The Highland Council is now accepting expressions of interest for the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund for 2026-27.
The Fund supports locally developed place-based regeneration projects that involve local communities, helping to tackle inequalities and deliver inclusive growth in deprived, and fragile communities across Scotland.
The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government and COSLA. This year, for the first time, RCGF will streamline the funding previously delivered through the Vacant and Derelict Investment Programme (VDLIP) and the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) into one dedicated fund.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “The Highland Council has been successful in securing Regeneration Capital Grant Fund grants from the Scottish Government since it was established in 2014. The fund is an incredibly competitive challenge fund. We can only submit applications for projects that are suitably well developed and can demonstrate that they will start in 2026-27.
“Due to the tight timescale I would encourage any organisations or groups with eligible projects to act now and submit an expression of interest form to our CRF Team by the deadline of 13 June 2025.”
Since the grant fund opened in 2014, 19 projects from The Highland Council region have received funding. Among the most recent projects that have secured grant funding are Knoydart Bunkhouse (£560,000) John O’Groats Mill (£1.5M) and Glenurquhart Hall (£602,500).
Applications must be submitted by The Highland Council. For more information on the application process and the appropriate forms, please email the Community Regeneration Fund Team: RCGF@highland.gov.uk with information on your proposed project. Anyone interested has until 13 June 2025 to submit their online form.
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Bashneft company (part of the Rosneft structure) continues large-scale greening of the Republic of Bashkortostan. In the spring of 2025, the company’s employees planted over 41 thousand tree seedlings in the region.
As part of the environmental campaigns, seedlings of various tree species adapted to the climatic conditions of the regions were used. All work was carried out under the supervision of regional forestry departments.
The Asly-Kul Nature Park in the Davlekanovsky District of Bashkiria is a specially protected natural area and an important recreational site. Bashkir oil workers planted 24 thousand pine seedlings as part of the all-Russian patriotic campaign “Garden of Memory”. This is a continuation of the annual program aimed at preventing swamping of Aslikul, the largest lake in the republic. The campaign makes a significant contribution to strengthening the ecosystem and preserving the unique natural complex of the reservoir. The employees of the Bashneft-Dobycha enterprise (Bashneft’s oil and gas production operator) have been systematically restoring the forest frame of Lake Aslikul since 2023. Thanks to the efforts of oil workers, over 100 thousand pine and larch seedlings have already been planted on the territory of the nature park, which in a few years will form four massive forest areas with a total area of 25 hectares.
The importance of Bashneft’s initiative is also confirmed by experts from the Biology Research Center of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Scientists have established that the creation of a coniferous forest in the northwestern part of Lake Aslikul will help stop the swamping of the shores and preserve the reservoir for future generations.
In addition, workers of the Bashneft-Novoil plant cleared the shores of the lake from household waste as part of the federal environmental project “Water of Russia”. The anthropogenic load on the coastal area is high, since the reservoir is very popular with tourists. During the campaign, almost 22 kilometers of the coast were cleared.
In just the last 5 years, thanks to the initiatives of Bashkir oil workers, more than 5.2 million trees have been planted on an area of over 1.5 thousand hectares. Young green areas will soon form full-fledged coniferous forests, which will contribute to the restoration and preservation of the ecological balance of the territories.
Preserving the environment for future generations is an integral part of Rosneft’s corporate culture. The company implements large-scale environmental programs aimed at minimizing the impact on the environment, improving the environmental friendliness of production, preserving and replenishing natural ecosystems.
Reference:
ANK Bashneft is one of the oldest enterprises in the oil and gas industry of the country, carrying out activities in the extraction and processing of oil and gas, the company’s key assets are located in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Exploration and production of oil and gas are also carried out in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Orenburg Region and the Republic of Tatarstan.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 26, 2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Maritime NZ and its Safer Boating partners are appealing for people to know the risks and be prepared before they head out on the water this holiday period.
Tragically, 17 people have lost their lives in incidents involving recreational boats or other water craft, in New Zealand during 2024. On average 18 people lose their lives on the water every year in avoidable incidents.
Maritime NZ’s Principal Advisor Recreational Craft, Matt Wood says, we do not want to see any more families in New Zealand mourning for loved ones due to incidents on the water.
“Last summer we had two dozen incidents reported to us, including some serious harm incidents, and sadly one person lost their life just before Christmas last year,” Mr Wood said.
“Nearly every death on a recreational boat or craft is avoidable.
“We know over the last few years there have been significant number of incidents close to shore.
“Over the last 11 years 70% of the fatal incidents occurred within one nautical mile (1,852 meters) from shore. “Just because you can see land, doesn’t mean you are safe.
“Our research has found people forgo wearing a lifejacket, and taking two forms of communication, because they believe they can safely reach shore by swimming if something goes wrong.
“It is too late to try to put on a lifejacket after you have been tossed out of your vessel and in the water.”
Recent research by Drowning Prevention Auckland found just under 95% of people cannot swim 100m in a pool in less than five minutes. The number is even lower in open water.
“The environment along our coast, in our lakes and rivers is far more challenging than swimming pools,” Mr Wood says. “It will likely be choppier, swells and currents can take you away from land, the water can be significantly colder, and you are often not dressed for swimming.
“You may be able to swim well in a pool. However, if you are wearing layers of clothes, and in variable conditions, swimming becomes much more challenging.
“That is why it is important to wear a life jacket, so you can float, and have two communication options to call for help if things go wrong.”
Anyone planning on heading out on the water over the summer period needs to prepare their vessels, ensure they have done a day skippers course, always wear a properly fitted lifejacket, take two forms of communication and check the marine weather forecast.
“We want you to have fun this holiday season, but we really want you to come home safely,” Mr Wood says.
ENDS
For more information contact: Maritime New Zealand Media Email: [email protected], Mobile: +64 (0)4 499 7318
A chief executive who oversaw the Port of Auckland for more than a decade has been sentenced on 21 February, in a significant case in relation to a 2020 fatal incident at the port.
In November last year, Judge Bonnar KC in the District Court at Auckland released a decision finding Tony Gibson guilty of one Health and Safety at Work charge, after stevedore Pala’amo Kalati was killed in August 2020.
This is the first time in New Zealand an officer of a large company has been convicted of a breach of their due diligence duty.
The Judge’s decision is seen as one that clarifies legislative health and safety obligations for officers of large companies.
Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett, says people are at the centre of prosecutions such as this, and Mr Kalati’s family, will forever feel the impact of what occurred at the Port of Auckland nearly four and a half years ago.
“Our thoughts continue to go out to Mr Kalati’s family, friends, as well as those also impacted by this tragic incident, including the other surviving victim.
“This has not been a quick process, and we fully understand how difficult the ongoing proceedings against the Port and Mr Gibson would have been for those close to Mr Kalati, and the other victim,” says Ms Hewlett.
The District Court found that, as the chief executive of Port of Auckland, Mr Gibson did not exercise his due diligence responsibility for ensuring that the Port complied with its health and safety responsibilities.
“This was a serious departure from the duty of care he should have provided to the workers at the port as the senior officer in charge (the chief executive).
“Mr Gibson had the knowledge, influence, resources and opportunity to address safety gaps and ensure that appropriate systems were in place at the port, but failed to do so,” Ms Hewlett says.
During his more than a decade managing it, the port company was convicted of several offences under health and safety legislation. These past incidents resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.
Mr Gibson knew of safety issues raised around the critical risks that could hurt people on the Port, but did not take timely action to address them, even though it was in his control and influence to do so.
It is hoped this case will serve as a strong reminder to chief executives of large companies that they need to understand the critical risks at their businesses; and assure themselves, through reliable sources, that there are controls and systems in place, and that these are working effectively on the ground.
“In saying this I recognise there are many officers in New Zealand who are meeting their health and safety obligations, and they should be confident this decision reaffirms the work they do to keep their people safe at work.
“More broadly I also want to recognise the work of the Port sector- port companies, stevedores and unions since the death of Mr Kalati to improve safety on New Zealand ports. This work has included the delivery of the Approved Code of Practice (for loading and unloading cargo at ports and on ships) which was launched last year to ensure consistent base line safety standards. It is important that this work continues to ensure we prevent tragedies like this and that workers come home healthy and safe,” Ms Hewlett says.
Eighty years after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end the Second World War, the threat of nuclear fallout remains.
The council warned that the release could pose major environmental and human rights risks.
A protest against the release of Fukushima treated radioactive water in Tokyo, Japan, in mid-May 2023. Image: TAM News/Getty.
Te Ao Māori News spoke with Mari Inoue, a NYC-based lawyer originally from Japan and co-founder of the volunteer-led group The Manhattan Project for a Nuclear-Free World.
Recently, at the UN, they called for global awareness, not only about atomic bomb victims but also of the Fukushima wastewater release, and nuclear energy’s links to environmental destruction and human rights abuses.
Formed a year after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the group takes its name from the original Manhattan Project — the secret Second World War US military programme that raced to develop the first atomic bomb before Nazi Germany.
A pivotal moment in that project was the Trinity Test on July 16, 1945, in New Mexico — the first successful detonation of an atomic bomb. One month later, nuclear weapons were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing an estimated 110,000 to 210,000 people.
Seeking recognition and justice Although 80 years have passed, victims of these events continue to seek recognition and justice. The disarmament group hopes for stronger global unity around the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and more support for victims of nuclear exposure.
Mari Inoue attended the UN as a representative of the Manhattan Project for a Nuclear-Free World as an interpreter for an atomic bomb survivor. Image: TAM News/UN WebTV.
The anti-nuclear activists supported the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Their advocacy took place during the third and final preparatory committee for the 2026 NPT review conference, where a consensus report with recommendations from past sessions will be presented.
Inoue’s group called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to declare Japan’s dumping policy unsafe, and believes Japan and its G7 and EU allies should be condemned for supporting it.
Hanford Site is a decommissioned nuclear production complex established in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project . . . The contaminated site once belonged to several Native American tribes. Image: TAM News/Jeff T. Green/Getty
Nuclear energy for the green transition? Amid calls to move away from fossil fuels, some argue that nuclear power could supply the zero-emission energy needed to combat climate change.
Inoue rejects this, saying that despite not emitting greenhouse gases like fossil fuels, nuclear energy still harms the environment.
She said there was environmental harm at all processes in the nuclear supply chain.
Protests at TEPCO, Tokyo Electric Power Company, in Tokyo in August 2023. Image: bDavid Mareuil/Anadolu Agency
“Nuclear energy is not peaceful and it‘s not a solution to the climate crisis,” Inoue stressed. “Nuclear energy cannot function without exploiting peoples, their lands, and their resources.”
She also pointed out thermal pollution, where water heated during the nuclear plant cooling process is discharged into waterways, contributing to rising ocean temperatures.
Inoue added, “During the regular operation, [nuclear power plants] release radioactive isotopes into the environment — for example tritium.”
Increased tensions and world forum uniting global voices When asked about the AUKUS security pact, Inoue expressed concern that it would worsen tensions in the Pacific. She criticised the use of a loophole that allowed nuclear-powered submarines in a nuclear-weapon-free zone, even though the nuclear fuel could still be repurposed for weapons.
In October, Inoue will co-organise the World Nuclear Victims Forum in Hiroshima, with 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winner Nihon Hidankyo as one of the promoting organisations.
The forum will feature people from Indigenous communities impacted by nuclear testing in the US and the Marshall Islands, uranium mining in Africa, and fisheries affected by nuclear pollution.
Republished from Te Ao Māori News with permission.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Andrew “Tristan” Peery, of Sacramento, has been appointed Senior Product Manager at the Office of Data and Innovation. Peery has been Director of Web and Interactive Communications at University of California, Davis since 2020, where he was previously Web Applications Development/Web Designer from 2014 to 2020. He held multiple positions at Oregon State University from 2006 to 2013, including Researcher/Web Applications Developer and Graduate Research Assistant. Peery was a Staff Scientist at Woods Hole Group from 2001 to 2005. He earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Oceanography from Oregon State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science from Texas A&M University at Galveston. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $150,348. Peery is registered without party preference.
Ramank Bharti, of Napa, has been appointed Director of Risk Management and Project Controls at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Bharti held multiple positions at ALSTOM Inc from 2004 to 2025, including Project Director, United States West Coast Services, Site Controller, Services North America, Region Controller, Controller, Budgeting and Reporting, and Work Package Controller. He was a Program Director at Transportation and Transit Associates from 2003 to 2004. Bharti was an MBA Intern at the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority from 2002 to 2003. He was a Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer at the North Eastern Railway from 1996 to 2001. Bharti was a Manager, Industrial Engineering at Diesel Component Works from 1992 to 1996. He was a Mechanical Engineer at Northern Railway from 1990 to 1992. Bharti earned a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Railway Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $225,000. Bharti is a Democrat.
Kevin Parzych, of San Luis Obispo, has been appointed Chief of Primary Care Services at Atascadero State Hospital. Parzych has been Chief Medical Officer at Wilshire Health and Community Services since 2013 and Owner of Wilshire Connected Care and K Parzych a Medical Corp since 2017. He was Medical Director of Hospice at Good Shepard Homecare and Hospice from 2004 to 2013. Parzych was Owner of Parzych Family Practice from 2002 to 2013. Parzych earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Albany Medical College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Connecticut. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $374,400. Parzych is registered with no party preference.
Madelynn McClain, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director of the Division of Administrative Services at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. McClain has been Assistant Deputy Director of the Division of Adult Institutions at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2024. McClain held several positions at the Department of General Services from 2023 to 2024, including Deputy Director of the Real Estate Services Division and Chief Financial Officer. She held several positions at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 2020 to 2023, including Deputy Director at the Office of Fiscal Services and Associate Director of the Budget Management Branch. McClain was a Principal Program Budget Analyst at the California Department of Finance from 2017 to 2020. She was a Judicial Fiscal Supervisor at the Judicial Council of California from 2015 to 2017. McClain was a Finance Budget Analyst at the Department of Finance from 2003 to 2015. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $208,440. McClain is a Democrat.
Raul Morales, of Visalia, has been appointed Warden at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison. Morales has been Acting Warden at Substance Treatment Facility and State Prison since 2024. He was Acting Warden at Valley State Prison in 2024. He held several positions at Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison from 2001 to 2024, including Chief Deputy Warden, Associate Warden, Captain, Correctional Lieutenant, Correctional Sergeant, and Correctional Officer. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $193,524. Morales is registered without party preference.
Press releases, Recent news
Recent news
May 23, 2025
News What you need to know: The City of Tustin received a new water treatment system filtering “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, from local drinking water. TUSTIN – As the federal government announces plans to weaken regulation of “forever chemicals” in drinking water,…
May 23, 2025
News What you need to know: California is providing $56 million in grants to help counties provide services for young adults at risk of homelessness. SACRAMENTO – Continuing California’s success in reducing homelessness in youth, Governor Gavin Newsom and the…
May 23, 2025
News What you need to know: Six canine officers joined the force to fight back against crime and drug trafficking — the first class trained from day one to detect fentanyl. Sacramento, California – After months of specialized and intensive training, six K-9 teams…
What you need to know: The City of Tustin received a new water treatment system filtering “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, from local drinking water.
TUSTIN –As the federal government announces plans to weaken regulation of “forever chemicals” in drinking water, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the city of Tustin received a new, state-funded water treatment system removingper- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds(PFAS). The new water system was unveiled by the State Water Resources Control Board, the City of Tustin, and the Orange County Water District (OCWD).
“I’m proud to share the City of Tustin will now receive drinking water clean of ‘forever chemicals’ that have been associated with negative health impacts. As the state works to bring more water systems like the one announced today to fruition, California is leading by example in prioritizing the wellbeing of our communities.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS comprise 12,000 human-made substances that have been used for commercial and industrial purposes and persist in the environment. PFAS can accumulate within the human body over time, and have been linked to increased cancer risk and several other health impacts in laboratory studies.
“PFAS have only been recognized as a threat to public health relatively recently,”said State Water Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel. “But with increasing data substantiating the need to eliminate these compounds from our drinking water, the board is moving quickly to support projects similar to this one.”
Since 2022, California has received a total of $269 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocation to help public water systems like Tustin’s provide drinking water that is free from emerging contaminants, such as PFAS. The $29.5 million water treatment system announced today received a $10 million grant from the State Revolving Fund, a federal-state partnership that helps public water systems finance drinking water infrastructure projects. This project also received another $11.5 million in additional federal funding.
“We are grateful to the State Water Board for this grant to support a new PFAS treatment facility in Tustin,”said OCWD President Denis R. Bilodeau, P.E.“OCWD did not create the PFAS problem, but we are tackling it head on by partnering with our water retailers to build treatment systems to ensure our communities continue to receive drinking water that meets all state and federal standards.”
Tustin’s new water system is one of seven led by OCWD to address PFAS in Orange County’s drinking water. The board has provided a total of $28.5 million from the State Revolving Fund to support six other projects. Nearly all of the projects are either complete or nearing completion.
In addition to providing financial support for water systems, the board has beeninvestigatingand assessing the presence of PFAS in water systems and groundwater statewide for several years. Based on this research, it launched protective health advisories for four kinds of PFAS that established response levels and notification levels to ensure transparency and protect human health. Last year, the boardexpanded testing for PFASto nearly 4,000 wells in disadvantaged communities and is leveraging this data tomap PFAS contaminationand inform water treatment strategies.
Press releases, Recent news
Recent news
May 23, 2025
News What you need to know: California is providing $56 million in grants to help counties provide services for young adults at risk of homelessness. SACRAMENTO – Continuing California’s success in reducing homelessness in youth, Governor Gavin Newsom and the…
May 23, 2025
News What you need to know: Six canine officers joined the force to fight back against crime and drug trafficking — the first class trained from day one to detect fentanyl. Sacramento, California – After months of specialized and intensive training, six K-9 teams…
May 23, 2025
News What you need to know: California is helping launch an 11-state coalition that will work together to sustain the transition to affordable clean cars. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that California would join an 11-state coalition to advance…
As the summer boating season begins, Maritime New Zealand and the Safer Boating Forum are urging all boaties and watercraft users to prioritise safety.
Safer Boating Week, starting Monday, 21 October, highlights the importance of safety as recreational boaties, and craft users (whether in a power boat, waka ama, kayak, canoe or paddle board) return to the water. For many, this will be the first time since last summer they venture out, making this year’s theme, ‘ Come Home Safe’, more relevant than ever. It builds on last year’s theme and reinforces the need for safe boating practices and encourages everyone to make safety a priority to ensure they return home.
Maritime NZ’s Director, Kirstie Hewlett, highlighted the ongoing importance of Safer Boating Week in promoting safety messages year-round. “This is our 11th Safer Boating Week, and it’s as important as ever. Over the past decade, more than 170 people have lost their lives in recreational craft incidents.
“These figures are deeply concerning, and the Safer Boating Forum is committed to reducing the number of deaths on the water,” she says.
The Safer Boating Forum represents a wide range of recreational craft activities, and this year’s launch event will focus on paddle craft safety.
Paddle craft users accounted for a significant portion of last year’s fatalities, with 5 out of 11 fatal incidents involving paddle craft.
At the launch event, we’ll hear from newly crowned Paris Olympic champions Tara Vaughan and Olivia Brett (members of the women’s K4 team with Lisa Carrington), and five-time NZ surf lifesaving Ironwoman champion Danielle Mackenzie. They will share their journeys to becoming elite athletes and how they want to encourage others to take up their sports -safely. Coming from surf lifesaving backgrounds, they know how crucial it is to stay safe around water.
Maritime NZ’s Harm Prevention Lead for Recreational Craft, Victoria Slade, says paddle craft are particularly vulnerable due to their design and the environments in which they operate.
“Paddle craft are more likely to capsize than non-paddle craft, and most incidents occurred within one nautical mile of shore or on inland waterways like lakes and rivers. This highlights that danger isn’t just far out at sea,” she says.
New Zealand’s waters can turn rough quickly, especially for paddle craft users. A calm day can become dangerous within minutes, with strong winds and waves easily overwhelming smaller vessels.
“If you’re planning to head out on the water, check the marine weather forecast, take two forms of waterproof communication to call for help, and always wear a properly fitting lifejacket,” Ms. Slade says.
As of 15 October this year, 14 people in recreational craft have died or gone missing after heading out on the water. These tragic incidents occurred in 10 separate incidents.
Therefore, to help reduce the number of these fatalities, this year’s launch event will also feature a safety campaign called Come Home Safe Deals.
Research conducted for Maritime NZ about how diverse communities engage with recreational craft safety shows that whānau, family, and friends want to support each other in being safe on the water. These groups are key sources of information and strength.
Ms. Slade explains, “This safety campaign taps into the importance of these connections, encouraging children, partners, whānau, and friends to influence our target audience and promote safe behaviour.”
Come Home Safe Deals involves individuals pledging to take certain actions if people they care about follow key safety rules. For example, “If you promise to always wear a lifejacket, I’ll promise to clean my room,” or “If you check the marine weather forecast, I’ll cook your favourite dinner.”
As part of this initiative, a dedicated web app allows participants to enter into these agreements.
“Our safety campaign efforts will target this broader audience, guiding them to the Come Home Safe Deals webpage, where they can enter for a chance to win prizes by setting up their deal online,” Ms. Slade says.
The website, comehomesafe.nz, goes live on October 21 and will run for one month.
For more safety advice, visit www.saferboating.org.nz, where recreational craft users can find guidance on planning their trips, staying safe on the water, maintaining their boats, and using different types of recreational crafts safely.
– The research was conducted by Litmus, a social research and evaluation agency with specialist multi-disciplinary teams. Maritime NZ commissioned Litmus to conduct a qualitative study on how different communities in Aotearoa New Zealand use craft in interactions with marine environments, how they kept themselves safe while doing so and what ideas they had for how safety could be improved.
Headline: South Texas Survivors Affected by the March 26-28 Severe Storms and Flooding Can Apply for Possible FEMA Assistance
South Texas Survivors Affected by the March 26-28 Severe Storms and Flooding Can Apply for Possible FEMA Assistance
AUSTIN – FEMA is supporting state and local recovery efforts for South Texas homeowners and renters in four counties who sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred March 26-28
Financial assistance is available to eligible homeowners and renters in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties
FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs
Survivors with homeowners or renters’ insurance, should file a claim as soon as possible
By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance
If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance
How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceHomeowners and renters who have disaster-caused damage or loss can apply for Individual Assistance under the major disaster declaration DR-4871-TX in several ways:Apply online at www
DisasterAssistance
gov
Download the FEMA App for mobile devices
Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a
m
and 10 p
m
CT
Help is available in most languages
If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service
To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube
When you apply for assistance, have this information readily available:If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company nameA current phone number where you can be contactedYour address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now stayingYour Social Security number, if availableA general list of damage and lossesBanking information for direct depositRemember to keep receipts from all purchases related to cleanup and repair
Assistance from FEMA can include grants for home repairs, replacement of uninsured personal property and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster
U
S
Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, homeowners and renters
Like FEMA, SBA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance
strong>FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA is supporting recovery efforts for multiple disasters in Kentucky, including a new major disaster that was just declared on May 23, for severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from May 16-17, 2025. How To Apply for FEMA Assistance Survivors in Caldwell, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Trigg and Union counties who have disaster-caused damage or loss from the May tornadoes can apply for federal disaster assistance under the major disaster declaration DR-4875 in several ways:
Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, visit fema.gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”). Use the FEMA mobile app. FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Assistance from FEMA may include grants for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as temporary housing assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs for both owners and renters, and grants for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for funeral, moving and storage, medical, dental, childcare and other miscellaneous items. FEMA assistance may also be provided for repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence, including privately owned access routes, such as driveways, roads or bridges. Applicants should keep their current contact information on file with FEMA as the agency may need to schedule a home inspection or get additional information. Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts. For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4875. Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x.com/femaregion4.
strong>FRANKFORT, Ky. – Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson and Woodford counties who experienced damage or losses caused by the February severe storms and floods have 1 day left to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is May 25.
Survivors of the April storms still have until June 25 to Apply. How To Apply for FEMA Assistance There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:
Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, visit fema.gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”). Use the FEMA mobile app. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis.
FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs, how to apply to FEMA, and help connect survivors with resources for their recovery needs. When you apply, you will need to provide:
A current phone number where you can be contacted. Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying. Your Social Security Number. A general list of damage and losses. Banking information if you choose direct deposit. If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
Survivors should keep their contact information updated with FEMA as the agency may need to call to schedule a home inspection or get additional information.
Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and is not intended to compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.
Homeowners and renters in Woodford County may be eligible for federal assistance, if you had property damage or loss in Woodford County from the February severe incident, and then again from the April severe incident, you would need to complete two separate disaster assistance applications. For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.
For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4860. Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x.com/femaregion4.
Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi
President Donald J
Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi
WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Mississippi to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding from March 14-15, 2025
The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Covington, Grenada, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jefferson Davis, Leflore, Marion, Montgomery, Pike, Smith and Walthall counties
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster
Federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding in Calhoun, Carroll, Covington, Grenada, Humphreys, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jefferson Davis, Lee, Leflore, Marion, Pike, Prentiss, Sharkey, Smith, Walthall and Washington counties
E
Craig Levy, Sr
has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas
Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of further damage assessments
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas should first file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for assistance by registering online at www
DisasterAssistance
gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App
If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service
Dayton, Ohio, 22 May 2025 – The Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Lieutenant General Andrew M. Rohling, participated in the Public Forum of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session, on Thursday, 22nd May. LTG Rohling intervened in a panel discussion on how to bolster the defence industrial base across Europe and North America.
From 22 to 26 May 2025, Dayton (OH), hosted the Spring 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The region is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where the Dayton Accords, ending the Bosnian War, were signed in 1995.
DCMC participated in a panel on “Putting the Transatlantic Defense Industrial Base back on track” organised along this year’s Spring Session of the NATO NPA. Speakers discussed the opportunities for a deeper strategic cooperation of the defence industry across Europe and North America, in an increasingly competitive global landscape. LTG Rohling concluded that “collectively, NATO has right leadership, the right plans and capability targets. We are a strong Alliance and we will remain strong together”.
Dayton is also the well-known birthplace of aviation and a national hub in aerospace technology. In the panel discussion, DCMC pointed out that “a truly transatlantic defence industrial base is imperative” in the face of our shared security challenges. LTG Rohling added that “investing in common production infrastructure, critical supply chains and embracing joint procurement” are crucial steps for a strengthened industrial base across Europe and North America, along with advancements in the fields of standardization and interoperability.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ULAN BATOR, May 26 (Xinhua) — A launch ceremony for a project to support climate change adaptation in Mongolia funded by China’s Fund for Global Development and South-South Cooperation was held here on Monday.
The event was attended by the Ambassador of China to Mongolia Shen Minjuan, Secretary General of the Mongolian Red Cross Society Nordovin Bolormaa, head of the delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Mongolia Olga Dzhumaeva and other officials.
In her speech, Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Shen Minjuan stressed that the Chinese government attaches great importance to combating climate change and is committed to both mitigation and adaptation. “While taking decisive measures at home, we are also promoting South-South cooperation, doing our utmost to support other developing countries. As an important neighbor of China and a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative,” she said.
“Last year, in partnership with UNDP Mongolia, China successfully completed its first project under the Global Development Fund and South-South Cooperation in Mongolia, donated new forest firefighting equipment to the General Administration of Emergency Management of Mongolia and its related organizations, and enhanced their firefighting capabilities. Today’s project is closely related to the second project under the Global Development Fund and South-South Cooperation in Mongolia,” the Chinese diplomat noted.
Shen Minjuan also said that this project will be a flagship project on climate change adaptation set up by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund. She also expressed confidence that the implementation of the project will improve the living conditions and well-being of Mongolians and achieve sustainable development.
For her part, Secretary General of the Mongolian Red Cross Society N. Bolormaa said that climate change affects all levels of Mongolian society, especially herders who rely on livestock farming for their livelihood.
Expressing gratitude to the Chinese government for providing practical humanitarian assistance to Mongolia over the years, N. Bolormaa emphasized that this important project will provide an opportunity to strengthen community resilience, reduce growing vulnerability and ensure that no one is left behind in the face of climate change.
In turn, the head of the delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Mongolia, Olga Jumaeva, expressed sincere gratitude to China for its strong support and firm commitment. “This is the first cooperation between the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Government of China and the Mongolian Red Cross Society on climate change adaptation. This moment not only marks the official launch of the two-year cooperation initiative, but also becomes an important milestone in multilateral cooperation to promote local social resilience and sustainable development. The project focuses on concrete and feasible response measures to reduce losses and recovery costs caused by future climate disasters and effectively protect vulnerable pastoralists. This assistance is not only significant, but also timely and effective,” she said.
It is noted that the above-mentioned project is the first project of the Global Development Fund and South-South Cooperation in Northeast Asia. China will work with the IFRC and the Mongolian Red Cross Society to enhance the early warning and adaptation capacity of pastoralists to climate change, and provide policy advice to the government.
According to the General Administration of Emergency Management of Mongolia, the frequency of various disasters in Mongolia increased by 26 percent from 2015 to 2024 compared to the previous decade. Among them, the number of sudden rainstorms and floods increased by 3.4 times, and the number of blizzards and sandstorms increased by 2 times. Mongolia also lost more than 8 million heads of livestock from 2023 to 2024, which dealt a heavy blow to many herders.
In addition, over the past 80 years, the average temperature in Mongolia has increased by about 2.46 degrees Celsius, which is higher than the global average temperature increase, annual precipitation has decreased by 8 percent, and 76.9 percent of the total land area has been subjected to varying degrees of desertification. –0–
Starting 1 July 2024, a significant shift in New Zealand’s port health and safety has taken place with Maritime NZ becoming the primary regulator for the country’s 13 major ports.
Maritime NZ Chief Executive Kirstie Hewlett says the extension of Maritime NZ’s Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) designation represents a significant opportunity for the regulator and those operating on ports to enhance safety and prevent harm for port workers.
“Having one primary regulator on ports, as recommended by the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group, will enable better engagement with many of the businesses on ports around all elements of their operation and support better management of high-risk activities, ultimately reducing harm to those working on ports”.
“As a risk-based regulator, we focus on areas where there’s clear evidence of harm. Our goal is not just to respond to harm, but to work with others to prevent it from occurring in the first place,” says Ms Hewlett.
“We will continue our work, collaborating closely with the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group, to actively support the sector to take preventive actions and put in place strong safety controls, to support people who work on ports return home safe to their families.”
Over the last several months, Maritime NZ engaged widely with the port sector on how the designation could work well in practice and what it will mean for those working on the 13 major ports. Port profiles that show the coverage of Maritime NZ’s role on ports have been produced.
Ms Hewlett says that Maritime NZ has set up a dedicated HSWA team to implement the new designation and is building on existing frontline capability and expertise, including risk management and health and safety systems.
Maritime NZ and WorkSafe have solidified their partnership and commitment to improving safety on ports, with a Memorandum of Understanding in place that details how they will work together on ports after 1 July 2024.
WorkSafe New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Haszard says it makes sense to simplify processes for port workers with the transfer of regulator responsibilities to Maritime NZ.
“Port environments are high risk and there are clear health and safety benefits to having a single regulator on major ports. In practice this means most notifiable incidents will now go straight to Maritime NZ.
“WorkSafe will be focused on other high-risk sectors and will still have a presence on ports as we retain responsibility for major hazard facilities and managing authorisations and exemptions. Our role in the oversight of inland ports across Aotearoa and any activities under the Gas Act, Electricity Act, and Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act is unchanged.
“We will continue to work closely with Maritime NZ to support better work health and safety outcomes in New Zealand’s major ports.”
Notes to editors
The designation extension was recommended by the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group in its Port Sector Insights Picture and Action Plan. This plan was developed based on feedback and data collected from workers and port businesses following the tragic deaths of two port workers in Lyttleton and Auckland in 2022.
Maritime NZ’s designation covers the port areas inside their boundary fence where access is restricted by a security gate, and adjacent buildings, installations, structures, or equipment used in connection with the port’s operation or administration.
WorkSafe retains responsibility for regulating major hazard facilities on ports and for managing authorisations and exemptions under HSWA. WorkSafe will continue to regulate inland ports across New Zealand, and any activity explicitly named in legislation or regulations, such as in the Electricity and Gas acts (1992). In performing its regulatory role on major ports, Maritime NZ will inform WorkSafe of any issues with Authorisations and Exemptions it becomes aware of.
The prosecution of a recreational boat skipper highlights the serious consequences that can result from distraction while travelling at speed on the water.
On 2 July 2024, the District Court at Auckland gave its reserved sentencing decision for the skipper of the 9.8-metre powerboat Onepoto, James Thomson. This followed a sentencing hearing, two weeks prior, on 17 June, 2024, on one charge under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 relating to the boat’s collision with the Waitere ferry near Russell on 13 April 2023.
The collision caused significant damage to the Waitere ferry, and to people on board. The ferry’s skipper suffered serious injuries when the Onepoto’s bow penetrated the ferry’s wheelhouse. The Waitere had 19 passengers on board, some of whom received less serious injuries.
Mr Thomson explained he was distracted by an engine alarm that had sounded from the display unit located next to the helm and he failed to see the Waitere approaching from his starboard side. He was travelling in open waters at around 20.5 knots at the time.
Immediately after the collision Mr Thomson took steps to assist, including radioing emergency services and retrieving one of the ferry passengers who went overboard. He cooperated with Maritime NZ’s investigation and pleaded guilty to one charge under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 for operating the Onepoto in a manner that caused unnecessary danger.
Maritime New Zealand’s Manager of General Regulatory Operations in the Far North, Jason Lunjevich, said this was a serious incident that could have been avoided.
“Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the skipper of the Waitere and his loved ones, and to other victims affected by this incident,” Mr Lunjevich said. “Had the Onepoto skipper given full attention to keeping a look out for other vessels and hazards, and had he been traveling at a safe speed while dealing with the alarm, this incident and the injuries sustained from it could have been avoided.
“The message for other skippers is, it is your responsibility to stay alert for other boats, craft, swimmers and hazards. Staying alert and keeping a look out prevents collisions and the consequences that they can cause.”
Mr Lunjevich acknowledged Mr Thomson expressed remorse, and accepted responsibility for the incident by cooperating with the investigation and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
Mr Lunjevich also praised the local emergency services, harbour master, commercial maritime operators and bystanders who responded to the incident, all who were instrumental in the safe and timely recovery of ferry passengers.
The staff at Maritime NZ and its Rescue Coordination Centre want to extend their thoughts and condolences to those impacted by the tragic events off Gisborne this week.
Police have confirmed three people were found deceased overnight on the Mahia Peninsula. coastline.
After a fishing party was reported overdue on Monday, a sustained search effort on the sea, in the air and along the coast was undertaken to bring the lost fishermen home.
General Manager RCCNZ, Justin Allan says this was a difficult and complex search and rescue operation.
“Weather conditions in the area were severe, and rescuers went right to their limits to get to the area we received reports the people in the water were, confirm their location and attempt to remove them from the sea.
“Responders from the region, as well as rescue aircraft sourced from across the North Island had to battle atrocious conditions; including swells of up to and at times more than six metres, 50 knot winds and low visibility, showing how determined they were to reach the men in the water.
“Unfortunately, the sea and weather conditions were too severe.
“I want to thank everyone who has been involved, determined volunteers from the local community, family members, Coastguard (Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne), Police, rescue helicopter operators, Surf Life Saving NZ, crew of vessels in the area and the New Zealand Defence Force. This was a very challenging operation, with an outcome nobody wanted. Everyone was united in their drive to get these men home,” Justin Allan says.
Again, Maritime NZ and its RCCNZ staff want to pass on their condolences to those impacted by the tragic incident.
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement:
From the very beginning, Vermonters have taken on more than their fair share in the ongoing fight for freedom. From Ticonderoga to the streets of Baghdad and Kabul, the battlefields of American history are filled with Vermont heroes who left home to defend freedom and liberty, including those who made it home and those who didn’t.
On Memorial Day, we honor the men and women who represent the very best of what it means to be an American. Those whose lives were cut short protecting us and defending the rights and independence of this great country. Our world is a better place because of the sacrifices they all made.
With wild weather set to impact parts of the country this weekend, Maritime NZ wants recreational craft users to think carefully prior to getting out on the water.
There are several weather watches and warnings up and down the West Coast of the South Island, as well as along the West Coast of the North Island.
“Recreational craft users should only go out if it is safe, if they understand the conditions, have the correct safety equipment and have a suitable vessel for the waters they are traversing,” Maritime NZ’s Harm Prevention Lead Recreational Craft, Victoria Slade says.
The warnings and watches in place are for heavy rain and winds in a range of places around the country.
“To get an understanding of the conditions, it is important to check out MetService’s marine weather forecast to understand the risks on the water.
“Conditions on the water can be drastically different to those on the land.
“A light wind on the coast, can often increase on the water.
With heavy rain forecast for part of the South Island, Maritime NZ is strongly discouraging anyone from undertaking recreational craft activities in flooded locations, or on swollen waterways.
“These pose a significant risk. Floodwaters can hide hazards, such as branches or logs, and the flow of a waterway can be deceivingly quick.
“As well as understanding the marine weather forecast, anyone who is heading out on the water needs to be wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, take two forms of communication (such as a beacon and a cellphone).
“Being able to call for help should you get into trouble, is a lifesaver,” she says.
Even those parts of the country which have relatively clear forecasts, there are risks when heading out on the water.
“We have seen incidents where people have ended up in the water, a long way from help and unable to call for assistance. A fun day on the water can easily turn to disaster quickly. It is better to be safe than sorry,” she says.
Maritime NZ wants people to have fun on the water, but do so in a way to ensures they get home safely to their family and friends.
For further information head to saferboating.org.nz.
Maritime NZ wants people heading out on the water over Waitangi Weekend to think about what can and often does go wrong.
This summer Maritime NZ has been notified of dozens of incidents which have resulted in injuries, near misses, people ending up in the water, collisions and damage to vessels.
On average 18 people die each year in recreational craft incidents.
“Luck, not good management or good behaviour, has been a big contributor in a number of people being able to get home safely this summer after a planned day of fun on the water,” Principal Advisor Recreational Craft, Matt Wood says.
Maritime NZ data shows a year on year increase in the number of skippers surveyed ensuring people on-board are wearing a properly fitting lifejacket, having a way to call for help stored in a waterproof bag and planning for the trip ahead.
Wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, carrying two forms of communication and understanding the conditions are critical steps to take to improve safety on the water.
“However, of the incidents we have been informed of this summer, we have seen trends around not having the correct safety equipment, not following the rules and failing to understand the risks on the water.
“We have been told about incidents where people have fallen overboard and got separated from their vessels, jet skis crashing, near misses between powered and un-powered vessels as well as capsizings.
“The risks in these situations are just so high.
“We have had incidents reported to us on every type of waterway; from lakes and rivers, through to coastal and off-shore,” Matt Wood says.
Regional harbourmasters play a key role over the summer boating period in talking to recreational craft users through the ‘No Excuses’ Campaign.
“Since the recreational craft season started there have been more than 5000 interactions between regional council harbourmasters and recreational craft users.
“No Excuses’ is both about education and compliance,” Matt Wood says.
What these interactions found is that there is work to do in the education space around ensuring vessels display dive flags if they have divers in the water, and the risk of boats undertaking towing activities not having observers.
“Divers are vulnerable in the water, and in the past we have seen numerous incidents where divers have either been seriously injured or killed after being struck by vessels. Having a diving flag gives them an added layer of protection. Having an observer when towing means the driver can be alerted if there are risks to those behind your vessel. Not having an observer on a busy body of water can have dire consequences.
“We want you to be prepared this weekend, have the right safety equipment, understand the marine weather forecast and know the rules when out on the water.
Taking these steps will help you to come home safe this long weekend,” Matt Wood says.
On Africa Day, we celebrate a continent rich in heritage, vibrant in diversity and remarkable in its contributions to our global community.
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population and fast becoming a powerhouse in renewable energy and technological innovation.
Yet, Africa bears the scars of historic injustices. The legacies of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, and systemic racism still cast long shadows, and entrenched inequalities affect Africans and people of African descent to this day.
This year’s theme calls for confronting these shameful legacies. I renew my call for reparatory justice that is grounded in accountability, reconciliation and equity.
The Pact for the Future, adopted in September, urges greater African representation – particularly at the Security Council – and reforms to the international financial system to support African countries with financing and debt relief. The Pact, through the Global Digital Compact, also seeks to close the digital divide and promote the responsible use of AI technologies.
At a time when barriers are being erected, Africa leads by example. The African Continental Free Trade Area promises to usher in a new era of economic integration, opening the door to jobs, growth and prosperity.
At the same time, we must support Africa’s efforts to expand its clean-energy sector, and ensure that the minerals that are critical to the renewables revolution benefit Africans first and most.
Throughout, we will continue standing with Africa to silence the guns, tackle terrorism, and safeguard human rights for all.
On this Africa Day, let us recommit to not only addressing past wrongs, but also to building a sustainable future for the people of Africa grounded in peace, dignity, and opportunity for all.
*** En cette Journée de l’Afrique, nous célébrons un continent qui se distingue par son riche patrimoine, son éclatante diversité et ses formidables apports à la communauté internationale.
L’Afrique abrite la population la plus jeune du monde et s’impose peu à peu comme un poids lourd des énergies renouvelables et de l’innovation technologique.
Pourtant, l’Afrique porte encore les stigmates des injustices passées. Le spectre de l’esclavage, du colonialisme, de l’apartheid et du racisme systémique hante toujours le continent, et les Africains et les personnes d’ascendance africaine restent en proie à des inégalités profondément ancrées.
Le thème de cette année nous exhorte à regarder en face cet héritage honteux et je demande une nouvelle fois que soit mise en place une justice réparatrice fondée sur la responsabilité, la réconciliation et l’équité.
Le Pacte pour l’avenir, adopté en septembre, invite instamment à accroître la représentation de l’Afrique, notamment au sein du Conseil de sécurité, et à réformer le système financier international pour qu’il puisse mieux répondre aux besoins des pays africains en matière de financements et d’allègement de la dette. Ce Pacte, par l’intermédiaire du Pacte numérique mondial, vise également à réduire la fracture numérique et à promouvoir l’utilisation responsable des technologies d’intelligence artificielle.
À l’heure où sont érigées de nouvelles barrières, l’Afrique montre l’exemple. Ainsi, la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine promet de faire entrer le continent dans une nouvelle ère d’intégration économique, en ouvrant la voie à l’emploi, à la croissance et à la prospérité.
Parallèlement, nous devons soutenir l’action menée par l’Afrique pour développer le secteur des énergies propres et veiller à ce que les Africains soient les premiers à bénéficier des minéraux qui sont au cœur de la révolution des énergies renouvelables.
Jusqu’au bout, nous resterons mobilisés aux côtés de l’Afrique pour faire taire les armes, lutter contre le terrorisme et protéger les droits humains de toutes et tous.
En cette Journée de l’Afrique, réaffirmons notre engagement non seulement à réparer les torts du passé, mais aussi à construire pour les peuples d’Afrique un avenir durable, fondé sur la paix, la dignité et l’égalité des chances pour tous.
The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement today to mark the start of Citizenship Week, which runs from May 26 to June 1, 2025:
Ottawa, May 26, 2025—The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement today to mark the start of Citizenship Week, which runs from May 26 to June 1, 2025:
“Each year, Citizenship Week offers our country an occasion to reflect on the meaning of citizenship. Canada is a mosaic that includes Canadians of all backgrounds and cultures, and that holds at its centre the histories of Indigenous Peoples and our commitment to reconciliation. This week, and every week, we embrace the shared rights and responsibilities that come with Canadian citizenship and remember the common values that define us as Canadians. We also take this moment to recognize that our diversity is our strength and to collectively recommit to building a better future for all who live here.
“As Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, a proud Lebanese Canadian, and the daughter of immigrants, taking this week to celebrate our newest citizens is especially meaningful to me.
“It takes incredible courage to face the challenges and uncertainty of a new place, and to seek better opportunities and security for one’s family. As Canadians, it is our responsibility to continue to highlight the value that immigration brings to Canada, and to protect the inherent rights and dignity of those who seek to call it home.
“I encourage people across the country to attend one of the many citizenship ceremonies open to the public this week. Being part of this important milestone in someone’s life is an honour and a privilege.
“Every day across the country, Canadians find ways to show pride in their citizenship and exercise their rights as citizens, whether through volunteering in their communities, speaking up on issues of importance, learning our official languages, voting in elections, or celebrating national milestones. Each individual act is an affirmation of all there is to celebrate about being Canadian.
“To those becoming citizens this week: your stories, your skills, and your decision to make this country home strengthen our nation, and your contributions and resilience will help carry us all forward.
“This Citizenship Week, let us come together in celebration of our shared Canadian identity and all that unites us.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
The Sandy Point section of Byfield National Park and adjacent beach will be temporarily closed from 26 May 2025 to 30 May 2025 for public safety and park preservation.
Feral animal control – including feral foxes, feral cats and feral pigs – upholds the key values of the park and protects nesting seabirds, turtles, and the ground-dwelling, black-breasted buttonquail.
The Sandy Point section of Byfield National Park forms part of the Shoalwater and Corio Bays Area Ramsar site and supports breeding populations of seabirds, including the vulnerable little tern, and is home to at least 21 other species of seabird and shorebirds.
Marine turtles nest along the Farnborough and Sandy Point foredunes, and turtle nests are directly impacted by feral animal predation.
The black-breasted button-quail is a ground-dwelling bird that inhabits the coastal semi-evergreen microphyll vine thicket to vine forest communities, and is vulnerable to predation from cats and foxes, as well as habitat degradation from pigs.
Under the National Recovery Plan for the Black-breasted buttonquail, implementing feral animal control programs is a management action to help the recovery of this important species.
We advise the public to continue to monitor Park Alerts, abide by signage, and to follow the instructions of Rangers.
More than half of New Zealand’s recreational craft fatalities during 2022 occurred on vessels under six metres in length.
Dinghies and inflatable watercraft come with inherent risks, so it important to keep safety practices in mind when using these to ensure you come home safe this summer.
Maritime NZ’s Recreational Craft Harm Prevention Lead, Victoria Slade says making sure you have planned your journey and have correct safety equipment is critical, even if you are on an in-shore waterway or just off the coast.
“The likes of dinghies, kayaks, canoes and inflatables have a range of risks users wouldn’t encounter on larger vessels.
“They can lack the stability you will have on a larger vessel, and if tipped out, can be difficult to get back into or re-float should they end upside down.
“Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket when on board dinghies and inflatables – More than half of the people who died in recreational craft activities in 2022 were not wearing a lifejacket.
While there were just over 1900 injuries claims through ACC relating to incidents on small craft in 2022.
“These injury statistics show that a fun day out on the water can easily turn, having lasting and significant consequences.
“Even if you are taking a short journey in a dingy or small vessel, you need to plan for what could potentially go wrong.
“Marine weather can change quickly and is often different to what is forecast on shore. Even on in-land bodies of water.
“It is essential to carry two waterproof ways to call for help. Having cellphones, or beacons, even out on a small paddle could be lifesaving,” she says.
When planning a trip, it is important to consider how many people your vessel can safely carry.
“If you are going from land to another vessel, you are better off making multiple trips, than one and overloading a vessel.
“Overloading a small vessel can reduce a vessels stability and make it more susceptible to capsize,” Victoria Slade says.
Maritime NZ also wants to remind people of the importance of watching out for other water users, and thinking about other vessels on the water.
“Make sure you are visible to all the vessels around you. When on the water in a smaller craft the size of larger vessels may mean it is difficult to spot dinghies, kayaks or inflatables.
“We want everyone to have fun this summer, but most importantly come home safe.
“A key piece of work we are undertaking with the sector is our Safer Boating Forum’s 2023 -25 Recreational Craft Strategy. We want to see the number of fatal incidents drop by a quarter and reduce the preventable injuries by just over 10%,” Victoria Slade says.
Maritime NZ, and its Safer Boating Forum partners want everyone planning on heading out on the water this summer to keep safety top of mind.
A key goal in the new Safer Boating Forum Recreational Craft Strategy is to reduce the number of preventable fatalities by a quarter over the next two years.
“It is hugely important to plan activities on the water and think of the potential risks. This means understanding the weather conditions, knowing what the rules are in the area you are in and being well-prepared before hitting the water. Going out prepared gives you the best chance possible to come home safely,” Principal Advisor Recreational Craft Matt Wood says.
There are approximately two million people participating in recreational craft activities every year in New Zealand. Tragically, on average 17 people die every year while undertaking recreational craft activities. Summer/spring is a particularly high risk period, seeing an increase in the number of people injured and killed while undertaking recreational craft activities.
During the holiday period, people across the country will be heading away to different locations around New Zealand, and sometimes they leave their safety practices at home.
“Before you go out think about the conditions, know the capability of your vessel, whether you have the knowledge and skills to undertake the trip and if you have the necessary safety equipment.
“If the conditions aren’t suitable, it’s not worth the risk. Check the marine weather and understand what it means for the area you looking to head out to. Likewise, there can be different rules around the country, so it’s important to understand what is expected of you as a skipper before you leave the land,” Matt Wood says.
Checkout Marinemate or Metservice for the relevant weather conditions. While you can get information on local bylaws on the websites of the relevant territorial authority.
Most incidents happen suddenly, resulting in people entering the water with little or no warning.
“Wearing a properly fitted lifejacket is the best step you can make to give yourself the best opportunity should you end up in the water unexpectedly,” Matt Wood says.
Additionally, on average three quarters of water related fatalities occur in spring and summer.
“Never take a complacent approach when heading onto the water, just because you are on holiday, doesn’t mean you safety should as well.
“Safety starts with preparation. You need to have the proper equipment for the activity you’re undertaking, and know how to use it before hitting the water.
“Improving the knowledge of our recreational users will help to bring more people home safely from days on the water,” says Matt Wood.
For information on how to be safe out on the water head to saferboating.org.nz
Maritime NZ is urging reacreational boat users to take greater caution and follow the Boating Safety Code, following several alarming incidents and near misses this summer.
Maritime NZ is urging recreational boat users to take greater caution and follow the Boating Safety Code, following several alarming incidents and near misses this summer.
Maritime NZ Principal Advisor Recreational Craft Matt Wood said while most boaties seem to follow good practice, examples such as the rescue of Will Fransen off the coast of Whangamatā and various collisions around the country showed many were still risking their lives.
“We’re really pleased Mr Fransen made it home alive but we urge all boaties to not rely on luck as he did. In that incident, the fisherman was not adequately prepared – especially considering he was skippering alone offshore. To start with, he was not wearing a lifejacket and he did not have a personal locator beacon (PLB) on him.
“Had he worn a personal locator beacon (PLB), he could have sent an alert immediately that would have been sent to all vessels in the area and he could have been rescued very quickly. The kayaker rescued off Palliser Bay this week, did have a PLB on him and so when his mobile phone stopped working he used that to alert the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ, which sent a helicopter and police boat to get him.”
Mr Wood said that kayaker did several things right as he wore a lifejacket and wetsuit, and had two forms of waterproof communication on him: a mobile phone in waterproof bag and a PLB.
“Most incidents happen suddenly, and people enter the water with little or no warning and there is no time to put a life jacket on or grab your phone. Wearing a properly fitted lifejacket gives you the best opportunity for survival should you end up in the water unexpectedly. Everyone out on the water should always have two waterproof ways to call for help and if you’re alone, one of these should be on your body.”
The Boating Safety Code says:
Wear your lifejacket
Take two waterproof ways to call for help
Check the marine weather forecast
Avoid alcohol
Be a responsible skipper
Maritime NZ and its partners promote the code through engagement and education with recreational craft users and their associations, and ongoing communications and advertising campaigns.
In the past two years, Maritime NZ also provided more than $1.6 million in community grants to 45 projects and initiatives aimed at reducing fatalities and risks.
A key purpose of the fund is to support campaigns and collaboration led by the members of New Zealand’s Safer Boating Forum, a coalition of organisations, chaired by Maritime NZ, dedicated to improving safety in the recreational boating sector.
Mr Wood says it is disappointing that some people still choose not to following the safety protocols.
“I also want to reiterate that it’s an offence to expose other water users to unnecessary risk and regional council harbourmasters are on the water around the country monitoring for risky and illegal behaviour.
“We ask people to know, understand and follow the rules for the area they are boating in to limit the danger they put themselves and others in. And follow the Boating Safety Code every time you go on the water,” he says.
For more information about how to be safe on the water, visit saferboating.org.nz.
Maritime NZ and its partners continue to deliver the national compliance campaign “No Excuses” over the holiday period. This campaign involves 14 regional councils and so far 1500 interactions with boaties have been recorded. Those interactions show 90% of vessels had enough life jackets on board, 77% of boaties were wearing life jackets, and there were 440 instances of non-compliance identified with 101 infringement referrals and 63 infringements issued on the spot.
During the holiday period we were advised of approximate 20 incidents involving recreational craft. The worst was a fatality that occurred in the Marlborough Sounds on 23 December, there were also several serious collisions in other parts of the country and some involved the reporting of unsafe behaviour.
When people think of ancient burials in North Africa, they often picture Egypt’s pyramids and monuments. But new discoveries show that north-western Africa also has a deep and fascinating prehistoric past.
Map of the Tangier Peninsula and main sites mentioned. H Benattia.
Morocco’s Tangier Peninsula is particularly interesting. The peninsula sits at Africa’s north-western edge, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. At just 14 kilometres from Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar, this area has long been a natural crossroads between continents and cultures.
I’m an archaeologist and PhD student who specialises in north Africa’s later prehistoric periods, between 3800 BC and 500 BC. My research explores how ancient communities responded to environmental changes, and how they moved and connected with other communities across regions.
The assumption to date has been that the Tangier Peninsula was uninhabited and isolated in late prehistoric times. As part of my PhD research I wanted to explore whether this was true, or whether the area had simply been overlooked by previous archaeological work.
Through the Kach Kouch and Tahadart Archaeological Projects, we studied both the Atlantic and Mediterranean zones of the peninsula.
Team members Arnau Pou, Andrea González and Eusebio Medina taking measurements at a cist burial.
Our goal was to revisit the region using modern archaeological methods and technologies, including radiocarbon dating. To understand how this region may have been connected to the wider world in prehistoric times, we used Geographic Information System software to model possible ancient communication routes and surveyed the landscape through satellite and drone imagery. At a later stage, alongside a team of early career Moroccan archaeologists from the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage, we carried out field surveys and excavations.
What we discovered exceeded all expectations. Far from being empty and isolated, the Tangier Peninsula is filled with evidence that people lived, died and held ceremonies there over thousands of years.
Our hope is that our findings will reframe north-western Africa as a cultural crossroads that has connected regions for thousands of years. This region could reshape our understanding of later prehistory across the Atlantic and Mediterranean worlds.
A prehistoric ritual and funerary landscape
Our study, published in African Archaeological Review, presents the discovery of dozens of new archaeological sites, including prehistoric burials, rock art sites and standing stones.
Distribution of rock art. H Benattia.Distribution of burials, standing stones and communication routes. H Benattia.
Until now, research on rock art and burials in north Africa focused on areas like the Nile Valley, the Sahara or the Atlas Mountains. Our discoveries reveal that Morocco’s north-western coast was a major cultural hub in the Bronze Age, over 4,000 years ago.
The diversity of burial practices, ritual sites, symbolic rock art and unique megalithic monuments reflect a rich prehistoric heritage that transcends modern geographic, political and cultural boundaries. It also highlights the longstanding exchanges and contacts of this region with the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Sahara.
One of the most remarkable sites we excavated is at Daroua Zaydan, near modern-day Tangier. There we uncovered a cist burial, a small stone chamber made from four upright stone slabs covered by a larger stone slab. A crescent-shaped arrangement of stones likely marked the access to the burial chamber.
Excavation process of the Daroua Zaydan cist burial.
Although the grave had been looted in the past, we recovered several human bones outside the cist. One of them was radiocarbon dated to 2118–1890 BC. This date aligns with similar burial traditions across the Strait of Gibraltar in Iberia, and with Early Bronze Age settlement activity at Kach Kouch, about 65km south-east of Daroua Zaydan.
Cist cemeteries had been documented in the region before, but most were excavated during the early to mid-20th century. At the time, archaeologists didn’t have the methods that can now shed light on important details such as how they were built and when they were used. Daroua Zaydan marks the first radiocarbon-dated cist burial in north-west Africa.
Monuments, ritual deposits and Atlantic connections
Our findings suggest the existence of a complex prehistoric ritual landscape at the Tangier Peninsula. This landscape was likely connected to other areas of the Atlantic and Mediterranean through a shared ritual and symbolic “language”.
Ballintober type sword recovered from the bed of the river Loukkos and currently held at the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. Claudia Plamp.
One clue is a Bronze Age sword found in the 1920s in the Loukkos river. It was likely made in Britain or Ireland and may have arrived in Africa through Atlantic exchange networks. The sword was likely deliberately thrown to the river — a ritual practice documented along rivers in Atlantic Europe. This suggests that communities in northern Morocco were part of a broader cultural and symbolic world that connected the late prehistoric Atlantic.
The stone circle at Mzoura. H Benattia.
Another example is the stone circle at Mzoura, made up of 176 standing stones. This site, excavated in the 1930s, is unique in north Africa. But it closely resembles other stone circles in Atlantic Europe like Stonehenge. During our fieldwork we also discovered new standing stones and rock art, located along prehistoric communication routes. This suggests they may have been used as territorial markers or ritual sites.
Dotted composition at Ghar el Manzla. Enhanced with DStretch.
Before our research, a single painted rock shelter, that of Magara Sanar, was known in north-western Morocco. We have now documented 17 painted and 5 engraved rock shelters.
The variety of symbols and scenes includes dotted patterns, geometric lines and human-shaped figures. They suggest strong links to Iberian, Atlantic and Saharan prehistoric art.
Human-shaped figures and dotted composition at Ghar Dchar Alouch. Enhanced with DStretch.
Why this matters
Looted cist burial at Oued Ksiar.
Our research does more than just fill a blank spot on the archaeological map. It opens up new avenues for archaeological exploration in the region. The Tangier Peninsula is home to a rich and largely undocumented late prehistoric heritage. It deserves more attention from researchers, policymakers and the wider public.
Further protection measures are necessary as the region is undergoing rapid urban development. Tourism is growing and there’s been extensive looting. We hope our work will lead to more archaeological investigations, including new excavations and radiocarbon dating of key sites.
– Rock art and tomb discoveries in Morocco reveal ancient connections to the wider world – https://theconversation.com/rock-art-and-tomb-discoveries-in-morocco-reveal-ancient-connections-to-the-wider-world-256931
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Charles MacRobert, Associate Professor, Stellenbosch University
Mining is essential to modern lifestyles. Copper, iron and other mined products are vital to the products many people take for granted, like electronic devices. Being able to buy these goods quite easily may give a person a false sense of how difficult it is to extract the elements they’re made of.
Mining involves the removal of mineral-rich rock from the ground and processing it to extract the high-value minerals. Depending on the mineral, this quantity can be as low as a few grams in a tonne of rock.
For example, removing a tiny quantity of platinum from rock requires finely grinding the rock. The fine material that remains once the platinum is removed is known as tailings.
Every mining operation produces tailings. This can be coarse, like instant coffee granules, or fine, like cocoa powder. Tailings are typically mixed with water to form a liquid slurry that can be pumped and transported easily.
Slurry is kept in specially designed tailings dams. The designs are unique and depend on what is being mined and the local area.
Unfortunately, the history of mining is stained with examples of poorly managed dams that collapse, spilling the slurry, which is sometimes toxic. This can cause serious environmental, social and economic damage.
One such mine disaster happened in February 2025 in Zambia at the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia copper mine. Over 50 million litres of toxic waste flowed over the dam’s wall into the Mwambashi River. From there it flowed into one of the largest and longest Zambian rivers, the Kafue.
The pollution travelled further than 100km from the dam, contaminating the river, and killing fish and livestock on nearby farms. The Zambian government had to shut down municipal water to the city of Kitwe to protect residents from consuming the polluted water.
This should not have happened, because steps have been taken to ensure proactive management of dams. In 2020, the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management introduced a new set of safety measures and standards.
Many mines are proactively embracing these standards. This enhances community trust in tailings dams. But other mines are not engaging with communities that might be affected by dams. Or communities may feel unsure what to ask the mines.
We are geotechnical engineers who have studied tailings dam collapses. Here, we outline six questions people living near mines should ask mine management to ensure they understand the key hazards and risks in their communities.
1. How far will the slurry flow?
Each tailings dam has a zone of influence. This is determined by analysing what would happen if the slurry breached the dam walls and started to flow out. It is an estimate of the area which would be swamped by tailings if the dam failed.
Generally, tailings disasters have caused significant damage up to a distance of 5km from the dam. If the tailings slurry gets into a river, it can flow hundreds of kilometres downstream.
Zones of influence are often determined for extreme events, like once in a lifetime storms or large earthquakes. But zones of influence could also include places affected by dust or water pollution from the mine.
If you can see a tailings dam from where you live or work you should consider yourself within the zone of influence.
2. Who is responsible for the dam?
Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for day-to-day operation should be in place in every mine. There should be suitably qualified engineers appointed to carry out monitoring and maintenance of the dam. There need to be enough qualified people to cope with the size of the dam.
The management structure should set out how day-to-day issues related to the tailings dam are discussed between workers on the ground in mines and top management, and how solutions are found. Mines should also keep audit and inspection reports on their tailings dams, and records should be kept over the long term (because tailings dams are often operational for several decades).
3. What about the environment?
Mines should have plans to reduce the impact that tailings dams have on the environment. These would have been informed by public participation. The plans must state what monitoring is in place to measure the impacts of dust and water (groundwater and surface water).
The true extent of impacts only becomes apparent once the mine starts operating. So, the public should hold mines accountable for commitments made. Mines should satisfy communities that monitoring is continuing to identify and track the dam’s environmental impacts.
Closure plans should also be continuously communicated to mining-affected communities. This will assure the community that when the miners leave, they won’t be left with a dangerous dam near their homes, with no one to look after it.
4. Will the tailings dam be safe when it rains?
A common way that tailings dams fail is when water or slurry washes over the dam sidewalls. This washes away the support. It is known as overtopping, and can happen in storms or if too much tailing is pumped into the dam.
Overtopping is best managed by keeping the water a certain distance below the dam wall. Mine management must measure this regularly and control how much tailing they pump to the dam. Their task is to make sure that even in a severe storm the level will stay well below the top of the dam wall.
5. Has the dam always behaved as expected?
Small failure incidents such as sloughs, slides and bulges where dam walls move but no slurry is released can occur. Mines should investigate and report these, detailing likely causes and mitigation measures implemented.
Publicly available satellite imagery can easily show where mine tailings dams are becoming unstable. Mines should be transparent and provide explanations for these to avoid any speculation over whether the dam is stable or not.
6. What alterations have been made?
Sometimes dams must be changed to accommodate changes in mining or the extraction process. These changes could include how fast the dam is being built, moving the position of the dam wall, or placing material at the base of the wall to stabilise it.
The unexpected consequences of alterations to a tailings dam could be water seeping out and creating damp spots, leading to dam walls sagging or cracking. If left unchecked this can lead to structural failure.
When substantial changes are made to a dam’s design, mines need to demonstrate that sufficient consideration has gone into making these changes.
– Do you live near a dam holding mine waste? 6 questions to ask – https://theconversation.com/do-you-live-near-a-dam-holding-mine-waste-6-questions-to-ask-256517
n Africa Day, we celebrate a continent rich in heritage, vibrant in diversity and remarkable in its contributions to our global community.
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population and fast becoming a powerhouse in renewable energy and technological innovation.
Yet, Africa bears the scars of historic injustices. The legacies of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, and systemic racism still cast long shadows, and entrenched inequalities affect Africans and people of African descent to this day.
This year’s theme calls for confronting these shameful legacies. I renew my call for reparatory justice that is grounded in accountability, reconciliation and equity.
The Pact for the Future, adopted in September, urges greater African representation – particularly at the Security Council – and reforms to the international financial system to support African countries with financing and debt relief. The Pact, through the Global Digital Compact, also seeks to close the digital divide and promote the responsible use of AI technologies.
At a time when barriers are being erected, Africa leads by example. The African Continental Free Trade Area promises to usher in a new era of economic integration, opening the door to jobs, growth and prosperity.
At the same time, we must support Africa’s efforts to expand its clean-energy sector, and ensure that the minerals that are critical to the renewables revolution benefit Africans first and most.
Throughout, we will continue standing with Africa to silence the guns, tackle terrorism, and safeguard human rights for all.
On this Africa Day, let us recommit to not only addressing past wrongs, but also to building a sustainable future for the people of Africa grounded in peace, dignity, and opportunity for all.
*** En cette Journée de l’Afrique, nous célébrons un continent qui se distingue par son riche patrimoine, son éclatante diversité et ses formidables apports à la communauté internationale.
L’Afrique abrite la population la plus jeune du monde et s’impose peu à peu comme un poids lourd des énergies renouvelables et de l’innovation technologique.
Pourtant, l’Afrique porte encore les stigmates des injustices passées. Le spectre de l’esclavage, du colonialisme, de l’apartheid et du racisme systémique hante toujours le continent, et les Africains et les personnes d’ascendance africaine restent en proie à des inégalités profondément ancrées.
Le thème de cette année nous exhorte à regarder en face cet héritage honteux et je demande une nouvelle fois que soit mise en place une justice réparatrice fondée sur la responsabilité, la réconciliation et l’équité.
Le Pacte pour l’avenir, adopté en septembre, invite instamment à accroître la représentation de l’Afrique, notamment au sein du Conseil de sécurité, et à réformer le système financier international pour qu’il puisse mieux répondre aux besoins des pays africains en matière de financements et d’allègement de la dette. Ce Pacte, par l’intermédiaire du Pacte numérique mondial, vise également à réduire la fracture numérique et à promouvoir l’utilisation responsable des technologies d’intelligence artificielle.
À l’heure où sont érigées de nouvelles barrières, l’Afrique montre l’exemple. Ainsi, la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine promet de faire entrer le continent dans une nouvelle ère d’intégration économique, en ouvrant la voie à l’emploi, à la croissance et à la prospérité.
Parallèlement, nous devons soutenir l’action menée par l’Afrique pour développer le secteur des énergies propres et veiller à ce que les Africains soient les premiers à bénéficier des minéraux qui sont au cœur de la révolution des énergies renouvelables.
Jusqu’au bout, nous resterons mobilisés aux côtés de l’Afrique pour faire taire les armes, lutter contre le terrorisme et protéger les droits humains de toutes et tous.
En cette Journée de l’Afrique, réaffirmons notre engagement non seulement à réparer les torts du passé, mais aussi à construire pour les peuples d’Afrique un avenir durable, fondé sur la paix, la dignité et l’égalité des chances pour tous.
When people think of ancient burials in North Africa, they often picture Egypt’s pyramids and monuments. But new discoveries show that north-western Africa also has a deep and fascinating prehistoric past.
Morocco’s Tangier Peninsula is particularly interesting. The peninsula sits at Africa’s north-western edge, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. At just 14 kilometres from Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar, this area has long been a natural crossroads between continents and cultures.
I’m an archaeologist and PhD student who specialises in north Africa’s later prehistoric periods, between 3800 BC and 500 BC. My research explores how ancient communities responded to environmental changes, and how they moved and connected with other communities across regions.
The assumption to date has been that the Tangier Peninsula was uninhabited and isolated in late prehistoric times. As part of my PhD research I wanted to explore whether this was true, or whether the area had simply been overlooked by previous archaeological work.
Through the Kach Kouch and Tahadart Archaeological Projects, we studied both the Atlantic and Mediterranean zones of the peninsula.
Our goal was to revisit the region using modern archaeological methods and technologies, including radiocarbon dating. To understand how this region may have been connected to the wider world in prehistoric times, we used Geographic Information System software to model possible ancient communication routes and surveyed the landscape through satellite and drone imagery. At a later stage, alongside a team of early career Moroccan archaeologists from the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage, we carried out field surveys and excavations.
What we discovered exceeded all expectations. Far from being empty and isolated, the Tangier Peninsula is filled with evidence that people lived, died and held ceremonies there over thousands of years.
Our hope is that our findings will reframe north-western Africa as a cultural crossroads that has connected regions for thousands of years. This region could reshape our understanding of later prehistory across the Atlantic and Mediterranean worlds.
A prehistoric ritual and funerary landscape
Our study, published in African Archaeological Review, presents the discovery of dozens of new archaeological sites, including prehistoric burials, rock art sites and standing stones.
Until now, research on rock art and burials in north Africa focused on areas like the Nile Valley, the Sahara or the Atlas Mountains. Our discoveries reveal that Morocco’s north-western coast was a major cultural hub in the Bronze Age, over 4,000 years ago.
The diversity of burial practices, ritual sites, symbolic rock art and unique megalithic monuments reflect a rich prehistoric heritage that transcends modern geographic, political and cultural boundaries. It also highlights the longstanding exchanges and contacts of this region with the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Sahara.
One of the most remarkable sites we excavated is at Daroua Zaydan, near modern-day Tangier. There we uncovered a cist burial, a small stone chamber made from four upright stone slabs covered by a larger stone slab. A crescent-shaped arrangement of stones likely marked the access to the burial chamber.
Although the grave had been looted in the past, we recovered several human bones outside the cist. One of them was radiocarbon dated to 2118–1890 BC. This date aligns with similar burial traditions across the Strait of Gibraltar in Iberia, and with Early Bronze Age settlement activity at Kach Kouch, about 65km south-east of Daroua Zaydan.
Cist cemeteries had been documented in the region before, but most were excavated during the early to mid-20th century. At the time, archaeologists didn’t have the methods that can now shed light on important details such as how they were built and when they were used. Daroua Zaydan marks the first radiocarbon-dated cist burial in north-west Africa.
Monuments, ritual deposits and Atlantic connections
Our findings suggest the existence of a complex prehistoric ritual landscape at the Tangier Peninsula. This landscape was likely connected to other areas of the Atlantic and Mediterranean through a shared ritual and symbolic “language”.
One clue is a Bronze Age sword found in the 1920s in the Loukkos river. It was likely made in Britain or Ireland and may have arrived in Africa through Atlantic exchange networks. The sword was likely deliberately thrown to the river — a ritual practice documented along rivers in Atlantic Europe. This suggests that communities in northern Morocco were part of a broader cultural and symbolic world that connected the late prehistoric Atlantic.
Another example is the stone circle at Mzoura, made up of 176 standing stones. This site, excavated in the 1930s, is unique in north Africa. But it closely resembles other stone circles in Atlantic Europe like Stonehenge. During our fieldwork we also discovered new standing stones and rock art, located along prehistoric communication routes. This suggests they may have been used as territorial markers or ritual sites.
Before our research, a single painted rock shelter, that of Magara Sanar, was known in north-western Morocco. We have now documented 17 painted and 5 engraved rock shelters.
The variety of symbols and scenes includes dotted patterns, geometric lines and human-shaped figures. They suggest strong links to Iberian, Atlantic and Saharan prehistoric art.
Why this matters
Our research does more than just fill a blank spot on the archaeological map. It opens up new avenues for archaeological exploration in the region. The Tangier Peninsula is home to a rich and largely undocumented late prehistoric heritage. It deserves more attention from researchers, policymakers and the wider public.
Further protection measures are necessary as the region is undergoing rapid urban development. Tourism is growing and there’s been extensive looting. We hope our work will lead to more archaeological investigations, including new excavations and radiocarbon dating of key sites.
Hamza Benattia, director of the Tahadart Archaeological Project, received funding from the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage of Morocco (INSAP), the Prehistoric Society Research Fund, the Stevan B. Dana Grant of the American Society of Overseas Research, the Mediterranean Archaeological Trust Grant, the Barakat Trust Early Career Award, the Centre Jacques Berque Research Grant, the Institute of Ceutan Studies Research Fund and the University of Castilla La Mancha.
