Question for written answer E-002494/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Erik Kaliňák (NI)
Recently, the media reported that the Commission had been providing annual support to environmental NGOs, allegedly amounting to six-figure sums, to lobby for and promote positions that often run counter to the official positions of the Commission itself. This was reportedly the case with the planned agreement with Mercosur, where the Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment allegedly lobbied against the conclusion of an agreement prepared by another Directorate-General of the same Commission – the Directorate-General for Trade[1].
In light of this, I would like to ask:
1.Can the Commission confirm the accuracy of the information reported in the media?
2.If so, what legal action has the Commission taken against the officials who mishandled EU citizens’ money in such a way?
3.What measures has the Commission taken to prevent a similar situation from recurring in the future?
A t the EU level, Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC[1] sets basic restrictions and reference levels to guide the Member States on ensuring protection of the general public from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), in line with the guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection adopted in 1998. The Commission regularly mandates independent scientific experts to assess new scientific evidence.
In its most recent Opinion[2], the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks concluded that there is no moderate or strong level evidence of adverse effects on human health from exposure to electromagnetic fields in the radio frequency range (100 kHz to 300 GHz) at levels below the limits set in the annexes to Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC.
Therefore, there does not appear to be any risk from the development of wireless technologies using these frequencies within the recommended limits, including 5G.
At present time, EU legal acts on EMF aim to ensure a high-level of protection of the general public in line with international standards, but an independent assessment of the impact on climate and the environment is not included.
[1] Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz), OJ L 199, 30.7.1999, p. 59 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31999H0519.
The communication on the marine action plan (AP) seeks enhanced cooperation amongst all the stakeholders involved to achieve the most sustainable use of fishery resources while minimising the impact of activities in the framework of existing legislation.
The roadmaps are a suggestion on how the Commission envisages that Member States could plan their activities with the objectives of the AP in mind.
As identified in the in the mid-term review of the 8th Environment action programme[1], few Member States delivered roadmaps. Their submission by the Member States is not a legal requirement.
The Commission is directly involved in constant dialogue with the Member States to adopt the most appropriate fisheries management measures for the sustainable use of marine resources.
Progress has been made on both the Commission and Member State sides. The absence of roadmaps for some Member States should not detract from the progress towards the objectives proposed by the AP.
The Commission will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with Member States to adopt robust measures that are fit for purpose, with or without a national roadmap in place.
Dialogues include Member States through several Commission expert groups[2], as well as other stakeholders in the framework of the Joint Special Group established under the AP.
Following the outcomes of these groups, and taking into account other relevant policy developments, the Commission will continue to monitor the situation in the context of whether further measures or proposals are necessary to work towards the objectives of the AP.
In addition, the Commission now counts on the Nature Restoration Regulation[3], with clear targets and objectives, to complement the ambition of the action plan.
[2] Such as the Member States’ Fisheries Regional Groups, the Marine Expert Group and the Marine Strategy Coordination Group.
[3] Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869, OJ, 29.7.2024.
The REACH Regulation has restricted the placing on the market and use of some per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); a dossier for additional restrictions on the whole PFAS family is ongoing[1][2][3].
The proposal for a Soil Monitoring Law[4] introduces a monitoring framework for EU soils and a register of potentially contaminated and contaminated sites. The proposed revision of the water policy introduces maximum concentrations for several PFAS[5].
The EU Soil Observatory[6] works with EU laboratories and standardisation committees on a baseline for future PFAS monitoring in the EU and provides technical guidance to the Member States.
The European Environment Agency maintains a database of examples of PFAS hotspots[7], tracking the presence and sources of PFAS in the environment, and their potential impacts on human health.
The Commission actively supports research on PFAS in soils. Under the EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’[8], two projects work on the identification of contaminants of emerging concern including PFAS[9]. SOILPROM[10] and PHISHES[11] m odel pollutant transport (including PFAS) across the soil-water-atmosphere interfaces. E-SPFdigit[12] focuses on novel on-site (soil, plant and food) digital services on chemical and biological contaminants including PFAS.
Relevant Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 projects focus on strategies for prevention and removal of persistent chemicals including PFAS[13], monitoring of emerging pollutants[14], detection, monitoring and remediation[15], and PFAS in the soil-sediment- water system[16]. More projects will also be funded on this issue[17]. Other EU programmes[18] also fund research on this topic. The Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals[19] develops next-generation chemical risk assessments.
[1] Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC (Text with EEA relevance)Text with EEA relevance.
[2] Currently, a broad PFAS REACH restriction is under assessment. This was reflected in n a recent question from the European Parliament (EPQ-E-001152/2025).
[3] Some PFAS have a harmonised classification and labelling under the CLP Regulation. REGULATION (EU) 2024/2865 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 23 October 2024 amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (Text with EEA relevance).
[4] Proposal for a DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on Soil Monitoring and Resilience (Soil Monitoring Law) COM/2023/416 final.
[5] Proposal for a DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL amending Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, Directive 2006/118/EC on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration and Directive 2008/105/EC on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy (Text with EEA relevance) {SEC(2022) 540 final} — {SWD(2022) 540 final} — {SWD(2022) 543 final}.
[17] More specifically, Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Work Programme 2025 includes a call (HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-07) that aims, among other things, to monitor emerging pollutants (which could include PFAS) coming from the food and drink industries.
[18] such as Life Programme and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.
With the summer holidays underway, now is a good time to highlight the dangers posed to humans and pets by blue-green algae and the importance of reporting any sightings of the algae.
As a precautionary measure, warning signage will be erected at sites where blue-green algae has been detected, to warn visitors of its presence and advise that adults, children, and animals should avoid contact with the algae and the water close to it due to its harmful effects.
Swallowing the water can cause stomach upsets or severe illness to people and death to animals. Contact with the water or the blue-green algae can also cause rashes and skin problems.
HOW TO REPORT BLUE-GREEN ALGAE
Members of the public are advised to report concerns using the Bloomin’ Algae App to help provide a rapid and more comprehensive picture of harmful algal blooms in the area and inform the relevant environment agency, local authority or landowner. Alternatively you can visit, click here: https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae
WHAT IS BLUE-GREEN ALGAE?
Blue-green algae are natural inhabitants of many inland waters, estuaries and the sea. Although referred to as algae they are, in fact, a type of bacteria (known as cyanobacteria) with the ability to use the sun’s energy to make food in the same way that many plants do. They may be found in suspension, attached to rocks and other surfaces at the bottom of shallow waterbodies and along the edges of lakes and rivers. The term blue-green algae includes a number of different species.
All species of blue-green algae need nutrients – nitrates and phosphates – to grow. If the water is enriched with nutrients and there is calm, sunny and warm weather conditions, then the growth may become excessive resulting in algal blooms.
These algal blooms cause the water to appear discoloured green, blue-green or greenish-brown and some species can produce a musty odour. When the blooms die, they break down, using up oxygen in the water and cause problems for other aquatic life, such as fish. In calm, warm weather some bloom-forming species will rise to the water surface and form a scum which may again be coloured.
For reasons not fully understood, some bloom and scum-forming blue-green algae are capable of producing toxins. Although many blue-green algae blooms are not toxic, some produce nerve or liver toxins and it is therefore safest to assume toxins could be present
In their most dangerous form, both in quantity and species, blooms have caused death in cows, sheep and dogs drinking significant concentrations at the water’s edge.
WHO IS AT RISK AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Human health risk from exposure to blue-green algae toxins can arise through swallowing or inhaling water containing the algae and through prolonged direct contact with exposed parts of the body including the skin, and sensitive areas such as ears, eyes, mouth and throat.
Different groups of water users are at different levels of risk, depending on the amount of time they are likely to spend in/close to the affected water. Participants in descending order of likely risk are as follows:
Swimmers, paddlers, children playing at the water’s edge, dogs, other animals including some farm animals, fishermen using the bank and water’s edge.
Windsurfers whose level of competence puts them at risk in the prevailing wind conditions of becoming immersed in or blowing into areas of algal scum.
Dinghy sailors, catamaran sailors, canoeists and windsurfers competent for the prevailing conditions.
Other boat users and fishermen fishing from a boat or pontoon.
Essentially the more likely you are to come into direct contact with the algal scum, the greater the risk of effects of exposure. Symptoms of those affected could be easily confused with a range of other illnesses so it is important to be aware of the risk of blue-green algae as a contributory factor.
Swallowing and/or inhalation can result in mouth and nose ulcers, blistering of the lips, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscular pains, sore throat, dry cough, headaches, hay fever symptoms, dizziness and fatigue.
The Ministry of Environment invites everyone to enjoy Saskatchewan’s beautiful lakes and rivers by trying out recreational fishing – no licence needed – during the province’s annual summer Free Fishing Weekend July 12 and 13. Grab your gear, gather your family and friends and have fun!
“Saskatchewan is renowned for its world-class sportfishing, and we encourage everyone to enjoy a truly remarkable experience,” Environment Minister Travis Keisig said. “Free Fishing Weekend is the ideal time to discover the province’s incredible fishing opportunities and enjoy the outdoors.”
During Free Fishing Weekend, anglers can cast a line without a licence on any public waters open to sport fishing. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind: the event does not apply within national parks, a valid licence is required to take fish out of the province, and all other fishing regulations, including possession limits, remain in effect.
2025 marks the 36th year of Free Fishing Weekend, which began in 1989 to increase public awareness about the diverse angling opportunities in the province. A winter Free Fishing Weekend was added in 2015.
For more information about fishing in Saskatchewan, check the ministry’s Anglers Guide, available wherever fishing licences are sold, or online at saskatchewan.ca/fishing.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
King’s Birthday Party 2025: His Majesty’s Ambassador Alyson King’s speech
His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo Alyson King’s speech on the King’s Birthday Party delivered on 19 June.
Your Excellency the President of the Republic, represented here by his principal advisor in charge of the College of Environment, Urban Planning and Mobility, HE Ambassador Tosi Mpanu Mpanu,
Honourable Senators and Members of Parliament,
Your Excellencies, distinguished members of the national and provincial governments, and their representatives here present,
Madam SRSG and Head of MONUSCO,
Excellencies, my fellow Ambassadors and heads of international organisations,
Dear members of the diplomatic corps and international organisations,
Distinguished religious and civil authorities, members of political parties,
Dear partners,
Eminent representatives of civil society and the world of culture,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,
Dear friends,
All protocol observed
Boyei malamu na moto nyonso! (Welcome to everyone!)
Thank you all for coming. Your presence helps to create a special atmosphere as we celebrate the official birthday of King Charles III. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the links between the UK and the DRC.
The UK established its first diplomatic mission here in 1902, when a British consulate was built in the then capital, Boma.
But even though our relationship is 123 years old this year, I think we’re just getting started!
I’m going to repeat what I said last year:
We still do not know each other as well as we might. It remains my firm conviction that the more we know and understand each other, the more opportunities we will find to do good things together.
That’s enough recycling, at least for words!
The past year has been marked by undeniably negative events, and I’d like to say a few words about them before turning to more encouraging aspects.
In January, the battle for Goma began when Rwandan troops and the M23 attacked. Many civilians died, as did members of MONUSCO and SAMIDRC. Many people were forced to move – once again – and numerous human rights violations were committed by all the actors on the ground. I was forced to close our office in Goma.
A few days later, several embassies – both African and Western – and diplomatic residences in Kinshasa were attacked and looted. Perhaps the oldest principle of international public law is “don’t shoot the messenger”. Peaceful demonstration is an essential democratic right and freedom; as diplomats, we are there to understand and convey messages, particularly when the situation is difficult. But this type of violence is unacceptable and counter-productive. It delayed the international response to events in the east of the country rather than encouraging it.
Today, a record 5 million people live under occupation in the east of the DRC, under the administration of a UN-sanctioned rebel group.
I want to be very clear.
The UK Government condemns the actions of all illegal armed groups in eastern DRC, including the M23. The UK Government has expressed its deep concern about the support of the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) to the M23 in offensives that violate the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In response, the UK Government has announced a major reassessment of its policy towards Kigali, including the suspension of the majority of its financial support.
Security Council Resolution 2773, adopted unanimously by its 15 members, calls for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the M23 and the RDF. It has not yet been implemented. We welcome all the efforts currently being made to find a political solution to this situation.
At a time when the international system based on norms and international law is being called into question, whether in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan or the DRC, leadership is required more than ever.
This leadership must be both courageous and wise, ready to take the necessary difficult measures and brave reforms.
Against this backdrop, there are many reasons to be optimistic about relations between the UK and the DRC.
You’ll see many examples of our collaboration in this garden.
I’m delighted to welcome back some of our Chevening alumni, and even more delighted to announce that we are increasing the number of scholarships available to talented young Congolese leaders to study for a Masters degree, fully funded by the UK, in the UK.
Much of the UK’s work in the country is targeted at communities in the east. For example, new UK funding will provide clean water and sanitation to around 200,000 displaced people, in partnership with UNICEF and the SAFER consortium.
On this day, International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, I would like to underline the priority that the UK Government gives to supporting survivors of sexual violence and fighting impunity. I reiterate my congratulations to the DRC for being the first state in the world to condemn the crime of forced pregnancy. I hope we can work together to provide global leadership on these vital issues in the years ahead.
We congratulate the DRC on its election to the Security Council as of 1 January and look forward to working together on issues crucial to international peace and security.
In the field of health, our partnerships with UNICEF and the WHO are supporting the government’s response to the ongoing Mpox and cholera epidemics, and helping more than 4.4 million Congolese people. I was delighted to meet some Mpox survivors in Kinshasa recently; one young man thought he would never get out of hospital alive because he was so ill. Looking at him today, you’d never guess, he’s so healthy and cheerful.
On climate and the environment, the UK co-chairs the Donor College of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership in the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI). Our new £90 million action programme supports local communities around the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, improving economic livelihoods while preserving forests and nature.
And I’m proud that our programme is also building the DRC’s capacity in climate science in collaboration with British universities.
I would like to salute the work of the Head of State, for his renewed commitment to economic reform. Tangible improvements to the business climate, such as simpler and more predictable procedures and taxation, as well as greater transparency, will attract foreign direct investment and lead to the creation of well-paid jobs.
British companies have shown their interest in the economic potential of the DRC. For example, British International Investment’s investment alongside DP World in the DRC’s first deep-water container port at Banana will open up new infrastructure and international trade opportunities for the country.
As a global centre of mining expertise, trade and finance, the UK is particularly well placed to support the DRC’s ambition to develop its mining sector and bring its critical minerals, which are vital to global economies, to all Congolese.
This evening, I’m delighted that several Congolese companies with links to the UK are here, and in particular several of them have been able to contribute to this fantastic event.
I would like to thank our generous sponsors: Socimex, Rawbank, Vodacom, G4S, Helios Towers, HJ Hospital, Médecins de Nuit, Diageo, Canalbox, Manga Flore Gardening Services, Centre Médical Diamant and BAM’s Clean, without whom this evening would not have been possible.
My thanks also go to my team who work tirelessly, not just for this event, but also for their dedication on a daily basis enabling the Embassy to function well and for us make a difference.
Dear guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Democratic Republic of Congo is an important partner and friend for the United Kingdom. In recent years, the ties of friendship between our two countries have grown stronger. H.E. President Felix Tshisekedi was one of the first heads of state to meet His Majesty King Charles III after his accession to the throne.
We salute the work of H.E. Mrs Judith Suminwa, the first female Prime Minister of the DRC, and all the members of the Government present here today.
My country’s wish is to embark on the next phase of this relationship, working in collaboration with the DRC’s leaders, civil society, businesses and health and climate experts.
I sincerely hope that we’ll get to know each other better and that we’ll achieve even more great things together.
head of Fourth of July weekend and in preparation for beach and swimming season, Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on measures to watch out for sharks and other potentially dangerous marine life at Long Island State Parks this summer. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), expanded and updated surveillance capability, including new drones and drone operators, at Long Island State Park beaches.
“Our Long Island State Park beaches are cherished by New Yorkers and visitors alike — perfect places to get offline, get outside and enjoy the outdoors.” Governor Hochul said. “We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions. I encourage all beachgoers to stay safe, stay alert and always follow the direction of lifeguards and park staff.”
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) lifeguards continuously scan and patrol the waters from shore and by surfboat and personal watercraft for any dangerous marine life, such as sharks. Park Police and Park staff actively patrol the beachfront as well, using drones to search the water for dangerous marine life or large schools of fish that may attract them. State Parks’ expanded surveillance capabilities this summer include:
Added 6 drones to its 22 currently in operation for a total of 28 drones;
Trained 8 new drone pilots for a total of 48 drone operators among operations staff, lifeguards and Park Police; and
Assigned one large enterprise drone to Park Police with thermal imaging, laser range finding, and high-quality cameras to allow for night-time surveillance and patrols in adverse weather conditions. This drone can also drop personal flotation devices in emergencies.
When there are shark sightings and/or interactions in State Parks beaches, swimming is suspended, and all swimmers are cleared from the water. State Parks works with the DEC to confirm potential shark sightings. Swimming is allowed to resume at least one hour after the last confirmed sighting. State Park lifeguards, Park Police and park staff stay on high alert and patrol the waters for dangerous marine life. In addition, the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group, composed of more than 200 individuals from municipalities, agencies, and private beach operators stretching from Queens through Long Island, is notified so they may take appropriate action in their respective jurisdictions.
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said, “Our staff is well prepared to safeguard beachgoers this summer season, and we’re excited to adopt the latest technology to be even more effective. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation for their continued support and partnership in keeping these beaches as safe as possible. I encourage beachgoers to follow guidance and directions from parks staff and be shark smart while enjoying their summer fun.”
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Visits to Long Island’s ocean beaches are a treasured part of summer plans for New Yorkers and out-of-state visitors alike. Being aware of rip currents, following the State’s shark safety guidance, and keeping in mind that our coastal areas are part of a wild and natural marine ecosystem will help swimmers avoid danger while enjoying some fun in the sun. Thanks to Governor Hochul, DEC and our partners at State Parks have the necessary tools to keep an eye on the water and help ensure all beachgoers recreate safely.”
New Yorkers are encouraged to follow shark safety guidance:
Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds;
Avoid swimming at dusk, night, and dawn;
Avoid murky water;
Swim, paddle and surf in groups;
Stay close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom; and
Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and Parks’ staff.
Humans assume risk whenever they enter any wild environment, whether on land or in the water. Although it is impossible to eliminate risk altogether, ocean users can modify their behavior to minimize potential interactions with sharks and reduce overall risk. When in the ocean, follow DEC’s shark safety guidelines to minimize the potential for negative interactions with sharks.
New Technology Helps Improve Awareness of Rip Currents In the Long Island Region of New York, State Parks purchased two virtual reality headsets to improve public awareness and understanding of the dangers of rip currents. Members of the public can use these headsets at water safety outreach events at New York State Parks’ beaches, May 31-September 6, 2025. The technology is bilingual, with instruction available in both English and Spanish. The headsets employ technology developed by Hofstra University Professor Jase Bernhardt and developer Frank Martin, funded by New York Sea Grant.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along coastlines. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lifeguards rescue tens of thousands of people from rip currents in the U.S. every year, but it is estimated that 100 people are killed by rip currents annually.
Rip currents usually form near a shallow point in the water, and can happen at any beach with breaking waves, including the beaches on the Great Lakes. If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm and don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, and float or tread water if you begin to tire. Learn more about rip currents.
The Long Island Region Water Safety Education Program initiative started at Robert Moses Field 5 last year. For summer 2025, programming has been expanded to other parks in the region, including:
July 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunken Meadow State Park: Field 1 Boardwalk
July 25 , 4-8 p.m., Robert Moses State Park: Field 5
August 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Heckscher State Park
August 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wildwood State Park: Beachfront
August 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunken Meadow State Park: Field 1 Boardwalk
September 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Captree State Park: Dockside Festival
Richard Zagger, 58, of Blue Point, New York, was sentenced yesterday to one year in prison and two years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to a four-count indictment charging him with conspiracy and obstruction of official proceedings relating to an investigation into a fatal construction accident.
Zagger was a supervisor for Northridge Construction Corporation, located in East Patchogue, Long Island, New York. As part of his duties, Zagger was responsible for overseeing Northridge employees who were assembling a metal shed on the construction company’s office property. During the assembly, one of the employees fell from the improperly secured shed roof and died.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated the employee’s death and identified several violations of worker safety standards, including the failure to maintain the stability of a metal structure at all times during construction. Additionally, Zagger made false statements and conspired with others to make false statements to obstruct OSHA’s investigation of the accident.
Northridge Construction Corporation was previously sentenced to pay a $100,000 fine and complete a five-year term of probation for violating a worker safety standard causing the death of an employee and making false statements during the subsequent investigation.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) made the announcement.
Senior Trial Attorneys Daniel Dooher and Richard J. Powers and Trial Attorney Rachel Roberts of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.
Richard Zagger, 58, of Blue Point, New York, was sentenced yesterday to one year in prison and two years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to a four-count indictment charging him with conspiracy and obstruction of official proceedings relating to an investigation into a fatal construction accident.
Zagger was a supervisor for Northridge Construction Corporation, located in East Patchogue, Long Island, New York. As part of his duties, Zagger was responsible for overseeing Northridge employees who were assembling a metal shed on the construction company’s office property. During the assembly, one of the employees fell from the improperly secured shed roof and died.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated the employee’s death and identified several violations of worker safety standards, including the failure to maintain the stability of a metal structure at all times during construction. Additionally, Zagger made false statements and conspired with others to make false statements to obstruct OSHA’s investigation of the accident.
Northridge Construction Corporation was previously sentenced to pay a $100,000 fine and complete a five-year term of probation for violating a worker safety standard causing the death of an employee and making false statements during the subsequent investigation.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) made the announcement.
Senior Trial Attorneys Daniel Dooher and Richard J. Powers and Trial Attorney Rachel Roberts of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.
IRVINE, Calif. and DAEJEON, South Korea, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AONDevices, Inc., a pioneer in super-low-power, always-on edge AI technology, and H&S HighTech Corp., a global leader in semiconductor and electronics distribution, today announced a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating the worldwide adoption of next-generation always-on AI solutions. As part of the partnership, H&S HighTech has made a strategic investment in AONDevices and will serve as its preferred distributor and strategic partner across Korea and select international markets.
Smarter Devices, Powered by Always-On, Super-Low-Power AI From TV remotes and smart wearables to connected health monitors and industrial sensors, the demand for embedded, always-on intelligence is growing rapidly. Yet most processors fall short when it comes to delivering real-time responsiveness without draining battery life. AONDevices addresses this challenge head-on with highly efficient AI processors built for sub-milliwatt, always-on operation – delivering best-in-class accuracy at ultra-low power.
Target Devices and Markets
Consumer & Personal Electronics: TV remotes, headsets, smart home appliances, wearables, and security systems
Mobility, Health & Industrial Monitoring: Automotive systems, industrial sensors, and connected health monitors
Always-On Edge AI Example Use Cases Include:
Wake word and voice command recognition
Acoustic event and scene detection (AED/ASD)
Gesture and activity recognition
Environmental sensing and contextual awareness
Speaker identification
Multi-modal sensor fusion
Flexible, Future-Ready AI Architecture The AONDevices platform is built for modern edge applications that demand real-time performance, ultra-low power, and data privacy. Supporting both fully offline and hybrid edge plus cloud deployments, the architecture enables secure, always-on experiences in devices that need to operate continuously – on a single battery charge.
“This partnership with H&S HighTech marks a significant step in AONDevices’ global growth strategy,” said Mouna Elkhatib, CEO of AONDevices. “We’re excited to combine our cutting-edge always-on edge AI technology with H&S HighTech’s market strength to deliver smarter, more efficient devices to customers worldwide.”
“We believe AONDevices is redefining what’s possible with always-on edge AI,” said Kim Jung-hee, CEO of H&S HighTech. “Their ultra-low-power capabilities are exactly what our customers need to enable intelligent, next-generation devices across industries.”
Why AONDevices Stands Out
Industry-Leading Power Efficiency: For always-on AI applications
High Accuracy with Tiny Footprint: Neural networks under 50KB
End-to-End AI Enablement: Hardware plus software plus deployment tools
Momentum with Tier-1 OEMs: Across multiple markets
About H&S HighTech H&S HighTech is a global leader in high-performance electronic components and semiconductor distribution, with expertise spanning semiconductors, display technology, and electronic packaging. Notably, it is the No. 1 manufacturer in Korea for ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film), crystals, and oscillators – offering optimized solutions for next-generation AI and machine learning applications. By consistently delivering cutting-edge products and services worldwide, H&S HighTech continues to invest in and collaborate on innovative technologies to drive the future of the electronics and semiconductor industry as a strategic partner, rather than a mere supplier.
About AONDevices AONDevices, Inc. is a leader in ultra-low-power, high-accuracy edge AI solutions, redefining what is possible in always-on, battery-operated devices. Harnessing innovative chip architectures, lightweight neural networks, and RISC-V-based hardware, AONDevices achieves exceptional AI performance at ultra-low power consumption.
Its scalable solutions enable advanced features such as wake word detection, voice commands, acoustic event recognition, gestures, motion tracking, and environmental context awareness. From personal devices and smart home systems to automotive technologies, AONDevices supports the creation of intelligent, energy-efficient, and privacy-focused products.
IRVINE, Calif. and DAEJEON, South Korea, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AONDevices, Inc., a pioneer in super-low-power, always-on edge AI technology, and H&S HighTech Corp., a global leader in semiconductor and electronics distribution, today announced a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating the worldwide adoption of next-generation always-on AI solutions. As part of the partnership, H&S HighTech has made a strategic investment in AONDevices and will serve as its preferred distributor and strategic partner across Korea and select international markets.
Smarter Devices, Powered by Always-On, Super-Low-Power AI From TV remotes and smart wearables to connected health monitors and industrial sensors, the demand for embedded, always-on intelligence is growing rapidly. Yet most processors fall short when it comes to delivering real-time responsiveness without draining battery life. AONDevices addresses this challenge head-on with highly efficient AI processors built for sub-milliwatt, always-on operation – delivering best-in-class accuracy at ultra-low power.
Target Devices and Markets
Consumer & Personal Electronics: TV remotes, headsets, smart home appliances, wearables, and security systems
Mobility, Health & Industrial Monitoring: Automotive systems, industrial sensors, and connected health monitors
Always-On Edge AI Example Use Cases Include:
Wake word and voice command recognition
Acoustic event and scene detection (AED/ASD)
Gesture and activity recognition
Environmental sensing and contextual awareness
Speaker identification
Multi-modal sensor fusion
Flexible, Future-Ready AI Architecture The AONDevices platform is built for modern edge applications that demand real-time performance, ultra-low power, and data privacy. Supporting both fully offline and hybrid edge plus cloud deployments, the architecture enables secure, always-on experiences in devices that need to operate continuously – on a single battery charge.
“This partnership with H&S HighTech marks a significant step in AONDevices’ global growth strategy,” said Mouna Elkhatib, CEO of AONDevices. “We’re excited to combine our cutting-edge always-on edge AI technology with H&S HighTech’s market strength to deliver smarter, more efficient devices to customers worldwide.”
“We believe AONDevices is redefining what’s possible with always-on edge AI,” said Kim Jung-hee, CEO of H&S HighTech. “Their ultra-low-power capabilities are exactly what our customers need to enable intelligent, next-generation devices across industries.”
Why AONDevices Stands Out
Industry-Leading Power Efficiency: For always-on AI applications
High Accuracy with Tiny Footprint: Neural networks under 50KB
End-to-End AI Enablement: Hardware plus software plus deployment tools
Momentum with Tier-1 OEMs: Across multiple markets
About H&S HighTech H&S HighTech is a global leader in high-performance electronic components and semiconductor distribution, with expertise spanning semiconductors, display technology, and electronic packaging. Notably, it is the No. 1 manufacturer in Korea for ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film), crystals, and oscillators – offering optimized solutions for next-generation AI and machine learning applications. By consistently delivering cutting-edge products and services worldwide, H&S HighTech continues to invest in and collaborate on innovative technologies to drive the future of the electronics and semiconductor industry as a strategic partner, rather than a mere supplier.
About AONDevices AONDevices, Inc. is a leader in ultra-low-power, high-accuracy edge AI solutions, redefining what is possible in always-on, battery-operated devices. Harnessing innovative chip architectures, lightweight neural networks, and RISC-V-based hardware, AONDevices achieves exceptional AI performance at ultra-low power consumption.
Its scalable solutions enable advanced features such as wake word detection, voice commands, acoustic event recognition, gestures, motion tracking, and environmental context awareness. From personal devices and smart home systems to automotive technologies, AONDevices supports the creation of intelligent, energy-efficient, and privacy-focused products.
A group of researchers in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment provided critical support for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s latest Wildlife Action Plan.
The UConn team was led by College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) faculty Chadwick Rittenhouse, associate professor in residence and associate department head; Tracy Rittenhouse, associate professor; and Ph.D. student Kathryn Bischoff ‘22 (CAHNR).
This is the third Wildlife Action Plan that Connecticut, along with every other U.S. state, has released. The first report was released in 2005 following a federal requirement that states create a plan for wildlife conservation every 10 years. The plans identify animal species of greatest conservation need, their habitats, and the challenges they face. By identifying these priorities, states can better direct conservation, policy, and research. Funding for this planning effort was provided in part by State and Tribal Wildlife Grants, a program providing funding to states for biodiversity conservation.
The Belted Kingfisher is one of over 1,000 species identified in the 2025 Connecticut Wildlife Action Plan as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). SGCN include plants, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. (Paul J. Fusco/CT DEEP Wildlife Division)
A draft of the plan was released last week and is open for public comment until July 27.
During the public comment period, anyone can provide feedback on the list of species and habitats in need of conservation, the types of actions they would be most interested in taking in their community, or any other part of the plan.
“That public review is a very important part of wildlife management and conservation,” Tracy Rittenhouse says. “There’s a long, long list of potential actions that can be taken, and hopefully some of those actions resonate with different people who can see that list and say, ‘I can do that’ or ‘my group, we can do this’.”
DEEP and the UConn team worked closely with a diverse group of stakeholders in the state, including the Connecticut Audubon Society, the Nature Conservancy, land trusts, fish and game clubs, community groups like garden clubs, organizations based in urban areas, as well as municipal and town governments in developing the plan. The creation of this plan also included “Taxa teams” who contributed detailed knowledge about specific groups of animals – like mammals, amphibians, insects, or birds.
“From UConn’s perspective, I really do value the relationship with the state agency and their willingness to partner with people who have the expertise, who have the abilities, who have that desire to contribute to conservation in the state,” Chadwick Rittenhouse says.
Some of the concrete conservation actions in the plan include things like protecting land, vegetation management, habitat restoration efforts, increasing enforcement of existing protection laws, and continuing research and monitoring to learn more about high-priority species.
Compared to the version released in 2015, the 2025 plan reflects the development of a greater understanding of not only which species are in greatest need of conservation, but where in the state they live. This is one of the key contributions the UConn team made to the plan, identifying “Conservation Opportunity Areas.”
By identifying these areas, the plan can operate alongside local governments as they make decisions about planning and zoning, conservation groups that have their own maps, and highlight where education and engagement resources, like nature centers, could be added to better support conservation goals in these areas.
“It’s bringing a whole bunch of ecological and social data together to prioritize all those different actions and plan where on the landscape different partners can take action,” Bischoff says.
The UConn team is also developing a web-enabled plan with interactive resources for towns and community partners. This will include interactive maps and species profiles. It is scheduled to come out later this year.
“There are a lot of people involved, and there’s a lot of motivation and goodwill to do things well for conservation in the state,” Chadwick Rittenhouse says. “We’re really optimistic that good things will come for wildlife and fisheries in the state through this effort.”
This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Fostering Sustainable Landscapes at the Urban-Rural Interface, andAdvancing Adaptation and Resilience in a Changing Climate.
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
The All-Russian student project “Your Move” (an initiative of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia) is holding a competition “Your Move, Headman!” The competition brought together more than 12,000 participants from all over the country.
The participants of the competition completed a series of competition tasks. First, they had to prepare an essay about what it means to be a headman. Then the contestants took an online test on their knowledge of the “Your Move” project and youth policy in Russia, mastered the “School of Headmen” course, and held “Opportunities for Youth in Russia” meetings in their groups. The final test was the creation of a portfolio, which had to reflect the achievements and activity of the entire group – in studies, social projects, volunteer activities, as well as participation in the “Your Move” initiative and in grant competitions of Rosmolodezh.
Five representatives of SPbGASU made it into the top thousand, selected from 12 thousand participants. They are Daria Alekseeva (second year of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, group 1-SUZSs-2), Ekaterina Kashitsyna (fourth year of the Faculty of Automobile and Road Engineering, group 1-NTTSs-4), Anna Snetkova (second year of the Faculty of Economics and Management, group 1-EBs-2), Victoria Marusey (second year of the Faculty of Engineering Ecology and Urban Management, group 1-Sb(VV)-2) and Olga Gavrichenkova (third year of the Faculty of Engineering Ecology and Urban Management, group 1-Sb(IS)-3).
The “Your Move, Headman!” competition is held in two streams throughout the year. Based on the results of each module, a thousand winners will be determined. Each of them will receive a scholarship, which will be paid for six months. The best 100 headmen will take part in the final events of the project.
The second module of the “Your Move, Headman!” competition will start in September. At the same time, the “Otkryvayu” (Discovering) competition will begin for those who will begin their studies in the first year. It will help first-year students to make a name for themselves at the beginning of their student journey, immerse themselves in the student community and its opportunities, and also get acquainted with the ecosystem of Russian youth policy. Based on its results, 200 winners will be determined, who will receive a prize from the project.
Students of SPbGASU take an active part in the project “Your Move”. On June 30, the festival of youth projects of leaders and associations of St. Petersburg “Prometheus” was held, organized by the regional team of the project. From our university, the participants of the program were the project “Drawing”, aimed at developing and supporting interests in the field of descriptive geometry (headed by Edgar Barsegyan) and the project “The concept of an exploitable roof or a well-thought-out courtyard territory on the example of SPbGASU” (headed by Elena Sedunova). The teams held presentations of their initiatives, which were attended by experts of the project “Your Move”, and received recommendations for their further development.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in the events of “Your Move”! Register at project website.
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.
A new analysis by UNESCO and World Resources Institute (WRI) reveals that 73% of World Heritage sites are highly exposed to water-related hazards, such as drought, water stress, or riverine and coastal flooding. Strengthening water stewardship is essential to protect these sites and the communities and ecosystems they sustain.
A Precious Resource Under Growing Threat
Water-related hazards—including floods, droughts, and storms—have accounted for over 90% of the world’s major disasters since 1970, resulting in more than 2 million deaths and economic losses exceeding USD 3.6 trillion, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). World Heritage sites have not been exempted from these hazards and face increasing threats to their natural and cultural values. These sites stand as powerful reminders of humanity’s enduring relationship with water. From awe-inspiring landscapes shaped over millennia to cultural landmarks forged through human ingenuity—such as ancient irrigation systems, historic canals, and modern engineering achievements—they reflect the cooperation with nature that has enabled societies to flourish across generations. Yet, while water is fundamental to their significance, it can also pose serious risks when its balance is disrupted, threatening the integrity of these irreplaceable places.
A new analysis by UNESCO and World Resources Institute (WRI) highlights the scale of these threats: 73% of World Heritage sites are highly exposed to at least one water-related hazard—such as drought, water stress, or riverine and coastal flooding—and 21% face multiple overlapping risks. Around the world, World Heritage sites are increasingly caught between the extremes of too much and too little water, with climate change, urbanization, river regulation, and upstream water withdrawals intensifying these pressures, especially in regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, parts of South Asia, and northern China.
“The Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas gives us critical data to track how water risks are evolving around the world. These insights are more urgent than ever, helping governments, site managers, and communities take targeted action — before floods, droughts, or water shortages cause irreversible damage to treasured places that serve as lifelines for both people and ecosystems,”
Approximately 600 World Heritage sites are highly exposed to water scarcity conditions — reflected in water stress or drought— making it the most widespread water-related risk, threatening nearly half of all properties. The vast majority (around 90%) of these exposed sites are cultural properties . While natural sites face a comparatively lower level of exposure, they are increasingly experiencing conditions that place growing stress on ecosystems and biodiversity. Sites such as the Ahwar of Southern Iraq and Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls(Zambia / Zimbabwe) have endured severe multi-year droughts since 2020. Drought also heightens the risk of wildfires, compounding the damage: in thePantanal Conservation Area (Brazil) and Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (Bolivia), prolonged dry conditions have fueled intense fires with severe impacts on flora, fauna, and local communities.
Drought at Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls (Zambia / Zimbabwe) in 2019 /Source: Copernicus Browser
Severe flood risk, both riverine and coastal, affects approximately 400 World Heritage sites. Floods have already impacted both natural and cultural World Heritage properties, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened resilience. In 2020, Rwenzori Mountains National Park (Uganda) experienced significant climate-related flooding that that disrupted river systems, posing challenges for both local communities and wildlife. In 2022, major flooding led to the temporary closure of Yellowstone National Park (United States of America), with over $20 million required for infrastructure repairs before the park could reopen. More recently, in 2024, severe flooding in Kaziranga National Park (India) resulted in the loss of more than 200 animals, including 10 endangered rhinos, while Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal) has been affected by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) linked to accelerating glacial retreat.
Cultural sites have also experienced serious impacts from flooding. The catastrophic floods that left nearly one-third of Pakistan submerged in 2022 caused significant damage to the Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro. Other ancient sites such as the Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Afghanistan), Angkor (Cambodia) and Petra (Jordan), have also been affected by flooding, with damage to their integrity. In parts of Africa, communities in Timbuktu (Mali) and the Historic Centre of Agadez(Niger) are facing the compounded challenges of severe drought followed by intense flooding — a clear illustration of increasing climate variability.
Flood at Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro (Pakistan) in 2022 /Source: Copernicus Browser
Around 50 World Heritage sites are highly exposed to coastal flooding. Some cultural sites are already experiencing the impacts, with growing risks to their integrity. The Complex of Hué Monuments (Viet Nam) has endured repeated flooding in recent years, accelerating deterioration. The Forts and Castlesalong the coast of Ghana, face increasing danger from shoreline erosion and rising seas, putting at risk these important remains of fortified trading posts that formed part of early global trade history. While coastal flooding has not yet caused major reported damage at natural World Heritage sites, the risk is rising. Sites such as theMigratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of ChinaandBanc d’Arguin National Park (Mauritania) are highly vulnerable, as sea level rise could transform or submerge critical coastal habitats essential for migratory species.
“This analysis underscores the urgent need to address water-related risks to World Heritage sites, which are being intensified by climate change. Strengthening resilience through innovation, traditional knowledge, and cooperation is essential to safeguarding these irreplaceable places for future generations.”
Towards Solutions: Protecting Heritage Through Water Stewardship
Despite these challenges, examples of effective action demonstrate that solutions are possible—particularly when supported by international cooperation, innovation, and traditional knowledge. UNESCO actively supports States Parties in addressing water-related threats through a combination of emergency mechanisms, technical guidance, and long-term cooperation. Emergency support is provided through instruments such as the World Heritage Fund’s International Assistance, the Rapid Response Facility (RRF) and the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF), while expert missions under the World Heritage Convention’s Reactive Monitoring process help guide response efforts. UNESCO also provides capacity building and technical support to strengthen local responses, contributing to long-term resilience, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable water management at World Heritage sites through programmes such as the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP).
Integrated water resource management (IWRM) — which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources — is increasingly being incorporated into conservation strategies for World Heritage properties. At Petra (Jordan) and the Old City of Sana’a(Yemen), for example, IWRM principles are guiding flood risk reduction strategies such as early warning systems, which help safeguard monuments from increasingly severe flash floods. Similarly, in theMigratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China, a government ban on land reclamation, followed by wetland restoration efforts, has led to a fivefold increase in bird populations in some areas, providing renewed habitat for migratory species.
Heritage-sensitive climate adaptation is also key. The Chan Chan Archaeological Zone(Peru) illustrates how site managers are applying innovative water management measures — including drainage improvements and protective earthworks — to reduce the impact of increasingly intense rainfall and flooding on fragile adobe structures. At theMinaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam(Afghanistan), UNESCO has supported emergency measures to stabilize the structure following flood events that endangered its integrity, along with technical assistance for improved flood management in the surrounding valley.
Transboundary cooperation plays a vital role where shared water systems support World Heritage values. The Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM), through collaboration between Angola, Namibia, and Botswana, coordinates efforts to protect the seasonal flooding that sustains the Okavango Delta’s biodiversity and local livelihoods. Similarly, at Iguaçu National Park, on the border between Brazil and Argentina, park managers work with upstream stakeholders to maintain sustainable water flows that protect the falls’ ecosystem while supporting vital hydroelectric production at the Itaipu Dam. To address the consequences of melting glaciers and increased occurrences of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) due to climate change impacts, UNESCO is engaging with communities in the Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal) to identify potential adaptation pathways using the Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA).
Traditional knowledge, community stewardship, and partnerships between local communities, national authorities, and international organizations are central to many successful initiatives. In the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, the revitalization of ancient irrigation systems and forest restoration supports both cultural heritage and resilience to drought and erosion. In the Ahwar of Southern Iraq, joint efforts have facilitated the restoration of marshlands, enhancing water governance and helping buffer against drought and salinity.
Modern technology further complements these approaches. Tools such as GIS mapping, remote sensing, and water quality monitoring provide real-time data to inform decision-making and enable site managers and authorities to respond effectively to emerging threats. To support this, UNESCO’s World Heritage Online Map Platform (WHOMP), serves as an important resource for monitoring water-related risks and informing site-level planning.
These efforts and solutions are among the many actions contributing to the protection of World Heritage sites and the strengthening of their resilience for generations to come. World Heritage sites are not static relics of the past, but dynamic systems shaped by human ingenuity, natural forces, and the enduring relationship between people and water. Strengthening their protection calls for an integrated approach that combines time-honoured practices with scientific innovation, draws on both traditional knowledge and modern science, and fosters inclusive governance and transboundary cooperation. Advancing water stewardship that supports both cultural and natural heritage is essential to safeguarding their Outstanding Universal Value and ensuring their continued contribution to sustainable development and the well-being of communities worldwide.
UNESCO gratefully acknowledges the support of the Government of Flanders (Belgium) for the World Heritage Online Map Platform (WHOMP), which made this analysis possible.
The efforts of a keen photographer to document the flora of Topfield open space have been recognised by Winchester City Council.
A new information board has been created from the photographs of Kings Worthy resident Mervyn Edwards, who has been recording and photographing the different flowers he identifies at Topfield throughout the year.
Mervyn Edwards with Cllr Jackie Porter at the new board
Mervyn showed one of his pictures to Winchester City Council Cabinet Member for Place and the Local Plan, Cllr Jackie Porter. From there, with the help of council officers from the Natural Environment team, Mervyn’s photos were compiled into an information board for the benefit of any visitors to the space.
The board was unveiled after a short ceremony, attended by Mervyn, who was joined by family, friends and neighbours.
Councillor Porter said: “I first became aware of Mervyn’s photographic prowess when I visited him and he showed me his beautiful picture.
“When I then saw his unique record of every single flower that he had seen on Topfield throughout the year, I knew that this was something to be shared with every visitor.
“Mervyn should be very proud that this board will be used by generations of Topfield visitors. The time and effort photographing the flowers has already engendered a real connection with the ecology of this area for future generations. His photographic record will be an inspiration to visitors for years to come, and we would like to offer him our gratitude and thanks.”
Among those who have already benefitted from the board are the local Kings Worthy Guides and Rangers, who recorded June’s flora in bloom for a local database which will enable the community to see nature’s progress at the open space over the coming years.
South Africa’s discrete manufacturing sector, which includes industries such as automotive, electronics, rail, and aerospace, faces mounting pressure from global competition, fragmented supply chains, and outdated infrastructure. In this complex environment, digitalisation is emerging not as a future consideration, but as a critical lever for survival, resilience, and growth.
Manufacturers are grappling with inconsistent supply chains, where limited visibility can halt entire operations. In discrete environments where the failure to procure even a single component can delay or derail entire production runs, real-time supply chain data is is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity.
By integrating Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors, smart data loggers, and blockchain-enabled tracking platforms, manufacturers can transform disjointed supply chains into agile ecosystems. This transition can be supported with industrial communication modules, IIoT gateways, and advanced inventory management tools, all available through RS South Africa’s extensive digital platform.
Modernising infrastructure doesn’t require a full-scale overhaul. Legacy equipment such as traditional PLCs and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are not obstacles, but opportunities for optimisation. With retrofit solutions like programmable logic controllers (e.g. Siemens LOGO! 8, Allen-Bradley Micro800), signal converters, and edge computing devices, manufacturers can equip existing machinery with smart capabilities. These upgrades extend equipment lifecycles and build toward fully connected environments without requiring massive capital expenditure.
Yet, alongside this technology imperative, there is an urgent need to address the African skills gap. National research shows that many African manufacturers remain at the early stages of Industry 4.0 readiness, with a particular deficit in digital and systems integration skills.
To meaningfully close South Africa’s industrial skills gap, we must strengthen collaboration between higher education and industry. Universities are making great strides in incorporating real-world scenarios and advanced technologies into their programmes, but industry must also play a more active role in embedding its requirements at grassroots level. At RS South Africa, we support this through technical enablement and educational outreach, from providing Arduino and automation kits to funding student-led projects. Combined with STEM engagement and soft skills development, these efforts help bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, equipping future engineers with the tools and confidence to lead.
A cornerstone of effective digital transformation is real-time decision-making, which is enabled by robust Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) systems as a framework. Its implementation can be supported by offering plant monitoring hardware, data acquisition systems, and panel PCs capable of displaying live dashboards. These systems streamline operations and reduce waste, while also enabling quality control, predictive maintenance, and compliance tracking.
Digitalisation is also a powerful tool for building resilience and sustainability. With South Africa facing ongoing energy constraints and growing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) expectations, manufacturers are under pressure to operate leaner and smarter. The role of predictive analytics and IIoT-enabled systems in monitoring energy usage, scheduling maintenance, and automating efficiency improvements needs to be emphasised. Products such as power meters, energy monitoring kits, smart relays, and sensor-driven HVAC systems support manufacturers in meeting these efficiency and compliance goals.
One of the standout examples of local transformation is the Gibela rail manufacturing facility in Gauteng. Through automation, local supplier development, and workforce training, the site has achieved high levels of local content and productivity. Such projects are proof that digitalisation, combined with long-term investment in people and technology, can drive inclusive and competitive industrial growth. Components essential to such advanced environments include control panels, terminal blocks, protective relays, and advanced safety switches.
For example, RS South Africa’s framework for enabling digital transformation in discrete manufacturing is grounded in five key pillars: retrofitting legacy equipment with intelligent controls; delivering experiential, industry-aligned training; integrating MOM systems for real-time operational insight; deploying IIoT solutions across plant and supply chains; and ensuring executive-level commitment to sustained innovation.
In a time of global industrial acceleration, African manufacturers that fail to adopt digital tools risk being outpaced by more connected and agile competitors. Digitalisation is no longer optional, it is essential. It offers the tools to improve productivity, build resilience, drive sustainability, and unlock new economic opportunities for the country’s industrial sector.
By partnering with manufacturers and suppliers on this journey, we remain committed to shaping the future of African manufacturing, supporting a shift from isolated to integrated systems, from reactive to predictive operations, and from traditional labour-driven methods to data-led intelligence.
REFERENCES: Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in South Africa The Socio-economic Impact of Gibela A Winning Strategy for South African Businesses (https://apo-opa.co/4l6oOnh)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.
PR Contact Person – RS South Africa: Princess Tlou Communications & Content Specialist RS South Africa Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com +27 11 691 9366
Media Contact Person – NGAGE: Thobile Ndlovu Senior PR Account Executive thobile@ngage.co.za +27 11 867 7763
About RS: RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.
We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.
We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference.
Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.
RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.
University researchers will work alongside a range of institutions from across the UK and in Norway on the £5.6 million initiative, which will be led by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML).
The ValMAS (Value of Marine Artificial Structures) project is a major new research effort to understand the full impact of man-made structures in the ocean, ranging from offshore oil, gas and wind energy infrastructure to shipwrecks. These are collectively known as marine artificial structures (MAS).
The project, which will focus on the North Sea with wider applicability across the UK and beyond, aims to create tools and evidence that will help decision-makers manage these structures in ways that support clean energy, protect nature, and benefit society.
MAS have potentially significant footprints at all stages of their lifecycle through demonstration, construction, operation, and finally decommissioning. As marine space is increasingly squeezed, this large-scale development will inevitably lead to environmental, social and economic trade-offs.
While these structures can provide habitat, support blue carbon capture, or enhance biodiversity, they can also pose risks that are not yet fully understood.
Professor Nicola Beaumont, project lead from PML, said: “Thousands of artificial structures have been installed in the marine environment, and many more are on the horizon as part of the UK’s transition to a clean energy future.
“ValMAS will give policymakers and industry the tools they need to make informed decisions that align with both net zero targets and nature recovery goals.”
The research is co-funded by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the industry-sponsored INSITE Programme.
Professor Astley Hastings CEng, from the School of Biological Sciences, will lead work in Aberdeen alongside marine eco-toxicologist Dr Rebecca von Hellfeld, and Dr Kate Gormley, an interdisciplinary researcher specialising in coastal and marine environmental management, working to fill the experimental knowledge gaps on marine contaminants mobilisation and marine growth on structures. Professor Anne-Michelle Slater, from the University’s School of Law, will work on the policy and legislation relating to the environment surrounding marine structures.
Professor Hastings said: “ValMAS will map marine artificial structures to develop a natural capital framework that reflects their ecological, economic, and social value, identify research gaps and foster collaboration, and model future climate scenarios to assess impacts on biodiversity, fisheries, and carbon storage. The project will also examine public perceptions and economic trade-offs to support a fair energy transition and create advanced decision support tools for use by policymakers, regulators, and industry.
“While evidence, tools and models around natural capital and MAS exist, access to and uptake of these resources remains limited. There is a pressing need to translate this knowledge into strategic, value-based decision-making that is practical, user-driven, and ready for real-world application.”
Other project partners include the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Cardiff University, Natural England – the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England, SUERC – Centre For The Isotope Sciences, University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, EFTEC, Ecologos, NIRAS, Marine Energy Wales, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, The Shellfish Association of Great Britain, and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations. It also brings together another 20+ partners from academia, government, NGOs and industry, including major energy operators.
Tracy Shimmield, Director of Research and Skill at the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) said: “NERC is delighted to announce the launch of ‘The Value of Marine Artificial Structures (ValMAS)’ programme, which seeks to inform nature positive policy solutions for the management of all life stages of Marine Artificial Structures (MAS). The ValMAS project, which is cofounded with industry, builds on the work achieved by the INSITE programme. It will deliver evidence of the interplay between the ecological, economic and social values of MAS, to build a better understanding of their environmental value across sectors in the North Sea. Evidence generated will inform decision making on the best outcomes for the environment when it comes to decommissioning.”
Professor Beaumont added: “This is not just about infrastructure, it’s about people, nature, and building a future where sustainable energy systems work in harmony with marine life.”
The project will begin in August 2025 and run for four years.
Amsterdam, Netherlands – In a first, landmark test case of the European Union’s new legislation to protect freedom of expression and stop abusive lawsuits, Greenpeace International today challenges the US oil pipeline company, Energy Transfer, in court in the Netherlands.[1] The multi-billion dollar company brought two back-to-back SLAPP suits against Greenpeace International and Greenpeace in the US, after showing solidarity with the 2016 peaceful Indigenous-led protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The first case was dismissed, but the Greenpeace organisations continue to defend against the second case, which is ongoing, after a North Dakota jury recently awarded over 660 million USD in damages to the pipeline giant.
Mads Christensen, Executive Director, Greenpeace International said: “Energy Transfer’s attack on our right to protest is an attack on everyone’s free speech. Greenpeace has been the target of threats, arrests and even bombs over the last 50 years and persevered. We will continue to resist all forms of intimidation and explore every option to hold Energy Transfer accountable for this attempt at abusing the justice system. This groundbreaking anti-SLAPP case against Energy Transfer in the Netherlands is just the beginning of defeating this bullying tactic being wielded by billionaires and fossil fuel giants trying to silence critics all over the world. Something absolutely vital is at stake here: people’s ability to hold corporate polluters to account for the devastation they’re causing.”
The lawsuit is an important test of the European Union’s Anti-SLAPP Directive — adopted in April 2024.[2] The Directive is designed to protect journalists, activists, civil society organisations, or anyone else speaking out about matters of public concern, from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) — unfounded intimidation lawsuits brought by powerful corporations or wealthy individuals seeking to suppress public debate.[3] Since Greenpeace International is a Netherlands-based foundation and the damage caused by Energy Transfers’s US SLAPP suit is occurring in the Netherlands, both Dutch and EU law applies.
Amy Jacobsen, Senior Legal Counsel, Greenpeace International said: “This case paves the way for protections from bullying lawsuits being implemented throughout Europe and beyond. The lawsuits that Energy Transfer have brought against Greenpeace International are the perfect example of the kind of abusive legal proceedings that the anti-SLAPP Directive is designed to protect against. By calling upon the EU anti-SLAPP Directive’s protections, Greenpeace International refuses to allow the bullying tactics of wealthy fossil fuel corporations like Energy Transfer to compromise our fundamental free speech rights.”
At the time of the press release it was still uncertain whether Energy Transfer would appear in the hearing. The next steps are for the judge to agree on a schedule for the case.
[1] The new EU rules are aimed at addressing the growing number of abusive lawsuits against journalists, media outlets, environmental activists and human rights defenders.
In February 2025, Greenpeace International initiated the first test of the European Union’s anti-SLAPP Directive by filing a lawsuit in Dutch court against Energy Transfer. Greenpeace International seeks to recover all damages and costs it has suffered as a result of Energy Transfers’s back-to-back, meritless lawsuits demanding hundreds of millions of dollars from Greenpeace International and the Greenpeace organisations in the US.
[2] EU Member States have until 7 May 2026 at the latest to transpose the rules into their national laws, but the Dutch government has indicated that the Directive’s protections can already be applied under existing Dutch legal frameworks.
[3] Big Oil companies Shell, Total, and ENI have also filed SLAPPs against Greenpeace entities in recent years. Some of these cases have been successfully stopped in their tracks. This includes Greenpeace France successfully defeating TotalEnergies’ SLAPP on 28 March 2024, and Greenpeace UK and Greenpeace International forcing Shell to back down from its SLAPP on 10 December 2024. Greenpeace Romania was being sued by the energy company Romgaz in 2025 – with the aim of dissolving the organisation, but their claims were withdrawn and they were forced to pay the court expenses to Greenpeace Romania. Greenpeace Italy and Greenpeace Netherlands are facing the Italian oil giant Eni in an ongoing court case in Italy.
Amsterdam, Netherlands – In a first, landmark test case of the European Union’s new legislation to protect freedom of expression and stop abusive lawsuits, Greenpeace International today challenges the US oil pipeline company, Energy Transfer, in court in the Netherlands.[1] The multi-billion dollar company brought two back-to-back SLAPP suits against Greenpeace International and Greenpeace in the US, after showing solidarity with the 2016 peaceful Indigenous-led protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The first case was dismissed, but the Greenpeace organisations continue to defend against the second case, which is ongoing, after a North Dakota jury recently awarded over 660 million USD in damages to the pipeline giant.
Mads Christensen, Executive Director, Greenpeace International said: “Energy Transfer’s attack on our right to protest is an attack on everyone’s free speech. Greenpeace has been the target of threats, arrests and even bombs over the last 50 years and persevered. We will continue to resist all forms of intimidation and explore every option to hold Energy Transfer accountable for this attempt at abusing the justice system. This groundbreaking anti-SLAPP case against Energy Transfer in the Netherlands is just the beginning of defeating this bullying tactic being wielded by billionaires and fossil fuel giants trying to silence critics all over the world. Something absolutely vital is at stake here: people’s ability to hold corporate polluters to account for the devastation they’re causing.”
The lawsuit is an important test of the European Union’s Anti-SLAPP Directive — adopted in April 2024.[2] The Directive is designed to protect journalists, activists, civil society organisations, or anyone else speaking out about matters of public concern, from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) — unfounded intimidation lawsuits brought by powerful corporations or wealthy individuals seeking to suppress public debate.[3] Since Greenpeace International is a Netherlands-based foundation and the damage caused by Energy Transfers’s US SLAPP suit is occurring in the Netherlands, both Dutch and EU law applies.
Amy Jacobsen, Senior Legal Counsel, Greenpeace International said: “This case paves the way for protections from bullying lawsuits being implemented throughout Europe and beyond. The lawsuits that Energy Transfer have brought against Greenpeace International are the perfect example of the kind of abusive legal proceedings that the anti-SLAPP Directive is designed to protect against. By calling upon the EU anti-SLAPP Directive’s protections, Greenpeace International refuses to allow the bullying tactics of wealthy fossil fuel corporations like Energy Transfer to compromise our fundamental free speech rights.”
At the time of the press release it was still uncertain whether Energy Transfer would appear in the hearing. The next steps are for the judge to agree on a schedule for the case.
[1] The new EU rules are aimed at addressing the growing number of abusive lawsuits against journalists, media outlets, environmental activists and human rights defenders.
In February 2025, Greenpeace International initiated the first test of the European Union’s anti-SLAPP Directive by filing a lawsuit in Dutch court against Energy Transfer. Greenpeace International seeks to recover all damages and costs it has suffered as a result of Energy Transfers’s back-to-back, meritless lawsuits demanding hundreds of millions of dollars from Greenpeace International and the Greenpeace organisations in the US.
[2] EU Member States have until 7 May 2026 at the latest to transpose the rules into their national laws, but the Dutch government has indicated that the Directive’s protections can already be applied under existing Dutch legal frameworks.
[3] Big Oil companies Shell, Total, and ENI have also filed SLAPPs against Greenpeace entities in recent years. Some of these cases have been successfully stopped in their tracks. This includes Greenpeace France successfully defeating TotalEnergies’ SLAPP on 28 March 2024, and Greenpeace UK and Greenpeace International forcing Shell to back down from its SLAPP on 10 December 2024. Greenpeace Romania was being sued by the energy company Romgaz in 2025 – with the aim of dissolving the organisation, but their claims were withdrawn and they were forced to pay the court expenses to Greenpeace Romania. Greenpeace Italy and Greenpeace Netherlands are facing the Italian oil giant Eni in an ongoing court case in Italy.
Written by Scott VanBommel, Planetary Scientist at Washington University in St. Louis Earth planning date: Monday, June 30, 2025 Our weekend drive placed Curiosity exactly where we had hoped: on lighter-toned, resistant bedrock we have been eyeing for close study. Curiosity’s workspace tosol did not contain any targets suitable for DRT. After a detailed discussion by the team, weighing science not only in tosol’s plan but the holiday-shifted sols ahead, the decision was made to perform contact science at the current workspace and then drive in the second sol of the plan. Normally, drives in the second sol of a two-sol plan are uncommon, as we require information on the ground to assess in advance of the next sol’s planning. At present however, the current “Mars time” is quite favorable, enabling Curiosity’s team to operate within “nominal sols” and receive the necessary data in time for Wednesday’s one-sol plan. DAN kicked off the first sol of the plan with a passive measurement, complemented by another in the afternoon and two more on the second sol. Arm activities focused on placing MAHLI and APXS on “La Paz” and “Playa Agua de Luna,” two lighter-toned, laminated rocks. The rest of the first sol was rounded out with ChemCam LIBS analyses on “La Joya” followed by further LIBS analyses on “La Vega” on the second sol, once Curiosity’s arm was out of the way of the laser. ChemCam and Mastcam additionally imaged “Mishe Mokwa” prior to the nearly straight drive of about 20 meters (about 66 feet). Environmental monitoring activities, imaging of the CheMin inlet cover, and a SAM EBT activity rounded out Curiosity’s efforts on the second sol.
Written by Scott VanBommel, Planetary Scientist at Washington University in St. Louis Earth planning date: Monday, June 30, 2025 Our weekend drive placed Curiosity exactly where we had hoped: on lighter-toned, resistant bedrock we have been eyeing for close study. Curiosity’s workspace tosol did not contain any targets suitable for DRT. After a detailed discussion by the team, weighing science not only in tosol’s plan but the holiday-shifted sols ahead, the decision was made to perform contact science at the current workspace and then drive in the second sol of the plan. Normally, drives in the second sol of a two-sol plan are uncommon, as we require information on the ground to assess in advance of the next sol’s planning. At present however, the current “Mars time” is quite favorable, enabling Curiosity’s team to operate within “nominal sols” and receive the necessary data in time for Wednesday’s one-sol plan. DAN kicked off the first sol of the plan with a passive measurement, complemented by another in the afternoon and two more on the second sol. Arm activities focused on placing MAHLI and APXS on “La Paz” and “Playa Agua de Luna,” two lighter-toned, laminated rocks. The rest of the first sol was rounded out with ChemCam LIBS analyses on “La Joya” followed by further LIBS analyses on “La Vega” on the second sol, once Curiosity’s arm was out of the way of the laser. ChemCam and Mastcam additionally imaged “Mishe Mokwa” prior to the nearly straight drive of about 20 meters (about 66 feet). Environmental monitoring activities, imaging of the CheMin inlet cover, and a SAM EBT activity rounded out Curiosity’s efforts on the second sol.
Written by Scott VanBommel, Planetary Scientist at Washington University in St. Louis Earth planning date: Monday, June 30, 2025 Our weekend drive placed Curiosity exactly where we had hoped: on lighter-toned, resistant bedrock we have been eyeing for close study. Curiosity’s workspace tosol did not contain any targets suitable for DRT. After a detailed discussion by the team, weighing science not only in tosol’s plan but the holiday-shifted sols ahead, the decision was made to perform contact science at the current workspace and then drive in the second sol of the plan. Normally, drives in the second sol of a two-sol plan are uncommon, as we require information on the ground to assess in advance of the next sol’s planning. At present however, the current “Mars time” is quite favorable, enabling Curiosity’s team to operate within “nominal sols” and receive the necessary data in time for Wednesday’s one-sol plan. DAN kicked off the first sol of the plan with a passive measurement, complemented by another in the afternoon and two more on the second sol. Arm activities focused on placing MAHLI and APXS on “La Paz” and “Playa Agua de Luna,” two lighter-toned, laminated rocks. The rest of the first sol was rounded out with ChemCam LIBS analyses on “La Joya” followed by further LIBS analyses on “La Vega” on the second sol, once Curiosity’s arm was out of the way of the laser. ChemCam and Mastcam additionally imaged “Mishe Mokwa” prior to the nearly straight drive of about 20 meters (about 66 feet). Environmental monitoring activities, imaging of the CheMin inlet cover, and a SAM EBT activity rounded out Curiosity’s efforts on the second sol.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is a question by the Hon Dennis Leung and a reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):
Question:
It is learnt that the yard waste recycling centre Y·PARK mainly receives yard waste such as tree trunks that are six metres long or below, as well as branches, twigs and leaves. Regarding the handling of yard waste, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as some members of the public have relayed that uncollected yard waste is often seen on streets and in parks, whether the Government has formulated guidelines requiring the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and their outsourced contractors to first sort the collected yard waste and send the yard waste that can be processed by Y·PARK to the collection point of the Environmental Protection Department; if not, of the reasons for that;
(2) according to the existing procedures, how the LCSD, FEHD and their outsourced contractors handle yard waste that cannot be processed by Y·PARK; of the approximate tonnage of such yard waste in each year since 2019; and
(3) given that Y·PARK has imposed a number of restrictions on the recovery of yard waste, and it is learnt that some companies in the Mainland and the United States adopt anaerobic digestion technology to convert yard waste into biogas for electricity generation, whether the Government will consider adopting such technology to process yard waste, so as to enhance recycling and conversion of waste into energy; if not, of the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The super typhoon Mangkhut that hit Hong Kong in 2018 caused severe damage, uprooting numerous trees, many of which were large trees that could be suitable for timber production. In 2021, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) set up the temporary yard waste recycling centre, Y·PARK, in accordance with the Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035, to collect and process yard waste generated from regular vegetation maintenance and public works projects, and to assist in treating large quantities of yard waste generated shortly after typhoons when needed.
Yard waste includes grass, leaves, shrubs, twigs and woody tree trunks. Some of them may be affected by pests or diseases. Y·PARK mainly collects and sorts out the high quality and suitable portion of yard waste for recycling into recyclable products of relatively higher values so as to achieve both converting waste to resources and enhancing cost-effectiveness.
The current Y·PARK is temporary in nature. In future, the Government reserves land in the New Territories North New Town to develop a larger-scale yard waste recycling facility to enhance yard waste handling capacity.
Having consulted the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), our consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Dennis Leung is as follows:
(1) The Government has established guidelines to drive various government departments, including the FEHD and the LCSD, adhering to the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, to shred and reuse yard waste as much for gardening on-site as far as possible, while yard waste that cannot be treated or reused on-site could be delivered to suitable recycling facilities for treatment. The EPD has also continuously liaised with government departments, providing relevant guidelines to promote the proper sorting of recyclable yard waste at source and its delivery to Y·PARK for processing. In 2024, the quantity of yard waste disposed of at landfills was about 230 tonnes per day, accounting for about 2 per cent of the municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal of at landfills.
(2) Not all yard waste is suitable for delivering to Y·PARK for processing. According to prevailing handling procedures, when the FEHD, the LCSD and their contractors encounter yard waste unsuitable for recycling, such as yard waste infected by bacteria, infested with pests, or containing large amount of impurities, while providing street cleansing or park management services, such yard waste will be sent directly or via refuse transfer stations to landfills for disposal. From 2019 to April 2025, the LCSD transported an average of about seven tonnes of yard waste unsuitable for recycling to landfills per day, whilst the FEHD does not maintain relevant data.
(3) The Government is developing two main types of waste-to-energy facilities currently. The first type of facilities is the Organic Resources Recovery Centre (O·PARK), adopting anaerobic digestion technology to process food waste. The second type of facilities adopts modern incineration technology to treat waste, such as T·PARK which incinerates sludge to generate electricity, and the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase I (I·PARK1) under construction which will incinerate MSW to generate electricity.
The O·PARKs are designed to treat food waste which contains proteins, sugars, fats and high water content. These substances decompose more easily during anaerobic digestion process, and produce more biogas, resulting in a higher energy conversion efficiency for electricity generation. Under feasible technical conditions, we also make the best use of the existing waste management facilities to test out the treatment of other waste. For instance, while O·PARK2 is mainly for treating food waste, we conducted trials for treating pig waste by anaerobic digestion since its commissioning in March 2024. Following the successful trials, we have fully replaced the previous practice of disposing pig waste at landfills with anaerobic digestion technology since July 2024, which significantly reduced the potential odour issues associated with disposal of pig waste at landfills.
However, there are significant differences between yard waste and food waste. It requires different treatment methods for yard waste. Yard waste comprises woody waste, such as tree trunks and branches, as well as non-woody waste, such as leaves and grass. Tree trunks and branches are high in wood fiber content and low in moisture content, so they are not easily decomposed by anaerobic digestion. If treating the yard waste by co-digestion by anaerobic digestion technology in O.PARKs, it would not only occupy substantial space in the digestion tanks but would also significantly reduce food waste processing capacity and efficiency. In addition, as woody waste is hard and bulky, it is more difficult to be crushed into pieces as compared with food waste, such that additional energy and water will be required to turn the woody waste into slurry for further treatment. The installation of necessary pre-treatment facilities in O·PARKs and modifications to the existing operation mode will incur a substantial amount of cost but result in low energy efficiency. According to the understanding of the EPD, there are few examples of utilising anaerobic digestion technology to process woody waste in the Mainland or overseas. Even for such cases, they mainly involve processing small amount of non-woody yard waste such as grass and leaves.
Non-woody garden waste such as grass and leaves can be processed through anaerobic digestion technically, but the process would be less efficient than treating food waste. Considering that such waste contains a certain calorific value and is often mixed with other MSW during collection, treating yard waste by incineration can reduce the need for additional space, processing, and costs associated with sorting yard waste from mixed waste while achieving the same outcome of turning waste into energy. The Government is working full steam on developing two modern large-scale incineration facilities, namely I·PARK1 and I·PARK2. These facilities will handle up to 9 000 tonnes of MSW per day in total in the future, converting waste into electricity. I·PARK1 is expected to commence operation by the end of this year and can assist in handling yard waste.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Tang Ka-piu and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):
Question:
It is learnt that the Mainland is actively developing the Nan’ao checkpoint pier project in the Dapeng New District of Shenzhen (the Nan’ao checkpoint), with plans to set up a number of routes to and from Hong Kong. On the other hand, the SAR Government has been promoting multi-destination cross-boundary tourism in recent years, while the Urban Renewal Authority has proposed to develop the waterfronts of Kwun Tong, Kowloon Bay, Kai Tak and To Kwa Wan along the Victoria Harbour into a world-class bay region known as “Victoria Cove Area”. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether the Working Group for Sha Tau Kok Co-operation Zone set up under the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy under the Guangdong-Hong Kong and Hong Kong-Shenzhen cooperation mechanism has discussed the development of the Nan’ao checkpoint and the routes to and from Hong Kong; if so, of the relevant progress; whether, in view of the opening of the Nan’ao checkpoint, it will consider setting up more sea control points in the eastern part of Hong Kong and introducing more streamlined immigration measures and policies, so as to create favourable conditions for multi-destination cross-boundary marine tourism across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) as it has been reported that the Nan’ao checkpoint will set up a route connecting to Ma Liu Shui via Tung Ping Chau, which is only four kilometres away, while Tung Ping Chau, a tourist hotspot in Hong Kong, is yet to be supplied with tap water and electricity, whether the SAR Government will take advantage of the opportunity arising from the development of the Nan’ao checkpoint to work with the Shenzhen Municipality in providing Tung Ping Chau with infrastructure such as tap water and electricity to promote the development of the island; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) given that the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy proposes the establishment of the Mirs Bay/Yan Chau Tong Eco-recreation/tourism Circle, and there are views pointing out that the infrastructural facilities on the islands in such waters, particularly piers or landing facilities, are relatively outdated, whether the Government will allocate resources to upgrade the infrastructure on such islands so as to serve tourists’ needs; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) given that the Action Plan for High-Quality Development of the Yacht Industry (2024-2027) announced by the Guangdong Provincial Government proposes to strive for the implementation of a pilot prorgamme for the free flow of yachts among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, of the progress of the SAR Government’s discussion with the Mainland authorities on the implementation of the plan, and whether additional measures conducive to cross-boundary high-end marine tourism will be pursued at the same time for Hong Kong’s tourism industry;
(5) whether, in the light of the establishment of the Nan’ao checkpoint, adjustments will be made to the planning for the Northern Metropolis to dovetail with the relevant development; and
(6) whether it will consider creating a “cross-boundary marine eco-tourism belt along the eastern waters of Hong Kong” through a multi-destination tourism approach, including but not limited to the development of tourism routes connecting the Nan’ao checkpoint with various scenic spots, such as Sai Kung, Lei Yue Mun (the Sam Ka Tsuen Ferry Pier), Kwun Tong (the Kwun Tong Public Pier and the Kwun Tong Ferry Pier), Kai Tak (the Runway Park Pier and the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal), the Kwun Tong Waterfront Water Sports Centre, the Kai Tak Water Sports Centre and the proposed yacht club in Yau Tong Bay, with a view to utilising existing or planned facilities in combination with eco-tourism and water sports activities in Hong Kong’s eastern waters to attract high-value added visitors to come and spend money in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
As set out in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) promotes in-depth integration of Hong Kong’s unique world-class resources with tourism, leveraging Hong Kong’s position as an international metropolis and tourism hub to promote the development of multi-destination travel itineraries and tourism products with other cities inside and outside the Greater Bay Area (GBA). According to the Northern Metropolis (NM) Action Agenda published in 2023, the Blue and Green Recreation, Tourism and Conservation Circle situated in the easternmost part of the NM comprises Robin’s Nest, Lin Ma Hang, Sha Tau Kok, Yan Chau Tong as well as coastal villages and the outlying islands. With abundant blue and green resources including country parks, marine parks and a geopark as well as a number of traditional rural townships, this zone has the potential for recreation and tourism development.
Having consulted the CSTB, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Security Bureau, and the Transport and Logistics Bureau, a consolidated reply in response to the questions raised by the Hon Tang Ka-piu is as follows:
(1) and (5) The Working Group for Sha Tau Kok Co-operation Zone (the Working Group) under the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy aims to promote cultural and tourism collaboration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong in Sha Tau Kok. The development of the proposed Nan’ao checkpoint, as mentioned in the question, includes routes to and from Hong Kong and is outside the scope of work of the Working Group. As regards setting up sea travel control points in the eastern part of Hong Kong and developing cross-boundary ferry routes between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, these will involve quite a number of considerations, including the long-term market demand for the ferry routes concerned and the carrying capacity of the region, the required infrastructure and supporting facilities and the cost-effectiveness, and the potential impacts on the ecological environment, etc, which warrant careful consideration.
(2) Regarding the power supply to Tung Ping Chau, the Scheme of Control Agreements signed between the Government and the two power companies stipulate that the power companies are obliged to contribute to the development of Hong Kong by providing, operating and maintaining sufficient electricity related-facilities and supplying electricity to meet the demand. This includes the conducting of feasibility studies and putting forward of proposals for supplying electricity to remote areas. The Government will conduct comprehensive assessments on the two power companies’ proposals, taking into account such factors as the supply method, cost-effectiveness and the impact on the environment, etc, with a view to achieving the balance of the four objectives of our energy policy, namely, safety, stability, reasonable prices and environmentally friendliness. Regarding the electricity supply to Tung Ping Chau, the Government has approved the proposals in the 2018-2023 Development Plan of the CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) to supply electricity generated from solar power systems for Tung Ping Chau. The Government has also urged the CLP to maintain close liaison with the local residents.
Regarding the water supply to Tung Ping Chau, as the permanent residence of the island is sparse, if a treated water supply system is to be constructed irrespective of whether the submarine pipeline is constructed from Shenzhen or Hong Kong to Tung Ping Chau, it is expected that the low water consumption will likely lead to stagnant water in water mains, resulting in deterioration of water quality. Preliminary study shows that the capital cost per capita for the construction of treated water supply system for Tung Ping Chau is very high. Factors such as cross-boundary project and management should also be considered for laying the cross-boundary submarine pipeline. In view of technical and financial feasibility of the water supply system, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) is actively exploring using technology to provide water supply to Tung Ping Chau. To this end, the WSD is providing assistance to a non-governmental organisation to carry out pilot use of domestic seawater filter devices to provide an alternative water source for the villagers of Tung Ping Chau.
(3) The Government launched the policy of Pier Improvement Programme (PIP) in 2017, aiming to upgrade the structural safety and facilities of a number of existing public piers at remote areas in the New Territories and outlying islands, with a view to enhancing accessibility of some scenic spots and natural heritage as well as meeting the basic needs of local villagers relying on boats as their main transportation mode and fishermen’s operation. Under the PIP, eight public piers are located within the Mirs Bay/Yan Chau Tong in the NM, of which the construction of Lai Chi Chong Pier, Sam Mun Tsai Village Pier and Sham Chung Pier are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. The remaining five piers are at the investigation and design stage. Upon completion of the detailed design, the Government will apply to the Legislative Council for funding for individual pier projects at appropriate time, based on the resource priority and related engineering deployment of the public works projects.
(4) The CSTB supports the development and co-operation of yacht tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA, with a view to expanding and promoting high value-added tourism activities in Hong Kong and demonstrating the role of Hong Kong as a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism. The Development Bureau (DEVB) and the departments under its purview would make appropriate preparation in relation to land use planning and hardware for disembarkation and shores facilities so as to support the future development of yacht tourism in Hong Kong. With regard to the hardware facilities, the DEVB invited the market to submit expressions of interest (EOIs) for the proposed yacht berthing facilities at the ex-Lamma Quarry site and the expansion area of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter in the first half of this year, and are currently consolidating and analysing the feedback collected. The target is to firm up the development parameters and requirements, conduct the relevant statutory procedures as needed, and invite tender by the end of 2026 and 2027, or even earlier, for the two projects mentioned above respectively. At the same time, the DEVB released in April this year the preliminary land use proposals for the sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas, proposing to make use of the water body to the west of the former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard site to provide yacht berthing facilities. The DEVB is currently consulting the public on the whole land use proposal which includes, amongst others, the yacht berthing facilities. The target is to commence town planning and other statutory procedures in the second half of 2026.
To promote yacht tourism, apart from providing more yacht berthing facilities to address the shortage of berths, the Government will also need to consider whether there is any need to improve the immigration clearance procedures for yachts, the visa requirements for crew members, as well as arrangements and ancillary facilities such as ship repairing and maintenance, which involve the work of various bureaux and departments. In this relation, the DEVB has already made use of the opportunity of the EOI exercises mentioned above to collect the industry’s views and improvement recommendations on the development of yacht tourism and the related ancillary facilities. We are currently consolidating and analysing the feedback collected, and will provide them to the relevant bureaux and departments for reference, with a view to facilitating the formulation of more facilitating measures in the future to promote yacht tourism.
(6) At present, Mainland visitors can conveniently enter Hong Kong through various boundary control points to join local tours, including eco-tourism itineraries in Hong Kong. The Government will, under the premise of striking a balance between ecological conservation and tourism development, unveil Hong Kong’s precious ecological resources to visitors and develop island tourism. We will also make good use of the coastline and waterfront resources and encourage the trade to develop diversified tourism products.
Under the Tourism Commission’s Lei Yue Mun Waterfront Enhancement Project, the public landing facility was opened for public use in June. It has provided better supporting facility for developing tourism products in the eastern waters of Victoria Harbour, and promoting the development of marine tourism. In particular, for the licensed ferry route plying between Sai Wan Ho and Sam Ka Tsuen, some of the existing departures from Sai Wan Ho to Sam Ka Tsuen has been operated via the new public landing facility at Lei Yue Mun on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The service has commenced since June 28 on a trial basis for six months.
In addition, the Legislation Council approved the amended Protection of the Harbour Ordinance (Cap. 531) recently. The introduction of a streamlined mechanism under the amended Ordinance has facilitated small-scale reclamations to promote harbourfront enhancement and to strengthen harbour functions. We will explore suitable locations for taking forward harbour enhancement works that can upgrade ancillary tourist facilities on both sides of the Victoria Harbour, by capitalising on the streamlined mechanism, with a view to better leveraging harbourfront resources and promoting tourism.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (July 2) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Mkhondo Local Municipality in South Africa and Wrexham County of Wales in the United Kingdom (UK), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.
A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with South Africa for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, no poultry meat was imported into Hong Kong from South Africa in the first three months of this year. Moreover, Hong Kong imported about 210 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 440 000 poultry eggs from the UK in the first three months of this year.
“The CFS has contacted the South African and British authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (July 2) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Mkhondo Local Municipality in South Africa and Wrexham County of Wales in the United Kingdom (UK), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.
A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with South Africa for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, no poultry meat was imported into Hong Kong from South Africa in the first three months of this year. Moreover, Hong Kong imported about 210 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 440 000 poultry eggs from the UK in the first three months of this year.
“The CFS has contacted the South African and British authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hok-fung and a reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):
Question:
There are views that expensive accommodation costs, as well as lack of variety and limited choices are related to the fact that only about 66 per cent of Mainland tourists stayed overnight in Hong Kong during this year’s Labour Day Golden Week, and that the Government should make good use of the natural resources in rural areas to develop home-stay lodgings, thereby extending tourists’ length of stay. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it has been reported that Japan has relaxed its regulations on home-stay lodgings in recent years to focus more on management requirements than on strict hardware facility standards for hotels and guesthouses, whether the Government has studied regulating home-stay lodgings in this direction; if so, of the details;
(2) as there are views that Hong Kong has many rural locations with natural scenic beauty and potential for developing home-stay lodgings, such as Pui O and Mui Wo, whether the Government will study allowing village houses in such locations that have been issued with a Certificate of Compliance to automatically be eligible to operate as home-stay lodgings, in order to streamline the administrative procedures for applying to operate home-stay lodgings; if so, of the timetable; and
(3) as it has been reported that a private kitchen in rural areas has encountered considerable difficulties when applying for restaurant licences, whether the Government will relax requirements in the light of the unique circumstances of rural areas, and proactively assist rural home-stay lodgings that also operate restaurants by processing licences for both simultaneously, so as to accelerate the development of home-stay lodgings?
Reply:
President,
In response to the three parts of the question raised by the Hon Chan Hok-fung, having consulted the Development Bureau and the Environment and Ecology Bureau, my consolidated reply is as follows:
The Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) under the Home Affairs Department is responsible for licensing and enforcement work under the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance (Cap. 349). The purpose of the Ordinance is to ensure that premises intended for use as hotels or guesthouses meet statutory building and fire safety standards to protect the safety of lodgers and the public. Moreover, as guests typically only stay in hotels or guesthouses during nighttime or for short periods and may not be familiar with escape routes, it is necessary to establish reasonable safety requirements to protect their safety. Under the current system, any premises providing paid short-term accommodation, including hotels, guesthouses or so-called “home-stay lodgings”, must comply with the building and fire safety standards stipulated in the Ordinance before being licensed to operate. The Ordinance does not impose special restrictions on or exclude “home-stay lodgings”. As long as the operation mode falls within the definition of hotel or guesthouse, an application for a licence to operate can be made, regardless of whether the premises is located in an urban or a rural area.
The OLA has long been adopting a flexible and pragmatic approach in processing all licence applications to facilitate the operation of licensed premises. When processing hotel and guesthouse licence applications, the OLA ensures that premises under the applications meet basic safety requirements such as building and fire safety standards, while taking into account the scale and operation mode of the premises. Additionally, premises must comply with relevant requirements of the Ordinance, in order to safeguard the safety of lodgers and the public while balancing the interests of other owners of premises in the same building. Most of these requirements were introduced by the Amendment Ordinance in 2020, including the no-use restriction requirement (i.e. there should be no restrictive clauses in the deed of mutual covenant or Government lease of the premises concerned) and the person responsible for operating, opening, or managing a hotel or guesthouse must meet the fit and proper requirement. The application process does not impose additional restrictions for “home-stay lodgings” type operations. Upon receiving a licence application, the OLA will conduct an on-site inspection and formulate applicable licensing requirements based on the specific circumstances of each premises. The Government has always prioritised public safety as its foremost consideration while striving to foster the healthy development of the industry. As long as the safety of guests, other persons in the same building and the general public is ensured, the OLA will proactively facilitate the application and approval processes for licences.
Currently, land leases for small houses in the New Territories generally permit non-industrial uses, including operation as guesthouses. Therefore, as long as the small house has obtained either a Certificate of Compliance or a “No Objection to Occupy” Letter from the Lands Department, no lease modification would be required. However, a guesthouse licence would still need to be applied for to operate a guesthouse so as to ensure the safety of lodgers and the general public.
However, we understand that village houses in rural areas have their own unique characteristics and constraints. The OLA has always adopted a flexible and pragmatic approach in processing such applications, allowing applicants to propose alternative solutions on a case-by-case basis to meet the requirements for licensing, provided that building and fire safety are ensured. As long as there is no compromise of public safety, relevant departments will consider local situations when processing applications for rural and old village houses, with a view to facilitating applicants to meet the licensing requirements.
As at May 31, 2025, 108 village houses in the New Territories or outlying islands in Hong Kong have been issued with guesthouse licences.
In fact, to promote eco-tourism, facilitate visitors, and help revitalise desolate villages, the Government’s inter-departmental task force has formulated a series of streamlined measures to facilitate guesthouse and food business licence applications for some 90 countryside villages in the New Territories that have no vehicular access, taking into account the uniqueness of remote rural areas. These streamlined measures cover various aspects, including town planning, land, fire safety, building safety and sanitary requirements. Currently, relevant licences have been obtained for some guesthouses in Lai Chi Wo, a takeaway shop in Yim Tin Tsai, and a restaurant in Kuk Po under these streamlined measures. Based on these actual cases, the Government is sorting out the requirements, details, and implementation procedures of the streamlined measures and will compile a set of Guide to Application for reference by interested operators. The Government will continue to review room for enhancement in the licence application process for guesthouses and food businesses in countryside areas, with a view to creating a more business-friendly environment to support the work of countryside conservation and revitalisation.
​Under the inter-departmental collaboration mechanism, the first batch of guesthouse licences was successfully issued for 11 village houses in Lai Chi Wo between December 2021 and September 2022.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hok-fung and a reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):
Question:
There are views that expensive accommodation costs, as well as lack of variety and limited choices are related to the fact that only about 66 per cent of Mainland tourists stayed overnight in Hong Kong during this year’s Labour Day Golden Week, and that the Government should make good use of the natural resources in rural areas to develop home-stay lodgings, thereby extending tourists’ length of stay. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it has been reported that Japan has relaxed its regulations on home-stay lodgings in recent years to focus more on management requirements than on strict hardware facility standards for hotels and guesthouses, whether the Government has studied regulating home-stay lodgings in this direction; if so, of the details;
(2) as there are views that Hong Kong has many rural locations with natural scenic beauty and potential for developing home-stay lodgings, such as Pui O and Mui Wo, whether the Government will study allowing village houses in such locations that have been issued with a Certificate of Compliance to automatically be eligible to operate as home-stay lodgings, in order to streamline the administrative procedures for applying to operate home-stay lodgings; if so, of the timetable; and
(3) as it has been reported that a private kitchen in rural areas has encountered considerable difficulties when applying for restaurant licences, whether the Government will relax requirements in the light of the unique circumstances of rural areas, and proactively assist rural home-stay lodgings that also operate restaurants by processing licences for both simultaneously, so as to accelerate the development of home-stay lodgings?
Reply:
President,
In response to the three parts of the question raised by the Hon Chan Hok-fung, having consulted the Development Bureau and the Environment and Ecology Bureau, my consolidated reply is as follows:
The Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) under the Home Affairs Department is responsible for licensing and enforcement work under the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance (Cap. 349). The purpose of the Ordinance is to ensure that premises intended for use as hotels or guesthouses meet statutory building and fire safety standards to protect the safety of lodgers and the public. Moreover, as guests typically only stay in hotels or guesthouses during nighttime or for short periods and may not be familiar with escape routes, it is necessary to establish reasonable safety requirements to protect their safety. Under the current system, any premises providing paid short-term accommodation, including hotels, guesthouses or so-called “home-stay lodgings”, must comply with the building and fire safety standards stipulated in the Ordinance before being licensed to operate. The Ordinance does not impose special restrictions on or exclude “home-stay lodgings”. As long as the operation mode falls within the definition of hotel or guesthouse, an application for a licence to operate can be made, regardless of whether the premises is located in an urban or a rural area.
The OLA has long been adopting a flexible and pragmatic approach in processing all licence applications to facilitate the operation of licensed premises. When processing hotel and guesthouse licence applications, the OLA ensures that premises under the applications meet basic safety requirements such as building and fire safety standards, while taking into account the scale and operation mode of the premises. Additionally, premises must comply with relevant requirements of the Ordinance, in order to safeguard the safety of lodgers and the public while balancing the interests of other owners of premises in the same building. Most of these requirements were introduced by the Amendment Ordinance in 2020, including the no-use restriction requirement (i.e. there should be no restrictive clauses in the deed of mutual covenant or Government lease of the premises concerned) and the person responsible for operating, opening, or managing a hotel or guesthouse must meet the fit and proper requirement. The application process does not impose additional restrictions for “home-stay lodgings” type operations. Upon receiving a licence application, the OLA will conduct an on-site inspection and formulate applicable licensing requirements based on the specific circumstances of each premises. The Government has always prioritised public safety as its foremost consideration while striving to foster the healthy development of the industry. As long as the safety of guests, other persons in the same building and the general public is ensured, the OLA will proactively facilitate the application and approval processes for licences.
Currently, land leases for small houses in the New Territories generally permit non-industrial uses, including operation as guesthouses. Therefore, as long as the small house has obtained either a Certificate of Compliance or a “No Objection to Occupy” Letter from the Lands Department, no lease modification would be required. However, a guesthouse licence would still need to be applied for to operate a guesthouse so as to ensure the safety of lodgers and the general public.
However, we understand that village houses in rural areas have their own unique characteristics and constraints. The OLA has always adopted a flexible and pragmatic approach in processing such applications, allowing applicants to propose alternative solutions on a case-by-case basis to meet the requirements for licensing, provided that building and fire safety are ensured. As long as there is no compromise of public safety, relevant departments will consider local situations when processing applications for rural and old village houses, with a view to facilitating applicants to meet the licensing requirements.
As at May 31, 2025, 108 village houses in the New Territories or outlying islands in Hong Kong have been issued with guesthouse licences.
In fact, to promote eco-tourism, facilitate visitors, and help revitalise desolate villages, the Government’s inter-departmental task force has formulated a series of streamlined measures to facilitate guesthouse and food business licence applications for some 90 countryside villages in the New Territories that have no vehicular access, taking into account the uniqueness of remote rural areas. These streamlined measures cover various aspects, including town planning, land, fire safety, building safety and sanitary requirements. Currently, relevant licences have been obtained for some guesthouses in Lai Chi Wo, a takeaway shop in Yim Tin Tsai, and a restaurant in Kuk Po under these streamlined measures. Based on these actual cases, the Government is sorting out the requirements, details, and implementation procedures of the streamlined measures and will compile a set of Guide to Application for reference by interested operators. The Government will continue to review room for enhancement in the licence application process for guesthouses and food businesses in countryside areas, with a view to creating a more business-friendly environment to support the work of countryside conservation and revitalisation.
​Under the inter-departmental collaboration mechanism, the first batch of guesthouse licences was successfully issued for 11 village houses in Lai Chi Wo between December 2021 and September 2022.
In response to Spain, Brazil and South Africa’s new global coalition to tax the super-rich, launched today at the Fourth Financing for Development Conference in Seville, Oxfam Tax Justice Policy Lead Susana Ruiz said:
“We welcome the leadership of Brazil, Spain and South Africa in calling for taxes on the super-rich. People around the world are pushing for more countries to reject the corrupting political influence of oligarchies. Taxation of the super-rich is a vital tool to secure sustainable development and fight inequalities. The wealth of the richest 1% has surged $33.9 trillion since 2015, enough to end annual poverty 22 times, yet billionaires only pay around 0.3% in real taxes.
“This extreme inequality is being driven by a financial system that puts the interests of a wealthy few above everyone else. This concentration of wealth is blocking progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and keeping over three billion people living in poverty: over half of poor countries are spending more on debt repayments than on healthcare or education.
“In a tense geopolitical environment, Spain, Brazil and South Africa have taken an important step in forging an alliance here at the UN conference in Seville to show political will for taxation of the super-rich. Now other countries must follow their lead and join forces. This year, the FFD in Seville, COP30 in Brazil and G20 in South Africa are key opportunities for international cooperation to tax the super-rich and invest in a sustainable future that puts human rights and equality at its core.”
Greenpeace and Oxfam International commissioned a study this month on public opinion on taxing the super-rich. The research was conducted by first party data companyDynatain May-June 2025, in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Kenya, Italy, India, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US.The survey had approximately 1200 respondents per country, with a margin of error of +-2.83%.Together, these countries represent close to half the world’s population.See the results here.
Oxfam will be hosting a major high-level event together with Club de Madrid, at 7pm on July 1, 2025, in Seville, joined by high-level government representatives on the media briefing note. Journalists are invited to attend and will be prioritized for questions. Please registerhere.
Moreover, an official side event on inequality and tax reform will take place at 2.30pm on July 1, 2025, at the FIBES Exhibition Centre room 20 joined by high-level government representatives from Brazil, Spain and South Africa, international organizations and global experts. See notehere.