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Category: Fisheries

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: BLOG | “Our markets stand as a testament to the power of community”

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool has been a home to numerous markets since the Middle Ages and 2024 has shown us they are more popular than ever. Here Michael Bracken, Liverpool City Council’s Head of Markets, reflects on why markets are special places for scousers…

    In Liverpool, markets are more than just places to shop. They have always been at the heart of our communities, bringing people together and helping to forge bonds between shoppers and traders.

    And this year has proved this again and again. The successes of the new Stanley Park Market – where the bakers have been selling out almost before they can put their stock on their stall! – and the seasonal St George’s Hall markets show that there is a real appetite for this experience in Liverpool and that if you get the offer right, they work.

    But why are markets so special? Why do they still flourish in so many different guises?

    For us, it’s quite simple: connection. There is a social aspect to visiting a market that you don’t always get in the same way from some big high-street stores. Shoppers get to know the traders, the traders get to know the shoppers. It builds trust and strengthens the fabric of our communities, enriching our neighbourhoods.

    To say markets have a long history in Liverpool is a understatement. It is believed that there have been meat and fish markets in what is now the city centre since the 13th century. Since 1773, the local authority has been the sole market authority in the city and we do not take this responsibility lightly, understanding that if we are to help traders to succeed then our approach cannot be one-size-fits-all.

    From the well-established weekly bustle of Greatie to the farmers’ markets in Lark Lane, Woolton Village and Allerton Road via the annual Christmas Market, whose contract is managed by Culture Liverpool, we’ve worked hard to make sure that our communities have the markets that they want and deserve. They reflect the diversity of our neighbourhoods, from the people that shop there to the goods that are sold. They provide local connection for older people and plenty of eye-widening fun for youngsters.

    Not only that, markets are increasingly becoming a vital foundational part of the local economy, making sure that money stays in Liverpool and that small businesses grow and become more secure, offering traders a low-cost, low-risk way to trial products and concepts. Spend money in a Liverpool market and you’re effectively investing in your community.

    And they’re sustainable – goods do not have to be transported as far and shoppers can walk to the market rather than getting in their car.

    In a world that often feels fragmented, our markets stand as a testament to the power of community. They are not just places for commerce but spaces where relationships develop, cultures are shared and local pride grows. Sitting alongside all the other fantastic shopping opportunities that Liverpool has to offer.

    So the next time you visit a market, as well as possibly opening your purse or wallet remember that you are also opening your heart to a tradition that stretches back centuries.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: BLOG: Kinship Carers Week Goes Global – A Liverpool Success Story!

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Last updated:

    At Liverpool City Council, we truly value the incredible work of kinship carers and are proud of our ongoing partnership with Liverpool Kinship Carers.

    Based in Norris Green, this dedicated charity provides vital resources, support and advocacy for kinship families. Kinship carers are relatives or friends who step in to care for children when their parents are unable to do so. Their unwavering commitment has made a lasting impact on countless lives, and this week, we’ve been celebrating with our kinship families. As part of Kinship Carers Week, they’ve enjoyed a variety of parties and events, culminating in a special afternoon tea.

    Please read this amazing update from Pauline Thornley, the Project Co-ordinator of the Kinship Care Project:

    I’m beyond excited to share some incredible news! Kinship Carers Week, which began right here in Liverpool, has now gone global!

    What started as a local initiative to raise awareness and celebrate the often-overlooked role of kinship carers has been adopted by 15 other countries this year. Yes, 15 countries!

    I was fortunate enough to attend a recent webinar featuring keynote speakers from Zimbabwe and Nepal, and hearing their stories was truly inspiring. It’s amazing to see how the challenges and triumphs of kinship carers are so similar, no matter where they are based in the world.

    When we first launched Kinship Carers Week in 2016, there was nothing like it. Our aim was to raise both local and national awareness of the vital work kinship carers do, looking after children who might otherwise enter the care system.

    We wanted to spark conversations, particularly with local authorities, about how to better support these families. We never imagined the movement would grow into what it is today!

    In those early days we ran some brilliant campaigns. Our promotional T-shirt made its way around the world, from Westminster to New Zealand, spreading the word about kinship care. We even launched a cake smash challenge, which went viral, with families, organisations and even MPs getting involved and sharing the fun on social media. It wasn’t just a bit of fun, it got people talking and raising awareness of kinship carers.

    The benefit of raising awareness is profound. This year, as we celebrate Kinship Carers Week globally, hundreds more kinship carers across the UK are being recognised and receiving the support they deserve. The increased visibility of their challenges and contributions helps ensure that these families are not only acknowledged, but are also provided with the resources and assistance they need to thrive.

    Now, seeing other countries adopt what started here in Liverpool feels truly special. It’s a testament to the power of community and collective voices. It’s also a clear sign that kinship carers everywhere need and deserve recognition and support.

    So, let’s take a moment to celebrate this incredible achievement. What began in Liverpool has sparked a global movement. This is a tribute to the strength and determination of our kinship families, and it’s something we should all be immensely proud of. Let’s keep this momentum going and continue to raise our voices for kinship carers everywhere!

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: TransUnion Analysis Finds Fraud Costing Businesses Equivalent of Nearly 7% of Revenues

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A global TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) analysis found that fraud continues to significantly impact businesses and their bottom lines. The newly released H2 2024 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report, which explores fraud trends in the first half (H1/January 1-June 30, 2024) of this year, also found that the lender risk exposure to synthetic identities for U.S. auto loans, bank credit cards, retail credit cards and unsecured personal loans reached their highest point ever.

    Among the key findings in the report were the results of a TransUnion survey of more than 800 business leaders in Canada, India, the U.K. and the U.S. which revealed total fraud losses of 6.5% equivalent of their companies’ revenue. This totaled approximately $359 billion among these business leaders’ organizations, a number which projects out exponentially greater when considering these represent only a small percentage of business leaders. Among those surveyed in the U.S., they said their company lost the equivalent of 6.7% of their revenue due to fraud over the past year, totaling $112 billion.

    In addition, 75% of the global survey respondents said that every type of fraud they measured stayed the same or increased year-over-year (YoY). Nearly half of respondents indicated that scam/authorized fraud, wherein a person is tricked into giving up something of value, saw the greatest YoY increase. It was also the most common cause of fraud loss according to global respondents at 31% and US respondents at 35%. In fact, in the U.S., this was more than double the next most common cause of fraud losses – synthetic identity fraud at 17%.

    “Protecting customers and their businesses from fraud is essential to enabling safe and tailored consumer experiences. These findings reveal that despite the good-faith efforts that are being undertaken by global organizations to identify and prevent fraud to date, fraudsters continue to evolve and it’s vital that fraud prevention methods keep up with the changing times,” said Steve Yin, global head of fraud at TransUnion. “Business that aren’t already doing so should ensure that they are taking advantage of fraud prevention technologies such as identity verification, IP intelligence, device reputation and synthetic identity detection as critical components of their fraud prevention programs.”

    According to proprietary insights from TransUnion’s global intelligence network, the global rate of suspected Digital Fraud remained stubbornly high in H1 2024 at 5.2% of all transactions. For transactions where the consumer was located in the U.S., 4.6% of digital transactions were suspected to be fraudulent over the period. Breaking it down by the industry, the highest rate of suspected Digital Fraud for transactions where the consumers were in the U.S. was the gaming sector, for which 13.3% of all transactions in that industry were suspected to be fraudulent in H1 2024.

    Synthetic Identity Lending Exposure Reaches New Record High

    Potentially driven in part by the wealth of stolen identities acquired via data breaches, accounts opened using synthetic identities continue to put lenders at risk. In fact, the increases among overall lender exposure to synthetic identities for US auto loans, bank credit cards, retail credit cards and unsecured personal loans continued in H1 2024. TransUnion documented such exposure rising from $3.0 billion in H1 2023 to $3.2 billion in H1 2024, an all-time high and growth of 7% YoY. The share of accounts opened for the four tradelines by synthetic identities rose 18% YoY, also reaching an all-time high.

    The auto loan industry continued to be the most impacted by lender exposure to synthetic identities among the four tradelines, accounting for $2.0 billion of the total in H1 2024, the fourth consecutive first half of the year in which auto has seen the greatest exposure. In fact, since surpassing bankcards in H1 2021, auto loan exposure is now double that of bankcard, which is currently at $1.0 billion.

    “Fraudsters are increasingly using synthetic identities to accumulate balances, particularly targeting the auto industry,” said Yin. “Unfortunately, this warrants attention to as the market is now facing a rising threat of charge-offs.”

    Lender Exposure to Synthetic Identities Continues to Trend Upward, Led by Auto

      End of H1 2020 End of H1 2021 End of H1 2022 End of H1 2023 End of H1 2024
    Auto Loans $871M $869M $1.3B $1.8B $2.0B
    Bankcards $966M $783M $951M $1.1B $1.0B
    Retail Credit Cards $250M $183M $157M $145M $121M
    Unsecured Personal Loans $48M $36M $57M $57M $52M
    Totals $2.1B $1.9B $2.4B $3.0B $3.2B

    Source: TransUnion TruValidate™ data

    The percentage of newly-opened accounts connected to synthetic identities has also seen a steady rise since 2020, and in H1 2024 stood at 0.20% of all accounts associated with the four tradelines in the table above. The tradeline with the highest percentage in H1 2024 was bank card, which was at 0.33% for the period, followed closely by auto loans at 0.27%.

    Industry Perspective: Online Forums and Dating Sites Most Impacted by Digital Fraud in H1 2024

    In H1 2024, the communities industry – which includes web properties like online forums and dating sites – experienced the largest percentage (11.5%) of suspected Digital Fraud globally. This represents a 23% increase over H1 2023. TransUnion’s communities customers reported profile misrepresentation as the most frequent type of fraud they witnessed in H1 2024. Not surprisingly, the communities industry had the highest suspected Digital Fraud rate in seven of the 19 countries and regions analyzed in H1 2024.

    In terms of global volume, synthetic identity fraud was the fastest-growing Digital Fraud type across industries from H2 2023 to H1 2024, increasing by 153%. Electronic fund transfers fraud saw the highest YoY growth, up 113% from H1 2023 to H1 2024. However, promotion abuse, which is defined as consumers or fraudsters taking advantage of marketing offers to receive unintended financial incentives, was the most common Digital Fraud type globally in H1 2024, with 3.6% of Digital Fraud reported to TransUnion by its customers.

    TransUnion came to its conclusions about Digital Fraud based on intelligence from its identity and fraud product suite that helps secure trust across channels and delivers efficient consumer experiences – TransUnion TruValidate. The rate or percentage of suspected Digital Fraud attempts reflect those that TransUnion customers determined met one of the following conditions: 1) denial in real time due to fraudulent indicators, 2) denial in real time for corporate policy violations, 3) determined to be fraudulent upon customer investigation, or 4) determined to be a corporate policy violation upon customer investigation —compared to all transactions it assessed for fraud. 

    Download the TransUnion H2 2024 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report to learn more. Specific country and regional data in the report include the United States, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and Zambia.

    For more information and insights about the global fraud trends, please download the report. Consumers who believe they may be a victim of fraud can find resources and information here.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.
    http://www.transunion.com/business

    Contact Dave Blumberg
      TransUnion
       
    E-mail david.blumberg@transunion.com
       
    Telephone 312-972-6646

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What is Chabad-Lubavitch? A Jewish studies scholar explains

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Schneur Zalman Newfield, Associate Professor of Sociology and Jewish Studies, Hunter College

    Lubavitchers have put up leaflets, posters and even murals of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson around the world, with many proclaiming him the messiah. Nizzan Cohen via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    If you live anywhere near New York – or anywhere in the world, really – you may have seen a picture of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Yellow posters of the rabbi’s face are stuck to lampposts or streetlights: an elderly man with a long white beard and black hat.

    For tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews, Schneerson is simply “the rebbe”: the leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, even though he died in 1994. The name “Chabad” is familiar to many Americans, but the actual beliefs of this Hasidic group rarely are.

    As someone who was raised in a Lubavitch community and became a scholar of sociology and Jewish studies, I am often asked what sets it apart from other Orthodox streams of Judaism.

    Mystic teachings, joyful prayer

    Hasidism began under the leadership of the 18th-century mystic and healer Israel ben Eliezer, known as the Baal Shem Tov. Instead of focusing on the Bible and Jewish law, the movement prioritized attaching oneself to God through joyful prayer and passionate devotion.

    The Lubavitch sect of Hasidism was founded in the late 1700s by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the author of the Tanya – a theological text and self-improvement manual still studied daily by Lubavitchers. For over a hundred years, the movement was based in the rural town of Lyubavichi, Russia, from which it derives its name.

    Lubavitch headquarters in Brooklyn, which many followers call ‘770.’
    Sagtkd/Wikimedia Commons

    Since 1940, however, Lubavitch has been based in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The headquarters there at 770 Eastern Parkway are simply referred to as “770” by Lubavitchers the world over, who imbue the red brick building with mystical symbolism.

    Lubavitch, also known by the name “Chabad,” is one of the largest Hasidic groups today, with an estimated 90,000 members.

    Lubavitch shares many things in common with all streams of Orthodox Judaism, including a commitment to strictly abiding by “halacha” – Jewish law and customs. The group also shares a great deal with other ultra-Orthodox communities, such as opposition to providing their children with secular education.

    Yet there are key features of Lubavitch that distinguish it – particularly how much it engages with non-Orthodox Jews.

    The rebbe

    All Hasidic sects have a leader, a “rebbe,” who is believed to possess unique spiritual gifts and connect his followers to the divine. Still, Lubavitch is distinct in terms of the extent to which the rebbe is central to the lives of every single member of the community.

    In 1951, Schneerson accepted leadership of the Lubavitchers after the passing of his father-in-law and grew the movement exponentially until his passing in 1994. Rather than naming a successor, however, Lubavitchers have continued to regard Schneerson as “the rebbe.”

    With his piercing blue eyes, full white beard, black fedora and silk coat, images of Schneerson are ubiquitous among Lubavitchers. Photos and paintings of him adorn walls, key chains, clocks and charity boxes wherever they live.

    A baby clutches a photo of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson during a holiday celebration in front of the Chabad Lubavitch headquarters in Brooklyn.
    AP Photo/Mark Lennihan

    While the rebbe was alive, his followers would ask him for advice and blessings regarding all spiritual matters, as well as questions about health, business and marriage. Since his passing, followers continue to seek his blessings by placing notes at his gravesite and searching his printed works for guidance.

    Even among Lubavitchers who have left the fold, many still feel attached to its leader.

    Jewish outreach

    One expression of Lubavitchers’ devotion is their commitment to creating Jewish outreach centers all over the world.

    The ethos of sharing Hasidic thought was present from the founding of the Lubavitch movement. This drive became much more developed, however, during and after the Holocaust and continued under Schneerson’s leadership.

    Today, Lubavitch has established Jewish outposts, called “Chabad Houses,” from Melbourne to Hong Kong and Buenos Aires to Cape Town. These emissaries endeavor to reach out to secular Jews and inspire them to become more religiously observant.

    Members of Chabad participate in a Fourth of July parade in Santa Monica, Calif.
    AP Photo/Richard Vogel

    The language surrounding Lubavitch outreach often has a militaristic flavor – for example, its youth movement is named the “Army of God”: Tzivos Ha-Shem, in Hebrew. However, outreach is rooted in the commandment to love one’s fellow Jew and a desire to help them enjoy the Jewish tradition. It is also motivated by a belief that these efforts will help fulfill the biblical prophecy of a Jewish messiah, who will usher in a time of global peace.

    These two motivations fortify the nearly 5,000 emissaries sent to far-flung communities around the world, notwithstanding profound obstacles. These include being separated from their families, who tend to live in established Hasidic communities, and being vulnerable to antisemitic attacks.

    Messianism

    The most distinct aspect of contemporary Lubavitch is its enthusiasm for the coming of the messiah and its assertion that Schneerson is that long-awaited messiah, despite his death.

    Messianic hopes and people claiming to be the messiah have appeared at various points throughout Jewish history, often during periods of crisis. In the wake of the devastation of the Holocaust, however, Schneerson made the idea of the messiah’s coming integral to every aspect of Jewish life.

    Eventually, most followers came to believe that Schneerson was the righteous redeemer sent by God to usher in the messianic age. While Schneerson did not embrace these proclamations, he insisted that through additional acts of goodness and kindness it was possible to bring about the messianic redemption.

    While some outsiders criticized this emphasis, especially claims about the rebbe, the situation became much more fraught after he passed away in 1994. In response to this trauma, a split developed in Lubavitch.

    Praying men leave notes seeking guidance and blessings at the grave site of Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
    Bentzi Sasson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    One camp, composed largely of those involved in outreach work and members of long-standing Lubavitch families, argued Lubavitch should stop publicly talking about Schneerson being the messiah since it scared away outsiders. The other camp, largely composed of those who joined the community as adults, claimed that he was still the messiah and was about to return, and that it was vital to tell the world.

    To some other Jews, this belief seemed suspiciously close to Christian faith in the second coming of Jesus. Still, many Lubavitchers persist in their messianic beliefs.

    The future

    This issue still divides some Lubavitchers. Nonetheless, since Schneerson’s passing three decades ago, the movement has increased in size and strength.

    The group’s cohesiveness has been aided by creative uses of technology to foster a sense of the rebbe’s continued presence in their lives. For example, the Jewish Educational Media organization regularly produces videos that splice footage of his talks with current visuals to make him feel present in the moment. Lubavitchers have reinterpreted Hasidic texts to fit their current predicament, helping them feel grounded despite his physical absence.

    While the precise future of Lubavitch is unknown, the fact that it has managed to weather the storm of the rebbe’s passing and emerged stronger gives his followers hope for the future.

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

    – ref. What is Chabad-Lubavitch? A Jewish studies scholar explains – https://theconversation.com/what-is-chabad-lubavitch-a-jewish-studies-scholar-explains-222218

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Coastal cities have a hidden vulnerability to storm-surge and tidal flooding − entirely caused by humans

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Philip M. Orton, Research Associate Professor in Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology

    A consequence of dredging deep channels is that water also enters more easily with tides and storm surge. Google Earth

    Centuries ago, estuaries around the world were teeming with birds and turbulent with schools of fish, their marshlands and endless tracts of channels melting into the gray-blue horizon.

    Fast-forward to today, and in estuaries such as New York Harbor, San Francisco Bay and Miami’s Biscayne Bay – areas where rivers meet the sea – 80% to 90% of this habitat has been built over.

    The result has been the environmental collapse of estuary habitats and the loss of buffer zones that helped protect cities from storm surge and sea-level rise. But the damage isn’t just what’s visible on land.

    Below the surface of many of the remaining waterways, another form of urbanization has been slowly increasing the vulnerability of coastlines to extreme storms and sea-level rise: Vast dredging and engineering projects have more than doubled the depths of shipping channels since the 19th century.

    Some of these oceanic highways enable huge container ships, with drafts of 50 feet below the waterline and lengths of nearly a quarter mile, to glide into formerly shallow areas. An example is New Jersey’s Newark Bay, which was as little as 10 feet (3 meters) deep in the 1840s but is 50 feet (15 meters) deep today.

    A consequence of dredging deep channels is that water also enters and exits the estuaries more easily with each tide or storm. In these dredged channels, the natural resistance to flow created by a rough and shallow channel bottom is reduced. With less friction, that can lead to larger high tides and storm surge.

    As coastal engineers and oceanographers, we study coastal ocean physics and storm surge. There are solutions to the problems “estuary urbanization” is causing, if people are willing to accept some trade-offs.

    An unintended side effect of dredging

    The effects of dredging are most visible in the daily tides, which have grown larger over the past century in many estuaries and aggravated nuisance flooding in many cities, as our research shows.

    Tide range – the average variation between high and low tide – has doubled in multiple estuaries and changed significantly in others. As a result, high-tide levels are often rising faster than sea-level rise, worsening its consequences.

    The most common culprit for these larger tides is estuary urbanization.

    For example, in Miami, where the tide range has almost doubled, a major contributor is the construction and dredging of a nearly 50-foot-deep (15 meter), 500-foot-wide (150 meter) harbor entrance channel beginning in the early 20th century.

    In New York City, some neighborhoods in southern Queens see 15 minor tidal floods per year today. Computer modeling shows that these floods are caused in about equal measure by sea-level rise and landscape alterations, including dredging and wetland reclamation projects that fill in wetlands to build industrial sites, airports and neighborhoods.

    Evidence and computer modeling show that any hurricane storm surge affecting parts of New York City, Jacksonville, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Southeast Florida and Southwest Louisiana, among other locations, will likely produce higher water levels due to estuary urbanization, potentially causing more damage in unprotected regions.

    These costs have gone largely unnoticed, since changes have occurred gradually over the past 150 years. But as sea-level rise and turbo-charged storms increase flooding frequency and severity, the problem is becoming more visible.

    Building solutions to the flooding problem

    In response to rising sea levels, a different form of estuary urbanization is attracting new attention as a possible solution.

    Gated storm-surge barriers or tide gates are being built across estuaries or their inlets so they can be closed off during storm-surge events. Some examples include barriers for New Orleans; London; Venice, Italy; and the Netherlands. Such barriers are increasingly being proposed alongside levee systems for coastal protection of urbanized estuary shorelines.

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently recommended surge barriers for 11 additional estuaries, including near Miami, Jamaica Bay in Queens and Galveston, Texas.

    Surge barriers are not long-term solutions to flooding driven by sea-level rise, and their negative impacts remain poorly understood.

    Venice’s rising flood wall includes 58 gates, each about the size of two tennis courts, that rise to block the inlet from storm surge.

    Natural solutions

    Wetlands and mangroves have also emerged as a popular nature-based solution.

    Communities and government funding have focused on attempts to restore or create new wetlands as buffers in shoreline areas. But this solution is ineffective for flood protection in most harbor cities, such as New York, due to the lack of available space.

    A storm surge crossing over a mile of marsh can be reduced by several inches, depending on the site’s characteristics. But typical urban estuary waterfronts have only tens of feet of open space to work with, if that much. In a narrow space, the best that vegetation can do is reduce wave action, which often isn’t the the most pressing problem for cities on estuaries that are typically sheltered from wind-driven storm waves.

    As a result, engineered wetlands, while attractive, may be ineffective, especially if trends in ship sizes and estuarine urbanization continues.

    Better ways to put nature back to work

    Our research reveals an opportunity for scientists, engineers and broader society to think bigger – to consider a more comprehensive reshaping and restoration of the natural features of estuaries that once mitigated or absorbed flooding.

    Possible solutions include halting the maintenance dredging of underutilized shipping channels, gradually retreating from vulnerable – and now often waterlogged – landfill industrial sites and neighborhoods, and restoring these larger expanses to wetlands.

    These approaches can sharply reduce flooding and provide years of protection against sea-level rise. Restoration to historical channel and wetland configurations, however, is rarely given serious consideration in coastal storm risk management studies because of the perceived economic cost, but also because the cumulative effect of deeper channel depths is often unrecognized.

    Renaturing urbanized estuaries in these ways could be paired with buyout programs to also reclaim the floodplain, reducing risk in more sustainable ways. Or it could be paired with seawalls to protect existing neighborhoods in a more ecologically beneficial way. These approaches should be considered as alternatives to further urbanizing our cities’ few remaining natural areas – their estuaries.

    Philip M. Orton receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, pertaining to the assessment of coastal flooding from storms, high tides, sea level rise and estuary urbanization.

    Stefan Talke receives funding from the National Science Foundation, the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, the California Department of Transportation, Pacific Northwest National Labs, and the California Delta Stewardship Council. The research pertains to the effect of sea-level rise and anthropogenic change on tides and floods in the past, present, and future.

    – ref. Coastal cities have a hidden vulnerability to storm-surge and tidal flooding − entirely caused by humans – https://theconversation.com/coastal-cities-have-a-hidden-vulnerability-to-storm-surge-and-tidal-flooding-entirely-caused-by-humans-231374

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: France: Discriminatory algorithm used by the social security agency must be stopped 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The French authorities must immediately stop the use of a discriminatory risk-scoring algorithm used by the French Social Security Agency’s National Family Allowance Fund (CNAF), which is used to detect overpayments and errors regarding benefit payments, Amnesty International said today.

    On 15 October, Amnesty International and fourteen other coalition partners led by La Quadrature du Net (LQDN) submitted a complaint to the Council of State, the highest administrative court in France, demanding the risk-scoring algorithmic system used by CNAF be stopped.  

    “From the outset, the risk-scoring system used by CNAF treats individuals who experience marginalization – those with disabilities, lone single parents who are mostly women, and those living in poverty – with suspicion. This system operates in direct opposition to human rights standards, violating the right to equality and non-discrimination and the right to privacy,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International.

    In 2023, La Quadrature du Net (LQDN) got access to versions of the algorithm’s source code – a set of instructions written by programmers to create a software – thereby exposing the discriminatory nature of the system.

    Since 2011, CNAF has used a risk-scoring algorithm to identify people who are potentially committing benefits fraud by receiving overpayments. The algorithm assigns a risk score between zero and one to all recipients of family and housing benefits. The closer the score is to one, the higher the probability of being flagged for investigation.

    Overall, there are 32 million people in France living in households that receive a benefit from CNAF. Their sensitive personal data, as well as that of their family, is processed periodically, and a risk score is assigned.

    The criteria that increase one’s risk score include parameters which discriminate against vulnerable households, including being on a low income, being unemployed, living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood, spending a significant portion of income on rent, and working while having a disability. The details of those who are flagged due to having a high-risk score are compiled into a list that is investigated further by a fraud investigator.

    “While authorities herald the rollout of algorithmic technologies in social protection systems as a way to increase efficiency and detect fraud and errors, in practice, these systems flatten the realities of people’s lives. They work as extensive data-mining tools that stigmatize marginalized groups, and invade their privacy,” said Agnès Callamard.

    Amnesty International did not investigate specific cases of people flagged by the CNAF system. However, our investigations in Netherlands and Serbia suggest that using AI-powered systems and automation in the public sector enables mass surveillance: the amount of data that is collected is disproportionate to the purported aim of the system. Moreover, evidence by Amnesty International also exposed how many of these systems have been quite ineffective at actually doing what they purport to do—whether it be identifying fraud or errors in the benefits system.

    While authorities herald the rollout of algorithmic technologies in social protection systems as a way to increase efficiency and detect fraud and errors, in practice, these systems flatten the realities of people’s lives. They work as extensive data-mining tools that stigmatize marginalized groups, and invade their privacy.

    Agnès Callamard, Secretary General, Amnesty International

    It has also been argued that the scale of errors or fraud in benefits system has been exaggerated to justify the development of such tech systems, often leading to discriminatory or racist or sexist targeting of particular groups, particularly migrants and refugees.

    Over the past year, France has been actively promoting itself internationally as the next hub for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, culminating in a summit scheduled for February 2025. At the same time, France has also been legalizing mass surveillance technologies and has consistently undermined the EU’s AI Act negotiations.

    “France is relying on a risk-scoring algorithmic system for social benefits that highlights, sustains and enshrines the bureaucracy’s prejudices and discrimination. Instead, France should ensure that it complies with its human rights obligations in the first place that of non-discrimination. The authorities must address current and existing AI-related harms amid the country’s quest to become a global AI hub,” said Agnès Callamard.

    Under the newly adopted European Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AI Act), AI systems used by authorities to determine access to essential public services and benefits are considered to pose high risk to rights, health and safety of people. Therefore, they must meet strict technical, transparency and governance rules, including an obligation on deployers to carry out an assessment of human rights risks and guarantee mitigation measures before deployment.

    In the meantime, certain systems, such as those used for social scoring, are considered to pose unacceptable level of risk and therefore must be banned.

    It is unfortunate that EU lawmakers have been vague in explicitly defining social scoring within the AI Act. The European Commission must ensure that its upcoming guidelines provide a clear and enforceable interpretation of the social scoring ban, especially as it applies to discriminatory fraud detection and risk-scoring systems. 

    Agnès Callamard

    It is currently unclear whether the system used by CNAF qualifies as a social scoring system due to a lack of clarity in the AI Act on what constitutes such a system.

    “It is unfortunate that EU lawmakers have been vague in explicitly defining social scoring within the AI Act. The European Commission must ensure that its upcoming guidelines provide a clear and enforceable interpretation of the social scoring ban, especially as it applies to discriminatory fraud detection and risk-scoring systems,” said Agnès Callamard.

    Regardless of its classification under the AI Act, all evidence suggests that the system used by CNAF is discriminatory. It is essential that authorities stop employing it and scrutinize biased practices that are inherently harmful especially to marginalized communities seeking social benefits.

    Background

    The European Commission will issue guidance on how to interpret the prohibitions in the AI Act prior to their entry into force on 2 February 2025, including what would qualify as social scoring systems.

    In August 2024, the AI Act came into force. Amnesty International, as part of a civil society coalition led by the European Digital Rights Network (EDRi), has been calling for EU artificial intelligence regulation that protects and promotes human rights.

    In March 2024, an Amnesty International briefing outlined how digital technologies including artificial intelligence, automation, and algorithmic decision-making are exacerbating inequalities in social protection systems across the world

    In 2021, Amnesty International’s report Xenophobic Machines exposed how racial profiling was baked into the design of the algorithmic system by the Dutch tax authorities that flagged claims for childcare benefits as potentially fraudulent. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Expanded Salton Sea restoration project breaks ground

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 15, 2024

    What you need to know: The state today broke ground on a project that expands ongoing restoration work at the Salton Sea to improve conditions for wildlife and surrounding communities. Most recently, $175 million in federal funding was made available to accelerate this effort as part of a $250 million commitment from the Inflation Reduction Act. This complements the more than $500 million in state funding secured to date. 

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the expansion of restoration work at the Salton Sea that broke ground today. The 750-acre expansion builds on the state’s ongoing work to enhance wildlife habitat, protect public health and improve water quality at the Salton Sea. The current project footprint is set at nearly 5,000 acres.

    California was granted $175 million from the Biden-Harris Administration this summer and $70 million in December 2023 as part of a $250 million commitment from the Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate Salton Sea restoration efforts. This complements the more than $500 million in state funding secured to date.

    The Salton Sea, California’s largest inland water body, has shrunk in recent years due to reduced inflows, resulting in an exposed lakebed that releases small dust particles that worsen air quality in the Imperial Valley, a region already burdened by poor air quality. The reduced water levels and increased salinity also negatively impact habitat for wildlife, including birds traveling the Pacific flyway.

    “California is making major strides on restoration efforts at the Salton Sea, and we’re expanding this critical work to create habitat on hundreds more acres and help improve air quality in neighboring communities. Our progress to date is a testament to the strong partnerships underpinning these efforts and I look forward to the work ahead to deliver on our ecological, health and economic goals for this important region.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The federal support enables the expansion of the ongoing Species Conservation Habitat Project at the southern edge of the sea. Located near the community of Westmorland, the expanded project will create a network of ponds and wetlands to provide habitat for fish and birds and reduce dust in the area that impacts air quality.

    State and federal officials held a groundbreaking at the site today and surveyed work on the Species Conservation Habitat Project.

    Species Conservation Habitat Project expansion at the Salton Sea breaks ground

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    Oct 15, 2024

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    Oct 15, 2024

    News What you need to know: In September, California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force continued its high rates of enforcement and is already well on its way to surpassing enforcement totals for all of 2023. This year, the task force has conducted 621 investigations…

    Oct 14, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Joe Shea, of Los Angeles, has been appointed Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency. Shea has served in several positions at the Office of…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Coal Pits for Prosperity – CCL Fish Farming for Community Empowerment

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 1:03PM by PIB Delhi

    Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) has transformed a number abandoned mine pits into thriving fish farms, promoting responsible use of natural resources and boosting local economy and biodiversity. CCL, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, is making remarkable progress in sustainable development by spearheading innovative pisciculture initiatives under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal.

    CCL’s pisciculture projects are designed to address multiple challenges—economic and environmental. The initiative primarily benefits the local communities by offering an additional source of income and also contributes to the state’s fish production.

    CCL has developed five abandoned mine pits for pisciculture, with impressive results in both community engagement and fish production:

    1. Religara Pisciculture Project, located in the Argada Area of Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, spans across 9.71 Ha. A total of 20 fish cages have been installed, with an annual production of approximately 9.6 tonnes of fish. This project directly benefits around 100 residents from the nearby villages of Religara and Baskudra. It is also supported by the district administration.

    Religara Pisciculture project

    1. Gidi A Pisciculture Project, situated in the Argada Area in Jharkhand, covers an expansive 28 Ha. With the installation of 22 fish cages, the project yields an annual production of approximately 0.72 tonnes of fish in initial year. It benefits the residents of Tehratand, Kendiyatola, and Gidi Basti. The project is poised for further development, including beautification efforts involving support of ₹45 lakhs. Additionally, it is proposed for designation as a Ramsar site, underscoring its ecological importance.

    Gidi A Pisciculture project

    1. Bokaro OCP Pisciculture Project in Jharkhand spans 4.22 Ha, with 27 fish cages installed. This project produces an impressive 81 tonnes of fish annually, benefiting 30 local families. The fish species farmed include Pangasius, Rohu, Tilapia, and Katla, contributing to the local fish production and supporting the livelihoods of the surrounding community.
    2. Central Saunda Pisciculture Project in the Barkasayal Area in Jharkhand features 40 fish cages for Tilapia species, installed in November 2023. The project is expected to generate a significant output, directly benefiting around 250 local villagers, providing them with sustainable income opportunities and boosting the local economy.
    3. Karkatta A & Karkatta C Pisciculture Projects in the NK Area are key contributors to regional aquaculture. Karkatta A covers 1.80 Ha, with 15 fish cages, producing 200 tonnes of fish annually while Karkatta C, the larger of the two, spans 4.5 Ha, housing 50 fish cages and will yield an impressive 800 tonnes of fish annually. Together, these projects will benefit local villagers, providing significant production outputs that play a crucial role in supporting regional development and community welfare.

    Karkatta A & Karkatta C Pisciculture project

    CCL’s pisciculture projects have been a game-changer in revitalizing water filled mine pits, transforming them into sources of livelihood for local communities. These projects contribute to the overall economic upliftment of rural areas while promoting ecologically responsible water filled abandoned mine pits. With several projects slated for completion by 2025, CCL is setting an exemplary model for sustainable industrial practices in the coal sector.

    The progress of these pisciculture projects represents a significant leap towards addressing both the socio-economic and environmental needs of the region. Through this initiative, CCL is championing a balanced approach where community welfare and biodiversity conservation go hand in hand.

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    (Release ID: 2065260) Visitor Counter : 100

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s countryside to have brighter prospect: Xi

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

    FUZHOU, Oct. 16 — China’s countryside will surely have a brighter prospect and farmers will live a more prosperous life on the new journey in the new era, said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

    Xi made the remarks Tuesday afternoon while inspecting Aojiao Village of Dongshan County in Zhangzhou City, east China’s Fujian Province.

    At the village pier, Xi looked over dried seafood and fishing harvest, and learned about local efforts to advance rural revitalization.

    Xi was here in 2001 when he worked in Fujian, and was delighted to see tremendous changes that had taken place in the village over the past 23 years.

    To promote rural revitalization, it is necessary to capitalize on advantages and make good use of local marine resources, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Vive L’impressionnisme! at the Van Gogh Museum: a compelling, eco-conscious celebration of impressionism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Frances Fowle, Personal Chair of Nineteenth-Century Art, History of Art, University of Edinburgh

    Despite its corny title, Vive L’Impressionnisme!, which recently opened at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, is well worth seeing. Marking the 150th anniversary of the first impressionist exhibition, the show tells the story of how one of the movement’s founders, Claude Monet, and his contemporaries were supported by a few enlightened Dutch collectors and their pictures absorbed into Dutch institutions.

    It brings together numerous works that are rarely, if ever, seen together, assembled from ten museums and seven private collections across the Netherlands. The result is a fascinating reflection of Dutch taste over the past century and a half.

    Vive L’Impressionnisme! is cleverly curated. The exhibition is arranged thematically, with landscapes on the first floor and modern life paintings on the upper level. The potential monotony of a continuous hang on a long wall is avoided by the introduction of sculpture, as well as aesthetic “ensembles” of paintings or works on paper.

    Upstairs, the normally cavernous exhibition space is divided into discrete rooms, in order to allow the visitor a more intimate viewing experience. Among the most remarkable aspects of the show is the decision to display paintings, sculpture and works on paper side-by-side. It’s a democratisation of art that mimics the way the impressionists themselves exhibited their work.

    On one wall you can see four states of Camille Pissarro’s etching The Old Cottage (1879), three of which were exhibited at the fifth impressionist exhibition in 1880. In each successive state, Pissarro observes the way in which the cottage and surrounding landscape are affected by the changing light and atmosphere, anticipating Monet’s later series paintings. In both oil painting and printmaking, these artists privileged experimental techniques and the analysis of light and colour over academic finish.

    In the second half of the 19th century, Dutch collectors and critics were more attuned to the overcast skies and earthy tones of the local Hague School painters than to the broken brushwork and high-keyed palette of impressionism. The new art was dismissed by critics as the “ravings of madmen, drunks and children”.

    Encouraged by his brother Vincent, Theo van Gogh’s efforts to sell impressionist art via the Goupil Gallery in the Hague were sadly thwarted. However, he did influence his wealthy brother-in-law, Andries Bonger, who became the first Dutch collector to develop a taste for the work of Paul Cézanne. Dutch lawyer Cornelis Hoogendijk also acquired around 25 Cézanne works before 1900, while another pioneer collector, Helene Kröller-Müller, specialised in the work of Van Gogh as well as the impressionists.



    Read more:
    Van Gogh Museum at 50: Vincent van Gogh and the art market – a brief history

    As the exhibition unfolds, visitors learn that, while Monet’s landscapes were greatly admired by the Dutch, the figurative work of Edgar Degas was less appreciated.

    Monet, a pupil of the Dutch artist Johan Jongkind, travelled more than once to the Netherlands. In 1871, he painted the Windmills Near Zaandam on an overcast day, and was delighted to make a sale. His Portrait of Miss Guurtje van de Stadt was acquired by a wealthy timber merchant and became the first impressionist work to enter a Dutch private collection. Returning for a last visit in 1886, Monet painted the more strident Tulip Fields Near the Hague, this time clearly with an eye for the market.

    Early acquisitions

    The first impressionist work to enter a public collection in the Netherlands was, perhaps unsurprisingly, another work by Monet. La Corniche Near Monaco (1884) was donated to the Rijksmuseum in 1900 by Baroness Van Lynden-Van Pallandt.

    Painted at Cap Martin on the French Riviera, it is remarkable for the bold orange scar of road that bisects the canvas, leading the eye towards the brooding blue-and-violet cliffs in the distance. This warm Mediterranean scene is flanked by two Monet canvases evoking the cooler atmosphere of the Normandy coast: Cliffs Near Pourville (1882) and Fisherman’s Cottage, Varengeville (1882).

    While Monet’s paintings are well-represented in the exhibition, along with oils by Pissarro, Cézanne, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Gustave Caillebotte and others, some artists are represented only by works on paper. Astonishingly not a single oil painting by Degas has found itself into a Dutch collection, either private or public. Édouard Manet, too, is virtually absent from the exhibition.

    Female artists were predictably underappreciated, or perhaps unavailable on the market. In recent years, the Van Gogh Museum and other Dutch institutions have tried to rectify that imbalance, though the market price for impressionism continues to rise, making new aquisitions a challenge.

    The exhibition includes recent purchases of works by pioneering female impressionist painters Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassatt. And there are also several gems from private collections, such as an exquisite Little Bowl with Parsley by Eva Gonzalès and decorative plates by Marie Bracquemond.

    The exhibition is aesthetically beautiful and intellectually compelling. It also delivers a sound environmental message, demonstrating that it is possible to create world-class exhibitions without flying works of art across the globe.

    Those pictures that were once in Dutch hands but later left the country are reproduced virtually, and lamented in the final section of the exhibition, titled Boulevard of Broken Promises. It provides a fascinating and thought-provoking coda to the show.

    Vive L’impressionnisme! Masterpieces from Dutch Collections will be on show at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam until January 26 2025.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

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

    – ref. Vive L’impressionnisme! at the Van Gogh Museum: a compelling, eco-conscious celebration of impressionism – https://theconversation.com/vive-limpressionnisme-at-the-van-gogh-museum-a-compelling-eco-conscious-celebration-of-impressionism-241395

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fisheries Management Plan measures move forward

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Vulnerable fisheries stocks will receive additional protection with the implementation of new legislation.

    New legislation implementing a range of short-term management measures for certain species of fish was introduced to Parliament today (16 October). These new arrangements have been identified within the first Fisheries Management Plans (FMP) as priority to help provide additional protection to vulnerable stocks.

    The measures, which are subject to Parliamentary scrutiny, are expected to come into force on 16 December 2024, include:

    • The introduction of minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS) for lemon sole (250mm), turbot (300mm), and brill (300mm) in the English waters of the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) designated areas 7d and 7e (the Channel Sea).
    • An increase to the existing MCRS for crawfish in all English waters to 110mm to protect the juveniles of these stocks from being landed before they have matured and had chance to reproduce.
    • A requirement that all flyseining (fishing with an encircling and towed net, operated from a boat by means of two long ropes (seine ropes) designed to herd the fish towards the opening of the net) vessels use a 100mm mesh as standard in the English waters of ICES divisions 7d and 7e so that smaller, juvenile fish can escape from the nets and have chance to reproduce.
    • A restriction of the engine power of vessels using flyseining gear in the English territorial waters of these areas 7d and 7e to help manage fishing pressures on demersal NQS in inshore fishing grounds (the more powerful an engine, the bigger the boat and ability to fish in adverse weather). 
    • Removal of the UK-EU annually negotiated catch limits for commercially caught bass from secondary legislation so that they can be updated through fishing licence conditions. Licence conditions are generally quick to introduce and would allow the commercial bass catch limits to be updated promptly following international negotiations, so they are in line with evolving evidence.

    Any changes to fishing gear and/or fishing practices to comply with these new measures will need to be made by 16 December 2024.

    You can find out more about the measures, and other developments relating to fisheries management plans, on Defra’s dedicated blog: Fisheries Management Plans – News and updates from Defra’s FMP programme (blog.gov.uk)

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Prison education is vital – but it is neglected and failing

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Glazzard, Rosalind Hollis Professor of Education for Social Justice, University of Hull

    Dontree_M/Shutterstock

    The quality of education in young offender institutions (YOIs) in England has seriously declined, according to a recent report from Ofsted and the prisons inspectorate.

    The report into these institutions, whose offenders are aged 15 to 18, referred to “steadily declining educational opportunities”. Among the failings listed were a lack of time allocated to education, lack of proper staff training, staff shortages and poor behaviour of learners.

    It claimed that the curriculum is narrow, fragmented, and poorly resourced due to lack of investment in technology. Prison leaders do not accurately pinpoint what students need to learn, while learners with special educational needs and disabilities do not always get the support that they need. According to data from 2022, only 8.6% of young people who received custodial sentences passed five GCSEs, compared to 58.3% of those without convictions.

    Indeed, there are similar issues across the prison system. The quality of education in too many prisons is not good enough. Research suggests prisoners are often disengaged in classes and education lacks challenge and purpose.

    This is especially disheartening when research also shows that participation in education within prisons can improve learners’ self-esteem and reduce prison violence, as well as increasing the chances of getting a job once offenders are released.

    Teaching reading

    Many adults in prison, as well as children in YOIs, struggle to read. English education inspectorate Ofsted and its prisons counterpart have published two reviews on the teaching of reading in prisons. The first report, published in 2022, highlighted that many teaching staff did not know how to teach reading.

    Inspectors found that reading teachers did not have suitable resources. There was not enough time for learners to practise reading, and weak assessment resulted in teachers not fully understanding why some learners were struggling to learn to read. Some prisons were over-relying on reading skills being taught by peer mentors, who are only supposed to support learners individually or in small groups.

    The second report, from 2023, highlighted that although some progress had been made a year later, it was too slow. Inspectors found that teachers still did not know how to improve reading skills. They also found that teachers did not monitor students’ progress, and interventions to support reading, particularly for non-English speakers, were not adequate.

    Special educational needs

    Too many pupils with special educational needs are excluded from schools and data shows that exclusion rates are higher for this group compared to those who do not have special educational needs. Many young people who are excluded from schools end up in prison, resulting in a high proportion of prisoners who have some form of learning difficulty or disability.

    According to a House of Commons report from 2022, over 30% of prisoners have a learning difficulty or experience learning challenges.

    In 2016 the Coates review of prison education made several recommendations to improve the quality of education in prisons. These included a focus on special educational needs – improving the assessment of educational needs on entry and more rigorous screening for prisoners with learning difficulties or disabilities.

    The review recommended that all prisoners should have a personal learning plan. Also, better quality teachers were needed and prisons needed to find ways of improving attendance in education classes

    Coates recommended that learners with special educational needs and disabilities needed better quality support and that prisoners needed to be able to continue their courses when they moved prisons. Unfortunately, evidence shows that in many prisons these recommendations have not been addressed.

    Making changes

    Another problem is that the growing prison population has led to overcrowding, resulting in poor conditions which make studying difficult.

    Work with prisoners by charities such as the Prison Reform Trust and the Prisoners’ Education Trust highlights some important recommendations which will improve the quality of education in prisons. These include widening the curriculum in prisons so that prisoners can select options from a wider range of courses.

    One recommendation is to provide better incentives to prisoners to encourage them to study. This could be done by paying them the same weekly “wage” as prisoners who choose work-related activities. Increasing the number of learning mentors will help ensure that prisoners get the support they need.

    Finally, introducing flexible education timetables would mean that education classes can also run in the evenings as well as during the day. This will mean that more prisoners can take part in education classes, because more classes can be timetabled across the day. Prisoners who work during the day will be able to take part in education in the evenings.

    According to the Prison Education Trust digital technology “remains the essential ingredient that would revolutionise prison education”. And prisoners need to be supported and encouraged if they are going to achieve their full educational potential.

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

    – ref. Prison education is vital – but it is neglected and failing – https://theconversation.com/prison-education-is-vital-but-it-is-neglected-and-failing-240482

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Western Newfoundland region receives support for tourism-related projects

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Western Newfoundland’s renowned vibrant autumn colours during this time of the year, combined with spectacular ocean and mountain scenery, numerous hiking and biking trails, and unique cultural and immersive experiences continue to draw visitors from around the world. The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing a total of $1,075,973 to support projects that will bolster the visitor experience in the region. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing a total of $376,145.

    October 16, 2024 · Benoit’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Western Newfoundland’s renowned vibrant autumn colours during this time of the year, combined with spectacular ocean and mountain scenery, numerous hiking and biking trails, and unique cultural and immersive experiences continue to draw visitors from around the world. The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing a total of $1,075,973 to support projects that will bolster the visitor experience in the region. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing a total of $376,145.

    The City of Corner Brook is receiving non-repayable contributions totalling $400,350 for three projects through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program:

    – Hire a consultant to develop an invigorated and consistent branding and marketing strategy for Corner Brook, Lower Humber and Bay of Islands that aligns with the Strategic Areas and Regions (STAR) integrated tourism plan that was developed in 2019 with area stakeholders. (ACOA: $245,475, Province: $82,875).

    – Undertake Phase I of trail assessment and design from the STAR report to anchor regional offerings around destination trails and trail-based tourism. Specifically, to develop a design package for Cape Blow Me Down (a 3.8-km trail that ascends 650 metres) and the Man in the Mountain (a 5.5-km trail that covers 358 metres of elevation change) that will establish long-term sustainable and safe trails. (ACOA: $32,500, Province: $12,500)

    – Conduct a feasibility study for establishing a farmer’s market in Corner Brook. If the study results in favourable outcomes, the entrepreneurial environment in the city will be further enhanced to allow spaces for those selling their products and grow their businesses. The market would serve as a hub on weekends for residents and visitors to gather, socialize, find healthy, affordable food options and shop locally. (ACOA: $19,500, Province: $7,500)

    The City of Corner Brook is an incorporated municipality in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Incorporated in 1955, the City of Corner Brook is located on the western shores of Newfoundland, at the mouth of the Bay of Islands. Corner Brook is known as a popular tourist attraction, with its combination of ocean and mountain scenery, as well as for its outdoor facilities, such as Marble Mountain Ski Resort.

    The Town of Humber Arm South is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $258,425 (ACOA: $190,883, Province: $67,542) through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to develop a localized area to support and enhance the tourism experience in the Bay of Islands region. These activities include a small building to provide amenities, such as showers, washrooms and visitor information for the surrounding region; landscaping and signage; and the construction of BBQ and firepit areas. A strengthened infrastructure in the community will encourage tourists and those in the surrounding areas to explore the hiking, geology and natural landscapes thus creating a positive economic impact for local businesses.

    The Town of Humber Arm South is a relatively small community on the south shore of the Bay of Islands, bordering the Blow Me Down Mountains, with a population of approximately 1,800 people. The town is comprised of four communities that spans 18 kms and is about a 20-minute drive to Corner Brook, which increases the visitor potential in the area. The major economic drivers in the community are the in-shore fishery, fish processing, and tourism, with an increasing number of visitors from the cruise ship market segment.

    Corner Brook Stream is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $269,148 (ACOA: $183,432, Province: $85,716) through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to implement Phase II of accessibility improvements to a community trail system. These upgrades will include the installation of lighting to increase daily usage of the trails, a redesigned interpretive welcome area, and accessibility upgrades to the west side of the trail. This initiative increases the inclusivity of community infrastructure offerings and will positively impact the linkage between main attractions within the Corner Brook business ecosystem.

    The Corner Brook Stream Development Corporation is a not-for-profit organization. In the early 1990s, a group of likeminded individuals from a variety of backgrounds decided to explore the possibility of creating a series of walking trails throughout the city. The Corner Brook Stream Development Corporation was established as a volunteer organization to further refine and implement this strategy.  

    The West Coast Cycling Association is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling  $217,792 (ACOA: $162,567, Province: $55,225) through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to build a 5.8-km long, multi-use trail in the Rocky Harbour municipal planning area. The trail will be designed for intermediate-level cyclists, including those using e-bikes, while also offering high-value opportunities for hikers, trail runners, and snowshoers. Key activities for the project include contracting, marking and clearing the route, trail building, and installation of signage. Given that the Gros Morne region does not currently have any trails suitable for cycling, this project will address this gap thus providing economic development capacity through a new marketable attraction.

    West Coast Cycling Association is an incorporated not-for-profit organization that has been developing mountain bike trails and hosting cycling events on the West Coast of Newfoundland since 2010. The organization strives to bring people together through the shared passion for mountain biking, by building a legacy of inclusive, sustainable trails, and by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle that embraces the outstanding terrain and natural beauty of western Newfoundland. Its plan focuses on building world-class, community-based mountain bike trail networks that highlight the region’s vibrant towns and inspire new and experiences riders to enjoy the region.

    Cabox Geopark is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $110,000 (ACOA: $77,550, Province: $32,450) through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to construct a four-kilometre trail at the east end of the Blow Me Down Mountains above Benoit’s Cove. This initiative will include clearing and grading the trail path and graveling for accessibility, installation of directional signage, rest areas, picnic spots and educational features. The trail will allow tourists a convenient experience of the spectacular views and geological history of the Bay of Islands and surrounding mountains.

    Cabox Geopark Inc., incorporated in 2018, is a non-profit organization led by a dedicated volunteer board of directors who represent municipalities, businesses, and the Outer Bay of Islands Enhancement Committee. Cabox Aspiring Global Geopark is in the Bay of Islands region of Western Newfoundland and has been working its way towards UNESCO global geopark status. Its mandate is to develop a world-class tourism product, promoting the region’s natural and cultural heritage while increasing local knowledge, innovative technology and rural economic development. Cabox is the name of the highest peak on the island of Newfoundland.

    Western NL DMO is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $91,300 (ACOA: $76,300, Province $15,000) through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program to develop and promote the winter tourism anchor experiences in the western region of Newfoundland and Labrador. New experiences will also be encouraged and integrated with existing products. By bringing skiing, snowmobiling and other outdoor experiences together with cultural and culinary experiences, innovation and inclusion within the ecosystem, the local tourism sector will see a significant boost.

    Western NL DMO, also known as Go Western, is an incorporated not-for-profit organization and is the key marketing, market readiness and product development organization in western Newfoundland and Labrador. As the Destination Management Organization for the western region, the organization had excellent relationships with business operators, not-for-profit experience providers and municipalities. Western NL DMO was integral to the development of a Winter Stakeholder Committee consisting of representatives from all sub-sectors of the winter tourism sector.

    The Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $60,689 (ACOA: $55,689, Province: $5,000) through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) to support its 2024 Elmastukwek Mawio’mi in Corner Brook. The Mawio’mi, in its third year, consists of two full days of teachings, celebrations, activities, art displays and ceremonies as part of an Indigenous cultural and heritage experience. The Mi’kmaq name for the Bay of Islands is “Elmastukwek” and “Mawio’mi” refers to a gathering of people. The event provides a platform to allow for intergeneration cultural sharing, while also showcasing and sharing Mi’kmaw culture to the community at large.

    The Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation is a not-for-profit organization. The foundation was incorporated in 2014 and exists to preserve and promote the culture and heritage of the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland and Labrador. Like other First Nations, the Mi’kmaq have a long and rich history that includes unique cultural, social, political and spiritual traditions. The foundation is making every effort to reach out to individuals with limited knowledge of their heritage and provide them with information and experiences that will assist them in the discovery process. They also seek to unite the people who have the experience and knowledge of Mi’kmaw traditions.

    CB Nuit Incorporated is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $44,414 (ACOA: $32,077, Province: $12,337) through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) to increase the accessibility capacity and inclusivity for the three-day art at night festival in Corner Brook. Activities will include engaging an accessibility expert to understand how to support guests in terms of mobility needs, sensory sensitivities, as well as vision and hearing impairment. The project will involve implementing points of contact for digital and in person artist sites, creation of a low sensory guided walk, and a low sensory space.

    CB Nuit was established in 2017 and aims to engage artists in the creation and installation of site specific and participatory contemporary work. By bringing art of all mediums to streets, businesses, and vacant spaces, CB Nuit has the goal to invigorate, beautify, inspire, and economically stimulate the community. Its long-term goal is to become an international destination for artists participating in the festival as well attracting an international audience.

    Related products

    News release:  Supporting culture and tourism growth in western Newfoundland

    CB Nuit Inc.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Risk Strategies Appoints Jeff Clinkscales SVP, Private Client Services Leader for West Region

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Risk Strategies, a leading North American specialty insurance brokerage and risk management and consulting firm, today announced it has appointed Jeff Clinkscales as SVP, Private Client Services Leader for the West Region. In this role, he will oversee the region’s sales and service teams and manage key relationships with carrier partners and other third parties.

    As the Private Client Services Leader for the West Region, Clinkscales will spearhead the development of strategic growth initiatives and customer segmentation to support the region’s planned expansion. He will also facilitate the onboarding and integration of new acquisitions, account managers, and producers into the Risk Strategies Private Client team. Alongside his regional leadership duties, Jeff will personally advise family offices and high-net-worth individuals on managing their personal risks.

    “Jeff brings extensive experience in delivering sustained organic growth, building cohesive teams, fostering a dynamic sales culture, and developing talent,” said Tim deRosa, COO of Private Client Services, Risk Strategies. “We are excited to welcome him to the Risk Strategies Private Client team, where he will play a pivotal role in advancing our strategic vision as we continue to expand.”

    With over 25 years in the insurance industry, Clinkscales has amassed extensive expertise in private client services, family office risk management, claims management, and commercial property and casualty (P&C). Most recently, he served as Vice President of USI’s Personal Risk practice. There, Clinkscales specialized in technical placements, managed inter-division relationships, and demonstrated strong leadership in mentoring and team management.

    “Jeff Clinkscales’ appointment as SVP, Private Client Services Leader for the West Region is a pivotal step in advancing our strategic growth and expansion plans,” said Pat Roth, West Region Leader, Risk Strategies. “His expertise in team building and collaborative leadership, coupled with his extensive industry experience, will be crucial in strengthening our market leadership and driving continued success across the West Region.”

    “I am thrilled to join Risk Strategies as the Private Client Services Leader for the West Region,” shared Clinkscales. “I am eager to leverage my experience to drive growth, build resilient teams, and strengthen client relationships. I look forward to contributing to Risk Strategies strategic vision and supporting the expansion of our services across the West Region.”

    A resident of Portland, Oregon, Clinkscales enjoys fishing, supporting his community, and spending time with his family and dogs. He is also an Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI).

    To learn more about Risk Strategies, please visit riskstrategies.com.

    About Risk Strategies

    Risk Strategies, part of Accession Risk Management Group, is a North American specialty brokerage firm offering comprehensive risk management services, property and casualty insurance and reinsurance placement, employee benefits, private client services, consulting services, and financial & wealth solutions. The 9th largest U.S. privately held broker, we advise businesses and personal clients, have access to all major insurance markets, and 30+ specialty industry and product line practices and experts in 200+ offices – Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Grand Cayman, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington, DC. RiskStrategies.com

    For all media inquiries:

    Brittany Gould
    Senior Account Executive
    978.518.4506
    Rsc@matternow.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Renewal of interim understanding with Wasoqopa’q (Acadia), Annapolis Valley, Bear River and Glooscap First Nations to support moderate livelihood lobster fisheries

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier announced that for the fourth consecutive year, an interim authorization has been issued to Wasoqopa’q (Acadia), Annapolis Valley, Bear River and Glooscap First Nations. This interim authorization will see community members fishing and selling their catch in pursuit of a moderate livelihood during the commercial seasons in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 33, 34 and 35, without increasing overall fishing effort.

    October 16, 2024

    Dartmouth, Nova Scotia – The Government of Canada is committed to building a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples. As part of this commitment, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) works in partnership with First Nations in Quebec and Atlantic Canada to implement the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood, as set out in the Marshall decisions handed down by the Supreme Court of Canada 25 years ago. In undertaking these Nation-to-Nation discussions, DFO and First Nations are advancing the shared goal of seeing First Nations harvesters fishing to make a living for themselves and provide for their families.

    Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier announced that for the fourth consecutive year, an interim authorization has been issued to Wasoqopa’q (Acadia), Annapolis Valley, Bear River and Glooscap First Nations. This interim authorization will see community members fishing and selling their catch in pursuit of a moderate livelihood during the commercial seasons in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFAs) 33, 34 and 35, without increasing overall fishing effort.

    DFO supports this moderate livelihood fishery which is based on a renewed interim understanding between Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the four Kespukwitk Mi’kmaw communities that operationalizes the community-developed Kespukwitk District Netukulimk Lobster Livelihood Fisheries Plan through the Kespukwitk Collective Fisheries Committee and their Fisheries Implementation Team. Fishery officers are in the field each day, working with designated community members to make sure they can fish within the conditions of their authorization, and in accordance with the measures in their community-developed fishing plans. 

    Representatives from the inshore lobster industry are informed of interim understandings with First Nations, and associated authorizations. These measures result in  increased Indigenous participation in the commercial fishery through the continued implementation of their right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.

    DFO has been working with Indigenous communities to further implement their right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood by reaching interim understandings that authorize community members to fish under community-developed moderate livelihood fishing plans. Under these understandings, communities identify community members who wish to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood as part of their community-developed fishing plan and these harvesters are subsequently designated as authorized harvesters under a harvest document issued by DFO.

    Interfering with lawful fishing and damaging or destroying fishing gear are illegal, causes debris that harms fish and fish habitat, and may result in a fine of up to $100,000 for offences under the Fisheries Act. Any harvesters whose equipment has been destroyed or tampered with should immediately report this incident to their local DFO Conservation and Protection office.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nuer people have a sacred connection to birds – it can guide conservation in Ethiopia and South Sudan

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Abebayehu Aticho, PhD student, researcher and conservationist, Jimma University

    The Nuer are a large pastoralist community living in western Ethiopia and South Sudan in east Africa. They rely on livestock keeping and have special beliefs and customs about how to live with nature. These are passed down from parents to children through the telling of stories.

    Uncommonly for east African pastoralists, the Nuer live in an expansive, low-lying floodplain. This Gambella region is shaped by the convergence of several rivers originating in the Ethiopian highlands. Its wetlands and lush greenery offer a unique habitat that supports both the Nuer and a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. The people have a centuries-old cultural connection with the local biodiversity.

    The Nuer are cattle herders who live in a region with many rivers. Peter Martell/AFP/Getty Images

    Our collaborative study involved Ethiopian and European scientists from diverse fields (such as ornithology, ethno-ornithology, biodiversity and nature conservation). We conducted interviews and 15 group discussions with Nuer people to understand their interaction with and knowledge of birds. The study included two districts and 400 households. We found a significant and seldom studied relationship with birds, which serve a range of purposes in Nuer life.

    Our study not only highlights the deep spiritual and cultural ties between the Nuer people and the avian world. It also underscores the importance of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into contemporary conservation efforts.

    The Nuer’s relationship to birds can be a valuable model for sustainable human-wildlife interactions. It can contribute to the conservation of bird diversity and promote a more harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

    The role of birds in Nuer life

    Ethiopia, known for its rich biodiversity, is home to 821 bird species and over 80 indigenous ethnic groups. Among these, the Nuer community stands out for its unique admiration of birds, viewing them as sacred beings.

    The Nuer use three interchangeable names for birds: gaatkuoth (sacred children of God), kuoth (bearers of spirit), and diit (symbols of human twins). These terms reflect spiritual beliefs and also influence cultural practices, such as naming twins after birds. This Nuer tradition connects the prolific nature of birds to human fertility.

    In our study, participants recognised 71 bird species as having unique cultural roles. The birds that live near Nuer villages have seven distinct uses. Ten species are used as bushmeat. Five are for traditional medicine. Eight are fish indicators – by meticulously observing species like the African fish eagle, African pygmy kingfisher, pied kingfisher or malachite kingfisher, people can identify areas with high fish populations.

    A flock of birds fly from the branches of trees in South Sudan. Ashraf Shazly/AFP/Getty Images

    Seven birds serve as omens – they signal potential dangers like the presence of wild animals. Three are used to create protective amulets. Three are used to indicate the change of seasons – for instance the return of migratory western yellow wagtails is a reliable sign that the sunny, dry season will be replacing the rainy, wet season. And 45 are hailed for their aesthetic beauty, often linked with a sense of place. The vibrant plumage, melodious songs and elegant flight patterns of birds like the black-crowned crane, blue-naped mousebird and purple heron create a spectacle that significantly enhances Nuer life.

    This intricate knowledge of birds is communal: over 90% of participants agreed on the uses of these bird species.

    Indigenous knowledge and sustainability

    One of the most striking things about the Nuer community is the sustainable practice embedded within their traditional systems. When birds are used as amulets, for example, only small, non-invasive parts of the bird, like feathers, are utilised. These are fashioned into necklaces or bracelets believed to offer protection from dangers like diseases. The birds are not killed or significantly harmed, which preserves their populations.

    A Nuer village. fabio lamanna/Getty

    There are strict limits on when and how birds can be used in Nuer society. The use of birds as bushmeat or for making traditional medicine is carefully controlled by elders and within family structures. Hunting is typically allowed only during severe food shortages. It’s often restricted to those in dire need, such as impoverished households. Families with a history of twins, who hold birds in special reverence, are not allowed to hunt them.

    These cultural practices help prevent overexploitation of bird species, conserving them for future generations. They ensure that the use of natural resources remains sustainable.

    It’s important to raise awareness about the conservation of birds, which are used for various purposes across Africa. Traditional medicine, bushmeat and the making of amulets has a direct impact on bird populations.

    Nuer traditions balance human needs with the preservation of bird life. Our study therefore offers a compelling case and model for the conservation of avian and indigenous cultural diversity in Africa.

    Why this matters

    It is, however, essential to acknowledge that the Nuer’s cultural practices are not immune to the pressures of modern society. As globalisation and development continue to encroach on traditional lands, the Nuer people will face increasing challenges in maintaining their sustainable practices.

    Threats such as habitat loss, climate change and illegal wildlife trading could jeopardise bird populations. In recent decades, the expansion of large-scale agriculture in the Gambella region has emerged as a driver of habitat loss and wildlife decline.

    A Nuer boy watches a flock of migrating birds. Peter Martell/AFP/Getty Images

    This makes the Nuer people’s traditional conservation practices even more relevant to future generations. By recognising and valuing their knowledge and practices, we can learn valuable lessons for broader conservation efforts.

    Indigenous territories, despite their relatively small size, often harbour extraordinary biodiversity. Recognising this, the United Nations’ Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework places indigenous-occupied areas among conservation priority areas at the forefront of biodiversity preservation strategies.

    It is crucial to help the Nuer community adapt to changing circumstances while preserving their cultural heritage and ensuring the sustainability of bird biodiversity.

    Changkuoth Puok Diet, a lecturer at Gambella University in Ethiopia, contributed to this article.

    – Nuer people have a sacred connection to birds – it can guide conservation in Ethiopia and South Sudan
    – https://theconversation.com/nuer-people-have-a-sacred-connection-to-birds-it-can-guide-conservation-in-ethiopia-and-south-sudan-239420

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Turning industrial waste into energy

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    [embedded content]

    Around the world, demand for industrial and manufacturing products is rising rapidly. Companies are looking for more ways to repurpose waste, decrease costs and increase operational efficiency while reducing emissions, but these improvements can be expensive and complex.

    Alberta’s government and industry are stepping up and setting an example for the world, investing in two new programs to help more industrial and manufacturing companies reduce emissions, re-use waste and keep powering the world. In partnership with Lafarge Canada, the province will launch a program to expand the use of recycled spare tires and will invest $10 million in a second program to help industry save on their energy bills.

    “We are investing in lower-emission fuels and facility upgrades to set our energy sector up for continued success. These new initiatives will keep our province at the forefront of technological advancement and ensure Alberta continues to lead the way to reduce emissions and turn waste into energy.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    New Tire-Derived Fuel Pilot Project

    Alberta is launching a Tire-Derived Fuel pilot to test the effectiveness of turning old, worn-out tires into energy to power industrial facilities. Led by the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA), the pilot will turn up to 1.5 million used tires into up to 15,750 tonnes of chips that will become tire-derived fuel in the coming months.

    Lafarge Canada’s new Low-Carbon Fuel Facility will participate in the pilot project. They have the equipment needed to burn waste-derived fuels, reducing their use of natural gas. Results from the pilot will be used to help determine whether tire-derived fuel should be permanently added to the province’s existing Tire Recycling Program.

    New Strategic Energy Management for Industry Program

    Alberta’s government is also investing $10 million from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund to help launch the new Strategic Energy Management for Industry program, open for applications on Oct. 17.

    Delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta, the program will cover the cost of energy assessments and capital retrofits to save Alberta-based industrial and manufacturing facilities money on their energy bills. It will also provide energy management training, knowledge sharing and technical support.

    Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, mining, oil and gas, and cement companies will all be eligible for funding. Additional funding will also be provided by the Government of Canada and announced soon. More information will be shared on Emissions Reduction Alberta’s website.

    New Low-Carbon Fuel Facility

    Thanks in part to $10 million in TIER funding delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta, Lafarge Canada has opened a cutting-edge Low-Carbon Fuel Facility that will replace up to 50 per cent of the natural gas it uses with low-carbon fuel from construction demolition waste. This will keep up to 120,000 tonnes of construction and demolition materials out of landfills and produce up to 30,000 fewer tonnes of emissions.

    “The Tire-Derived Fuel Pilot program is another step in resource recovery. We appreciate the support from the Government of Alberta and industry partners like Lafarge Canada, enabling us to explore innovative recycling technologies to assess its viability. This pilot initiative not only addresses near-term tire stockpile reduction needs from our Tire Recycling Program, but also brings the potential to further boost economic opportunities across the province.”

    Ed Gugenheimer, president and CEO, Alberta Recycling Management Authority

    “Improving the efficiency of industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities is the quickest, most cost-effective way to lower energy bills and stay competitive. But it takes knowledge, expertise, training and capital. With SEMI, Alberta companies will soon have even more opportunity to invest in energy and cost-saving technologies.”

    Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta

    “We’re pleased to see the Government of Alberta’s continued commitment to technology and innovation funding, which plays a crucial role in driving innovation and sustainability across all industries. Lafarge Canada has directly benefited from past support, helping us advance our low-carbon solutions. These funding opportunities empower us to accelerate our efforts to reduce emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future for Alberta.”

    Brad Kohl, president and CEO, Lafarge Canada (West)

    Quick facts

    • Albertans have recycled more than 149.5 million tires and diverted hundreds of thousands of tonnes of tires from landfills since 1992 through ARMA’s existing Tire Recycling Program.
    • Scrap tires are currently processed under ARMA’s Tire Recycling Program and turned into drainage material in municipal landfills, playground surfaces, sidewalk blocks, roofing tiles and landscaping mulch, but with markets for recycled tire products declining, alternative outlets are needed to avoid tire stockpiles.
    • To date, Emissions Reduction Alberta has invested $960 million from the industrial carbon price toward more than 290 projects worth over $8.6 billion, estimated to reduce 40 million tonnes of emissions by 2030.

    Related information

    • Emissions Reduction Alberta
    • ARMA: Tire Recycling Program
    • Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction System

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to breast cancer in users of Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Systems

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in JAMA looks at the use of Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Systems and breast cancer risk. 

    Dr Channa Jayasena, Reader in Reproductive Endocrinology, Imperial College London, said:

    The Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Systems (LNG-IUS) is a highly effective form of contraceptive for women. Unlike contraceptive pills, LNG-IUS releases a progesterone-like hormone directly into the womb.  This means that levels of the hormone are much lower than when you take it as a tablet. It is well known that prolonged use of the contraceptive pill slightly increases breast cancer risk. However, we have always assumed that the LNG-IUS would not increase breast cancer risk due to the much lower levels of hormone exposure to the whole body. The results of this study are therefore highly unexpected. A large population of women taking LNG-IUS was compared with a similar sized population of women not taking any contraceptive medication. While the researchers tried to make sure that the two populations of women were matched for things like age, weight and education, other behaviours like smoking have not been measured. So, women not taking contraceptive medication may have been healthier in other ways compared to the LNG-IUS group.

    The study found that there were 14 extra cases of breast cancer per 10,000 women in the group using LNG-IUS compared to those not using contraceptive medication. It is difficult to tell how this compares with taking the contraceptive pill which has been studied in different populations. It is unfortunate that this study did not compare breast cancer risk between the LNG-IUS and oral contraceptive pill. But it is important that smoking, alcohol and obesity are much more important risk factors for breast cancer than contraceptive medications.

    We always need to be vigilant to new health risks from medical treatments, and this is no exception. My advice for women is that breast cancer risk caused by LNG-IUS is not established but warrants a closer look.”

    Dr Mangesh Thorat, Honorary Reader in Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London and Consultant Breast Surgeon, Homerton University Hospital, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), said:

    “This new large Danish study adds to the existing literature evaluating the risk of breast cancer in women using hormonal forms of contraception. The study specifically investigated the use of hormonal intrauterine devices, commonly known as hormonal coils, for example – Mirena coil. Similar to the British study (Fitzpatrick and colleagues) published last year, this study shows a small increase in the risk of breast cancer associated with the use of such coils. The existing evidence suggests that the increase in the risk is similar to that with oral contraceptive use. It is worth noting that this association has been known for at least a few years and a broad consensus exists among the medical fraternity that the overall benefits of hormonal contraception outweigh the harms like such small increase in the risk of developing breast cancer. Furthermore, as the baseline risk of breast cancer is lower in younger individuals, any increase in the risk associated with the use of hormonal coil is also smaller. The risk increases with increasing age and it is reasonable for women near 40 years of age to have a discussion with their healthcare practitioner regarding non-hormonal modes of contraception.”

    ‘Breast Cancer in Users of Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Systems’ by Mørch et al. was published in JAMA at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 16th October 2024. 

    DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.18575

    Declared interests

    Dr Channa Jayasena: “No Conflicts to Declare”

    Dr Mangesh Thorat: “No Conflicts to Declare”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nuer people have a sacred connection to birds – it can guide conservation in Ethiopia and South Sudan

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Abebayehu Aticho, PhD student, researcher and conservationist, Jimma University

    The pied kingfisher helps the Nuer to find parts of the river where there’s an abundance of fish. Henrik Karlsson/Getty Images

    The Nuer are a large pastoralist community living in western Ethiopia and South Sudan in east Africa. They rely on livestock keeping and have special beliefs and customs about how to live with nature. These are passed down from parents to children through the telling of stories.

    Uncommonly for east African pastoralists, the Nuer live in an expansive, low-lying floodplain. This Gambella region is shaped by the convergence of several rivers originating in the Ethiopian highlands. Its wetlands and lush greenery offer a unique habitat that supports both the Nuer and a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. The people have a centuries-old cultural connection with the local biodiversity.

    Our collaborative study involved Ethiopian and European scientists from diverse fields (such as ornithology, ethno-ornithology, biodiversity and nature conservation). We conducted interviews and 15 group discussions with Nuer people to understand their interaction with and knowledge of birds. The study included two districts and 400 households. We found a significant and seldom studied relationship with birds, which serve a range of purposes in Nuer life.

    Our study not only highlights the deep spiritual and cultural ties between the Nuer people and the avian world. It also underscores the importance of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into contemporary conservation efforts.

    The Nuer’s relationship to birds can be a valuable model for sustainable human-wildlife interactions. It can contribute to the conservation of bird diversity and promote a more harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

    The role of birds in Nuer life

    Ethiopia, known for its rich biodiversity, is home to 821 bird species and over 80 indigenous ethnic groups. Among these, the Nuer community stands out for its unique admiration of birds, viewing them as sacred beings.

    The Nuer use three interchangeable names for birds: gaatkuoth (sacred children of God), kuoth (bearers of spirit), and diit (symbols of human twins). These terms reflect spiritual beliefs and also influence cultural practices, such as naming twins after birds. This Nuer tradition connects the prolific nature of birds to human fertility.

    In our study, participants recognised 71 bird species as having unique cultural roles. The birds that live near Nuer villages have seven distinct uses. Ten species are used as bushmeat. Five are for traditional medicine. Eight are fish indicators – by meticulously observing species like the African fish eagle, African pygmy kingfisher, pied kingfisher or malachite kingfisher, people can identify areas with high fish populations.

    Seven birds serve as omens – they signal potential dangers like the presence of wild animals. Three are used to create protective amulets. Three are used to indicate the change of seasons – for instance the return of migratory western yellow wagtails is a reliable sign that the sunny, dry season will be replacing the rainy, wet season. And 45 are hailed for their aesthetic beauty, often linked with a sense of place. The vibrant plumage, melodious songs and elegant flight patterns of birds like the black-crowned crane, blue-naped mousebird and purple heron create a spectacle that significantly enhances Nuer life.

    This intricate knowledge of birds is communal: over 90% of participants agreed on the uses of these bird species.

    Indigenous knowledge and sustainability

    One of the most striking things about the Nuer community is the sustainable practice embedded within their traditional systems. When birds are used as amulets, for example, only small, non-invasive parts of the bird, like feathers, are utilised. These are fashioned into necklaces or bracelets believed to offer protection from dangers like diseases. The birds are not killed or significantly harmed, which preserves their populations.

    A Nuer village.
    fabio lamanna/Getty

    There are strict limits on when and how birds can be used in Nuer society. The use of birds as bushmeat or for making traditional medicine is carefully controlled by elders and within family structures. Hunting is typically allowed only during severe food shortages. It’s often restricted to those in dire need, such as impoverished households. Families with a history of twins, who hold birds in special reverence, are not allowed to hunt them.

    These cultural practices help prevent overexploitation of bird species, conserving them for future generations. They ensure that the use of natural resources remains sustainable.

    It’s important to raise awareness about the conservation of birds, which are used for various purposes across Africa. Traditional medicine, bushmeat and the making of amulets has a direct impact on bird populations.

    Nuer traditions balance human needs with the preservation of bird life. Our study therefore offers a compelling case and model for the conservation of avian and indigenous cultural diversity in Africa.

    Why this matters

    It is, however, essential to acknowledge that the Nuer’s cultural practices are not immune to the pressures of modern society. As globalisation and development continue to encroach on traditional lands, the Nuer people will face increasing challenges in maintaining their sustainable practices.

    Threats such as habitat loss, climate change and illegal wildlife trading could jeopardise bird populations. In recent decades, the expansion of large-scale agriculture in the Gambella region has emerged as a driver of habitat loss and wildlife decline.

    This makes the Nuer people’s traditional conservation practices even more relevant to future generations. By recognising and valuing their knowledge and practices, we can learn valuable lessons for broader conservation efforts.

    Indigenous territories, despite their relatively small size, often harbour extraordinary biodiversity. Recognising this, the United Nations’ Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework places indigenous-occupied areas among conservation priority areas at the forefront of biodiversity preservation strategies.

    It is crucial to help the Nuer community adapt to changing circumstances while preserving their cultural heritage and ensuring the sustainability of bird biodiversity.

    Changkuoth Puok Diet, a lecturer at Gambella University in Ethiopia, contributed to this article.

    Abebayehu Aticho works for both Jimma University and the Threatened Species Conservation Organisation (a small local NGO). He got funding for this study from the International Crane Foundation and Jimma University.

    Andrew Gosler has received grant funding in the past from the Arts and Humanities Research Council for the Ethno-ornithology World Atlas.

    Abebe Beyene, Desalegn Chala, Nils Christian Stenseth, and Shimelis Aynalem Zelelew do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Nuer people have a sacred connection to birds – it can guide conservation in Ethiopia and South Sudan – https://theconversation.com/nuer-people-have-a-sacred-connection-to-birds-it-can-guide-conservation-in-ethiopia-and-south-sudan-239420

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Three ways the upcoming UN biodiversity summit could make a difference

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Harriet Bulkeley, Professor of Geography, Durham University

    Projects on the Indus River in Pakistan are helping to tackle biodiversity loss. Salik Javed/Shutterstock

    When negotiations at Cop15 – the UN’s biodiversity conference – ended in December 2022, many delegates breathed a sigh of relief.

    Threatening snowstorms outside the convention centre in Montreal, Canada seemed to lift just as the political weather changed and the long-awaited Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework was agreed. It’s mission: to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 in order to achieve the ultimate goal of a society living in harmony with nature by 2050.

    Fast forward two years and governments, businesses, representatives of Indigenous people and local communities, experts from environmental groups such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and scientists will gather for the follow-up Cop16 meeting in Cali, Colombia, from October 21. Many due to attend, including myself, wonder whether the promise made to “halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030” is achievable.

    Initial signs are not promising. For starters, no international targets for biodiversity have ever been met.

    Only a handful of countries, including China, Canada and France, have submitted new national biodiversity plans demonstrating how they will implement the promises made two years ago. Most countries, including the UK, (that’s more than 80% in total) haven’t submitted their full plans.

    Countries can also submit updates for the 23 targets listed in the framework. The UK and others have submitted targets such as promising to reduce the impact of pollution on nature and ensuring that 30% of land is effectively protected in line with the framework.

    But crucial questions remain about how those goals will be reached. To make Cop16 effective, three things need to happen.

    1. Decide on a plan

    When delegates gather in Cali, questions of implementation will be front and centre of the negotiations. The first challenge is that the approach for monitoring progress on all 23 targets – including issues such as improving access to nature in cities, reducing harmful subsidies and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems – is yet to be agreed.

    For some, the approach that has been developed so far lacks ambition in crucial areas. Indicators suggested for monitoring progress on reducing the impacts of consumption on nature remain very weak for example. For others, it may prove too challenging.

    For example, countries with limited access to data might not be able to track alien species or assess how critical services provided by nature to make societies more resilient might be affected by climate change. Getting agreement at the Cop16 negotiations will be vital in order to hold countries to account as the 2030 deadline set to achieve all of the targets approaches.

    2. Find the funds

    Another crucial issue is funding: who will pay for the action required? The global biodiversity framework fund (GBFF) was established in 2023 to provide financial support.

    Yet so far, it has only attracted contributions of around US$230 billion (£176 billion) from a small group of countries including Canada, the UK, Germany, Japan and Spain. Leaders gathering in Cali, and especially those from developing countries, are calling for more funding and for greater control over how it is allocated.

    The next UN biodiversity conference will be held in Cali, Columbia from October 21 to November 1.
    Tudoran Andrei/Shutterstock

    3. Make biodiversity matter

    A third debate will decide how best to ensure that biodiversity action is mainstreamed across governments, businesses and communities.

    In Montreal, countries agreed to make sure that the impacts on nature were considered across different policy areas (such as building new roads or developing new energy sources) and in economic sectors, from fishing to agriculture and mining to tech.

    They agreed that groups most likely to be affected by the loss of nature, including Indigenous people and local communities, women and youth, should help make key decisions. While targets such as protecting 30% of the land and sea for nature are crucial, progress will only happen if nature is put on everyone’s bottom line.

    Delivering real change

    The urgent need for action is not lost on delegates gathering in Cali. There is a real risk that the promise countries made in Montreal to deliver “transformative action by governments, and regional and local authorities, with the involvement of all of society” won’t be met.

    But there are some hopeful signs of transformative change to conserve and restore nature and ensure its sustainable use.

    Take, for example, the Tree Equity Partnership in Detroit, US. This partnership between the city, US-based charity American Forests and the local non-profit charity Greening of Detroit aims to plant 75,000 trees. This will create places of beauty, biodiversity and climate resilience in underserved neighbourhoods and generate 300 new jobs in the city.

    In Pakistan, the Living Indus initiative is an umbrella organisation that has identified 25 projects involving local and regional governments, businesses and communities working together to restore the ecological health of the Indus river.

    Businesses are also calling for real change. More than 170 investors have signed a pledge developed by a coalition of financial institutions called the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation to take action for nature across their portfolios.

    New science-based standards are being developed to drive the mainstreaming of biodiversity action through their companies and associated supply chains. Cop16 is expected to see increased interest from the private sector and a focus on tackling climate change and biodiversity together.

    These projects are successfully tackling the root causes of global biodiversity loss. They integrate solutions and deal with social and environmental issues – poverty and exploitation, climate risks and land use change. Tackling these problems is just as vital as the need for sustainable production and consumption plus investment that works for, not against, nature.

    Projects such as these are the ones that give scientists and conservationists like me – and organisations like WWF that I work with – hope. We want to see more projects that take action on nature, climate and social justice together. If Cop16 can make even a small step in this direction, the world will be travelling towards making real progress by the end of this decade.


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

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Harriet Bulkeley receives funding from the European Commission and currently serves as an advisor to the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

    – ref. Three ways the upcoming UN biodiversity summit could make a difference – https://theconversation.com/three-ways-the-upcoming-un-biodiversity-summit-could-make-a-difference-240225

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Agencies Working Together in Multimillion-Dollar Mission to Remove Debris in Virginia

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Federal Agencies Working Together in Multimillion-Dollar Mission to Remove Debris in Virginia

    Federal Agencies Working Together in Multimillion-Dollar Mission to Remove Debris in Virginia

    BRISTOL, Va.— Tropical Storm Helene devastated communities throughout southwestern Virginia. Since then, federal agencies have been working with Commonwealth and local partners to address communities’ needs and help individuals on their journey to recovery. At the request of the Commonwealth, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced a multimillion-dollar commitment dedicated to removal of debris in and around Claytor Lake State Park and the South Holston Lake Area, which were impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.

    Alongside rain, tornados, wind and flooding, Tropical Storm Helene left debris on land and in waterways. Lakes in Virginia are a source of drinking water, provide power through hydropower dams, serve as recreation sites for boating and fishing and support many species of wildlife. 

    A significant amount of debris, including woody debris, boats, propane and fuel tanks, and pieces of structures litter Claytor Lake State Park and the South Holston Lake Area, threatening critical functions of the parks and waterways. Boating, kayaking, swimming and fishing are not currently possible at Claytor Lake State Park because of debris in the water and on the park shoreline.

    Debris in Claytor Lake, Va., Oct. 9, 2024 Photo: FEMA. 

    Due to the extent of debris, the Commonwealth has requested support for debris removal. In support of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s request, as directed by and in coordination with FEMA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will be removing debris from public property in the South Holston area and on Claytor Lake to reduce threats to public health and safety. 

    This is the largest debris mission in Virginia since 2003 and will last for over three months. “This debris mission shows the full federal family’s commitment to Virginia communities,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy Pheil. “Recovery cannot be achieved alone, with one program or one agency. I am grateful to the Commonwealth and to our federal partners for responding to the needs of the whole community.” 

    The Army Corps of Engineers will be taking on the multimillion-dollar mission, which includes waterway debris removal for Claytor Lake and South Holston River at South Fork. USACE crews began land and water debris assessment Oct. 4, and continue providing assistance to the Virginia debris task force. The USACE contractor will mobilize and begin removing debris next week. USACE estimates the work could take about 120 days to complete.   

    The waterway debris removal presents unique challenges for the USACE team. Crews will operate heavy equipment from land and afloat on barges to collect the debris, moving it to land for sorting and disposal. USACE debris specialists estimate up to 300 acres of debris in the two waterways. 

    “Debris removal on the water is inherently more complex,” said Col. Sonny Avichal, commander of USACE’s Norfolk District, “and our first priority is ensuring the safety of the public and our teams. We’re working together toward the same goal, so we also want to make sure we’re talking with the communities frequently to share information and listen to concerns.”

    EPA’s first responders have been at the site assisting federal and state agencies since Sept. 29, and received federal approval to begin oil and hazardous material cleanup on Oct. 6. The EPA’s mission in the debris removal efforts includes assessing and cleaning up hazardous material, white goods, and oil across the entire impacted area to ensure human health and the environment is protected. 

    “A person’s safety is always our top priority, especially following a natural disaster like Hurricane Helene,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “We are incredibly proud of our first responders who are working tirelessly along with our local, state and federal partners to remove hazardous materials and protect drinking water that our communities depend on. We are committed to ensuring affected families in the Commonwealth have the support and resources they need to move forward.”

    EPA crews lay yellow horizontal boom which acts as a barrier that protects access to boat ramps and also collects debris and makes it more effective for crews to retrieve hazardous waste containers. Photo: EPA.
    FEMA and local officials surveying debris in Claytor Lake. Photo: FEMA. 

    The debris mission does not include private property. If residents have household hazardous materials or oil containers that were damaged by the storm, they can be brought to 919 S. Shady Avenue in Damascus, Va. seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find resources for residents and business owners, including tips for staying safe and information on agencies that can help here: 9 Ways to Stay Safe Cleaning Up Debris After a Disaster | FEMA.gov.

    For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov,  the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA. 

    ###

    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

    To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

              

    erika.osullivan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell Introduces Urban Bird Treaty Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today introduced the Urban Bird Treaty Act to establish a federal grant to support conservation of birds and habitats in urban areas. The introduction comes a day ahead of World Migratory Bird Day. 

    “Birds play an important role in our ecosystems and our everyday lives, and we all have an opportunity and a responsibility to make our communities safer places for birds and people to live together,” Dingell said. “Unfortunately, we have lost nearly 3 billion birds in the last 50 years, and we need to take serious action to address this crisis. The Urban Bird Treaty Act will provide federal funding to cities, community organizations, and other groups doing important work to restore bird habitat, and most importantly, educate communities about the small steps we can all take to protect bird populations generations to come.”  

    In North America, one in four breeding birds have been lost since 1970. The widespread loss and degradation of habitat is the biggest driver of bird population decline. Restoring bird habitat in urban areas can make a significant difference in conserving bird populations.

    The Urban Bird Treaty Act would make $1,000,000 available annually through a competitive grant program to eligible entities, including Tribal, State, or municipal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, to promote urban bird conservation. Specifically, the grant program aims to:

    • protect, restore, or enhance urban habitats for birds, including through the control of invasive species and restoration of native plant species;
    • reduce urban hazards to birds;
    • educate and engage communities in scientific activities involving the monitoring of birds and the habitats of such birds in urban areas

    The bill is endorsed by the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, and the American Bird Conservancy. 

    “Our urban areas are critical nesting and migration areas for birds,” said Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs at the National Audubon Society. “We have lost 3 billion birds over the past 50 years due to habitat loss and other threats. Dedicated funding to conserve habitat in cities and towns and create bird-friendly communities is an essential part of reducing this decline and bending the bird curve. We know that when birds thrive, so do communities, including our urban communities. We thank Congresswoman Dingell for recognizing the role that urban areas play in bird conservation, and urge Congress to pass this bill swiftly. At a time when the health of our communities and biodiversity is threatened by a changing climate and habitat loss, investments like the Urban Bird Treaty program make a huge difference in creating a healthy future for all.”

     “As cities grow, it becomes increasingly important for them to offer healthy habitat and safe passage for birds,” said Corina Newsome, conservation scientist at the National Wildlife Federation. “For migrating birds, city parks and greenways offer places to feed and rest on their journeys, and many species rely on them year-round.  Representative Dingell’s Urban Bird Treaty Act will help conserve and restore these essential habitats, benefitting the birds and people who share these spaces.”

    “Healthy cities are full of birds,” said Brian Brooks, Vice President for Advocacy & Threats Programs at American Bird Conservancy. “We thank Representative Dingell for introducing the Urban Bird Treaty Act, which acknowledges the significant role birds play in urban ecosystems. This dedicated funding for habitat conservation, scientific research, and education will not only enhance bird populations but also strengthen the health and vitality of human communities across urban areas.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev discussed the pace of construction of the fishing fleet with representatives of federal authorities and the industry community

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of “Incident No. 42” “Fishing vessels”

    October 16, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of “Incident No. 42” “Fishing vessels”

    October 16, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of “Incident No. 42” “Fishing vessels”

    October 16, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of “Incident No. 42” “Fishing vessels”

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of “Incident No. 42” “Fishing Vessels”. With the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Federal Agency for Fisheries, other interested departments, the United Shipbuilding Corporation, shipyards and the industry business community, current issues of construction of the fishing fleet were considered.

    “In the second half of 2024, four vessels were delivered to customers: two fishing vessels and two crab vessels. In total, 30 vessels have been built to date within the first stage of investment quotas. Six more should be delivered by the end of the year,” said Dmitry Patrushev. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the achieved dynamics cannot be reduced.

    The implementation of the second stage of investment quotas is also ongoing. An auction for crabs has already taken place, as well as two bidding campaigns for other types of aquatic bioresources. As a result, contracts for the construction of 31 vessels have been concluded, one of which has been delivered to the investor.

    The meeting participants paid special attention to issues related to the termination of contracts with investors who were unable to fulfill their obligations, as well as the extension of the construction deadlines for the first stage of crab catchers. Dmitry Patrushev recalled that the initial deadlines for 20 current contracts expire on October 30 of this year. The issue of extending the construction deadlines was discussed. In this regard, Rosrybolovstvo, together with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture, must promptly develop decisions on terminating contracts, extending deadlines, or transferring the construction of vessels to other shipyards.

    Following the meeting, Dmitry Patrushev instructed interested federal executive bodies to ensure the timely delivery of financial resources to shipbuilding organizations.

    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 accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/53013/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Rubio, Cornyn, Scott Announce Bill to Replenish Disaster Relief Fund

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Rick Scott (R-FL) today announced legislation to appropriate $20 billion to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to help states recover following Hurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton. The DRF assists individuals, households, states, and non-federal government entities with recovery following natural disasters. As a result of an above-average hurricane season, the DRF is quickly dwindling.
    “Americans help Americans. FEMA needs resources to help those impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Francine,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Related to this, I will continue working to make flood insurance affordable again.”
    “Unfortunately, this is a hurricane season no one will soon forget. The Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is the front line for states, and our constituents, to receive support in the aftermath of natural disasters. While assessments of the full extent of these storms are underway, the DRF cannot be allowed to be depleted. I am proud to announce my colleagues and I will be introducing a bill to provide additional funding to support communities affected by the recent hurricanes,” said Senator Rubio.
    “It is alarming that FEMA has spent almost half of its disaster fund, and there are still weeks left in hurricane season. Congress must take action to ensure critical agencies have sufficient resources to help those impacted by natural disasters recover while also maintaining long-term rebuilding projects,” said Senator Cornyn.
    “I’ve been on the ground in Florida surveying damage and talking to Floridians for weeks as our state prepared for and now responds to and recovers from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. What’s clear is that Florida families and businesses need their federal government to show up where they are and help them get back on their feet. This bill, providing $20 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, will ensure that the agency has what it needs to provide immediate aid to folks in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas and other states impacted by disasters while our local communities determine their needs from FEMA, SBA, USDA and other federal agencies. The federal government’s response to hurricanes over the last two years has left too many Floridians, especially our farmers, hurting and with unmet needs. Unfortunately, I am already hearing from local officials and families in Florida that are frustrated by the fact that these disasters have stretched FEMA’s current resources too thin. That is unacceptable. No state is immune from disasters and I hope that none of our colleagues in the Senate will object to the quick passage of this needed funding. Even with this bill, I continue to urge Majority Leader Schumer to bring back the Senate to fully fund other disaster relief functions at the SBA and USDA block grants, and I’m glad that, in my conversations with President Biden, he has completely agreed with me on the need to get this done. While Floridians are incredibly resilient and will rebuild stronger than ever, it’s going to be an all hands on deck effort at the local, state and federal level to come together and support these communities. I’m going to keep fighting like hell to deliver the federal resources Floridians need to recover,” said Senator Scott.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Pikangikum First Nation and Canada celebrate the grand opening of their new Knowledge Keepers Elders’ Complex

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 16, 2024 — Pikangikum First Nation, Treaty 5 Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada 

    Everyone deserves to live in comfort with access to healthcare and services close to home and near loved ones. When Elders receive culturally relevant services in a safe, coordinated, and efficient manner based on individual needs, it allows them to live their golden years with dignity and care. 

    Today, Pikangikum First Nation celebrates the grand opening of their new Knowledge Keepers Elders’ Complex in collaboration with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). 

    This new building more than doubles the capacity of the previous Elder’s care facility, going from eight rooms to 20 one-bedroom apartments with a full kitchen and living room area. Four of those apartments have an accessible bathroom and bathtub for those who require it. Each apartment includes a sundeck that opens to the outdoor courtyard, and there is a shared common area for visiting and socializing. 

    Community leadership is working with a funder to enable the facility to build a traditional food pantry so that Elders can have year-round access to moose, goose, and fish; install a medicine walkway (including local plants and flora) along the perimeter of the housing complex; and develop programming for children, youth, and Elders sharing circle that will include songs, stories, and recreational time together.

    Quotes

    “The Knowledge Keepers housing complex will provide a safe and dignified place for our Elders to age in their golden years. A place to call their very own.”

    “Our Elders wish to continue living in the community—being close to their friends and family is important for them.”

    Pikangikum First Nation Health Authority

    “Congratulations to Pikangikum First Nation for the opening of the expanded Knowledge Keepers Elders’ Complex. This is a testament to their dedication to enabling Elders to stay close to loved ones within their community while receiving compassionate support that proudly prioritizes their culture.”

    The Honourable Patty Hajdu
    Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

    “Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. We are proud to partner with the Pikangikum First Nation to build new affordable homes that will allow more seniors to stay in their community near their loved ones.”

    The Honourable Sean Fraser
    Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    Quick facts

    • The Knowledge Keepers Elders’ Complex provides acute, end-of-life, rehabilitation, maintenance and long-term supportive care.

    • Staff at the facility will support and enhance the care provided by families and loved ones in the community.

    • The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has provided more than $6.2 million in support of this project through the second round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI2).

    • Indigenous Services Canada invested more than $1.1 million in this project through the ISC Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program (CFMP).

    Contacts

    For more information, media may contact:

    Jennifer Kozelj
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
    Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
    jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

    ISC Media Relations
    819-953-1160
    media@sac-isc.gc.ca

    Sofia Ouslis 
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    Sofia.Ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
    media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

    Stay connected

    Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:

    Twitter: @GCIndigenous
    Facebook: @GCIndigenous
    Instagram: @gcindigenous

    You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit http://www.isc.gc.ca/RSS.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A man lived to old age without knowing he may have had 3 penises

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Meyer, Senior Lecturer, Anatomy and Pathology, James Cook University

    Life science/Shutterstock

    Do you really know what you look like on the inside? Most people do not, and usually it takes surgery or medical imaging to take a look while we are still alive.

    A case study was published last week where researchers made the rare finding of a man with “triphallia”. Most people would say the man had three penises. But anatomists, like myself, who teach health professionals about the structure of the human body, prefer the term penes (plural of penis).

    This finding emerged from the dissection of the body of a 78-year-old man who had donated his body to science. It is a case that has left many anatomists scratching their heads, and ignited discussions about typical human anatomy and anatomical variation.

    I too have an extra organ – an extra spleen – plus other anatomical variations regarding two muscles. It is highly likely you might also have anatomical variations, and not necessarily know.

    Back to this case

    According to the latest study, only one penis was externally visible. But when his body was dissected, there were two extra, smaller penises inside the scrotum.

    The main penis was 77mm long and 24mm wide, with the smaller ones about half the size. However, the images provided in the study don’t seem to match the written descriptions in all places. So the study does need clarification.

    Intriguingly, researchers identified a single urethra – the hollow tube from the bladder that allows urine (and sperm from the testes) to leave the body. This urethra travelled from the bladder through part of one of the smaller penises and along the length of the main penis, leaving out the third penis entirely.

    Was there a misunderstanding in identifying these anatomical structures? Could the second penis simply be a misidentified part of the main one? Is this actually a case of diphallia – two penises? In either case, the man’s anatomy was different to what you’d typically see in anatomy textbooks.

    The study suggests all three penises contained erectile tissue capable of engorgement. But it remains unclear whether they worked independently or together. Unfortunately, the authors did not confirm structures by examining them under the microscope, or report tracing the nerves or blood vessels, to shed more light.

    Not everyone’s anatomy looks like the textbooks.
    kocakayaali/Shutterstock

    There was an earlier case in a baby

    A separate case of someone with three penises, which was documented in 2020, involved a three-month-old infant.

    In this instance, the main penis was in its typical position, but you could see the extra ones on the perineum (between the anus and the scrotum in males).

    Neither of the extra penises had a urethra, making them incapable of functioning typically. Ultimately, these non-functional penises were safely removed.

    Such cases are rare, with only these two examples reported in medical databases.

    So how does this happen? The answer may lie in how embryos develop.

    Early in development

    The penis begins to develop early in the first trimester of a 40-week pregnancy, a time when a woman may not know she’s pregnant.

    During this critical period, the embryo may be exposed to various influences. These include toxins passed through the bloodstream if the mother falls ill, takes certain drugs while pregnant or is exposed to certain chemicals. There are also genetic factors that shape how organs develop.

    By the fifth week of pregnancy, cells migrate to the midline of the embryo, where they help form the precursor to the penis.

    Problems in this migratory process, abnormalities in a developmental gene (called “sonic hedgehog”), or fluctuations in testosterone levels or receptors during early fetal development, could potentially lead to the formation of additional penises.

    The penis develops early in the first trimester of pregnancy.
    Sebastian Kaulitzki/Shutterstock

    Humans are varied

    While the appearance of triphallia may be startling, these rare cases highlight a broader point: our anatomy can vary significantly. Just as individuals differ in their external appearances, so too does our internal anatomy.

    For example, there are anatomical variations in blood vessels, organs, muscles, nerves and even bones that may not be readily visible.

    Indeed, incidental findings during my own medical examinations have found I have a supernumerary (or extra) spleen, called a splenunculus, an extra flexor digitorum longus muscle (in my leg), and I’m missing both palmaris longus muscles (in my forearms).

    While my anatomical variations are internal, a common example of a visible external anatomical variation are extra nipples. These can be mistaken for moles and can also result from developmental issues in the early weeks of pregnancy.

    Why is this important?

    Cases like the man said to have three penises are important reminders of the complexities of human anatomy and the many factors that can influence our bodies from the very start of development.

    Exploring these rare findings emphasises the importance of continued research in anatomy and embryology.

    These findings also highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle for people intending to fall pregnant and who are already. This is so growing embryos can have the best chance of developing typical anatomy.

    Amanda Meyer is affiliated with the Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists, the American Association for Anatomy, and the Global Neuroanatomy Network.

    – ref. A man lived to old age without knowing he may have had 3 penises – https://theconversation.com/a-man-lived-to-old-age-without-knowing-he-may-have-had-3-penises-241475

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police urge boaties to take precautions after seven rescued near Taharoa

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police urge boaties to take the basic precautions after seven people have been rescued near Taharoa this morning.

    At around 8.20am, Police were alerted to a boat which overturned in the water, when Coastguard had launched a Search and Rescue response.

    Just before 8am, a vessel crossing the Kawhia bar failed to close its bar crossing report with Coastguard.

    A search and rescue response was launched with Coastguard Raglan and Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol volunteers activated. Other boaties in the area then reported the vessel had capsized and all seven people were on shore.

    Coastguard Raglan volunteers onboard two rescue water craft and Joe Hawke Rescue headed south to Kawhia, with the first volunteers arriving on scene at around 8.30am.

    Thankfully, the group of men on the boat had managed to self-rescue and reached a beach near Opapaka Point where Coastguard volunteers triaged the group and provided initial first aid.

    The six men were taken to Kawhia where they were assessed by Ambulance. One of the men received a minor head injury and was treated at the scene. The rest of the men were cold but uninjured.

    The seventh man was transported to hospital by helicopter for leg injuries.

    They were well prepared in the case of an emergency, and activated their Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon.

    While it is fortunate that emergency services were contacted and the group are now safe, Police would like to use this opportunity to remind the public to prepare for any possible situation that may occur in the water.

    Police urge anyone going near waters, no matter the skill level, to take the basic precautions to keep themselves safe in case something goes wrong.

    Always wear a lifejacket when boating or fishing, and have a waterproof bag to put your phone into to put inside your lifejacket, so it is always with you.

    Tell someone where you are going and when you will come back – this can be crucial information for us to locate you.

    Be aware of your surroundings and the dangers they may have – check the local marine weather forecast before you go and expect both weather and water state changes.

    Police urge people to change their mindset from ‘It won’t happen to me’ to ‘What if it does?’

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Solomon Islands Environment Ministry support waste management education initiatives

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK government’s Ocean Country Partnership Programme and the Solomon Islands government through its Ministry of Environment provide education packs to schools.

    Group photo with students at St Nicholas Anglican College displaying the education packs.

    The Kukum Seventh Day Adventist School, Florence Young Christian School and Saint Nicholas Anglican College in Honiara are the first beneficiaries of primary and secondary education packs to help students understand how to better manage waste and why this is so important for our oceans.

    These education packs are being provided to schools alongside recycling bins, as the Solomon Islands and UK look to tackle marine pollution.

    These have been possible through the UK Government’s Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) and the Solomon Islands Government through its Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).

    At the handing over of the education packs to each school on Tuesday 15 October, British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Thomas Coward said:

    Children are our country’s future and educating them about marine biodiversity, marine pollution and sustainable seafood is important. We are pleased to present these education packs to the students and teachers, and we are hopeful they will learn to protect marine pollution.

    The Literacy Association of Solomon Islands (LASI) was engaged by the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) to translate the education packs into Solomon Islands pijin making them simple for both teachers and students at the schools.

    Senior Research Scientist at Cefas, Freya Goodsir said:

    Through the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, we are delighted to collaborate with the Solomon Islands and support initiatives to tackle marine pollution. These education packs and recycling bins will make a real difference to the school communities and inspire the next generation to be leaders in protecting their incredible marine environment.

    Chief Environment Officer, Environment and Conservation Division at the Solomon Islands Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Wendy Beti said:

    The ministry is thankful to the British High Commission through its OCPP for publishing the primary and secondary education packs we are giving you. The ministry is actively supporting this programme through various initiatives including the provision of recycling bins with some schools having received them and other schools that will be delivered later. OCPP also supports the ministry through coastal water quality monitoring, awareness campaigns and billboards and provincial workshops. We look forward to collaborating with schools and important stakeholders of the programme.

    The school leaders of Kukum SDA School, Florence Young School and St Nicholas School expressed their gratitude for the education packs saying children are at the core of such initiatives as they are the country’s future.

    Construction of eight recycling bins is progressing, and the three schools are expected to receive theirs this month.

    OCPP is funded by the UK Government International Development and delivered by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), the Joint Nature Conservancy Committee (JNCC) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: WHO – Despite health gains, urgent action needed to meet health-related Sustainable Development Goals in the Western Pacific Region

    SOURCE: World Health Organization (WHO)

    Manila, Philippines, 17 October 2024 – According to a new report released today, countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region experienced the smallest decline in life expectancy during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other WHO regions. Life expectancy in the Western Pacific fell by only 0.07 years during 2020-21, a minimal drop compared to the global average decline of 1.7 years. The Western Pacific now has the highest life expectancy among WHO’s six regions, rising from 72.0 years in 2000 to 77.4 years in 2021.

    However, despite this progress, the Region – comprising 37 countries and areas across Asia and the Pacific – is still grappling with critical challenges and is off-track in achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are the global goals adopted by world leaders to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity by 2030. The new WHO report, Health statistics in the Western Pacific Region 2023: Monitoring health for the SDGs, highlights advancements made across the Region while also emphasizing the urgent need for action. The report shows that while the COVID-19 pandemic may have done less damage to life expectancy in the Western Pacific than other regions, it nevertheless exacerbated health inequalities and disrupted progress in other areas.

    Noncommunicable diseases on the rise

    While infectious diseases and injuries were previously major causes of illness and death in the Western Pacific, the Region is undergoing a significant epidemiological shift. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer now account for nearly nine in 10 deaths. While the probability of premature death from NCDs has declined in the Region by over 25% since 2000, major challenges remain. Moreover, the Region is experiencing rapid population ageing. There are now more than 245 million people aged 65 and older in the Region – a number that is projected to double by 2050. And many older people are living with NCDs.

    A major risk factor for NCDs is alcohol and tobacco use. Consumption of alcohol in the Region has risen by 40% since 2000. Despite a decline from 7.2 litres per capita per year in 2015 to 6.1 litres in 2019, the overall increase highlights an ongoing concern for public health. Similarly, although tobacco use declined from 28.0% of adults smoking in 2000 to 22.5% in 2022, this was still above the global average of 20.9%.

    Mental health issues are also taking their toll on the population, with alarmingly high suicide rates in some countries of the Western Pacific Region, influenced by factors such as stigma, limited access to mental health services and socioeconomic challenges.

    Climate- and environment-related health concerns are yet another major challenge. While air pollution in urban areas of the Region was found to have decreased from 2010 to 2019, air quality levels are still much worse than the WHO-recommended levels. Populations living in urban areas are therefore continuing to breathe unhealthy air.

    Mixed progress towards universal health coverage

    Universal health coverage (UHC) is another important SDG target for which the Western Pacific Region has had mixed progress. The UHC service coverage index measures access to essential health services such as reproductive, maternal, newborn and child care, and prevention and treatment services for both NCDs and infectious diseases. Over the past 20 years, the overall UHC service coverage index in the Western Pacific increased impressively, from 49 to 79 points out of 100 between 2000 and 2021. However, people’s ability to access health-care services varies greatly across the Region. In some countries, the UHC service coverage index score is as low as 30, meaning many people struggle to access basic health care, while in others, it exceeds 80, indicating a much higher level of service availability and coverage. Despite these advancements, progress has slowed and stagnated since the adoption of the SDGs in 2015, and particularly since 2019.

    Despite the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, access to essential health services for NCDs did not improve significantly, increasing only slightly from 52 points in 2000 to 58 points in 2010. Even more troubling, there has been no further progress since 2010, and access to services remains low, particularly in Pacific island countries and areas.

    In contrast, access to services for infectious diseases improved significantly, rising from just 18 points in 2000 to 82 points in 2021. Immunization coverage for the WHO-recommended three doses against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, or DTP3, showed mixed results from 2000 to 2023: coverage increased in 15 countries, while four countries experienced no change and eight saw a decrease.

    In the Western Pacific Region, average health spending has increased substantially, tripling from around US$ 383 per person in 2000 to US$ 1336 in 2021. On average, health spending accounted for 6.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) at country level in 2000, and rose to 8.2% by 2021. However, despite efforts to increase public spending for health, the proportion of people in the Western Pacific experiencing catastrophic health expenditure − defined as spending more than 10% of their income on health-care − has nevertheless doubled, rising from 9.9% in 2000 to 19.8% in 2019.

    Critical action needed to achieve SDGs

    “While we celebrate the significant health gains that the Western Pacific Region has achieved, we must also acknowledge urgent challenges in sustaining progress,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “We are living longer than ever, and more than any other region of the world, but this isn’t enough. We’re off-track to meet many of the SDG targets, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated health disparities. Now is the time for concerted action to address these issues. We look forward to working with health leaders from across the Region next week to finalize our new vision to weave health for families, communities and societies.”

    New vision for health in the Region

    Ministers of health and other senior officials are preparing for discussions at the seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Manila on 21−25 October 2024. The meeting will focus on the most pressing health needs in the Region and chart a course to address them.

    Weaving health for families, communities and societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025-2029): Working together to improve health, well-being and save lives is the proposed new vision for the Region. The vision centres on the analogy of weaving a mat – a traditional activity across Asia and the Pacific – symbolizing the collaborative efforts required by WHO, governments and partners to improve population health and well-being. The vision centres on five vertical strands of action led by governments interwoven with three horizontal strands of action by WHO.

    The five vertical strands of action led by governments, working with WHO and other stakeholders include:

    Transformative primary health care for UHC
    Climate-resilient health systems
    Resilient communities, societies and systems for health security
    Healthier people throughout the life course
    Technology and innovation for future health equity.

    The three horizontal strands of action by WHO are:

    Country offices equipped with skills for scaling up and innovation
    Nimble support teams in the Regional Office
    Effective communication for public health.

    These strands reflect the reality that the Western Pacific Region faces complex health challenges that cannot be addressed by the health sector alone. Achieving the goals of SDG 3 − Good health and well-being – will require a concerted effort from multiple sectors. Social determinants of health, including education, housing, employment, social protection, gender equality and the environment, significantly impact health outcomes. Therefore, collaboration between the health, education, urban planning, agriculture and environmental sectors, to name but a few, is crucial. Collaboration can create synergies and co-benefits for all these sectors while accelerating progress towards achieving SDG 3.

    “The commitment of governments, WHO and partners to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is a commitment to health and well-being for all,” added Dr Piukala. “We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind as we weave a healthier future.”

    In addition to the vision, the Regional Committee will also consider new regional action frameworks on digital health and on health financing to achieve UHC and sustainable development. There will be panel discussions on climate-resilient health-care facilities, transformative primary health care and oral health, as well as a special event on the Investment Round to resource WHO’s work for 2025–2028.

    Notes:

    The seventy-fifth session of the Western Pacific Regional Committee will run from Monday, 21 October through Friday, 25 October, at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. The Agenda and timetable are available online. A livestream of proceedings, all other official documents, as well as fact sheets and videos on the issues to be addressed can be accessed here. For real-time updates, follow @WHOWPRO on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube and the hashtag #RCM75.

    Working with 194 Member States across six regions, WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for public health. Each WHO region has its regional committee – a governing body composed of ministers of health and senior officials from Member States. Each regional committee meets annually to agree on health actions and to chart priorities for WHO’s work.

    The WHO Western Pacific Region is home to more than 1.9 billion people across 37 countries and areas: American Samoa (United States of America), Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Guam (United States of America), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Kiribati, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macao SAR (China), Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Niue, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States of America), Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna (France).

    Related links:

    Health statistics in the Western Pacific Region 2023: Monitoring health for the SDGs
    Draft vision Weaving health for families, communities and societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025−2029): Working together to improve health and well-being and save lives
    WHO data on progress towards universal health coverage (UHC)
    Other WHO data which can be searched by country.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of lost World War Two soldier located in Italy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The grave of a Royal Tank Regiment soldier who lost his life in Italy during World War Two has been identified 81 years after his death.

    Padre David Anderson leads the service for Tpr Stobart (Crown Copyright)

    The rededication service for Trooper (Tpr) Frederick Stobart was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’. 

    The service was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Bolsena War Cemetery in Italy this afternoon (16 October). 

    Frederick Stobart was born in Sunderland in 1916. He lived with his maternal grandparents for some of his childhood, but no records exist to tell us about his young life or schooling.  

    He joined the Army in 1935, listing his previous occupation as a steel grinder. He served at home, and in India during the years immediately before war broke out in 1939, and then joined the British Expeditionary Force in May 1940. By August 1940 he was in the Middle East, and he remained there until June 1943, when he was sent to take part in the invasion of Italy. He appears to have been captured around Tobruk in North Africa in late June 1943 and to have become a prisoner of the Italians at Camp 54 at Fara in Sabina, in the Lazio region of Italy.   

    In September 1943 when Italy capitulated, many prisoners found themselves without guards and took the opportunity to escape, Stobart was one of these. He travelled north, with fellow escapee, Pte Robert Quinn of the Durham Light Infantry, into the hills where they relied on local people for help. Unfortunately, their freedom was short-lived, and they were recaptured by the Germans within a few days.  According to contemporary reports, both men were shot whilst trying to escape from a transport taking them to a new camp. Quinn was hospitalised but Stobart died.  

    Stobart was buried in a civilian cemetery at Monte Libretto by two German soldiers, a local policeman and four other prisoners. The notes recorded on the grave register show that there were no documents or means of identifying the body, and that the other prisoners burying him did not seem to know him. After the war Stobart’s remains were recovered and moved to the war cemetery at Bolsena where he was buried as an unknown casualty of the 1939 – 45 war, with a date of death in September 1943. 

    Recently an independent researcher submitted evidence to the CWGC hoping to have located the final resting place of Tpr Stobart. The research included excerpts from a Red Cross interview with Stobart’s fellow escapee Pte Quinn which was conducted whilst he was a POW in hospital. Quinn had described the escape and what had happened to his Stobart, without naming him. It was his testimony along with other supporting documents which were crucial in proving this case. The researcher’s evidence was reviewed and extra work conducted by the National Army Museum and  JCCC which concluded that now, 80 years after his death, it is possible to clearly identify where Tpr Stobart is buried. 

    The military party, representatives of the CWGC, and the researcher who submitted the original identification case for Tpr Stobart, stand behind his headstone (Crown Copyright)

    JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: 

    It has been a privilege for me to have been involved in restoring Tpr Stobart’s name to him,  and to have organised the service of rededication for him today. I am grateful to the researcher who submitted the original evidence and thus started this process off, and to Tpr Stobart’s military family for attending today to honour his sacrifice. 

    Director for Central and Southern Europe at the CWGC, Geert Bekaert, said:  

    We are honoured to now be able to commemorate, by name, Trooper Stobart. It is a privilege to care for his grave and all those that lie here at Bolsena War Cemetery, in perpetuity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –