HONOLULU – A live snake was captured in the backyard of a Kaimukī residence by agriculture inspectors from the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) on Sunday night. The homeowner said he saw the snake in the afternoon and initially thought it was a child’s toy. Later in the evening, he noticed it was moving and called 911. Honolulu police officers on the scene contacted inspectors from the Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB) at about 10:15 p.m. and sent photos of the snake. A team from PQB arrived at the home around 11:30 p.m. and used snake tongs to capture the three-and-a-half foot snake.
The snake has been identified as a non-venomous ball python. While being captured and handled, PQB inspectors noted the snake was very docile, likely making it an escaped pet. The snake is being safeguarded at the PQB.
Snakes are illegal to import and/or possess in Hawaiʻi. Individuals who have illegal animals are encouraged to turn them in under the amnesty program. The amnesty program allows individuals to voluntary surrender illegal animals and no criminal or civil penalties will be assessed if done before an investigation is initiated. Any illegal animal may be dropped off at any HDOA Office, local Humane Society or at municipal zoos. Animals turned in under amnesty will not be euthanized.
Individuals possessing illegal animals may be charged with a class C felony, issued fines of up to $200,000, and may be sentenced to up to five years in prison. Anyone with information on illegal animals should call the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE at 808-643-PEST (7378).
Snakes have no natural predators in Hawaiʻi and pose a serious threat to Hawai‘i’s environment because they compete with native animal populations for food and habitat. Many species, such as the ball python, prey on birds and bird eggs, increasing the threat to our endangered native bird species. Large snakes may also be a threat to the health and safety of humans, pets and other domestic animals. Ball pythons may grow up to six feet in length and are common in the pet trade on the mainland.
The ten actions, pictured and described in further detail below, are important for several reasons.
First, the consultative process to get there was comprehensive and all-inclusive. A total of 130 countries participated across four distinct regions (Africa, Europe and Central Asia, Americas and the Caribbean and Arab States), bringing a diverse set of opinions, needs and expectations. In the end, more than 4,000 individual participants shared their knowledge and expertise.
The agreed-upon actions are representative of this crucial and comprehensive consultation process, with a particular focus on people. For example, Priority Action 9 aims to “Localize recovery through community leadership and empowerment.” Key methods to achieve this goal include strengthening the role of local governments and rural and urban governance in recovery readiness, ensuring they have the authority, resources, and capacity to act effectively as they are in the first line of response.
In addition, creating flexible financing mechanisms that channel funds directly to local actors and frontline responders is also crucial. These tenets of governance and financing were previously discussed in two key webinars in the build-up to WRRC. Finally, the global DRR community must also institutionalize inclusive consultation processes with native and indigenous communities, marginalized and high-risk populations in recovery planning.
A renewed focus on people and human recovery
Similarly, Priority Action 2 emphasizes strengthening the international community’s capacity to “Build and sustain institutional and human capacity for recovery.” In his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for this year’s WRRC, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR Kamal Kishore highlighted that the change in name from World Reconstruction Conference (WRC) to World Resilient Recovery Conference (WRRC) is a part of an intentional “shift in focus from reconstructing physical assets to ensuring human recovery.” He further added that, “It is not just important to reconstruct schools and houses and hospitals that have been damaged in an earthquake or a cyclone, but it is even more important that children have access to safe learning spaces, hospitals provide services [and] infrastructure is built to better standards so that it continues to facilitate livelihoods of communities that it seeks to serve.”
SRSG Kishore also emphasized the importance of Priority 4 of the Sendai Framework and its emphasis on “Build Back Better”, which was echoed by Mr. Hiroaki Hara, Vice Minister for Policy Coordination of the Cabinet Office in Japan, and co-chair of the International Recovery Platform (IRP). In his remarks, Vice Minister Hara noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake in Japan, and that “the recovery from this earthquake generated the initial concept of ‘Build Back Better’ for a disaster-resilient society.” He went on to say that “Today’s conference will set an important milestone by focusing particularly on strengthening recovery readiness at national and local levels.”
Emphasizing implementation and the way forward
Beyond the launch itself, the emphasis now shifts to implementation of the Priority Actions. Several key events in the coming months will offer the DRR community opportunities to track progress. These include the High-level Policy Forum on Recovery in September 2025, Regional Dialogues on Resilient Recovery, and the roll-out of the IRP Recovery Readiness Assessment Framework.
During the closing ceremony of the WRRC, Ms. Paola Albrito, Director of UNDRR, emphasized this way forward when she said that, “The International Recovery Platform will move ahead with implementation in close coordination with member states and other relevant partners. This includes convening a high-level political forum on recovery in September of this year to scale our commitment. At the regional level, we will use the regional dialogues on resilient recovery to ensure the regional perspectives and needs are fully integrated. And at the national level…a top priority will be the roll-out of the recovery readiness assessment to support countries in evaluating and strengthening their preparedness for resilient recovery. Let’s move forward, united in purpose and bold in action.”
UNDRR Director Paola Albrito presents the first five Priority Actions
Ambassador Christian Frutiger, Assistant Director General and Head of the Global Cooperation Domain said, “[I am] very proud to launch the Priority Actions to Enhance Readiness for Resilient Recovery. These are not just technical recommendations. They are a call to action for national and local governments and partners to join hands in enhancing readiness for resilient recovery. It is important to emphasize that the 10 priority actions are not stand-alone measures. They are interconnected pieces of a larger puzzle.” A short intermission between the presentation of the first five and second five priorities featured a performance by the percussion band KomandoBidon, to spur attendees onwards. “Let’s follow the drumbeat to action”, Ambassador Fruitger said. “We leave here with a clear set of priority actions; concrete steps we can put into practice. Now is the moment to invest, in readiness, in partnerships and in people. Let us carry this momentum into the 8th session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. Let us stay connected…and commit to turn our priorities into lasting impact.”
The human cost of disasters includes lost livelihoods, homes, and cultural ties to landscapes. Where livelihoods are already fragile and being eroded, a disaster-induced displacement of even a few days can damage economic opportunities for years to come. So, the human dimension of recovery remains central to discussions as delegates convened for a second day in several preparatory events for the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR), namely: the World Resilient Recovery Conference, the Third Stakeholder Forum on DRR, and the Global Early Warning for All Multistakeholder Forum (EW4All).
The GPDRR official programme was launched with a high-level roundtable event at lunchtime and a formal opening ceremony in the afternoon, followed by an official reception.
Official programme
Opening
Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and head of UNDRR, opened the event highlighting the exceptional urgency and importance of delivering on the Sendai Framework. He underscored how communities were coming together and the need to learn from their initiatives, imagination, and resourcefulness, and called for commitment from all actors.
Recalling the recent loss of a Swiss village to a glacier landslide, Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, commented that “early warning saves lives but cannot save glaciers from disappearing.” She stressed that disasters and their cascading effects annually cost up to USD 3.2 trillion and noted that record-breaking disasters make entire regions uninsurable. She called for risk-informed development across all sectors; scaled-up public and private investments in resilience; and national financial frameworks that align with adaptation needs.
Ignazio Cassis, Minister, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland, observed that, “Risk today is everywhere. Fires are where wetlands were centuries ago.” Noting that the GPDRR2025 is the last Global Platform before the 2030 deadline, he urged that countries deliver on the Sendai Framework, apply science and artificial intelligence, and adopt risk mitigation metrics to mobilize and foster resources.
Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General.
After a musical performance on the Hang Drum and a choreographed presentation by Sendai4Youth, Patricia Danzi, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, opened the Eighth Session of the GPDRR.
Enhancing national DRR governance by 2030—A dialogue among national platforms for DRR
In opening remarks to this high-level event, Kishore observed that the risk landscape platform is becoming increasingly complex. He recommended strengthening national DRR platforms and embedding risk reduction into national policies and frameworks; ensuring sustainable and predictable finance with policies matching sustainable long-term plans; and having a common risk assessment framework to support national entities with proper data and analytics.
Speaking on behalf of the host country, Franziska Schmid, Swiss National Platform for Natural Hazards (PLANAT), described the work of PLANAT and highlighted challenges, including overlapping reporting mechanisms and strategies among national government entities focused on resilience. She stressed the importance of addressing duplication, developing appropriate tools, such as hazard maps and building permits, and ensuring crisis management provisions are actually functional.
Discussions then followed in a roundtable format, moderated by Paola Albrito, UNDRR. Albrito invited delegates to: describe the demonstrated impact of their National Platforms for DRR, share lessons learned, identify remaining gaps in DRR governance, and highlight ways and opportunities to boost Sendai Framework implementation by 2030.
View of the room during the Dialogue Among National Platforms for DRR.
In their interventions, many called for collaboration among regional and country partners. Speakers included the Deputy Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tajikistan, as well as many ministers and high-level government representatives. They highlighted lessons and challenges, including: enhancing preparedness through strengthening and modernizing approaches; improving planning and promoting concrete analyses from real-life situations at the grassroots; and mobilizing adequate financing and developing technical expertise to adequately prepare communities.
The Stakeholder Forum continued its deliberations throughout the day, concluding in the afternoon with reflections by supporters and participants of the Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism.
Spotlight session—Early warning for all
Moderator Rebecca Murphy, Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), invited the UNDRR Stakeholder Forum and the Multi-Stakeholder EW4All communities to combine efforts in crafting action points for the 2025 Global Platform on DRR.
In the keynote, Gavin White, Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP), summarized common themes in Early Warning, noting that: preparing for disasters is about inclusiveness, honest communication and trusting the person who is providing the guidance; and early warning systems (EWS) can act as a bridge overcoming the silo approaches among different DRR stakeholders. Panelists suggested that: while no system can predict with 100% certainty what shape hazards will take, it is crucial to build trust and understand local contexts; response planners should establish appropriate actions to follow early warnings; emergency systems must be tailored to communities’ experiences so that people can distinguish between different disasters and respond uniquely to each threat; both elderly and youth can inform EWS and response planning; and conflict zones require unique solutions that consider the fragility and power dynamics within communities.
Bridging the gap: Critical media’s role in strengthening alerts and enhancing disaster preparedness
Giacomo Mazzone, Media Saving Lives, moderated the session. Matthieu Rawolle, EBU Media Intelligence Service, shared examples of how terrestrial radio networks remained uninterrupted and accessible during disasters, and are used to inform the public and facilitate emergency response, especially when mobile phone and internet services are interrupted. He concluded that radio is an essential communication medium in times of crisis and requires investment.
Raditya Jati, Deputy Minister of System and Strategy, National Disaster Management Authority, Indonesia, emphasized the need for media to go beyond reporting on casualties and housing collapse, and to incorporate education for people to prepare for disasters.
Event rooms remained full throughout the day.
Noting that UNDRR is the first UN agency that recognized media’s role in crises, Natalia Ilieva, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, described the Media Saving Lives collaboration between the World Broadcasting Unions and UNDRR that focuses on shifting media perspectives from reactive to proactive reporting, showing the real causes for disasters and instructing people on how to avoid harm. Grégoire Ndjaka, African Broadcasting Union, highlighted the reach of radio in Africa extending to places without electricity supply. Orengiye Fyneface, African Broadcasting Union, discussed trust challenges with journalism as a disaster information source in Africa, pointing to bureaucratic hurdles that prevent journalists from reaching scientists.
Shaping a sustainable tomorrow: Aligning the Sendai Midterm Review with the Pact for the Future
Abraham Bugre, University of Regina, moderated this session. In her opening remarks, Toni-Shae Freckleton, UNDRR, called for transitioning from short-term responses to long-term prevention. She stated that the Pact for the Future embeds DRR and resilience building.
Juan Carlos Uribe Vega, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) highlighted gaps in understanding localization and the importance of local-level governance. Jekulin Lipi Saikia, GNDR, called for a focus on listening to and working with communities, improving financial access, and increasing citizen science. Amber Fletcher, University of Regina, emphasized the role of community-driven actions, citizen science, and community engagement in reaching the diverse range of local voices. In the ensuing discussion, attendees identified communication disconnection, lack of funding, and localization among the persistent gaps between global networks and local realities.
Closing session
Tanjir Hossain, UNDRR Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism (SEM), moderated the closing session. Jamie Cummings, SEM, recalled her own experience of disaster when Hurricane Helene struck her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. Describing how volunteers had operated a traditional Appalachian mule brigade to transport life-saving medications to mountain communities after roads were destroyed, she reflected that, “communities who know the land most, hold the solutions.” Martin Schuldes, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), stressed that “the substance and spirit” of the conference must translate into concrete action.
Jilhane El Gaouzi, African Union Commission, urged all concerned to “be realistic and speed up implementation,” given that only five years remain until the Sendai Framework deadline.
View of the panel during the Closing Session of the Stakeholder Forum.
World Resilient Recovery Conference
At the opening of this one-day event, Mutale Nalumongo, Vice-President, Zambia, highlighted Zambia’s promotion of climate-resilient agriculture through promotion of drought-tolerant crop varieties, access to weather-based insurance and investment in EWS, including advisories to farmers. Following further opening remarks by speakers, two plenaries and several thematic sessions took place during the day.
Plenary 1—Taking stock of current recovery practices
Carolina Fuentes Castellanos, Director, Santiago Network Secretariat, moderated the session.
Sujit Mohanty, UNDRR, noted the high costs of reconstruction and the difficulties of countries that are perpetually in a state of recovery from one disaster after another, pointing to the need to address institutional fragmentation.
Renato Umali Solidum, Jr., Department of Science and Technology, Philippines, advocated for greater cohesion between DRR and climate action as being “two sides of the same coin.” He called for transparent grant-based governance to reach at-risk commuities and address both slow-onset and sudden disasters.
Leon Lundy, Minister of State Office, The Bahamas, highlighted the launch of The Bahamas’ National Disaster Risk Management Authority. He drew attention to the 2022 Act mandating public body disaster plans, including continuity plans, restoration timelines, and staff redeployment protocols to ensure essential services can be maintained or rapidly restored after a disaster.
Krishna Swaroop Vatsa, National Disaster Management Authority, India, highlighted allocation of 30% of the Authority’s funds for recovery and reconstruction, which are released through an assessment-based process.
Fuentes Castellanos offered countries the Secretariat’s support for structuring technical assistance requests.
Plenary 2—From commitment to action: Leadership for resilient recovery
Shivangi Chavda, GNDR, moderated the session.
Guangzhe Chen, World Bank, described the World Bank’s recent transition to supporting infrastructure resilience efforts. He invited countries to access the Bank’s preparedness and response toolkit to strengthen their disaster reduction policies, citing recent examples from Malawi, Albania, and Madagascar.
On financial instruments, panelists explored ways to distribute more rapid financial support, including through multi-dimensional approaches.
On displacement following disasters, Rania Sharshr, International Organization for Migration (IOM), emphasized that one of the greatest needs of governments is access to reliable and accurate data on how displaced people have been impacted, and guidance on how to integrate these people into existing communities.
The session concluded with the presentation of the Resilient Recovery Framework by Abhilash Panda, UNDRR.
Thematic sessions
Further sessions took place through the day. Besides the three sessions reported here, delegates took part in other Stakeholder Forum sessions on governance mechanisms, unlocking financial potential, housing reconstruction, and multi-hazard EWS.
Restoring livelihood: Solutions for disaster-induced displacement and resilient recovery
Mona Folkesson, UN Development Coordination Office (DCO), moderated the session.
Emad Adly, Arab Network for Environment and Development, highlighted water scarcity as a key issue for the region and local-level coordination as a key challenge. Alexandra Bilak, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), cited experience from the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake in Nepal to show how livelihood erosion influences the severity of displacement.
Ibrahim Osman Farah, Vice President, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia, described livelihood restoration during return and resettlement of internally displaced persons, through ensuring cultural access to land, water, schools, and income-generating opportunities as long-term resilience-based approaches.
Tasneem Siddiqui, University of Dhaka, recounted how students were a driving force for the university’s Refugee and Migration Research Unit, which now has formed Adaptation Committees in many local areas and supports implementation of national policies on livelihood diversification and skills training. She urged treating displacement not as a humanitarian issue, but as a human rights one.
Aslam Perwaiz, Executive Director, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, emphasized skill development with local communities and SMEs to create livelihood options for displaced communities.
Driving resilience: The critical role of private sector’s operational readiness for resilient recovery
Moderator, Cedrick Moriggi, Corporate Chief Resilience Officer Network, emphasized connecting the corporate world with the UNDRR world. Ommid Saberi, International Finance Corporation, recommended investing in the “economics of families,” or small businesses, saying even small government incentives can mobilize large funds from the private sector. Dorothee Baumann-Pauly, University of Geneva, said human rights are the enablers for resilience. Jonathan Rake, Swiss Re Solutions, highlighted the need for the private sector to engage locally and to develop and combine social programmes with parametric solutions. Chris Ulatt, Octopus, said upfront investment to boost resilience is the right move, but observed that few investors will remain for the duration of an investment. Kerry Hinds, Department of Emergency Management, Barbados, described an audit tool to ascertain risks and priorities for public-private partnerships, noting the tool helps standardize and trigger business continuity protocols for disaster risk management.
Turning experience into action: learning from large-scale disasters
Dilanthi Amaratunga, Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System, moderated the session.
Banak Joshua Dei Wal, South Sudan’s DRR Focal Point, highlighted the need to work together and identify risks for Sendai Framework implementation to be effective.
Saini Yang, Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR), emphasized that China’s National Flood Prevention System has proven effective, with more than an 80% decrease in flood mortality rates over the last 20 years.
Guy Gryspeert, Honeywell, defined resilience as the capability of preventing a crisis by having awareness and planning in place.
Ali Hamza Pehlivan, Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), Türkiye, highlighted the usefulness of their National Disaster Response Plan during the 2023 earthquake. Makiko Ohashi, Cabinet Office of Japan, noted the utility of planning on the assumption that a mega-disaster may occur at any time and of reviewing DDR plans in the aftermath of disasters.
Participants engage in discussions between sessions throughout the day.
Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) Multistakeholder Forum
After thematic sessions during the day, EW4All concluded its discussions. Gavin White, Risk-Informed Early Action Partnership, moderated the closing session. Panelists highlighted the importance of focusing on preparedness and developing trust, the need to shift perspectives toward a systemic approach to EWS, and the need to increase private funding.
In closing remarks, Andrea Hermenejildo, Deputy Secretary General for Risk Management, Ecuador, stressed EWS is not only a technical issue, but also involves social justice. Paola Albrito, Director, UNDRR, emphasized that EW4All is both needed and achievable. Noting the central role of local communities, she underlined that resilience is built with communities.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, International Telecommunication Union, underlined that scaling-up EWS requires partnerships and breaking silos across economic sectors, UN agencies and industries.
Jagan Chapagain, Secretary-General, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), stressed that inclusive action and investment in EW4All is essential.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), stated that having EWS in just 108 countries is neither sufficient nor acceptable, and called for closing this “justice gap” by providing EWS worldwide and accelerating the transformation needed to protect every person on Earth.
MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT NON-LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION
on the proposal for a Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union
–having regard to the Commission proposal of 2 October 2024 for a Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union (COM(2024)0446),
–having regard to the draft Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union (C10‑0012/2025),
–having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 207(4), first subparagraph, and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10-0012/2025),
–having regard to the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the European Union (FLEGT)[1],
–having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2173/2005 of 20 December 2005 on the establishment of a FLEGT licensing scheme for imports of timber into the European Community[2],
–having regard to Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the market[3](EU Timber Regulation),
–having regard to Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010[4](EU Deforestation Regulation),
–having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM(2019)0640),
–having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal[5],
–having regard to its resolution of 16 September 2020 on the EU’s role in protecting and restoring the world’s forests[6],
–having regard to its resolution of 22 October 2020 with recommendations to the Commission on an EU legal framework to halt and reverse EU-driven global deforestation[7],
–having regard to the Paris Agreement and to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework on halting and reversing nature loss,
–having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the other part[8],
–having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
–having regard to the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forest and Land Use,
–having regard to its legislative resolution of [XXXX][9]on the draft Council decision,
–having regard to Rule 107(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
–having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Development,
–having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0094/2025),
A.whereas the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union (FLEGT) entered into force on 1 December 2011 and is one of the first agreements of this kind to be concluded; whereas the VPA’s objective is to provide a framework of legislation, systems, controls and verification procedures to ensure that all timber exports from Cameroon into the EU market have been acquired, harvested, transported and exported legally;
B.whereas Cameroon has over 18 million hectares of forest, which accounts for approximately 40 % of its national territory; whereas Cameroon is Africa’s largest exporter of tropical hardwoods to the EU; whereas illegal logging and forest conversion, enabled by poor forest governance and driven by trade, are major contributors to deforestation in Cameroon; whereas 900 000 hectares of forest cover were lost between 2011 and 2022, representing 5 % of the country’s forest cover during this period;
C.whereas nearly half of the total exports from Cameroon are directed to European markets, with timber as the third most important product after oil and cocoa; whereas all three of these sectors generally contribute to deforestation, and the growth of their production is part of Cameroon’s national development strategy for 2020-2030;
D.whereas all shipments of timber and timber products from Cameroon destined for the EU market should comply with the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) requiring operators to perform due diligence checks to ensure the timber products they place on the EU market are legal; whereas since 2015, Cameroon has been developing a timber legality assurance system (TLAS), as required by the VPA; whereas to date, Cameroon has not fully established the TLAS and thereby cannot qualify for a FLEGT licence; whereas the TLAS is based on a legality definition, supply chain controls, verification of compliance, FLEGT licensing and an independent audit; whereas this legality verification system is not yet operational;
E.whereas the purpose and expected benefits of FLEGT VPAs go beyond the facilitation of trade in legal timber, as they are also designed to bring about systemic changes in forest governance, law enforcement, transparency and the inclusion of various stakeholders in the political decision-making process, including indigenous and local communities and civil society organisations;
F.whereas the FLEGT licensing scheme, which forms an integral part of the VPA, was expected to be in place within five years of the reform of the legal framework; whereas this licensing scheme is not yet in place, implying that the VPA between the EU and Cameroon is not operational to date; whereas the EU FLEGT VPA programme, coordinated by the French Development Agency, was not implemented in Cameroon as planned for the years 2021-2025;
G.whereas the forest reform, launched in 2008 with the aim of revising the 1994 forest code, was finalised in July 2024 with the publication of the new Forest Code; whereas illegal logging is conducted partly on the basis of small logging titles (ventes de coupe) that do not require management plans and are more difficult to control compared to the oversight of large-scale concessions; whereas the national control systems are not operational, due to corruption and insufficient resources, so enforcement and governance remain weak, making it possible for illegal and unsustainable logging operations to continue;
H.whereas the development of the legality verification module in the traceability system is still pending, and the little progress made so far has not been independently audited, which would help build its credibility;
I.whereas Cameroon has not been able to meet its VPA obligations over the last 10 years and the governance of the forest sector has worsened despite the existence of the VPA;
J.whereas timber exports have shifted to Asian markets, particularly China and Vietnam diluting the economic incentive of the VPA, and consequently the relevance of the FLEGT licence; whereas Vietnam has become the second largest market for Cameroonian timber (after China), while Cameroon has become the largest supplier of tropical logs to Vietnam (accounting for 25 % of the logs imported between 2016 and 2019, in value); whereas a large part of timber trade flows concerns illegal logging, which deprives the Government of Cameroon of revenue and local communities of shared benefits; whereas the United States and the EU supported discussions between Cameroon and Vietnam to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of improving the transparency of the timber trade between both countries; whereas transparency and traceability in timber trade flows are essential for the credibility of legality assurance schemes; whereas, in this context, the EU should continue encouraging partner countries to strengthen import controls and ensure that timber sourced from them complies with legal requirements under national and VPA frameworks;
K.whereas the Cameroon-EU VPA entered into force in 2011; whereas, despite the initial positive impacts on legal reform, multi-stakeholder participation, access to information and transparency, the VPA process was stalled in 2018; whereas the parties agreed in 2023 to undertake a joint VPA review, with the resulting report presenting four options for next steps, one of which was termination of the VPA by consensus; whereas this report was not made public until after the Commission notified the Council of the decision to terminate; whereas the Commission made the unilateral call to end the partnership;
L.whereas key exports from Central Africa to the EU include timber, cocoa and tropical fruits; whereas the EU and the Republic of Cameroon signed a provisional Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in 2009, which remains in force as an interim arrangement while negotiations on a full regional EPA for Central Africa are ongoing; whereas future EU-Cameroon cooperation should aim to align trade policy instruments with sustainability goals, particularly under the EU Deforestation Regulation, in order to promote consistency, mutual benefit and predictability for operators on both sides;
M.whereas the VPA is tacitly renewed every seven years, unless one party terminates it by notifying the other party of its decision at least 12 months before the expiry of the current seven-year period; whereas each party may terminate the VPA at any time by notifying the other party; whereas the VPA is terminated 12 months following that notification;
N.whereas the continuation of the VPA could affect the credibility of the EU as a global champion of forest protection, sustainable and multifunctional agroforestry, soil and landscape protection, biodiversity, local rural economy and human rights standards and the integrity of VPAs as EU trade instruments; whereas the unilateral termination of the agreement could also tarnish the reputation of the EU as a reliable forestry actor and defender;
O.whereas in its communication of 7 November 2024 on a strategic framework for international cooperation engagement, the Commission suggests that forest partnerships could build on or even replace VPAs; whereas, despite the challenges, VPAs have proven to be a key instrument in laying the groundwork for improved forest governance; whereas VPAs are legally binding agreements that can be complemented by forest partnerships; whereas there is a lack of information regarding the impacts of existing forest partnerships on the improvement of governance; whereas the Commission has not informed Parliament of the criteria underpinning its engagement in forest partnerships; whereas this failure to involve Parliament prior to developing partnerships with third countries has already occurred in the past; underscores the need for the EU to remain firmly committed to other existing VPAs;
P.whereas a move away from the VPA model towards more extractive agreements such as raw materials partnerships or non-binding memoranda of understanding will undermine the EU’s credibility when it comes to the protection of biodiversity and the fight against deforestation;
Q.whereas civil society in Cameroon is increasingly confronted with hostility and a shrinking space; whereas a circular published on 13 August 2024 obliges NGOs active in the forest sector to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife;
1.Highlights that deforestation and forest degradation are key environmental challenges and are among the main drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss, while also having major negative social and economic impacts on producing communities and countries, especially on the more vulnerable parts of society and groups such as indigenous communities;
2.Highlights that the environmental damage caused by deforestation will have hugely negative social and economic consequences for communities engaged in forestry;
3.Recalls that the Samoa Agreement[10]between the EU and its Member States, and the Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States reaffirms that the parties must promote a multi-stakeholder approach, enabling the active engagement of a wide variety of actors in partnership dialogue and cooperation processes, including parliaments, local authorities, civil society and the private sector, that inclusive partnership dialogue and action tailored to the specificities of the parties are the main tools to achieve these objectives, and that there is a need for a high level of environmental protection, while committing to halting deforestation and forest degradation as a means of protecting ecosystemsas well as vulnerable communities and indigenous people, preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change;
4.Recalls that sustainable and inclusive forest management and governance are essential for achieving the objectives set out in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework on halting and reversing nature loss;
5.Recalls that in the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forest and Land Use, the EU and Cameroon reaffirmed their commitment to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030;
6.Recalls Team Europe’s efforts in promoting political stability and economic development through sustainable and resilient territorial development in response to climate change;
7.Underlines that the Global Gateway strategy should support Cameroon in promoting sustainable, inclusive and green development throughout its territory;
8.Recalls that trade is an engine for inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction that helps to promote sustainable development; believes that VPAs provide an important legal framework for both the EU and its partner countries, but that this requires effective multi-stakeholder dialogue and good cooperation with and commitment from the countries concerned; recalls that in its early stages, the EU-Cameroon VPA resulted in concrete improvements, including on stakeholder participation and access to information, but that unfortunately this progress has stalled over the past 10 years; deplores the lack of progress in the implementation of the VPA with Cameroon, especially with regard to the enforcement, transparency and traceability of commitments, and is highly concerned about the ongoing deforestation and forest degradation not only by illegal logging, but also by other key drivers of deforestation, such as forest conversion for agricultural use and mining;
9.Highlights the fact that addressing the root causes of deforestation, such as weak governance, ineffective law enforcement, insecure land tenures, lack of access to finance, shrinking civic space and corruption, requires the EU and its partner countries to carry out joint assessments based on the meaningful engagement of relevant stakeholders, such as indigenous people and local communities, with a view to overcoming regulatory implementation hurdles regarding transparency and traceability;
10.Stresses that a robust and credible TLAS offers forest businesses greater legal certainty, simplified controls and more transparent processes, discouraging informal payments and corruption, while increasing revenues for both communities and the state;
11.Underlines the importance of including civil society and local authorities in decision-making processes, of benefit-sharing with local communities and of reinforcing security and accountability;
12.Regrets the need to end the legally binding VPA with Cameroon; agrees with the Commission that, in the light of the VPA’s shortcomings, this is the best policy option for the time being and stresses the need for the Commission to keep engaging with the Government of Cameroon on forestry; expresses concern about the impact of the termination of the VPA on diplomatic and economic relations between Cameroon and the EU and on the EU’s capacity to build meaningful future partnerships with the country; points out the potential negative impact on civic space, as the VPA facilitated dialogue between the Government of Cameroon and civil society; calls on the Commission to assess the impact of this decision on European businesses operating in or sourcing from Cameroon and to explore support mechanisms to preserve responsible trade channels and to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources;
13.Underlines that the EU remains a committed partner of Cameroon in fostering economic growth and comprehensive human development; calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to engage in dialogue with the authorities of Cameroon to explore possibilities for constructive cooperation based on areas of mutual interest, combat illegal logging, support forest conservation and boost economic cooperation and trade;
14.Notes with concern that Cameroon ranks 140th out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index; urges the Government of Cameroon to work towards stopping widespread corruption and to address other factors fuelling illegal logging and forest degradation, with particular regard to customs, in cooperation with other authorities; stresses the importance of protecting human, labour and indigenous people’s rights, notably by respecting the principle of free, prior and informed consent in all circumstances when sourcing goods and products for the EU market; calls, in this context, on local authorities to extend special protections to children and indigenous communities; emphasises the importance of ensuring that civil society actors are given the necessary space and possibilities to engage with governmental actors;
15.Highlights the fact that joint consultations with local authorities in Cameroon should be strengthened to drive positive change and reinforce and boost the credibility of local governance;
16.Stresses that countries all over the world that either have or aim to have regulated import markets for legal timber would benefit from cooperating with and, where possible, endorsing each other’s rules and systems, such as the EU’s FLEGT and VPAs; emphasises that international standards would be more effective and would promote long-term legal security for businesses and consumers;
17.Recognises the shortcomings of the current forestry zoning system; acknowledges that forest management plans, intended to ensure sustainability, have largely failed due to corruption and weak governance; calls for renewed cooperation between the EU and its partner countries in order to develop new practices and governance mechanisms to address these challenges;
18.Calls on the Commission to explore alternatives in close dialogue with Cameroon to ensure the legality of timber and timber products originating from Cameroon and to properly address the problem of illegal timber logging; considers that a forest partnership, as outlined in the EU Deforestation Regulation, could be a possible option for cooperation between the EU and Cameroon; emphasises the importance of conducting a thorough diagnostic and independent evaluation of forest governance and trade trends in Cameroon, building on existing assessments, prior to entering into negotiations on a forest partnership; underlines that in order to be effective, any potential future partnerships would have to be developed through an open, transparent, inclusive, deliberative and non-discriminatory process with meaningful participation from civil society, trade unions and local and international NGOs, the private sector including microenterprises and other small and medium-sized enterprises, local authorities, local and indigenous communities, and farmers; stresses that ending impunity in the forest sector is a cornerstone of this process, which requires the protection of environmental defenders as well as an effective system to tackle human rights violations; calls for the EU to continue supporting and engaging in dialogue with Cameroon in order to tackle the challenges arising from deforestation in a spirit of equal partnership, and to promote sustainable and inclusive development throughout its territory including by establishing the robust and transformative timber traceability systems that are necessary to comply with the expanding requirements of consumer market regulations worldwide, whether under the EU Deforestation Regulation or other foreign legislation;
19.Stresses the importance of the parliamentary oversight and monitoring of the VPA by Parliament’s Committee on International Trade; underlines the need for the meaningful and timely involvement of Parliament with regard to the assessment of the implementation of existing VPAs, as well as the negotiation, signing and implementation of any future forest partnerships; stresses the need to also include consultations with civil society organisations, the private sector and particularly indigenous communities, environmental and human rights defenders and trade unions; asks the Commission to regularly report to Parliament on the implementation of the VPAs and forest partnerships, including on the work of the joint implementation committees and on the strategies to be pursued in the coming years; highlights the need for an in-depth diagnostic and independent assessment of forest governance in Cameroon and for the relevant experiences and lessons learnt from the VPA process to be integrated into any future forest partnership;
20.Underlines that despite the unprecedented unilateral termination of the VPA with Cameroon, VPAs continue to provide an important legal framework for both the EU and its partner countries, which has been made possible through good cooperation with and commitment from the countries concerned; stresses that the EU should remain fully committed to existing VPAs and that new VPAs with additional partners should be promoted, as they play a crucial role in facilitating transparent and accountable forest management, addressing the root causes of illegal logging, combating climate change, strengthening local people’s land tenure rights and providing a tool for civil society and forest communities to be involved in decision-making processes;
21.Calls on the Commission to ensure coherence between the EU’s trade and sustainability frameworks when engaging with Cameroon and the broader central African region; encourages the Commission to ensure that the requirements and objectives of the EU Deforestation Regulation and related legislation are adequately taken into account in the context of the ongoing negotiations on a full regional economic partnership agreement; underlines the importance of providing technical assistance and regulatory guidance to partner countries to help align trade practices with environmental standards, particularly in sectors such as timber, cocoa and tropical agriculture;
22.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Cameroon and all relevant stakeholders in the Voluntary Partnership Agreement process.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
The Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the European Union (FLEGT) entered into force on 1 December 2011 and is one of the first agreements of this kind that was concluded. The rapporteur regrets that Cameroon has not been able to honour its VPA obligations over the last 10 years and the governance of the forest sector has worsened despite the existence of the agreement. While the rapporteur believes that FLEGT VPAs provide an important legal framework for both the EU and its partner countries, they can only work properly when both sides are willing to cooperate and to adhere to their commitments. In the present case, the rapporteur believes that the best alternative is to terminate the agreement.
on the draft Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union
–having regard to the draft Council decision (05673/2025),
–having regard to the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the European Union (FLEGT)[1],
–having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Articles 207(4) first subparagraph and Article 218(6) second subparagraph, point (a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10‑0012/2025),
–having regard to its non-legislative resolution of …[2]on the draft decision,
–having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4) and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,
–having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Development,
–having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0089/2025),
1.Gives its consent to the termination of the agreement;
2.Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Cameroon.
ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONSFROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT
Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that she received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the draft report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:
Entity and/or person
Fern
The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.
Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the [rapporteur declares / rapporteurs declare] that [he/she has / they have] submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.
OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON DEVELOPMENT (25.4.2025)
for the Committee on International Trade
on the draft Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union
The Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between the EU and the Republic of Cameroon entered into force on 1 December 2011 for a period of seven years. As it is tacitly renewable, the current seven-year period will expire on 30 November 2025.
Located in the Congo Basin, nearly 40% of Cameroon’s territory is covered by tropical forests. However, deforestation remains a major issue, with 900,000 hectares of forest cover (equivalent to 5%) lost between 2011 and 2022. The primary drivers of deforestation include agricultural expansion, wood harvesting, extractive activities (such as iron mining and petroleum extraction), and infrastructure development. In addition, illegal and unsustainable logging continues to degrade the forests. Nearly half of Cameroon’s total exports are directed toward European markets, with timber ranking as the third most significant export, after petroleum and cocoa. However, all three sectors contribute to deforestation, and their expansion is a core part of Cameroon’s national development strategy for 2020-2030. The VPA was primarily designed to establish a legal framework ensuring the legality of timber exports to the EU by improving national control systems and governance while introducing legal verification and traceability systems.
Since the VPA came into force, the Cameroonian government has failed to implement its key measures, particularly the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licensing scheme, as well as the legality verification and traceability systems. Furthermore, law enforcement remains weak due to a lack of resources and persistent corruption. Some slight improvements have been observed since 2020, including a decline in illegal logging rates in managed forests and a reduction in the share of illegal timber in both the export and domestic markets, as analysed in a report by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). However, the VPA’s contribution to these changes is assessed as relatively weak, especially when compared to similar agreements with other developing countries.
In recent years, Cameroon’s timber exports have shifted toward Asian markets, where legality and sustainability standards receive little attention. In 2021, 59% of timber exports were destined for China and Vietnam, compared to 38% for the EU. For logs, exports to these two Asian markets accounted for 98%. A 2020 investigation by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and the Centre pour l’Environnement et le Développement (CED) uncovered widespread violations of export laws, illegal harvesting, and labour violations, all at the core of the illegal timber trade between Cameroon and Vietnam.
Your rapporteur believes that this situation damages the credibility of the EU as a global leader in forest protection, sustainable and multifunctional agroforestry, soil and landscape conservation, biodiversity, rural economic development, human rights standards, and the integrity of VPAs as EU trade instruments.
Nonetheless, your rapporteur believes that it is of primary importance to draw key insights from the positive aspects of the FLEGT-VPAs process, particularly in terms of forest governance, and integrate them into any future Forest Partnership. Such partnerships should be established with the full involvement of the European Parliament. To be effective, they must be developed through an inclusive process that actively engages small-scale farmers, civil society, local communities and indigenous people while also incorporating an effective monitoring and enforcement mechanism.
Given these challenges, the Council considers that continuing the VPA could undermine the credibility of both the EU and the VPAs as trade instruments. The VPA between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon has not been successfully implemented. If it were to be terminated, EU cooperation with Cameroon should shift toward supporting the country in implementing measures aligned with the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation.
*******
The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to recommend approval of the draft Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union.
ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT
The rapporteur for the opinion declares under her exclusive responsibility that she did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.
PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION
Title
Termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union
Abir Al-Sahlani, Barry Andrews, Robert Biedroń, Udo Bullmann, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Niels Geuking, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Marc Jongen, Isabella Lövin, Thierry Mariani, Tiago Moreira de Sá, Leire Pajín, Kristoffer Storm
Substitutes present for the final vote
Marieke Ehlers, Marit Maij, Carla Tavares
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote
Wouter Beke, Vladimir Prebilič, Paulius Saudargas, Andrea Wechsler, Tomáš Zdechovský
FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION
19
+
ECR
Małgorzata Gosiewska, Kristoffer Storm
PPE
Wouter Beke, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Niels Geuking, Paulius Saudargas, Andrea Wechsler, Tomáš Zdechovský
PfE
Marieke Ehlers, Tiago Moreira de Sá
Renew
Abir Al-Sahlani, Barry Andrews
S&D
Robert Biedroń, Udo Bullmann, Marit Maij, Leire Pajín, Carla Tavares
Verts/ALE
Isabella Lövin, Vladimir Prebilič
1
–
PfE
Thierry Mariani
1
0
ESN
Marc Jongen
Key to symbols:
+:in favour
–:against
0:abstention
PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE
Title
Termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
‘Farming the Flood’ shows Dartmoor farmers adapting to nature
Farmers are turning flood challenges into environmental opportunities in this new documentary.
‘Farming the Flood’ shows complex issues in a positive way and how farming can become resilient to climate and biodiversity issues.
‘Farming the Flood’ showcases farmers using nature-based techniques to combat flooding, created in partnership with the Dartmoor Headwaters Project.
The film demonstrates the role farmers can play in increasing resilience to flooding whilst restoring biodiversity, while aligning with their business interests.
‘Farming The Flood’, which will be released live to the public via YouTube on June 5, follows local British farmers in Dartmoor implementing natural flood management techniques to protect communities while enhancing biodiversity.
Made by South West-based filmmaker Harrison Wood and Dartmoor farmer Nick Viney of Leewood Studios, the film tells the stories of farmers who are actively shaping sustainable land management across the UK.
The film has been jointly funded in partnership with Dartmoor Headwaters Project and Dartmoor National Park Authority.
Filmmakers Harrison Wood and Nick Viney
The Dartmoor Headwaters Project is a partnership of the Environment Agency, Dartmoor National Park authority and Devon County council. The Dartmoor Headwaters Project offers farmers and landowners in the Okement, Bovey, Dean Burn, Mardle, Erme, Yealm, Colleybrook, and Blackbrook catchments support to design, fund and deliver nature-based solutions.
Pamela Woods of Dartmoor National Park said:
The effects of flooding can be devastating, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, roads and nature. By 2070 we are predicted to experience 30% more rainfall, resulting in 41% higher river flows.
The film conveys complex issues in a positive way while showing how support and funding can help people deliver nature and climate-based solutions.
It is wonderful to see the vital role moorland farmers play in mitigating the risks of flooding. We hope people enjoy and learn from ‘Farming the Flood’.
Dartmoor, where the uplands play a crucial role in flood mitigation, from reintroducing wetlands to grazing that restores ecosystems while supporting farms. Photo: Harrison Wood
Tom Dauben, flood and coastal risk management senior advisor at the Environment Agency, said:
Whilst Dartmoor’s rivers and farms are the subject of this film, it highlights the really important role famers across the country can play to increase resilience of the environment and communities to the threats of the climate and biodiversity crisis.
Every field has a part to play in tackling these issues, and it’s great to showcase some of the work being done locally by farmers, landowners and managers in the film.
The documentary explores the crucial role uplands can play in flood mitigation, showcasing practical solutions from reintroducing wetlands and floodplain meadows to innovative grazing techniques that restore ecosystems while maintaining productive farms.
These techniques slow water flow, reduce downstream flooding, and enhance carbon capture and storage – delivering multiple benefits for communities, wildlife and farmers themselves, including making river catchments resilient to climate change pressures such as increased flood risk and heightened risk of drought.
Nick Viney interviewing water ecosystem and wetland expert, Professor Edward Maltby. Photo: Harrison Wood
Harrison Wood, filmmaker, said:
The farmers featured in this film aren’t waiting for top-down solutions – they’re acting now.
By working with nature rather than against it, they’re demonstrating how farming can be a key player in tackling environmental challenges.
Co-director Nick Viney, a landscape restoration specialist with decades of experience in nature recovery, provided expert context for these pioneering approaches throughout the film.
‘Farming The Flood’ highlights that many of these initiatives are accessible through government and private grants, making them available to farmers of all backgrounds and scales.
The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) backs sustainable farming and eco-tourism in Zambia to cut emissions and create jobs.
People working on Zambia Integrated Forest Landscapes Project.
Since 2018, the UK has been supporting the Zambia Integrated Forest Landscapes Project (ZIFL Programme) to support rural communities in the Eastern Province of Zambia, one of the poorest regions of Africa.
In June 2024, Zambia signed an ERPA (Emission Reductions Purchase Agreements). This agreement will ensure local people receive payments in exchange for reducing emissions.
With a goal to cut emissions by 30 million tonnes, equivalent to the UK’s annual emissions from livestock farming, the project has already trained over 100,000 farmers in sustainable techniques like crop rotation and agroforestry.
As well as cutting carbon, the project is also working with the Luambe and Lukusuzi National Parks to help build roads and campsites, creating rural jobs through eco-tourism and ensuring the protection of wildlife.
UK International Climate Finance supports the Zambia Integrated Forest Landscapes Project.
People working on Zambia Integrated Forest Landscapes Project.
Food and drink festivals, farmers markets and culinary masterclasses are just some of the projects from across Scotland set to benefit from grants of up to £5,000.
The latest round of the Regional Food Fund will support 15 local and collaborative projects helping small food businesses to thrive while promoting local produce.
Scotland Food & Drink manages the fund aimed at elevating the food and drink industry, enhancing food tourism and showcasing the best the country has to offer.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:
“Scotland’s food and drink industry is worth £15 billion to the economy; it is one of the country’s largest employers and is already well-recognised and established across the world.
“Engaging with regional markets is vital in achieving our industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years. That’s why, through initiatives like the Regional Food Fund, we are providing much-needed support to small projects to showcase the best products that their regions have to offer.
“A wonderful range of projects will be supported through this round, including foraging experiences and masterclasses at Isle of Bute food and drink festival, learning about the turnip being a climate-friendly crop in Fife, or improving their culinary skills at Huntly Hairst’s celebration of local food and drink. I look forward to hearing how each of these exciting projects develops.”
Scotland Food & Drink Head of Regional Food Fiona Richmond said:
“We are pleased to be able to support 15 more collaborative food and drink projects around the country with the latest round of the Regional Food Fund.
“Our judging panel were impressed with the level of commitment and creativity shown by the successful applicants, who represent the true passion that makes our vibrant food and drink industry so special.
“We know that local food and drink initiatives play a vital role in the continued growth of Scotland’s food, drink, and tourism sectors. Congratulations to this year’s recipients – we can’t wait to see the projects we have supported come to life.”
Since 2021, the Scottish Government has provided over £500,000 to the Fund, which has supported 104 collaborative projects, varying from creative artwork to increase customer numbers, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns.
The successful applicants in this round are:
Huntly Hairst, Aberdeenshire. Celebration of local food and drink£2,975
Established 2012, this year will be a collaboration’ theme, producers will prepare meal plans and menus to guide visitors around the stalls, gathering fresh ingredients, listening to masterclasses and demonstrations. Funding will support production of campaign materials and promotion.
Angus Farmers Market, Angus. Appetite for Angus £3,000
The project aims to rescue and revitalise the farmers’ markets in Forfar, Carnoustie and Montrose which are due to close in their current form. Markets provide a vital source of income in the area. Funds will contribute to market rebrand.
Argyll and the Isles. Virtual Farmers’ Market£5,000
Creation of innovative digital farmers’ market to help local producers increase their sales and show their contribution to the local economy, both to visitors and locals. This project will off support to rural businesses struggling with rising costs with funds going towards the creation of assets and campaign delivery.
Alloa, Clackmannanshire. First Sound Bites Festival 2026£5,000
Collaborative, community festival to promote sales of local produce. Funding will help expand food and drink offer following successful trial last year and will contribute to marketing material and stall hire.
Dumfries and Galloway. Nurture from Nature – Local Food Outlet£5,000
Project aims to create a permanent retail outlet for local producers on this working farm. Funding will contribute to development of marketing and promotional costs.
Fife. Food from Fife – Retail Display Project £5,000
Following the successful trial in November 2024 by regional food group, Food From Fife, roll out of more branded units and point of sale material to a wider range of Fife food and drink businesses, providing dedicated in-store marketing and sales space.
North Fife and Tayside. From Tree to Glass £4,500
Delivered by Bioregioning Tayside, creation of producer group to promote and grow the area’s craft cider and perry production, preserving its apple, pear and plum heritage. Funds will support delivery of business to business, consumer and education events and materials.
Fife. Turning the Tide for Turnip Revolution£5,000
led by East of Scotland Growers will deliver a series of partnerships with chefs, retailers and communities to raise awareness and sales of turnip as a modern, delicious, climate-friendly crop. Funding will contribute to branding, marketing and chef costs.
Forth Valley. Forth Valley Five £4,993
Led by regional food group, Forth Valley Food & Drink, this collaborative project will encourage restaurants, cafes, retailers and locals to add feature five local products on menus; stock five new local products on shelves and add five local products to shopping baskets. Funds will support creation of marketing materials and delivery.
Isle of Bute. Isle of Bute Food & Drink Festival£3,240
Three-day celebration of the island’s food and drink via producer stalls; masterclasses; foraging and other experiences, delivered by regional food group, Bute Kitchen, in collaboration with other organisations and businesses.
Love Loch Lomond – A Taste of Loch Lomond Marketing Campaign£4,500
Marketing campaign to promote a new publication, ‘A Taste of Loch Lomond: Stories & Flavours from the Bonnie Banks’, that showcases stories, products and recipes from the area’s local producers and hospitality businesses. Funding will support campaign material production and promotion.
Orkney. Orkney Food and Drink Festival£5,000
Delivered by regional food group, Orkney Food and Drink, this two-day festival will bring together the island’s businesses to sell their products to visitors and locals. Funding will support venue and promotional costs.
Outer Hebrides. Hebridean Fine Food & Drink Festival £3,000
Regional food group, Eat Drink Hebrides, will deliver branding and marketing assets for two food fairs and two networking events including a Food and Drink Awards, increasing sales, promoting local businesses and supporting local supply chains.
Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland – Promoting Scottish Artisanal Cheese £5,000
Project from this collaborative artisan cheese network to improve digital presence and tell a more compelling and cohesive story to increase sales and promotion. Funding will support professional content rebrand including video/photos/Instagram and website.
The Scottish Cider Festival£5,000
New annual event to promote Scotland’s emerging cider industry, delivered by Fife-based cider pioneers, Aeble. Hosted in Edinburgh, it will provide a platform for the country’s producers to sell their craft products, partnering with other local food and drink producers. Funding will support venue, branding and marketing costs.
TOTAL15 ApplicantsTOTAL GRANT CLAIM FUNDING£66,208
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Dorset path improved from Kimmeridge Bay to South Haven Point
The path around Dorset’s stunning coastline is better than ever thanks to 21 miles of improvements between Kimmeridge Bay and South Haven Point.
Legal provisions are in place so the coast path can be ‘rolled back’ in response to coastal erosion.
21 miles of footpath from Kimmeridge Bay to South Haven Point now improved.
The footpath largely follows the South West Coast Path and creates new access rights between the path and low water.
New provision for the path to be easily moved following coastal erosion.
These works form part of a national programme to create a coastal path around the whole of England. Once completed, this will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail.
Stretching from Kimmeridge Bay on the Dorset coast and east to South Haven Point, some 21 miles in total, the path follows the route of the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail.
Wonderful locations along the path
For anyone walking the path, there is plenty to see, not least Kimmeridge Bay which is one of the most loved locations on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and Studland Bay, recently designated a Marine Conservation Zone, marks the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. The path follows the coast of the Isle of Purbeck with its dramatic landscape features and impressive coastal views and throughout this stretch of the path there are glorious beaches if you want to feel sand between your toes.
Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve is a great place to see wildlife, which might include bottlenose dolphins, sunfish, jellyfish, seals and a variety of seabirds. A live cliff camera records Durlston’s impressive guillemot colonies – they are both the most easterly and second largest on the South Coast. The country park is an easily accessible section of coast path, and also has, for lovers of history, a castle, along with parking and cafe, the Anvil Point lighthouse and the Great Globe stone sphere plus magnificent views.
Ready to ‘roll back’
In establishing the new trail, Natural England has sought to improve the alignment of the SWCP where possible or move it closer to the sea. It also brings legal provision for the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, thereby securing people’s rights into the future and protecting the investment being made now.
For example, at Chapman’s Pool there was a significant landslip meaning walkers had to take a lengthy diversion. Natural England worked closely with Dorset Council and the landowner to agree a new route that would solve the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along this section of the coast.
You will still encounter steep climbs and descents as well as gently undulating walking along the cliff tops.
‘Safe and scenic route along the Jurassic Coast’
Tim Hall, Wessex Coast and Seas senior manager for Natural England, said:
We’re pleased to open this new section of the England Coast Path today, 21 miles of spectacular views boasting some of our region’s most iconic wildlife and landscape.
It will provide both the local community and visitors from further afield more opportunities to access the coast and connect with nature.
Julian Gray, director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), said:
We’re really excited by the improvements to the coast path route and signage, helping create a more coastal walking experience in the area.
As the charity championing the coast path we’re looking forward to seeing the remaining Dorset sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path completed.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for Place Services, said:
This is wonderful news for Dorset. It not only provides a safe and scenic route for people to enjoy this stunning part of the Jurassic Coast, but it also gives our residents and visitors even more opportunities to connect with nature.
South West Coast Path, part of the King Charles III England Coast Path
The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is a National Trail around the entire coast of England. Existing coastal national trails and other regional walks make up parts of the KCIIIECP and this newly improved stretch of the South West Coast Path forms part of it.
You can plan your walk on the KCIIIECP, which follows the enhanced route of the SWCP between Kimmeridge Bay and South Haven Point, by visiting the KCIIIECP or the South West Coast Path pages of the National Trails website.
Background
The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.
Natural England is working at pace to ensure completion of the KCIIIECP – 1,400 miles were open by the end of 2024.Subject to resources we expect to complete the KCIIIECP by spring 2026.
To plan their visit walkers can access route maps of all opened sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path and any local diversions on the National Trails website and can check Natural England’s open access maps for any restrictions to access.
You can promote your business, service, event or place of interest for free on the National Trails website, inspire people to spend more time in your area and benefit from the economic impact of visitors.
National Trails, marked by the acorn symbol, pass through spectacular scenery, support local tourism and offer a range of routes from short circular walks to long distance challenges.
The King Charles III England Coast Path will be our longest, National Trail, passing through some of our finest countryside, maritime and industrial heritage, coastal settlements and rural locations.
It will also be the world’s longest managed coastal trail (i.e. the trail is maintained to National Trail standards).
It will secure legal rights of public access for the first time to typical coastal land including foreshore, beaches, dunes and cliffs that lies between the trail and the sea.
Improvements to existing access to the coastline include:
A clear and continuous way-marked walking route along this part of the coast, bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time.
Targeted adjustments to make the trail more accessible for people with reduced mobility, where reasonable.
Uniquely amongst our National Trails the KCIIIECP may be moved in response to natural coastal changes, through ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast – and making a true coastal path practicable. The legal provision for roll back is proposed to sections of the trail where a need has been foreseen but can be retrospectively applied to other parts of the route if deemed necessary.
The route of the trail can also be altered through planning proposals and where coastal and flood defence works or habitat creation would impact on the proposed or open route of the KCIIIECP.
We work closely with a broad range of national and regional stakeholders around the country including wildlife trusts, National Trust, RSPB, NFU, CLA, RA, OSS, Environment Agency and local authorities.
The Countryside Code is the official guide on how to enjoy nature and treat both it, and the people who live and work there, with respect.
Established in 2006, Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks and National Landscapes , and advising widely on their conservation.
We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
About the South West Coast Path Association
The South West Coast Path Association is a charity (Registered Charity Number 1163422) that works to ensure the South West Coast Path is one of the best walks in the world and protects it for all to enjoy. Supporting the charity helps the South West Coast Path Association to improve the South West Coast Path and keeps the way open to beautiful coastal places.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Cornwall coast path improvements now complete
Path improvements along 228 miles of Cornwall’s stunning coastline from St Agnes Head along the south coast to the Tamar at Cremyll have finished.
Mevagissey, one of the many locations to be found on the coast path which has been improved from St Agnes on the north coast of Cornwall around to Cremyll, near Rame on the south coast. Photo: Matt Burtwell, Aerial Cornwall.
228 miles of footpath heading west from St Agnes and all along the south coast now improved.
The footpath follows the South West Coast Path for much of its length but with a number of improvements where the path has been moved nearer to the sea.
The project creates new access rights between the path and low water.
New provision for the path to be easily moved following coastal erosion events.
These works form part of a national programme to create a coastal path around the whole of England. Once completed, this will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail.
Earlier this year the 75-mile stretch from Marsland Mouth on the North Cornwall coast down to Newquay was completed. This follows the route of the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail. Now the remaining 228 miles of path are completed: heading west from Newquay, down to Land’s End and back along the south coast to Cremyll on the banks of the Tamar.
Plenty to see along the path
For anyone walking the path, there is plenty to see, with towns and villages such as Falmouth, Penzance and Polperro, along with popular spots such as Land’s End and The Lizard.
For those interested in the county’s heritage, there are castles in abundance, like St Mawes and St Michael’s Mount, alongside remnants of Cornwall’s industrial past at Botallack engine houses and the Levant mine and beam engine – to say nothing of the famous cliffside Minack Theatre.
There’s also plenty for lovers of wildlife to spot, including choughs, grey seals and peregrine falcons. And, of course, there are glorious sandy beaches to stop off at throughout the route.
Lining up the path with the coast
In establishing the new trail, Natural England sought to improve the alignment of the coast path where possible or move it closer to the sea. For example, a new route has been created on the western side of the Lizard at Porthkerris instead of the old inland route along country roads. And at Millendreath the new path has been moved away from the road to allow for more scenic views and a safer walking route. Other changes include Downderry where the main route is impassable during high tides, so an alternative follows the coastal road.
While walkers will still encounter steep climbs and descents – as well as gently undulating walking along the cliff tops – there are now more accessible areas. This includes the path between Swanpool and Gyllanvase Beach and the path around Tregantle Fort. Another change is a new legal provision for the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, thereby securing people’s rights into the future and protecting the investment being made now.
‘Wowing visitors for years’
Andrea Ayres, deputy area director for Natural England, said:
This huge stretch of path along two coasts takes in some of the best views in the South West. These much-loved places have been wowing visitors for many years, as well as being loved by local residents.
We hope the improvements to the path, and the additional access rights, will mean even more people will get out and enjoy nature.
This will provide vital health and wellbeing benefits for local communities, as well attracting visitors to the county, with tourism playing a vital role in the South West economy.
‘Great to see sections of the King’s coast path open in Cornwall’
While much of Cornwall’s 300-mile section of the South West Coast Path is owned by private landowners and organisations, the path is managed by Cornwall Council. The council and Cormac, together with the National Trust, have worked to deliver the improvements around the county.
Julian Gray, director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), said:
It’s great to see the final sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path open in Cornwall, which creates new open access rights around the coast to help connect people to nature.
The establishment of the KCIIIECP has brought significant investment and improvements to the route of the coast path and also gives us new powers to manage the National Trail in the face of coastal erosion.
We will continue to work with our trail partners to protect, improve and champion the South West Coast Path as one of the world’s great trails.
Local locations used in The Salt Path
The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, was released last week and partly filmed in Newquay, as well as Whitsand Bay and Rame Head on the south east coast of Cornwall. Based on the memoir written by Raynor Winn, the story is about one couple’s walk around the South West Coast Path and could lead to the area attracting a whole new wave of visitors.
The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is a National Trail around the entire coast of England. Existing coastal national trails will retain their branding and alongside other promoted routes form part of the KCIIIECP.
You can plan your walk on the KCIIIECP, which follows the enhanced route of the SWCP between Newquay and Cremyll, by visiting the KCIIIECP or the South West Coast Path pages of the National Trails website.
Background
The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.
Natural England is working at pace to ensure completion of the KCIIIECP. 1,400 miles were open by the end of 2024.Subject to resources we expect to complete the KCIIIECP by spring 2026.
To plan their visit walkers can access route maps of all opened sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path and any local diversions on the National Trails website and check for any restrictions to access at Natural England’s open access maps.
You can promote your business, service, event or place of interest for free on the National Trails website, inspire people to spend more time in your area and benefit from the economic impact of visitors.
National Trails, marked by the acorn symbol, pass through spectacular scenery, support local tourism and offer a range of routes from short circular walks to long distance challenges.
The King Charles III England Coast Path will be our longest, National Trail, passing through some of our finest countryside, maritime and industrial heritage, coastal settlements and rural locations.
It will also be the world’s longest managed coastal trail (i.e. the trail is maintained to National Trail standards).
It will secure legal rights of public access for the first time to typical coastal land including foreshore, beaches, dunes and cliffs that lies between the trail and the sea.
Improvements to existing access to the coastline include:
a clear and continuous way-marked walking route along this part of the coast, bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time.
Targeted adjustments to make the trail more accessible for people with reduced mobility, where reasonable.
Uniquely amongst our National Trails the KCIIIECP may be moved in response to natural coastal changes, through ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast – and making a true coastal path practicable. The legal provision for roll back is proposed to sections of the trail where a need has been foreseen but can be retrospectively applied to other parts of the route if deemed necessary.
The route of the trail can also be altered through planning proposals and where coastal and flood defence works or habitat creation would impact on the proposed or open route of the KCIIIECP.
We work closely with a broad range of national and regional stakeholders around the country including wildlife trusts, National Trust, RSPB, NFU, CLA, RA, OSS, Environment Agency and local authorities.
The Countryside Code is the official guide on how to enjoy nature and treat both it, and the people who live and work there, with respect.
Established in 2006, Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks and National Landscapes , and advising widely on their conservation.
We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
The South West Coast Path Association is a charity (Registered Charity Number 1163422) that works to ensure the South West Coast Path is one of the best walks in the world and protects it for all to enjoy. Supporting the charity helps the South West Coast Path Association to improve the South West Coast Path and keeps the way open to beautiful coastal places.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
THE HAGUE, June 4 (Xinhua) — The Dutch government led by Prime Minister Dick Schof is in crisis after Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) quit the coalition on Tuesday over deepening differences over asylum policy.
“We had no choice. I promised voters the toughest asylum policy, but you didn’t get it,” Wilders wrote on the social network X after announcing the PVV’s departure from the government.
The move follows months of growing tensions within the coalition. A government crisis was averted last October by a last-minute agreement on additional asylum measures, but migration remains a divisive issue.
The ensuing disputes further strained relations between the four coalition partners: the PVV, the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy /VVD/, the New Social Contract /NSC/ and the Farmers’ and Citizens’ Movement /BBB/.
The situation escalated last week when Wilders presented a 10-point plan at a press conference calling for a complete halt to the admission of refugees. The other coalition leaders did not support it, and the PVV leader again threatened to leave the government.
An emergency meeting was held on Monday, but no agreement was reached. On Tuesday morning, Wilders pulled the PVV out of the coalition. “Our asylum plans have not been signed. No changes have been made to the basic agreement. The PVV is leaving the coalition,” he wrote on the X website shortly after the meeting.
The move has caused outrage and bewilderment among the other government parties. BBB leader Caroline van der Plas called it a “reckless move,” NSC leader Nicolien van Vroonhoven called it “irresponsible,” and VVD leader Dylan Yesilgoes-Zegerius said that “Wilders has once again put his own interests above the national interest.”
The coalition’s collapse comes as Wilders’ popularity is declining. A recent poll by Maurice de Hond showed that the PVV could count on 28 seats in parliament, nine fewer than in 2023. For the first time since those elections, the opposition bloc Green Left/Labour Party (GroenLinks-PvdA) has overtaken the PVV and is aiming for 29 mandates.
On Tuesday afternoon, Prime Minister D. Schof formally submitted the government’s resignation to King Willem-Alexander. The cabinet will now continue to function as a caretaker until new elections are due in a few months. –0–
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
A family of farmers from the village of Nizhne-Maslovo in the Lukhovitsky District of the Moscow Region have been bringing homemade pickles to Moscow weekend fairs for over 10 years. The spouses Daria and Maxim not only grow organic vegetables, but also, together with their fellow villagers, actively support the military and residents of border areas.
Maxim is organizing the collection of food, warm clothes, and essential items. The parcels contain pickled cucumbers, sauerkraut, and other pickles. They are rich in vitamins and become especially valuable in field conditions.
“Our fellow countrymen are now at the front. We cannot imagine how it could be any other way, everything comes from the heart. Our son is 11 years old, he and his classmates regularly bring me letters with drawings and ask to send them to the defenders of the Motherland. Children understand how important support is, and I am very glad that our example is important to them,” says Daria.
This kind of assistance for farmers is not just a charity event, but a personal story: their relatives and friends are currently among the fighters serving.
The capital’s fairs present products brought from more than 40 regions of Russia. Each supplier guarantees the quality and freshness of the goods, and specialists State Veterinary Service of the City of Moscow check the products before sending them to the shelves.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry voted to advance the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This legislation would expand healthy milk options in schools by reversing the Obama-era law that took whole milk out of school cafeterias.
“Today’s vote was a step to correct a major mistake made during the Obama Administration – and a great start to National Dairy Month,” said Senator Marshall. “Whole and reduced-fat milk should have never been excluded from the National School Lunch Program. Now, 13 years after its removal, nearly 75% of children do not receive their recommended daily dairy intake. By increasing kids’ access to milk in school cafeterias, we will help prevent diseases down the road and encourage nutrient-rich diets for years to come.”
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. Specifically, Americans are lacking enough Calcium and Vitamin D, and whole milk is an excellent source for both vitamins. Leading nutritionistshave found that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce the risk of heart disease.
The legislation was first introduced by Senator Marshall in June of 2023 and reintroduced in April of 2025 with numerous bipartisan sponsors and co-sponsors. The bill is scheduled to proceed to the Senate floor for a vote before advancing to the House of Representatives for approval. ClickHERE to learn more.
Background:
In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which amended nutrition standards in the School Lunch Program. Among the changes, the law mandated that flavored milk must be fat-free within the program.
In May of 2017, the USDA announced a rule that allowed schools to receive waivers for low-fat (1%) flavored milk, rather than only fat-free.
Last Congress, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support (330-99).
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Staff members transport seed samples into the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway, on June 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Fourteen gene banks from around the world are depositing more than 11,200 seed samples this week at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, underscoring the critical role of crop diversity in future food security.
Nestled in the Arctic permafrost on Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, the Seed Vault is the world’s largest secure backup facility for crop diversity. To date, it safeguards over 1.3 million seed samples from across the globe.
This 67th deposit includes vegetables and traditional crops that are not only vital for nutrition and climate resilience, but also for maintaining cultural identities, the Crop Trust, a managing partner of the facility, said in a press release on Tuesday.
Among the new deposits are South Korea’s perilla and adzuki bean, Dutch heritage cabbage and spinach varieties, and Benin’s ancient cereal fonio and melon — examples of the profound link between seeds and cultural traditions worldwide.
“These additions offer another snapshot of the rich diversity now held in the Seed Vault,” said Stefan Schmitz, executive director of the Crop Trust. They reflect how cultural heritage is intertwined with the survival of often-overlooked plant varieties — varieties that are vital to the future of food, he added.
In total, 31 boxes of seeds are being deposited this week by gene banks from Austria, Benin, Kenya, Lebanon, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam, and Zambia.
“The value of these seeds is immense,” said Hanne-Berit Brekken, Norway’s state secretary at Ministry of Agriculture and Food. “They will support scientists, breeders, and farmers in preparing our food systems to face both natural and human-made challenges.”
Established in 2008, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault aims to protect the genetic diversity of the world’s food crops from threats such as war, climate change, and natural disasters. With a capacity to store up to 4.5 million distinct seed varieties, it serves as a global insurance policy for agriculture, housing duplicates from gene banks worldwide — as well as new varieties yet to be collected.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
An aerial drone photo taken on May 15, 2025 shows Wei Yong (C) explaining key points of planting to tea farmers in Jiangkou County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)
In Jiangkou County, nestled in southwest China’s mountainous Guizhou Province, a centuries-old tea tradition is fueling a modern global boom.
In 2024, the county’s matcha sales exceeded 1,200 tonnes with an output value surpassing 300 million yuan (about 41.7 million U.S. dollars), while its products have been exported to overseas markets including Japan, the United States and France.
As a major matcha-producing country, China is poised to produce over 5,000 tonnes of matcha in 2025. Notably, Guizhou, leveraging its high-altitude tea farms, low latitude and misty climate, accounts for one quarter of China’s national output and exports to more than 40 countries and regions.
Jiangkou County, located at the foot of Guizhou’s UNESCO-listed Fanjing Mountain, was once a poverty-stricken region but is now a pioneer in the field of matcha production. This turnaround began in 2017, when cutting-edge matcha industrial technology was introduced to this area.
Led by industry leaders in partnership with allied enterprises and local farmers, this initiative has established a province-wide matcha industrial network in Guizhou — spanning 22 counties and empowering nearly 100,000 tea growers via increased incomes.
The county’s tea fields currently cover 160,000 mu (about 10,667 hectares), with 20 percent dedicated to matcha production.
“We control every step from farming to processing — to ensure premium quality,” said Meng Zude, chairman of Gui Tea Group, a leading tea company that manages the industrial cluster in Jiangkou.
Meng explained that farmers focus on cultivation while allied partners process leaves. Gui Tea Group then refines leaves into premium matcha. From field to factory, free technical support ensures EU-standard compliance across the supply chain, Meng added.
Jiangkou County has adapted Japanese matcha techniques to local conditions through both collaborations with experts and in-house research and development. Farmers now implement fertilization protocols, eco-friendly pest control and precision pruning — critical steps that ensure high-quality tencha leaves.
Four tonnes of matcha have already been exported to Japan in 2025, while another six tonnes are scheduled for shipment to this traditional matcha hub this year, according to Chen Xiaoming, deputy director of Gui Tea’s foreign trade business.
“Domestic clients now approach us directly, while Japanese buyers seek raw material supplies,” Chen said, adding that inquiries have grown significantly.
“Matcha isn’t just a drink,” said Chen. “It’s a lifestyle China now leads.”
‘Not available in your region’: what is a VPN and how can I use one safely? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meena Jha, Head Technology and Pedagogy Cluster CML-NET, CQUniversity Australia Linaimages/Shutterstock “This video is not available in your location”. It’s a message familiar to many people trying to watch global content online. But beneath this frustration lies a deeper question – how do we navigate digital borders
Just the ticket? The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julienne Molineaux, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images With accusations flying thick and fast last year about supposed “dysfunction” and a “shambles” at Wellington City Council, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown stepped in and appointed a Crown Observer. Announcing
The chicks are alright: what songbirds can teach us about divorce and moving on Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frigg Janne Daan Speelman, PhD Candidate in Behavioural Ecology, Macquarie University Charli Davies, CC BY-NC-ND In humans, it’s very common for the traditional family structure of two parents raising children to change abruptly. Usually, this happens when the parents decide to separate. Many separated couples are able
Former Congress staffer allowed to return to New Caledonia By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk One of seven people transferred to mainland France almost a year ago, following the May 2024 riots in New Caledonia, has been allowed to return home, a French court has ruled. Frédérique Muliava, a former Congress staffer, was part of a group of six who were
Ship runs aground in Fiji – then its rescue vessel capsizes RNZ Pacific Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority has launched an investigation into Goundar Shipping Limited following two incidents involving its vessels. Late last month, one vessel ran aground on the reef of Ono-i-Lau, and villagers had to step in to ferry stranded passengers to nearby islands using small boats. On Monday, the Lomaiviti Princess II was
Curious Kids: can spiders swim? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leanda Denise Mason, Vice Chancellor Research Fellow in Conservation Ecology, Edith Cowan University A great raft spider (_Dolomedes plantarius_). Salparadis/Shutterstock Can spiders swim? Waubra Preschool students, Victoria, Australia What a great question! Most spiders don’t swim by choice. But they sure can survive in water when they
A two-state solution is gaining momentum again. Does it have a chance of success? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Thomas, Lecturer in Middle East Studies, Deakin University As Israel’s devastating war in Gaza has ground on, the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was thought to be “dead”. Now, it is showing signs of life again. French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly pressing other European
Senior public servants think GenAI will boost productivity – but are worried about the risks Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Dickinson, Professor, Public Service Research, UNSW Sydney Many bold claims have been made about Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and its capacity to improve productivity and generate workplace efficiencies. A recent Microsoft survey found 24% of private sector leaders have already deployed GenAI across their organisations. Many
People with severe mental illness are waiting for days in hospital EDs. Here’s how we can do better Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney Matthew Ashmore/Shutterstock On ABC’s 4 Corners this week, psychiatrists and nurses have warned New South Wales’ mental health system is in crisis. They report some patients with severe mental
With a government review underway, we have to ask why children bully other kids Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marilyn Campbell, Professor, School of Early Childhood & Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock The federal government has launched a “rapid review” to look at what works to prevent bullying in schools. Led by mental health experts, the review will underpin a new national standard to
In the trade wars, there are lessons for the US from Brexit. Australia and our trading partners should take note Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide General_4530/Getty While the Trump administration’s on-again, off-again trade wars wreak havoc on the business plans of the world’s exporters, the risks to the
‘That was rude’: why the new Broadway musical Death Becomes Her was ripe for TikTok memes Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Camp, Senior Lecturer, School of Music, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau A few snippets of musicalised dialogue from the cast album of the new Broadway musical Death Becomes Her – with music and lyrics by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, and a book by Marco
Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, ‘a trailblazer’ for Vanuatu women in politics, dies RNZ Pacific Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, a pioneering Ni-Vanuatu politician, has died. Lini passed away at the Port Vila General Hospital on Sunday, according to local news media. Lini was the first woman to be elected to the Vanuatu Parliament in 1987 as a member of the National United Party. Motarilavoa Hilda Lini in 1989 .
Fiji coup culture and political meddling in media education gets airing Pacific Media Watch Taieri MP Ingrid Leary reflected on her years in Fiji as a television journalist and media educator at a Fiji Centre function in Auckland celebrating Fourth Estate values and independence at the weekend. It was a reunion with former journalism professor David Robie — they had worked together as a team at
Australia’s lowest paid workers just got a 3.5% wage increase. Their next boost could be even better Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Buchanan, Professor, Discipline of Business Information Systems, University of Sydney Business School, University of Sydney Carlos Castilla/Shutterstock A week ago, the Australian Financial Review released this year’s “Rich List”. It reported the number of billionaires in Australia increased from 150 to 166 between 2024 and 2025.
What’s a ‘Strombolian eruption?’ A volcanologist explains what happened at Mount Etna Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Teresa Ubide, ARC Future Fellow and Associate Professor in Igneous Petrology/Volcanology, The University of Queensland Fabrizio Villa / Getty Images On Monday morning local time, a huge cloud of ash, hot gas and rock fragments began spewing from Italy’s Mount Etna. An enormous plume was seen stretching
The Queensland government is cancelling renewable energy projects. Can the state still reach net zero? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute Johan Larson/Shutterstock On the surface, Queensland’s new government is doing exactly what it pledged before winning office in October – repealing the state’s ambitious renewable energy targets and cancelling a huge pumped hydro project near Mackay. But since the start
PNG’s Namah calls for tighter bio controls, patrols on Indonesian border By Scholar Kassas in Port Moresby A Papua New Guinea minister has raised concerns about “serious issues” at the PNG-Indonesia border due to a lack of proper security checkpoints. Culture and Tourism Minister Belden Namah, who is also the member for the border electorate Vanimo-Green, voiced these concerns while supporting a new Biosecurity for Plants
Samoa parliament formally dissolved after months of uncertainty RNZ Pacific Samoa’s Parliament has been formally dissolved, and an early election is set to take place within three months. After months of political instability and two motions of no confidence, Prime Minister Fiāme Naomi Mata’afa said she would call for the dissolution of Parliament if cabinet did not support her government’s budget. MPs from
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
“Help! Dad flew to Shenyang alone!”
“He doesn’t know how to use Alipay or WeChat, and he’s not even good with his phone in Taiwan,”
“He only took cash,”
“He’s already on the plane now”…
Recently, a post asking for help from a Taiwanese netizen on the Xiaohongshu platform caused a heated reaction and discussion in the comments: “Has Uncle arrived yet? Should I meet him?”, “It’s okay, he won’t get lost!”, “I’m a local, contact me if anything happens.”
A solo Taiwanese traveller and an online message sent from across the strait began the story of touching concern shown by mainland internet users.
Seven months ago, Taipei resident Chen Zhaohong and his wife took their first trip to Shenyang, accompanied by their daughter. The leisurely pace of life and affordable delicacies inspired him to return here after retirement for a “deep dive” into the local culture. And so, in the middle of this month, his journey began.
Chen Zhaohong, 61, is “not very good with his phone and doesn’t know how to use social apps.” That’s why his daughter in Taiwan was very worried when her father went on a trip alone. Neither father nor daughter expected such warm support from the entire city of Shenyang that followed the post online. To ensure that the guest didn’t get lost on the way to his pre-booked accommodation, local netizens posted detailed guides “accurate to the meter”; concerned about his lack of a travel plan, they began leaving recommendations in the comments for visiting “secret” attractions and the best restaurants in the city; remembering that upon arrival in the north, a resident of a warm region may not immediately adapt to the northern climate, users reported weather information and clothing advice in real time… More than 4,000 comments turned into countless touching and useful recommendations.
While traveling around Shenyang, Chen Zhaohong noticed that any problems that arose were quickly resolved. He told his daughter that the locals were friendly, sincere, and open: “Even just walking along the streets is a pleasure.”
“I visited a lot of museums this time!” Chen Zhaohong visited five museums in seven days. At the Shenyang Palace Complex, he took a photo with ancient blue and white Qinghua porcelain in the background. At the Shenyang Museum of Chinese Industry, the old workshops and equipment made him feel nostalgic. At the September 18th History Museum, thanks to a tour guide, he learned details about important historical events of the past for the first time.
Chen Zhaohong also immersed himself in the daily life of Shenyang, pushing his way through the crowds of bustling morning markets and farmers’ markets, sampling fluffy steamed buns and crispy pancakes; chatting with vendors at a flower, bird and fish market, observing the locals’ daily lives; and visiting Beiling Park, where he saw elderly people writing poetry with water, beautifully writing characters on the ground with a brush.
He tried all the local delicacies: chicken carcasses, shashlik, stews cooked in cast iron pots – and only repeated with a smile: “The only problem is that the portions are too big!”
More than twenty years ago, Chen Zhaohong had the chance to visit Nanjing, Hangzhou and do home care in Dongguan. Years later, a return visit to Shenyang left a huge impression on him: “Mainland China has changed a lot – it has become more modern, and people’s living standards have improved significantly.”
“It’s impossible to see all the sights of Shenyang in a few days! Let’s leave something for next time,” – before leaving, he did not return the remaining amount on the metro card, saying: “I’ll leave it for a future trip.”
JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: This is really exciting. It’s about bringing university closer to where people live in the outer suburbs of our big cities and in particular here in Perth. We’re setting up a hub here in Ellenbrook, but also in Armadale and in Mandurah. It’s about making sure that wherever you live, you get a chance at going to university. And this will help people who are studying at uni now to be able to study closer to home. But also hopefully it’ll help a lot of young people who’ve got a dream to go to university but just think that it’s too far away.
Next door I got a chance to meet a young woman who’s studying to become a school teacher. She’s at Edith Cowan University at the moment and she’s got to travel about an hour to get to university. Now she only has to travel five minutes. I met a bloke who’s doing a PhD at RMIT in Victoria. He just lives across the road and now he could study right across the road, just a two minute walk to get to university. And I’m hoping that for kids at school today in Ellenbrook, they’ll see the sign university and they’ll know that, “hey, I can go to uni too.”
JOURNALIST: 100 per cent, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? You’re obviously in Perth for Cabinet today. Anything on your agenda?
CLARE: This is the first time that the Cabinet’s back in Perth since the election and it’s a great opportunity not just to meet as a Cabinet and talk about the fantastic things that are happening here in WA, but to meet with Roger Cook and his team and continue the great work that we’re doing together. As Education Minister, I’m doing a lot of work with WA. WA was the first state in Australia to sign up to the new education agreement to fully fund our schools. So, I’m looking forward to catching up with the Education Minister tomorrow.
JOURNALIST: First thing on the agenda is cutting HECS. Is that something that really excites you?
CLARE: Big time. There are 3 million Aussies across the country that have a HECS debt and we’re going to cut their debt by 20 per cent. It’ll be the very first piece of legislation that we introduce into the Parliament next month and I’ll have the privilege to introduce that legislation. That’s going to make a massive difference for young people right across the country. The average debt today is about $27,000. That means for a lot of people it’s going to cut their debt by $5,000. That’ll make it a lot easier for young people starting out who are just getting started, just moving out of home, just wanting to get a mortgage and buy their first home. Cutting that debt will make a world of difference. I want more young people to have a crack at university. That means setting up hubs like this and also means cutting their debt.
JOURNALIST: 100 per cent. Tania, is there anything you’d like to add on the announcement today?
TANIA LAWRENCE, MEMBER FOR HASLUCK: Yes. Ellenbrook is a part of the growth corridor in the outer region of Perth. There will be projected 76,000 people living out in this area by 2036. And we know that the infrastructure that’s needed for this community is being realised under the Labor Government both at the state and the federal level. We’ve now got a train station just within proximity, walking distance of today’s opening of the Ellenbrook Study Hub. We have a need to ensure that every student has access to affordable education. We’re achieving that with the reduction in the HECS debt. We are achieving that with making access to a study hub environment like this.
A means for students, no matter where they live, no matter their home environment, that they have the opportunity to be able to study in a place that is supportive, that’s inclusive and that allows them access to resources to ensure they get the best results at university. I’m definitely proud to be part of a Labor Government that sees education as a silver bullet. That we are investing in education from tiny tots with early education access right through to as the Minister spoke about having every public school now fully funded within Western Australia through to free TAFE and now with university making it more affordable but also more accessible with the Ellenbrook Study Hub opening today.
Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and 25 senate colleagues in introducing a resolution declaring June as “Life Month” to recognize the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2022.
“Ever since I got to Washington, I have been a champion for the unborn,” said Senator Tuberville. “If we are going to dedicate entire months to recognizing every group under the sun, the least we can do is dedicate June to protecting the most vulnerable among us. Now that Republicans control the White House, Senate, and House, we have to send a strong message: Republicans are the party that stands up for life.”
Joining Senators Tuberville and Cruz in introducing the resolution are U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Todd Young (R-IN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jim Risch (R-ID), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tim Scott (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jim Justice (R-WV), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).
This resolution is supported by ADF, Heritage Action, SBA Pro-life, National Right to Life, Human Coalition, Heartbeat International, Family Research Council, Students for Life, Americans United for Life, Family Policy Alliance, Concerned Women for America, Catholic Vote, March for Life, 40 Days for Life, National Pro-Life Alliance, NIFLA, Citizens for Life, Christian Broadcasting Network, Focus on the Family, Liberty Counsel Action, and Eagle Forum.
Full text of the resolution can be found here.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Texas small businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from the severe storm and straight‑line winds occurring May 8. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Greg Abbott on May 29.
The disaster declaration covers the Texas counties of Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces and San Patricio.
Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
“When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”
Beginning Wednesday, June 4, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
The DLOC hours of operations are as follows:
JIM WELLS COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center Jim Wells County Tax Office – Former Wells Fargo Bank First Floor 601 E. Main St. Alice, TX 78332
Opens at 12 p.m., Wednesday, June 4 Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closes at 5 p.m., Thursday, June 26
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 1, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 2, 2026.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today celebrated the advancement of his bipartisan, bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation to support America’s students and dairy farmers. This bipartisan bill which is co-led by Senator Roger Marshall, MD (R-Kan.), would allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer students whole milk, in addition to reduced-fat, low-fat, fat-free, and lactose-free milk.
“Milk provides growing kids with key nutrients they need. Dairy is also an important part of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk in our schools is a win for Vermont’s students and farmers. This bill helps provide our next generation grow stronger and helps dairy farmers do what they love—feed our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thankful for the support of the Agriculture Committee on this bipartisan legislation, and look forward to bringing this bill to the Senate floor.”
Senator Welch has led bipartisan efforts to support Vermont’s dairy farmers and strengthen the state’s dairy industry. Senator Welch recently joined Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and 15 of his Democratic colleagues in introducing the Honor Farmer Contracts Act, legislation to release illegally withheld funding for all contracts and agreements previously entered into by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This bill would require the USDA to pay farmers all past-due payments as quickly as possible to prevent them from having to shut down their operations.
In March, Senator Welch and 30 Senators called on Secretary Rollins urging USDA to support local food for schools and local food system grant programs. Senator Welch introduced several bills in the 118th Congress to support Vermont’s dairy, organic, and specialty crop farmers; strengthen rural development and infrastructure; increase energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption; improve access to nutrition; strengthen our local food systems and expand markets; and make our communities more resilient to flooding. These bills were included in Senate Democrats’ draft Farm Bill, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act.
Most spiders don’t swim by choice. But they sure can survive in water when they need to. From floating like a boat, to paddling like a rower, to carrying their own scuba bubbles, spiders have developed brilliant ways to deal with water.
Let’s dive into the science in some more detail, and look at how spiders handle getting their paws wet, with examples from our local bush.
Spiders can run across water
Water has surface tension – this acts like a kind of invisible skin that can hold up small, light objects.
Many spiders are tiny and have water-repellent hairs on their legs, so they can stand or run on water without sinking.
For example, fishing spiders wait at the water’s edge and scuttle across the surface to grab insects, tadpoles or even small fish.
If prey escapes underwater, this spider can even hide beneath the water’s surface briefly, then come back up.
Spiders can hold their breath underwater for days
Spiders don’t have gills, so they can’t get oxygen from water like fish do. But they have evolved clever strategies for staying alive if they stay in the water for a long time.
For example, the Australian Sydney funnel-web spider often falls into backyard swimming pools. People might see one and think it drowned, but it can actually survive underwater for hours by holding its breath much longer than a human could.
That’s because it breathes much more slowly than we do. Like many spiders, it has both tracheae (tiny air tubes) and book lungs (they look like a book with many pages) for breathing. Some spiders can close these and become watertight, to hold their breath for a long time.
Some trapdoor spiders have been recorded only taking a breath every six minutes.
Do not burst their bubble
Some spiders take the air with them like a scuba diver.
On the Great Barrier Reef coast, a little intertidal spider called Desis bobmarleyi actually lives part of its life under seawater. At high tide, it hides in a silk-lined air pocket in coral or shells. It uses the long hairs on its legs and body to trap a bubble around itself so it can breathe underwater between the tides. When the tide goes out, this spider comes out to hunt on the wet reef.
And in other parts of the world, there’s the famous diving bell spider, the only spider that spends its whole life entirely underwater.
It weaves an underwater silk web that it fills with air – like an underwater house. This spider can stay underwater for more than a day at a time by letting its air-bubble vessel actively pull oxygen from the water.
Some spiders sit tight and make their homes flood-proof. Remember those trapdoor spiders we mentioned? Trapdoor spiders live snug in burrows underground with a silken lid on top (like a little trapdoor).
In areas that get sudden heavy rains, a trapdoor spider might build its burrow with a raised entrance – a bit like a chimney – so water flows around or over it rather than straight in.
Some Australian trapdoor spiders in the outback clay pans have been found to build thick muddy silk doors that fit perfectly like a bath plug into the surrounding soil. The water just goes straight over the top.
Even if water does get in, some trapdoor spiders can seal their bodies and essentially hold their breath. They don’t swim in their flooded burrows, but they can wait out a flood without drowning.
Some trapdoor spiders have been recorded only taking a breath every six minutes. Dr Leanda Mason
What to do with a soggy spider
If you ever find a spider struggling in water – say in a swimming pool or even in a bucket – you can help as long as you’re careful.
First, always ask an adult before trying to assist a spider. Nobody has died in Australia in 60 years from spider venom. But some (such as the Sydney funnel-web) can still be fatal, so you must be sure not to touch or provoke it.
A good way to save a spider in a pool is to use a net or a scoop with a long handle. Gently lift the spider out and put it on the ground away from the water. The spider might look dead at first, but don’t be surprised if it “comes back to life” as it dries out – just like trapdoor spiders do.
And remember: never poke a spider with your bare hands, even if it seems lifeless. Spiders such as funnel-webs can still bite underwater or right after being rescued, and they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. So, play it safe and use tools or ask an adult or a spider expert to help.
If anyone is bitten, get an adult to seek medical attention immediately.
Next time you’re exploring nature (or even looking into the toilet), keep an eye out for our eight-legged friends and how they interact with water. You might spot a little spider boat captain or an air-bubble diver right in your backyard.
Leanda Denise Mason does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today the promotion of Lindsay Fitzgerald to Chief Advocacy and Communications Officer, effective immediately.
In this expanded leadership role, Ms. Fitzgerald will focus on advancing Gevo’s mission to strengthen American energy and food security by unlocking the full value of U.S. agriculture and rural communities. She continues to drive policy advocacy and public communications that support cost-effective, American-made hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals, while building free-market solutions for carbon abatement and economic growth. Her efforts help bolster U.S. agriculture as the most sustainable in the world, while opening new markets for farmers, innovators, and domestic manufacturing.
“Lindsay’s leadership is about moving business forward,” said Dr. Patrick R. Gruber, Chief Executive Officer of Gevo. “She understands that real-world solutions require practical policies and clear messaging. Her work supports energy independence, job creation, and market-based carbon strategies that align with American interests.”
Since joining Gevo in 2021, Ms. Fitzgerald has held key leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Vice President of Government Relations. Her nearly 20 years of experience span the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Fuels Alliance America, and Renewable Energy Group, where she built and led successful policy strategies to support clean fuels, rural jobs, and domestic energy production. Ms. Fitzgerald also serves as Chair of the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition, where she advocates for market-driven fuel policies that enable private-sector innovation across state and federal jurisdictions.
With this promotion, Gevo reinforces its commitment to delivering real value through energy innovation, carbon abatement that works for business, and American-grown resources.
About Gevo
Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including synthetic aviation fuel (“SAF”), motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. Gevo also operates an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, without limitation, including the promotion of Lindsay Fitzgerald, and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gevo for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.
Media Contact Heather L. Manuel VP, Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships PR@gevo.com
IR Contact Eric Frey VP, Finance & Strategy IR@Gevo.com
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)
Republicans raid healthcare, SNAP, environmental programs to make billionaires richer
WASHINGTON D.C.–Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01)slammed House Republicans’ efforts to advance the devastating reconciliation bill this week that would increase taxes for our lowest-income working Americans, and gut healthcare and food assistance programs to give billionaires permanent tax breaks.
Watch video remarkshere.
“Republicans have repeatedly doubled down on their efforts to sacrifice the families in pursuit of tax breaks for their billionaire donors,” saidRep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “From forcing single parents and elders off SNAP, kicking an estimated 13.7 million Americans of health care, to gutting historic investments in climate and clean energy, this bill is nothing short of devastating for families in New Mexico.”
In New Mexico, 60% of all children, 52% of adults with disabilities, and 67% of our elders in nursing homes rely on Medicaid for health care. This extreme legislation forces the largest Medicaid cuts in history to achieve Republicans’ goals of giving permanent tax breaks to billionaires. This plan also takes aim at the Affordable Care Act.If enacted, a 60-year-old couple with a household income of $85,000 in NM-01 would see their health insurance costs increase by $12,238 per year — a 169% increase in premiums.
The Republican plan also guts environmental protections while raising energy costs for families nationwide. It opens protected lands to mining and drilling, and the dismantling of hard-won climate protections in the Inflation Reduction Act.
The bill represents the largest cut to food assistance in American history—in total, the Republican plan will cut $300 billion in food assistance from the hungry.More than 34% of children in New Mexico rely on SNAP for food assistance, the highest percentage in the nation.The Republicans’ bill would add burdensome red tape requirements for single parents and elders, making it harder for Americans to put food on the table amid sky-high grocery prices. These cuts would also lead to billions in losses for farmers whose work is supported by SNAP purchases, adding to the pain of Trump’s tariffs.
“Simply put, the Republican budget is a betrayal of our working families,”Rep. Stansbury concluded. “President Trump’s shakedown of the American people—enabled by House Republicans, continues. I’ll continue to fight against this catastrophic reconciliation bill and work toward real solutions to lower costs for New Mexicans and the nation.”
Thereconciliation billis scheduled to be heard in the Rules Committee on Monday and is expected to head to the House Floor next week. The bill will then move to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.
This is a summary of what was said by WFP Regional Coordinator in Latin America and the Caribbean, Lola Castro, to whom quoted text may be attributed – at the UN Noon Briefing in New York today
NEW YORK/ PANAMA CITY: As the United Nations World Food Programme Regional Coordinator in Latin America and the Caribbean since 2021, I have frequently visited Haiti over the past four years.
Our WFP team and partners on the ground have seen this crisis slowly unfolding and we’ve been sounding the alarm about the ever-deteriorating humanitarian situation for far too long. Immense humanitarian efforts are already underway, but the situation continues to degrade.
Food security update
Hunger in Haiti has never been worse: 5.7 million people – more than half of the country’s population – don’t have enough to eat. This includes more than two million people who are facing emergency levels of hunger (IPC 4) and 8,400 people living in temporary sites for displaced people who are experiencing extreme hunger, severe acute malnutrition and the risk of starvation (IPC5).
Haitiis one of five countries in the world where people are facing catastrophic levels of hunger. It’s really dramatic to have this in the Western hemisphere. We cannot imagine the situation in the sites housing displaced people.
Last week I visited the suburban commune of Petionville, in the southeast of Port-au-Prince, where WFP was providing emergency food assistance to thousands of people displaced by violence by armed groups in Kenscoff, a rural mountainside community. These are people who used to come and sell their food in the city. Their story bears testimony of food systems and supply chains breaking down as a result of the expansion of armed groups. Not only were these families forced to flee when criminals took control over their farmland, they now rely on WFP to survive. Conflict has also disrupted agricultural activities and commercial flow of food.
As a woman of course I am watching the situation for women and girls. We’re also extremely worried about the widespread violence that women and girls face in Haiti. With more than 6,000 cases of gender-based violence reported so far this year, Port-au-Prince is one of the most dangerous places in the world for women and girls. Food assistance lessens their vulnerability to abuse.
Running out of resources for emergency response and school meals
Violence, displacement and economic collapse are driving Haiti to the verge of total collapse. We are extremely concerned that growing humanitarian needs are outpacing resources to respond to this crisis.
WFP has significantly scaled up operations in Haiti, reaching over 1.35 million people until March 2025 and we continue providing support. But now we only have stocks and cash to support crisis-affected populations until July. This includes assistance to displaced people as well as to those living in areas facing IPC 4, emergency levels of hunger. Severe funding gaps are threatening the continuity of essential programmes that help anchor communities and prevent further deterioration. Among these, WFP’s flagship school meals programme—a key stabilizing force in the country—is at immediate risk.
This academic year, we’ve managed to provide daily meals to 550,000 schoolchildren, 70 percent of which were sourced from Haitian farmers. Without urgent funding, up to 50 percent of these schoolchildren will not receive meals in the next academic year. What is important is that this food is purchased mostly locally, from smallholder farmers, women and men still producing in areas of rural Haiti. We really need to ensure these children can continue going to school and we can continue to support these farmers to have normal livelihoods.
The Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti in 2025 is only 8 percent funded and we’re halfway through the year. WFP alone needs US$ 46.4 million over the next six months, to sustain its emergency response and address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition.
Lack of preparedness for hurricane season
On top of the dire situation I have already described, we have now officially entered the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June to November.
This year, for the first time ever, WFP has no prepositioned food stocks in Haiti, nor the cash liquidity to mount a swift humanitarian response in the case of a hurricane or extreme weather event. In previous years, we’ve always had in-country resources to be able to support between 250,000 and 500,000 people in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Unless resources are made available, WFP will have no capacity to respond—there are no contingency supplies, no logistical buffer, and no lifeline for the most vulnerable.
At this moment when half of all Haitians are already going hungry, a single storm could push millions into a humanitarian catastrophe.
WFP expanding operational capacity
Against all these odds, I want to stress that WFP remains fully operational in Haiti.
During my visit last week, I went to our logistics hub in Cap Haitien and witnessed first-hand that, despite the extremely challenging context, WFP’s operational capacity has grown. We have more warehousing space and are receiving food through the port.
Also, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) remains a vital lifeline for the humanitarian community, ensuring the delivery of critical assistance and enabling the continuity of operations across the country. UNHAS continues to be the only safe and cost-effective option for humanitarian workers and the diplomatic community to get in and out of Port-au-Prince.
Our priority in Haiti is to continue providing first-line emergency food assistance to save lives, while also addressing the root causes of hunger. To hold the line on hunger, we’re calling on the international community to provide urgent support – and above all, the country needs peace.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)
U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it is backing down from its plans to close several California-based U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offices. The announcement comes on the heels ofSenator Adam Schiff’s (D-CA) letter, which was co-led by Carbajal, to the Administration urging them to reverse their plan to close the offices.
“Today’s announcement is a big victory for California’s agricultural industry, which would have faced needless hardship under the Administration’s reckless plan,”said Rep. Carbajal.“I thank Senator Schiff for leading this fight to protect our state’s critical USDA resources. While today proved that advocacy is still a powerful tool, we must continue to push back against this Administration’s most extreme policies.”
According to USDA, eight of the nine California USDA offices previously slated for termination by the Trump Administration will no longer be closed. Those eight offices are located in Bakersfield, Blythe, Los Angeles, Madera, Oxnard, Salinas, Woodland, and Yreka. The Mt. Shasta office and newly added Brea office have not been removed from the list of terminations. Carbajal will continue to work with Schiff and the California congressional delegation to ensure that the remaining offices can operate without interruption.
Last month, Carbajal led a letter to Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian of the General Services Administration over the planned illegal closures of crucial facilities across the Central Coast. The planned closures would impact the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the United States Forest Service (USFS) facilities in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.
The Commission wants to preserve and expand the EU- United States (US) trade partnership for the benefit of the respective people and businesses.
The Commission regrets US announcements on the possible imposition of tariffs on goods imported from the EU. As the EU and US economies are so closely intertwined, it should also be in the US’ interest to avoid tariff hikes.
The Commission’s priority is to avoid disruptions to EU-US trade and to seek negotiated solutions. Therefore, the Commission decided to delay the imposition of EU countermeasures to allow for negotiations.
At the same time, the Commission is ready to ensure that the EU will react firmly, swiftly and proportionately to any unjustified tariffs or trade measures if no mutually beneficial solution is otherwise attainable.
The Commission recognises the challenges EU industries and agriculture face in terms of competitiveness. To address those, the recently presented Competitiveness Compass[1] and Clean Industrial Deal[2] provide a strategic framework to enhance industrial resilience while ensuring that decarbonisation drives growth.
The aim is to lower energy prices with the measures proposed in the Affordable Energy Action Plan[3], to secure critical raw materials, increase access to capital markets, and to introduce regulatory simplification, which is being done through the Omnibus Simplification Package[4].
The Commission remains committed to evaluating further measures to mitigate competitive imbalances while reinforcing Europe’s economic and industrial leadership.
Conversely, the new Vision for Agriculture and Food[5] identifies a fairer global level playing field as a key element of the EU’s agri-food economic diplomacy while keeping in line with World Trade Organisation rules.
Source: US Whitehouse
Here are 50 reasons why President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is the best chance in a generation to pass critical reforms for which Americans voted:
It delivers the largest tax cut in American history. This means an extra $5,000 in Americans’ pockets with a DOUBLE-DIGIT percent DECREASE to their tax bills. Americans earning between $30,000 and $80,000 will pay around 15% less in taxes.
It makes the Trump Tax Cuts permanent, preventing the largest tax increase ever. If the bill doesn’t pass, Americans will see the largest tax increase in history.
It raises Americans’ take-home pay by as much as $13,300 and wages by as much as $11,600.
It reverses the spending curse plaguing Washington, D.C. The bill delivers the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years, with $1.6 trillion in mandatory savings — the largest single reduction in mandatory spending in our country’s history.
It delivers NO TAX ON TIPS and NO TAX ON OVERTIME. This makes good on two of President Trump’s cornerstone campaign promises and will benefit hardworking Americans where they need it the most — their paychecks.
It provides historic tax cuts for seniors.
It finishes President Trump’s border wall. As a result, 701 miles of primary wall, 900 miles of river barriers, 629 miles of secondary barriers, and 141 miles of vehicle and pedestrian barriers will be constructed.
It boosts Border Patrol and ICE agents on the frontlines with the largest border security investment in history. This means funding to hire 10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents to detain and deport at least one million illegal immigrants annually.
It increases the child tax credit to $2,500 per family.
It protects Medicaid for Americans who truly need it. This bill eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse by ending benefits for at least 1.4 million illegal immigrants who are gaming the system.
It implements popular work requirements for able-bodied Americans receiving taxpayer-funded benefits. Through commonsense, Clinton-era work, volunteer, education, or training requirements, the One Big Beautiful Bill lifts Americans up to find a better quality of life through the dignity of work.
It eliminates hundreds of billions of dollars in Green New Scam tax credits. The legislation immediately stops credits from flowing to China, saving taxpayers $500+ billion every year.
It reverses electric vehicle mandates that let radical climate activists set the standards for American energy.
It ends Biden’s war on American energy. The bill finally unleashes American energy dominance by opening federal lands and waters to oil, gas, coal, geothermal, and mineral leasing.
It streamlines onerous permitting processes so America can get building again.
It refills the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to safeguard America’s energy security.
It repeals and rescinds every “green” corporate welfare subsidy in Democrats’ so-called “Inflation Reduction Act.”
It stops illegal immigrants from receiving tax credits and taxes remittances sent to foreign countries.
It supports small businesses by increasing the Section 199A deduction to 23% — promoting the growth and success of Main Street.
It incentivizes MADE IN AMERICA. The bill rewards companies that build their products in America with lower taxes — and allows Americans who buy an American-made vehicle to fully deduct their auto loan interest.
It creates new Trump Savings Accounts for newborns — allowing children across America to experience the miracle of compounded growth.
It expands access to childcare for hardworking American families.
It provides a historic increase in funding for the U.S. Coast Guard. This will help block illegal drugs and migrants from entering our country, protect our sovereignty in the Arctic, and promote our national security.
It supports building new factories to grow domestic business operations. The bill renews 100% immediate expensing and interest deductions, increases the small business deduction, and establishes 100% immediate expensing for equipment and machinery.
It helps American farmers, producers, and ranchers compete and sell products in foreign markets. The bill makes sure American farmers aren’t crowded out by foreign imports in liquid fuel production markets.
It holds woke, elitist universities accountable by increasing the endowment tax on large universities.
It protects hardworking taxpayers by canceling Biden’s illegal and unfair student loan bailouts.
It ends taxpayer-funded sex changes. It reverses the Biden-era mandate that Medicaid cover so-called “gender transition” procedures — ending the taxpayer-funded chemical castration and mutilation of American children.
It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to revolutionize our nation’s defense capabilities and protect the homeland against new threats by funding President Trump’s Golden Dome.
It enhances the capacity of America’s naval fleet. The bill provides billions of dollars to revitalize America’s shipbuilding and maritime industrial base.
It modernizes air traffic control — fulfilling President Trump’s plan to completely overhaul the systems that keep Americans flying safely and efficiently.
It strengthens SNAP benefits. The legislation requires states to contribute a greater portion of the cost of administering benefits, thereby controlling costs, and closes the excessively broad loopholes for work requirements.
It implements critical program integrity and cost containment provisions in Medicaid to strengthen it for future generations. These include removing deceased individuals from the program and limiting retroactive coverage from three months to one month prior to enrollment.
It safeguards Second Amendment rights by removing tax and registration requirements for firearm silencers and eliminating silencers from the National Firearms Act.
It provides critical disaster recovery funding to farmers, producers, and ranchers.
It provides funding to rebuild America’s military — including $9+ billion to improve quality of life for our servicemembers, $20+ billion to bolster U.S. munitions production, and $12+ billion to modernize our nuclear arsenal.
It expands health savings accounts to give Americans greater choice and flexibility in how they spend their money.
It gives $10,000 bonuses annually over the next four years to Border Patrol and ICE agents on the frontlines.
It incentivizes scholarships that empower American families and students to choose the education that best fits their needs.
It repeals Democrats’ insane attack on the gig economy — ending the requirement that Venmo, PayPal, and other gig transactions over $600 be reported to the IRS.
It reforms and streamlines the federal student loan program to drive down tuition costs and simplify repayment plans. This includes reasonable limits on amounts students can borrow.
It strengthens accountability for students and taxpayers on federal student loans. The bill imposes “skin in the game” requirements to hold universities financially accountable to the government on defaulted federal student loans.
It implements critical reforms to Pell Grants to make sure they prioritize students who truly need financial assistance while promoting completion. The legislation allows grants to be used for short-term, high-quality workforce training programs to support Americans who want to learn a trade instead of the traditional four-year colleges.
It increases timber sales on federal lands. This means an increase in timber production and improvement to forest management — improving the resilience of timber and saving billions on future wildfire suppression costs.
It authorizes the sale of expanded spectrum MHz to strengthen rural broadband and secure America’s technological dominance in AI and other emerging technologies.
It creates permanent fees that illegal immigrants must pay for their applications so American taxpayers aren’t saddled with covering these costs. These fees will bring in over $77 billion to cover adjudication costs and fund immigration processes and enforcement actions.
It protects family farmers. The bill prevents the greedy death tax from hitting two million family-owned farms who would otherwise see their exemptions cut in half and cuts taxes on farmers by over $10 billion.
It ends abusive financing practices in Medicaid by freezing existing provider taxes and prohibiting new provider taxes. This ensures states cannot improperly increase the federal government’s cost-share of a state Medicaid program at the expense of taxpayers.
It reins in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This brainchild of Sen. Elizabeth Warren has long functioned as another woke, weaponized arm of the bureaucracy — with minimal accountability or oversight — that leverages its power against certain industries and individuals disfavored by the so-called “elites.”
It rolls back harmful Biden-era regulations that increase cost and administrative burdens with limited flexibility for states. These burdensome regulations, such as federal staffing mandates at nursing homes, lead to closures, reduced access to care, and increased costs, particularly in areas already overwhelmed by labor shortages.
As the influencer ecosystem expands and its culture evolves, there is increasing pressure for the industry to prioritize ethics over profit.(Shutterstock)
Social media influencers have become cultural powerhouses, setting trends, shaping lifestyles and even swaying political views. As their influence grows, so do ethical debates about them: are they villains exploiting their audiences, victims of an unregulated industry or champions driving positive change?
In our chapter in the recently released book, Influencer Marketing, we synthesized existing literature to explore the ethical minefield of influencer culture and attention economy. We scrutinized the responsibilities of influencers, brands, platforms and consumers, and the broader impact of influencers on society at large.
Influencers as villains
Influencers are often cast as villains in the online world. They are frequently criticized for inauthentic behaviour, such as by failing to disclose partnership agreements, perpetuating unrealistic beauty or lifestyle standards or by lying to their audiences outright.
Despite regulations, many influencers hide their paid partnerships.
In 2023, for instance, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found that 81 per cent of influencers failed to properly disclose paid partnerships.
Influencers are incentivized to do this because advertising-heavy content can appear inauthentic and be off-putting to followers. These omissions mislead audiences into thinking products and brand reviews are based on genuine opinion, rather than part of a paid script.
Despite the controversy, Gibson’s story was adapted by Netflix into a series called Apple Cider Vinegar, further fuelling the money-making machine.
Another case is that of Yovana Mendoza, a raw vegan influencer who was filmed eating fish in a Bali restaurant. The video went viral after being leaked by fellow travellers. Despite later revealing that she had stopped being vegan because of health reasons, she still faced backlash and accusations of hypocrisy.
Unrealistic beauty standards
Influencers, and particularly virtual CGI influencers, are also villainized by the masses for perpetuating unrealistic standards and lifestyle choices.
From posing as the “perfect family” or the “perfect wife” (such as trad wife influencer Hannah Neeleman, also known as Ballerina Farm), to flaunting ultra-thin or perfectly chiselled beauty ideals, influencer content fosters harmful social comparisons.
These portrayals can contribute to anxiety and low self-esteem among social media audiences. Influencers prey on these insecurities to make profit and gain influence, which affects the well-being of these audiences.
In the case of male Instagram followers of the hashtag #fitfam, one study found increased pressure to achieve the so-called “instabod” — a sculpted, idealized physique — was linked to symptoms of muscle dysmorphia.
Influencers as champions
Despite the controversies surrounding influencer culture, some content creators are leveraging their platforms to do good. Body positivity influencers, for instance, advocate for self-love and self-acceptance, which can improve body satisfaction and appreciation among young women.
There are also green influencers who champion sustainability. For example, Alessandro Vitale teaches urban farming, while Emma Dendler advocates for zero-waste living.
A study found that many women fashion influencers over 50 engage in what researchers call “styleactivism.” They use their social media platforms to bring about important changes in the ageist and sexist fashion and beauty markets.
There is also a growing movement known as “deinfluencing,” where influencers discourage mindless consumption by critiquing over-hyped products, like the viral Stanley Cup water bottle.
Many influencers operate without the backing of talent managers or influencer agencies, despite taking on multiple roles, including videographers, video editors, scriptwriters, lighting specialists, directors and on-screen talent. This leaves them especially vulnerable to exploitation.
As the influencer ecosystem expands and its culture evolves, there is increasing pressure for the industry to prioritize ethics over profit. Weeding out the unethical practices lurking in various corners of this lucrative industry will require collective efforts from policymakers, brands, as well as influencers and their followers.
Aya Aboelenien receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Ai Ming Chow does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)
WASHINGTON D.C.– Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), a senior member of the House Financial Services and House Agriculture Committees, filed legislation to stimulate the creation of jobs in the domestic U.S. space manufacturing sector. The Rural American Vitalization in Extraterrestrial Space (RAVES) Reporting Act, would promote the redevelopment of shuttered factories, abandoned plants, and decommissioned military installations into advanced manufacturing hubs supporting U.S. space exploration and commercialization across rural communities.
“As global competition in space continues to intensify, we must ensure that America’s next-generation space infrastructure is built here at home—by American workers, in American communities,” said Congressman David Scott. “The RAVES Reporting Act will turn economic stagnation into innovation by revitalizing long-abandoned industrial and defense sites and transforming them into vital hubs of extraterrestrial manufacturing and research. China’s latest investment focus to “militarize space” partly through their Made in China 2025 initiative, shows just why the United States must remain the global leader in space investment. My bill will ensure the future of space is built by the same communities that once powered American steel, shipbuilding, and defense. All while strengthening U.S. national security interests.”
The RAVES Reporting Act will instruct the Department of Defense to determine the ability, capacity, and recommendation for transforming abandoned sites into U.S. space-industry manufacturing hubs. Specifically, the bill:
· Taps into the $1.8 trillion space industry for rural communities by identifying and certifying eligible abandoned or underutilized sites.
· Examines best possible solutions for current space supply chain issues through commercial input from agencies like NASA.
· Includes expanded pathways for increased streams in manufacturing jobs and revenue, STEM education, and infrastructure improvements like widespread broadband in rural communities.
· Strengthens U.S. national security by countering Chinese space expansion.
“The Rural Technology Fund appreciates the intent of the RAVES Reporting Act of 2025 and its focus on exploring opportunities for rural revitalization through space-related industries. The bill’s emphasis on workforce development, education, and collaboration with local institutions aligns with our mission to expand access to technology and technical careers in rural communities. We look forward to the insights this study may provide into how existing infrastructure can be part of that future.” Dr. Chris Sanders, Executive Director, Rural Technology Fund
“Innovation focused industries are critical for economic renewal in rural America and aerospace has tremendous potential in these regions, as we have seen through the startups across the Rural Innovation Network. The recycling of existing infrastructure is also important to ensure we can create these companies and jobs without destroying what provides rural places an exceptional quality of life. We wholeheartedly endorse Congressman’s Scott’s Rural American Vitalization in Extraterrestrial Space Reporting Act.” Matt Dunne, Executive Director of the Center on Rural Innovation
“Space is overhead of every American, and every American is vital to the productive utilization of space; not just the traditional centers or large cities, but in revitalizing, innovative rural areas as well. As we’ve been lucky enough to build our company on a rural coastline and now operate hardware on the space station, KMI supports the continued reinvestment to be identified by the RAVES Reporting Act of 2025. For more space solutions to more space challenges, this country needs to not only invest in major space efforts, but rebuild the bedrock that launched humanity from Earth to footsteps on the Moon by encouraging innovation once again across all America.” Troy M. Morris, Co-Founder & CEO, Kall Morris Inc (KMI)
