NewzIntel.com

Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI Video: All Hands on Deck for the Energy Transition

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    With the global targets of tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 fast approaching, it is critical to accelerate the implementation, build political momentum and monitor progress.

    How can countries and industries close this gap and what tools are at their disposal?

    This is the full audio from a session at the Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos. Watch it here: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2025/sessions/all-hands-on-deck-for-the-energy-transition/ Episode page with transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/agenda-dialogues/episodes/all-hands-on-deck-for-the-energy-transition

    Speakers: 

    Ève Bazaiba Masudi, Minister of State, Minister of Environment, Ministry of Environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, European Commission

    Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency

    Morten Wierod ,Chief Executive Officer, ABB

    Dina Ercilia Boluarte, President of Peru, Office of the President of Peru

    Mirek Dušek, Managing Director, Chief Business Officer and Head of Global Programming, World Economic Forum

    Gurdeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, NTPC

    Lars Rebien Sorensen, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Novo Nordisk Foundation

     

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw-MGcLzZeM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • GRAP’s Stage 1 withdrawn from Delhi-NCR as AQI improves to ‘moderate’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhiites breathed cleaner air after showers on early Sunday prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to revoke actions under Stage-I.

    “Today, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) of the day clocked 140 as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),” said Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

    While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters in the region and other aspects, the Sub-Committee said, “AQI of Delhi has shown consistent improvement due to favourable meteorological conditions and the AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 140 for June 15 (in ‘Moderate’ category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in ‘Moderate’ category in coming days.”

    “Therefore, keeping in view this trend of improvement in the AQI of Delhi and also the forecasts by IMD/ IITM predicting the average air quality of Delhi to stay in ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days (for which forecast is available), the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decided to revoke Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect,” the statement said.

    It was also stressed that all the agencies of the state governments/GNCTD in the NCR, need to ensure that all statutory directions, advisories and orders issued by the Commission are followed and implemented in right earnest to prevent the air quality from slipping to the ‘Poor’ category.

    The sub-committee said that all the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures, the statement said.

    “The Sub-Committee, shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made available by IMD/ IITM,” it said.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Global: Seabed mining is becoming an environmental flashpoint – NZ will have to pick a side soon

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Myra Williamson, Senior Lecturer in Law, Auckland University of Technology

    Getty Images

    Seabed mining could become one of the defining environmental battles of 2025. Around the world, governments are weighing up whether to allow mining of the ocean floor for metal ores and minerals. New Zealand is among them.

    The stakes are high. Deep-sea mining is highly controversial, with evidence showing mining activity can cause lasting damage to fragile marine ecosystems. One area off the east coast of the United States, mined as an experiment 50 years ago, still bears scars and shows little sign of recovery.

    With the world facing competing pressures – climate action and conservation versus demand for resources – New Zealand must now decide whether to fast-track mining, regulate it tightly, or pause it entirely.

    Who controls international seabed mining?

    A major flashpoint is governance in international waters. Under international law, seabed mining beyond national jurisdiction is managed by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), created by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

    But the US has never ratified UNCLOS. In April this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to bypass the ISA and allow companies to begin mining in international waters.

    The ISA has pushed back, warning unilateral action breaches international law. However, the declaration from the recently concluded UN Ocean Conference in France does not urge countries to adopt a precautionary approach, nor does it ban deep seabed mining.

    The declaration does “reiterate the need to increase scientific knowledge on deep sea ecosystems” and recognises the role of the ISA in setting “robust rules, regulations and procedures for exploitation of resources” in international waters.

    So, while the international community supports multilateralism and international law, deep-sea mining in the near future remains a real possibility.

    Fast-track approvals

    In the Pacific, some countries have already made up their minds about which way they will go. Nauru recently updated its agreement with Canadian-based The Metals Company to begin mining in the nearby Clarion Clipperton Zone. The deal favours the US’s go-it-alone approach over the ISA model.

    By contrast, in 2022, New Zealand’s Labour government backed the ISA’s moratorium and committed to a holistic ocean management strategy. Whether that position still holds is unclear, given the current government’s policies.

    The list of applications under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 – described by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones as “arguably the most permissive regime” in Australasia – includes two controversial seabed mining proposals in Bream Bay and off the Taranaki coast:

    • Trans-Tasman Resources’ proposal to extract up to 50 million tonnes of Taranaki seabed material annually to recover heavy mineral sands that contain iron ore as well as rare metal elements titanium and vanadium.

    • McCallum Brothers Ltd’s Bream Bay proposal to dredge up to 150,000 cubic metres of sand yearly for three years, and up to 250,000 cubic metres after that.

    Legal landscape changing

    Māori and environmental groups have opposed the fast-track policy, and the Treaty of Waitangi has so far been a powerful safeguard in seabed mining cases.

    Provisions referencing Treaty principles appear in key laws, including the Crown Minerals Act and the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act.

    In 2021, the Supreme Court cited these obligations when it rejected a 2016 marine discharge application by Trans-Tasman Resources to mine the seabed in the Taranaki Bight. The court ruled Treaty clauses must be interpreted in a “broad and generous” way, recognising tikanga Māori and customary marine rights.

    But that legal landscape could soon change. The Regulatory Standards Bill, now before parliament, would give priority to property rights over environmental or Indigenous protections in the formulation of new laws and regulations.

    The bill also allows for the review of existing legislation. In theory, if the Regulatory Standards Bill becomes law, it could result in the removal of Treaty principles clauses from legislation.

    This in turn could deny courts the tools they’ve previously used to uphold environmental and Treaty-based protections to block seabed mining applications. That would make it easier to approve fast-tracked projects such as the Bream Bay and Taranaki projects.

    Setting a precedent

    Meanwhile, Hawai’i has gone in a different direction. In 2024, the US state passed a law banning seabed mining in state waters – joining California (2022), Washington (2021) and Oregon (1991).

    Under the Hawai’i Seabed Mining Prevention Act, mining is banned except in rare cases such as beach restoration. The law cites the public’s right to a clean and healthy environment.

    As global conflict brews over seabed governance, New Zealand’s eventual position could set a precedent.

    Choosing to prohibit seabed mining in New Zealand waters, as Hawai’i has done, would send a strong message that environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights matter more than short-term resource extraction interests.

    If New Zealand does decide to go ahead with seabed mining, however, it could trigger a cascade of mining efforts across New Zealand and the Pacific. A crucial decision is fast approaching.

    Myra Williamson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Seabed mining is becoming an environmental flashpoint – NZ will have to pick a side soon – https://theconversation.com/seabed-mining-is-becoming-an-environmental-flashpoint-nz-will-have-to-pick-a-side-soon-258908

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Seabed mining is becoming an environmental flashpoint – NZ will have to pick a side soon

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Myra Williamson, Senior Lecturer in Law, Auckland University of Technology

    Getty Images

    Seabed mining could become one of the defining environmental battles of 2025. Around the world, governments are weighing up whether to allow mining of the ocean floor for metal ores and minerals. New Zealand is among them.

    The stakes are high. Deep-sea mining is highly controversial, with evidence showing mining activity can cause lasting damage to fragile marine ecosystems. One area off the east coast of the United States, mined as an experiment 50 years ago, still bears scars and shows little sign of recovery.

    With the world facing competing pressures – climate action and conservation versus demand for resources – New Zealand must now decide whether to fast-track mining, regulate it tightly, or pause it entirely.

    Who controls international seabed mining?

    A major flashpoint is governance in international waters. Under international law, seabed mining beyond national jurisdiction is managed by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), created by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

    But the US has never ratified UNCLOS. In April this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to bypass the ISA and allow companies to begin mining in international waters.

    The ISA has pushed back, warning unilateral action breaches international law. However, the declaration from the recently concluded UN Ocean Conference in France does not urge countries to adopt a precautionary approach, nor does it ban deep seabed mining.

    The declaration does “reiterate the need to increase scientific knowledge on deep sea ecosystems” and recognises the role of the ISA in setting “robust rules, regulations and procedures for exploitation of resources” in international waters.

    So, while the international community supports multilateralism and international law, deep-sea mining in the near future remains a real possibility.

    Fast-track approvals

    In the Pacific, some countries have already made up their minds about which way they will go. Nauru recently updated its agreement with Canadian-based The Metals Company to begin mining in the nearby Clarion Clipperton Zone. The deal favours the US’s go-it-alone approach over the ISA model.

    By contrast, in 2022, New Zealand’s Labour government backed the ISA’s moratorium and committed to a holistic ocean management strategy. Whether that position still holds is unclear, given the current government’s policies.

    The list of applications under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 – described by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones as “arguably the most permissive regime” in Australasia – includes two controversial seabed mining proposals in Bream Bay and off the Taranaki coast:

    • Trans-Tasman Resources’ proposal to extract up to 50 million tonnes of Taranaki seabed material annually to recover heavy mineral sands that contain iron ore as well as rare metal elements titanium and vanadium.

    • McCallum Brothers Ltd’s Bream Bay proposal to dredge up to 150,000 cubic metres of sand yearly for three years, and up to 250,000 cubic metres after that.

    Legal landscape changing

    Māori and environmental groups have opposed the fast-track policy, and the Treaty of Waitangi has so far been a powerful safeguard in seabed mining cases.

    Provisions referencing Treaty principles appear in key laws, including the Crown Minerals Act and the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act.

    In 2021, the Supreme Court cited these obligations when it rejected a 2016 marine discharge application by Trans-Tasman Resources to mine the seabed in the Taranaki Bight. The court ruled Treaty clauses must be interpreted in a “broad and generous” way, recognising tikanga Māori and customary marine rights.

    But that legal landscape could soon change. The Regulatory Standards Bill, now before parliament, would give priority to property rights over environmental or Indigenous protections in the formulation of new laws and regulations.

    The bill also allows for the review of existing legislation. In theory, if the Regulatory Standards Bill becomes law, it could result in the removal of Treaty principles clauses from legislation.

    This in turn could deny courts the tools they’ve previously used to uphold environmental and Treaty-based protections to block seabed mining applications. That would make it easier to approve fast-tracked projects such as the Bream Bay and Taranaki projects.

    Setting a precedent

    Meanwhile, Hawai’i has gone in a different direction. In 2024, the US state passed a law banning seabed mining in state waters – joining California (2022), Washington (2021) and Oregon (1991).

    Under the Hawai’i Seabed Mining Prevention Act, mining is banned except in rare cases such as beach restoration. The law cites the public’s right to a clean and healthy environment.

    As global conflict brews over seabed governance, New Zealand’s eventual position could set a precedent.

    Choosing to prohibit seabed mining in New Zealand waters, as Hawai’i has done, would send a strong message that environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights matter more than short-term resource extraction interests.

    If New Zealand does decide to go ahead with seabed mining, however, it could trigger a cascade of mining efforts across New Zealand and the Pacific. A crucial decision is fast approaching.

    Myra Williamson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Seabed mining is becoming an environmental flashpoint – NZ will have to pick a side soon – https://theconversation.com/seabed-mining-is-becoming-an-environmental-flashpoint-nz-will-have-to-pick-a-side-soon-258908

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ‘Coral in Focus’ Premieres at the United Nations Ocean Conference, Spotlighting Innovation and Urgency in Reef Restoration

    Source: Samsung

    At the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 (UNOC)1 in Nice, held to mark World Oceans Day on June 8, Samsung Electronics hosted a premiere event for “Coral in Focus,” a new documentary that brings the global coral crisis into sharp relief. The event, held at Ocean House, featured a screening of the film followed by a panel discussion with leading voices in marine science, conservation and technology.
     
    Directed by award-winning filmmaker Quentin van den Bossche, “Coral in Focus” follows scientists, engineers and local conservationists as they confront the urgent threats facing coral reefs — ecosystems that support up to a billion people and a quarter of all marine life. This work is part of a broader effort announced at Galaxy Unpacked in January 2025, where Samsung unveiled its partnership with Seatrees to support the restoration of coastal ecosystems with communities in Fiji, Indonesia and the United States, leveraging Galaxy camera technology to document and aid in the recovery of marine environments.
     

     
    The documentary spotlights the urgent threats facing coral reefs and showcases how innovative technology and global collaboration can drive meaningful impact for marine ecosystems.
     
     
    A Crisis Hidden Beneath the Surface
    As ocean temperatures shattered records, more than 80% of the world’s reefs have suffered from mass bleaching. When corals bleach, they lose not just their color but their lifeblood — the algae that feed them. This crisis, largely invisible to the public, threatens biodiversity, food security and coastal resilience. Long-term climate action is crucial to safeguarding coral reefs, while short-term restoration efforts — informed and supported by innovative technology — can help them withstand rising ocean temperatures.
     
     
    A Galaxy Smartphone That Sees Beneath the Waves
    Samsung collaborated with Seatrees, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring marine ecosystems, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, a global leader in reef research, to pioneer a new frontier in coral restoration by exploring new, innovative solutions. Ocean Mode,2 a specialized camera feature created specifically for this partnership, was developed, introduced and validated in real-world conditions in Indonesia and Fiji. This process has created a credible foundation for broader scientific use while improving the overall accessibility of this new technology.
     
    By enabling more scientists, conservationists and even citizen scientists with the ability to photograph, map and monitor reefs, Ocean Mode can help restoration efforts scale, and make it possible for anyone to protect more reefs, in more places, with greater impact.
     
     
    Innovation With Measurable Impact
    Ocean Mode transforms the Galaxy S24 Ultra into a mobile marine research tool, enabling vivid, high-resolution image capture even in challenging underwater conditions. It corrects the excessive blue and green hues typical of underwater photography, allowing for a more accurate representation of coral health and diversity.
     
    The camera adjusts shutter speed and leverages multi-frame image processing to reduce motion blur caused by water movement or diver activity, ensuring sharp, detailed images. With its interval shooting capability, the device can automatically capture thousands of images in a single dive, dramatically improving both efficiency and consistency. These images can then be used to generate 3D models of coral reefs using technology known as photogrammetry, giving researchers a powerful way to visualize and study the drivers of the structure and health of reefs over time.
     
    Over the past year, the project has delivered extraordinary results. With these coral restoration initiatives, 17 3D models of coral reefs have been made with the help of scientists and Samsung to analyze the impact of coral restoration efforts and validate the precision of Galaxy devices for photogrammetry. In total, Seatrees project partners planted more than 14,046 coral fragments to restore 10,705 square meters of coral reef habitat.
     
     
    A Premiere With Purpose
    The “Coral in Focus” premiere at Ocean House, in partnership with Project Everyone, brought together scientists, storytellers and sustainability leaders for a powerful conversation on the role that technology and global collaboration play in the future of coral reefs.
     
    ▲ (From left) Alex Heath, Cassie Smith, Dr. Daniel Wangpraseurt, Michael Stewart and Quentin van den Bossche
     
    ▲ “Ocean Mode became its own character in the documentary,” said Quentin van den Bossche, director of “Coral in Focus.” “This helped us illustrate some of the complex, specific challenges that reef conservationists encounter. And showing the difference between photos taken with and without Ocean Mode helped ground the technology in something visual and even emotional. This is where the impact of partnerships among companies, research institutes and nonprofits truly comes to life.”
     
    ▲ Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees, holds a Galaxy S24 Ultra to show Ocean Mode Year 1 impact metrics — about 14,046 coral fragments planted across three restoration sites.
     
    “A key focus of the coral restoration efforts is being able to monitor what’s working and what’s not. And that starts with capturing high-quality images of our supported reefs,” said Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees. “Our local partners have really appreciated Ocean Mode because it has improved their ability to capture higher-quality images with Galaxy phones to make the 3D models created by the scientists at Scripps more accurate.”
     

     
    “Mobile technology is a powerful way to connect communities with ecosystems they may never physically encounter but are deeply tied to through climate, biodiversity and cultural heritage,” said Daniel Wangpraseurt, Ph.D., associate research scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. “Smartphones are now capable of taking high-resolution imagery to help generate more accurate 3D models. They also hold unique potential to increase the pace at which we share this information with people around the world who may never get to experience a coral reef themselves.”
     
    ▲ “Through our partnership with Seatrees, we saw how Galaxy technology could play a role not just in responsible sourcing but in supporting coral reef restoration,” said Cassie Smith, Senior Manager, Corporate Sustainability and U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics America. “The documentary tells that story beautifully — showing what happens when like-minded partners, engineers, scientists and local communities come together with shared purpose and the right tools.”
     
    ▲ Attendees of the “Coral in Focus” documentary premiere included Swati Thiyagarajan, award-winning documentary filmmaker, environmental journalist with the Sea Change Project and associate producer and production manager of the Academy Award-winning “My Octopus Teacher”; Titouan Bernicot, founder and CEO of Coral Gardeners and National Geographic Explorer; and Beverly Camhe, writer, producer and entertainment executive.
     
    “It’s essential for the private sector to be involved and help get impactful solutions off the ground,” said Lefteris Arapakis, co-founder of Enaleia. “We need all parties working together to protect and scale ocean conservation efforts. I’m especially excited about Ocean Mode — tools like this make our work more efficient and help us create greater impact.”
     
    “It was a beautiful film, and I love how it left us with a sense of hope and something we could do about the problem,” said Dana Habib, associate at the Institute for Integrated Transitions.
     
    ▲ Panelists and attendees discuss the “Coral in Focus” film and project.
     
    The discussion was moderated by Alex Heath, Managing Director, U.S. Head of Social Impact & Sustainability at Edelman. The event also featured 3D reef models generated from photogrammetry data created with Galaxy S24 Ultras used in the field.
     
     
    Exploring Ocean Conservation at UNOC
    In addition to the premiere of “Coral in Focus,” Samsung representatives spoke on two panels hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO-IOC) at the UNESCO-IOC “Beyond Borders: Ocean Futures” pavilion. First, Generation17 Young Leader José Francisco Ochoa spoke about the importance of digital technology and community partnership during the panel “Showcasing the Diversity of Ocean Literacy Practices Around the World,” where he shared insights on how Generation17 elevates his work to advance ocean literacy.
     
    Samsung also participated in a panel discussion titled “The Role of Corals in Unlocking the Secrets of Biodiversity,” highlighting its commitment to marine conservation. Cassie Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability and U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics, presented how Galaxy technology, including Ocean Mode, serves as a tool to support marine ecosystem protection through environmental monitoring, data collection and community engagement. The panel was part of a full day of programming held during UNOC that promotes ocean literacy and awareness of ocean preservation.
     
     
    A Continued Commitment to Ocean Health
    The collaboration with Seatrees builds on Samsung’s broader commitment to ocean health. Since 2022, the company has incorporated over 150 tonnes of recycled fishing nets into Galaxy devices. Now, with Ocean Mode, Samsung is redefining the role of mobile technology in climate action — expanding research capabilities, raising awareness and making the invisible visible.
     
    To watch the full documentary and access more information about the initiative, visit the Samsung x Seatrees partnership landing page.
     
     
    1 Held every three to five years, UNOC serves as a global platform uniting governments, scientists, businesses and civil society to promote ocean action and implement Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. The 2025 conference in Nice emphasizes scaling science-based solutions to protect marine ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for the world’s oceans.
    2 Ocean Mode was exclusively developed for this project and is only available to participating partners.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: North Canterbury Community Vehicle Trust celebrates new garage

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    The trust’s garage has been named after one of its pioneers, Don Fairbrother, who helped set-up the organisation in 1986, alongside Dorothy Mitchell, Mary Sparrow and Wayne Mitchell. All four of “the originals” as they dubbed themselves, were at the opening of the garage in early June.

    At the event, Don expressed his gratitude to the many volunteers, trustees, organisations and businesses who helped them get the build across the line.

    “We are very proud of our new garage; this has been a huge team effort. We are so grateful for every contribution to the build,” he said.

    The grand opening the Community Vehicle Trust’s new garage with Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon

    For the past almost 40 years, the trust’s vehicles have been parked at local businesses that had offered them the spaces. The garage is 369sqm in size, with nine large garage doors, complete with a reception/office area, small kitchen, storage space and bathroom. A separate garage has been reserved for equipment storage.

    Made possible through a generous donation and saving

    The Rātā Foundation donated $100,000 towards the building, and the rest of the money was intentionally put aside from the trust’s vehicle upgrade fund over years to cover the cost.

    “We don’t have a mortgage on the building—we paid the entire $695,000 for it. It has meant we have sacrificed upgrading our vehicles for quite a while now, so that will be the next focus for the trust as some of them are getting quite old,” Don said.

    Over 50 volunteers drive the trust’s vehicles, and the trustees help coordinate and fundraise.

    Vehicles parked outside the trust’s new garage

    “The trust has done an incredible job getting its garage in place – this will provide a vital space for its work long into the future,” public transport general manager Stewart Gibbon said.

    What the Community Vehicle Trust offers

    The service runs four types of transport for locals:

    • a shopper service, which takes locals from their homes to the supermarket every Tuesday and Thursday for $2.00 return
    • a hospital shuttle which takes patients and a chosen support person from Rangiora into the city for appointments for $45.00 return
    • a local service which takes people to appointments in surrounding areas which requires booking two days in advance and costs $2.00 return
    • on-demand vehicle hires.

    For bookings, volunteering or other enquiries, visit the

    North Canterbury Community Vehicle Trust website.

    Environment Canterbury © 2025
    Retrieved: 11:29am, Mon 16 Jun 2025
    ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/north-canterbury-community-vehicle-trust-celebrates-new-garage/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kaitake cameras reveal impact of sustained predator control

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  16 June 2025

    The western-most of three mountain ranges in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, Kaitake is the focus for a joint predator control programme involving the Department of Conservation (DOC), Taranaki Maunga Project, iwi and other community collaborators.

    DOC Biodiversity Ranger Brandon Kingi says a comparison of images captured by the trail cameras dotted across the Kaitake shows a dramatic decrease in predators like possums, stoats and feral cats – and a notable increase in protected native species like kiwi, which have been successfully reintroduced to the area.

    “We’ve seen a big fall in the number of feral cats caught on our cameras, which shows the 1080 operation has effectively controlled them,” says Brandon.

    “Immediately after the operation in November last year, the number of cats detected dropped almost overnight — from about 95 per cent of the cameras showing feral cats, to about 1 per cent.

    “There was a similar result for stoats — they were seen on our cameras before the operation, then they had almost vanished when we checked the cameras afterwards.”

    The predator control methods used at Kaitake also include bait stations and leg-hold possum traps.

    Brandon says keeping predator numbers down requires hard physical labour, carried out by staff from DOC and Taranaki Maunga Project, as well as volunteers and paid staff from iwi and community groups.

    “The community collaborators contributing to Kaitake working to protect biodiversity on the maunga have also helped control rats and mustelids.”

    Brandon says the successful measured reduction of predators at Kaitake demonstrates how a trapping network extends the benefits from aerial operations by reducing predator reinvasion. There are also anecdotal observations of more birdlife across the range and a healthier forest.

    “The camera data is another tangible measure that the hard work by kaimahi and volunteers removing predators and reintroducing kiwi is paying off,” says Sean Zieltjes, Taranaki Maunga Project Pou Whakahaere Taurua/Co-Project Director.

    “It shows the power of community involvement to really make a difference in driving biodiversity improvements.

    “Kaitake didn’t have a particular focus for Taranaki Mounga Project when we started nearly a decade ago but then the community support changed that. Relationships fostered with Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri, the Kaitake Conservation Ranges Trust, schools, landowners, and other groups and agencies, have snowballed into achieving much more than we could ever have done working separately.”

    Organisations contributing to predator control and species protection at Kaitake are Kaitake Conservation Ranges Trust, Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri hapu, environmental educators Te Ara Taio, and numerous schools. Taranaki Kiwi Trust, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Save the Kiwi have all contributed to the return of kiwi to the maunga.

    Invasive species are putting immense pressure on New Zealand’s ecosystems. Aotearoa has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world – 4,000. Once our unique native species are gone, they are gone for good. The results at Kaitake demonstrate a small but important success in protecting native species.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 418 Status Reports

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local fishers and DOC free entangled whale off Dunedin coast

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  15 June 2025

    The juvenile to sub-adult humpback whale, estimated to be around 8–9 metres long, was first sighted around 9am on Sunday (15 June). It was caught in 12 mm braided cray pot line with a single float-gear that does not appear to belong to a local company-and was in immediate danger.

    DOC’s expert whale disentanglement team quickly assessed the situation and made the call to work remotely with an experienced local fishing crew already on site, while also mobilising themselves. DOC was in constant contact and providing guidance to several vessels throughout and after the interaction. The crew successfully disentangled the whale at approximately 10.45 am.

    “We’re incredibly grateful to the local crew for their calm response and skilled handling of a difficult situation,” says Gabe Davies  Operations Manager, Coastal Otago. “The safety of both the whale and the people involved is always our top priority, and this outcome shows what’s possible when people on the water act calmly and responsibly.”

    “DOC plays a unique role in situations like this – as nature’s champion, we’re experts in protecting our most precious species.  In this situation we were able to work together with the right people, knowledge, and tools to free the humpback whale.”

    Davies says the response highlights the value of strong local relationships. “Working closely with Te Rūnaka o Moeraki and experienced fishers made all the difference. Everyone had a shared goal – to help this animal get free safely.”

    DOC is aware of another sighting report from Friday and there may still be a second entangled whale in the area. It’s also possible the freed whale has remnants of cray line still attached. DOCs expert disentanglement team remains on standby. 

    If you spot a whale that appears entangled or in distress, DOC urges you to:

    • call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately
    • note the location, time, and a description
    • stay well clear – do not approach or attempt to intervene.

    More whale entanglement for more information and how to help can be found.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Small towns are growing fast across Ghana – but environmental planning isn’t keeping up

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Seth Asare Okyere, Visiting lecturer, University of Pittsburg and Adjunct Associate Professor, Osaka University, University of Pittsburgh

    Africa’s urban future will be shaped not only by large cities and capitals but also by its many small and medium-sized towns.

    Large capital cities are no longer the hotspots of rapid urban growth. According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat), small and medium-sized towns are growing faster than large cities. These smaller towns often start as rural settlements.

    Despite their rapid growth, many small towns lack infrastructure and planning capacity, leaving them vulnerable to environmental risks.

    Ghana offers a telling example. While the spotlight is often on the rapid growth of the two major cities, Accra or Kumasi, dozens of smaller towns across the country are booming. At the same time, they are struggling with environmental problems such as decline in green spaces, flooding and pollution, usually associated with much larger cities.

    Our research examined this issue, arguing that overlooking small towns has put them on an unsustainable path. In Ghana, small towns often “rest in the shadows” of bigger cities when it comes to resource distribution and development priorities. They receive less funding, fewer services, and scant regulatory oversight compared to major urban centres.

    We conducted research in Somanya, Ghana. It lies in the eastern region, about 70km from Accra, the national capital. Our aim was to establish whether emerging sites of urbanisation like Somanya were developing in ways that made them sustainable, or replicating environmental problems seen in large cities.

    To identify the drivers of environmental risks in the town, we used geographic information data and interviewed residents, institutional representatives and local assembly members.

    We found that the urban growth of Somanya was linked with a decline in vegetation cover and loss of biodiversity. The main factors at play were: pollution from mining, political neglect, and lack of infrastructure facilities and services.

    We concluded that current realities pointed towards unsustainable futures where environmental problems will become pronounced and the impacts on everyday life will be destructive. Based on our findings we recommend that Ghana’s national urban sustainable development policies and international development programmes must not fixate solely on big cities. Small towns require attention and investment commensurate with their growth.

    Environmental risks in a rapidly growing small town

    Somanya’s population grew from 88,000 people in 2010 to over 122,000 by 2021. The proportion of the municipality’s population living in urban areas jumped from 31% to 47% in that period.

    Local leaders and officials we interviewed painted a worrying picture of a town rapidly growing without proactive environmental planning, grappling with multiple hazards at once.

    Declining ecological resources: Rapid expansion has led to the loss of green spaces and forests around Somanya. Hillsides that used to be covered with vegetation have been cleared for large mango plantations or speculative estate development. This situation has made the area more prone to erosion and flash floods. One community elder observed:

    The trees on the hills are almost all gone now. Without those natural buffers, flooding has become more frequent and severe, threatening homes built in low-lying areas.

    Pollution and toxicity from industry: Somanya’s growth has attracted extractive industries, notably stone quarries and small-scale mining. These bring jobs, but also environmental hazards. Residents described clouds of dust hanging over communities near a quarry. There are also reports of chemical runoff polluting local streams and soil. Heavy dust and particulate pollution have become part of daily life, and people worry about the health effects. One resident said:

    The dusty conditions are not only an infrastructure problem, but also an environmental risk for us, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

    Strained and inadequate infrastructure: Basic environmental infrastructure in Somanya has not kept pace with its growth. The town’s drains and gutters are few and often clogged, so even moderate rainstorms result in street flooding. Proper sewage and waste treatment facilities are non-existent. Piles of uncollected refuse are commonly seen, sometimes burnt in the open, posing health risks. One community leader remarked that:

    It is only when there’s a major flood or disaster outbreak that they pay us attention.

    These infrastructure deficits mean that as the town grows, so do the environmental health risks – from water-borne diseases to flooding and pollution.

    Governance lapses and political indifference: Underlying many of these problems is a sense of neglect and weak institutional capacity. Local authorities in Somanya operate with limited funding and fragmented responsibilities, and higher-level support from the central government is minimal. As an Assembly member put it:

    We live in a constant state of perpetual waiting for the crumbs after big cities have taken their lion’s share of available funding. If you are not connected to the ruling party, it’s hard to get the support you need.

    All these factors put small towns on a path to unsustainable futures.

    Steering towards sustainable urban futures

    Our research highlights the need to adopt a cross-sector, integrated approach to environmental planning at the local level. In practice, that means urban planners, environmental agencies, and community leaders all working together on development plans. For example, in Koa Hill settlement, Solomon Islands, a community-led development team with support from local groups and university experts led to the successful pilot of nature-inspired disaster risk reduction programmes.

    Therefore, communities should be involved in co-designing solutions, from problem identification to experimenting strategies and evaluating outcomes. After all, residents know the local risks and resources best.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Small towns are growing fast across Ghana – but environmental planning isn’t keeping up – https://theconversation.com/small-towns-are-growing-fast-across-ghana-but-environmental-planning-isnt-keeping-up-257766

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Small towns are growing fast across Ghana – but environmental planning isn’t keeping up

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Seth Asare Okyere, Visiting lecturer, University of Pittsburg and Adjunct Associate Professor, Osaka University, University of Pittsburgh

    Africa’s urban future will be shaped not only by large cities and capitals but also by its many small and medium-sized towns.

    Large capital cities are no longer the hotspots of rapid urban growth. According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat), small and medium-sized towns are growing faster than large cities. These smaller towns often start as rural settlements.

    Despite their rapid growth, many small towns lack infrastructure and planning capacity, leaving them vulnerable to environmental risks.

    Ghana offers a telling example. While the spotlight is often on the rapid growth of the two major cities, Accra or Kumasi, dozens of smaller towns across the country are booming. At the same time, they are struggling with environmental problems such as decline in green spaces, flooding and pollution, usually associated with much larger cities.

    Our research examined this issue, arguing that overlooking small towns has put them on an unsustainable path. In Ghana, small towns often “rest in the shadows” of bigger cities when it comes to resource distribution and development priorities. They receive less funding, fewer services, and scant regulatory oversight compared to major urban centres.

    We conducted research in Somanya, Ghana. It lies in the eastern region, about 70km from Accra, the national capital. Our aim was to establish whether emerging sites of urbanisation like Somanya were developing in ways that made them sustainable, or replicating environmental problems seen in large cities.

    To identify the drivers of environmental risks in the town, we used geographic information data and interviewed residents, institutional representatives and local assembly members.

    We found that the urban growth of Somanya was linked with a decline in vegetation cover and loss of biodiversity. The main factors at play were: pollution from mining, political neglect, and lack of infrastructure facilities and services.

    We concluded that current realities pointed towards unsustainable futures where environmental problems will become pronounced and the impacts on everyday life will be destructive. Based on our findings we recommend that Ghana’s national urban sustainable development policies and international development programmes must not fixate solely on big cities. Small towns require attention and investment commensurate with their growth.

    Environmental risks in a rapidly growing small town

    Somanya’s population grew from 88,000 people in 2010 to over 122,000 by 2021. The proportion of the municipality’s population living in urban areas jumped from 31% to 47% in that period.

    Local leaders and officials we interviewed painted a worrying picture of a town rapidly growing without proactive environmental planning, grappling with multiple hazards at once.

    Declining ecological resources: Rapid expansion has led to the loss of green spaces and forests around Somanya. Hillsides that used to be covered with vegetation have been cleared for large mango plantations or speculative estate development. This situation has made the area more prone to erosion and flash floods. One community elder observed:

    The trees on the hills are almost all gone now. Without those natural buffers, flooding has become more frequent and severe, threatening homes built in low-lying areas.

    Pollution and toxicity from industry: Somanya’s growth has attracted extractive industries, notably stone quarries and small-scale mining. These bring jobs, but also environmental hazards. Residents described clouds of dust hanging over communities near a quarry. There are also reports of chemical runoff polluting local streams and soil. Heavy dust and particulate pollution have become part of daily life, and people worry about the health effects. One resident said:

    The dusty conditions are not only an infrastructure problem, but also an environmental risk for us, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

    Strained and inadequate infrastructure: Basic environmental infrastructure in Somanya has not kept pace with its growth. The town’s drains and gutters are few and often clogged, so even moderate rainstorms result in street flooding. Proper sewage and waste treatment facilities are non-existent. Piles of uncollected refuse are commonly seen, sometimes burnt in the open, posing health risks. One community leader remarked that:

    It is only when there’s a major flood or disaster outbreak that they pay us attention.

    These infrastructure deficits mean that as the town grows, so do the environmental health risks – from water-borne diseases to flooding and pollution.

    Governance lapses and political indifference: Underlying many of these problems is a sense of neglect and weak institutional capacity. Local authorities in Somanya operate with limited funding and fragmented responsibilities, and higher-level support from the central government is minimal. As an Assembly member put it:

    We live in a constant state of perpetual waiting for the crumbs after big cities have taken their lion’s share of available funding. If you are not connected to the ruling party, it’s hard to get the support you need.

    All these factors put small towns on a path to unsustainable futures.

    Steering towards sustainable urban futures

    Our research highlights the need to adopt a cross-sector, integrated approach to environmental planning at the local level. In practice, that means urban planners, environmental agencies, and community leaders all working together on development plans. For example, in Koa Hill settlement, Solomon Islands, a community-led development team with support from local groups and university experts led to the successful pilot of nature-inspired disaster risk reduction programmes.

    Therefore, communities should be involved in co-designing solutions, from problem identification to experimenting strategies and evaluating outcomes. After all, residents know the local risks and resources best.

    – Small towns are growing fast across Ghana – but environmental planning isn’t keeping up
    – https://theconversation.com/small-towns-are-growing-fast-across-ghana-but-environmental-planning-isnt-keeping-up-257766

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Vice President Dhankhar to attend key events in Puducherry on June 16-17

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will be on a two-day official visit to Puducherry on June 16 and 17, during which he will attend key events at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) and Pondicherry University.

    On June 16, the Vice President will be the Chief Guest at a special programme titled ‘Environmental Sustainability in Building the Nation’ at JIPMER’s APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium.

    The event will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is aimed at fostering dialogue and awareness around sustainable development.

    Vice President Dhankhar will also engage in an interactive session with students, faculty, and staff of JIPMER, reflecting his commitment to connecting with the academic community on matters of national importance.

    A key highlight of the event will be the planting of a sapling by the Vice President under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (One Tree in the Name of Mother)” campaign. Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, the campaign promotes environmental awareness while paying tribute to motherhood.

    The sapling will be planted in the name of the Vice President’s mother, Kesari Devi. The event will be graced by several dignitaries, including Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly R. Selvam, Rajya Sabha MP S. Selvaganabathy, Lok Sabha MP V. Vaithilingam, and MLA V. Aroumougame.

    In his capacity as the Chancellor of Pondicherry University, Vice President Dhankhar will make the visit on June 17 at 10:00 a.m., during which he will interact with faculty, students, and administrative staff at the Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium, located within the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Administrative Building.

    The visit underscores the Vice President’s continued engagement with academic institutions and his emphasis on environmental sustainability, national development, and youth empowerment.

    Both the institutions – JIPMER and Pondicherry University – are preparing to welcome the Vice President with high-level arrangements and enthusiastic participation from the student and faculty communities.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Matariki mā Puanga

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    With all eyes on the stars, what are people looking at and why? Let’s introduce the stars of Matariki and Puanga.

    Matariki and Puanga are stars that sit in the night sky together to signal the start of the Māori new year for different iwi.

    📷: Fraser Gunn 

    The pre-dawn rising of Matariki, the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades, marks for many Māori the arrival of The New Year.

    Puanga is a single star. It’s not part of the Matariki cluster but appears in the evening sky shortly before Matariki rises each year. Puanga rises higher in the sky than Matariki so it’s recognised by iwi and hapū that can’t see Matariki from their location. 

    This year’s theme of Matariki mā Puanga also highlights communities who observe Puanga astronomical traditions and is all about celebrating and learning about the Māori new year together.  

    This is a time to slow down and reflect, come together with family and friends, to feast and remember our loved ones who have passed. It is also a time to plan, look forward to the future, and, most importantly, connect with nature.

    Traditionally tohunga would look to the stars and use Matariki and Puanga as an indicator to predict things such as the upcoming year’s harvest and weather. For example, if Tupuānuku was shining bright, this could indicate a plentiful harvest of kumara or crops from the māra kai (food gardens) in the upcoming season, but if Waipunarangi was difficult to see and hazy a wet and rainy season was to be expected.

    The nine stars of Matariki, are each intrinsically connected to the natural world around us:

    Matariki is the star that signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the environment and the gathering of people.

    Matariki is also the Mother of the other stars in the cluster.

    Pōhutukawa is the star connected with the dead, particularly those who have passed since the last rising of Matariki.

    Tupuānuku is the star connected with food that grows in or on the ground. ‘Tupu’ means to grow, whilst ‘nuku’ is short for ‘Papatuanuku,’ meaning earth. When Matariki sets in May, the food stores are full from the harvest, ready for winter.

    Tupuārangi is the star connected with food from above or in the sky. During the rising of Matariki, kererū are at their fattest. Traditionally they were harvested, cooked, preserved and stored as another food source.

    Waitī is the star connected to fresh water and the creatures that live in our rivers, lakes and streams. The rising of Matariki signals the migration of the korokoro or lamprey. This eel-like creature held special significance to Māori as another essential food source.

    Waitā is the star connected to the ocean and the many foods gathered from the sea. Waitā is also closely linked to the tides and floodwaters.

    Waipunarangi is the star connected to the rain, and its name means “water that pools in the sky.”

    Ururangi is the star connected to winds, and its name means “the winds of the sky.”

    Hiwa-i-te-rangi is the star connected to the promise of a prosperous season. It is also known as the wishing star and would be used to set intentions with people sending Hiwa-i-te-rangi their hopes and dreams for the year ahead.

    Read more on Matariki here.

    Puanga would often be connected to food and the harvest. If the star was low down and dim in the nightsky then the coming year would be a year of abundance. If the star was bright and high in the sky then it would be a bad year for crops.

    The best time to view the rise of Matariki this year is between 19 June – 22 June before sunrise. Watch below for tips on spotting Matariki by using identifiable stars as markers.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Special Session Legislation into Law

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JUNE 14, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bills (SB) 1, 3, and 4 into law following the special session he convened for disaster relief, property tax relief, economic development and business retention, and budget initiatives.

    “We are proud of how the General Assembly came together during this special session to deliver real results for Missourians,” said Governor Kehoe. “We called legislators back to Jefferson City because the stakes were too high to wait—families and communities needed disaster relief, taxpayers deserved certainty, and critical job-saving investments were on the line. Without action, thousands of Missourians would have been left without much-needed support, and the state would risk losing jobs and economic development opportunities that are key drivers for growth—not just for Kansas City, but for our entire state. These investments demonstrate that Missouri is committed to taking care of our own, staying competitive, and backing initiatives that secure long-term economic stability for our communities.”

    SB 1 appropriates $25 million in extraordinary support to the Missouri Housing Development Commission to provide additional emergency aid to low-income households impacted by severe weather. It also allocates $100 million to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for disaster relief and $50 million to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD) for the University of Missouri for the planning, design, and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). This legislation also provides non-General Revenue funding for a number of critical projects across the state, including:

    • $55 million to the Department of Agriculture (MDA) for new stalling barns at the Missouri State Fair
    • $13.25 million to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for State Parks capital improvements
    • $20.6 million to the Department of Conservation (MDC) for conservation projects across the state
    • $800,000 to DPS for Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Troop A headquarters improvements
    • $12.7 million to the Office of Administration (OA) for a new Troop E crime lab
    • $35 million to OA for national guard facilities
    • $48.1 million to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) for the new Kansas City region 200-bed mental health hospital
    • $2.1 million to OA for Supreme Court building improvements

    SB 3 ensures Missouri remains competitive in retaining major sports teams, while also delivering targeted tax relief for storm-impacted Missourians and supporting long-term economic growth. The legislation includes the following provisions:

    • Show-Me Sports Investment Act: Authorizes the state to partner with professional sports teams to help finance stadium construction through bond payments and one-time tax credits with built-in protections for taxpayers.
    • Tax Credits for Homestead Damage: Creates a tax credit of up to $5,000 for home or renter insurance deductibles incurred due to severe weather damage in a declared disaster area in 2025, with flexible carry-forward and transfer options.
    • Tax Credits for Certain Sporting Events: Updates two different tax credit programs related to amateur sporting events in Missouri, aimed at making them easier to use and more effective at attracting and supporting sports events while making a positive impact on the state’s economy.
    • Property Tax Credit: Requires certain counties to ask voters whether to freeze or modestly cap real property tax increases for eligible homeowners.

    SB 4 streamlines the delivery of disaster housing relief by allowing the immediate transfer of emergency aid to the Missouri Housing Development Commission when the Governor requests a presidential disaster declaration. The legislation also expands existing program eligibility from 50 percent to 75 percent of median household income and removes administrative burdens and costs to expedite aid for Missouri families.

    For additional provisions and more information on the legislation signed into law, click here. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Feature Story: Green Hope for “Tears of Central Asia”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TASHKENT, June 14 (Xinhua) — In late May, Wang Ping, a researcher at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, arrived in the western city of Nukus, Uzbekistan, to participate in joint research with the Aral Sea International Innovation Center. He can no longer count how many times he has visited the city near the Aral Sea. This time, he and his colleagues brought two “treasures”: halophyte seeds (plants that easily adapt to life in saline soils) and solar panels.

    The Aral Sea, located in central Eurasia on the border of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, was once the fourth-largest lake in the world. Since the 1960s, under the influence of numerous factors such as increased human use of water and climate change, it has been rapidly drying up, shrinking by more than 90 percent. The shoreline has retreated, the soil has become more saline, and a desert of over 50,000 square kilometers has formed in its place. The Aral Sea has become a symbol of the catastrophe, known as the “tears of Central Asia.”

    The ecological crisis of the Aral Sea has caused not only a shortage of water resources, but also huge rock formations have formed on the seabed, causing dust and salt storms that damage vast territories. Desertification, soil salinization, loss of biodiversity – all this has a significant negative impact on the ecology and economy of the countries in the region. In April 2010, then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, after visiting the Aral Sea, said that its drying up was “one of the worst ecological disasters on the planet.”

    For many years, scientists from China and Uzbekistan have been working together to find solutions to the Aral Sea’s environmental crisis, from joint scientific expeditions and soil reclamation to the creation of model regions where water-saving cotton-growing technologies are used.

    “Water shortage, soil salinization, lack of modern agricultural technologies and related systems – these are all acute problems holding back the development of Central Asia,” Wang Ping said.

    This time, Wang Ping brought to Nukus seeds of more than ten types of halophytes (saltwort, saxaul, wormwood, etc.), hoping to successfully grow them in laboratory conditions and then mass-produce them around the Aral Sea to restore biodiversity and combat salinization and dust storms.

    Wang Ping also told Xinhua that several months ago, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography delivered about 1.5 tons of halophyte seeds to Tashkent for use in a salt-tolerant botanical garden that experts from the two countries are preparing to jointly develop. “These seeds will not only be directly used for saline land reclamation and ecological restoration, but also lay the foundation for local botanical diversity reserves, research and development.”

    “It’s cloudy today, which is good for field work. Let’s try to complete the drip irrigation of this experimental halophyte demonstration field,” says Wang Ping. In another Aral Sea town, Muynak, Wang Ping and his colleagues are installing a water-saving drip irrigation system in a field and leading a local cooperation team that is installing photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy for the halophyte irrigation system.

    In the past two years, Chinese researchers have been promoting the “integration, testing and demonstration project of applying photovoltaic technology to the management of the Aral Sea ecological environment.” In Nukus, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography and the Aral Sea International Innovation Center launched a pilot project on cotton cultivation with an integrated solar energy, water and fertilizer system last year. With the help of membrane drip irrigation for cotton, photovoltaic generation and an intelligent integrated water and fertilizer supply machine, intelligent drip irrigation and fertilization of fields were realized, which led to an increase in cotton yield by more than three times, and the cost and water consumption were significantly reduced.

    The diligence of Chinese experts and the development prospects opened up by Chinese technology impressed many local farmers and agricultural experts. Local parliament members sent a letter of thanks to the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography and expressed hope for establishing long-term cooperation and expanding the experimental zone with funding from the Uzbek side.

    “The Aral Sea’s environmental crisis is a common problem for the region, and no country can cope with it alone,” said Uzbek political commentator Sharofiddin Tulaganov, noting that cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in the environmental management of the Aral Sea has already yielded noticeable results, and China’s contribution deserves respect.

    “This is not only about environmental management of the Aral Sea, but also about practical manifestations such as improving people’s well-being and building trust. By jointly promoting green and innovative development, we not only strive to restore the ecological environment of the Aral region, but also create a bright future of sustainable development for all of Central Asia,” he noted. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse, Sen. Gallego and Western Colleagues Launch Effort to Improve Wildfire Mitigation, Research, and Management

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — As the once-so-called “fire season” stretches into a yearlong struggle for communities across the nation, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse is launching a new effort to improve wildfire prevention, mitigation, and management. He is introducing a package of policy proposals initially derived from a 2024 report issued by the USDA’s Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, which was created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and tasked with outlining a holistic approach to addressing the rising threat of wildfires.

    Neguse, who co-chairs the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, has teamed up with a bipartisan, bicameral group of federal representatives to reintroduce the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act, the Wildfire Coordination Act, and the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act. All three bills are championed by Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego in the United States Senate and co-led by Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10) in the House of Representatives. In addition, the Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act is co-led by Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-39) and cosponsored by Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23). 

    “During my time in Congress, Colorado has experienced four of the five largest wildfires in our state’s history—meaning that my communities, along with the state and local agencies on the frontlines, have seen firsthand the increasing strain as these fires grow more frequent and severe. I’m proud to introduce legislation, rooted in the nonpartisan work of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, that invests in wildfire science and strengthens the long-term resilience of our communities to reduce the threat of future disasters,” said Congressman Neguse. 

    “As Arizona’s wildfire seasons get longer and wildfire landscapes evolve, it is vital we have the research and coordination tools to ensure effective mitigation and management,” said Senator Gallego. “These bills will improve the working relationship between federal agencies and with their state, local, and tribal counterparts. Wildfires don’t care about jurisdictional boundaries, and these bills reflect that.”

    “We’re in the middle of a yearslong megafire crisis and we can’t afford any more delays in tackling this threat,” said Congressman Harder. “Wildfires don’t care about your political party when they’re burning your house down, and neither should our solutions. America’s top firefighters and wildfire experts came together to tell us what they need to tackle the wildfire crisis, and this bipartisan package of bills is in direct response to their ideas. Our families and our communities are counting on us to get this done. 

    “Last fall, my district witnessed the devastating Airport Fire, which started in Trabuco Canyon and burned through 23,000 acres in Orange and Riverside counties. As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity, our mitigation tools must keep pace,” said Congresswoman Kim. “Effective wildfire prevention requires seamless coordination, which is why we must ensure federal, state, and local first responders can share information as effectively as possible. This bipartisan bill will help identify barriers and unlock opportunities to ensure communities like mine can better prevent and respond to these disasters.”

    Details on the bills are included below:

    The Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act provides recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of wildfire mitigation across land ownership boundaries by identifying gaps and opportunities in current federal rules and regulations and supporting increased collaboration.

    The Wildfire Coordination Act establishes an advisory board composed of members from various federal, State, local, Tribal, and non-federal partners that will be responsible for coordinating federal wildfire research, translating it into practical applications, and developing future research.

    The Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act requires a comprehensive review of the wildfire landscape in the United States every four years, outlining the changes in environments, assessing wildfire management challenges, and evaluating the intersection of wildfires and public health. This federal review will help inform the development of long-term strategies to enhance wildfire preparedness and response and strengthen interagency coordination. 

    This effort is supported by 20 local and national entities and organizations, including Grand Fire Protection District No. 1, Summit County, Summit Fire and EMS Fire Protection District, Red, White, and Blue Fire Protection District, Summit County Wildfire Council, Grand County Wildfire Council, Routt County Wildfire Council, Eagle County Wildfire Collaborative, Denver Water, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, National Federation of Federal Employees, Alliance for Wildfire Resilience, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Federation of American Scientists, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Megafire Action, National Association of State Foresters, Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition, and Tall Timbers. The Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act and the Wildfire Risk Evaluation Act are endorsed by The Nature Conservancy.  

    Quotes from endorsers can be found HERE. 

    And a one-pager can be found HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Another trial project on hydrogen fuel technology given agreement-in-principle by Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Another trial project on hydrogen fuel technology given agreement-in-principle by Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel 
    The said project concerns an application jointly submitted by the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited and Chi Shing New Energy Technology Co., Limited, involving provision of electricity with hydrogen power generation equipment to support the operation of electrical equipment at a recreation facility of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Fan Kam Road, Fanling, for the golf event of the 15th National Games to be held in November.
     
    The spokesperson of the EEB stated, “The Working Group has promptly initiated the examination process upon receipt of detailed information of the trial project. After seeking members’ agreement through circulation, the Working Group has given agreement-in-principle to the application on June 13.”
     
    To date, the Working Group has given agreement-in-principle in stages to a total of 27 applications of hydrogen energy trial projects. The Working Group will continue to make reference to the operational data and experience collected from the trials to provide advice for the continuous enhancement of the safety and technical guidelines on the local application of hydrogen energy. Details are set out in the thematic webpage (cnsd.gov.hk/en/inter-departmental-working-group-on-using-hydrogen-as-fuel/ 
    The Working Group is formed by the EEB, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Security Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Fire Services Department, the Transport Department, the Marine Department, the Planning Department, the Lands Department, the Buildings Department, the Architectural Services Department and the Labour Department.  
    Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Craig Statement on EPA RVO Announcement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

    EAGAN, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement on proposed volumes for the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs).

    “Today’s RVO proposal from EPA is a step in the right direction as we continue working to invest in homegrown biofuels, lower prices at the pump and expand markets for Minnesota producers. As always, there is more work to be done, and I look forward to carefully reviewing any future proposals – including pending decisions on small refinery exemptions – to ensure that these frameworks work for the Minnesota producers and refiners who fuel the world.”

    In Congress, Rep. Craig has led the charge to promote domestic biofuels and expand markets for Minnesota producers and refiners.

    Last month, Rep. Craig, alongside Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), led 26 of her bipartisan colleagues in calling on the Administration to expand annual Renewable Volumes Obligations for biomass-based diesel in their upcoming rulemaking for 2026. In a letter to President Donald Trump, Rep. Craig urged the Administration to support a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by adopting timely, robust blending requirements in the upcoming “Set 2” rule establishing Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and beyond.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: UNOC3: “Fine words must now translate into action”, Greenpeace comment

    Source: Greenpeace

    Nice, France, The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) concluded yesterday with significant progress made towards the ratification of the High Seas Treaty and a strong statement on a new plastics treaty signed by 95 governments. Once ratified, the Treaty will be the only legal tool that can create protected areas in international waters, making it fundamental to protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. To date 50 countries, plus the European Union, have now ratified the Treaty. 
    New Zealand has signed but is yet to ratify.
    Deep sea mining rose up the agenda in the conference debates, demonstrating the urgency of opposing this industry. The expectation from civil society and a large group of states, including both co-hosts of UNOC, was that governments would make progress towards stopping deep sea mining in Nice.
    UN Secretary General Guterres said the deep sea should not become the wild west. French President Macron said a deep sea mining moratorium is an international necessity. Four new countries pledged their support for a moratorium at UNOC bringing the total to 37. Attention now turns to what actions governments will take in July to stop this industry from starting.
    Megan Randles, Greenpeace Head of Delegation regarding the High Seas Treaty and progress towards stopping deep sea mining said: “High Seas Treaty ratification is within touching distance, but the progress made here in Nice feels hollow as this UN Ocean Conference

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace USA Slams U.S. Seabed Mining Plans off American Samoa

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Victor Pickering, a Greenpeace International activist from Fiji displays a banner reading “Our Pacific Is Not Yours To Destroy” in front of the Maersk Launcher, a ship chartered by DeepGreen, one of the companies spearheading the drive to mine the barely understood deep sea ecosystem. The Rainbow Warrior is in the Clarion Clipperton Zone in the Pacific to bear witness to the deep sea mining industry. Part of the ongoing ‘Protect the Oceans’ campaign.
    © Marten van Dijl / Greenpeace

    Washington, D.C. (June 13, 2025) — In response to the Department of the Interior’s announcement yesterday of the publication of a Request for Information and Interest to explore the potential for seabed mineral leasing offshore American Samoa, Arlo Hemphill, Greenpeace USA’s Deep Sea Mining Campaign Lead, said: “Greenpeace USA is deeply disappointed that the Department of Interior is considering seabed mineral leasing near American Samoa — a U.S.territory that has placed a moratorium on the industry in its waters. This move disregards the sovereignty and voices of Pacific communities and opens the door to an industry that threatens their environment, culture, and livelihoods. 

    “The Pacific is not a sacrifice zone. Its people should not be forced to host a destructive industry they’ve clearly rejected. We urge the American public to stand in solidarity with those communities and send a resounding message during the public comment period: the deep sea is not for sale.” 

    This announcement follows President Trump’s executive order advancing deep sea mining in both U.S. and international waters — a move widely condemned by environmental organizations, Pacific Indigenous leaders, and other nations, including France, China, and the European Commission. Deep sea mining company, Impossible Metals, submitted a request to commence a leasing process for the exploration and potential mining of critical minerals in the deep sea off the coast of American Samoa in April. 

    Deep sea mining poses irreversible threats to biodiversity, imperils fragile ecosystems, and could have unforeseen impacts on the ocean’s carbon cycle, potentially impacting the climate crisis.

    Despite U.S. backpedaling, momentum for ocean protection continues to grow. As of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, which concluded today in Nice, 37 countries have now publicly supported a moratorium on deep sea mining. There has also been significant progress toward ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty, a key agreement towards the goal of protecting at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 — a critical threshold scientists say is needed to restore marine health and safeguard biodiversity.

    To meet this target, protection must extend across both national and international waters. Countries must not only ratify the Global Ocean Treaty, but also take bold domestic action to ban unsustainable extractive industries, such as deep sea mining, and ensure that local and Indigenous communities are at the center of marine conservation planning and decision-making processes.

    Contact: Tanya Brooks, Senior Communications Specialist at Greenpeace USA, [email protected]  

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: We Are Unleashing America’s Energy Dominance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Friday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) applauded the announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish required Renewable Fuel Standard (RSF) volumes and percentage standards for 2026 and 2027, as well as to partially waive the 2025 cellulosic biofuel volume requirement and revise the associated percentage standard due to a shortfall in cellulosic biofuel production. 
    This will fulfill the Trump Administration’s goal of strengthening support for American farmers and biofuel producers in rural communities. While also eliminating the electric vehicle mandate by removing electricity as an eligible pathway under the RFS (e-RINS). Additionally, foreign feedstocks from countries like Brazil and China will no longer be infringing on American commodity markets, as this rule mandates that biofuels generated using foreign feedstocks will generate only 50% of the value of the incentive given to biofuel producers who use them.
    “Today’s announcement from President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin delivers on a promise to put American farmers first, while reducing our reliance on foreign energy sources to strengthen domestic agriculture and energy production,” said Senator Marshall “Renewable fuels deliver cleaner and more affordable fuel at the pump, as well as long-term profitability for our farmers and rural communities. This is a huge win for rural America and the future of our energy sector. Thanks to President Trump for not only removing the disastrous Biden EV mandates but also supporting our hard-working farmers and ranchers. Once again, Promises Made, Promises Kept.”
    Background:

    The EPA released an announcement today that sets the proposed volume obligation for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) at 5.61 billion gallons by 2026 and 5.86 billion gallons in 2027, the highest renewable volume obligation (RVO) ever announced.
    Senator Marshall raised concerns about foreign imports in our biomass-fuel supply last year to the Biden Administration.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Applauds Trump Administration for Strengthening RFS and Delivering for Rural America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    RED OAK, Iowa – Following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent announcement on the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels for 2026 and 2027, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement:
    “After Biden blatantly ignored the needs of farmers and biofuel producers, I applaud the Trump administration for getting the RFS back on track with today’s announcement,” said Senator Ernst. “By eliminating the electric vehicle mandate and restoring the RFS’ original focus on liquid transportation fuels, prioritizing domestically grown crops over foreign imports, setting record-high volumes to revitalize the biofuel industry, and adopting safeguards to prevent small refinery waivers from gutting the program—it is clear the Trump administration is committed to championing rural America. I look forward to working with President Trump’s team to usher this rule across the finish line and keep delivering for Iowa’s famers, biofuel producers, and rural communities.”
    Background:
    Despite recommendations from Ernst, the Biden-era EPA finalized RVO levels that failed to accurately reflect market conditions and future production capacity. As a result, multiple biomass-based diesel plants have now permanently closed or temporary stalled, including one in Ralston, Iowa.
    Following the plant’s closure, Ernst pushed the administration to increase RVO levels for homegrown Iowa biofuels. She has made the same request of the Trump administration. Ernst also backed legislation to include ocean-going vessels, such as cargo ships and tankers, under the RFS, opening up a new market for Iowa’s biofuel producers. Ernst has led the way in sounding the alarm on the dramatic increase in used cooking oil imports that can drive down demand for America crops.
    More broadly, Ernst has been a leading advocate for homegrown, Iowa biofuels, securing access to E15 for the summer driving months, while continuing the call for permanent, nationwide availability that would give those in the biofuel industry the certainty they deserve. She was instrumental in creating and maintaining the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program as part of her commitment to invest in renewable fuel infrastructure, rural job opportunities, and hardworking farmers. Ernst also looks forward to working with the Trump administration to correct the incomplete and delayed Biden-era guidance on 45Z that has left biofuel producers and rural America in ongoing uncertainty.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met officers and staff recognised in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The outstanding Met police officers and staff come from across all ranks of the organisation and reflect the bravery, compassion and commitment to public service of our people.

    Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

    “Every year it is fantastic to see Met officers and staff being recognised for all their hard work and dedication. They demonstrate the best of the Met and are a true credit to the organisation.

    “I would like to share my warmest congratulations with all of the recipients, they should feel incredibly proud of this achievement.

    “The recipients of this year’s award are excellent examples of the people and talent that help the Met thrive and keep Londoners safe. As always we are grateful for the work that they have done and continue to do.”

    The recipients are:

    Adam Cox, Lead Intelligence Analyst MO2– British Empire Medal

    Awarded for his work around understanding gangs and criminality, his work has been pivotal in the identification and capture of extremely dangerous, high risk gang members and the safeguarding of vulnerable children.

    Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin– King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for her broad and complex work covering the Special Enquiry Team, Specialist Casework team, Coroners and Major Inquiries teams.

    Detective Constable Dawn Jeffries- King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for her 30 year policing career, specifically her work in the development and evolution of the Family Liaison Advisory Team.

    Police Constable Heath Keogh– King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for his work in designing and launching the LEAD initiative – Local Environmental Awareness on Dogs. This initiative creates a tool kits for early intervention and escalation of risk to create successful early interventions with dog owners.

    Retired Detective Constable Julia Wellby– King’s Police Medal

    Awarded for her 32 years in service specifically for the role she played in developing the Family Liaison role within the Counter Terrorism Network.

    Chief Inspector Christopher Conrad- Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)

    Awarded by the Sovereign, independent of the Government, to recognise loyal service to the Monarchy.

    Sergeant Richard Jackson – Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)

    Awarded by the Sovereign, independent of the Government, to recognise loyal service to the Monarchy.

    Sergeant Robert Galloway – Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)

    Awarded by the Sovereign, independent of the Government, to recognise loyal service to the Monarchy.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hinson Applauds RVO Proposal as Win for Iowa’s Ag Community, Biofuels Producers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent announcement on the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels for 2026 and 2027.

    “I’m very encouraged by the EPA’s proposed rule, which underscores the important role that biofuels play in our strategy for American energy dominance. Energy security is national security, and today’s announcement is a win for our biofuels producers and Ag community in Iowa.
     
    “Earlier this year, I led a bipartisan letter to President Trump, urging him to propose robust blending targets, especially for biodiesel, after the Biden Administration’s low RVOs caused several biodiesel plants in the Midwest to stop production. This is a strong first step, and I look forward to my continued work with President Trump and Administrator Zeldin to expand domestic production of liquid transportation fuels.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

    Read more about Congresswoman Hinson’s letter to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Real IQ Test Online | Quick IQ Test with Instant Results [Accurate & Legit] – Special 2025 Announcement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, CA, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Quick IQ Test has launched its most advanced IQ testing experience yet. The official IQ test 2025 is now live for anyone seeking a real IQ test online with instant, reliable results. This updated version delivers greater accuracy, a smoother interface, and smarter analytics, raising the standard for real IQ tests you can take from home.

    ⇒ Start a Real IQ Test with Instant Results at QuickIQTest.org

    Built with a refined scoring engine, the test measures key cognitive abilities, including reasoning, memory, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. Once completed, users receive a detailed report instantly—no delays, no hidden steps. It’s a real IQ test designed for individuals who value clear, science-based results.

    The 2025 version is fully optimized for mobile devices, with faster load times and a clean, focused interface. Whether you’re using a phone, tablet, or desktop, this legitimate IQ test runs seamlessly, providing a distraction-free environment that supports sharp thinking and optimal performance.

    ⇒ Try the Real Online IQ Test Millions Trust – QuickIQTest.org

    If you’re wondering how to take a real IQ test online or where to take a real IQ test, QuickIQTest.org offers an efficient, accessible solution. The process is simple: no account needed, no waiting for results, and no gimmicks. It’s a quick IQ test designed for students, professionals, job seekers, and anyone curious about their cognitive profile.

    This isn’t a game or casual quiz—it’s a real free IQ test developed using verified psychometric models. The format is based on fluid intelligence principles and structured for speed, balance, and measurable outcomes. It’s one of the most accurate IQ test options available online today.

    Whether you’re searching for a real IQ test free, a short IQ test, or a reliable IQ test that delivers legitimate results, QuickIQTest.org provides a smart and secure platform you can trust.

    Explore the latest in cognitive testing with the official IQ test 2025—the trusted way to assess your intelligence with clarity, precision, and immediate feedback.

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    What Is a Real IQ Test?

    IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a score that reflects your ability to solve problems, recognize patterns, and think logically. A real IQ test online measures your cognitive abilities using scientifically designed questions to deliver a reliable score.

    Unlike casual quizzes or games, a real IQ test provides insights into memory, reasoning, and mental speed. It helps individuals understand how they process information, solve challenges, and make decisions in both academic and real-world settings.

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    The Purpose of an IQ Test

    A well-structured, accurate IQ test is designed to assess key mental functions like logic, spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and processing speed. These insights are useful for self-assessment, educational planning, career decisions, and personal development.

    A legit IQ test online, like the one offered at QuickIQTest.org, uses validated questions and a reliable scoring system to deliver measurable, science-backed results. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply curious, this tool helps you understand your thinking style quickly and effectively.

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    Where Did IQ Tests Come From?

    IQ testing originated with French psychologist Alfred Binet, who created the first intelligence assessments to support students in schools. Over the years, these tests have evolved with advancements in psychology and technology.

    Today’s Official IQ Test 2025 at QuickIQTest.org builds on that foundation, combining modern research and a digital-friendly format to provide a smarter, more refined experience for anyone seeking a real IQ test online.

    ⇒ Try QuickIQTest.org for a Real, Trusted IQ Test

    What Types of Intelligence Are Measured?

    A complete IQ test real measures both fluid and crystallized intelligence. Fluid intelligence focuses on reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. Crystallized intelligence includes learned knowledge, like vocabulary and general information.

    A real free IQ test also evaluates visual-spatial awareness, memory, logic, and attention to detail. The Quick IQ Test covers all these areas, offering a balanced look at how your mind processes and analyzes information.

    If you’re looking for the most accurate IQ test online, balance is key. QuickIQTest.org achieves this through a wide variety of validated questions designed to provide honest, actionable feedback.

    ⇒ Discover Your IQ Score at QuickIQTest.org!

    How Do Online IQ Tests Work?

    The Quick IQ Test features a fast, focused format that delivers immediate feedback. You’ll answer a series of multiple-choice questions that test your ability to identify patterns, solve visual problems, and reason logically.

    The structure is distraction-free and easy to navigate, whether you’re taking the test on a phone, tablet, or computer. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a quick IQ test online without hassle.

    ⇒ Try a Real IQ Test Online – Accurate & Fast!

    Common Question Types in a Real IQ Test

    At QuickIQTest.org, the official IQ test online features a mix of visual-spatial and numerical reasoning questions. You might be asked to spot differences in images, complete pattern sequences, or solve logic-based math problems.

    These types of tasks are used in professional testing environments and are designed to accurately measure fluid intelligence. That’s why many people seeking a legitimate IQ test online choose this trusted format.

    ⇒ Start a Trusted Real IQ Test Today

    Time Limits and Accuracy

    This real IQ test uses a timed structure to ensure consistency and fairness. While the pace is steady—not rushed—it captures your natural processing speed, which is a critical element of cognitive ability.

    While some users prefer an untimed experience, a timed, reliable IQ test ensures results are comparable across users. QuickIQTest.org has implemented this system for users who want accurate scores with minimal bias.

    How IQ Scoring Works

    Once you complete the test, your answers are analyzed using real psychometric models. You’ll receive an IQ score along with a breakdown of your reasoning, memory, logic, and speed.

    There’s no need to register, wait for an email, or give personal information. Everything is immediate and private. This makes it a preferred choice for anyone searching for a free real IQ test with honest, fast results.

    ⇒ Get Legit IQ Test Results Now at QuickIQTest.org

    Where to Take a Real IQ Test Online

    Many ask: Where can I take a real IQ test that’s actually legitimate and reliable? The answer is QuickIQTest.org. This platform provides a straightforward process, quick feedback, and accurate scoring—all without the need to sign up or share personal data.

    Whether you’re seeking a short IQ test online, a fast IQ test online, or wondering how to take a real IQ test from the comfort of home, this platform offers a practical solution.

    Why Take an IQ Test Online?

    Taking a real IQ test online has many benefits:

    • Immediate results: Know your score within minutes.
    • Private and secure: No registration or personal info required.
    • Accessible anywhere: Take it on any device.
    • Research-based: Uses real psychometric frameworks.
    • Flexible: Designed for both quick assessments and in-depth analysis.

    This makes QuickIQTest.org one of the most trusted options for people looking for a legitimate IQ test with proven accuracy.

    ⇒ Take a Fast and Accurate IQ Test at QuickIQTest.org

    Perfect for Students, Professionals, and Curious Minds

    IQ tests can support school applications, career planning, or personal growth. A legit IQ test helps you identify strengths and potential areas to improve, making it a valuable tool for long-term development.

    If you’re curious about your thinking style or cognitive strengths, a real IQ test like the one at QuickIQTest.org gives you honest feedback you can use.

    A Real Free IQ Test You Can Trust

    If you’re still wondering where to take a real IQ test without hidden fees or sign-ups, start with QuickIQTest.org. It’s fast, flexible, and designed to deliver science-based results you can trust—whether you want a real IQ test free, a quick IQ test, or the most accurate IQ test you can find online today.

    ⇒ Take a Verified IQ Test Online Now on QuickIQTest.org

    Free vs. Paid Online IQ Tests: What You Need to Know

    If you’re looking to take a real IQ test online, you’ll quickly notice a wide range of options. Some are free and quick, while others require payment and promise deeper insights. But not all IQ tests are equal, and understanding the differences between a free, real IQ test and a pai,d legitimate IQ test online can help you make a smarter choice.

    ⇒ Real IQ Test Online – Start with Confidence!

    What Free IQ Tests Usually Offer

    Many people search for a real, free IQ test to get a quick glimpse into their cognitive abilities. These tests typically offer a handful of basic questions, often covering pattern recognition, visual puzzles, and short logic or math tasks. While they can be entertaining and a helpful starting point, they’re often limited in scope.

    Free versions don’t always provide an accurate IQ test result. Most lack in-depth scoring, detailed analysis, or a reliable structure based on psychometric research. Some free IQ test sites may also collect emails or serve ads instead of delivering real value. That’s why choosing a legitimate IQ test from a trustworthy source like QuickIQTest.org is so important.

    ⇒ Start a Real IQ Test That’s Backed by Data – QuickIQTest.org

    When It’s Worth Paying for a Real IQ Test

    If you’re serious about evaluating your cognitive strengths, a paid test is the better route. The Official IQ Test 2025 at QuickIQTest.org offers a full assessment including fluid intelligence, spatial reasoning, and pattern analysis. This real IQ test gives immediate results and actionable insights.

    People often ask, “Where can I take a real IQ test?” or “How to take a real IQ test that’s actually legit?”—and the answer often leads to paid platforms with research-backed designs. A legit IQ test online will offer structured scoring, real-time feedback, and a balanced mix of question types to ensure a reliable IQ test experience.

    ⇒ Try QuickIQTest.org – Real IQ Test, Real Accuracy

    Why QuickIQTest.org Stands Out

    QuickIQTest.org provides a real IQ test experience without gimmicks. You simply take the test, get your score instantly, and receive a breakdown of your reasoning skills. There are no upsells or long wait times. That’s why it’s a go-to site for users asking, “Where to take a real IQ test online?” or “What’s the most accurate IQ test available today?”

    Their platform is optimized for any device—desktop, tablet, or mobile—and offers a smooth and fast IQ test online experience. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a short IQ test online that still delivers genuine results.

    ⇒ Fast, Accurate IQ Testing Now at QuickIQTest.org

    Red Flags: What to Avoid

    Not every IQ test you find online is the real deal. Watch out for these warning signs:

    • Promises of “instant genius” or inflated scores
    • Hidden payment requirements before showing results
    • Lack of clear test structure or explanation
    • Redirects to unrelated products or services

    For a legitimate IQ test online, transparency and simplicity matter. QuickIQTest.org is clear about what it offers and delivers real, research-informed results.

    ⇒ Take the Legit IQ Test for 2025 at QuickIQTest.org

    How to Prepare for a Real IQ Test Online

    Whether you’re taking a quick IQ test online or a full-length, real IQ test, preparation helps improve focus and confidence. Here’s how to get ready.

    Know the Question Types

    Most real IQ tests use a mix of verbal, numerical, and visual-spatial questions. These formats test how well you recognize patterns, solve problems, and think logically. Familiarity can give you an edge.

    Common question formats include:

    • Visual puzzles: identifying missing parts or matching patterns
    • Numerical logic: solving sequences or simple math problems
    • Abstract reasoning: choosing shapes that follow a logical progression

    To experience these formats only, try the short IQ test at QuickIQTest.org. It’s designed to mirror what a legit IQ test feels like, with intuitive structure and real-time feedback.

    ⇒ Get Real, Fast IQ Scores Today at QuickIQTest.org

    Create a Stress-Free Testing Environment

    Anxiety can affect performance on even the most accurate IQ test online. Reduce stress with a few simple steps:

    • Choose a quiet location with no distractions
    • Silence notifications on your devices
    • Use deep breathing exercises to calm your mind
    • Ensure a strong and stable internet connection

    A little preparation makes a big difference. Tests from QuickIQTest.org are user-friendly and designed to minimize stress, helping you focus on your thinking, not the test format.

    ⇒ Take the IQ Test That Everyone’s Talking About

    Keep Your Mind Sharp

    To get the most from your real IQ test, stay mentally active. Play brain games, solve puzzles, or work through logic problems a few days before the test. Activities like Sudoku, crosswords, or memory challenges help train the types of skills measured in a legit IQ test.

    Avoid last-minute cramming. IQ tests aren’t about facts—they’re about how you think. That’s why a reliable IQ test like the one at QuickIQTest.org focuses on reasoning over knowledge.

    ⇒ Try the Most Accurate IQ Test Online

    Be Test-Ready

    Before you start, check that your device is charged, your internet connection is reliable, and your space is distraction-free. With those basics in place, you’re ready to take a real IQ test online that gives you fast, accurate insights.

    Whether you’re curious about your IQ or using the results for academic or career planning, QuickIQTest.org is a trusted destination. Start with their quick IQ test, then explore deeper with the Official IQ Test 2025, one of the most accurate IQ tests online, designed for real results and personal growth.

    ⇒ Find Out Your Score with a Legit IQ Test

    Most Accurate Online IQ Tests in 2025: What to Look For

    In 2025, the demand for accurate online IQ testing continues to grow. Whether you’re curious about your cognitive strengths or using results for academic or career purposes, choosing a real IQ test online that delivers valid and consistent results is essential. Unfortunately, many online options offer inflated or meaningless scores that don’t reflect true ability.

    To ensure reliability, the most accurate IQ test should follow modern cognitive science standards, assessing key areas such as logic, spatial reasoning, verbal comprehension, and pattern recognition. If you’re searching for where to take a real IQ test that actually provides useful insights, here’s what to look for.

    ⇒ Try This Quick and Reliable IQ Test

    What Makes an IQ Test Accurate and Reliable

    Not all IQ tests meet the same standard of rigor. A legit IQ test is structured to evaluate multiple areas of intelligence through scientifically validated methods. Tests using outdated formats, overly simple questions, or uncalibrated scoring systems are more likely to provide misleading results.

    To be considered an accurate IQ test, the following elements are essential:

    • Scientifically Validated Questions
       Reliable IQ tests use a question bank developed and reviewed by psychologists and cognitive researchers, ensuring each question measures specific cognitive skills.
    • Calibrated Scoring Systems
       Scores should be normalized across diverse test-taker populations to ensure accuracy and fairness across age, background, and education levels.
    • Regular Updates
       The most accurate platforms revise their content regularly to avoid predictability and to reflect ongoing research in intelligence testing.

    If you’re wondering how to test your IQ with confidence or want to know where to take a real IQ test without gimmicks, these criteria should guide your decision.

    ⇒ IQ Test with Real Results – Take It Now

    Why QuickIQTest.org Delivers Reliable Results in 2025

    One of the platforms leading the way in online IQ testing is QuickIQTest.org. Known for offering a real IQ test online, this platform combines scientific structure with a clean, intuitive user experience. It’s frequently recommended by individuals and educators alike who are looking for a legit IQ test that doesn’t rely on flashy claims or inflated scores.

    This year, QuickIQTest.org released an updated version of its real IQ test 2025, featuring new question types that better assess fluid intelligence, spatial logic, and abstract reasoning. Unlike many static tests, this one uses adaptive algorithms that adjust difficulty based on performance—an advanced method that reduces score distortion and ensures a more accurate IQ test result.

    ⇒ Take the Official IQ Test at QuickIQTest.org

    Updated Content and Adaptive Testing for Better Accuracy

    What sets QuickIQTest.org apart is its commitment to continuous improvement. Every question added to its database is reviewed for clarity, fairness, and relevance. The emphasis is on evaluating problem-solving and reasoning, not memory or prior knowledge, making the test more objective and one of the most legitimate IQ test options available online.

    Whether you’re looking for a short IQ test to get a general sense of your abilities or a deeper dive into your cognitive profile, QuickIQTest.org has both a free real IQ test and full-length options. The platform is suitable for casual users and those who want measurable insights into how they think and solve problems.

    ⇒ Begin Your Accurate IQ Test Now on QuickIQTest.org

    Trust, Transparency, and Social Proof

    QuickIQTest.org has earned its place among trusted IQ test providers through positive user feedback and word-of-mouth recommendations. Thousands of users have taken the real IQ test online and praised its ease of use, fast results, and fair scoring.

    In addition to individual praise, the test has gained attention in academic and educational communities. It’s often cited as a reliable tool for assessing general reasoning skills—especially when evaluating how people approach complex tasks. This credibility makes it a strong option for anyone searching for the most accurate IQ test available in 2025.

    Choosing the Right Online IQ Test

    With its adaptive testing, expert-reviewed questions, and straightforward format, QuickIQTest.org continues to be a trusted place to take a real IQ test online. It’s designed for anyone seeking clarity, not gimmicks. Start with a free real IQ test, then try the full version for deeper insights into your mental strengths and processing style.

    ⇒ Start the Legit IQ Test at QuickIQTest.org

    Understanding Your IQ Score: What It Really Means in 2025

    When you take a real IQ test online, you’ll receive a numerical score. But that number is only valuable if you understand what it measures—and what it doesn’t. A legit IQ test offers more than a quick result. It provides meaningful insight into how your brain handles logic, memory, and pattern recognition, helping you better understand your cognitive strengths.

    What Does Your IQ Score Mean?

    Most real IQ tests use a standard scoring system where the average is set at 100. This helps compare results across the population in a fair and meaningful way. Scoring above or below 100 doesn’t determine your potential or worth—it simply places your performance within a broader context.

    ⇒ Take the IQ Test That Reflects Your Potential

    Here’s a general guide to interpreting IQ scores:

    • Below 85: Below average. This may suggest different learning styles or unique problem-solving strategies, but it does not measure motivation or creativity.
    • 85–115: Average range. Most people fall here, showing balanced reasoning and comprehension skills.
    • 116–129: Above average. Individuals in this range often excel in logic, abstraction, and critical thinking.
    • 130 and above: Considered gifted. This score typically reflects advanced problem-solving and quick mental processing.

    When you test your IQ using a reliable IQ test, understanding your score can support academic planning, career development, or personal growth.

    ⇒ Want Real Results? Take This IQ Test

    What IQ Tests Don’t Measure

    Even the most accurate IQ test has limitations. IQ scores reflect certain types of intelligence—mainly logical reasoning and problem-solving—but they do not measure emotional intelligence, motivation, social skills, or creativity. These qualities play a major role in real-life success but are not captured in standard IQ assessments.

    A legitimate IQ test will never claim to define your full intelligence. Instead, it offers a snapshot—a helpful reference, not a fixed label.

    ⇒ Discover Your Strengths with an IQ Test

    Going Beyond the Number: Personality Insights from QuickIQTest.org

    QuickIQTest.org enhances the testing experience by including personality insights with every result. The Official IQ Test 2025 now offers feedback on how users manage pressure, solve problems, and approach challenges.

    While many search for a free real IQ test, those who take QuickIQTest.org’s version often discover the added value in its comprehensive approach. The updated platform includes:

    • Real-time scoring feedback
    • Adaptive question difficulty
    • Personality trait mapping

    This pairing of IQ and personality insights gives a well-rounded view of your cognitive profile—something not all online IQ tests offer.

    ⇒ Trusted by Thousands – Take Your IQ Test at QuickIQTest.org

    Clear Score Interpretation That Makes Sense

    Some online tests provide a raw number without context. QuickIQTest.org stands out by showing how your score compares across different groups and question types. You’ll know which sections challenged you and where you excelled.

    This feedback supports:

    • Students who want to shape their study habits
    • Professionals, seeking to build focus or improve decision-making
    • Curious individuals, eager to explore their thinking style

    If you’re wondering where to take a real IQ test that delivers actionable insights, QuickIQTest.org offers an accurate, modern solution.

    ⇒ Challenge Your Mind with an IQ Test

    Designed for All Ages: IQ Tests for Kids, Teens, and Adults

    Not all IQ tests adjust for age, and that can skew results. Children, teenagers, and adults process information differently, so accurate testing must reflect that.

    QuickIQTest.org uses age-adjusted scoring to ensure fairness. Whether you’re a parent testing your child, a student preparing for college, or an adult measuring personal growth, the platform delivers results calibrated for your age group.

    Why age matters:

    A 10-year-old and a 35-year-old might answer the same question correctly, but their scores should reflect how their peers performed. The Official IQ Test 2025 handles this behind the scenes, using updated scoring models for all age ranges.

    ⇒ IQ Test Built for All Ages – Try It

    Different Types of Intelligence Measured

    The IQ test at QuickIQTest.org focuses on cognitive performance, but the way this appears may vary by age or experience:

    • Educational Intelligence: Useful for teens planning academics or college.
    • Cognitive Intelligence: Problem-solving, logic, and pattern recognition.
    • Social Intelligence: While not fully measured, decision-making and reasoning are influenced by life experience.

    This flexibility makes QuickIQTest.org a strong choice for anyone seeking a legit IQ test that works across age groups.

    ⇒ Find Out Where You Rank – Take the IQ Test

    Benefits for Individuals, Schools, and Employers

    IQ testing has a range of applications:

    • Schools: Identify gifted students or tailor learning approaches.
    • Teens: Use test results for career and academic guidance.
    • Adults: Track cognitive strengths and areas for improvement.
    • Employers: Although not always required, many individuals use a real IQ test online to benchmark performance or focus on personal development.

    When used thoughtfully, IQ results can lead to practical self-improvement and goal setting.

    Built with Usability in Mind

    QuickIQTest.org designed the real IQ test 2025 to be intuitive and mobile-friendly. The platform adapts to each test-taker’s pace, and the interface is clear enough for both younger and older users. If you’re asking how to test your IQ or searching for where to take a real IQ test, this platform offers clarity, speed, and reliability in one place.

    ⇒ Take a Science-Backed IQ Test at QuickIQTest.org

    Is an Online IQ Test Legitimate?

    Many people ask: Can a digital test be trusted?

    The short answer: Yes—if it’s based on psychometric science.

    While clinical IQ tests are administered in person by professionals, a real IQ test online uses similar question types and scoring methods for broader accessibility.

    What sets QuickIQTest.org apart:

    • A psychometric-based question bank
    • Balanced and adaptive question structure
    • Real-time feedback and age-adjusted scoring
    • No gimmicks, pop-ups, or vague claims

    If you’re looking for a legit IQ test with proven credibility, QuickIQTest.org offers a trustworthy and accurate IQ test backed by thousands of satisfied users and repeat visitors.

    ⇒ Get Verified IQ Results at QuickIQTest.org

    Frequently Asked Questions 


    Is the Quick IQ Test a real IQ test?

    Yes. QuickIQTest.org offers a real IQ test online based on recognized psychometric methods. The questions are designed to accurately measure your reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving abilities. The test reflects genuine cognitive ability, not guesswork.

    Where can I take a real IQ test?

    You can take a real IQ test online directly at QuickIQTest.org. The platform provides a simple, private, and secure experience with instant results. It suits students, professionals, and anyone curious about their cognitive strengths.

    Is Quick IQ Test legit?

    Yes. QuickIQTest.org is a legitimate IQ test platform with thousands of users worldwide. The site uses updated algorithms, verified question banks, and standardized scoring to provide real data, not entertainment quizzes.

    How accurate is the online IQ test?

    The Quick IQ Test is considered one of the most accurate IQ tests online. It measures several types of intelligence and provides consistent, repeatable scores. The new Official IQ Test 2025 version includes a refined scoring system for improved precision.

    Can I take a real IQ test free?

    You can begin with a real free IQ test at QuickIQTest.org. Free versions include core questions and a basic score. You can unlock the full report for a full breakdown, including personality insights and expanded metrics.

    How to test your IQ quickly?

    To test your IQ quickly, visit QuickIQTest.org. The short IQ test takes only a few minutes and gives you instant results. No downloads or prep are needed.

    What does an IQ score mean?

    Your IQ score shows how your cognitive skills compare to others in your age group. Scores typically range from below 85 (lower range) to above 130 (gifted range). A score of around 100 is considered average.

    How long does a Quick IQ Test take?

    The full test at QuickIQTest.org takes about 10–12 minutes. It’s a short IQ test designed for fast results without losing depth or reliability.

    What makes QuickIQTest.org a trusted platform?

    QuickIQTest.org is a reliable IQ test provider. It uses proven methods, clear scoring, and no gimmicks. The Official IQ Test 2025 version brings updates in accuracy, mobile access, and feedback tools, making it one of the most trusted real IQ tests online today.

    Final Thoughts

    QuickIQTest.org continues to lead in 2025 as a trusted source for real IQ testing online. With the launch of its Official IQ Test 2025, the platform has raised the bar in speed, accuracy, and user experience. The improved scoring system, mobile compatibility, and deeper analysis make it a reliable tool for anyone looking to test their intelligence from home.

    This real IQ test online offers more than basic number puzzles. It evaluates reasoning, logic, and cognitive patterns with precision. Designed for all age groups, QuickIQTest.org remains a go-to option for academic planning, career assessment, or personal growth.

    With clear scoring, real-time results, and high user trust, it is one of the most accurate IQ test platforms online. If you’re wondering how to take a real IQ test or where to find a legit IQ test in 2025, start with QuickIQTest.org.

    Media Contact

    Company: Quick IQ Test

    Contact Person: Sean C. Bailey

    Email: support@quickiqtest.org

    Address: 3445 Canterbury Drive, New York, NY 10016, USA

    URL: https://quickiqtest.org/

    Phone: +1 646-598-0584

    Content Accuracy Disclaimer
    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this article. However, due to the dynamic nature of product formulations, promotions, and availability, details may change without notice. The publisher makes no warranties or representations as to the current completeness or accuracy of any content, including product claims, pricing, or ingredient lists.
    It is the responsibility of the reader to verify product information directly through the official website or manufacturer prior to making a purchasing decision. Any reliance placed on the information in this article is done strictly at your own risk.
    Affiliate Disclosure
    This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service through these links, the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the creation of in-depth reviews and educational wellness content.
    The publisher only promotes products that have been independently evaluated and deemed potentially beneficial to readers. However, this compensation may influence the content, topics, or products discussed in this article. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliate partner or product provider.
    All product reviews and descriptions reflect the author’s honest opinion based on available public data, user feedback, and scientific references at the time of writing. The inclusion of affiliate links does not influence the objectivity or integrity of the content. However, readers are encouraged to independently verify product information and consult with healthcare professionals prior to purchase or use.
    No warranties, either expressed or implied, are made about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the content provided. The publisher and all affiliated parties expressly disclaim any and all liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of any information contained herein.
    Product and Trademark Rights
    All product names, logos, and brands mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names does not imply endorsement unless explicitly stated. QuickIQTest.org® are the trademarks of its respective brand owner.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Funding and prioritising of the Rail Baltica project – E-000924/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission considers the Rail Baltica project one of the flagship projects on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) because it would finally allow to connect the Baltic states to the single European railway area. This is crucial for the regions’ economic growth, cohesion and now more than ever, its security and defence. For the Commission, Rail Baltica is the most urgent transport infrastructure project in the Baltic States to be implemented.

    2. In the Baltic states, the Rail Baltica project is managed by RB Rail joint venture and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania authorities. The Baltic states cooperate closely, including through the RB Rail, to ensure the success of Rail Baltica. The project partners monitor the costs and expected benefits. They are also responsible for the respective railway market and ensuring that rail traffic can start as soon as the line is operational. The Commission follows the project implementation and has always encouraged the organisations involved in the implementation to use the most cost-efficient solutions. There are frequent audits, and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency and the European Coordinator for the North Sea Baltic corridor monitor the project.

    3. The c o-legislators identified the infrastructure priorities of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) until 2050 in TEN-T Regulation[1] to ensure consistency and predictability. They identified Rail Baltica as a major cross-border missing link[2]. The applicable regulation also considers financial constraints and the fiscal rules of the EU to safeguard the financial stability and resilience of Member States apply.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401679.
    • [2] Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Regulation: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1153/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ice cream sample detected with coliform bacteria count exceeding legal limit

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Ice cream sample detected with coliform bacteria count exceeding legal limitThe Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 13) that a sample of locally manufactured pistachio-flavoured ice-cream was found to contain coliform bacteria and its count exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the incident. A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a licensed frozen confection factory in Sha Tin for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained 260 coliform bacteria per gram, exceeding the legal limit.” “The CFS has informed the frozen confection factory concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop selling and to dispose all the affected icecream immediately. The CFS has also provided health education on food safety and hygiene to the staff of the frozen confection factory, who have also been requested to carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises,” the spokesman said. Under the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap. 132AC), frozen confection for sale should not contain more than 100 coliform bacteria per gram. The maximum penalty for offenders is a fine of $10,000 and three months’ imprisonment upon conviction. The fact that the coliform count exceeded the legal limit indicated that the hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory, but did not mean that consumption would lead to food poisoning. 13/06/2025, 19:40 Ice cream sample detected with coliform bacteria count exceeding legal limit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/13/P2025061301075p.htm#:~:text=The test result showed that,the affected ice-cream immediately. 1/2 The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing. Ends/Friday, June 13, 2025

    Issued at HKT 22:34

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Applauds EPA Biofuels Announcement Raising RFS Volumes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement raising Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels. The announcement also proposes strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by ensuring only liquid fuels are included, not electricity, and incentivizes domestic over foreign feedstocks.

    “Under the Biden administration, five biodiesel plants in Iowa closed or idled in part because RVOs were set too low. Today, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin turned the ship around, delivering a victory for American energy security and following through on their promise to support American agriculture. Biofuels lower gas prices, strengthen national security and drive economic growth in rural communities. Today’s announcement is welcome news for Iowa farmers and biofuel producers,” Grassley said.

    Background:

    Since he helped establish the RFS in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Grassley has worked to ensure the executive branch implements the law as intended. Grassley also supported the Energy Independence Security Act of 2007, which included requirements for cellulosic ethanol and set a mandatory RFS requiring fuel producers to use at least 36 billion gallons of biofuel in 2022. Grassley pushed ensuing administrations to keep to this number. Last Congress, Grassley joined the No Fuel Credits for Batteries Act to nullify a proposed Biden-era E-RINS rule that props up the EV industry while devaluing incentives for ethanol and biodiesel expansion. Last year, Grassley joined a bicameral push to raise 2024-25 RVOs.

    Iowans who want to express comments about the proposed rule can do so HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Wildlife overpass dedicated to a prominent Albertan

    [. He was so impressed by what he saw that his government created Kananaskis Country to preserve the breathtaking landscape and ecosystem of the region.

    Today, Kananaskis Country spans 4,000 square kilometres and includes five provincial parks. Premier Lougheed contributed so much to conserve and promote Alberta’s natural beauty, so it is fitting to honour his legacy by naming the new wildlife overpass on the Trans-Canada Highway the Honourable Peter Lougheed Wildlife Overpass. Construction of the $17.5-million overpass began in 2022, and the project was completed last year. It’s the first wildlife overpass to be constructed outside of a national park in Alberta.

    “Naming this structure in honour of former premier Lougheed provides a long-lasting reminder of his work to preserve Kananaskis Country for our enjoyment and the safety of the wildlife that roam through the region”

    Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

    “Our job at Forestry and Parks is to take care of the land, the wildlife and the places Albertans love to explore. This overpass is a great example of how we’re working to protect both animals and people. Naming it after Premier Lougheed is a great way to honour the man whose vision helped create Kananaskis Country in the first place. His legacy lives on every time a hiker hits the trail, a family sets up camp or a bear crosses the highway safely.”

    Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks

    The Honourable Peter Lougheed Wildlife Overpass, on the northern tip of Kananaskis Country, provides a gateway for wildlife to cross safely into and out of the area. It is one of the busiest wildlife corridors in the region, as bears, elk, deer, lynx and other animals travel between the mountains, the foothills and valleys below. Organizations like the Yellowhead to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) and the Miistakis Institute have studied wildlife movements in the region, and with their input this site was selected.

    “This overpass is a major milestone in advancing wildlife crossings in one of the most important landscapes for wildlife movement in the entire Yellowstone to Yukon region. We applaud the Alberta Government’s leadership in hugely advancing these projects, as they’ve created a conservation success story that benefits both wildlife and people.” 

    Jodi Hilty, president and chief scientist, Y2Y

    The wildlife crossing structure demonstrates Alberta’s commitment to improving safety for both drivers and wildlife. The new crossing is expected to reduce collisions in the area by an estimated 80 per cent. The crossing supports the Alberta Wildlife Watch Program, a leading-edge driver safety program, to prevent animal-vehicle collisions. The program identifies collision prone locations along the highway network and works to mitigate those risks through projects such as wildlife crossings and fencing. In fact, wildlife such as deer, elk, coyote and lynx were using the crossing structure before it was even completed.

    “This is a really exciting moment for so many people who have been involved in this project for over a decade. The new overpass is a huge step forward in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, connecting natural landscapes, and improving the ability for wildlife to find food, mates, water and safety. This crossing will help elk, deer, bears and other animals across the Trans-Canada Highway in a way that is safe for them and the tens of thousands of people driving this highway every day.”

    Tim Johnson, landscape connectivity specialist, Y2Y

    Key Facts

    • Peter Lougheed became Premier of Alberta in 1971 and served Albertans until his retirement in 1985.
    • Peter Lougheed passed away in September of 2012.
    • Construction of the wildlife overpass began in 2022 and was completed in fall 2024.
    • Animal-vehicle collisions are a significant safety concern and account for about 60 per cent of reported collisions on rural highways.
    • These animal-vehicle collisions cost Albertans nearly $300,000 per day in direct and indirect costs, including property damage, health care and highway cleanup.

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smith Statement on Proposed Volumes for Renewable Fuels Standard

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

    Washington, DC — Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements for 2026 and 2027.

    “Today’s announcement rightfully recognizes the key role biofuels play in American energy security,” Smith said. “If finalized, these volumes will support our agriculture producers, provide much needed certainty to the industry, and ensure consumers have greater access to affordable liquid fuels. I thank Administrator Zeldin and President Trump for their continued support of American biofuels and look forward to working with them to ensure today’s RVOs have the intended effect of promoting American energy production.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Congressman Smith first introduced a bill to approve year-round sale of E15 in 2015.

    On May 16, Smith, Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), and Angie Craig (D-MN) joined 25 colleagues in a letter to the President urging for robust blending requirements in the ongoing RFS rulemaking.

    On April 22, Smith, Craig, Hinson, and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) led 25 members of Congress in a letter urging the administration to lower prices at the pump by providing a summertime E-15 waiver.

    On March 11, Smith led a bipartisan press conference highlighting grassroots support for eliminating restrictions on E15 sales.

    On February 13, Smith and Craig introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of E15. Read more about the bipartisan, bicameral legislation here.

    On February 6, 2025, Smith and Craig led nearly 30 colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to EPA  Administrator Lee Zeldin. The letter emphasized the important role of the American biofuels industry in maximizing energy abundance and affordability while encouraging the EPA to issue timely and science-driven guidance to fulfill the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).

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    MIL OSI USA News –