The Minister said a collaborative and comprehensive approach to maintaining the integrity of biodiversity assets and ecological infrastructure will play a fundamental role in achieving various social and economic development objectives.

    “We are committed to increase economic incentives for nature conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biological resources, with a focus on Payment for Ecosystem Services as a market-based instrument.

    “With regards to our oceans, South Africa with over 3 000 kilometres of coastline, has jurisdiction over one of the world’s largest exclusive economic zones, spanning the Atlantic, Indian and Southern Oceans. This represents a significant Oceans Economy asset for current and future generations,” the Minister said.

    South Africa has adopted the Marine Spatial Planning legislation and remains committed to the sustainable regulated use of our fishing resources and the active prevention of illegal fishing activity.

    The legislation intends to provide a framework for marine spatial planning in South Africa and to provide for institutional arrangements for the implementation of marine spatial plans and governance of the use of the ocean by multiple sectors, among others.

    South Africa also remains committed to the Inter-governmental Negotiating Committee process to develop an international agreement of a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

    “We are supportive of the work done by the G20 on Waste and Circular economy and are keen to take forward the outcomes to further develop an inclusive Circular Economy.

    “South Africa will continue to contribute its best effort to find solutions for these global environmental complexities,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister urges G20 to show leadership in addressing climate crisis

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The G20 needs to show leadership in addressing the climate crisis, says Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George.

    “The existential crisis of climate change is posing significant threats not only to human health and wellbeing, but is also exacerbating biodiversity loss, land degradation and other environmental complexities,” George said on Thursday at the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil. 

    The G20 is a group of 19 countries, as well as the African Union and the European Union, which defines itself as the premier forum for global economic cooperation. It brings together leaders and policymakers from the world’s major economies to discuss key economic, development and social issues. G20 members represent around 80% of global GDP, 75% of global exports and 60% of the global population.

    The Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) deals with current issues on the environmental and climate sustainability agenda, with a view to encouraging cooperation between G20 members on concrete and innovative solutions.

    The group’s main aim is to discuss preventive and emergency adaptation to extreme events, payments for ecosystem services, oceans, as well as waste and the circular economy.

    “As such, key areas of collaboration are proposed related to mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and importantly, climate finance – building on the discussions and outcomes of previous presidencies.

    “As a primary outcome, South Africa would like to explore ways that the G20 can leverage opportunities to increase the scale and flows of climate finance critical for both mitigation and adaptation efforts, whilst ensuring that the required investments reach the most vulnerable of society.

    “In this regard, it would be important to continue the fruitful discussions with the finance colleagues to enable the development of an effective, outcomes based financial model,” George said.

    South Africa is expected to take over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil from 1 December this year to November 2025.

    READ | SA’s G20 Presidency to prioritise Africa and Global South

    Under the South African Presidency, the G20 ECSWG will broadly focus on several pillars, namely, biodiversity and conservation; desertification; oceans and coasts; climate change and air quality, as well as chemicals and waste management, each with specific priorities.

    “South Africa recognises that oceans play an important role in socio-economic development. In this regard, the G20 provides a platform to exchange best practice in advancing marine spatial planning that could further support the sustainable utilisation of the ocean and coastal environment and combat illegal fishing. 

    “Plastic pollution is a major threat to the coastal and marine environment. Discussions on plastic pollution have been long ongoing in the G20, and South Africa will continue to foster collaboration among G20 members to address this pressing issue collectively,” the George said.

    He said waste management and the circular economy are recognised as areas of focus critical for transition to a low carbon, climate resilient economy. 

    “During South Africa’s G20 Presidency, we aim to foster enhanced collaboration on waste management policies and legislative instruments, including on waste to energy initiatives,” the Minister said.

    Waste to energy initiatives include various technologies that convert non-recyclable waste into usable forms of energy including heat, fuels and electricity. – SAnews.gov.za

     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Join author talks and more for Green Libraries Week

    Source: City of Leicester

    A FASCINATING talk on travel, an insight into the mind of a local crime writer and the tale of an amusing encounter with a Time Lord are among the events on offer next week for Green Libraries Week.

    From 7-13 October, Green Libraries Week will put Leicester’s libraries in the spotlight, featuring everything from poetry and author talks to energy advice and craft activities – and it’s all free.

    On Wednesday at St Barnabas Library, crime author Champak Chauhan will talk about his work, his background in Leicester and how he came up with the character of DI Rohan Sharma, a relatively new and inexperienced homicide detective charged with finding a psychopathic killer.

    Join award-winning travel writer Ash Bhardwaj (pictured) for a talk at the Central Library on Thursday (10 Oct), when he’ll be giving a fascinating insight into his motivations for travel, how to do it better, and how it can help us to live a more fulfilling life. Ash’s journeys have included a recent 8,500km overland expedition from the top of Norway to Romania; retracing the footsteps of a Second World War special mission by British forces in the Albanian Alps, and accompanying renowned explorer Levison Wood for 700 miles of his Walking The Nile expedition in Uganda and Sudan.

    Also on Thursday, Lizzie Lamb and Adrienne Vaughan from the Romantic Novelists’ Association will be detailing their writing adventures at Knighton Library. “A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Typewriter” will include tales of amusing encounters with a starry cast of writers, actors, singers, royals, and even a Time Lord!

    As well as author talks and readings, there are lots of events taking place to highlight the diverse range of activities that take place at libraries, with a focus on climate and sustainability.

    Find out about conservation and volunteering with Leicester Environmental Volunteers at Hamilton Library on Tuesday 8 October; or join one of the energy advice drop-in sessions taking place at Leicester’s Central Library on Monday 7, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 October, from 11am-1pm.

    Leicester Adult Education will be offering free taster sessions and learning activities at city libraries throughout the week, and craft and wellbeing activities will also be on offer.

    Everything is free, but spaces may be limited, so booking is advised. To book, call or drop in to your local library.

    Assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Libraries Week is an opportunity for people to discover all that their local library has to offer. Activities are taking on a ‘green’ theme, which gives us a great chance to show people how easy it can be to live more sustainably. I hope people will really enjoy getting involved with Green Libraries Week.”

    More information and a full list of everything that’s on offer throughout the week is available at leicester.gov.uk/librariesweek

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 13 private properties receive Gold Awards for best landscape design and maintenance (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Winners of the Best Landscape Award for Private Property Development 2024, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), were announced at a prize presentation ceremony today (October 4). Thirteen private properties with outstanding landscape design and quality horticultural maintenance received Gold Awards. Thirty Merit Awards and 12 Environmental Efficiency Awards were also given out at the ceremony to commend organisations for their efforts in greening and enhancing public awareness of green issues.
     
         Addressing the ceremony, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu, said the Best Landscape Award, held once every two years, is one of the LCSD’s major activities to promote greening. The award aims to honour private property developments that excel in landscape design and horticultural maintenance.
     
         Mr Liu added that to offer members of the public more green space, last year the LCSD planted over 500 flowering trees in Sha Tin Park and along Shing Mun River and Yuen Long Nullah. Over the next five years, 2 500 additional trees will be planted in leisure venues and along roads across all the 18 districts to create more flower-viewing hotspots. Also, the LCSD has started to systematically replace senescent Acacia confusa with other flowering trees, in compliance with the Development Bureau’s guidelines. This serves the dual aim of reducing the risk of tree collapses and satisfying public interest in flower appreciation. Replacement work has started in Victoria Peak Garden, Sai Kung and Kwun Tong; by the end of the year, around 400 trees are expected to be planted.

         Apart from planting trees and shrubs, the LCSD has been organising a wide range of community engagement and public education activities. The Best Landscape Award is a notable example. The response to this year’s competition was fervent, with close to 200 nominated entries received. Each entry had its own characteristics, demonstrating the immense efforts made by the participating organisations in greening.
     
         In terms of landscape design, the winning projects integrated distinctive landscape features, large trees, seasonal flowers and plants to create a natural and soothing haven. Rooftop gardening and vertical greening concepts were also employed to enhance greenery coverage.
     
         As for horticultural maintenance, some winning projects highlighted plant care and adopted a variety of environmentally friendly measures to promote environmental awareness and green living. These served to reduce the effects of urban heat island and also offer comfortable greening spaces to residents.
     
         The prize presentation ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today. Other officiating guests included representatives from the co-organisers. They were the President of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Mr Benny Chan; the President of the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects, Mr Paul Chan; the Chairman of the Professional Green Building Council, Mr Kenneth Yun; the President of the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies, Dr Edmond Cheng; Vice President of the Institute of Horticulture (Hong Kong) Mr Kingsley Choi; and the Chairman of the Planning and Development Division of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, Mr Victor Ng.
     
         The competition presented awards in five categories. The Gold Award winners are as follows:
     
    Domestic property:
     
    (1) Large-scale Domestic Property (with a site area of 20 000 square metres or above)
    i) Properties below six years of age: Wetland Seasons Bay
    ii) Properties between six and below 21 years of age: Valais
    iii) Properties of 21 years of age or above: Aegean Coast
     
    (2) Medium-scale Domestic Property (with a site area from 2 000 sq m to below 20 000 sq m)
    i) Properties below six years of age: Mount Regency
    ii) Properties between six and below 21 years of age: 18 Farm Road
    iii) Properties of 21 years of age or above: Royal Peninsula
     
    (3) Small-scale Domestic Property (with a site area under 2 000 sq m)
    i) Properties below six years of age: The Holborn
    ii) Properties between six and below 21 years of age: Lime Habitat
     
    Non-domestic property (such as hotels, shopping malls, commercial buildings, schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme [private premises] and private schools):
     
    (4) Large-scale Non-domestic Property (with a gross floor area of 40 000 sq m or above)
    i) Properties below six years of age: AIRSIDE
    ii) Properties between six and below 21 years of age: Domain
    iii) Properties of 21 years of age or above: Nina Mall 1 – Nina Park
     
    (5) Small and Medium-scale Non-domestic Property (with a gross floor area under 40 000 sq m)
    i) Properties below six years of age: Union Hospital Extension
    ii) Properties between six and below 21 years of age: Lee Tung Avenue
     
         The results of the Best Landscape Award are available on the LCSD webpage
    http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/green/property/awards/awards_2024.html.                           

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – DOH Alerts Public to ANSWERS Brand Dog Food Recall Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – DOH Alerts Public to ANSWERS Brand Dog Food Recall Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

    Posted on Oct 3, 2024 in Latest Department News, Main, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    DOH ALERTS PUBLIC TO ANSWERS BRAND DOG FOOD RECALL DUE TO POTENTIAL SALMONELLA AND
    LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES CONTAMINATION

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
     October 3, 2024                                                                                                      24-132

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch (FDB) is alerting residents to a recall issued by Lystn, LLC for certain lots of raw dog food products because of potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. These products were sold directly to consumers online and through local boutique pet stores. The FDB is following up with local pet stores to ensure that the recalled products are no longer available for sale.

    Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

    Pets do not always display symptoms when infected with Salmonella, but signs can include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, loss of appetite and/or decreased activity level. If your pet has these symptoms, consult a veterinarian promptly. You should also be aware that infected pets can shed the bacteria in their feces without showing signs of being sick.

    Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious and sometimes fatal infection in pets that eat Listeria-contaminated food. Listeriosis illnesses in pets are rare, and infected pets may display symptoms including mild to severe diarrhea, anorexia, fever, nervousness, muscular and respiratory issues, miscarriage, depression, shock and death. Pets exposed to contaminated food can also be asymptomatic. Infected pets, even those without symptoms, can transfer Listeria monocytogenes through their feces and saliva into the home environment and to people and other pets in the household. If your pet has eaten the recalled product(s) identified as below, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

    People can become infected with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes illness by handling the contaminated products, having contact with pets that have eaten the contaminated products, and/or having contact with surfaces that have touched the contaminated food, such as bowls, utensils or countertops. Risk of illness increases if people do not thoroughly wash their hands after handling the food or having contact with their pet, or by not thoroughly cleaning contaminated surfaces. Risk of illness also increases for those who are very young, very old, or have weak immune systems.

    People infected with Salmonella can develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Most people recover without treatment, but in some people, the diarrhea may be severe enough to require hospitalization. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and then to other body sites unless the person is treated promptly. Consult your health care provider if you have symptoms of Salmonella infection.

    Listeria monocytogenes can also cause listeriosis in people, a disease that can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. Healthy individuals may suffer symptoms such as fever, severe headache, muscle aches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and or diarrhea. Although people can develop listeriosis up to two months after exposure, symptoms will usually start within several days from exposure, often with diarrhea. Listeriosis may be treated with antibiotics. Contact your health care provider immediately if you are exhibiting symptoms after having been exposed to any of the recalled products.

    To date, there have been no reports of illness or adverse events attributed to the recalled products. The FDB advises consumers to check for the products listed below by “best used-by date” (BUBD) and do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Use gloves — do not touch the food product with bare hands — and seal the contaminated food in a plastic trash bag and dispose to make it inaccessible to children, pets and wildlife. Areas that may have touched the contaminated product should be sanitized.

    If you have any recalled products and would like a refund, please submit a receipt, product pictures and the retailer’s information to [email protected]. For additional inquiries, you can also email ANSWERS Pet Food at the same address.

    Product descriptions and relevant information for the recalled products are listed below:

    Product Name Size Best Used-By Date (BUBD) Representative Image
    ANSWERS Pet Food Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs/856554002102 4 pounds (half-gallon carton) May 6, 2026
    ANSWERS Pet Food Straight Beef Formula for Dogs/856554002072 4 pounds (half-gallon carton) Jan. 31, 2026
    ANSWERS Pet Food Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs/856554002065 4 pounds (half-gallon carton) Jan. 2, 2026

    March 11, 2026

    # # #

    Media Contacts:

    Michael Burke

    Environmental Health Program Manager

    Hawaiʻi State Department of Health

    [email protected]

    Kristen Wong

    Information Specialist

    Hawaiʻi State Department of Health

    808-586-4407

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft supports projects to study and preserve biodiversity

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On October 4, the whole world celebrates Animal Protection Day, which was established in 1931 with the aim of drawing attention to the problems of preserving the inhabitants of our planet.

    Rosneft pays special attention to environmental issues and biodiversity conservation. Environmental care is an integral part of the Company’s corporate culture and social responsibility. The protection and preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity is one of Rosneft’s main environmental goals until 2035.

    The Company is implementing the largest Arctic region study program since Soviet times. Over 50 expeditions have been conducted over 12 years, during which the country’s leading scientists have studied key species-bioindicators of Arctic ecosystem stability: polar bear, Atlantic walrus, wild reindeer and ivory gull. This has allowed them to collect a unique array of information about the Arctic animal world. The data obtained is used to create a series of ecological atlases by Rosneft and Innopraktika.

    In 2024, as part of the national project “Ecology”, the Company launched a new research program called “Tamura”. In the period up to 2027, it is planned to study reindeer, polar bear, valuable bird species, and fish in the mouth of the Yenisei River on the Taimyr Peninsula. In total, ten expeditions will be conducted over four years. This season, scientists have already carried out field work to study birds on the Brekhov Islands, as well as large islands of the Yenisei Gulf. The total length of the air routes of the bird study expedition conducted in the Krasnoyarsk Territory exceeded 4,000 km.

    In addition, with the support of Rosneft, a research expedition to study wild reindeer was organized within the Tamura program. The total length of the expedition’s boat routes to study wild reindeer exceeded 2,800 km, and the area of aerial observations was 360 thousand km2. Rosneft has been studying wild reindeer since 2014. During this time, large-scale ground and aerial surveys of animals were conducted in Evenkia and Taimyr. Using satellite tags installed on the reindeer, scientists tracked their full annual migration cycle for the first time, and also identified seasonal behavior patterns.

    The Company pays special attention to the study and conservation of the polar bear. Scientists from the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, together with the Company’s specialists, conducted a full-scale census of the polar bear population distribution during the ice-free period on the northwestern coast of the Taimyr Peninsula and the islands of the Kara Sea as part of the Tamura program. The total length of the polar bear study expedition’s air routes exceeded 2,500 km, and the scientists encountered 50 Arctic predators in total. For the first time in Russian practice, ear radio tags were placed not only on females, but also on males.

    Rosneft, together with the non-governmental development institute Innopraktika and the Center for Full Genome Sequencing, are implementing a unique project to create a genomic database of living organisms in the Russian Arctic. This information is needed for long-term planning of the region’s sustainable development and the preservation of its fragile ecosystems. Among the priority projects is the assembly of the polar bear’s full genome.

    Since 2013, Rosneft has been the guardian of all polar bears living in Russian zoos. Currently, the Company patronizes 34 polar bears in 16 zoos in the country, providing them with care, feeding, veterinary support, and updating their enclosures. With the support of the Company, special toys have been developed to increase the physical activity of the animals. In addition, Rosneft is implementing a program to rescue and rehabilitate young polar bears left in the wild without the care of their mothers.

    Rosneft also supports programs to preserve the Amur tiger population – interacting with specially protected natural areas in the predator’s habitat, rehabilitation and reintroduction centers for animals. With the Company’s participation, equipment and transport for scientific purposes are purchased, and social infrastructure for scientists is being built.

    In 2024, scientists from the Siberian Federal University, with the support of Rosneft, analyzed the state of the wolf population in the Evenki District of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The result of the research was a set of recommendations from specialists on improving the regulation of the number of predators to maintain the balance of ecosystems. In total, the researchers conducted 67 field trips to various areas and reserves of Yenisei Siberia. Specialists developed a method for calculating the number of predators, according to which the wolf population in Evenkia numbers 2,600 individuals.

    The study and protection of the whale and dolphin population is one of the areas of the Company’s environmental program. As part of environmental monitoring when supporting Rosneft projects, observations are made from ships of all mammals found in the vast expanses of the seas, including whales and dolphins. One of the main species that receives close attention is the gray whale of the Okhotsk Sea population. The program for monitoring the Okhotsk Sea population of gray whales on the northeastern shelf of Sakhalin Island has been conducted for 27 years. As part of the program, the population size is annually counted, animal behavior is observed, their food supply is studied, photo-identification studies and acoustic monitoring are carried out.

    In addition, in 2020, Rosneft, together with the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, implemented a large-scale project to study and monitor Black Sea dolphins. Based on the results of 3 years of observations, modern up-to-date data were obtained on the number and preferred habitats of Black Sea dolphins, and the characteristics of their seasonal distribution. Recommendations were prepared for the study and conservation of Black Sea cetaceans.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 4, 2024

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/220882/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New energy efficiency grants for homes not heated by mains gas

    Source: City of York

    Eligible households in York which aren’t heated by mains gas are being given free energy-efficiency boosts by the Council for greater comfort, lower bills and less carbon output.

    During this month of environmental action in York (14 September-12 October), residents are being urged to check their eligibility and grab a grant for measures suitable for their home.

    The grants are for up to 60 households which are owned or privately rented. They offer energy-efficiency measures suitable for homes ranging from insulation upgrades to modern low-carbon heating systems or even photovoltaic panels. Eligible homeowners can get 100% grants and eligible private landlords can get 66% grants.

    Eligible homes must:

    • have a total household annual income of £36,000 or less, or live in specific areas
    • be heated primarily by non-gas fuel such as oil, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), coal, solid fuels or electricity
    • have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower.

    If the household is eligible and the home is suitable, the grant can be used for one or a number of improvements. These could include:

    • Wall, loft and floor insulation
    • New, efficient low-carbon heating system
    • Solar photovoltaic (PV) which generate free electricity
    • High heat-retaining electric storage heaters.

    Sixteen postcodes in York have been identified where residents can automatically qualify for the grant if their home isn’t heated mainly by gas and has an EPC rating of D or below. Residents can see if they live in a pre-qualified area using this interactive map – simply add the address or postcode in the search bar to find out.

    Residents living outside those postcodes in a home with an EPC rating of D or below and isn’t heated mainly by gas, will be eligible only if their household income is £36,000 or less.

    If a home’s EPC rating is unknown, please contact the Council’s delivery partner, Clear Climate, to discuss an assessment as part of your application.

    Steve Coupland, a resident of Stockton on the Forest, applied and qualified for a grant for his bungalow. For the council, contractor Clear Climate assessed his home and installed 300 millimetre-thick loft insulation, and a low-carbon heating system via an air source heat pump (ASHP) which is about three times more efficient than LPG, oil, electricity and gas boilers.

    The ASHP now provides him with hot water for a new central heating system and six new radiators, the system can be controlled by a phone app or a control panel. He has access to instant hot water throughout his home fed by his new accompanying insulated hot water tank.

    Steve said:

    The loft insulation has made a vast difference already: it’s 300mm deep now which is really warm so I’ve not needed to switch on my new heating yet. The installation was a fantastic job: clean and tidy and they were in and out in three days.

    “Last winter was a bit grim, but this year I’m hoping the insulation and heating system will halve my bills at least.”

    Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, said:

    Don’t wait to get your grant! The improvements will help your home stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, while saving on carbon emissions and on your energy bills. They’re designed not to be too disruptive to install – and you’ll certainly feel the difference when they’re in.

    “If you’re eligible, please take up this terrific offer to benefit you and future generations who live in your home!”

    Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment, said:

    Every house is different and the solution for your home will be tailor-made to ensure that it is more comfortable and cheaper to run. We look at each house construction and where it needs insulation to stop heat escaping. Then we check if it’s suitable for electricity generating panels and/or identify the most effective form of low-energy heating with the lowest carbon impact.

    “60 upgrades are on offer and we want them all to be used; check if you qualify and get in touch with the team.”

    City of York Council is writing to eligible residents and is working with contractor Clear Climate to deliver this project, and who are visiting pre-qualified postcodes.

    Other funding is being used by the Council to improve energy efficiency in council homes.

    To find out if you and your home are eligible and to see the pre-qualifying postcodes, please visit http://www.york.gov.uk/HUG or contact Clear Climate by calling 0191 710 2550, texting 0786 090 7354 or emailing sales@clearclimate.co.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –