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Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI Global: Managing forests and other ecosystems under rising threats requires thinking across wide-ranging scenarios

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Kyra Clark-Wolf, Research Scientist in Ecological Transformation, University of Colorado Boulder

    Thinking through scenarios allows land managers to prepare for many potential outcomes. Benjamin Slyngstad via USGS

    In Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California, trees that have persisted through rain and shine for thousands of years are now facing multiple threats triggered by a changing climate.

    Scientists and park managers once thought giant sequoia forests nearly impervious to stressors like wildfire, drought and pests. Yet, even very large trees are proving vulnerable, particularly when those stressors are amplified by rising temperatures and increasing weather extremes.

    The rapid pace of climate change – combined with threats like the spread of invasive species and diseases – can affect ecosystems in ways that defy expectations based on past experiences. As a result, Western forests are transitioning to grasslands or shrublands after unprecedented wildfires. Woody plants are expanding into coastal wetlands. Coral reefs are being lost entirely.

    Nate Stephenson, from the U.S. Geological Survey, talks about the fire damage at Redwood Mountain Grove in the Kings Canyon National Park, Calif., in 2021.
    AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian

    To protect these places, which are valued for their natural beauty and the benefits they provide for recreation, clean water and wildlife, forest and land managers increasingly must anticipate risks they have never seen before. And they must prepare for what those risks will mean for stewardship as ecosystems rapidly transform.

    As ecologists and a climate scientist, we’re helping them figure out how to do that.

    Managing changing ecosystems

    Traditional management approaches focus on maintaining or restoring how ecosystems looked and functioned historically.

    However, that doesn’t always work when ecosystems are subjected to new and rapidly shifting conditions.

    Ecosystems have many moving parts – plants, animals, fungi and microbes; and the soil, air and water in which they live – that interact with one another in complex ways.

    When the climate changes, it’s like shifting the ground on which everything rests. The results can undermine the integrity of the system, leading to ecological changes that are hard to predict.

    To plan for an uncertain future, natural resource managers need to consider many different ways changes in climate and ecosystems could affect their landscapes. Essentially, what scenarios are possible?

    Preparing for multiple possibilities

    At Sequoia and Kings Canyon, park managers were aware that climate change posed some big risks to the iconic trees under their care. More than a decade ago, they undertook a major effort to explore different scenarios that could play out in the future.

    It’s a good thing they did, because some of the more extreme possibilities they imagined happened sooner than expected.

    In 2014, drought in California caused the giant sequoias’ foliage to die back, something never documented before. In 2017, sequoia trees began dying from insect damage. And, in 2020 and 2021, fires burned through sequoia groves, killing thousands of ancient trees.

    While these extreme events came as a surprise to many people, thinking through the possibilities ahead of time meant the park managers had already begun to take steps that proved beneficial. One example was prioritizing prescribed burns to remove undergrowth that could fuel hotter, more destructive fires.

    Insulating wraps protected the giant sequoia General Sherman from a fire in 2021.
    Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

    The key to effective planning is a thoughtful consideration of a suite of strategies that are likely to succeed in the face of many different changes in climates and ecosystems. That involves thinking through wide-ranging potential outcomes to see how different strategies might fare under each scenario – including preparing for catastrophic possibilities, even those considered unlikely.

    For example, prescribed burning may reduce risks from both catastrophic wildfire and drought by reducing the density of plant growth, whereas suppressing all fires could increase those risks in the long run.

    Strategies undertaken today have consequences for decades to come. Managers need to have confidence that they are making good investments when they put limited resources toward actions like forest thinning, invasive species control, buying seeds or replanting trees. Scenarios can help inform those investment choices.

    Constructing credible scenarios of ecological change to inform this type of planning requires considering the most important unknowns. Scenarios look not only at how the climate could change, but also how complex ecosystems could react and what surprises might lay beyond the horizon.

    Scientists at the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center are collaborating with managers in the Nebraska Sandhills to develop scenarios of future ecological change under different climate conditions, disturbance events like fires and extreme droughts, and land uses like grazing.
    Photos: T. Walz, M. Lavin, C. Helzer, O. Richmond, NPS (top to bottom)., CC BY

    Key ingredients for crafting ecological scenarios

    To provide some guidance to people tasked with managing these landscapes, we brought together a group of experts in ecology, climate science, and natural resource management from across universities and government agencies.

    We identified three key ingredients for constructing credible ecological scenarios:

    1. Embracing ecological uncertainty: Instead of banking on one “most likely” outcome for ecosystems in a changing climate, managers can better prepare by mapping out multiple possibilities. In Nebraska’s Sandhills, we are exploring how this mostly intact native prairie could transform, with outcomes as divergent as woodlands and open dunes.

    2. Thinking in trajectories: It’s helpful to consider not just the outcomes, but also the potential pathways for getting there. Will ecological changes unfold gradually or all at once? By envisioning different pathways through which ecosystems might respond to climate change and other stressors, natural resource managers can identify critical moments where specific actions, such as removing tree seedlings encroaching into grasslands, can steer ecosystems toward a more desirable future.

    3. Preparing for surprises: Planning for rare disasters or sudden species collapses helps managers respond nimbly when the unexpected strikes, such as a severe drought leading to widespread erosion. Being prepared for abrupt changes and having contingency plans can mean the difference between quickly helping an ecosystem recover and losing it entirely.

    Over the past decade, access to climate model projections through easy-to-use websites has revolutionized resource managers’ ability to explore different scenarios of how the local climate might change.

    What managers are missing today is similar access to ecological model projections and tools that can help them anticipate possible changes in ecosystems. To bridge this gap, we believe the scientific community should prioritize developing ecological projections and decision-support tools that can empower managers to plan for ecological uncertainty with greater confidence and foresight.

    Ecological scenarios don’t eliminate uncertainty, but they can help to navigate it more effectively by identifying strategic actions to manage forests and other ecosystems.

    Kyra Clark-Wolf receives funding from USGS, NSF, and National Park Service. She is affiliated with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder and the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center.

    Brian W. Miller receives funding from the U.S. Geological Survey North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

    Imtiaz Rangwala receives funding from USGS, USDA, NOAA, US Forest Service and National Park Service. He is affiliated with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, Western Water Assessment and Boundless In Motion.

    – ref. Managing forests and other ecosystems under rising threats requires thinking across wide-ranging scenarios – https://theconversation.com/managing-forests-and-other-ecosystems-under-rising-threats-requires-thinking-across-wide-ranging-scenarios-253842

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mountain chickadee chatter: Scientists are decoding the songbird’s complex calls

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sofia Marie Haley, Ph.D. Student in Cognitive Ecology, University of Nevada, Reno

    Mountain chickadees are unusual in having more complex calls than songs. Vladimir Pravosudov

    I approach a flock of mountain chickadees feasting on pine nuts. A cacophony of sounds, coming from the many different bird species that rely on the Sierra Nevada’s diverse pine cone crop, fill the crisp mountain air.

    The strong “chick-a-dee” call sticks out among the bird vocalizations. The chickadees are communicating to each other about food sources – and my approach.

    Mountain chickadees are a member of the family Paridae, which is known for its complex vocal communication systems and cognitive abilities. Along with my advisers, behavioral ecologists Vladimir Pravosudov and Carrie Branch, I’m studying mountain chickadees at our study site in Sagehen Experimental Forest, outside of Truckee, California, for my doctoral research. I am focusing on how these birds convey a variety of information with their calls.

    The chilly autumn air on top of the mountain reminds me that it will soon be winter. It is time for the mountain chickadees to leave the socially monogamous partnerships they had while raising their chicks to form larger flocks. Forming social groups is not always simple; young chickadees are joining new flocks, and social dynamics need to be established before the winter storms arrive.

    I can hear them working this out vocally. There’s an unusual variety of complex calls, with melodic “gargle calls” at the forefront, coming from individuals announcing their dominance over other flock members.

    Examining and decoding bird calls is becoming an increasingly popular field of study, as scientists like me are discovering that many birds – including mountain chickadees – follow systematic rules to share important information, stringing together syllables like words in a sentence.

    Sofia Haley describes how she records chickadee vocalizations in the forest.

    Songs vs. calls

    For social animals, communication is a crucial part of everyday life. Communication can come in the form of visual, chemical, tactile, electrical or vocal signals.

    Birds are highly vocal, often relying on vocal communication to effectively interact with their environments and flock members. Temperate songbirds, including cardinals, bluebirds, wrens and blackbirds, have two main categories of vocalizations: songs and calls.

    Songs are vocalizations that are used primarily in the spring, during breeding season. Males in temperate regions sing to attract females and defend territories.

    Calls are basically any vocalization that is not a song. This category includes a limitless variety of vocalizations that communicate all sorts of essential information.

    Most songbird species have complex songs and fairly simple calls. This is why vocalizations sound most melodic during the spring, when birds are attracting mates and breeding.

    Members of the Pravosudov lab catch and release resident chickadees to attach identifying bands that allow the researchers to track individual birds.
    Sofia Haley

    However, chickadees are unusual in that they sing very simple songs relative to the complexity of their calls. Research suggests this is largely due to their social structure and complex environments. Living in flocks for the majority of the year means they need an elaborate communication system year-round. This is in contrast to many other songbird species that are more solitary during the nonbreeding season.

    Scientists know quite a lot about birdsong: It is highly organized and composed of multiple units that are strung together into “phrases,” like how musical notes are strung together in a song.

    Some species manipulate their song to sound more impressive, by incorporating new elements or performing impressive acoustic feats through note modification – imagine a trill or an impressive high note.

    Some songbirds must learn their songs from their parents and other adult males during a sensitive period in the first several months of their lives. It’s similar to how human children must learn how to speak from adults during a similar early sensitive period.

    In contrast, we know relatively little about the structure and organization of complex calls. Scientists have often regarded calls as unexciting and simple compared with birdsong. However, calls are arguably the most important type of vocalization, at least for highly social bird species.

    Translating mountain chickadee calls

    A focal microphone allows researchers to record the call of one bird at a time.
    Sofia Haley

    I spend my days out at our field site in the beautiful Sierra Nevada, following and recording chickadees as they communicate with each other. I have taken numerous focal recordings, where I stand in the forest with a directional microphone, identifying vocalizations and behaviors in real time.

    I also have hundreds of hours of recordings taken by automated recording devices called AudioMoths. These allow me to record vocalizations in the absence of people.

    The extensive vocal repertoire of mountain chickadees has yet to be fully documented. There are five basic categories of call types:

    • Contact calls: communicate identity, sort of like a name, and location.
    • “Chick-a-dee” calls: coordinate flock movement and communicate a variety of complex information about the environment, from food availability to predator presence and type.
    • Alarm calls: alert others of the presence of a predator.
    • Begging calls: used by chicks or females to elicit feeding behavior from males.
    • Gargle calls: advertise dominance over other individuals in a flock, primarily used by males.

    “Chick-a-dee” calls contain several elements resembling the basic elements of human grammar. Essentially, the various sounds a chickadee utters mean different things, similar to words in human languages. And the way that a chickadee combines these sounds changes the meaning. Word order matters, just like grammar matters in human language. If a chickadee were to phrase its calls in the wrong note order, the call would no longer convey the same meaning, even if composed of the same elements.

    The “chick-a-dee” call of the mountain chickadee contains six elements, known as notes or syllables, that can be combined in hundreds of unique combinations to say many different things. These elements are labeled A, A/B, B, C, D and Dh.

    Although scientists don’t fully know the meaning of each note in different contexts, it is generally believed that A notes typically contain identifying information about how important the topic seems to the caller, while A/B and B notes tend to further inform the listener of the topic of conversation. C notes contain information about the subject of the call, often a food source, and D notes convey information about the excitement and urgency of the message, including level of threat of a spotted predator or size of a food source. The D notes basically function like exclamation points at the end of a sentence, while the other notes convey more specific information.

    Mountain chickadees can use their “chick-a-dee” calls to convey hundreds of different phrases that are relevant to navigating their habitats and social environments. As a hypothetical example, a mountain chickadee call might have the following syntax: A-A-A/B-B-D-D, which could roughly translate to something like, “Listen to me carefully (A-A): there is a predator (A/B) close by (B) and a medium threat level (DD).”

    If the note order switched to D-A-B-D-A/B-A, the sentence would look more like: “Noteworthy listen close by noteworthy predator listen to me.” Although all the same elements are there, this sentence is now much more difficult to comprehend. Notes that are out of order can confuse chickadees, preventing them from grasping the correct meaning of the call.

    This “translation” is an example based on what we have learned from playback experiments, but the exact meaning will depend on the specific population and surrounding environment.

    Analyzing the ‘chick-a-dee’ calls

    Back in the lab, I parse through the endless hours of recordings using a deep-learning algorithm that I have modified to identify the specific calls of our chickadee population.

    A spectrogram visualizes a chickadee call, with frequency on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis.
    Sofia Haley

    I then use Raven Pro software, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, to visually inspect and analyze these calls on a spectrogram: a visual representation of sound, with frequency on the vertical axis, and time on the horizontal axis. This visualization allows me to study the structure of calls in great detail.

    Studying spectrograms can get me only so far. The next step is to experimentally test different “chick-a-dee” calls out in the wild. Using audio editing software, I manipulate the syntax of calls to either follow grammatical rules or violate them. Then, I broadcast these manipulated recordings out in the forest and observe how our chickadees react to grammatically incorrect calls, which would sound like gibberish to them.

    Audio editing software allows researchers to mix up the order of a chickadee’s call in order to see how birds react to the garbled message.
    Sofia Haley

    My hope is that this combination of experimental testing of calls and careful visual analysis will provide a step toward understanding the subtle complexities of chickadee communication. I’m trying to home in on the meaning of different syllables and syntax, the grammatical rules.

    Back in the forest with my directional microphone, watching the chickadees flit about, I hear different versions of the “chick-a-dee” calls. Some feature more D notes, which would indicate a higher level of excitement. Others feature more A, B or C notes, communicating more specific, identifying information. I am also surrounded by melodic gargle calls, harsh scolding calls and barely audible soft calls.

    Next time you find yourself out in the forest, stop and listen to the chickadees as they talk to each other. Maybe you’ll be able to hear the variation in their calls and know that they are talking about different things − and that grammar matters.

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

    – ref. Mountain chickadee chatter: Scientists are decoding the songbird’s complex calls – https://theconversation.com/mountain-chickadee-chatter-scientists-are-decoding-the-songbirds-complex-calls-247091

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: LIS Technologies Inc. Appoints Leading Regulatory Expert Julie Olivier as its Regulatory Affairs and Licensing Director

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oak Ridge, Tennessee, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LIS Technologies Inc. (“LIST” or “the Company”), a proprietary developer of advanced laser technology and the only USA-origin and patented laser uranium enrichment company, today announced that it has appointed Julie Olivier as its Regulatory Affairs and Licensing Director.

    Julie Olivier brings more than twenty‑five years of experience across the commercial energy sector, with primary focus on the nuclear fuel cycle and ash management at coal sites. Her expertise covers environmental protection, facility siting, decommissioning, waste management, risk assessment, security, material control and accountability, quality assurance, performance improvement, emergency preparedness, and chemical safety.

    “This is a really exciting time for the nuclear industry and the US government’s commitment to build back nuclear, including a robust domestic fuel supply chain, suggests that it is only the beginning,” said Julie Olivier, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Licensing of LIS Technologies Inc. “I am delighted to join LIST at this pivotal moment for the Company amidst the nation’s nuclear renaissance. The future of this technology is bright, and I am very excited to help steer it through the licensing process and toward commercialization.”

    Figure 1 – LIS Technologies Inc. Appoints Julie Olivier as its Director of Regulatory Affairs and Licensing.

    Ms. Olivier began her career as a Safety Analyst at the DOE’s West Valley Demonstration Project before spending nine years at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, New Nuclear Licensing, and the Chairman’s Office. She later became the Regulatory Affairs Manager for Global Laser Enrichment, then Nuclear Fleet Licensing Manager at Duke Energy, where she was promoted to Director within the Coal Combustion Products team. Most recently, she consulted on advanced‑nuclear facility siting and licensing for the Tennessee Valley Authority.

    As Regulatory Affairs Manager, Ms. Olivier secured the NRC’s first license for a uranium laser‑enrichment technology. She holds a Six Sigma Lean Green Belt, a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of New Orleans, and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech.

    “We are very pleased to welcome Julie to this critical role in the future of LIST,” said Christo Liebenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of LIS Technologies Inc. “Her depth of experience will be essential as we strengthen our engagement with government, regulatory stakeholders and to help move our CRISLA technology to the next stage of development, while also preparing for commercial deployment. I look forward to working with her as we advance our leadership in U.S. domestic uranium enrichment.”

    About LIS Technologies Inc.

    LIS Technologies Inc. (LIST) is a USA based, proprietary developer of a patented advanced laser technology, making use of infrared lasers to selectively excite the molecules of desired isotopes to separate them from other isotopes. The Laser Isotope Separation Technology (L.I.S.T) has a huge range of applications, including being the only USA-origin (and patented) laser uranium enrichment company, and several major advantages over traditional methods such as gas diffusion, centrifuges, and prior art laser enrichment. The LIST proprietary laser-based process is more energy-efficient and has the potential to be deployed with highly competitive capital and operational costs. L.I.S.T is optimized for LEU (Low Enriched Uranium) for existing civilian nuclear power plants, High-Assay LEU (HALEU) for the next generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Microreactors, the production of radioisotopes isotopes for medical and scientific research, and the production of stable isotopes with applications in quantum computing manufacturing for semiconductor technologies. The Company employs a world class nuclear technical team working alongside leading nuclear entrepreneurs and industry professionals, possessing strong relationships with government and private nuclear industries.

    In Dec 2024, LIS Technologies Inc. was selected as one of six domestic companies to participate in the Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) Enrichment Acquisition Program. This initiative allocates up to $3.4 billion overall, with contracts lasting for up to 10 years. Each awardee is slated to receive a minimum contract of $2 million.

    For more information please visit: LaserIsTech.com

    For further information, please contact:
    Email: info@laseristech.com
    Telephone: 800-388-5492
    Follow us on X Platform
    Follow us on LinkedIn

    Forward Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For LIS Technologies Inc., particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following which are, and will be, exacerbated by any worsening of global business and economic environment: (i) risks related to the development of new or advanced technology, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, development of competitive technology, loss of key individuals and uncertainty of success of patent filing, (ii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations and (iii) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to commercially deploy a competitive laser enrichment technology, (iv) risks related to the impact of government regulation and policies including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in this and our other filings with the SEC. Only after successful completion of our Phase 2 Pilot Plant demonstration will LIS Technologies be able to make realistic economic predictions for a Commercial Facility. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Plea for UN intervention over illegal PNG loggers ‘stealing forests’

    RNZ Pacific

    A United Nations committee is being urged to act over human rights violations committed by illegal loggers in Papua New Guinea.

    Watchdog groups Act Now! and Jubilee Australia have filed a formal request to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to consider action at its next meeting in August.

    “We have stressed with the UN that there is pervasive, ongoing and irreparable harm to customary resource owners whose forests are being stolen by logging companies,” Act Now! campaign manager Eddie Tanago said.

    He said these abuses were systematic, institutionalised, and sanctioned by the PNG government through two specific tools: Special Agriculture and Business Leases (SABLs) and Forest Clearing Authorities (FCAs) — a type of logging licence.

    “For over a decade since the Commission of Inquiry into SABLs, successive PNG governments have rubber stamped the large-scale theft of customary resource owners’ forests by upholding the morally bankrupt SABL scheme and expanding the use of FCAs,” Tanago said.

    He said the government had failed to revoke SABLs that were acquired fraudulently, with disregard to the law or without landowner consent.

    “Meanwhile, logging companies have made hundreds of millions, if not billions, in ill-gotten gains by effectively stealing forests from customary resource owners using FCAs.”

    Abuses hard to challenge
    The complaint also highlights that the abuses are hard to challenge because PNG lacks even a basic registry of SABLs or FCAs, and customary resource owners are denied access to information to the information they need, such as:

    • The existence of an SABL or FCA over their forest;
    • A map of the boundaries of any lease or logging licence;
    • Information about proposed agricultural projects used to justify the SABL or FCA;
    • The monetary value of logs taken from forests; and
    • The beneficial ownership of logging companies — to identify who ultimately profits from illegal logging.

    “The only reason why foreign companies engage in illegal logging in PNG is to make money,” he said, adding that “it’s profitable because importing companies and countries are willing to accept illegally logged timber into their markets and supply chains.”

    ACT NOW campaigner Eddie Tanago . . . “demand a public audit of the logging permits – the money would dry up.” Image: Facebook/ACT NOW!/RNZ Pacific

    “If they refused to take any more timber from SABL and FCA areas and demanded a public audit of the logging permits — the money would dry up.”

    Act Now! and Jubilee Australia are hoping that this UN attention will urge the international community to see this is not an issue of “less-than-perfect forest law enforcement”.

    “This is a system, honed over decades, that is perpetrating irreparable harm on indigenous peoples across PNG through the wholesale violation of their rights and destroying their forests.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PINE GROVE – Shapiro Administration to Tour Schuylkill County Dairy Farm Where Commonwealth Investments in Planning, Innovation are Feeding Farm Success

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 27, 2025 – Pine Grove, PA

    ADVISORY – PINE GROVE – Shapiro Administration to Tour Schuylkill County Dairy Farm Where Commonwealth Investments in Planning, Innovation are Feeding Farm Success

    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will announce a significant increase in the amount available to farmers statewide to support strategic business planning. The announcement will be made at Jersey Acres Farms, a Schuylkill County family farm that has taken advantage of state support from Farm Vitality Grants and an Agricultural Innovation Grant to fund critical planning and robotic technology that will keep their farm thriving in the future.

    Media are invited to tour the farm’s dairy along with Sec. Redding and fourth-graders from Blue Mountain Elementary West. Students will see first-hand how technology works on a modern dairy farm to make the dairy products they enjoy safe and healthy.

    The event will highlight Shapiro Administration investments supporting the future of family farms across Pennsylvania and creating opportunities for rural communities to succeed. Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposes an increase of $13 million to the historic Agriculture Innovation Grant program to help farms across Pennsylvania compete and succeed.

    WHO:
    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
    Agriculture Deputy Secretary for Farm, Food, and Market Access Heidi Secord
    Jersey Acres Farms Owner Kent Heffner
    Schuylkill Conservation District Manager Jenna St. Clair

    WHEN:
    Tuesday, May 27 at 10 a.m.

    WHERE:
    Jersey Acres Farm
    1615 Panther Valley Road, Pine Grove, PA 17963

    RSVP:
    Press attending should RSVP with news outlet and photographer and reporter names to aginfo@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vacant plots overlooking Millbay to be auctioned

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Several parcels of land overlooking Millbay docks are to be put up at auction as part of the Council’s ongoing review of its assets and land.

    Brownfield sites on the south side of Caroline Place in Stonehouse are to go to auction on 12 June.

    The vacant plots – which are believed to be the remains of bombed out properties – have lain hidden for many years and the Council is putting them up for sale to see if there is anyone or company willing to put the site to better use.

    The site is bound by Caroline Place to the north and the main access to Millbay Ferry Terminal to the south. The land slopes steeply from north to south and sits within the Stonehouse Peninsula Conservation Area.

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member responsible for assets said: “This is all part of our constant review of our properties and assets to make sure they help us deliver priorities for the city.

    “Redeveloping these plots will be a challenge and I imagine most people did not even know these parcels of land existed. We are putting them on the market and hopefully someone can put them to good use – perhaps vitally needed new homes.”

    Successfully selling the plots would give the Council a capital receipt, which could be reinvested to support improvements to other council properties. It could also see a brownfield site back into use.

    Any organisation or individual interested in the sites is advised to engage with the Local Planning Authority to allow careful assessment of any proposals.  

    The auction will take place on 12 June. For more information about the plots visit www.cliveemson.co.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE launches Regional Task Force on Education for Just and Inclusive Energy Transition in Central Asia

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE launches Regional Task Force on Education for Just and Inclusive Energy Transition in Central Asia

    As the renewable energy sector in Central Asia grows, so does the need for a skilled and inclusive workforce to support it. In response, the OSCE and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) officially launched the OSCE Regional Task Force on Education for Just and Inclusive Energy Transition (RTEET) in Central Asia with a kick-off meeting in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 22 and 23 May.
    The RTEET initiative brings together key stakeholders from across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, including representatives from ministries of energy and education, universities, technical colleges, private sector actors and development partners. Its main goals are to develop pilot curricula in renewable energy and foster long-term collaboration between the education and energy sectors.
    “Education plays a critical role in accelerating the energy transition — but it must be inclusive and adaptable” said Giulia Manconi, Senior Energy Security Adviser at the OSCE. “The OSCE is committed to supporting countries in building the human capital needed for a green and just future. This includes helping to align education systems with evolving energy demands, and empowering women and young professionals in the renewable energy sector”,
    At the two-day meeting, government officials, academic leaders, energy experts, and international partners discussed how renewable energy education can be better aligned with labor market needs, while advancing gender equality and inclusivity within the energy transition.
    Participants also reviewed the preliminary findings of a regional needs assessment conducted by the OSCE, which identified key skill gaps, institutional challenges, and priorities for curriculum development across the five Central Asian countries. The event also included site visits to the scientific laboratories of Kazakh-British Technical University and Satbayev University, where cutting-edge energy technologies were showcased.
    The RTEET initiative will run from March 2025 to May 2026. Major milestones include the development of a regional renewable energy course, pilot implementation in selected institutions, and policy consultations to help mainstream renewable energy education throughout the region.
    The initiative is part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project “Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Energy Sector in Central Asia”, funded by Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Poland.
    Further resources, materials, and updates about RTEET will be posted here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Smart City observes demonstration of “Smart Environment” (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Smart City observes demonstration of “Smart Environment”  
         Members first received an update on the implementation of “Smart Environment” initiatives under the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0 from representatives of the Government. Members were then briefed on the application of “metamaterial noise barriers” for railway maintenance works and observed demonstrations on the use of various technologies to enhance environmental pollution monitoring, including the use of an “AI robotic dog” and a “mesh network sampling robot squad” to detect pollution sources, an “unmanned water sampling boat” to monitor water quality, and a drone equipped with “miniature sniffing sensor” to detect real-time emissions of air pollutants from ocean-going vessels.
     
         During the visit, Members exchanged views with representatives of the Government on matters such as facilitating the application and the development of technologies for environmental protection.
     
         Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Smart City, Ms Elizabeth Quat, Subcommittee members Mr Andrew Lam, Mr Chan Siu-hung and Professor William Wong; as well as non-Subcommittee member Mr Edward Leung.
    Issued at HKT 17:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CSTB announces official names of giant panda twin cubs (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CSTB announces official names of giant panda twin cubs  
    The Giant Panda Twin Cubs Naming Competition, organised by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and co-organised by the Ocean Park Corporation (OPC) earlier, has attracted overwhelming responses. After a review of over 35 700 submissions for the Competition, Jia Jia and De De were selected as the winning entries. The Judging Panel considered the names to be highly meaningful. The elder sister is named Jia Jia, with the Chinese character for Jia (加) conveying the message of support. Having the same pronunciation as the Chinese characters for “home” (家) and “auspices” (嘉) in both Cantonese and Putonghua, Jia also features an element of family and a sense of auspicious grace, embodying the prosperity of families and the nation as well as the happiness of its people. The little brother is named De De. As the Chinese character De (得) means “to succeed”, the name carries the connotation that Hong Kong is successful in everything. Also, De shares the same pronunciation as the Chinese character for “virtue” (德) in both Cantonese and Putonghua, suggesting that giant pandas, as national treasures, possess the virtues cherished by the Chinese people.
     
    At the event for the Announcement of Names of Giant Panda Twin Cubs, Miss Law said, “As the Chairperson of the Judging Panel for the Competition, when reviewing the suggested names submitted by members of the public, I was deeply impressed by their love for the cubs. Many suggested names carried profound meanings, while some were cute and joyful. All of the names suggested are filled with our blessings to the giant panda twin cubs.”
     
         “I, on behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), again express heartfelt gratitude to the Central People’s Government for continuously providing strong support and guidance to Hong Kong on the conservation of giant pandas.” She continued, “Over the years, under the Central Government’s guidance, the HKSAR has been given the opportunity to participate in the important task of national giant panda conservation. This fully demonstrates the Central Government’s support and care for the HKSAR.” In addition, she thanked the experts of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) and the professional animal care team of the OPC for taking excellent care of all giant pandas in Hong Kong all along, particularly for providing professional postnatal care to mother Ying Ying and taking good care of the giant panda twin cubs. 
     
    The Judging Panel members of the Competition include Miss Law; the Chairman of the Board of the OPC, Mr Paulo Pong; the Deputy Director of the CCRCGP and expert for giant pandas, Mr Wei Rongping; Legislative Council Member Mr Kenneth Fok; Hong Kong, China swimming athlete Siobhan Bernadette Haughey; and the Head of Zoological Operations and Conservation of the OPC, Mr Howard Chuk. Details of the Competition can be found on Ocean Park’s dedicated website at www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/park-experience/giant-panda-twin-cubs-naming-competitionIssued at HKT 15:48

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Increasing automated detection capabilities at the UK border 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Increasing automated detection capabilities at the UK border 

    Border Force wants to expand its use of artificial intelligence in the searching and screening of freight at UK seaports by automating anomaly detection.

    As cross-border traffic continues to grow, Border Force aims to expand its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the searching and screening of freight at UK seaports. To balance security with the smooth movement of legitimate goods, the agency is seeking to automate the detection of anomalies in x-ray images, as manual analysis is both time-consuming and prone to error.  

    AI-driven automation will not only speed up screening times but also increase the volume of goods processed. Additionally, it will free up officers to focus on critical tasks, reduce false alarms and minimise unnecessary secondary inspections. 

    To achieve this, Border Force turned to the Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE) for support in organising and analysing its extensive x-ray image database, which had previously been stored inconsistently across multiple data structures. ACE was initially tasked with creating a fully indexed and standardised repository of x-ray images and associated data—making it easily accessible to analysts and suitable for AI algorithm development. 

    Six ACE suppliers—Faculty, Leonardo, Polygeist, Roke, Symetrica and Zaizi—collaborated to explore innovative AI and machine-learning methodologies for anomaly detection. Using the newly indexed data, they developed three use cases: vector integrity, pattern recognition and high-density material detection.  

    The insights gained were presented to Border Force at a demonstration day, where all three approaches showed strong operational potential for further development.  

    The success of the initiative prompted Border Force UK Deputy Director, Chino Nwachukwu, to share a glowing endorsement on LinkedIn, praising the “quality and professionalism” of the team. Reflecting on the project’s impact, he stated: 

    “I’m still buzzing from the high on which I ended last week, having spent the last few months working with some of the best brains in Britain to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques in Border Security.” 

    There is now a need to take these solutions forward for trials in a controlled operational environment. In order to plan for this, a recently completed commission assessed the capability requirements and the feasibility of integrating these solutions into Border Force systems. This commission analysed Border Force’s data, systems and applications, consolidating the data into a unified, structured format. Trials were conducted with Border Force staff across multiple ports to evaluate the AI anomaly detection system.  

    The success of these commissions has led to a request for further development, forming the foundation of a business case for wider AI implementation across Border Force operations.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Working lean and fast: the Coefficient ACE supplier story  

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Working lean and fast: the Coefficient ACE supplier story  

    Consultancy Coefficient wants to elevate the global standard of data science, machine learning and AI.

    Coefficient is an AI and data consultancy that brings the fast-paced energy of start-ups into ACE. As CEO John Sandall puts it, by staying “incredibly lean and incredibly fast”, Coefficient aims to elevate the global standard of data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), one project at a time. 

    This culture is maintained by a “small but mighty” team of data scientists, software engineers, statisticians and machine-learning specialists, who are passionate about open-source technologies and agile delivery.  They make data work as hard as possible, exploring opportunities for machine learning or AI that can improve processes or enable deeper insights.

    However, Coefficient never just applies technology for the sake of it—they start by asking the right questions to get to the root of the problem. From there, research-grade statistical methods are combined with a practical, problem-solving approach. The outcome is that organisations can distil complex patterns from their people, products and performance into actionable intelligence.   

    “We take what works in one industry and apply it somewhere else—for instance, Coefficient used techniques for hedge fund market prediction models to help forecast election outcomes,” says Sandall. For over a decade, Coefficient has applied these learnings to create innovative solutions across private, public and educational sectors. They also run more than 200 workshops a year, helping major banks and organisations learn more about Python, data science and AI.  

    Coefficient joined ACE in early 2021 and has since worked on 12 independent projects, growing to a team to 10 people. “Day-to-day life is pretty exciting because we get to change the lives of possibly millions of people across the UK and that drives a high level of motivation within my team,” says Sandall.  

    Two notable projects illustrate Coefficient’s achievements within ACE. For one law enforcement commission, the team completed a discovery phase and developed a machine-learning model that mimicked the results obtained by existing manual methods in just 12 weeks. The tool was then tested in real-world conditions as well as presented to government ministers. 

    For a different law enforcement project, Coefficient evaluated a number of commercial redaction tools that use AI to replace faces, text and audio in sensitive media. The team assessed whether each tool met the specific needs of policing while adhering to strict legal and ethical standards. As part of this research, Coefficient also demonstrated cutting-edge techniques and built rapid proof-of-concepts for sanitising media. This helped stakeholders understand current state-of-the-art technologies to make informed investment decisions and see how current redaction processes could be made more efficient. 

    Sandall said: “Alongside impact, ACE encourages a modern way of working by building fast and then iterating. ACE’s matchmaking has had Coefficient working alongside other SMEs that we would never meet otherwise, with the complementary skills necessary to tackle each problem.  

    “We’ve met partners through ACE leading to wider opportunities, such as with Bays for a £100k Innovate UK grant to guide the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on AI ethics. The killer thing about ACE is it’s not just a tendering framework; it’s a community of suppliers where collaboration is supported and encouraged.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Safety upgrades due to start at Manchester College crossing

    Source: City of Manchester

    Pedestrian safety will be at the heart of improvement works due to start at the beginning of June.

    From Monday 2 June, work will start to upgrade the junction of Trinity Way/Great Ducie Street providing a larger and improved crossing area for the public.

    Adjacent to Manchester College, which will see an increased number of students in the coming years, and in proximity to the AO Arena and Victoria Station this junction is one of the key crossing locations in that part of the city centre.

    Coupled with increased investment in the area as part of the Strangeways redevelopment and the more than 400 new homes built on the former Boddingtons site, it is only going to become a busier area which is why it has become clear that improvements to existing infrastructure are needed.

    Between 2017 and 2021 there were a total of 15 accidents at this junction resulting in 21 people being injured – one of which was a serious injury.

    Running until approximately mid-July the works will consist of:

    • Improved controlled pedestrian crossing on the east side of the junction, opposite the Manchester College campus
    • Redesigned controlled pedestrian crossing on the west side of the junction, opposite the Kickair trampoline centre
    • Guard rails and bollards to prevent pavement parking on the kerb island near to New Bridge Street and Mirabel Street
    • A left turn ban of northbound traffic on Great Ducie Street and a build out of the kerb to prevent left turns
    • Road markings and signage will be updated to reflect the changes

    Working hours for the scheme will be Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm, with some overnight lane closures planned. For any lane closures during the day, they will only be in operation in off-peak hours between 9.30-15.30.

    No work will take place during the weekend.

    During the weekends of Parklife (June 14-15) and the Peter Kay and Pulp performances (June 21-22) overnight closures will not be in place.

    A traffic management plan will be in place so that motorists will still be able to use this junction during the course of the works. However there will be a degree of disruption as the improvements are made, which is why we would encourage people to plan their journeys ahead and try alternative routes where possible.

    For greater detail on the works visit manchester.gov.uk/improvements.

    Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport said: “Safety will always be our number one priority which is why the improvement works planned for this junction are so important.

    “Thousands of people – many of them attending the nearby college – use this crossing point every day and we must ensure that they can cross what is a very busy road safely.

    “We hope to carry out this work as quickly as possible but I would like to thank motorists in advance for their patience as it is carried out.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: “It takes a village!” Hihi spread their wings after record breaking breeding season

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  26 May 2025 Source:  Department of Conservation and Auckland Council

    Earlier this month, 40 hihi were relocated to the Auckland Council managed Shakespear Open Sanctuary. They join Shakespear’s small but thriving population translocated in 2024.

    Environmental champion Councillor Mike Lee says the reintroduction of hihi to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula enables more people to see and hear them in their natural habitat.

    “Thirty years ago, I was present when the ancestors of these hihi birds were introduced to Tiritiri Matangi. To be able to help release their descendants on the mainland is a conservation dream come true,” says Cr Lee.

    DOC Tiritiri Matangi Ranger Nick Fisentzidis agrees the translocation from island to mainland shows great outcomes for nature are possible when iwi, DOC, council, and community band together.

    “They are one of Aotearoa’s rarest and quirkiest birds. There is a total population of only around 2000 nationwide and they require a lot of special attention, so it takes a village!” says Nick.

    “We work side by side with Ngāti Manuhiri, Auckland Council, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society and conservation research institutions to care for these taonga.”

    John Ewen, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust Trustee and Professor of Conservation Science at Zoological Society of London says hihi are nationally threatened, with Te Hauturu-o-toi Little Barrier Island holding the only naturally-surviving population since the 1880s.

    “Habitat loss, the introduction of predators such as cats and rats and specimen collection probably contributed to the decline of hihi on the mainland,” says John.

    Thanks to significant recovery efforts, there are now small managed populations of hihi on Tiritiri Matangi and Kapiti islands, Zealandia in Wellington, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi near Wanganui, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Rotokare Scenic Reserve and Shakepear Open Sanctuary.

    “This season has been superb on both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear, likely due to lots of natural food. Flax and cabbage trees, in particular, were abundant,” says John.

    An initial translocation to Shakespear of 40 birds in May 2024 has been a resounding success, with at least 60 chicks fledging throughout the summer.

    The council’s Open Sanctuary Senior Ranger, Matt Maitland, says the support from volunteers through the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI) has helped to ensure the birds can flourish.

    “It’s not an easy journey, being moved to a completely new site but we are working together to give the birds a better chance. A second release to Shakespear brings genetic diversity to the hihi already present, and greater security and resilience for the species against any challenges they may face in the future.”

    SOSSI chair Owen Johnston says volunteers will provide nest boxes, ongoing monitoring and supplementary food to help the birds settle into their new home.

    All hihi whakapapa to Hauturu o Toi. Hihi are taonga to Ngāti Manuhiri, the iwi with an ancestral land connection to Hauturu, Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear.

    Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust spokesperson Delma O’Kane says “as kaitiaki, we acknowledge the dedication of all involved in this kaupapa, from rangers and conservationists to the local community.

    “It is through their unwavering commitment to pest control, monitoring, and habitat restoration that both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear Regional Park continue to thrive as a sanctuary for our native flora and fauna.”

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Job Opening: Senior Regional Campaign Strategist (Legal and Political)

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    This is a full-time position based in either Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, or Kuala Lumpur working on legal and political issues related to the environment. Candidates who have the legal right to work and live in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are encouraged to apply.

    Greenpeace and volunteers raise a ‘wind turbine’ on the beach at dawn in Durban, South Africa. To send a message of hope for international negotiations to agree on a fair, ambitious, and legally binding treaty to avert climate chaos.

    About the Role

    The Senior Regional Campaign Strategist (Legal and Political) leads the development of Greenpeace Southeast Asia’s (GPSEA) political and legal strategy and provides legal and political risk assessments in all stages of campaign/project development and implementation. The scope of work is regional, multi-issue, multi-project, and multi-discipline with global dimensions. It requires high ability to adapt and work in different and challenging internal and external work environments and political contexts.

    Duties and Responsibilities:

    • Lead the development and implementation of regional political and legal strategy of GPSEA bringing campaigns and projects across countries together for synergy, regional and global impact as aligned with GPSEA Theory of Change (TOC), objectives and priorities
    • Provide political and legal risk assessments and mitigation measures on key campaign strategies, and project activities; advise leadership team on political and legal responses in case of harassment, violence, and attacks on the staff (including activists, supporters and volunteers) institution, property and reputation of GPSEA
    • Anchor the development of South-South legal/political community and global south position on multilateral platforms in the Greenpeace  global network.
    • Lead global legal/political project or process relevant to GPSEA and global political and legal campaign objectives
    • Strategically position and make GPSEA’s presence in multilateral platforms highly impactful
    • Develop legal and political briefings, negotiating texts, reports, updates, position papers and talking points for regional and global submission in cooperation with relevant programme staff 
    • Analyse external political situations and identify relevant regional trends and opportunities to advance GPSEA’s political and legal work regionally and globally
    • Develop and maintain a GPSEA community of practice around legal and political work
    • Ensure GPSEA’s political and legal position and stance on issues are coherent and consistent across countries and in external communications
    • Proactively identify politically or legally contentious issues that will impact GPSEA and provide advice on actions to take
    • When required/requested, perform a review and give political, legal sign off of reports and other external communications of GPSEA.
    • Actively contribute to programme design, review of campaigns and projects and provide inputs for decision making processes.
    • Proactively contribute to the development and implementation of innovative strategies for non-violent direct actions to maximize political and legal impact, in cooperation with country teams and other international units, and in accordance with Greenpeace’s principles
    • Participate in non-violent direct action to support and advance campaign goals.
    • Organize and oversee the work of short-term contractors where appropriate.
    • Help manage and oversee the budget and ensure financial integrity of projects and unit
    • Coordinate and ensure coherence on GPSEA position internally, provide legal and political oversight on sign-ons
    • Represent GPSEA’s political, legal and related inputs at internal meetings and activities of Greenpeace’s global legal and political communities or global project teams. Inform GPSEA of agreements and developments in the global legal and political communities.
    • Periodically conduct capacity needs assessments of GPSEA staff to improve legal and political work
    • Coordinate capacity building skills shares and training to support the legal and political work of the program team. When requested, mentor or coach  program staff to enhance his/her skills in political and legal engagements.
    • Working with the Fundraising Team to explore and develop working relationships and cooperation with  donors and foundations
    • Lead and coordinate the development of funding proposals for GPSEA legal and political work with relevant GPSEA team leaders.
    • Represent, lead and strategically position GPSEA at key international, regional fora
    • Ensure that the objectives, analysis, recommendations and submissions  of GPSEA in relevant fora are timely, effective and strategic in advancing GPSEA program and organizational objectives, branding and identity
    • Act as expert spokesperson on regional legal and political issues for  GPSEA and a go to person for the global organisation when needed.
    • Proactively develop relationships with national and regional media to increase campaign outreach
    • Build networks and alliances to advance GPSEA objectives, brand and identity
    • Contribute to strengthening social and emergent regional and global movements by supporting development of campaign strategies
    • Develop common strategies and actions with external parties regionally and globally in support of broader political objectives and to realize global and GPSEA campaign objectives and TOCs
    • Assist the Campaign Director in designing GPSEA campaign program and implement strategies to mobilize various stakeholders  and key audiences in the region 
    • Manage project cycle and optimize responsiveness to current situation/context, evolve and devise new ways of working for efficient delivery of multi-layered projects
    • Respond to and engage in internal as well as pressing external regional challenges as determined by the campaign team through the Campaign Director beyond his/her normal area of work as circumstances do require.
    • Keep abreast of regional developments in political and legal fields and maintain a general knowledge of developments in political, legal developments in SEA in order to ensure that GPSEA is able to respond, adjust, campaign appropriately/effectively.
    • Coordinate policy and legal research or other outputs such as policy briefs, statements, submissions, pleadings, motions, legal comments and legal opinions to ensure consistency in form and substance.

    Skills and Experience Requirements:

    • Master’s degree minimum, Doctorate in philosophy or laws preferred in field of Political Science, Public Management, Public Policy, International Relations with minimum 10 years of equivalent experience

    Organizational Competencies:

    • Integrity, professionalism
    • Strategic thinking, goal-oriented
    • High standards of quality outputs
    • Teamwork in a multicultural environment
    • Courage and innovativeness in challenging enemies of the environment,   status quo
    • Values people, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution and management
    • Information management and transfer, sharing of knowledge
    • Planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation

    Functional Skills:

    • Understanding of the political, legal and economic landscape, processes, dynamics in SEA
    • Extensive knowledge of environmental and human rights laws, jurisprudence, regulation, public policies, stakeholders in SEA
    • Political, legal communications skills in all forms
    • Political lobbying, negotiation, advocacy skills/experience in UN, multilateral, bilateral and other policy spaces/processes
    • Legal counseling, representation, litigation practice
    • Political, legal research
    • Campaigning experience, project management
    • Adherence to nonviolence as a means of enacting change
    • Understanding of environmental issues in general and campaign issues and agenda in particular
    • Wide network across the region for potential networking and partnership
    • Public, people management
    • Project management, programme administration
    • Stakeholders, power, constituency, audience analysis

    Preferred Skills:

    • A preference for good communication skills in one of more regional SEA languages other than English. 
      Preference for extensive experience in political economy and progressive political framing of environmental issues
    • Preferred skills include experience in key program areas: policy lobby, public speaking, activist training, strategic planning and organizing people around an issue.
    • Experience in negotiating in multilateral environmental agreements and similar regional platforms

    Greenpeace’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

    Greenpeace values diversity as essential to its mission and success. The organisation fosters an inclusive environment that respects varied cultural experiences and perspectives, promoting solutions rooted in social and environmental justice.

    Deadline for applications: May 30, 2025

    Jobs

    Do you have a passion for this planet and want to do more? Work with us!

    TAKE ACTION

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: “It takes a village!” Hihi fly the coop after record breaking breeding season

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    A record 277 hihi / stitchbirds fledged on Tiritiri Matangi Island this breeding season, allowing many birds to spread their wings and leave the flock.

    Earlier this month, 40 hihi were relocated to the Auckland Council managed Shakespear Open Sanctuary. They join Shakespear’s small but thriving population translocated in 2024.

    Environmental champion Councillor Mike Lee says the reintroduction of hihi to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula enables more people to see and hear them in their natural habitat.

    The birds are carefully unloaded in boxes after travelling from Tiritiri Matangi Island, ahead of their release.

    “Thirty years ago, I was present when the ancestors of these hihi birds were introduced to Tiritiri Matangi. To be able to help release their descendants on the mainland really is a conservation dream come true,” says Cr Lee.

    [embedded content]

    DOC Tiritiri Matangi Ranger Nick Fisentzidis agrees the translocation from island to mainland shows great outcomes for nature are possible when iwi, DOC, council, and community band together.

    “They are one of Aotearoa’s rarest and quirkiest birds. There is a total population of only around 2000 nationwide and they require a lot of special attention, so it takes a village!” says Nick.

    “We work side by side with Ngāti Manuhiri, Auckland Council, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society and conservation research institutions to care for these taonga.”

    Auckland Council Northern’s Principal Ranger Jason Maguiness acknowledges all those who have helped bring hihi to the Shakespear Open Sanctuary, before 40 new birds are released.

    John Ewen, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust Trustee and Professor of Conservation Science at Zoological Society of London says hihi are nationally threatened, with Te Hauturu-o-toi Little Barrier Island holding the only naturally-surviving population since the 1880s.

    “Habitat loss, the introduction of predators such as cats and rats and specimen collection probably contributed to the decline of hihi on the mainland,” says John.

    Thanks to significant recovery efforts, there are now small managed populations of hihi on Tiritiri Matangi and Kapiti islands, Zealandia in Wellington, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi near Wanganui, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Rotokare Scenic Reserve and Shakepear Open Sanctuary.

    “This season has been superb on both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear, likely due to lots of natural food. Flax and cabbage trees, in particular, were abundant,” says John.

    DOC Tiritiri Matangi Ranger Nick Fisentzidis agrees that the translocation project from island to mainland is an example of the great outcomes for nature that can be achieved when iwi government, council, and community band together.

    An initial translocation to Shakespear of 40 birds in May 2024 has been a resounding success, with at least 60 chicks fledging throughout the summer.

    Open Sanctuary Senior Ranger Matt Maitland says invaluable volunteer support from the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society Incorporated (SOSSI) has enabled the birds to flourish.

    “It’s not an easy journey, being moved to a completely new site, but we are working together to give the birds a better chance. A second release to Shakespear brings genetic diversity to the hihi already present, and greater security and resilience for the species against any challenges they may face in the future.”

    SOSSI chair Owen Johnston says Shakespear is the ideal setting to release more hihi, with around 350 hectares of native forest providing enough food and nesting opportunities.

    “We are set up to keep a close eye on the new arrivals through ongoing monitoring and supplementary feeding, which will help them to get established.”

    All hihi whakapapa to Te Hauturu-o-toi. Hihi are taonga to Ngāti Manuhiri, the iwi with an ancestral land connection to Hauturu, Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear. 

    Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust spokesperson Delma O’Kane says, “as kaitiaki, we acknowledge the dedication of all involved in this kaupapa, from rangers and conservationists to the local community.

    “It is through their unwavering commitment to pest control, monitoring, and habitat restoration that both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear Regional Park continue to thrive as a sanctuary for our native flora and fauna.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Job Opening: Regional Security Manager

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    This is a full-time fixed-term position based in either Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. Candidates who have the legal right to work and live in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are encouraged to apply.

    FILE PHOTO: Greenpeace Philippines activists join the communities and civil society at the University of the Philippines, Quezon City in commemorating Independence Day in a peaceful solidarity activity to call on the government to scrap the proposed anti-terrorism bill. © Greenpeace / Grace Duran-Cabus

    About the Role

    Greenpeace Southeast Asia (GPSEA) takes bold, non-violent action to challenge power and create a more just, peaceful, and green future. Operating in complex and often high-risk environments, Greenpeace must ensure that our people, projects, and operations are safe, resilient, and empowered to push boundaries.

    The Regional Security Manager, will lead the development and implementation of a strong security culture and systems across all GPSEA offices and projects. He/she will provide expert advice, tools, and support to enable safe and smart risk-taking in our campaigning and engagement work ensuring that security is not a barrier to impact, but an enabler of it. This role oversees the organization’s security strategy, policies, and protocols, while also managing critical incident systems and supporting frontline staff, volunteers, and activists. This will work closely with departments across the organization to integrate security into operations, HR, actions, and campaigns, and build regional capacity for resilience and preparedness. The Regional Security Manager will ensure that Greenpeace can operate effectively and ethically in Southeast Asia’s fast-changing political and environmental landscape.

    Duties and Responsibilities:

    • Create an enabling Security Culture that continues to push boundaries, through regular staff updates, familiarization, training and integration.
    • Design and oversee a fit-for-purpose GPSEA Security System with approval processes.
    • Provide strategic advice on enhancing acceptance and resilience as a civil society actor, including the liaison with other NGOs
    • Policy and protocol development as related to safety, security, risk management and Duty of Care (employer responsibilities), including Standard Operating Procedures.
    • Arranging delivery of periodic and as-required security training.
    • Support and advice on the resolution of critical incident situations locally and regionally (on call).
    • Facilitate and strengthen our legal support system to ease smart risk taking, in line with GP Best Practices.
    • Other duties as directed by the line manager.
    • Close consultation with campaigns, actions and logistics, communications, fundraising and management staff on Smart Risk taking in projects.
    • Closely collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure Security integration into organizational processes and the GPSEA project model, from HR to Programmes.
    • Oversee and facilitate the regional security practitioners and build capacity to meet the need of the organization.
    • Closely collaborate with HR and Public Engagement and Actions to ensure GP Duty of Care Best Practices are in place for staff, contractors, volunteers and activists.
    • Manage the regional Security team adequately and ensure appropriate team capacity deployment projects.
    • Assist in the sign off and approval on campaign & communications materials, tactics and strategies that may influence security risk levels.
    • Liaise with Human Resources and Legal to ensure Greenpeace compliance with national legislation’s in Security, Health and Safety matters.
    • Liaison with GPI and other NROs on security management to ensure consistent best-practice across our global organization.
    • Manage security external contractors, including office security, specific project security and trainers.
    • Production, review and updating of all offices and projects standard operating procedures (SOPs).
    • Oversee and ensure the implementation of Security systems through monitoring, project integration and trainings.
    • Oversee, maintain and improve our Critical Incident Management Systems including a 24/7 hotline.
    • Coordinate Security and Safety induction process for new joiners across GPSEA with HR.
    • Responsibly manage the security budget and maintain secure filing system.
    • Advice and support project risk assessments, security and duty of care plans.
    • Oversight of incident reporting processes across the organization.
    • Maintain and further improve the travel security & monitoring system.
    • Advise on and ensure Site Security at our Greenpeace locations, in coordination with Administration
    • Provide up-to-date political, societal context analysis for our operating countries.
    • Overall budgetary responsibility and management of the finances for the Regional Security Unit.

    Skills and Experience Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s Degree in field of Management or with security management background preferred.
    • Proven professional training in security management or a related field or comparable work experience/certification.
    • At least 3 years working in a non-profit, campaigning organization.
    • At least 3 years of supervisory/management experience.
    • At least 5 years of experience delivering security and emergency plans and risk analysis including: physical security management; crisis; occupational health and safety; field security; and travel.

    Functional Skills:

    • Knowledge and/or experience in understanding of security and cultural issues in GPSEA operating countries.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in training, mentoring and developing staff on security issues.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in crisis management.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in developing and managing security and safety risk assessment.
    • Demonstrable understanding of security and risk management appropriate to the values and practices of Greenpeace.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in conducting security threat/risk/impact assessments and reporting.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in conducting security incident investigation and reporting.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in training personnel in general security protocols.
    • Strong skills in written and spoken English (required).
    • Knowledge and/or experience in planning, facilitating and conducting meetings or workshops.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in project management and administration.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in strategic alignment and setting the direction of unit’s project organizational objectives.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in budgeting and forecasting.

    Organizational Competencies:

    • Professionalism: Knowledge and/or experience in managing conduct and emotions in a way that represents the values and realizes the objectives of the organization.
    • Strategic Thinking & Global Mindset: Knowledge and/or experience in addressing organizational objectives by developing calculated approaches that integrate an openness to and awareness of diversity across cultures.
    • Teamwork & Communication: Knowledge and/or experience in working with others and presenting information, ideas, and positions in a clear manner that can easily be understood across diverse and multi-cultural audiences.
    • Innovation & Change: Knowledge and/or experience in reflecting creative and imaginative thinking, an openness to new ideas, and an ability to take calculated risks in order to meet organizational objectives.
    • Leadership: Knowledge and/or experience in guiding and directing the efforts of others in pursuit of clear objectives, including delegating responsibilities and providing consistent support.

    Specific Work Environment:

    • Good command in English is required.
    • Sensitive to the socio-economic cultural environment of Southeast Asia. This position requires the employee to have a flexible approach and the ability to adapt and work in different and challenging work and cultural environments, which may include flexible arrangements in working in challenging fields and work environments.

    Greenpeace’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

    Greenpeace values diversity as essential to its mission and success. The organisation fosters an inclusive environment that respects varied cultural experiences and perspectives, promoting solutions rooted in social and environmental justice.

    Deadline for applications: June 6, 2025

    Jobs

    Do you have a passion for this planet and want to do more? Work with us!

    TAKE ACTION

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: FMA confirms fintech sandbox participants

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release  
    MR No. 2025 – 12 

    The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko has announced the six fintech firms who will be testing their innovative products, services or business models in the FMA’s pilot regulatory sandbox.  

    The successful fintech firms are: 

    Fintech firm Details on their intentions
    ECDD Holdings Limited ECDD Holdings Limited (part of the exchange service Easy Crypto) intends to launch a yield bearing NZD-backed stablecoin and to generate revenue from interest earned on money held on trust in interest-bearing accounts.
    Emerge Group Limited Emerge is a digital banking alternative offering products like debit cards, current accounts, and in-app expense tracking. Customer funds are currently held in trust with a partner bank but Emerge aims to transition to higher yielding options such as government bonds. 
    Homeshare

    Homeshare offers investors the opportunity to own a fractional share of real estate, with each property divided into 1,000 equal shares. These shares are tokenised and can be bought and sold via an online platform.
    IndigiShare

    IndigiShare aims to improve access to capital for Māori entrepreneurs and small businesses. It seeks to offer Te Whare Manaaki (a koha loan platform), as a way to lower barriers to entry for indigenous businesses and enable community entrepreneurship.  
    Invest in Farming Co-op IIF (Invest in Farming) is an Australian-based cooperative that connects investors to farming by digitising ownership of livestock, aquaculture, horticulture, and agriculture. It allows investors to own a share of agricultural assets, where investment returns are unlocked on the sale of the stock or crop.
    Tandym Limited A group investment platform enabling people to form groups and build wealth together in a social and engaging way – while removing administrative burden.

    FMA Executive Director Strategy and Design Daniel Trinder says, “We offered this pilot sandbox to spur innovation for both startups and established licensed financial institutions. We received 24 applications to be part of the sandbox and went through a thorough review process to determine which of the firms would be chosen to be part of the pilot.” 

    The criteria used to determine the final six was: 

    • genuine innovation exists that is either unique or solves an existing issue, 
    • likely benefit to consumers,  
    • the product or service does not pose high risk of causing consumer harm, 
    • there is a demonstrated need to be in the sandbox, 
    • the firm is ready and has a product to test, and  
    • the management team have appropriate experience and skills to execute the sandbox testing plan. 

    “During the pilot they can test new products and services in a controlled environment, helping them to obtain a deeper understanding of supervisory expectations,” says Daniel. “The opportunity to adjust a product or service before full commercial launch may also help reduce costs for firms. 

    “We see clear benefits for the FMA too. By working closely with the firms during their time in the sandbox, we expect to gain greater insights into the benefits and risks of financial innovation and new technologies. Experiences gained through such a testing phase should allow us to react faster and more effectively to any potential regulatory and supervisory problems. It should also highlight gaps around investor and customer protection, allowing development of more appropriate and timely solutions.” 

    The FMA is committed to supporting financial services innovation and is grateful for the constructive work and support from FintechNZ throughout the process. 

    ENDS

    Background 

    You can read more about the launch of our regulatory sandbox pilot on our website

    FMA launches regulatory sandbox pilot

    Innovation

    Media contact 

    If you have any questions on this media release, please contact [email protected]  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Experienced retail investor found liable for market manipulation

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release  
    MR No. 2025 – 13

    Kok Ding Cheng, an experienced retail investor, has been ordered to pay the Crown a pecuniary penalty of $198,000, following a civil proceeding brought by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tatai Hokohoko for market manipulation.  

    The FMA’s case centred on five small orders for of NZX-listed shares of Rua Bioscience Limited (RUA) that Mr Cheng made over a 10-day period during late 2020 via a broking account he held with ASB Securities.  The Court found in making each of those five orders, which ranged from $59 to $540, Mr Cheng breached s265 of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 which prohibits trade-based market manipulation.  The Court found that Mr Cheng deliberately placed the orders for the purpose of increasing the price and/or demand for Rua shares.

    Mr Cheng did not file a statement of defence during the proceeding, and so the proceeding progressed by way of formal proof hearing.  

    FMA Head of Enforcement, Margot Gatland said, “Mr Cheng’s orders lacked a genuine commercial purpose and were instead made for the purposes of increasing the price and/or demand for RUA shares at a time when he held a material shareholding in the company.  

    “Market manipulation undermines confidence in financial markets because it means investors can’t trust prices or market activity to be genuine. We take cases of market manipulation seriously to ensure New Zealand’s markets reflect genuine supply and demand, in order to preserve their integrity and reputation.

    “We considered Mr Cheng’s conduct warranted a strong response to deter market manipulation. This case and the Judge’s ruling are important reminders that trade-based market manipulation can occur when trading through online share brokerage accounts. Investors should be careful to understand their obligations when trading online, as trading listed shares for disingenuous reasons can result in liability.” 

    The $198,000 is to be paid to the Crown after it is first applied to the FMA’s actual costs in taking the case. 

    ENDS 

    Media contact  
    If you have any questions about this media release, please contact [email protected]   

    Related links  

    FMA vs Cheng Judgment [PDF 415KB]

    FMA files market manipulation case against Kok Ding Cheng for trading of Rua shares

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Westpac to pay $3.25 million penalty for misleading customers

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release
    MR No. 2025 – 14

    Westpac is to pay a penalty of $3.25 million for misleading customers entitled to advertised discounts as well as overcharging some of its business customers. Westpac admitted its conduct in civil proceedings brought by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – at the High Court in Auckland in December 2024.

    Westpac’s breaches of the fair dealing provisions under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 (FMCA) affected a total of 24,621 customers and resulted in $6.35m in overcharges. Westpac admitted having made misrepresentations in respect of the following historic issues:

    • Customers entitled to various benefits under Westpac’s Employee, Gold and Platinum (EGP) packages failed to receive the advertised discounts
    • Personal and business banking customers failed to receive benefits under one of Westpac’s other advertised packaged arrangements
    • Westpac failed to honour agreed pricing for business customers who held a “Business Transact Account”.

    FMA Head of Enforcement, Margot Gatland, said, “Westpac’s issues stemmed from deficiencies in its systems that meant the bank failed to deliver contractually agreed discounts to their customers. Westpac used preferential pricing to attract and retain customers, without having systems that could reliably deliver on those promises.”  

    Westpac has remediated impacted customers. “The FMA acknowledges Westpac’s full cooperation throughout the FMA’s investigation, and the work it undertook to remedy the issues,” said Ms Gatland.

    “The $3.25 million penalty against Westpac reflects the number of customers affected,” Ms Gatland said. “The relationship between financial institutions and their customers must be one of trust. Customers should rightfully expect to be treated fairly and that agreements between the two parties will be honoured.”

    In his penalty decision Justice Venning said, “I accept Westpac’s submission there is no suggestion that its conduct was deliberate or wilfully misleading, nor that there was any intention to intentionally deprive customers of benefits. While it had in place systems, the systems were insufficient.”

    ENDS

    Media contact

    If you have any questions about this media release, please contact [email protected]

    Related

    FMA v Westpac – Judgment [PDF 265KB]

    Westpac admits to misleading representations that resulted in $6.35m in overcharges
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update on the Pushpay insider trading appeal

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release  
    MR No. 2025 – 15

    The Financial Market Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision on the Pushpay insider trading appeal. 

    In August 2023 the defendant was found guilty of an insider trading offence following a four-week trial in the Auckland High Court. They were sentenced to six months community detention and a fine of $100,000. In April 2024 they appealed the conviction and the High Court’s decision to refuse name suppression. The Crown also appealed the sentence, saying it was manifestly inadequate.  

    FMA Head of Enforcement Margot Gatland says, “We were pleased with the Court’s decision to uphold this conviction. Insider trading is a serious offence that undermines investor confidence in New Zealand markets. The FMA will continue to take action when we see this type of misconduct as it damages the trust and confidence in New Zealand’s financial markets and businesses.” 

    In its judgment the Court of Appeal:  

    • dismissed the appeal against conviction,  
    • dismissed the appeal against the refusal to grant name suppression, pending final decision of the conviction appeal, with the existing interim name suppression to continue for seven days post judgment, and
    • granted the Crown’s appeal against the sentence in part, increasing the fine aspect of the sentence to $200,000.  

    Name suppression continues for seven days to allow the defendant to notify family members and/or business interests in advance of name suppression lapsing.   

    ENDS

    Background

    The case, brought by the FMA, centered around the resignation and sell-down of shares of former Pushpay co-founder and Director Eliot Crowther in June 2018. The FMA considered Mr Crowther’s intention in this regard to be material information, which, if generally available, would be likely to have a material effect on the price of Pushpay’s shares at the time.  

    The FMA alleged that the defendant knew of, and used, that information to advise or encourage others to trade in the lead up to Mr Crowther’s announcement.  

    Mr Crowther’s trading was legitimate, and he was not party to the proceedings. 

    Related media releases 

    FMA alleges insider training of Pushpay shares

    Guilty verdict media release

    Media contact 

    If you have any questions about this media release, please contact [email protected]  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: FMA issues a warning on managed investment scheme

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release  
    MR No. 2025 – 16

    The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – has issued a public warning about a managed investment scheme operated by Jesse Joseph Vaughan and former NZ company Crypto Partners Limited (CPL). 

    FMA Executive Director of Response and Enforcement Louise Unger said, “We understand that Mr Vaughan, the sole director and shareholder of formerly registered company CPL, has offered investments in a managed investment scheme (MIS) operated by CPL. He did so without holding a MIS manager licence, and without providing the required disclosure, which are both contraventions of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.” 

    Mr Vaughan also told his investors in a newsletter that he had applied for a MIS manager’s licence, and that it was being reviewed by the FMA.  

    “I can confirm that neither Mr Vaughan nor CPL has ever applied to the FMA for any form of market services licence,” said Ms Unger. “One of the main purposes of the market services licensing regime is to require licensees to act with integrity, diligence and skill and in the best interests of investors using their services. We consider that CPL and Mr Vaughan’s conduct has been contrary to these obligations and investors are likely to have experienced significant detriment as a result.  

    “The FMA will continue to take actions when we see misconduct damaging the trust and confidence in New Zealand’s financial markets and businesses. We do this to both prevent and deter others from doing this and, in this case, to hold Mr Vaughan to account,” concludes Ms Unger. 

    If you are an investor in CPL, let us know  

    If you are an investor in CPL and have not received the return of your investment, or you have recently been contacted by Mr Vaughan inviting you to invest in his business, we encourage you to report the details to the FMA.  

    Media contact  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 40mph to 30mph speed limit reduction implementation to begin across the city

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    From Monday June 9, we’ll begin implementing a series of speed reduction measures, from 40mph to 30mph, in locations across the city.

    We will be installing the new speed limit signs through June and July, beginning with Biggar Road.

    Once the new 30mph speed limit signs are in place, the new speed limits will be enforceable.

    We’re urging motorists to look out for the new signage and respect the speed limit.  

    Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:

    Road safety is a key priority for us and I’m glad that we’re moving ahead with this important process. Whilst this has taken longer than we initially anticipated, I’m confident that these measures will make many of our roads across the city safer.

    The evidence is clear – lower speed limits make roads safer for everyone. A pedestrian or cyclist has twice the chance of surviving a collision at 30mph compared to 40mph. Any action that we can take to make sure all road users are safer is a positive step.

    You can view a map of the roads with new 30mph speed limits on our website.

    The full list of streets and road where we’re installing new signage and reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph is below:

    • Biggar Road
    • Calder Road
    • Frogston Brae
    • Glasgow Road (East section)
    • Glasgow Road (West section and Old Liston Road)
    • Gogar Station Road
    • Hawes Brae and Bankhead Road
    • Hillhouse Road
    • Lang Loan (section at the junction with Lasswade Road)
    • Lasswade Road
    • Milton Road, Milton Road East and Milton Link
    • Queensferry Road
    • Riccarton Mains Road
    • Sir Harry Lauder Road
    • Seafield Road
    • South Gyle Broadway
    • Straiton Road
    • West Approach Road
    • Wester Hailes Road

    Published: May 26th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: PU Prime Drives Coastal Restoration Efforts in Thailand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PU Prime, a globally recognised financial services provider, has reaffirmed its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles through a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative at the Air and Coastal Defense Command of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) in Sattahip, Thailand. Held on 22 May 2025, this one-day program focused on restoring coastal ecosystems through three key environmental activities: beach cleanup, mangrove seedling planting, and crab release.

    Driving Environmental Impact

    As part of PU Prime’s ESG framework, the initiative was structured around three key environmental activities designed to contribute meaningfully to the restoration and preservation of coastal ecosystems. Each activity was selected for its ecological relevance and alignment with regional sustainability goals.

    1. Beach Cleanup
    The beach cleanup activity targeted the removal of marine debris and non-biodegradable waste, such as plastic bottles, fishing nets, rope, and other litter found along Sattahip’s shoreline. These pollutants are a growing concern due to their detrimental impact on marine life. Sea turtles, fish, and dolphins are often endangered by such waste, risking entanglement or ingestion that can result in injury or death. By removing this waste, the initiative not only improved the local environment but also contributed to the global fight against marine pollution and microplastics.

    This cleanup effort also highlighted the power of community-driven conservation and the responsibility businesses have in safeguarding biodiversity. It sent a strong message about the importance of collective action in preserving marine habitats and preventing further environmental degradation.

    2. Mangrove Seedling Cultivation
    Another significant part of the initiative involved the planting of Avicennia marina, a species of mangrove well-suited to coastal and brackish environments. Mangroves serve as crucial coastal buffers, protecting shorelines from erosion, storm surges, and saltwater intrusion. They also provide shelter and breeding grounds for a wide range of marine and terrestrial species.

    By planting mangrove seedlings, PU Prime not only supported biodiversity but also contributed to climate mitigation. Mangrove forests are known for their exceptional capacity to sequester carbon, helping absorb atmospheric CO₂. The initiative further educated participants on the ecological, social, and economic value of mangroves—essential ecosystems that support local fisheries, sustain coastal livelihoods, and bolster eco-tourism.

    3. Crab Release
    The crab release component involved the careful reintroduction of native crab species into their natural habitat. This effort was aimed at supporting the regeneration of local marine populations, maintaining ecological balance, and strengthening food web dynamics in the area. Crabs play an essential role in benthic ecosystems by recycling nutrients, aerating sediments, and serving as prey for larger species.

    The release was carried out in collaboration with local environmental coordinators to ensure that species selection and handling adhered to best practices in marine conservation. This activity, while symbolic, formed a tangible part of PU Prime’s effort to promote sustainable marine ecosystems and enhance local biodiversity.

    A Broader ESG Vision

    PU Prime ensured the initiative was well-supported with logistical planning, including transportation, facilitators, necessary equipment, and refreshments. Activities were conducted in line with local environmental guidelines, ensuring minimal disruption and lasting positive impact.

    This CSR program illustrates PU Prime’s broader ESG vision—one that prioritises sustainable practices, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. As the company expands its global footprint, it remains dedicated to initiatives that deliver long-term environmental and societal benefits, reinforcing the belief that sustainability is vital to building a better future for all.

    About PU Prime
    Founded in 2015, PU Prime is a leading global fintech company providing innovative online trading solutions. Today, we offer regulated financial products across various asset classes, including forex, commodities, indices, and shares. Committed to providing advanced technology and educational resources, PU Prime supports traders and investors at every stage, from beginner to professional. With a presence in over 200 countries and exceeding 40 million app downloads, PU Prime is dedicated to enabling financial success and fostering a global community of empowered traders. Discover PU Prime’s latest promotions and join us for a fruitful trading journey today.

    Contact
    PU Prime
    esg@puprime.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e123e8ba-eb6f-456c-9028-821ea8fbd863

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4da0ffb-715b-44aa-bf9d-df8c66c8b0aa

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb809a99-e642-453b-aaec-decb7fb5f45c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f43f83f4-27c6-46e4-ae82-820fda40e017

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update from the International Maritime Organization

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    The work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has rolled on over the past few months. New Zealand continues to be engaged on issues that impact our maritime industry and has attended IMO meetings to represent our views.

    Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers Convention

    The Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping met in February for its 11th session (HTW11). Maritime NZ attended to pursue New Zealand’s interests in the comprehensive review of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers Convention.

    New Zealand’s primary objective for this review is to give seafarers and employers greater mobility and flexibility by allowing training and sea-going service between fishing and non-fishing roles to be recognised. To improve the implementation of STCW and reduce administrative burden New Zealand is promoting efforts to bring audit functions into the IMO Member State Audit Scheme framework. Without prejudice to countries conducting their own due diligence of States they recognise for certification purposes, this move would raise the baseline understanding of training quality systems. New Zealand has been working closely with other countries towards these goals and will continue to collaborate as the STCW review progresses. Read summary.

    Mid-term measures for the reduction of greenhouse gases from ships

    Agreeing mid-term measures for the reduction of greenhouse gases from ships is one of the most important international issues for New Zealand right now. This year there have been a series of meetings to reach consensus on what the mid-term measures should be, including what economic mechanism could be used. Discussions have focused on whether a levy should be introduced, with strong arguments on both sides.

    There has also been discussion of a bridging proposal to create steady revenues to fund the reduction of greenhouse gases from ships. It’s hoped that agreement will be reached at the Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting in April (MEPC83). If countries agree on mid-term measures they will be sent for approval to an extraordinary MEPC meeting in October 2025. These measures have the potential to significantly change the way international shipping operates in the future, the impact of which could stretch well beyond the shipping industry.

    Maritime Safety Committee

    Other IMO meetings include the Maritime Safety Committee, which had its 109th meeting in December 2024. The rules change to make pilot transfer arrangements safer was completed, which has been a key issue for New Zealand. The work now needs to get the final stamp of approval at the Assembly meeting in November before it can be implemented.

    Improvements to how the Committee works and manages its workload were also agreed to, which allowed a moratorium on new work outputs to be lifted. The Committee will start accepting new output proposals this year. New Zealand is particularly interested in the proposed reviews of the International Safety Management Code and Casualty Investigation Code. New Zealand will remain involved in the work should it be accepted by the Committee. Read summary.

    Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response

    The Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response met in January for its 12th session (PPR12). New Zealand attended this meeting in person and virtually. It progressed a wide range of work on pollution including: reviewing the Action Plan to address marine plastic litter, ongoing discussions around mandatory rules for transporting plastic pellets, agreeing draft guidelines on in-water cleaning for biofouling, and continuing work on how to regulate Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (also known as scrubbers). Read summary.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: With the support of Rosneft, MSU hosted Biologist Day

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    With the support of Rosneft, Lomonosov Moscow State University celebrated Biologist Day. The event was attended by about 6,000 people, including students and graduates of the educational institution, scientists, as well as schoolchildren and applicants interested in current issues of biology.

    MSU has been a key partner university of Rosneft since 2006. The main areas of cooperation include training and retraining of personnel and scientific research activities. The company takes part in the implementation of innovative educational projects of the University Gymnasium, which hosts lectures for students of Rosneft classes.

    As part of the Biologist’s Day, guests were presented with the latest biological research and developments in the field of neurobiology, paleontology and many other areas. Specialists from the Arctic Scientific Center of the Company told visitors about Rosneft’s research projects in the northern seas. Among them is a large-scale joint environmental project with Innopraktika and Moscow State University in the White Sea. As part of the expeditions, scientists repeated the route of the famous Soviet hydrobiologist Konstantin Deryugin, which he completed more than 100 years ago. Specialists plan to obtain data on the current state of the White Sea biota and assess the changes in the region’s ecosystems that have occurred over the past 100 years.

    In addition, everyone could take part in intellectual games, quests, and try themselves in the role of a real scientist at biology master classes. A musical concert was organized for guests on the street stage.

    Rosneft pays special attention to environmental issues and biodiversity conservation. Environmental care is an integral part of the Company’s corporate culture and social responsibility. Rosneft and its subsidiaries implement numerous grant programs to support scientific and applied projects aimed at studying and protecting rare species of animals and plants.

    Last year, Rosneft launched a new biodiversity conservation program called Tamura. Its goal is to update information on the state of key animal species in the region, including its bioindicators. By 2027, research will be conducted on the Taimyr Peninsula on reindeer, polar bears, valuable bird species, and fish in the mouth of the Yenisei River. A total of 10 expeditions will be conducted over 4 years. This year, Rosneft has already conducted two scientific expeditions to study the populations of polar bears and marine mammals in the Kara Sea. The main goal of the research in the north of Krasnoyarsk Krai and on the Yamal Peninsula is a full-scale census, assessment of the distribution of polar bears using instrumental (photo and infrared aerial photography) and aerial visual methods.

    Reference:

    In order to attract young specialists to its enterprises, Rosneft annually holds career guidance events for MSU students, organizes industrial internships, and encourages promising teachers with corporate grants and pays scholarships to the best students. The company also organizes internships for MSU students and teachers in leading Russian educational and scientific organizations. The Rosneft Scientific and Educational Center for Digital Technologies in the Oil and Gas Industry was created on the basis of the Department of Geology and Geochemistry of Fossil Fuels of the Geological Faculty of MSU, where the specialized master’s program “Digitalization in the Field of Geology of Fossil Fuels” is being implemented.

    Rosneft cooperates with 203 educational partner organizations, including 75 Russian universities. Work with educational institutions is carried out within the framework of the corporate system of continuous education “School – College/University – Enterprise”, which has been in operation since 2005 and ensures a constant influx of young specialists with a high level of training to the Company.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 26, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Key initiatives funded around the country to help reduce harm on the water

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Bay of Plenty Regional Council

    Kia marutau ki te wai

    Continuation of Safer Boating Education to Maori and Pasifika to address harm and reduce fatalities by giving them access to boating education.

    $15,000

    Bay of Plenty Regional Council

    Safety is our Wai

    Continuation of on water and boat ramp education

    $60,000

    Buller District Council

     

    Understand – Monitor – Inform

    New Programme to deliver a West Coast regional wide safer boating education and interaction programme.

    $7,356

    Canoe Racing New Zealand

     

    Try-Learn-Explore

    A programme specifically focussed on safe paddling practises, and increasing knowledge and awareness of conditions.

    $15,000

    Coastguard New Zealand Tautiaki Moana Aotearoa

    Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade Campaign

    Continuation of the Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade campaign offering discounted lifejackets and PFD’s to those who upgrade their old or damaged lifejackets across NZ.

    $80,000

    Coastguard NZ

     

    Ko Tangata Moana

    Continuation of programme to provide education and skills to recreational craft users of Māori, Pasifika and Asian descent.

    $90,000

    Environment Canterbury

     

    Canterbury Safe Boating Programme

    Continuation of programme to educate safer boating on-water and at boat ramps.

    $45,000

    Environment Southland

    Environment Southland Boating Safety Program

    Continuation of existing programme to deliver consistent boating safety education to recreational boating operators on water and on boat ramps.

    $15,000

    Gisborne District Council

    Tairāwhiti Haumaru Moana

    Continuation of promoting safer boating throughout the region, particularly in more isolated and remote coastal communities in partnership with Māori Wardens.

    $32,000

    Greater Wellington Regional Council

    Be Responsibility (for actions/for safety)

    Continuation of nationally consistent safe boating messages with a strong education push and basic messaging.

    $30,000

    Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

    Hawke’s Bay Safer Boating Programme

    Continuation of education program of delivering Safer Boating Education to high risk communities.

    $10,500

    Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (KASK)

    KayakSafe NZ

    Continuation of delivery of key kayaking safety messages through a variety of channels.

    $7,000

    Marlborough District Council

    Marlborough Boating Safety Workshop

    Continuing of educating theory and practical boat safety to recreational craft users. 

    $15,000

    Nelson City Council

    Maritime Safety Internship

    Continuation of increasing safety education and compliance for Nelson waters

    $16,265

    Nelson City Council/Tasman District Council

    Sup Water Safety Course

    Continuation of programme to educate SUP users on safety and help develop skills about informed decision making in dynamic environments.

    $5,920

    New Zealand Stand Up Paddling Inc.  (NZSUP)

    SUP SAFE

    Continuation of campaign targeted at stand up paddle boarders to increase safety behaviours. 

    $16,600

    New Zealand Sport Fishing Council Inc.

     

    Coasters and Conversations – Introducing water safety to seasoned fishos and the next generation

    New initiative that implements targeted messages that promote water safety.

    $10,000

    New Zealand Underwater Association

    Fly the Flag

    New initiative to enable boaties to access free boat dive flags & float flags.

    $3,613

    Northland Regional Council

    Nobody’s stronger then Tangaroa

    Continuation of engaging with remote communities with specific messaging and face to face engagement, and deliver lifejacket hubs.

    $80,000

    Otago Regional Council

     

    Otago Recreational Safer Boating Campaign

    New programme to expand community’s understanding of safety in Otago waterways.

    $20,000

    Queenstown Lakes District Council

    QLDC Waterways Skipper Responsibility Campaign

    Increased public messaging to promote skipper responsibility of waterways within region.

    $7,000

    Surfing New Zealand

    Surfers Rescue 24/7

    New programme to encourage and develop water rescue techniques.

    $12,500

    Tasman District Council

     

    Summer Student 2024/2025

    New programme to employ student to support safer boating messaging across the Tasman region.

    $14,790

    Tasman District Council

     

    Iwi Launch Warden

    New programme to appoint an Iwi Launch Warden in Golden Bay to increase safety awareness in remote area of the region.

    $6,000

    Waikato Regional Council

    Operation Neptune

    Continuation of on-water education engagement and enforcement while delivering safety messages

    $40,000

    Waka Ama NZ

    Building a culture of water safety for Waka Ama NZ

    Continuation of building a culture of water safety for Waka Ama NZ by CBE Waka Ama Safety Courses and Social Media campaigns. 

    $23,500

    Watersafe Auckland Inc.(Drowning Prevention Auckland)

    WaiWise for Safer Boating for Pacific Peoples, and Asian Communities

    Continuation of programme to provide specific drowning prevention education for the three at-risk communities in Tāmaki Makaurau.

    $19,482

    Watersafe Auckland Inc.(Drowning Prevention Auckland)

    Expansion of Lifejacket Hubs

    Continuation to provide hubs where people can access lifejackets and support the establishment of further hubs.

    $40,000

    Yachting New Zealand

    Yachting New Zealand Coastal Personal Safety Course

    A new programme to deliver a coastal yacht personal safety course.  

    $5,500

    $743,026

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Solo climber rescued from Boys Glacier mountain top

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    A solo climber was successfully rescued from Boys Glacier in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park this morning in a joint operation that demonstrated effective search and rescue coordination between specialist teams.

    Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre initiated an operation to locate and retrieve a male climber in his early 30s from the top of the glacier after receiving an active alert from a personal locator beacon about 5.45pm Thursday. The climber was also able to tell Police via a 111 call that he had been injured from a fall and required help.

    Maritime NZ Search and Rescue Officers contacted the Department of Conservation (DOC) Aoraki/Mount Cook Search and Rescue Team to initiate a rescue operation.

    Keith Allen, a Maritime NZ Senior Search and Rescue Officer, said there were immediate concerns for the climber’s welfare but due to poor weather and nightfall, the rescue team could not launch a helicopter operation to retrieve him until morning. Communications with the climber confirmed he was cold and wet but was able to shelter in a sleeping bag for the night.

    Helicopter vision of Boys Glacier during the rescue operation. Source: supplied.

    “Maritime New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre called the DOC SAR Team for their local knowledge and expertise,” Mr Allen said. “They were concerned for the climber’s welfare in the cold overnight, with hypothermia and frost bite real risks but determined a helicopter operation could not be launched until morning.

    “Working with the DOC specialist alpine rescue team and The Helicopter Line overnight and into the morning, we were able to coordinate the team to the climber’s location Friday morning. Weather complicated the operation with low cloud hanging around below the climber, who was at about 6000 feet altitude.

    “The climber’s shelter had been compromised during the night and he and his all of belongings had become completely saturated. However, the team was able to reach him and he was successfully rescued when weather allowed on Friday morning.

    “We had a HeliOtago air ambulance on standby, but they were not needed in the end as the climber was rewarmed and assessed by the search and rescue team and had no significant injuries.

    “The operation was a great example of how Maritime NZ Rescue Coordination Centre works with specialist teams, like the DOC Aoraki/Mount Cook SAR Team, HeliOtago, and Helicopter Line to save lives.”

    Mr Allen said the helicopter with DOC SAR team reached the climber at 8.46am.

    DOC Search and Rescue Project Lead Scotty Barrier said a helicopter was able to nose into the steep terrain so rescuers could jump out, rope together and traverse to the climber to extract him from a dangerous location which was in a potential avalanche path.

    Helicopter vision during the rescue operation. Source: supplied.

    “The climber did the right thing by using the DOC intentions system at the visitor centre, which meant staff had a good idea of his itinerary. He was also carrying a personal locator beacon which is vital equipment for those heading into the mountains.

    “The weather was challenging, and this incident is a reminder for people venturing into unforgiving terrain in the mountains in winter that the environment and weather need the utmost respect. It’s also important to carry a weatherproof shelter for emergency situations.”

    Scotty Barrier said the successful rescue was a great example of several organisations working together for the best outcome for a patient.

    Maritime NZ Rescue Coordination Centre added that anyone who has a personal locator beacon should register it so search and rescue officers can contact them or their next of kin if sends emergency signals. For information on how to register and a PLB, visit the Beacons website: www.beacons.org.nz

    Maritime NZ Media contact:
    [email protected]
    Ph: 04 499 7318

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $5 million for projects turning trash into treasure

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 26 May 2025

    Eight projects are turning old materials into innovative new products with support from the $5 million Circular Economy Investment Program.

    From a robotic pallet dismantler to a food rescue mission, the successful projects pave the way towards a less-wasteful society – where waste is never wasted.

    With grants of between $250,000 and $750,000 from the Queensland Government, recipients will revolutionise a range of key industries, rethinking how we handle waste and what it can be repurposed for.

    By prioritising keeping materials in circulation, not only will we be reducing landfill and boosting recycling rates; we will be reducing the reliance on brand-new materials.

    Acting Deputy Director-General at the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Kahil Lloyd said these projects showcase the potential to unleash economic opportunities by reducing, reusing and recycling valuable materials.

    “These projects will not only help to reduce the roughly 10 million tonnes of waste produced in Queensland each year but also innovate a range of industries and support up to 72 local jobs.

    “From a robotic pallet dismantler to innovative recycling approaches for mattresses, medical plastics and truck tarpaulins; these projects go beyond a one-size fits all approach to tackling waste.

    “Queensland is working towards becoming a zero-waste society with ambitious targets to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible.

    “For every three jobs in landfill, there are nine jobs in recycling.

    “The Queensland Government is developing a new Queensland Waste Strategy to help boost recycling and unlock economic opportunities.

    “These projects are a great example of how we can support Queensland businesses and capitalise on the opportunities that come from reducing, reusing and recycling.

    Learn more about the Circular Economy Investment Program successful projects.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace Calls for Global Recognition and Urgent Actions at the First Global Congress of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities from the 3 Forest Basins

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Brazzaville, Republic of Congo — May 26, 2025 — Greenpeace is delighted to support and endorse the first World Congress of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities of Forest Basins, scheduled for May 26-30, 2025 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. This historic gathering brings together indigenous leaders, community representatives, conservationists and international allies determined to defend the planet’s most critical forest ecosystems.

    Villagers of Lokolama welcome the international Expedition Team on their arrival. A team from Greenpeace Africa are working with local partners to conduct scientific research in the village of Lokolama, 45 km from Mbandaka. The team aim to identify the presence of tropical peatlands in the region, and to measure its depth. © Kevin McElvaney / Greenpeace

    Forests across the Amazon, Congo and Borneo-Mekong–Papua-Southeast Asia are cradles of biodiversity and cultural heritage. These critical ecosystems hold the key to the planet’s climate stability—yet they are under relentless threat from deforestation, illegal logging, land grabbing, and extractive industries. Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities have been the true custodians of these lands for generations, harnessing ancient knowledge and sustainable practices that are vital in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.

    Bonaventure Bondo, Forest Campaigner for the Congo Basin at Greenpeace Africa, declared:

    “Indigenous peoples and Local Communities are the guardians of the world’s remaining forest. In the Congo Basin, they implement local solution-based initiatives to protect forests and preserve biodiversity using their traditional knowledge. This Congress is a call to the World: Recognize and co-power Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to lead the way in sustainably protecting our forests—for their well-being and the future of the entire planet.”

    Romulo Batista, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Brazil, emphasized:

    “In the Amazon, Indigenous Peoples protect millions of hectares of forest in their demarcated and undemarcated territories. Global leaders and international financiers should respect their territories and invest in their solutions, not in agribusiness and mining activities that threaten and invade their lands, forests and rivers.”

    Amos Sumbung, Forest Campaigner at Greenpeace Southeast Asia (Indonesia), insisted:

    “In Southeast Asia, our forests are being ripped apart faster than ever. The largest remaining forest  in this region is Papua – Indonesia, which should not be destroyed and should be defended at all costs.  Indigenous leadership is the only way to stop this destruction. This gathering must be a turning point—where Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities voices are heard, and their rights are prioritized in global climate policies.”

    As a staunch supporter of environmental justice and the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Greenpeace urges the global community and calls on governments, international organizations, and civil society to:

    • Recognize and uphold the tenure rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
    • Ensure direct access to finance for  Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to lead and scale up their own forest solutions initiatives.
    • Incorporate Indigenous knowledge into climate and biodiversity science and policies at all levels.
    • Commit to concrete actions that protect both forests and the cultures that depend on them.

    Together, we can build a future where forests thrive, biodiversity flourishes, and Indigenous Peoples are co-powered as stewards of the planet.The future of the planet depends on the guardianship of its Indigenous peoples and Local Communities. Greenpeace stands with them in demanding urgent actions.

    Contacts:

    Raphael Mavambu, Media and Communications, [email protected], Greenpeace Africa

    Tracy Makheti, Global Digital & Engagement Lead, [email protected], Greenpeace Africa

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Safer Boating Week: A plea to everyone hitting the water

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Come home safe.

    Maritime NZ and its Safer Boating Forum partners want every recreational craft user to put steps in place to ensure they return home from their time on the water with good memories, not injuries, or, even worse, fatalities.

    MNZ and the Safer Boating Forum, want everyone who heads out to come home safe.

    Safer Boating Week is about getting safety to the forefront of the minds of recreational craft users as they start flocking to the water.

    Maritime NZ’s 2022 Recreational Fatal Accidents report states that last year 17 people died tragically, or were reported missing and never found.

    “This is a sobering statistic, and one the Safer Boating Forum and our members are dedicated to bringing down,” Sharyn Forsyth, Chair of the Safer Boating Forum, says.

    “Our Forum members span right across the recreational craft space, from jet boating through to stand up paddle boarding, and each activity has its own risks to manage.

    “Through Maritime NZ’s community grant funding, organisations all over the country are running programmes to bring down instances of harm.

    “In 2022 we saw fatal incidents occurring on powerboats, dinghies, kayaks and jet skis, and it is important a targeted approach is taken to preventing harm on recreational crafts.”

    Almost all of these fatal incidents occurred one nautical mile from shore, or on lakes and rivers.

    “It doesn’t matter whether you are close to shore, tragedy can strike anywhere and that is why it is critical to prepare before heading out onto the water,” Maritime NZ Harm Prevention Lead – Recreational Craft Victoria Slade says.

    “If you’re planning to head out on the water make sure to check the marine forecast, take two forms of waterproof communication to call for help, and always wear a properly fitting lifejacket.”

    Thirteen of the 17 fatalities occurred when people were capsized or thrown overboard, which is why it is very important to wear a properly fitting life jacket.

    “New Zealand is an island nation and conditions can quickly change. A day can start calm, causing a false sense of security. This has especially been the case for users of low powered or human powered vessels,” Victoria Slade says.

    Canoers and kayakers represented nearly a third of those who died in recreational craft incidents in 2022.

    “Just because you are going out in a small vessel near to shore doesn’t mean you are immune to risks. The weather can change quickly so you need to regularly assess the weather conditions and head back to shore if conditions change. Smaller crafts such as kayaks can easily capsize in larger waves and be battered by high winds which can make situations very dangerous,” Victoria Slade says.

    “Of the 17 people who died or went missing in recreational accidents in 2022, 16 of those were male. The ‘she’ll be right’ attitude of a lot of NZ males needs to be left at home when heading out onto the water. Remember, your family needs you home safely.”

    For more information about how to plan before you head out, ways to be safe on the water, how to maintain your boat, and how to safely use different types of recreational crafts saferboating.org.nz

    Come home safe. Kia Mataara.

    Key water user and 2022 fatality report statistics:

    • 2022: 17 deaths (spread across 16 incidents)
      • The 17 fatal accidents that occurred in 2022 placed that year approximately at the 10 year average of 18 deaths
    • Of those who died in recreational craft incidents last year:
      • 17 of the 16 people were male
      • The median age was 53 years old
      • 12 were not wearing a lifejacket when they entered the water
      • 12 of 17 people died in spring and summer
      • All fatalities occurred in a vessel that was 6m or less in length
    •  nine deaths of the 17 were due to a capsize, a further four was overboard
    • Basic vessel type:
      • six deaths on a Kayak/Canoe
      • five deaths on a dinghy
      • four deaths on a power boat
    • Only seven percent of those surveyed say they create detailed plans of their trip. 31% don’t do any planning at all.
    • Things considered before and during trips to ensure saftey:
      • 42% have lifejackets
      • 38% know/ check the forecast
      • 11% have a phone

    Note to editors:

    The Safer Boating Forum (Forum) is a network representing a crosssection of national and regional government agencies, local body groups, organisations and the marine industry, involved in promoting recreational boating safety in Aotearoa New Zealand.
    The purpose of the Forum is to work together to develop and implement a recreational strategy for Aotearoa to support agreed safety policy, communications, education, compliance and regulation activities.
    Maritime NZ leads the Forum and works with Forum members to coordinate safe boating activities.

    Maritime New Zealand
    Auckland Transport
    Coastguard New Zealand
    Drowning Prevention Auckland
    Environment Canterbury
    Greater Wellington Regional Council
    Insurance Council of NZ
    Jet Boating New Zealand
    Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers
    Metservice
    New Zealand Marine Industry Association
    New Zealand Police
    New Zealand Search and Rescue Council
    New Zealand Sport Fishing Council
    New Zealand Underwater Association
    NZ Stand Up Paddling
    Northland Regional Council
    Queenstown Lakes District Council
    Rowing New Zealand
    Surf Lifesaving New Zealand
    Swimming New Zealand
    Te Manatu Waka
    Waikato Regional Council
    Waka Ama New Zealand
    Water Safety New Zealand
    Yachting New Zealand

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –