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Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Issues Statement Following Renewable Fuels Standard Rulemaking on Renewable Volume Obligations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    June 13, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Renewable Fuels Standard rulemaking noticing Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and 2027:
    “President Trump and Administrator Zeldin have held true to their promises to unleash American energy and to implement the Renewable Fuels Standard consistent with the law. Today’s Renewable Volume Obligation rulemaking marks an important day for biofuels, American farmers, and Nebraska agriculture. Strong targets drive strong biofuel markets which benefits energy consumers, agricultural producers, and the environment.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Club World Cup 2025 shows sharing the stage is the future of global sport

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Cook, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Nottingham Trent University

    Before it kicked off, the all new revamped and expanded men’s 2025 Fifa Club World Cup had already attracted controversy.

    Some think even more football matches at the end of a long season pose a risk to player welfare. Others are concerned about a lack of fan engagement.

    But aside from these issues the tournament, which features 32 clubs from around the world, provides fresh evidence of a new model emerging in global sport.

    This event, which is being staged in 12 different cities across the US, is the latest experiment in “polycentric” hosting, where multiple locations collaborate as destinations for international sporting events.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The next men’s Fifa World Cup in 2026 will take place across the US, Canada and Mexico. Four years later, the event will be spread across different continents, starting in South America, before moving to Europe and Africa. In between, the men’s Euros of 2028 will be co-hosted by the UK and Ireland.

    The trend is not limited to football. The 2026 Winter Olympics is being shared in Italy between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Commonwealth Games are also moving towards a more pragmatic model of hosting.

    Our research, which focused on the men’s Euro 2020 tournament (delayed by COVID and held in 2021), suggests that polycentric hosting has many advantages.

    Spanning 11 European countries, Euro 2020 was conceived as a celebration of the tournament’s 60th anniversary.

    From a branding perspective, this posed significant challenges. Each city had its own visual identity, with localised fan engagement strategies.

    Without a singular geographic or cultural anchor, Uefa, the governing body of European football, had to balance the benefits of celebrating local diversity with the need for a coherent overarching narrative.

    Yet overall, the format worked. Despite the pandemic’s disruption, the tournament still reached broad audiences and activated fanbases in multiple regions.

    Instead of one city or nation shouldering the financial and logistical burden of building infrastructure, accommodating visitors, and managing security and transport, responsibilities were shared.

    A team effort

    This can significantly reduce the risk of the problem of “white elephants” where expensive stadiums or facilities fall into disuse after an event has finished.

    By using infrastructure and venues which already exist, the environmental and economic costs of hosting are minimised. It also makes hosting more feasible for countries that might not have the capacity to do it alone.

    At the same time, many of the perceived benefits of staging sports events – such as economic boosts to local economies, increases in tourism, improved transport links, and civic pride – can be shared more widely. Rather than one host reaping all the rewards, several places can potentially benefit, engaging local communities and stimulating regional development.

    Euro 2020, on the road to Wembley.
    Michael Tubi/Shutterstock

    Collaborative multi-host formats also allow for widespread sharing of knowledge and opportunities for innovation. When cities and organising committees work together, they can bring diverse perspectives, cultural insights, operational practices, and even healthy competition to the table.

    We found that the development of friendly rivalries between Euro 2020 hosts actually encouraged a competitive mindset that motivated organising committee staff to attempt to outperform counterpart cities.



    Read more:
    Trump’s travel ban casts shadow over the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup and other US-hosted sporting events

    Meanwhile Uefa enabled those different cities to develop branding strategies which reflected local character while contributing to a broader European narrative of unity through sport. One example was each city selecting a landmark bridge to tie in with the tournament’s overarching “bridging Europe” theme.

    This collaborative way of thinking also led to creative and inclusive ideas. Glasgow, for example, integrated a cultural festival into its role as a host city, featuring local artists and musicians.

    Polycentric tournaments aren’t without challenges of course. There is a risk of fragmentation, where the tournament feels like a series of disconnected mini-events rather than something cohesive.

    But overall, the environmental, economic and cultural benefits can be substantial. And what began as a celebratory one-off with Euro 2020 is fast becoming the design for future major sport events.

    By sharing the spotlight, cities and countries also share the strain and the opportunity. The age of the single host nation isn’t over, and the looming Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup is a stark reminder that above all, money still talks. But the era of shared hosting is clearly here, and might just be what global sport and its fans need.

    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. The Club World Cup 2025 shows sharing the stage is the future of global sport – https://theconversation.com/the-club-world-cup-2025-shows-sharing-the-stage-is-the-future-of-global-sport-256117

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Food insecurity in Lebanon returns to near pre-conflict levels – but gains remain fragile, new report shows

    Source: World Food Programme

    21 per cent of Lebanon’s population faces acute food insecurity, projected to worsen by the summer.

    BEIRUT – Under the patronage and in the presence of Lebanese Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani, and with the participation of WFP Representative and Country Director in Lebanon Mr. Matthew Hollingworth, Acting FAO Representative in Lebanon Ms. Veronica Quattrola and a number of experts and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Lebanon: Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report for the period of April to October 2025 was launched at the Ministry’s headquarters in Beirut.

    Link to latest report

    BEIRUT – Under the patronage and in the presence of Lebanese Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani, and with the participation of WFP Representative and Country Director in Lebanon Mr. Matthew Hollingworth, Acting FAO Representative in Lebanon Ms. Veronica Quattrola and a number of experts and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Lebanon: Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report for the period of April to October 2025 was launched at the Ministry’s headquarters in Beirut.

    The report shows that one in five people in Lebanon – around 1.17 million individuals – are facing crisis or emergency levels of acute food insecurity between April and June 2025. While this figure reflects gradual recovery compared to figures from earlier this year, when 1.65 million people were affected following the conflict, gains remain fragile without sustained support.

    This gradual recovery in food security levels is attributed mainly to the ceasefire agreement, a short-term increase in food assistance, and relative recovery in some local markets. However, the country continues to grapple with major challenges including the deterioration of agricultural infrastructure, rising inflation rates, economic stagnation, and concerning funding gaps in humanitarian programmes.

    The report highlights that the recent conflict caused significant damage to agricultural assets, especially in southern Lebanon, leading to a decline in production and disruption of food sources for many households. Damaged infrastructure – estimated to cost billions of dollars – remains unrepaired, and local economies are recovering at a slow pace. The number of internally displaced persons is estimated at around 100,000 people.

    “What the numbers are telling us is that while immediate and widespread humanitarian support before and throughout the ceasefire have eased pressures, the situation remains precarious,” said Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Lebanon Representative and Country Director. “Many families are one setback away from slipping back into crisis. Predictable, sustained assistance will be crucial to ensure these improvements hold.”

    According to FAO Representative in Lebanon a.i, Veronica Quattrola: “Escalating hostilities and mass displacement have severely disrupted agrifood systems, threatening food security. Agriculture is a vital pillar for resilience and recovery, making urgent, targeted support essential to restore production, stabilize food access, and build long-term resilience in affected communities.”

    The report identifies the highest levels of food insecurity in the governorates of Baalbek-Hermel, Baabda, Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun, Nabatieh, Tyre, and Akkar. According to the data:

    • Around 591,000 Lebanese (15% of Lebanese households),
    • Approximately 515,000 Syrian refugees (37% of Syrian refugees),
    • Nearly 67,000 Palestinian refugees (30% of Palestinian refugees),

    are currently living under crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity and are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

    IPC projections estimate that the number of affected individuals will rise to 1.24 million people – about 23% of the population analysed – between July and October 2025, due to seasonal factors, continued economic contraction (with GDP still 34% below 2019 levels), and a likely decline in humanitarian aid funding.

    During the report launch, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani stressed that Lebanon continues to suffer from the cumulative effects of financial, economic, and social crises since 2019, which have severely impacted living conditions and increased food insecurity. He said:

    “As part of its national responsibilities, the Ministry of Agriculture placed food security at the core of its strategy and requested to join the IPC initiative in 2022 to establish an accurate scientific basis for guiding policy.”

    He highlighted that the analysis results confirmed the urgent need for swift interventions, particularly in areas heavily affected by the hostilities, such as Akkar, Baalbek, Hermel, Bint Jbeil, and Marjayoun.

    The Minister added: “We need to strengthen national partnerships and expand coordination among relevant ministries – including Economy, Health, Environment, Social Affairs, Education, and Energy – to build an integrated national response that supports social safety nets, nutrition, education, and agriculture.” 

    He stressed that boosting sound agricultural production is a key entry point to achieving sustainable food security and noted several ministry initiatives in this regard, including the launch of a “Food Contaminant Observatory” and the reactivation of central laboratories in Kfarshima to ensure food safety and quality.

    In conclusion, Minister Hani thanked the Ministry’s partners – WFP, FAO, the American University of Beirut, the Central Administration of Statistics, and NGOs – for their efforts, stating:

    “Food security is a national responsibility that requires inclusive cooperation and continuous coordination among all stakeholders to build a more resilient society and ensure a fairer, more stable citizenship for everyone living in Lebanon.”

     

    –ENDs

     

    #                             #                                #

     

    About the World Food Programme (WFP)

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media

     

    About the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

    Follow us on @FAOLebanon, FAOinLebanon

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Alectra releases 2024 ESG and GRE&T Centre reports highlighting commitment to sustainability, community support and grid modernization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alectra Inc. presents its 2024 Annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, ‘Discover the Possibilities’, showcasing significant progress toward its long-term sustainability goals while continuing to deliver reliable, affordable energy services to more than one million homes and businesses across Ontario.

    The report outlines how Alectra is investing in modernizing its electricity grid to meet growing demand, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build stronger communities through targeted social investments.

    Alongside the ESG report, Alectra also released the 2024 Green Energy & Technology (GRE&T) Centre Report, ‘Where Great Minds Collaborate to Power a Better Tomorrow’. The report highlights progress in advancing grid-edge technologies, supporting innovation, and building strategic partnerships to shape a more sustainable future.

    “At Alectra, we recognize our responsibility goes beyond powering homes and businesses,” said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. “Our 2024 ESG and GRE&T Centre reports demonstrate how we’re advancing sustainability, strengthening our communities, and creating long-term value for the customers and municipalities we proudly serve.”

    Some key achievements highlighted by Alectra in the ESG report include:

    • Achieving a 21.1 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2023.
    • Allocated $1.39 million through the AlectraCARES Community Support Program, supporting over 150 local health, housing and food security initiatives.
    • Invested $460 million in grid renewal and replacement projects to modernize the electricity grid.
    • Expanded People Deal initiative by investing $191,000 to support organizations promoting equality and inclusion.
    • Recognized as a Corporate Knights Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens – ranked first in Canada in the electricity transmission and distribution sector and eighth overall.
    • Earned the PRISM Certified designation from Imagine Canada for continued leadership in community investment.
    • Recognized as a Greater Toronto Area Top Employer for the fifth consecutive year.

    View Alectra’s 2024 Annual ESG Report here, and 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements here, and Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) here, and see the GRE&T Centre Report here. 

    About Alectra Inc. Family of Companies

    Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions.

    Media Contact:

    Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson
    ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIA-LN

    The MIL Network –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill won’t solve the opioid epidemic, say the people most affected

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Katherine LeMasters, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado Boulder

    The people most impacted by Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill have divergent views on the role of the legal system in curbing the opioid epidemic. Erik McGregor/GettyImages

    Colorado passed the Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention Bill in May 2022. The legislation made the possession of small amounts of fentanyl a felony, rather than a misdemeanor.

    Felonies are more likely than misdemeanors to result in a prison sentence.

    Time in prison is associated with an increased risk of fatal overdose in the year after release. People with felonies on their record often struggle to find a job or rent an apartment.

    In 2023, lawmakers in 46 states passed legislation similar to Colorado’s. They introduced more than 600 bills related to fentanyl criminalization and enacted over 100 other laws to attempt to curb the opioid epidemic.

    Possession of small amounts of ketamine, GHB and other criminalized drugs is also a felony in Colorado.

    I’m an assistant professor of medicine, social epidemiologist and community researcher who studies mass incarceration as a public health threat. I am a member of the Right Response Coalition, which advocates for community rather than criminal-legal responses to behavioral health needs in Colorado. Recently, my work has focused on how increasing criminal penalties for fentanyl possession in Colorado affects the individuals and communities most impacted by such laws.

    Our team conducted 31 interviews with Colorado policymakers, peer support specialists, law enforcement, community behavioral health providers and people providing behavioral health in prisons and jails to explore a variety of perspectives on Colorado’s Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention Bill and the role of the criminal-legal system in addressing substance use and overdose.

    Most of our interviewees agreed that criminalization alone wouldn’t solve the opioid epidemic.

    “You can’t incarcerate yourself to sobriety,” said a rural law enforcement officer. “You can’t incarcerate yourself out of the drug problem in America.”

    Criminalization of drug use

    Incarceration and substance use are deeply intertwined. The U.S. houses one-quarter of the world’s incarcerated population – largely due to policies created during the “war on Drugs” of the 1980s. The war on drugs included mandatory minimum sentencing for drug-related charges and “three strikes” laws that lengthened sentences after multiple charges.

    Today, one-fifth of the U.S. incarcerated population has a drug-related charge.

    People recently released from incarceration are more likely to overdose than the general public because their tolerance is greatly reduced following forced abstinence and there are not enough community-based treatment options.
    Erik McGregor/GettyImages

    Incarceration is often seen as a deterrent, but research shows it is not actually associated with reduced drug use. Instead, people recently released from incarceration are more likely to die of a fatal overdose and face a high likelihood of reincarceration.

    Perspectives of front-line workers

    All 31 of the participants in our study supported policies to prevent fentanyl overdoses. However, most thought that use of police and incarceration as avenues to do so was misguided.

    We spoke to some individuals who felt the bill was appropriate, but most felt that increased criminalization perpetuates stigma against people who use drugs. They also saw the law as ignoring the root causes of the opioid epidemic, which include a lack of voluntary community-based treatment options. They also said the law creates stressful law enforcement encounters that can perpetuate drug use as a coping mechanism.

    “It just seems like there’s no getting away from [the police], they’re everywhere,” said an urban peer support specialist. “I got arrested by the same cops, I don’t know how many times. And then it makes you want to try to be avoidant or run because they’re not going to help you.”

    Participants worried that the policy has an inadvertent chilling effect, deterring individuals from calling 911 when an overdose occurs.

    “Most people with substance abuse are not trying to report anything or get help for fear of going to jail,” one rural provider said. “It’s so stigmatized that everyone’s just scared to do that.”

    Study participants worried that the Colorado fentanyl criminalization bill will deter people from reporting an overdose for fear of being arrested.
    Spencer Platt/GettyImages

    Participants largely thought that counties were using incarceration as a default treatment setting and that it wasn’t an ideal solution.

    “[I] don’t want to see [people] incarcerated, but I don’t want ‘em to die either,” said an urban peer support specialist.

    The people we interviewed pointed to a lack of community-based care options that could come before people are incarcerated. Those options include substance use treatment centers, mental health services and community health centers.

    Substance use treatment

    Colorado’s fentanyl bill did more than just increase penalties. It also provided additional funding for a state naloxone program and required that all jails provide medications for opioid use disorder.

    Along with increasing penalties, Colorado’s bill increased access to naloxone, an opioid-reversal drug.
    Hyoung Chang/GettyImages

    These medications include methadone, buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone. All are part of an established public health strategy shown to reduce overdose deaths and opioid use. They’re also shown to increase engagement with non-jail-based treatment and reduce reincarceration.

    However, jail capacity and the lack of treatment options based in one’s community play a large role in which medications are offered and to whom. For example, only 11 out of Colorado’s 46 counties with a county jail have an opioid treatment program in the community that can dispense methadone. Therefore, some facilities do not offer all medications, or only offer medications to individuals with an active prescription or to certain populations such as pregnant people.

    Investing in community solutions

    Based on our study’s findings, my study co-authors and I believe increased criminal penalties should not be the solution for linking individuals to treatment. Instead, there should be more investment in long-term community solutions.

    One such solution is Denver’s Substance Use Navigation Program. The program sends behavioral health specialists to emergency calls to prevent legal involvement when someone is experiencing distress related to mental health, poverty, homelessness or substance use. In many cases, those individuals are then routed to services rather than jails.

    Our findings also lead us to believe there is a need for more participatory policymaking processes when it comes to fentanyl legislation, and that policymakers should more closely work with the people who will be most impacted by new legislation. Most of our participants agree.

    “[I] don’t think that [the] state realized how difficult it is,” said a rural provider about giving medication-assisted treatment in jail, an increasing need as more people are arrested for fentanyl possession. “They probably should come here and visit us.”

    Katherine LeMasters received funding from the Colorado Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Administration. Katherine LeMasters is part of the Right Response Coalition.

    – ref. Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill won’t solve the opioid epidemic, say the people most affected – https://theconversation.com/colorados-fentanyl-criminalization-bill-wont-solve-the-opioid-epidemic-say-the-people-most-affected-256661

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President to undertake working visit to Russia

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Strengthening economic and trade relations will be at the core of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s working visit to Russia.

    According to the Deputy President’s Office, the trip will focus on enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining, as well as collaboration in science and technology.

    The working visit set for 17-21 June in Moscow and St. Petersburg, will involve high-level engagements and activities focused on economic diplomacy.

    In Moscow, Deputy President Mashatile will meet with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to discuss cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, and energy.

    The Deputy President will meet with several high-ranking officials, including President Vladimir Putin, Valentina Matvienko, the Chairman of the Russian Federation Council, and Vyacheslav Volodin, the current Chairman of the State Duma, which is the lower house of the Russian Parliament.

    While in Moscow, the Deputy President will lay a wreath at the memorial site honouring South Africa’s liberation heroes, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane. 

    Following this, he will participate in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF2025).

    This year’s forum will be held from 19 to 21 June,  under the theme: “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World.”

    The Deputy President will take part in the plenary session of SPIEF2025 while he has also received an invitation to speak at the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue.

    In addition, he is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University on the topic: “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Environment.”

    He will address attendees at the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar.

    “The St. Petersburg leg of the visit is expected to leverage on promoting South Africa’s trade relations and South Africa as an investment destination.” 

    According to the Deputy President’s Office, this trip will be his first visit to Russia since he took office under the seventh administration. 

    He will be accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers who are part of the Economic Sectors, Investment, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cabinet Cluster. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: “We’re Not Just Marching – We’re Building the Future”: Joburg Youth Lead the Charge for Green Jobs This Youth Day

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Johannesburg, 13 June 2025 –  Hundreds of young people flooded the streets of Johannesburg in a powerful call for economic justice through climate action. Backed by Greenpeace Africa, they waved hand-painted placards, their chants echoing across pavements, in a shared urgency drawn together by a generation raised on promises — and now demanding delivery. This Youth Day, South Africa’s youth were not just commemorating the past; they marched for a future they refuse to be excluded from.

    At the heart of their demand was a clear message: a Just Transition must mean green jobs for young people, now.

    “We don’t want to be statistics anymore. We want to be builders of the new economy,” said Aphiwe, a 24-year-old graduate who’s been unemployed for over a year. “Give us the skills. Give us the tools. Let us work — not just survive.”

    With youth unemployment sitting above 60%, South Africa’s young people are caught in a worsening economic storm. Yet they also represent the country’s greatest untapped human resource; bold, informed, and ready to act. The renewable energy sector offers a lifeline: up to five times more jobs than the fossil fuel economy.

    But that opportunity remains out of reach for many. Through this march, the youth-  in a memorandum presented to the labour ministry – demanded access to skilling and upskilling programmes, inclusion in climate and economic planning, and investment in clean energy infrastructure that benefits communities, not corporations.

    “South Africa’s young people aren’t just demanding jobs. They’re demanding a future where those jobs are sustainable, dignified, and part of solving the climate crisis,” says Siyabonga Myeza, Climate and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace Africa.

    This isn’t the first time youth have taken to the streets on June 16, a date seared into South African memory. In 1976, students marched for the right to education. In 2025, they march for the right to work, to be heard, and to live on a planet that hasn’t been plundered past repair.

    “This generation sees the link between economic injustice and climate injustice. Their message is clear: we cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Cynthia Moyo, Climate and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace Africa.

    Greenpeace Africa stands shoulder-to-shoulder with these young leaders, calling on the South African government, private sector, and civil society to honour their vision, not with speeches but with action.

    This Youth Day, the call will ring out from city streets and rural corners alike:
    “No jobs on a dead planet. No future without the youth.”

    ENDS.

    For more information, contact:

    Ferdinand Omondi, Communication and Story Manager, Greenpeace Africa, email: [email protected], cell: +254 722 505 233

    Greenpeace Africa Press Desk:[email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

    June 14, 2025

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

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Nice, France, The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) concludes today 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, it 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. 50 countries, plus the European Union, have now ratified the Treaty.

    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 ends without more tangible commitments to stopping deep sea mining. 

    “We’ve heard lots of fine words here in Nice, but these need to turn into tangible action. Countries must be brave, stand up for global cooperation and make history by stopping deep sea mining this year. They can do this by committing to a moratorium on deep sea mining at next month’s International Seabed Authority meeting. We applaud those who have already taken a stand, and urge all others to be on the right side of history by stopping deep sea mining.”

    Following this UNOC, attention now turns to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) meetings in July. In the face of The Metals Company teaming up with Trump to mine the global oceans, the upcoming ISA provides a space where governments can come together to defend the deep ocean by adopting a moratorium to stop this destructive industry.

    Negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty resume in August. 

    John Hocevar, Oceans Campaign Director, Greenpeace USA said: “The majority of countries have spoken when they signed on to the Nice Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty that they want an agreement that will reduce plastic production. Now, as we end the UN Ocean Conference and head on to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva this August, they must act. The world cannot afford a weak treaty dictated by oil-soaked obstructionists. 

    “The ambitious majority must rise to this moment, firmly hold the line and ensure that we will have a Global Plastic Treaty that cuts plastic production, protects human health, and delivers justice for Indigenous Peoples and communities on the frontlines. Governments need to show that multilateralism still works for people and the planet, not the profits of a greedy few.”

    Nichanan Thantanwit, Project Leader, Ocean Justice Project said: “Coastal and Indigenous communities, including small-scale fishers, have protected the ocean for generations. Now they are being pushed aside by industries driving ecological collapse and human rights violations. 

    “As the UN Ocean Conference ends, governments must recognise small-scale fishers and Indigenous Peoples as rights-holders, secure their access and role in marine governance, and stop destructive practices such as bottom trawling and harmful aquaculture. There is no ocean protection without the people who have protected it all along.”

    The anticipated Nice Ocean Action Plan, which consists of a political declaration and a series of voluntary commitments, will be announced later today at the end of the conference. None will be legally binding, so governments need to act strongly during the next ISA meeting in July and at plastic treaty negotiations in August. 

    ENDS

    Photos and Video available in the Greenpeace Media Library.

    Contacts:

    James Hanson, Head of Communications, Greenpeace Protect the Oceans campaign, +44 7801 212 994, [email protected] 

    Magali Rubino, Global Media Lead, Greenpeace Protect the Oceans campaign, +33 7 78 41 78 78, [email protected] 

    Greenpeace International Press Desk: +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre to boost tourism

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Tourism in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) will launch the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State province next week.

    Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George will launch the Centre.

    The two departments recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre to boost tourism in the Free State.

    “The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre is a world class and state-of-the art interactive visitor attraction with strong potential for tourism growth,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement. 

    Situated within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP) in the Free State, the centre will offer visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge (paleontological, archaeological and geological) with a broader appreciation of cultural heritage through interactive exhibitions. 

    The department successfully secured funding of R120 million from the European Union through the National Treasury for the implementation of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre. 

    The centre is managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks), and it is envisaged that the facility will increase the bed occupancy and more activities for visitors to the park. 

    The development of the project includes the Interpretation Centre (paleontological offices and work space), the reception area, lecture halls, the display area-exhibition and display installation, the coffee/curio shop, the activity node – office, activity areas (children), parking – paved parking area, look-out point and bulk services, upgrade electrical supply – transformer & cable, sewer – connect to existing system water – connection.

    According to the Department of Tourism, the centre celebrates a globally significant paleontological discovery—the oldest dinosaur embryos known to man offering a world-class educational and cultural experience that deepens public understanding of our natural history.

    “The interpretation centre is a unique local attraction which offer visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge,” the department said.

    The centre will be a key driver of local economic development, job creation and tourism growth in the eastern Free State.

    The event will culminate with a graduation of the tourist guides that were trained as part of the development of the centre. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Conservation project on part of York’s medieval walls

    Source: City of York

    Conservation works on part of York’s medieval walls are due to start next week.

    City of York Council is one of only a handful of local authorities which has an in-house stonemason’s team, who will be carrying out the works from Monday 16 June, for up to 6 months.

    This includes preserving the lead and timber covering of Bootham Bar’s roof, which has been leaking intermittently.

    Bootham Bar sits on the site of the Porta Principalis Dextra, a gateway to the legionary fortress dating back to 72AD.

    The team will be conserving the principal timber structures by stripping out more modern elements to preserve the more historical parts of the timbers.

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member at City of York Council, said:

    “We’re one of only few of local authorities with an in-house stonemason’s team. They will be applying their craft and skills to Bootham Bar over the next few months, maintaining the ancient gateway and preserving our mediaeval walls for the generations to come.

    “We’re working closely with businesses in the area to ensure that any disruption to kept a minimum and to support them where possible. This project is exactly the type of thing that would financially benefit from our upcoming Tap and Donate scheme.”

    Bootham Bar will be wrapped in scaffolding which will require a road closure, just at the section of the walls on High Petergate.

    This section of road which runs through Bootham Bar, will be closed to all users. A diversion for vehicles and cyclists will be in place via Duncombe Place. To support local businesses during this period, access will be provided at all times for vehicles and cyclists to facilitate deliveries

    Pedestrians will be able to continue to use the pedestrian arch under Bootham Bar and this will remain open throughout the duration of the works. A temporary ramp will be but in place for those using wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

    For cyclists who are able, they can choose to dismount and push cycles through the pedestrian access point.

    The works are all part of ongoing efforts to preserve York’s historic monuments.

    It’s hoped that with the upcoming launch of Tap and Donate later this year, that projects like this could be partly funded through public donations going forward. This project will cost circa £300,000, funded from the council’s capital programme.

    The council has spoken to businesses directly affected in the area and will continue to work with them to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

    Watch the video.

    Find out more about York’s City Walls.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oceans British actors, authors, musicians and environmentalists urge UK government to ‘stop failing the ocean’ Photos of some of the signatories available here Some of the UK’s best-loved stars have joined a call on the UK government to stop failing the ocean and sign the… by Alexandra Sedgwick June 11, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    • Photos of some of the signatories available here

    Some of the UK’s best-loved stars have joined a call on the UK government to stop failing the ocean and sign the Global Ocean Treaty into law, as the pivotal UN Ocean Conference is taking place in Nice this week. 18 more states ratified the Treaty yesterday, bringing the total so far to 49, but embarrassingly there is no sign of action from the UK government. 

    Household names and longtime ocean, climate and nature ambassadors Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, Bonnie Wright (who was in Nice for the summit), Dan Smith, Cel Spellman, Meera Sodha and Mya-Rose Craig are together appealing to the Foreign Secretary David Lammy to urgently sign the Global Ocean Treaty (also known as the High Seas Treaty) into UK law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer must support the legislation being brought to parliament before the summit ends on Friday.

    Their joint statement said: 

    “All life on earth depends on healthy oceans, yet they are under threat like never before. I urge the Foreign Secretary David Lammy to protect the oceans by rapidly passing the Global Ocean Treaty into UK law. It’s high time the UK got onboard. The Treaty is our best chance to achieve protection of 30% of the ocean by 2030, which scientists agree is essential for marine life to survive and thrive. The UK has turned up empty handed to a pivotal UN Ocean Conference where countries are committing to ocean protection right now. The UK must stop failing the ocean and swiftly join the 49 states that have already ratified. David Lammy has to ensure the Treaty legislation is tabled by the end of this vital conference.”

    After a flurry of ratifications on day one of the UN Global Ocean Conference, 49 states (plus the European Union) have now signed the Treaty into law, including 14 EU countries, but the UK is notably absent from this list[1][2]. A total of at least 60 states is required to bring the Treaty into force, and this threshold could be reached as soon as this week, but so far there’s no sign the UK will be included in the leading pack of countries. 

    The UN Ocean Conference (9-13 June) is the most significant political moment about the ocean since the agreement of the Global Ocean Treaty by the UN in 2023. Dozens of Heads of State are attending, according to the organisers. This level of attendance, and the diplomatic efforts of the organisers, provide an opportunity to set a high level of ambition for global ocean protection for the coming years. Ahead of the conference the UK government announced a package of domestic ocean protection measures but international action is also urgently needed to deliver on the commitment to protect at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030.

    Chris Thorne, Greenpeace UK senior oceans campaigner, said:

    “The UK government wants to be a leader on climate and nature, but 49 countries have beaten them to it on ocean protection. This vital international agreement could soon enter into force and begin delivering protection at sea on a scale we’ve never seen before. We’re tantalisingly close to a huge moment for the planet and the UK government could have pushed us closer. Embarrassingly, despite having had 20 months to do it, it hasn’t even begun the parliamentary process to sign the Treaty into UK law. 

    “All life on Earth depends on the ocean. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy must stop failing it, and bring legislation to parliament before the summit concludes on Friday. The government must also loudly support calls for a global moratorium on deep sea mining. Global ocean protection cannot wait, and Starmer’s government shouldn’t either. This historic Treaty can help to protect a third of our blue planet from threats like industrial fishing, which devastates marine life. The UK needs to get onboard.”

    Actress Emma Thompson in Svalbard, Norway as part of a Greenpeace campaign. © Nick Cobbing / Greenpeace

    Mya-Rose Craig, ornithologist, writer, environmentalist and activist, said: 

    “We stand at a crossroads. In my lifetime, I’ll either witness the devastation of marine life and the decimation of coastal communities – or I’ll see a world where the oceans are properly protected, with thriving ecosystems, wildlife and people. Healthy oceans are also fundamental to tackling the climate crisis. I sailed to the Arctic with Greenpeace a few years ago, where I saw the Arctic sea ice shrinking. Each year, the sea ice retreats even further. But this is just one threat – destructive fishing, shipping, oil drilling and deep sea mining all pose a risk. Time is fast running out for governments to protect the oceans and the UK needs to deliver on its promises right now. Foreign Secretary David Lammy must ratify the Global Ocean Treaty immediately. It is the only tool that can help protect 30% of the oceans by 2030.”

    Cel Spellman, actor, writer and presenter, said: 

    “The health and balance of our bountiful oceans are at a critical tipping point. What happens at the UN Ocean Conference will define the future of our oceans; for the plant & wildlife species that call them home, for the communities that rely on them, and for the future of our precious planet. There is no other option than ensuring 30% of our oceans are protected, it’s as simple as that. Nothing less will suffice. The warning signs are there, the science is clear. If you want to understand why this is the case and how we’ve got in this mess, I implore you to watch or read Ocean with David Attenborough.”

    Dan Smith, Bastille playing guitar on board the Arctic Sunrise. © Tavish Campbell / Greenpeace

    Greenpeace UK is calling on the UK government to:

    • Prioritise ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty 
    • Speak out in favour of a global moratorium on deep sea mining and use diplomatic influence to build support for this and the multilateral system
    • Implement a full ban on all forms of destructive fishing, including bottom trawling, in all UK marine protected areas
    • Work with the UK Overseas Territory of Bermuda and other nations to champion one of the world’s first high seas sanctuaries in the Sargasso Sea. This stunning ecosystem supports a plethora of iconic wildlife including humpback whales, sharks, dolphins and sea turtles

    ENDS

    Photos of some of the signatories are available in the Greenpeace Media Library here

    Contact: Alex Sedgwick, Greenpeace UK press officer, alexandra.sedgwick@greenpeace.org, 07739 963301. 

    Notes for editors: 

    1. Palau, Chile, Belize, Seychelles, Monaco, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Cuba, Maldives, Singapore, Bangladesh, Barbados, Timor Leste, Panama, St. Lucia, Spain, France, Malawi, Antigua and Barbuda, Marshall Islands, Republic of Korea, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, Slovenia, Dominica, Norway, Romania, Albania, Bahamas, Belgium, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Denmark, Fiji, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Jordan, Liberia, Malta, Mauritania, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Viet Nam.
    2. The European Union has also ratified the Treaty, in its capacity as an ‘enhanced observer’ at the UN.However, EU ratification does not count towards the total of 60 ratifications by UN member states required for the Treaty to enter into force.

    MIL OSI NGO –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – New evidence on cancer risks of glyphosate – P-002366/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002366/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (Renew)

    A recently published peer-reviewed study in Environmental Health has presented new evidence regarding the safety of glyphosate, concluding that two pesticides containing the substance glyphosate that are currently on the market pose a serious risk of developing various forms of cancer, especially in pregnancy and early life stages. In light of these findings, it is essential that the Commission acts swiftly to evaluate the potential risks and subsequently take action to protect public health.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s assessment of this study?
    • 2.Will the Commission take swift action in response to the study, such as a rapid risk assessment with the European Food Safety Authority?
    • 3.What is the Commission’s timeline for reviewing this new scientific evidence and determining whether regulatory action is warranted, and will it consider a precautionary pause in the meantime, given the potential public health implications?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Working in partnership to improve the River Mimram

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Working in partnership to improve the River Mimram

    Catchment based approach to improve a rare and precious chalk stream, Initiative to bring farmer and landowners together to benefit the Mimram.

    The River Mimram flowing through Panhangers Park.

    Thanks to funding from the Environment Agency, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust has appointed Heidi Mansell as the new Chalk Rivers and Farm Advisory Officer to lead crucial efforts to restore and protect the River Mimram—one of Hertfordshire’s rare and precious chalk streams.

    The Mimram is a vital part of the local ecosystem, beginning near Whitwell in Hertfordshire, and flows through the villages of Kimpton, Codicote and Welwyn before joining the River Lea near Hertford. The River Mimram is being improved by removing unnecessary weirs, better land management etc, through a collaborative effort between various organisations and community groups.

    The next exciting stage included bringing in a farm advisory officer – Heidi to look at a new approach with the Mimram. One that’s catchment-wide, considering the entire area of land that drains into the river and having a dedicated person to support work on the ground. It’s important because specific local issues, for example, the demand for water, pollution, or invasive species, may start in the wider catchment and those that affect or who are affected by them should be empowered to find the solutions.

    After being in the role for a year, here is what Heidi has to say:

    We recognise that for a number of years, different groups and stakeholders have been coming together to improve the Mimram, so now the aim is to consolidate on this good work and hopefully make further progress.

    In these first few months, I have been meeting with and listening to landholders to understand the support that they would like and gathering existing data on the catchment. Already, 11 of those, with land right next to the Mimram have said that they would like to work towards improving the river, which is hugely encouraging. Over the coming months and years, we’ll work together to create and deliver restoration and management plans that address some of the reasons why the river is not achieving good ecological status, according to the Water Framework Directive.

    Heidi is exploring further exciting new options that are now available through the Higher-Level Countryside Stewardship Scheme that may fund some of this work, with payments to farmers that sensitively manage riverbanks and water edge habitats and connect river and floodplain habitats.

    As a result of this work, there is hope to see species such as the endangered Water Vole thriving once again, to find Brown Trout creating their nests on the riverbed, to see flashes of blue as Kingfishers dart along the river and waving strands of Water Crowfoot teetering on the water’s surface – all indicators of healthy chalk streams.

    Elizabeth Walden, Chalk Catchment Coordinator for the Upper Lee at the Environment Agency, reflects on the collaborative efforts to restore and protect the River Mimram:

    England is home to 85% of the world’s chalk streams. Despite their importance nationally and internationally, only 17% met good ecological status under the Water Framework Directive in 2019. The River Mimram is one of the many chalk streams currently falling short of this standard.

    The problems facing chalk streams are complicated and costly to address. However, by working at a catchment-scale in close partnership with Heidi, we’re making meaningful improvements to the Mimram valley. By improving the use of water resources, restoring habitat, and enhancing the river’s resilience during periods of high and low flow, this project is helping to secure a healthier future for the River Mimram, and the communities that value it.

    We are excited to see how this new collaborative approach with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust develops and delivers lasting improvements in the years to come.

    Notes to editors

    For more information on the scheme:
    we have a YouTube Video Here – https://youtu.be/3YJUs56RiV4
    And a blog here – Working together to protect and restore the Mimram catchment – Creating a better place

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    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: US Lab Partners and SciSure Launch Strategic Partnership to Transform EHS Services and Lab Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Mass., June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SciSure, the Scientific Management Platform (SMP) designed to unify scientific research, safety, operations, and compliance, today announced a strategic partnership with US Lab Partners, a leader in lab and facility operations and EHS (Environmental Health & Safety) consulting.

    Together, the organizations are launching a transformative “Virtual Incubator Model” that gives emerging and scaling life science organizations affordable access to world-class digital lab infrastructure and operational support.

    Unlocking Modern Lab Management for Scientific Entrepreneurs

    Emerging life science organizations have long faced a costly challenge: accessing high-quality EHS, lab operations, and compliance infrastructure before they have the resources or scale to support large software investments. The new SciSure and US Lab Partners collaboration eliminates this barrier. By combining SciSure’s comprehensive, scalable software suite with US Lab Partners’ expert consulting and implementation services, these organizations can now operate efficient, safe, and compliant labs from day one.

    “Our customers have often told us they needed digital infrastructure long before they had the budget or internal resources to manage it,” said Philip Meer, CEO of SciSure. “This partnership ensures they no longer have to choose between premium software or on-the-ground expert services – they get both, seamlessly integrated.”

    Better Together: A Complete Solution for Emerging Labs

    US Lab Partners provides deep, hands-on expertise in lab setup, operations, and EHS compliance. They become an extension of the customer’s internal team, guiding labs through complex requirements and day-to-day operations. SciSure complements this with an industry-leading platform encompassing Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN), Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), inventory tracking and EHS workflows, all in one secure and scalable environment.

    “Too often, emerging scientific companies are forced to rely on underpowered tools, systems that create data silos and are little more than glorified spreadsheets,” said Jon Zibell, Vice President of Global Alliances and Marketing at SciSure. “This partnership is designed to change that. We are delivering a seamless digital experience from day one, without sacrificing safety, compliance, or data integrity.”

    “Digitizing lab operations is no longer optional – it’s critical for continuity, safety, and scientific integrity,” said Demet Aybar, CEO and Founder of US Lab Partners. “Together with SciSure, we’re delivering world-class software and hands-on expertise that have traditionally been reserved for Big Pharma, now accessible to startups and academic innovators.”

    Impacting the Future of Scientific Innovation

    This partnership marks a pivotal shift in how scientific organizations can launch and operate. By eliminating the traditional burden of high costs, fragmented systems, and lack of technical resources, the Virtual Incubator Model accelerates innovation while reducing overhead and risk.

    Customers now gain access to a fully digital and seamlessly integrated record-keeping system from day one, end-to-end EHS and inventory management software and services, a robust LMS with training content library, tusted partners who bring both software and service to manage lab setup, safety, and compliance, as well as ELN, LIMS, SOP’s, and Sample Management built-in.

    “This model reflects our shared mission: to help brilliant science thrive without operational bottlenecks,” Aybar added. “We’re here to make world-class lab infrastructure available without compromise.”

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c90d15db-77a2-4060-ae1b-ef857a726874

    The MIL Network –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Kirklees District of West Yorkshire County in UK suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Import of poultry meat and products from Kirklees District of West Yorkshire County in UK suspendedIssued at HKT 18:12

    ​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 13) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the Kirklees District of West Yorkshire County in the United Kingdom (UK), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

    A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 210 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 440 000 poultry eggs from the UK in the first three months of this year.

    “The CFS has contacted the British authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

    Ends/Friday, June 13, 2025
    Issued at HKT 18:12

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST made positive progress with signing of CDTA with Norway during his visit

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SFST made positive progress with signing of CDTA with Norway during his visit  
         To unlock new opportunities in the area of maritime finance, Mr Hui met with the Chief Customer Officer, Ms Line Dahle, and Vice President and Head of Analytics, Mr Sigvald Fossum, of Norwegian marine and energy insurance provider Gard, which has a strong presence in Hong Kong’s marine insurance market and provides services to manage maritime risk for clients. He also met with the Vice-President and Director of Group Government and Public Affairs of DNV, Mr Lars Almklov. The global assurance and risk management company DNV has been recognised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority as an approved external reviewer for the Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme.
     
         Mr Hui told management members of the two companies that Hong Kong and Norway possess complementary strengths that can create a compelling case for financial co-operation. While Norway’s maritime industry is the cornerstone of its economy, Hong Kong’s maritime services industry is also a valued brand in the international arena. Joint ventures in maritime insurance could combine Norway’s expertise in marine risk management with Hong Kong’s accessibility, creating comprehensive solutions for the sector and addressing the new demands arising from geopolitical and climatic challenges. He highlighted that Hong Kong has a sophisticated ecosystem for ship financing and leasing, supported by tax incentives and its strategic location along global trade routes.
     
    On June 12 (Oslo time), Mr Hui paid a courtesy call to the Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Norway, Ms Hou Yue.
     
    He also had a meeting with the Director of Politics and Society of Finance Norway, Mr Jan Erik Fane, and other management staff. Finance Norway is the industry organisation for the financial sector in Norway, representing banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions on regulatory, policy and industry developments.
     
         Mr Hui noted that the Norwegian sovereign fund is one of the largest funds in the world and is positioned as a pioneer in responsible investing with a strong emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance principles. He said that the shared focus of Hong Kong and Norway on sustainability creates significant opportunities for collaboration.
         At a dinner reception co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, and the Norway-Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce on June 11 (Oslo time), Mr Hui said that even though there is a geographical distance of around 8 600 kilometres between Norway and Hong Kong, the two places share more commonalities in the financial market than perceived.
     
         The first one is the commitment to green and sustainable developments. Hong Kong is striving to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, and the Government launched a roadmap last December to require publicly accountable entities (PAEs) to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) and to provide a well-defined pathway for large PAEs to fully adopt the ISSB Standards no later than 2028.
     
         Just last week, Hong Kong issued a new round of Government green bonds and infrastructure bonds to channel market capital to support green projects and promote sustainable developments in Hong Kong. This round of bonds amounts to a total of around US$3.5 billion, denominated in Hong Kong dollars, Renminbi, US dollars and euros. The offering attracted participation from a wide spectrum of investors from more than 30 markets across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and the Americas, with total orders amounting to an equivalent of around US$30 billion, representing a subscription ratio of almost nine times.
     
         The other commonality is expertise in wealth management. Mr Hui noted that Norway’s expertise in long-term asset management driven by its sovereign fund aligns seamlessly with Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s premier wealth management centre. Capitalising on Hong Kong’s advantages of having a solid financial infrastructure and an extensive international client base, abundant co-investment opportunities are available for Norwegian capital in the Asian markets, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
     
         More commonalities lie in fintech and digital finance. Norway is a highly digitalised economy that has fostered advancements in mobile payment systems, blockchain technology, and digital asset management. At the same time, Hong Kong is home to around 1 100 fintech companies and start-ups. The Government endeavours to boost fintech developments through measures such as enhancing fintech infrastructures, nurturing talent, establishing regulatory regimes for digital assets such as the stablecoin regulatory regime to be enacted on August 1. The second edition of a policy statement on digital assets will also be promulgated soon. By combining Norway’s technological innovation with Hong Kong’s access to Asian markets, the partnership could drive cutting-edge solutions that redefine digital finance on a global scale.
     
        Mr Hui has returned to Hong Kong in the evening of June 13.
    Issued at HKT 18:33

    NNNN

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why anti-trafficking measures alone won’t save Africa’s pangolins

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Charles Emogor, Schmidt Science Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge

    Nigeria accounts for the largest volume of detected pangolin scales illegally traded from Africa. Between 2010 and 2021, 190,000kg of scales – representing nearly 800,000 African pangolins – were seized in shipments linked to Nigeria, despite a ban on international trade.

    Pangolins are scaly mammals found across Asia and Africa. They are considered the world’s most trafficked wild mammals and they are exploited in different ways on different continents.

    In Asia, mainly China, their scales are used in large-scale therapeutic medicines, despite not having known medicinal properties. Their meat is consumed as a delicacy, so it’s expensive and highly sought after.

    In Africa, pangolin scales are mainly used in small quantities to make traditional medicines and, like most other wildlife on the continent, their meat is sold and consumed locally. However, the decline in Asian pangolin populations has prompted the trafficking of African pangolin scales to Asia.

    Due to the relatively recent rise in international demand, the drivers of African pangolin exploitation remain unclear. However, some conservationists and researchers propose that this exploitation is primarily driven by overseas demand for pangolin scales used in traditional medicine.

    My new study challenges this view and suggests that African pangolin exploitation is motivated more by local demand for meat than international demand for scales.

    Having grown up in Nigeria, I developed personal connections with many of the hunters and vendors and have spent the past five years building a trustworthy relationship with them in order to research pangolin trade from within the industry.

    My colleagues and I sent an anonymous questionnaire to 590 hunters and 219 wild meat vendors in 33 locations in southeast Nigeria. We wanted to find out how many pangolins they caught annually and how they were captured. We also asked what their motivations for hunting were, how much they sold pangolin products for and the subsequent uses of meat and scales.

    Given that pangolin meat is eaten as food, we asked another group of 570 hunters, vendors, and other household members to score the palatability (perceived sensory qualities of meat flavour and texture) of 96 meat and fish dishes consumed in Nigerian communities.

    Of the approximately 21,000 white- and black-bellied pangolins, which we estimated were killed annually across the hunters in the landscape between 2020 and 2023, 97% were captured opportunistically (that is, while performing activities other than hunting) or during general hunting. Of those, were picked up by hand – these animals weigh just 2-3kg on average and are relatively slow-moving.

    Surprisingly, 98% of captured pangolins were caught for their meat, with 71% eaten by the hunters and 27% sold locally. This high rate of personal consumption compared to local sales is likely driven by their exceptional taste. In southeast Nigeria, the three pangolin species eaten scored highest in palatability among 96 wild meats assessed, and were comparable only with the African brush-tailed porcupine.

    By comparison, rural southeast Asian communities increasingly forego eating the pangolins themselves and instead sell them to urban centres because they get high prices for meat and scales.

    Most of the pangolin scales (70%) were discarded. Less than 30% were traded illegally. We also found that, on a per-animal basis, pangolin scales have been three to four times lower than meat since 2010, when Nigeria’s first pangolin scale seizure was documented.

    Beyond Nigeria

    While our study focused on pangolin trade in southeast Nigeria, our findings likely apply to other African forest regions where pangolins make up a similar proportion of the hunters’ total catch and where the price of scales is comparable.

    Our analysis only applies to white- and black-bellied pangolins; but this is still substantial as they make up approximately 98% of African pangolins trafficked internationally (based on seizure data) and 96% of pangolins caught by hunters across central and west Africa (based on hunter offtake data from six countries).

    Securing the future of African pangolins demands a bold shift if they are primarily being hunted for meat rather than scales, as appears to be the case in southeast Nigeria. Anti-trafficking measures alone won’t protect pangolins if hunting for local consumption remains unchecked.

    Promoting alternative protein sources or sustainable livelihoods for hunters could help reduce wild meat dependence. As current global trade bans don’t always reflect local hunting motivations, understanding why people hunt protected species and how they get traded both locally and globally will be crucial in developing conservation strategies that will tackle the root of the problem and encourage a transition to more sustainable practices.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Charles Emogor receives funding from the British High Commission in Nigeria, National Geographic Society, Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Conservation Network, Rufford Foundation, Conservation Leadership Programme, and Save Pangolins. He is the founder of Pangolin Protection Network (aka Pangolino).

    – ref. Why anti-trafficking measures alone won’t save Africa’s pangolins – https://theconversation.com/why-anti-trafficking-measures-alone-wont-save-africas-pangolins-251744

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Delhi’s Informal Workers Join Hands with IMD to Strengthen Heatwave Warning Services. 

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    In a landmark initiative aimed at making weather forecasting more inclusive and accessible, vendor networks across Delhi and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and collaborative joined hands to ensure heatwave warnings effectively reach to the community. As a part of this collaboration, IMD’s daily weather forecasts and heat wave alerts are being simplified and translated into easy-tounderstand local languages. These messages are now being shared through community WhatsApp groups and being prominently displayed at vending carts, labour chowks, and waste segregation points through posters and handwritten notices across the city. 

    Spearheaded by Greenpeace India in collaboration with various informal workers’ associations and the IMD, the initiative places informal worker collectives, who are among the most affected by extreme heat, at the heart of climate resilience efforts. The aim is to develop a grassroots early warning system by leveraging the trust and reach of street vendors, gig workers, and daily wage labourers as frontline communicators of weather alerts. 

    For the first time, communities at high risk of heatwave impacts are playing a lead role in the dissemination of IMD’s heatwave alerts, ensuring early action where it is needed most. IMD is supporting the effort by co-creating simplified, user-friendly heatwave warnings in Hindi in partnership with community members, ensuring the forecasts are not only understood but are also actionable. This people-centric model empowers communities to adapt the alerts into localised formats, turning everyday workers into climate messengers. It marks a significant step toward realizing the vision of “early warning for all” by making IMD’s advisories more relevant and impactful on the ground. 

    In this context, a multi-stakeholder workshop was organised jointly by IMD, Greenpeace India and informal worker associations. The workshop brought together street vendors, outdoor and informal workers, to promote a holistic approach to heatwave preparedness. It focused on raising awareness of the health risks posed by extreme weather—especially heatwaves—and explored ways to integrate early warning systems and health advisories into the daily routines of informal workers. 

    This workshop & collaboration go beyond mere weather information dissemination—it represents a vital step toward building local resilience and empowering communities to act on early warnings. It underscores that extreme heat requires a coordinated and systemic response whereby the peoplepowered actions are not only possible but also essential for effective, efficient and actionable early warning services for all. 

    “This collaboration is not just about sharing information—it’s about building local resilience and enabling communities to act on that information. It is a call to recognise extreme heat as a national disaster demanding urgent, systemic response. With rising deaths and hospitalisations, we  need community-led early warning systems to prevent and prepare for adverse impacts and also robust public infrastructure, health services to respond effectively to the crisis. The Delhi Rising campaign shows that people-powered action is not only possible, but it’s perhaps the most essential,” said Amruta Greenpeace India representative.

    MIL OSI NGO –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conduct First Atoms4Food Assessment Mission to Burkina Faso


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    In a critical step toward addressing food insecurity in West Africa, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have launched their first joint Atoms4Food Initiative Assessment Mission in Burkina Faso. 

    This mission aims to identify key gaps and opportunities for delivering targeted technical support to Burkina Faso for food and agriculture in a country where an estimated 3.5 million people—nearly 20% of the population—are facing food insecurity. By leveraging nuclear science and technology, Atoms4Food seeks to bolster agricultural resilience and agrifood systems in one of the region’s most vulnerable nations.

    The mission, conducted from 26 May to 1 June, assessed how nuclear and related technologies are being used in Burkina Faso to address challenges in enhancing crop production, improving soil quality and in animal production and health, as well as human nutrition.

    The Atoms4Food Initiative was launched jointly by IAEA and FAO in 2023 to help boost food security and tackle growing hunger around the world. Atoms4Food will support countries to use innovative nuclear techniques such as sterile insect technique and plant mutation breeding to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food safety, improve nutrition and adapt agrifood systems to the challenges of climate change. Almost €9 million has been pledged by IAEA donor countries and private companies to the initiative so far.

    As part of the Atoms4Food initiative, Assessment Missions are used to evaluate the specific needs and priorities of participating countries and identify critical gaps and opportunities where nuclear science and technology can offer impactful solutions. Based on the findings, tailored and country-specific solutions will be offered.

    Burkina Faso is one of 29 countries who have so far requested to receive support under Atoms4Food, with more expected this year. Alongside Benin, Pakistan, Peru and Türkiye, Burkina Faso was among the first countries to request an Atoms4Food Assessment Mission in 2025.

    A large proportion of Burkina Faso’s population still live in poverty and inequality.  Food insecurity has been compounded by rapid population growth, gender inequality and low levels of educational attainment. In addition, currently, 50% of rice consumed in Burkina Faso is imported. The government aims to achieve food sovereignty by producing sufficient rice domestically to reduce reliance on imports.

    “Hunger and malnutrition are on the rise globally, and Burkina Faso is particularly vulnerable to this growing challenge,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “This first Atoms4Food assessment mission marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to harness the power of nuclear science to enhance food security. As the Atoms4Food Initiative expands worldwide, we are committed to delivering tangible, sustainable solutions to reduce hunger and malnutrition.”

    The mission was conducted by a team of ten international experts in the areas of crop production, soil and water management, animal production and health and human nutrition. During the mission, the team held high-level meetings with the Burkina Faso Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Environment and conducted site visits to laboratories including the animal health laboratory and crop breeding facility at the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research, the crop genetics and nutrition laboratories at the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, and the bull station of the Ministry of Agriculture in Loumbila.

    “The Government of Burkina Faso is striving to achieve food security and sovereignty, to supply the country’s population with sufficient, affordable, nutritious and safe food, while strengthening the sustainability of the agrifood systems value-chain,” said Dongxin Feng, Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and head of the mission to Burkina Faso. “Though much needs to be done, our mission found strong dedication and commitment from the Government in developing climate-resilient strategies for crops, such as rice, potato, sorghum and mango, strengthening sustainable livestock production of cattle, small ruminants and local poultry, as well as reducing malnutrition among infants and children, while considering the linkages with food safety.”

    The Assessment Mission will deliver an integrated Assessment Report with concrete recommendations on areas for intervention under the Atoms4Food Initiative. This will help develop a National Action Plan in order to scale up the joint efforts made by the two organizations in the past decades, which will include expanding partnership and resource mobilization. “Our priority now is to deliver a concrete mission report with actionable recommendations that will support the development of the National Action Plan aimed at improving the country’s long term food security,” Feng added. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Food Safety Day Celebrated at National Level


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    World Food Safety Day is a global event observed annually on June 7. This year’s national celebration was held at Adi-Hawesha Resort in the Central Region under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” The event aimed to explore the latest advancements in food safety and promote responsible food handling practices. It was attended by more than 85 participants, including the Minister of Health, senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), experts from various relevant Government and non-governmental organizations, academia, food processors, and representatives of farmers.

    Mr. Tekleab Mesghena, in his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of science in ensuring the safety and quality of food products. He highlighted the critical role of research and development in advancing food safety. Mr. Tekleab stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is working diligently to modernize its food-related regulatory services by establishing quarantine stations at various entry points, reinforcing inspection services, and promoting public awareness, particularly among food processors, through good manufacturing and agricultural practices. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Tekleab stressed on the need for a national food control system and policy to integrate the efforts of various ministries and institutions.

    Mr. Sium Teame, representing the FAO, underscored that food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. He noted that every year, 600 million people fall ill due to contaminated food, and emphasized the role of science not merely as an academic pursuit but as a practical, powerful tool. Scientific research and innovation, he said, are essential for identifying and controlling foodborne hazards, improving hygiene and safety practices throughout the food chain, establishing international standards based on risk assessments, and responding swiftly to emerging threats.

    Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, representing the WHO, added that this year’s theme highlights the essential role of scientific knowledge in guiding effective food safety practices. He stressed the importance of research, innovation, data, and appropriate technologies in identifying risks, reducing illness, saving lives, and cutting costs along the entire food chain.

    A panel discussion was also held under the theme of the day, featuring experts and representatives from food processing industries. The panelists discussed recent advancements in food safety research, including the use of precision agriculture to improve health outcomes and reduce food waste.

    During the event,six papers regarding Food Handling and Hygiene Practices; Food Expiration: Administrative, Regulatory, and Safety Implications;Effect of Processing on Heavy Metal Content in Selected Leaf Vegetables Cultivated in Asmara; Environmental Safety of Food Safety; The Role of Science in Food Safety were presented by representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Land, water and Environment, Hamelmalo College of Agricultural and Mai-Nefhi College of Science.

    Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the papers and adopted various recommendations. These included the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, the integration of scientific methods in food safety, improved identification of food sources, and enhanced public awareness on food preparation and safety.

    Short videos highlighting national and international efforts related to food safety were also screened during the event.

    World Food Safety Day is being marked for the 7th time globally and the 3rd time at the national level.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Joint Statement: By the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Indonesia and New Zealand at the 12th Joint Ministerial Commission

    Source: New Zealand Government

    His Excellency Sugiono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, convened the 12th meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) on 13th June 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 
    The Ministers welcomed meeting in person, underscoring the importance of regular consultations between themselves, Leaders and other Cabinet colleagues to strengthen the relationship in ways that deliver real benefits and advance shared values.
    The Ministers celebrated the cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand under the Comprehensive Partnership agreed by Leaders in 2018, and the achievements under the 2025-2029 Plan of Action. 
    The Ministers committed to intensify cooperation across the seven pillars of the Comprehensive Partnership to strengthen bilateral ties and achieve the ambitious goals set out in the 2025-2029 Plan of Action.
     
    Reviewing the implementation of the first year of the Plan of Action 2025-2029, and way forward 

    “Friends for Good” Ties

    The Ministers acknowledged intensive recent engagement between the two countries, including Minister Peters’ attendance at President Prabowo’s inauguration in October 2024, and meetings between our Prime Minister and President, and Foreign Ministers at APEC in November 2024, as well as increased engagements by senior officials. 
    Both Ministers agreed to further increase two-way dialogue and acknowledged the importance of face-to-face engagement, and regular hosting of key relationship architecture meetings, in maintaining our “Friends for Good” ties.
    The Ministers agreed to encourage relevant stakeholders to bolster bilateral relations and cooperation, including through bilateral defence talks and the annual Senior Officials Meeting on Trade and Investment Framework.
    Both Ministers also noted the significant potential for promoting Parliamentary and civil society exchanges to further strengthen bilateral and people-to-people ties.
    Enhancing Trade and Economic Partnerships to Advance Growth of Both Economies
    The Ministers highlighted the importance of enhancing mutual prosperity and strengthening trade and economic connections. Ministers recalled the goal in the Plan of Action to grow two-way trade to NZ$6 billion by the end of 2029.  They highlighted the need for New Zealand and Indonesia to increase mutual cooperation in the face of global economic uncertainty.
    Both Ministers highlighted the importance of resolving non-tariff trade barriers to ensure trade continuity and growth. Ministers welcomed agreement of the Cooperation Arrangement on Halal Standards.  The Arrangement will facilitate the convenience, security, safety and certainty of halal food traded between our countries. Ministers noted the intent for New Zealand and Indonesia to work together to further support the Indonesian national program of food resilience and the Nutritious Meal programme.

    The Ministers noted the positive trend of New Zealand’s investment in Indonesia, and agreed to continue efforts to encourage investment flows.
    Ministers welcomed the year-round direct flights between Auckland and Bali and committed to continue to work towards unlocking the full potential of enhanced air connectivity to facilitate increased people-to-people, business and trade flows.
    Both Ministers reconfirmed the importance of a rules-based, free and open trade environment, with the World Trade Organisation at its core, as critical for the regional and global economy. The Ministers welcomed the implementation of the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), which entered into force in April 2025, and ongoing cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
    The Ministers acknowledged the process of Indonesia’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as an important step to foster economic integration, accelerate economic reform, and support mutual prosperity. 
    Both Ministers reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to preventing illegal money laundering and other illegal financing activities to enhance financial integrity and transparency and to further promote economic growth and development.
     
    Renewable Energy and Environment Cooperation 
    The Ministers highlighted the importance of renewable energy, including geothermal cooperation, which has been a significant part of the relationship since the 1970s and welcomed the renewed Partnership Arrangement in renewable energy and energy conservation signed in September 2024. 
    Ministers announced a further NZ$15 million investment in Phase 2 of the New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support (NZMATES 2.0) programme to continue to improve access to reliable, renewable electricity for remote and small islands while building local industry service capacity.
    The Ministers acknowledged strong collaboration between the Indonesia and New Zealand geothermal industries, including under the Pūngao Ngawha (Panas Bumi) Indonesia-New Zealand Partnership Programme (PINZ), that provides access to New Zealand’s world-renowned technical and training capabilities, with the aim of assisting Indonesia to further accelerate the development of its geothermal energy sector and broader energy transition.
    The Ministers emphasised their shared commitment to adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change under the Paris Agreement and expressed willingness to expand climate related and environmental cooperation through comprehensive climate change dialogue that includes both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
     

    Education, Tourism, Science, Technology and Innovation, and People-to-People Cooperation

    Ministers welcomed the significant increase in the annual allocation of tertiary scholarships under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme (MNZSP), from 45 to 70, for Indonesia for this year and the next two years, reflecting their mutual dedication to deepening people-to-people connections, strengthening capacity in renewable energy and public governance, and developing disadvantaged regions. 
    The Ministers welcomed the Arrangement on Education Cooperation to refresh areas of cooperation, including increased education and higher education policy dialogues to enhance education system development and resilience.
    The Ministers underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people connections, particularly in education and tourism, as a bedrock of strong bilateral ties. Both Ministers welcomed the exchange of cultural missions and promotions to serve this purpose.
    Ministers welcomed further exchanges of officials’ level visits to New Zealand focused on good governance, public sector performance and integrity and other sectors to advance bilateral relations.
    The Ministers encouraged closer cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand in supporting research collaboration as highlighted in the Arrangement on Education Cooperation.
     
    Development Cooperation 
    Both Ministers welcomed the past year’s implementation progress under the Statement of Partnership (SoP) 2025-2029 signed in July 2024 and reviewed in May 2025. The SoP has strengthened and elevated both the development relationship and mutual commitment to focus on development cooperation and other strategic issues and is strongly aligned with Indonesia’s national priorities in two areas: climate and economic resilience; and inclusive human development.
     
    Defence, Security, Cyber and Maritime Cooperation

    Ministers acknowledged New Zealand and Indonesia’s long-standing defence relationship and committed to continuing to strengthen these ties, including through regular Defence Ministers’ meetings. They welcomed the upcoming visit to Jakarta by New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Te Kaha and the recent visit by the Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy.
    The Ministers announced new funding towards ongoing cooperation on security issues through continued support for the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC). The funding provided by New Zealand will enable the continued delivery of high-quality capacity building initiatives and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat transnational organised crime in the region. 
    The Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to the Bali Process and welcomed progress against the Adelaide Strategy for Cooperation, which sets out the priority areas of cooperation for the Bali Process Working Groups. This includes an upcoming Joint Tabletop Exercise co-hosted by New Zealand, Indonesia, Australia and Viet Nam, through the Working Group on Disruption of Criminal Networks Involved in People Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons from 23 to 26 June 2025. 
    The Ministers agreed to continue to implement the refreshed cooperation arrangement on counter-terrorism, and identify opportunities for dialogue on preventing violent extremism. 
    Ministers highlighted the importance of active participation by our militaries in training activities, annual defence talks and joint exercises, including Exercise Super Garuda Shield.
     

    Regional and Multilateral Agenda

    The Ministers emphasised ASEAN’s central role in the dynamic regional architecture and their shared commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation through ASEAN-led mechanisms and processes, particularly the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
    The Ministers welcomed the ASEAN-New Zealand Joint Statement on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in 2023 to maintain regional stability and to serve as a framework to strengthen bilateral relations to advance economic relations and maritime governance under international law.
    The Ministers welcomed the implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (POA) (2021-2025) and its substantial progress achieved across the four themes outlined in the POA – Peace, Prosperity, People, and Planet. They further welcomed activity throughout 2025 to commemorate 50 years of dialogue relations between New Zealand and ASEAN, including preparations under way for a Commemorative Summit in Malaysia in October. Minister Sugiono confirmed Indonesia’s support for New Zealand’s proposal to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and noted the development of a new ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (2026-2030) to guide future cooperation. 
    Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining and promoting security and stability in the South China Sea. Ministers underscored their strong support for freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded trade, and their unwavering support for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Ministers emphasised the need for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. In this regard, Ministers recalled the 2016 ruling of the South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under UNCLOS. They underscored the importance of further progress towards an effective and substantive Code of Conduct that is consistent with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
    Ministers expressed concern about the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.  Ministers called on stakeholders and parties in Myanmar, in particular the armed forces and security forces concerned, to immediately cease violence, including the targeting of civilians, and to engage in inclusive dialogue. Ministers emphasised the importance of a peaceful, stable and unified Myanmar, affirmed their strong support for ASEAN-led efforts in line with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and encouraged the international community to work together in a pragmatic and constructive way to support peace and stability in Myanmar.
    The Ministers expressed concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated their calls for all parties to cease all hostilities; release all remaining hostages; facilitate the rapid, safe, unimpeded, and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid; adhere to international humanitarian law; and protect aid workers to enable their lifesaving work. Ministers reaffirmed their support for the implementation of a two-state solution consistent with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
    Ministers exchanged views on the war against Ukraine and reiterated support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.  In that context, Ministers continued to reaffirm their respect for sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity, and reiterated their call for compliance with the United Nations Charter and international law.
    The Ministers acknowledged the challenges to the multilateral system from shifting geopolitical dynamics, a tightly constrained financial environment and increasingly complex global risks. They reaffirmed their strong support for multilateralism and the international rules-based system, and acknowledged its important role in underpinning global stability, resilience and prosperity. The Ministers committed to collaborating on efforts to strengthen the multilateral system, increase inclusivity and transparency, and to safeguard and advance human rights, in order to support a system that is more responsive to today’s challenges. 

    Conclusion

    Ministers reviewed the implementation of the Plan of Action for 2025-2029 and discussed their common interest in advancing bilateral cooperation and delivering tangible outcomes.
    Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to utilise and advance the implementation of existing cooperation frameworks to deliver our shared interests. 
    Both Ministers were ready to explore more cooperation in the future to support both nations’ interests, as confirmation of their strong stance as Friends for Good.
    Minister Peters expressed his sincere gratitude to Minister Sugiono and the Indonesian Government for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him during the visit, and looked forward to hosting Minister Sugiono at the 13th JMC in New Zealand in 2026.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 12th, 2025 Heinrich Presses Forest Service Chief on Visiting the Pecos Watershed, DOGE Causing Trash to Pile Up on Public Lands, Trump’s Budget Eliminating Funding for the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) questions U.S. Forest Chief Tom Schultz at an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on June 11, 2025.

    WASHINGTON — At an Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget request, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) pressed U.S. Forest Chief Tom Schultz on visiting the Pecos Watershed in Northern New Mexico, DOGE procedures causing trash to pile up on public lands, and Trump’s budget eliminating funding for the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute at New Mexico Highlands University.

    Heinrich’s questioning follows a letter he sent yesterday, in his capacity as the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins on the harmful impacts of the “Department of Government Efficiency’s” (DOGE) actions on the United States Forest Service (USFS). Heinrich’s letter stressed that operational failures that are now occurring at the USFS, such as accumulating garbage at recreational sites and a lack of firefighting equipment ahead of fire season, are due to new layers of red tape required by DOGE.

    On Forest Chief Schultz visiting the Pecos Watershed in Northern New Mexico:

    Heinrich began, “The Santa Fe National Forest manages the vast majority of the headwaters of the Pecos watershed, which is one of the most important watersheds in the state of New Mexico. And for decades, this is a community that has really worked very hard with very few resources to try to recover from historic pollution and protect that resource from future pollution. This is a river that supports traditional farming, recreation, fishing, fisheries and many other uses that are economically critical to that that community. But we still have legacy pollution from a pretty disastrous mines spill some 30 years ago.”

    Heinrich continued, asking, “I know I communicated with you recently, I sent you a letter, inviting you to visit this community and meet with my constituents. Is that something that you can commit to doing?”

    Schultz responded, “Senator, thank you for the question. So, my staff is looking at that request, and we’re trying to figure out if we can make that work. So that’s something we’re actively working on right now.”

    Heinrich underscored the importance of visiting the Pecos Watershed, “I hope you can make that a priority. I think it’s really helpful to get that community perspective. . . And so, I would very much welcome you to join us in New Mexico for that and I will make any logistics that you need help with a priority.”

    On the DOGE contract approvals process causing trash to pile up on public lands:

    Heinrich stated, “I’m all for making government more efficient, but one of the things I’m concerned about is that there are some things that DOGE seems to be making less efficient. And one of those has been contract approvals and that seems to be having real consequences in the [Forest] Service: trash piling up at recreation sites, bathroom challenges, equipment not getting replaced in a timely way.”

    Heinrich highlighted his efforts to keep our public lands safe and accessible, asking, “I sent you and Secretary Rollins a letter on this yesterday. But can you give me a sense, why is it taking so long to get simple things like a contract extension for custodial services authorized?”

    Schultz responded, “So what I will tell you is initially, when we first started looking at some of the existing contracts that we had for prior obligations, there was a process we had to get in place — and I think we’ve worked through all of the existing obligations. There should not be anything that’s hung up there. When it comes to new obligations, we, as the Forest Service, instituted our own policies and procedures in addition to review from the Department and from the Efficiency folks. So, we have put a process in place to make sure that it’s thorough and responsive when it comes to certain things like toilets and cleaning up toilets, which has been a huge issue that I’ve weighed in on in numerous cases.”

    “We have figured out that process and some of that is on the Forest Service, for the process that we put in place it is going to slow somethings down, but it’s something that we have addressed. And there should not be toilets that are not being cleaned at this point in time. So, if you’re hearing about that, please let me know, because we’ve really jumped on this issue,” Schultz continued.

    Schultz then turned to contracting in general, stating, “I think there is a review in place for contracts, grants, and agreements. It’s not just contracts; it’s all three of those. And that’s something we are looking at, how we make that process more efficient, but there is a very thorough review. You’re absolutely right, and is it different than it has been historically? Yes, it is, because there’s more attention to detail in those contracts, but we’re looking to make that process more effective and more timely than it has been over the last month. But it is something that — we have a new process we just instituted about a month ago, and we’re working on making that better.”

    Heinrich responded, “I understand the need for analysis and review. I just want to make sure that we’re not, you know, adding layers of bureaucracy in the name of efficiency.”

    On Trump’s FY26 budget eliminating funding for the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes (SWERI) and the Forest Service decreasing FY25 funding, which includes the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute at New Mexico Highlands University:

    Heinrich highlighted that, “The Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes — in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona — these are institutes that offer unique opportunities for dedicated research in forest science and watershed health. They represent the future of science for our forest management. Yet, this plan cuts the institutes’ budget by more than 50% and that’s just not a number that they could swallow in a single year.”

    “Why did you decide to reduce the funding for the institutes this year, and what is your plan for them in FY26?” Heinrich asked.

    Schultz responded, “Okay, so I think first of all, the FY25 budget is what your question is. I think on the first one, so we did cut $3 million in FY25. So, for this budget, they currently have $23 million on hand in prior appropriation dollars. So, that was part of the consideration. So, we’re trying to align the FY25 budget as we move toward the FY26 president’s budget. So, we’re moving in that direction. So, the ‘why’ is: We’re trying to align this year’s FY25 budget with where we’re going in FY26. In FY26, it does not include resources to provide funding for SWERI. So, there are resources this year, they are reduced, but next year — in the FY26 budget — there are none. That’s correct. And that’s tied to R&D’s overall look. And the reason that R&D is treated differently in the FY26 budget: There’s going to be a greater reliance on the states and the universities. So, a lot of the land grant universities — and I’m a — was a member of the advisory board.”

    Heinrich asked, “That institute is at Highlands University?”

    Schultz responded, “Yes, sir, I understand. Yes, sir. My point is, though, that the funding in the future is going to have to come more from those universities themselves and other grant opportunities. The Forest Service is going to be shifting its funding away from R&D in general in the budget.”

    Heinrich pressed Schultz on the Forest Service eliminating funding for the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes by emphasizing, “I think that’s a mistake. And I think these institutes have really provided the Forest Service an enormous amount of science at a time when management has needed to change because conditions have been changing. And so, I hope that as we approach the appropriations process that we consider this President’s budget as it should be considered: Advisory.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 13, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 13, 2025.

    As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril than we thought
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dana M Bergstrom, Honorary Senior Fellow in Ecology, University of Wollongong When winter comes to Antarctica, seals and Adélie penguins leave the freezing shores and head for the edge of the forming sea ice. But emperor penguins stay put. The existence of emperor penguins seems all but

    Bougainville legal dept looking towards sorcery violence policy
    RNZ Pacific The Department of Justice and Legal Services in Bougainville is aiming to craft a government policy to deal with violence related to sorcery accusations. The Post-Courier reports that a forum, which wrapped up on Wednesday, aimed to dissect the roots of sorcery/witchcraft beliefs and the severe violence stemming from accusations. An initial forum

    NZ has a vast sea territory but lags behind other nations in protecting the ocean
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Conrad Pilditch, Professor of Marine Sciences, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images For the past fortnight, the city of Nice in France has been the global epicentre of ocean science and politics. Last week’s One Ocean Science Congress ended with a unanimous call for action

    US Army’s image of power and flag-waving rings false to Gen Z weary of gun violence − and long-term recruitment numbers show it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacob Ware, Adjunct Professor of Domestic Terrorism, Georgetown University A recruit participates in the Army’s future soldier prep course at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., on Sept. 25, 2024. AP Photo/Chris Carlson The U.S. Army will celebrate its 250th birthday on Saturday, June 14, 2025, with a

    It took more than a century, but women are taking charge of Australia’s economy – here’s why it matters
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Duygu Yengin, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Adelaide For the first time in its 124-year history, Treasury will be led by a woman. Jenny Wilkinson’s appointment is historic in its own right. Even more remarkable is the fact she joins Michele Bullock at the Reserve Bank

    With Trump undoing years of progress, can the US salvage its Pacific Islands strategy?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Tidwell, Director, Center for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Studies, Georgetown University Donald Trump signs a proclamation expanding fishing rights in the Pacific Islands, April 17. Getty Images Since 2018, the United States has worked, albeit often haltingly, to regain its footing with Pacific Island countries.

    Workers need better tools and tech to boost productivity. Why aren’t companies stepping up to invest?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Head, Canberra School of Government, University of Canberra As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers turn their attention to improving productivity growth across the economy, it will be interesting to see what the business community brings to a planned summit in August. Labour

    AI overviews have transformed Google search. Here’s how they work – and how to opt out
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University cosma/Shutterstock People turn to the internet to run billions of search queries each year. These range from keeping tabs on world events and celebrities to learning new words and getting DIY help. One of the

    ‘Like an underwater bushfire’: SA’s marine algal bloom is still killing almost everything in its path
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Barrera, PhD Candidate, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide Paul Macdonald of Edithburgh Diving South Australian beaches have been awash with foamy, discoloured water and dead marine life for months. The problem hasn’t gone away; it has spread. Devastating scenes of death and destruction mobilised

    Sunday Too Far Away at 50: how a story about Aussie shearers launched a local film industry
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Walsh, Associate Professor, Screen and Media, Flinders University Released 50 years ago, Sunday Too Far Away deals episodically with a group of shearers led by Foley (Jack Thompson), and the events leading up to the national shearers’ strike of 1956. The shearers are a ragtag group

    Khartoum before the war: the public spaces that held the city together
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ibrahim Z. Bahreldin, Associate Professor of Urban & Environmental Design, University of Khartoum What makes a public space truly public? In Khartoum, before the current conflict engulfed Sudan, the answer was not always a park, a plaza or a promenade. The city’s streets, tea stalls (sitat al-shai),

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: Senator Tammy Tyrrell on wild days in Tasmania
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Tasmanian politics has been thrown into chaos after a Labor motion of no confidence forced Premier Jeremy Rockliff to either resign or call for a new election. The premier opted for the latter, with Tasmanians to vote on July 19,

    Chris Hedges: The last days of Gaza
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – The genocide is almost complete. When it is concluded it will have exposed the moral bankruptcy of Western civilisation, writes Chris Hedges. ANALYSIS: By Chris Hedges This is the end. The final blood-soaked chapter of the genocide. It will be over soon. Weeks. At most. Two

    Grattan on Friday: the galahs are chattering about ‘productivity’, but can Labor really get it moving?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Former prime minister Paul Keating famously used to say the resident galah in any pet shop was talking about micro-economic policy. These days, if you encounter a pet shop with a galah, she’ll be chattering about productivity. Productivity is currently

    Greenpeace activists aboard Rainbow Warrior disrupt Pacific industrial fishing operation
    By Emma Page Greenpeace activists on board the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior disrupted an industrial longlining fishing operation in the South Pacific, seizing almost 20 km of fishing gear and freeing nine sharks — including an endangered mako — near Australia and New Zealand. Crew retrieved the entire longline and more than 210 baited hooks

    View from The Hill: Is the US playing cat and mouse ahead of expected Albanese-Trump talks?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra For the first time in memory, an Australian prime minister is approaching a prospective meeting with a US president with a distinct feeling of wariness. Of course Anthony Albanese would deny it. But it’s undeniable the government is relieved that

    Caitlin Johnstone: Staring down the barrel of war with Iran once again
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone Well it looks like the US is on the precipice of war with Iran again. US officials are telling the press that they anticipate a potential impending Israeli attack on Iran while the family members of US military personnel are being assisted

    Global outrage over Gaza has reinforced a ‘siege mentality’ in Israel – what are the implications for peace?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eyal Mayroz, Senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney After more than 20 months of devastating violence in Gaza, the right-wing Israeli government’s pursuit of two irreconcilable objectives — “destroying” Hamas and releasing Israeli hostages — has left the coastal strip in ruins. At

    The weight loss drug Mounjaro has been approved to treat sleep apnoea. How does it work?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yaqoot Fatima, Professor of Sleep Health, University of the Sunshine Coast coldsnowstorm/Getty Images Last week, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the weight-loss drug Mounjaro to treat sleep apnoea, a condition in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. The TGA has indicated Mounjaro can be

    Not all insecure work has to be a ‘bad job’: research shows job design can make a big difference
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rose-Marie Stambe, Adjunct Research Fellow, social and economic marginalisation, The University of Queensland Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock Inflation has steadied and interest rates are finally coming down. But for many Australians, especially those in low-paid, insecure or precarious work, the cost-of-living crisis feels far from over. The federal government

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional Delegation Introduces Chugach Alaska Land Exchange and Oil Spill Recovery Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    06.12.25

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Representative Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), introduced the Chugach Alaska Land Exchange and Oil Spill Recovery Act to direct a land exchange between the federal government and Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach). This exchange would resolve conflicts that exist between the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) Trustee Council’s Habitat Protection Program (the “Program”) goals for federal habitat conservation of surface lands impacted by EVOS and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) promises to Chugach for economic development of subsurface rights under these same lands. 

    The land exchange directed by this legislation would require Chugach to trade 231,000 acres of subsurface estate (under surface fee and conservation easements on surface land owned by the federal government) for 65,403 acres of fee simple land owned by the federal government. Most of the lands that would be exchanged were identified in the Chugach Region Land Study and Report to Congress from December 2022.  Congress directed the study in Section 1113 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9; 133 Stat. 614) which Murkowski authored.

    “The effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on Native people in the Chugach region are still felt –environmentally, socially and economically. We must continue to take steps to move forward with recovery and that includes fulfilling the promises of ANCSA to Chugach, the Alaska Native Regional Corporation,” Senator Murkowski said. “I am proud to reintroduce this legislation, which is a “win-win” for Chugach and the federal government’s EVOS program goals.”

    “In the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez spill, Chugach Alaska Corporation not only had to deal with the devastating environmental consequences for the region, but also misguided federal restrictions on their ability to develop resources on their lands,” said Senator Sullivan.“Senator Murkowski, Congressman Begich and I are reintroducing legislation to amend ANCSA—as has been done many times throughout history—and facilitate a commonsense land exchange already studied extensively by BLM and the Forest Service. Our legislation will help address the evolving needs of Prince William Sound communities and create economic opportunities and cultural benefits for thousands of Alaska Native shareholders in the Chugach region, as intended under ANCSA.”

    “This land exchange corrects a decades-old misstep that has kept Chugach shareholders from fully benefiting from their own land and resources. With this legislation, we’re protecting our resources while restoring the rights of Alaska Native landowners,” said Congressman Begich. “I am proud to lead this legislation in the House and look forward to working with the delegation to continue restoring Alaska’s right to self-determination and ensuring responsible stewardship of our state’s resources.”

    “We are deeply grateful to Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Representative Nick Begich for their unwavering leadership and advocacy on behalf of Chugach and our people and communities,” said Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Chugach Board. “Their decision to reintroduce this legislation underscores the significance of this exchange resolving long-standing split-estate conflicts in the region — not only for our corporation, but for the broader public interest, the State of Alaska, and the federal government. Chugach stands ready to work in close partnership with Congress, federal agencies, and all stakeholders to help advance this process. Our commitment to cooperation is rooted in a shared vision of responsible stewardship, economic opportunity, and enduring respect for our connection to these lands that have sustained our people for millennia.”?

    BACKGROUND:

    On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil spill discharged approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil (enough to fill 17 Olympic-sized swimming pools) into Prince William Sound and adjoining waters in Alaska. It was one of the most environmentally damaging disasters in world history.

    The Chugach Region experienced great social and economic harm from the oil spill. Government recovery efforts, though well-intentioned, also had negative impacts and did not always include the voices of the Alaska Native people who have stewarded these lands for millennia. Thirty-five years later, the people and the environment are still recovering.

    Through Section 1113 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act of 2019 (sponsored by Murkowski; Public Law 116-9), Congress directed the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture and in consultation with Chugach Alaska Corporation, to conduct a study and provide a report to Congress assessing the social and economic impacts of the EVOS Trustee Council’s Program on Chugach, Chugach lands, and on the Chugach Region. The study was also required to identify sufficient acres of accessible and economically viable federal land that could be exchanged with Chugach.

    Under the Program, the Trustee Council used funds acquired from the companies responsible for EVOS to purchase fee title to 134,121 acres of surface estate lands, and purchased conservation easements on an additional 66,073 acres of surface estate lands, from four of the five Village Corporations in the Chugach Region that had been conveyed to them under ANCSA. Chugach was not a party to any of these acquisitions but owns the subsurface, or mineral estate, for all of the lands in which interests were acquired by the federal government from the Village Corporations under the Program.

    Some surface lands and conservation easements on surface lands acquired by the federal government under the Program went into the state and federal park systems, but most went into the Chugach National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

    The EVOS Program lands (fee surface estate lands and conservation easement lands) are subject to restrictions on any surface development that is inconsistent with maintaining their wilderness characteristics. Therefore, Chugach is effectively prohibited from taking any steps to develop its subsurface interests and needs alternative lands to realize the meaningful economic benefits promised in ANCSA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Increase in illegal dumping in State forests

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 13 Jun 2025

    Rangers are reminding people leave footprints, not rubbish when visiting our State forests and national parks ahead of school holidays, to avoid hefty fines.

    After noticing an increase in illegal dumping in State forests, rangers are warning people of the potential consequences.

    Environmental vandals left behind a stove, a surfboard and piles of other waste in Benarkin State Forest – demonstrating a clear disregard for the natural environment and the cost of the clean-up.

    Rangers will issue fines to those found responsible as illegal dumping can cause irreparable damage to the environment, tarnishing the experience for other visitors.

    Those who fail to comply with a compliance regulation can face significant fines, including:

    • $2,580 penalty infringement notice for illegally dumping waste less than 2500L as an individual, and a maximum penalty of $64,520 if the matter proceeds to court.
    • $8,065 penalty infringement notice for illegally dumping waste less than 2500L for a corporation, and maximum penalty of $322,600 if the matter proceeds to court.
    • $3,226 penalty infringement notice for illegally dumping waster greater than 2500L as an individual, and maximum penalty of $161,300 if the matter proceeds to court.
    • $12,097 penalty infringement notice for illegally dumping waster greater than 2500L for a corporation, and maximum penalty of $806,500 if the matter proceeds to court.

    Senior Ranger Mark is reminding all visitors of the dangers of illegal dumping, warning the vandals of the penalties that can apply.

    “Rangers have a zero tolerance to people who illegally dump waste, and when necessary, we take strong enforcement action, which can include large fines,” Ranger Mark said.

    “We just recently discovered a range of materials dumped illegally including tyres, Garden waste, general rubbish and household items.

    “Illegal dumping can pollute our water, soil and air, posing a serious risk to our ecosystems.

    “Careless people who dump waste that is flammable create fire hazards that can be quite devastating for our State forests.

    “Most people treat national parks and State forests with respect, but when people illegally dump waste, it ruins the experience for other park goers looking to enjoy nature.

    “Visitors must take their rubbish with them when they leave, to protect our protected areas.”

    Anyone with information about illegally dumped waste is encouraged to call the department on the Pollution Hotline 1300 130 372.

    Media contact: DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril than we thought

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dana M Bergstrom, Honorary Senior Fellow in Ecology, University of Wollongong

    When winter comes to Antarctica, seals and Adélie penguins leave the freezing shores and head for the edge of the forming sea ice. But emperor penguins stay put.

    The existence of emperor penguins seems all but impossible. Their lives revolve around seasons, timing and access to “fast ice” – sea ice connected to the Antarctic coast. Here, the sea ice persists long enough into summer for the penguins to rear their chicks successfully.

    But climate change is upending the penguins’ carefully tuned biological cycles. The crucial sea ice they depend on is melting too early, plunging the chicks from some colonies into the sea before they are fully fledged.

    In the latest bad news for these penguins, research by the British Antarctic Survey examined satellite images from 2009 to 2024 to assess fast-ice conditions at 16 emperor penguin colonies south of South America. They noted an average 22% fall in numbers across these colonies. That translates to a decrease of 1.6% every year.

    This rate of loss is staggering. As the paper’s lead author Peter Fretwell told the ABC, the rate is about 50% worse than even the most pessimistic estimates.

    Emperor penguin colonies can number in the tens of thousands. But these numbers obscure an alarming trend.
    Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock

    Breeding while it’s freezing

    Just like polar bears in the Arctic, emperor penguins are the iconic species threatened by climate change in Antarctica.

    Emperor penguins are a highly successful species. They’re the tallest and heaviest penguin alive today. They evolved about one million years ago, and are highly adapted to life in one of Earth’s harshest environments. As of 2009, the emperor penguin population was estimated at just shy of 600,000 birds.

    Unfortunately, they are now in real trouble, because their breeding habitat appears to be reducing.

    At the beginning of every Antarctic winter, the surface of the ocean begins to freeze and sea ice forms. Over March and April, emperor penguins aggregate into raucous breeding colonies along the coast of the ice continent. They need about nine months to care for their chicks, until the young penguins can go to sea and look after themselves.

    The males frequently huddle to keep each other warm and their eggs safe. Meanwhile, the females spend months at sea catching krill, squid and fish, returning in July/August to feed their hungry chicks. When summer finally comes in December, the chicks start to shed their down and grow a dense, waterproof plumage – like a feathery armour against the intensely cold seas off the icy continent.

    Breeding locations are a kind of “Goldilocks” zone. When choosing a home, the penguins have to find a place that is safe but not too far from the fast ice edge where they go to start hunting.

    The greater the distance they have to travel, the longer it takes to return to their offspring, and the chicks may miss out on meals. But if a colony is too close to the edge of the fast ice, the risk increases that the ice breaks up before the chicks are ready to go to sea. Although fast ice can cover vast areas of the ocean surface, its edge is exposed to the swell of the Southern Ocean.

    In recent years, the fast ice in different parts of Antarctica has been breaking up early, before the chicks have moulted into their adult plumage. Without waterproof plumage, chicks perish because the cold water kills quickly. As this happens more often, the size of a colony shrinks.

    How bad is it?

    We don’t yet know if this rate of loss is happening right across Antarctica. The study only covers a the part of the continent that includes the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea.

    What we do know is that Antarctica and its unique biodiversity are not immune to the consequences of still-rising global greenhouse gas emissions.

    In 2021, emperor penguins were listed as endangered by the United States, because the risk of extinction by century’s end had increased. Australia has not yet listed the emperor penguin as a threatened species.

    The new research suggests the future of these iconic birds is not looking good. Until the world gets serious about cutting greenhouse gas emissions, sea ice will retreat – and more chicks will fall into the icy water before they are ready to launch.

    Seabird ecologist Dr Barbara Wienecke contributed to this article.

    Dana M Bergstrom is affiliated with the Pure Antarctic Foundation, a group of scientists and artists interested in communicating science and knowledge to the broader community.

    – ref. As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril than we thought – https://theconversation.com/as-antarctic-sea-ice-shrinks-iconic-emperor-penguins-are-in-more-peril-than-we-thought-258807

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril than we thought

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Dana M Bergstrom, Honorary Senior Fellow in Ecology, University of Wollongong

    When winter comes to Antarctica, seals and Adélie penguins leave the freezing shores and head for the edge of the forming sea ice. But emperor penguins stay put.

    The existence of emperor penguins seems all but impossible. Their lives revolve around seasons, timing and access to “fast ice” – sea ice connected to the Antarctic coast. Here, the sea ice persists long enough into summer for the penguins to rear their chicks successfully.

    But climate change is upending the penguins’ carefully tuned biological cycles. The crucial sea ice they depend on is melting too early, plunging the chicks from some colonies into the sea before they are fully fledged.

    In the latest bad news for these penguins, research by the British Antarctic Survey examined satellite images from 2009 to 2024 to assess fast-ice conditions at 16 emperor penguin colonies south of South America. They noted an average 22% fall in numbers across these colonies. That translates to a decrease of 1.6% every year.

    This rate of loss is staggering. As the paper’s lead author Peter Fretwell told the ABC, the rate is about 50% worse than even the most pessimistic estimates.

    Emperor penguin colonies can number in the tens of thousands. But these numbers obscure an alarming trend.
    Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock

    Breeding while it’s freezing

    Just like polar bears in the Arctic, emperor penguins are the iconic species threatened by climate change in Antarctica.

    Emperor penguins are a highly successful species. They’re the tallest and heaviest penguin alive today. They evolved about one million years ago, and are highly adapted to life in one of Earth’s harshest environments. As of 2009, the emperor penguin population was estimated at just shy of 600,000 birds.

    Unfortunately, they are now in real trouble, because their breeding habitat appears to be reducing.

    At the beginning of every Antarctic winter, the surface of the ocean begins to freeze and sea ice forms. Over March and April, emperor penguins aggregate into raucous breeding colonies along the coast of the ice continent. They need about nine months to care for their chicks, until the young penguins can go to sea and look after themselves.

    The males frequently huddle to keep each other warm and their eggs safe. Meanwhile, the females spend months at sea catching krill, squid and fish, returning in July/August to feed their hungry chicks. When summer finally comes in December, the chicks start to shed their down and grow a dense, waterproof plumage – like a feathery armour against the intensely cold seas off the icy continent.

    Breeding locations are a kind of “Goldilocks” zone. When choosing a home, the penguins have to find a place that is safe but not too far from the fast ice edge where they go to start hunting.

    The greater the distance they have to travel, the longer it takes to return to their offspring, and the chicks may miss out on meals. But if a colony is too close to the edge of the fast ice, the risk increases that the ice breaks up before the chicks are ready to go to sea. Although fast ice can cover vast areas of the ocean surface, its edge is exposed to the swell of the Southern Ocean.

    In recent years, the fast ice in different parts of Antarctica has been breaking up early, before the chicks have moulted into their adult plumage. Without waterproof plumage, chicks perish because the cold water kills quickly. As this happens more often, the size of a colony shrinks.

    How bad is it?

    We don’t yet know if this rate of loss is happening right across Antarctica. The study only covers a the part of the continent that includes the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea.

    What we do know is that Antarctica and its unique biodiversity are not immune to the consequences of still-rising global greenhouse gas emissions.

    In 2021, emperor penguins were listed as endangered by the United States, because the risk of extinction by century’s end had increased. Australia has not yet listed the emperor penguin as a threatened species.

    The new research suggests the future of these iconic birds is not looking good. Until the world gets serious about cutting greenhouse gas emissions, sea ice will retreat – and more chicks will fall into the icy water before they are ready to launch.

    Seabird ecologist Dr Barbara Wienecke contributed to this article.

    Dana M Bergstrom is affiliated with the Pure Antarctic Foundation, a group of scientists and artists interested in communicating science and knowledge to the broader community.

    – ref. As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril than we thought – https://theconversation.com/as-antarctic-sea-ice-shrinks-iconic-emperor-penguins-are-in-more-peril-than-we-thought-258807

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Congressional Bills H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, H.J. Res. 89 Signed into Law

    Source: US Whitehouse

    On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the President signed into law:
     
    H.J. Res. 87, which provides congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision”.
     
    H.J. Res. 88, which provides congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Advanced Clean Cars II; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision”.
     
    H.J. Res. 89, which provides congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The ‘Omnibus’ Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision”.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case Opposes Proposed Annual Defense Funding Measure That Does Not Support Ukraine And Lacks A Coordinated Strategy For The Indo-Pacific

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee and of its Subcommittee on Defense, voted in Committee against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Defense Appropriations bill today.  

    The FY 2026 Defense bill proposes to spend $831.5 billion, an amount equal to the FY 2025 enacted level, for federal agencies and programs in the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community,

    including the military branches of services, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. Case’s Subcommittee on Defense is responsible for developing the bill. 

    “While the measure funds many critical Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against this version because it eliminates support for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and fails to fund a cohesive and coordinated all-government defense strategy, all of which is critical as we face the generational challenge of the People’s Republic of China,” said Case. “The Committee also was forced to draft the bill in the dark because the administration failed to provide a detailed budget request, and that is a dangerous precedent to support.” 

    Case spoke in Committee in favor of continued support for Ukraine. He stressed that despite the tragic consequences of President Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war, “you cannot fail to do something that is hard, when you know that if you don’t do it, it will be harder in the future. That was the lesson of Neville Chamberlain in World War II.” (See Case’s speech here.)

    Case also spoke in Committee on the proposal’s lack of a coordinated whole-of-government national defense strategy, which would include soft power tools like international assistance and trade. He called for a broader understanding of national security that looks beyond the narrow confines of military spending, including in the Indo-Pacific. He explained that “only a strong national defense, coordinated and delivered over time, will achieve the foundational necessity of all else.” (See Case’s speech here.)

    Case also offered an amendment, which was accepted by the Committee, to prevent the transmission of classified information or war plans over unsecured networks. His amendment is a direct response to high-level Trump administration officials who used Signal to discuss U.S. military plans to attack Houthi groups in Yemen. Case said: “There are clear federal rules … that prohibit handling classified material outside of approved, encrypted and monitored systems … The rules around are not just suggestions, they are mandates.” (See Case’s speech here.)  

    Despite his significant problems with the bill, Case highlighted programs and provisions he requested and secured that are especially critical to Hawai‘i, including: 

    ·         $30 million to continue efforts to replace O‘ahu’s outdated air surveillance radar, which is needed to defend Hawai‘i from missile attacks. 

    ·         Directing the Navy to support a program to control and eradicate invasive coral at naval installations, which is in response to the invasive coral found at the mouth of Pearl Harbor. 

    ·         Protecting the special contracting preference for Native Hawaiian businesses. 

    ·         $357 million for the Navy’s Environmental Restoration program plus an additional $235 million for the cleanup of Formerly Used Defense Sites. These funds will help accelerate efforts to remediate per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination and remove unexploded ordnance and discarded military munitions in Hawai‘i and throughout the nation. 

    ·         Funding for two Virginia-class fast attack submarines, which are critical to protecting the Indo-Pacific and will be maintained at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.  

    ·         $186 million for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which maintains critical scientific laboratories at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. 

    ·         $177 million for the Sea-Based X-Band Radar, which will help defend Hawai‘i from ballistic missile threats. 

    ·         Over $421 million for “Civil-Military Programs,” which will support Hawaii’s Youth Challenge Academy. 

    ·         Over $70 million for Impact Aid programs, which help Hawaii’s public schools by partially reimbursing the cost of educating military children. 

    ·         Blocked efforts to change the command and control structure of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. There have been efforts within the department to streamline control of forces under one command structure, which would limit the ability of Navy forces in Hawai‘i to respond quickly to changing threats in the Indo-Pacific region. 

    Other programs and provisions in the measure also requested and supported by Case and especially critical to the broader Indo-Pacific include: 

    ·         $8 million for the Asia Regional Pacific Initiative (ARPI) managed by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. ARPI supports a wide range of exercises, humanitarian assistance, programs and training symposiums that help expand U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific. The initiative is an important tool for the U.S. military to strengthen relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region. 

    ·         Continued support for providing humanitarian and other assistance by U.S. military Civic Action Teams in the Freely Associated States. 

    ·         $6 million to expand the National Disaster Medical System Pilot Program to provide critical support to military and civilian health objectives. It will help advance national medical innovation, preparedness, disaster response and integration efforts to underserved regions, such as the Indo-Pacific. 

    ·         $75 million for decoupling rare earth magnet manufacturing from China. 

    General military-related programs and provisions supported by Case related to the DoD overall include:

    ·         3.8% basic pay increase for all military personnel. 

    ·         $700 million for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). The CDMRP fills research gaps by funding high impact, high risk and high gain projects that other agencies may not venture to fund. 

    This measure is one of the twelve bills developed by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2026 (commencing October 1, 2025). The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.  

    A summary of the defense funding bill is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump revokes California’s nation-leading electric vehicle mandate

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a signing ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump moved on Thursday at a White House signing ceremony to eliminate California’s nation-leading vehicle emissions standards, upending the strict rules that had become a template for states across the nation to realize their greenhouse gas ambitions.

    “We officially rescue the U.S. auto industry from destruction by terminating California’s electric vehicle mandate, once and for all,” Trump said at the Oval Office alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin.

    During the ceremony, Trump signed a congressional resolution that overturns a California state rule that would have phased out the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. The state makes up about 12 percent of the U.S. population. Its rule has also been adopted by 11 other states and Washington, D.C. The resolution was approved by Congress last month and aims to quash the country’s most aggressive attempt to phase out gas-powered cars.

    Trump also signed measures to overturn state policies curbing tailpipe emissions in certain vehicles and smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks.

    This was “a long-sought victory for some carmakers and oil companies that attacked the rules as unachievable,” said Bloomberg News in its report about the signing, adding that the resolutions Trump signed repeal waivers granted under former President Joe Biden allowing California to set automobile pollution standards that are more stringent than federal requirements.

    Environmentalists have decried Trump’s vows to unwind rules to spur electric vehicle sales — a fixture of his reelection campaign — as an assault on essential protections to help avert the worst effects of climate change, added the report.

    California quickly announced it will challenge the move in court, with California’s attorney general holding a news conference to discuss the planned lawsuit before Trump’s signing ceremony ended at the White House.

    “The move takes place against the backdrop of worsening relations between Trump and Gov, Gavin Newsom, with the president ordering the military to quell unrest in Los Angeles over immigration raids,” noted Politico about the development. “It also comes as Tesla CEO and former White House adviser Elon Musk clashed with Trump last week over electric vehicle policies.”

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 13, 2025
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