Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
View of memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in China’s Shanxi
Category: Tourism
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MIL-OSI China: View of memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in China’s Shanxi
This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows an exterior view of the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. The Hundred-Regiment Campaign took place in northern China from August 1940 to January 1941 during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. [Photo/Xinhua] This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows an interior view of the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua] This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows some exhibits at the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua] This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows a gas mask used by Japanese invaders at the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua] An aerial drone photo taken on July 8, 2025 shows tourists visiting a monument to the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua] This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows an interior view of the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua] -
MIL-OSI Russia: St Petersburg University and the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences are launching a joint program to train archaeologists | Saint Petersburg State University
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Saint Petersburg State University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
During the training, future archaeologists will acquire a solid theoretical base, the necessary technical competencies for working with archaeological equipment, material sources, and will also have the opportunity to develop analytical skills for the correct interpretation of finds. The curriculum includes disciplines on the study of the material culture of Eurasia, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Europe, the history of landowning and nomadic civilizations – from the Stone Age to the New Age.
The practice-oriented disciplines include mastering methods of field and desk research, including 3D modeling, as well as immersion in issues of legal regulation of the protection of cultural heritage sites. In addition, students will take courses in Chinese and Hindi.
A bachelor’s program has been opened at St. Petersburg State University in the 2025/26 academic year “Archeology” with additional qualifications: “History and Social Science Teacher”, “Curator of Museum Values” or “Museum Objects Accounting Specialist”. This direction is implemented in online form with the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences, where students conduct practical training and research work.
The classes will be taught by leading teachers of St Petersburg University and research fellows of the Institute of the History of Material Culture (IHMC) of the Russian Academy of Sciences — recognized experts in the field of studying the Paleolithic era, Finno-Ugric, Slavic-Russian, Scandinavian and Caucasian archeology, the New Age and the art of the Ancient East. Among them are Alexander Ocherednoy, Senior Research Fellow of the Paleolithic Department of the IHMC, Margarita Kholkina, landscape archeology specialist and Associate Professor of St Petersburg University, Evgenia Tkach, Academic Secretary of the IHMC, and other scientists.
Telegram channel of the employees of the Paleolithic Department of the Institute of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences “It all started in the Paleolithic” (provided by Ksenia Stepanova)
On a voluntary basis, students will be able to take part in archaeological expeditions: in Krasnoyarsk Krai, the Republic of Tuva, the North Caucasus, Crimea, the Kaliningrad and Leningrad regions, one of the largest Stone Age sites Kostenki in the Voronezh region, as well as in the territories of the near abroad. Immersion in a professional environment is not only gaining valuable practical experience for future archaeologists, but also an opportunity to contribute to the study and preservation of Russia’s cultural heritage.
The university implements programs of additional education, including in areas dedicated to history. For example, advanced training for specialists “Protective archeology and preservation of cultural heritage sites” and online course “History of Russian Literature”. The full list of courses is presented on the SPbU website in the section “Additional education”.
As noted by the head of the educational program “Archaeology”, professor of St. Petersburg State University Igor Tikhonov, the new direction of training continues the traditions of the Russian school of studying applied historical science. “For the first time, the resources of the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which is the successor of the Imperial Archaeological Commission created in 1859, and the oldest department of archeology of St. Petersburg State University, which has existed since 1936, have been fully combined. This is a real combination of the potential of one of the leading academic institutions of our country and the educational traditions and practices of St. Petersburg University. The Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences is also the main employer for university students,” the professor added.
Graduates can focus on professional activities in scientific institutes, museums and government agencies, manage educational and tourism projects, work in publishing houses or teach in secondary specialized educational institutions. Potential employers include the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the State Hermitage Museum and other organizations.
Admission to the program started on June 20.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Heatwaves, droughts and wildfires costing Europe billions each year
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Extreme heat and worsening drought situations are gripping large parts of Europe, sparking wildfires, triggering red alerts and intensifying global calls for effective climate actions. Driven by climate change, scientists warn, these conditions signal a new era of drought, threatening food security, energy security, ecosystems and economies.
The worrying part is that heatwaves and wildfires are constantly growing deadlier and costlier. If the European Environment Agency (EEA) is to be believed, heatwaves and wildfires are costing Europe billions of euros every year. Estimatedly, in 2023 alone, such climate-related disasters cost around 45 billion euros to 38 European countries, including EU, other European Economic Area (EEA) members, and cooperating countries.
If we take into account the total economic losses from weather and climate related calamities, they exceeded 790 billion euros across the European Economic Area, comprising 32 EEA member states and six Western Balkan countries between 1980 and 2023.
In recent years, Europe has faced an alarming rise in climate-driven calamities like extreme weather conditions, particularly heatwaves and wildfires. These disasters are endangering lives and ecosystems, while at the same time imposing severe economic burdens on governments, local communities and industries. Germany, Italy, France and Spain faced the highest economic losses, however, as per the environmental agency, little of this damage was insured.
According to the European Environment Agency, the leading causes of the damage are floods, storms, wind and hail, while heatwaves cause the most deaths in majority of the countries. As far as economic losses are concerned, they may vary from year to year and country to country, but trends suggest there is a sharp rise in economic damage, which may go beyond 50 billion euros annually.
There is little doubt that people across the world are struggling with sweltering hot temperatures fuelled by climate change, but the way the sweltering summer is gripping southern Europe, parts of the US and the UK is unprecedented.
The scourge of the rising temperature can be understood from the fact that southern Spain experienced 46 degrees Celsius temperature a few days earlier, which is a new record for the month of June. According to the national weather agency, Barcelona has set a new record for its hottest month in June this year, forcing the authorities to urge people to seek shelter from this excruciating heat condition.
A number of countries including France and Italy, have stationed their ambulances near tourist hotspots to treat people if they suffer from heatstroke. Among the vulnerable are people over 65 years of age, pregnant women, children and those with chronic health conditions.
In June, fires caused by the heat and strong winds struck France, Turkey, Greece, Italy and a few other countries, making situations worse than even expected. Germany, the largest economy of Europe and the third largest globally, is also facing a similar situation, as the temperature this year is hovering around 40 degrees Celsius. The town of Andernach in western Germany recorded 39.3 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature so far this year, according to the German Weather Service (DWD). Germany’s all-time heat record is 41.2 degrees Celsius, recorded on July 25, 2019.
The worsening heat situations have forced quite a few countries to issue heat alerts. Sixteen regions in France including Paris and other parts of southern and eastern Europe have heat alerts in place. The soaring temperatures forced its Climate Minister, Agnes Pannier-Runacher to call the situation an unprecedented one. Heat alerts are also in place in several parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Britain and Balkan countries like Croatia. Several countries have recorded their hottest June this year.
Besides emergency services being put in place in several countries and warnings being issued for people to stay inside as much as possible, around 200 schools across France are either closed or partially closed as a result of the heatwave conditions.
Heatwaves are impacting many parts of Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, North America and a few others also, but the way Europe is facing heat conditions calls for urgent measures, as the region is not known for such heatwave conditions.
Studies suggest more than two-thirds of the heatwave conditions have hit Europe since 2000 and the conditions are gradually worsening. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report shows that by 2050, around half of the people in Europe may be exposed to heatwave conditions during summer.
It is also undeniably true that the effects of heatwave conditions are more pronounced in cities, as urban environments are significantly warmer than rural areas due to a large number of paved surfaces, huge multi-story buildings, large number of all kinds of vehicles and several other heat-generating sources.
A new UN report says droughts have risen 30% since 2000, now affecting all sectors from agriculture and energy to healthcare and infrastructure. Owing to very high temperatures, the economic distress of people is growing fast.
Just as COVID-19 strained the insurance sector, rising temperatures are now compounding the pressure, with insurers reassessing the risks and costs of covering properties in high-risk zones across Europe.
Public infrastructure is also not immune to the stress being thrown upon by rising temperatures. Roads, railways, power grids and hospitals also suffer heatwave-related wear and tear. Wildfires destroy homes, farmlands and forests, which require billions for reconstruction and recovery.
The economic toll can be gauged from the fact that some countries are already losing up to 10% of GDP annually, as suggested by some environmental and economic reports. The OECD warns drought-related costs could double again by 2035.
Hence, environmentalists and those who understand these damaging trends urge urgent global investment in early warning systems, drought monitoring, nature-based solutions and climate-resilient infrastructure. Without strong action and better implementation of national plans, droughts could spiral into global economic and humanitarian shocks.
Clearly, the need for urgent and coordinated action has never been more critical, as heatwaves intensify across Europe and the globe, driven by accelerating climate change. Mitigating these impacts requires multi-fold efforts, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow global warming and investing heavily in adaptation measures to protect people, economies and ecosystems from escalating heat extremes.
For Europe, this means upgrading infrastructure to withstand extreme heat, expanding green urban spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and strengthening public health systems to respond to heat-related health conditions. Since the majority of the countries in Europe are not prepared to face such heatwave conditions, they need to improve early warning systems, ensure access to cooling centers for vulnerable populations and integrate climate resilience into housing and city planning.
On global scale, cooperation and coordination among countries are essential, as climate change-related calamities are not going to be restricted to a few regions. Hence, sharing technology, funding nature-based solutions like reforestation and watershed restoration and supporting climate-vulnerable regions are key to having a holistic solution. The world also requires a proactive and science-driven approach along with an equity-based climate strategy before the human and economic cost becomes unmanageable for us.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting with the head of North Ossetia Sergei Menyailo
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Working meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the head of North Ossetia Sergey Menyailo
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko held a working meeting with the head of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania Sergey Menyailo. The parties discussed issues of developing tourism, sports, education, science, and youth policy.
Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized that one of the Government’s priority tasks is the development of domestic tourism.
“The unique nature and culture of North Ossetia make it attractive to travelers. To develop this area, the republic actively uses state support measures of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality”. Thus, within the framework of the competitive selection for 2025-2027, applications were submitted for the implementation of projects to create modular non-capital accommodation facilities. Based on the results of the competition, North Ossetia will receive about 1 billion for three years – this is the second place in terms of volume among all subjects of Russia,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Dmitry Chernyshenko also noted the importance of each subject’s contribution to achieving the common goal set by President Vladimir Putin – to involve 70% of Russian citizens in systematic physical education and sports by 2030. To achieve this, it is necessary, among other things, to work on the level of provision with sports facilities.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that the national project “Youth and Children” contributes to the development of education, science and youth policy in the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania. For example, it plans to build new buildings for general education organizations. Within the framework of the federal project “Professionalism”, three clusters have been created by industry: pedagogy, law enforcement and management, tourism and services.
Thanks to the republic’s participation in the “Region for the Young” program, the first stage of the capital renovation of the Youth Palace was carried out, and a number of events in the field of youth policy were held.
“The development of the education sector is one of the main priorities of the socio-economic policy of North Ossetia, to which we pay special attention and which today accounts for more than a third of the republican budget. Following the implementation of the national project “Education”, in 2024 alone, more than 4.6 billion rubles were allocated from the federal budget for the development of education in the region. I would like to express my gratitude for such support, as well as for the attention that the Russian Government is paying to the region – literally the day before, an order was signed to include new projects in the list of activities for the socio-economic development of North Ossetia, the implementation period of which has been extended until 2028. This includes the construction of a school for 500 students for residents of new microdistricts of Vladikavkaz and a school for 200 students in the village of Chermen, Prigorodny District,” said Sergei Menyailo.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – New study maps key regions for killer whales in Australian waters – Flinders
Source: Flinders University
While well documented in the Northern Hemisphere and Antarctica, much less is known about killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Australia. However, orcas are actually sighted year-round in all coastal states and territories and a new Flinders University study has now mapped this across three key regions.
Research led by Flinders University’s Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) models the distribution of killer whales in Australian waters, shedding light on habitat preferences and uncovering ecological distinctions between populations.
In collaboration with the Cetacean Research Centre of WA, Project ORCA and Killer Whales Australia, the paper published in Ecology and Evolution collates 1310 sightings of killer whales around the country from the past four decades. Species distribution modelling is used to pinpoint places of high habitat suitability in southeast, southwest, and northwest Australia – notably the Bonney Upwelling (South Australia / Victoria), Bremer Sub-basin (Western Australia), and Ningaloo Reef (WA).
“This work greatly increases our understanding of killer whales in Australian waters and identifies areas of biological importance for management and monitoring,” says Flinders University CEBEL PhD candidate Marissa Hutchings, lead author of the article.
“Not only now do we have a nationwide picture, but our findings also support the idea that at least two ecologically distinct forms of killer whales exist in Australia – a temperate and a tropical form.”
The research calls for stronger conservation measures to protect these unique populations – “particularly given their role as apex predators in the marine ecosystem and the fact that some of their most important habitats are currently only partially protected by legislation,” she says.
“More research will be vital in ensuring that this species can be adequately managed in a changing environment, but this will only be made possible by collaboration between researchers, citizen scientists, and marine users to improve the size and accessibility of datasets on both killer whales and their prey.”
Another author on the paper, Flinders University Associate Professor Guido Parra, says differences in range and drivers of occurrence are important to recognise because anthropogenic stressors such as commercial fishing, marine tourism, offshore drilling, and chemical pollutants are becoming increasingly prevalent in Australia.
Senior author Flinders Associate Professor Luciana Möller says the study complements ongoing research into the genetics, feeding ecology and diversification of Australia’s killer whale populations – as well as highlights the usefulness of citizen science data.
“We hope this study will help inform the conservation of this species, which is still considered data deficient and remains to be adequately protected under Australian Government legislation.”
The article, ‘Species distribution modeling of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Australian waters’ (2025) by Marissa J Hutchings (Flinders University), Guido J Parra (Flinders) and John A Totterdell (Cetacean Research Centre of WA), Rebecca Wellard (Project ORCA & Curtin University), David M Donnelly (Killer Whales Australia), Jonathan Sandoval-Castillo (Flinders) and Luciana Möller (Flinders) has been published in Ecology and Evolution (Wiley) DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71359. First published: 3 July 2025
Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Royal Society for South Australia (RSSA) Small Research Grants Scheme. Researchers thank research collaborators and citizen scientists for providing the supporting data. -
MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – New study maps key regions for killer whales in Australian waters – Flinders
Source: Flinders University
While well documented in the Northern Hemisphere and Antarctica, much less is known about killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Australia. However, orcas are actually sighted year-round in all coastal states and territories and a new Flinders University study has now mapped this across three key regions.
Research led by Flinders University’s Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) models the distribution of killer whales in Australian waters, shedding light on habitat preferences and uncovering ecological distinctions between populations.
In collaboration with the Cetacean Research Centre of WA, Project ORCA and Killer Whales Australia, the paper published in Ecology and Evolution collates 1310 sightings of killer whales around the country from the past four decades. Species distribution modelling is used to pinpoint places of high habitat suitability in southeast, southwest, and northwest Australia – notably the Bonney Upwelling (South Australia / Victoria), Bremer Sub-basin (Western Australia), and Ningaloo Reef (WA).
“This work greatly increases our understanding of killer whales in Australian waters and identifies areas of biological importance for management and monitoring,” says Flinders University CEBEL PhD candidate Marissa Hutchings, lead author of the article.
“Not only now do we have a nationwide picture, but our findings also support the idea that at least two ecologically distinct forms of killer whales exist in Australia – a temperate and a tropical form.”
The research calls for stronger conservation measures to protect these unique populations – “particularly given their role as apex predators in the marine ecosystem and the fact that some of their most important habitats are currently only partially protected by legislation,” she says.
“More research will be vital in ensuring that this species can be adequately managed in a changing environment, but this will only be made possible by collaboration between researchers, citizen scientists, and marine users to improve the size and accessibility of datasets on both killer whales and their prey.”
Another author on the paper, Flinders University Associate Professor Guido Parra, says differences in range and drivers of occurrence are important to recognise because anthropogenic stressors such as commercial fishing, marine tourism, offshore drilling, and chemical pollutants are becoming increasingly prevalent in Australia.
Senior author Flinders Associate Professor Luciana Möller says the study complements ongoing research into the genetics, feeding ecology and diversification of Australia’s killer whale populations – as well as highlights the usefulness of citizen science data.
“We hope this study will help inform the conservation of this species, which is still considered data deficient and remains to be adequately protected under Australian Government legislation.”
The article, ‘Species distribution modeling of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Australian waters’ (2025) by Marissa J Hutchings (Flinders University), Guido J Parra (Flinders) and John A Totterdell (Cetacean Research Centre of WA), Rebecca Wellard (Project ORCA & Curtin University), David M Donnelly (Killer Whales Australia), Jonathan Sandoval-Castillo (Flinders) and Luciana Möller (Flinders) has been published in Ecology and Evolution (Wiley) DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71359. First published: 3 July 2025
Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Royal Society for South Australia (RSSA) Small Research Grants Scheme. Researchers thank research collaborators and citizen scientists for providing the supporting data. -
MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – New study maps key regions for killer whales in Australian waters – Flinders
Source: Flinders University
While well documented in the Northern Hemisphere and Antarctica, much less is known about killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Australia. However, orcas are actually sighted year-round in all coastal states and territories and a new Flinders University study has now mapped this across three key regions.
Research led by Flinders University’s Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) models the distribution of killer whales in Australian waters, shedding light on habitat preferences and uncovering ecological distinctions between populations.
In collaboration with the Cetacean Research Centre of WA, Project ORCA and Killer Whales Australia, the paper published in Ecology and Evolution collates 1310 sightings of killer whales around the country from the past four decades. Species distribution modelling is used to pinpoint places of high habitat suitability in southeast, southwest, and northwest Australia – notably the Bonney Upwelling (South Australia / Victoria), Bremer Sub-basin (Western Australia), and Ningaloo Reef (WA).
“This work greatly increases our understanding of killer whales in Australian waters and identifies areas of biological importance for management and monitoring,” says Flinders University CEBEL PhD candidate Marissa Hutchings, lead author of the article.
“Not only now do we have a nationwide picture, but our findings also support the idea that at least two ecologically distinct forms of killer whales exist in Australia – a temperate and a tropical form.”
The research calls for stronger conservation measures to protect these unique populations – “particularly given their role as apex predators in the marine ecosystem and the fact that some of their most important habitats are currently only partially protected by legislation,” she says.
“More research will be vital in ensuring that this species can be adequately managed in a changing environment, but this will only be made possible by collaboration between researchers, citizen scientists, and marine users to improve the size and accessibility of datasets on both killer whales and their prey.”
Another author on the paper, Flinders University Associate Professor Guido Parra, says differences in range and drivers of occurrence are important to recognise because anthropogenic stressors such as commercial fishing, marine tourism, offshore drilling, and chemical pollutants are becoming increasingly prevalent in Australia.
Senior author Flinders Associate Professor Luciana Möller says the study complements ongoing research into the genetics, feeding ecology and diversification of Australia’s killer whale populations – as well as highlights the usefulness of citizen science data.
“We hope this study will help inform the conservation of this species, which is still considered data deficient and remains to be adequately protected under Australian Government legislation.”
The article, ‘Species distribution modeling of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Australian waters’ (2025) by Marissa J Hutchings (Flinders University), Guido J Parra (Flinders) and John A Totterdell (Cetacean Research Centre of WA), Rebecca Wellard (Project ORCA & Curtin University), David M Donnelly (Killer Whales Australia), Jonathan Sandoval-Castillo (Flinders) and Luciana Möller (Flinders) has been published in Ecology and Evolution (Wiley) DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71359. First published: 3 July 2025
Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Royal Society for South Australia (RSSA) Small Research Grants Scheme. Researchers thank research collaborators and citizen scientists for providing the supporting data. -
MIL-OSI Africa: Protecting our environment, creating opportunities
Source: Government of South Africa
By Bernice Swarts
South Africa continues to face a host of interconnected socioeconomic and environmental challenges. These include the triple challenges of inequality, poverty, and unemployment, which are further compounded by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
These threats are not theoretical — they are realities already affecting our families and communities, especially the most vulnerable. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities, and our department is taking bold steps to transform policy into real, life-changing action.
National Dialogue
Over the past 30 years, we have made great strides as a nation – expanding freedom, deepening democracy and building a better life for millions. Yet we also face persistent challenges: inequality, unemployment, social divisions and a growing disconnect between citizens and institution. In this spirit, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an inclusive National Dialogue – a people-led, society-wide process to reflect, reset and reimagine South Africa’s future. The National Dialogue is a chance for all South Africans, from all walks of life, to come together and help shape the next chapter of our democracy.
At this point I wish to also express my support for the planned National Dialogue as a forum to unite South Africans behind a shared vision and approach towards addressing structural challenges as a result of the apartheid legacy.
For the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the National Dialogue presents an opportunity to engage meaningfully with all South Africans — particularly youth, women, and persons with disabilities — about the socioeconomic opportunities available within our sector.
We believe the outcomes of this important national engagement must translate into practical solutions that enable our people to contribute and benefit meaningfully from the work we do as both a department and a government.One Million Trees in One Day
Under the Presidential Flagship “Ten Million Trees Programme,” our department has set out to do something remarkable – plant 1 million trees in one day under the rallying call, “My Tree, My Oxygen. Plant Yours Today,” we invite every South African — from schoolchildren to corporates — to participate.
This isn’t just a symbolic act. It’s a movement for environmental justice and climate resilience. Trees are nature’s air purifiers, carbon sinks, and shelters for biodiversity. We are in the final year of this programme, and with renewed vigour, we’re mobilising every corner of society to ensure we meet and exceed our target.
Small-Scale Fisheries – Voices from the Coastline
Our oceans offer abundant resources, but for too long, small-scale fishers have been left behind. That’s why we convened the Small-Scale Fishing Co-operatives Summit in Mthatha in May. We heard firsthand about the struggles fishers face: poor infrastructure, limited market access, and lack of support.
The summit wasn’t just a talk-shop. It was a collective turning point. We are now developing technical support packages, mentorship programmes, and policy enhancements to bring dignity and sustainability to the sector. When fishing co-ops thrive, entire coastal communities thrive.
Tackling E-Waste: A Crisis Turned Opportunity
Did you know that South Africa generates over 360,000 tons of electronic waste each year? Shockingly, only about 10% of that is properly recycled. The rest — from broken TVs to outdated cellphones — ends up in our landfills or is dumped illegally, contaminating soil and water and endangering our ecosystems.
To combat this, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has rolled out a groundbreaking e-Waste Recycling Pilot Project. Launched in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West, the project has already collected over 30 tons of e-waste from rural municipalities. This isn’t just about waste removal — it’s about building a circular economy, holding producers accountable through Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, and creating green jobs.
Importantly, this initiative comes as South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency, where we have identified the circular economy and waste management as priorities.
Supporting Communities Through Forestry
Transformation in the Commercial Forestry Sector is no longer aspirational — it is underway. The DFFE is transferring eight state-owned plantations to local communities through Community Forestry Agreements. Alongside this, we’re providing post-settlement support, including business development, training, and job creation.
This initiative alone is expected to generate over 7,000 work opportunities and 550 full-time jobs, especially in impoverished rural areas. It’s forestry with a human face — empowering people to become stewards of their own natural resources.
Restoring Biodiversity, One Landscape at a Time
Through the GEF7-funded Sustainable Land Management Project, we are actively reversing land degradation in Limpopo and the Northern Cape. We have trained 129 community champions, employed over 170 people, and cleared invasive species from vast grazing lands.
Furthermore, our commitment to combating Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) is echoed on the global stage as a priority under our G20 Presidency.
Infrastructure for Nature and People
Our work isn’t only environmental — it’s infrastructural too. The Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Nelspruit, recently restored after flood damage, now boasts a new raised bridge and viewing deck. These are not mere cosmetic upgrades; they are symbols of resilience and investments in nature-based tourism that support SMMEs and jobs.
Last year alone, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) implemented over 50 infrastructure projects, while its Kids in Gardens programme reached more than 153,000 young people with environmental education. We are seeding not only trees, but a new generation of conservationists.
Building a Just, Green Future
Our collective mission is clear: we must transition to an environmentally sustainable, economically inclusive society. And that requires partnerships — across sectors, provinces, and people.
As we deliver on our budget priorities, let us rally behind bold, practical and transformative action — from planting a tree to recycling e-waste to supporting a community forestry project. These aren’t just departmental initiatives. They are building blocks of a just transition that leaves no one behind.
Together, let us restore our land, empower our people, and green our future.
*Bernice Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
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MIL-OSI Russia: Mongolia hosts the festival “Mongols in National Costume-2025”
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ULAN BATOR, July 8 (Xinhua) — The traditional annual festival “Mongols in National Costume-2025” is being held in the central square of Ulan Bator on Tuesday ahead of the national holiday of Naadam.
The current event is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth of Mongolia, the Capital Tourism Office, the Mongolian Tourism Association and the Mongolian Costume Center.
According to the organizers, the purpose of this festival is to promote tourism, popularize national clothing and pass on the culture of wearing Mongolian national costume to the next generation.
The festival is expected to include a parade of Mongolians in national costume, a display of a collection of traditional Mongolian clothing, a competition for the best couple in national costume, and an exhibition of souvenirs and handicrafts. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Russia: China to host cultural festival dedicated to Kyrgyz heroic epic “Manas”
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — The International Cultural and Tourism Festival on the Theme of the Kyrgyz Oral Heroic Epic “Manas” will be held from July 13 to 20 in Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the prefectural government said.
The festival, which will bring together more than 300 guests from China and abroad, will feature eight thematic events, including scientific seminars, a Manas epic storytelling competition, and the signing of agreements in the fields of culture and tourism.
During the festival, memorandums of cooperation in the field of culture, tourism and physical education will be signed between the cities and regions of Kyrgyzstan and the Kyzylsu-Kyrgyz Autonomous Okrug, covering the joint protection of intangible cultural heritage, holding sports competitions, cross-border tourism and border trade and the joint development of cross-border e-commerce.
Innovative methods for preserving the epic will be an important part of the events. Experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other organizations will discuss issues related to preserving the epic using digital technology. In addition, the festival will launch a new research institution aimed at digitizing, protecting and preserving Manas. The founders of this institution are Xinjiang Normal University and the authorities of the Kyzylsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Region.
The heroic epic “Manas” is a cycle of tales related to the life and exploits of the main character – the legendary hero Manas, the unifier of the Kyrgyz tribes. It occupies an important place in the oral folklore of the Kyrgyz. This epic poem is known as one of the three heroic epics of the national minorities of China, along with the heroic epics “King Gesar” of the Tibetan ethnic group and “Dzhangar” of the Mongolian ethnic group.
Let us recall that on May 1 of this year, a new legislative act on the preservation of the Manas epic came into force in the XUAR. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Russia: The 4th China-Russia Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship was held in Jilin Province
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — The 4th China-Russia Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championships opened at the Sports Complex of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (Jilin Province, northeast China) on July 6.
According to the Jilin Provincial Physical Culture and Sports Administration, the competition arena hosted over 50 young athletes from Russia and over 50 athletes from the aforementioned autonomous region in both male and female categories. The participants ranged in age from 6 to 18 years old.
On the tatami, Chinese and Russian athletes demonstrated graceful movements, throwing with impeccable precision, and deftly demonstrating painful and choking techniques. The virtuoso fights between Chinese and Russian athletes became a clash of strength and intellect, and the principle of “through sport to friendship” enriched the palette of sports and cultural exchange between the two countries.
The championship is aimed at implementing the “Sports Power” and “Healthy China” strategies. The organization of bilateral and multilateral youth competitions and educational and research projects with countries around Northeast Asia strengthens international sports cooperation. The unique “competition plus tourism plus commerce” format continuously infuses Yanbian, a popular tourist destination, with vitality. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Russia: SCO Member States to Develop Cooperation in Culture and Tourism
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
QINGDAO, July 8 (Xinhua) — Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will cooperate in building higher-quality cultural and tourism projects to promote high-quality development of humanitarian cooperation, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China said Monday.
This decision was made at the 22nd meeting of the ministers of culture of the SCO member states and the meeting of the heads of tourism administrations of the SCO member states, which took place on Monday in the city of Qingdao in Shandong Province (Eastern China).
China, which assumed the rotating SCO presidency for 2024-2025, chaired both events, which were attended by officials and representatives of cultural and tourism departments from 10 SCO member states, as well as the SCO Secretary General.
At the events, all parties unanimously agreed to nominate the city of Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan as a candidate city for the status of “SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital” for the period 2025-2026, and also approved a list of cultural exchange projects within the SCO for 2025. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unlocking economic growth on conservation land
Source: New Zealand Government
A targeted effort to reduce the backlog of applications for use of conservation land is accelerating economic growth without compromising conservation values, says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.
“Over the years, decision makers at the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai became wrapped and trapped in a sticky ball of red tape unnecessarily slowing the success of tourism operators, researchers, major infrastructure project developers, among many others.
“The department is doing a great job delivering on my expectation to crack on with the mahi. The total number of applications awaiting decisions has dropped from around 1300 last September to now under 550. The processing of these applications in April and May this year were nearly three times faster than the same time last year – up by 180 per cent.
“We’re achieving these results through a data-driven approach and smarter, more efficient systems and processes, including new technology such as AI tools helping to scan statutory documents.
“A standout example is the new one-off drone permits process: previously taking weeks, these applications are now processed within five working days.
“Around a third of the applications DOC has processed since February are related to tourism, the country’s second-largest export earner, where more than 380 tourism related applications in the last three months were processed, including guiding activities in Fiordland and Heli hunt and fish concessions for helicopter landings in the North Island.
“This month, DOC has approved Kokiri Lime’s application to quarry 1ha of rock needed for critical roading and flood protection infrastructure projects in South Westland having first received the application more than five years ago.
“Processing applications quicker means businesses get certainty faster. DOC is enabling a wide range of activities that connect people with nature and support local economies, while more quickly declining proposals where the effects on nature or heritage cannot be avoided, remedied, or mitigated.
“The conservation estate covers a third of our country. It’s not just a sanctuary, it’s a shared space where tourism, science, infrastructure, and community projects intersect with nature. We’re now managing that balance faster and smarter.
“We are ensuring activity on conservation land is lawful and sustainable while protecting the natural environment that is the lifeblood of our economy.”
Notes to editors
- From guided walks and scientific research to filming and infrastructure, a wide range of activities on public conservation land rely on DOC’s permissions system to proceed responsibly and sustainably.
- Each year, millions of international visitors (3.3 million in 2024 alone) are drawn to Aotearoa New Zealand by its spectacular natural landscapes. Around a third of all permissions applications DOC processes annually are tourism-related, underscoring the importance of timely decisions for the visitor economy and regional communities.
- Since the end of February, DOC has made 386 decisions on tourism-related applications. In June 2025, 71 tourism decisions were processed, triple the number from June 2024, when 23 were completed, reflecting a sharp improvement.
- Of the tourism-related decisions in June, 35% were for guiding activities. The number of tourism applications on-hand has dropped from 374 in June 2024 to just 137 in June 2025.
- Tourism is a crucial part of the Government’s focus on economic growth, with domestic and international tourism expenditure at $44.4 billion and supporting more than 300,000 jobs.
- Conservation-related tourism is worth around $3.4 billion a year.
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MIL-OSI China: SCO member states to foster cultural, tourism cooperation
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
QINGDAO, July 7 — The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states will work together to develop more high-quality cultural and tourism projects to enhance people-to-people and cultural ties, according to China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday.
This commitment was made at the 22nd meeting of the SCO Ministers of Culture and a conference of tourism department leaders from SCO member states, both of which were held on Monday in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province.
China, which holds the rotating presidency of the SCO, presided over both sessions attended by officials and representatives of 10 SCO member states and the SCO secretary-general.
Key agreements included the nomination of Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan as the candidate city for the 2025-2026 “SCO tourism and culture capital,” and the adoption of a list of SCO cultural exchange programs for 2025.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Deputy Minister of Economic Development: In the first quarter of 2025, the tourist flow between Russia and the SCO countries exceeded 2 million trips
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
A meeting of heads of tourism administrations of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held in the Chinese city of Qingdao, during which Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Dmitry Vakhrukov noted that direct air traffic between Russia and the SCO states exceeds 1,000 flights weekly.
“The number of direct flights increases every year. Today, the number of flights is already quite significant. Almost 1,000 flights a week between Russia and the SCO countries. At the same time, there is still potential for increasing the number of flights with other SCO countries and expanding the geography of flights between the cities of our countries,” Dmitry Vakhrukov said in his speech.
During the meeting, participants also discussed issues of promoting tourism potential, introducing an electronic visa and expanding air traffic.
According to the Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, in 2024, the volume of tourist flow between Russia and the SCO countries exceeded 11 million trips, which is 47% more than in 2023. Positive dynamics continue in the current year: in the first quarter of 2025, about 2 million trips were made, which is 28% higher than the same period last year.
“It is typical that the tourist flow is balanced: the number of Russians visiting the SCO countries is approximately equal to the number of tourists from these countries coming to Russia. The growth of tourist flow is largely due to the favorable visa regime. Most SCO countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, have visa-free agreements with Russia. The mechanism of visa-free group trips, which is already in effect with China and Iran, is developing successfully. In the future, a similar scheme may be launched with India. An additional convenience for foreign tourists is the possibility of obtaining a single electronic visa, available to citizens of 64 countries. It is expected that the positive dynamics of tourist exchange between Russia and the SCO countries will continue in the future,” Dmitry Vakhrukov emphasized.
During the meeting of the heads of tourism administrations of the SCO member states, flagship investment projects in the tourism industry, new trends in tourism development in the countries of the organization and prospects for cooperation, including on issues of promoting tourism potential and the use of digital technologies in the tourism sector, were also discussed.
Thus, to date, a catalog with more than 30 attractive tourist investment projects has been formed. The total portfolio of projects amounted to more than 15 billion US dollars. These are ski, sea, balneological and health resorts, sports and tourist complexes. Also, a catalog of tourist routes in Russia for foreign tourists Time to travel is already ready. It includes tours in 12 regions of the country. Excursions are conducted only by professional, accredited guides.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Regions of Russia and China signed 120 cooperation agreements
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
China has been Russia’s leading trading partner for over 10 years. Despite global market fluctuations and sanctions pressure, bilateral cooperation continues to strengthen, showing significant positive results. This was stated by Dmitry Volvach, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, during the plenary session of the fifth Russian-Chinese Forum on Interregional Cooperation, which was held as part of the ninth Russian-Chinese EXPO in parallel with the INNOPROM industrial exhibition in Yekaterinburg. In total, the Russian-Chinese portfolio includes more than 80 investment projects worth more than $200 billion.
According to the Federal Customs Service of Russia and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, in 2024, trade turnover between the countries reached a historical maximum, increasing by 7.5%. In January-April 2025, these figures will remain the same. “On the instructions of the presidents of our countries, by 2030, our goal is to scale the volume of mutual trade to 300 billion dollars. In this regard, we are actively working to implement the Russian-Chinese Economic Cooperation Plan until 2030,” Dmitry Volvach emphasized.
In recent years, Russian-Chinese cooperation has reached a new level, thanks to the large-scale implementation of infrastructure projects, especially in the energy and transport and logistics sectors. Among the largest infrastructure projects of Russia and China, the Deputy Minister named the construction of two gas complexes in the village of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad Region, which will produce up to 144 million tons of liquefied natural gas by 2035. More than 120 cooperation agreements have been concluded between Russian regions and Chinese provinces. In 2024, 311 joint events were held, and in 2025 – already 96. A list of 86 joint projects worth $ 201 billion has been approved. Among the key ones are the creation of the Bely Rast terminal and logistics complex in the Moscow Region and the development of the Dry Port in the Sverdlovsk Region.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the great tourism potential of Russia and China. In the first quarter of 2025, the total tourist flow increased by 20%. To further increase it, the visa regime is being simplified: it is planned to increase the period of stay with an electronic visa from 16 to 30 days. Work is also underway to reduce the minimum composition of a tourist group from five to three people and increase the visa-free period from 15 to 21 days.
Russia is actively promoting tourism products under the Discover Russia brand, and the restoration of air traffic is contributing to the growth of passenger traffic. “We are confident that in the near future we will reach pre-pandemic indicators and reach new heights,” Dmitry Volvach emphasized.
The world’s first cross-border cable car between Khabarovsk and Heihe, which will open in 2026, will also be a significant infrastructure project. Zhang Hanhui, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Russia, in his welcoming address to the forum participants, noted: “In recent years, the mechanism of cooperation between the regions of Russia and China has been continuously improved. Recently, the fifth meeting of the Yangtze-Volga Regional Cooperation Council and the meeting of the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation between Northeast China and the Russian Far East were successfully held in Russia. Exchanges between regional delegations of the two countries have become closer, and interaction between enterprises is developing according to the principle of “mutual striving to meet halfway.”
The forum was also attended by Deputy Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region Vasily Kozlov, Vice Governor of Heilongjiang Province Han Shengjian, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Tatarstan Oleg Korobchenko, Deputy Secretary General of the People’s Government of Liaoning Province Sun Wei, Deputy Governor of the Tomsk Region Vasily Potemkin, President of OPORA RUSSIA Alexander Kalinin and Vice President of Xuanyuan Corporation Jiao Jian.
“We expect that joint work within the Forum and other events of the EXPO business program will contribute to the accelerated development of interregional cooperation between Russia and China, because interregional cooperation is the basis for further development of mutual trade, entails mutual cooperation in the market of production, investment and tourism resources. Together, we continue to do one big thing – we strive to create all the necessary conditions for the formation of a fair and multipolar world order, strengthening stability and security,” Dmitry Volvach summed up.
Representatives of 35 Russian regions and over 300 Chinese companies took part in the forum. Businessmen and heads of government bodies from 18 Chinese provinces arrived in Russia.
The EXPO business program included discussions on issues of scientific and technical sphere, trade and investment, support of export and urban environment, development of medicine, as well as youth business cooperation. During the INNOPROM exhibition, a contact exchange on key areas of cooperation was held.
The INNOPROM exhibition was attended by delegations of business circles and government bodies from more than 50 countries. National expositions were presented by Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, China, India and others.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov took part in the final board meeting of the Ministry of Industry and Trade
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Denis Manturov took part in the final board meeting of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia on the sidelines of the Innoprom-2025 exhibition
First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov took part in a meeting of the final board of the Ministry of Industry and Trade on the sidelines of the Innoprom-2025 exhibition, where the main results of activities in 2024 were summed up and promising areas for industrial development in 2025 were outlined. The event was attended by the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, acting governor of the Sverdlovsk region Denis Pasler, governor of the Smolensk region Vasily Anokhin, president of the RSPP Alexander Shokhin, and rector of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University Mikhail Gordin.
Opening the meeting, Denis Manturov noted that the key priority of the Ministry and the economic block of the Government is the task of achieving technological sovereignty and leadership in strategic sectors, outlined by the President of Russia.
“It is necessary to ensure the unconditional implementation of the activities of national projects of technological leadership. We have already said that, despite the difficult budget, all the goals of 2030 are mandatory to achieve. This concerns not only quantitative indicators, but also applied results. I mean the renewal of the machine tool fleet, the development of all types of transport, the introduction of new materials and low-tonnage chemical products to the market. In the same vein – providing advanced technologies and equipment to the Russian energy sector, agriculture, healthcare system and tourism,” said Denis Manturov.
The First Deputy Prime Minister outlined the importance of work to provide the manufacturing industry with personnel, including through expanding the participation of industrial companies in the Advanced Engineering Schools and Professionalism projects. In addition, it is necessary to develop industry competence centers and engineering centers at universities.
Speaking about the military-industrial complex, Denis Manturov noted that today the complex is going through the second wave of technological re-equipment in 15 years. Particular attention should be paid to the compliance of the “Development of the Military-Industrial Complex” program with the tasks that will be included in the new state armament program. In addition, it is necessary to give additional impetus to military-technical cooperation with friendly countries.
Another important area is the development of the trade sector, the fastest growing segment of which today is the online trade market. Over the past year, it grew by 40%, and now the share of online trade in retail is already 15%.
“Considering that this direction has been established and strengthened, it is time to align the rules of e-commerce with the regulation of traditional retail. In general, it is important for us that both marketplaces, and large networks, and small retail outlets increase the share of sales of goods from domestic manufacturers. In view of this, it is necessary to bring to practical implementation the idea of the gradual introduction of the so-called Russian shelf mechanism,” Denis Manturov emphasized.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Africa: Call for stronger BRICS, G20 synergy to champion developing nations
Source: Government of South Africa
By Gabi Khumalo
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – President Cyril Ramaphosa says Brazil’s leadership of BRICS and COP30, together with South Africa’s Presidency of the G20, provides a unique opportunity to send a strong signal of unity and solidarity in support of the rights and interests of developing economy countries.
“Our concurrent leadership of these bodies must emphasise the pressing need to close the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) implementation gap and the climate ambition gap and ensure that just transitions pathways leave no one behind,” President Ramaphosa said.
He was delivering a keynote address during the “Environment, COP30 and Global Health” session of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday.
The President highlighted that BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – was a key platform to shaping a new model of multilateral cooperation based on equity, sustainability and inclusive development.
He called for the bloc to be used to drive climate-resilient development across Africa and the Global South.
President Ramaphosa underscored the importance of using BRICS’ collective voice to advance reforms to modernise multilateral development bank mandates and ensure they better reflect the voices and priorities of developing countries.
He called for scaled-up concessional financing for climate action to catalyse investments in early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, community-led adaptation, and people-centred just transition pathways.
“At the same time, we need to drive the global health agenda towards inclusive, equitable, innovative, and sustainable health solutions. Global health financing is being severely impacted by the substantial and sudden withdrawals of official development assistance.
“Many of the programmes that were supported through this assistance were for disease elimination and targeted towards the most vulnerable populations, like young women and girls, children and adolescents,” the President said.
While acknowledging the countries great strides made towards Tuberculosis, Malaria and HIV elimination, through the support of organisations like the Global Fund, President Ramaphosa warned these gains are being threatened by political attention and reduced financing.
As the co-host of the Global Fund’s 8th replenishment campaign together with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Ramaphosa called on countries, businesses and the wider donor community to contribute to the fund in the interests of global health security.
“If we achieve the target of US$18 billion for the 2027 to 2029 cycle, it is estimated that the Global Fund can save 23 million lives, reduce the combined mortality rate by another 64% relative to 2023 levels, and prevent around 400 million infections.”
He reiterated that investing in the Global Fund was also an investment in health system strengthening and universal health care, especially for vulnerable countries in the Global South.
“As we confront these and other development challenges, BRICS needs to be at the forefront of a new inclusive multilateralism. Let us use our growing voice to advance a global order that improves the lives of all the world’s people and safeguards the planet for future generations,” the President said.
The two-day summit, held from 6 to 7 July 2025, highlighted the ongoing humanitarian impact of Israeli military action in Gaza and in conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, and Iran; and advocated for the sustainable resolution of conflicts through diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to the United Nations Charter.
It also explored ways of expanding tangible trade, tourism, investment, and financial cooperation within BRICS and with BRICS partner countries. – SAnews.gov.za
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MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Southwest Caucus Co-Chairs Vasquez and Ciscomani Introduce Legislation to Boost Economic Development in Border Communities
Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Southwest Caucus, announced the reintroduction of the Economic Opportunity for Border Communities Act—a bipartisan bill that would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a national strategy for strengthening economies along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The legislation recognizes the critical role border communities play in facilitating international trade, agriculture, and tourism, and aims to ensure they receive the federal investment they need to thrive.
“Our border communities are economic engines for our entire nation, but too often, they’re treated as an afterthought by Washington,” said Vasquez. “This bill ensures we take a serious, strategic approach to growing good-paying jobs, expanding infrastructure, and investing in the long-term success of our border towns. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Congressman Ciscomani to bring long-overdue opportunity to the communities that drive so much of our country’s trade and prosperity.”
“Our border communities are vital to the economic success of our country,” said Ciscomani. “In order to continue driving our economy forward, we must ensure that border communities have the tools, resources, and support they need to continue growing. This legislation is a commonsense effort aimed at increasing jobs in key sectors including trade, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture. I am proud to join Rep. Gabe Vasquez on this bipartisan solution to deliver real results for border communities in Arizona and across the southwest.”
The Economic Opportunity for Border Communities Act requires the Department of Commerce to work with federal partners—including USDA, HUD, and DOT—to build a national strategy focused on:
- Growing jobs in logistics, international trade, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture
- Improving vocational and workforce training
- Lowering the cost of exports and imports
- Coordinating infrastructure investments and economic development programs across federal agencies
Under the bill, the Department of Commerce must deliver its strategy to Congress within one year of enactment. The strategy will include assessments of tax and investment incentives, regulatory recommendations, and a roadmap for better coordination between federal agencies and local stakeholders.
“Thank you, Congressman Vasquez and Congressman Ciscomani, for your leadership on behalf of border communities such as Santa Teresa. This bipartisan bill will bring much needed investments to the communities responsible for cross-border trade and will support countless good-paying jobs in Southern New Mexico.” – Jerry Pacheco, President of the Border Industrial Association.
The Bipartisan Southwest Caucus continues to advocate for pragmatic, community-focused policies that address the unique needs of the border region while promoting safety, prosperity, and opportunity for all.
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MIL-OSI Europe: New boost for Regional Resilience Fund rollout, financing affordable housing, urban development and sustainable tourism
Source: European Investment Bank
©VicaPhoto/ Shutterstock - The EIB has announced the signature of agreements with Arcano Partners and Buenavista Infrastructure totalling €410 million.
- The agreements will channel new funding to urban development projects (including those promoting affordable housing) and others related to sustainable tourism.
- The funds come from the Regional Resilience Fund financed by NextGenerationEU and implemented by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise with EIB support.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed agreements with Buenavista Infrastructure and Arcano Partners to channel a total of €410 million to new urban development projects (including those promoting affordable housing) and others related to sustainable tourism.
The agreements were made possible by a contribution from the Regional Resilience Fund, part of Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and financed by NextGenerationEU. More specifically, this was facilitated by the launch of a new EIB-managed instrument to channel financing via financial intermediaries to back urban development and sustainable tourism.
The intermediaries selected by the EIB will assess investment opportunities across the country to promote urban development in areas such as affordable housing, education, healthcare, social and cultural infrastructure, sustainable mobility, waste and water management, energy efficiency and sustainable tourism. The investment period runs until December 2030.
The first two intermediaries selected for the distribution of these funds were Arcano Partners (with a €210 million signature) and Buenavista Infrastructure (€200 million).
The first two intermediaries selected for the deployment of these funds were Arcano Partners and Buenavista Infrastructure. Arcano Partners has been allocated €210 million by the EIB, which it will channel through “Spanish Urban Development SICC” fund. Buenavista Infrastructure was allocated €200 million to be channelled through “Buenavista NextGen Urban SICC” fund. Both are regulated vehicles set up specifically for this action. Funding can happen in the form of both equity investment and debt, or a combination of both. The maximum allocation per project is 22 million while maximum recovery periods are 15 years for equity investments and 20 years for debt.
“These agreements are a further step forward in the rollout of the EIB Group-managed Regional Resilience Fund and will drive new investment to promote urban development and sustainable tourism. The resources can also go to affordable housing projects, which is one of the EIB Group’s strategic priorities,” said EIB Director General of Financing and Advisory Operations within the European Union Jean-Christophe Laloux. “Close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise made it possible to launch this new line of action for the Regional Resilience Fund, promoting key investments in Spain’s regions.”
“Thanks to the signature of these agreements, the implementation of the intermediated instrument for urban development and sustainable tourism materialised. This instrument is one of the pillars of the Regional Resilience Fund. It will channel funds to relatively small projects that aim to invest in social and affordable housing and urban regeneration, as well as sustainable tourism activities. Furthermore, funds from the Regional Resilience Fund continue to be a crucial tool for the green transition in Spain, supporting projects that promote sustainability in key areas such as housing and tourism in various regions of the country,” said Inés Carpio, Director General of International Finance at the Treasury.
Partner in Asset Management at Arcano Partners Eduardo Fernández-Cuesta added: “We are very proud to be once again have the confidence of the European Investment Bank to channel vital financing to bolster our national infrastructure, with a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. This combined debt and equity strategy will enable Arcano Partners to continue to diversify our capabilities and deliver the excellence we guarantee to our private investors and the public sector institutions that rely on us to manage investments.”
Managing Partner at Buenavista Infrastructure Victoriano López-Pinto said: “We are very grateful for the vote of confidence in our judgment and expertise in facilitating the use of EU funds. With this new allocation, we have become one of the leading European fund managers by volume of European funds under management. Our team is one of the most experienced in managing public funds and we are excited to be able to contribute to this project promoting local connections, sustainable urban development and the renovation of our national tourism infrastructure to make it more sustainable.”
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for residents.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.
Regional Resilience Fund
The Regional Resilience Fund (RRF) was created to facilitate access to NextGenerationEU loans from the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan for the autonomous communities, with the aim of boosting investments and developing projects in eight priority areas: social and affordable housing; urban renewal; transport and sustainable tourism; the energy transition; water and waste management; the care economy; research, development and innovation; and the competitiveness of industry and SMEs.
The fund is led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, which takes input from the autonomous communities and cities for investment decision-making and looks to the EIB Group as a strategic management partner.
The initial phase of the RRF includes the activation of up to €3.4 billion in financing via:
- a direct financing mechanism, to co-finance EIB-supported operations in sectors like renewable energy, clean transport and sustainable infrastructure;
- an intermediated mechanism managed by financial intermediaries selected by the EIB, to support projects in urban development and sustainable tourism;
- two instruments intermediated by the European Investment Fund that will facilitate SME financing for innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.
Arcano Partners
Arcano Partners, founded in 2003, is an independent global firm with more than 20 years of experience in international financial advisory and private markets’ asset management. Arcano currently has four business areas:
- Asset Management, with more than €12.5 billion managed and advised since the start of its activity in 2006, and with six asset classes: Private Equity, Credit Strategies, Real Estate, Sus-tainable Infrastructure, Venture Capital and Aviation Finance; Arcano has a strong focus on sustainability and responsible investment, being one of the benchmark asset managers in ESG.
- Investment Banking provides advisory services in M&A, refinancing, restructuring and capi-tal markets transactions to companies in various sectors; Arcano has specialized teams by sector, and additionally offers a transversal technology/digital approach.
- Research & Consulting provides economic, real estate and differential market analysis, as well as geopolitical and technological analysis of both local and global trends. This analysis is extremely useful for optimizing business decisions, especially in environments of extreme uncertainty where the impacts of making mistakes are profound and can be mitigated by in-vesting in quality analysis.
- Asset Finance, an area that allows investors to participate in the creation of solutions for the financing of real or intangible assets in Spain.
Arcano Partners has a team of more than 260 professionals of more than 20 nationalities across 7 offices in Europe and the United States and has become one of the independent firms of reference in the European private markets industry.
Buenavista Partners (www.buenavistaequity.com)
Buenavista Equity Partners is an independent asset manager founded in 1996 that operates in the middle-market segment. It currently manages more than €1 billion through different Private Equity, Infrastructure and Venture Capital vehicles.
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MIL-OSI Europe: New boost for Regional Resilience Fund rollout, financing affordable housing, urban development and sustainable tourism
Source: European Investment Bank
©VicaPhoto/ Shutterstock - The EIB has announced the signature of agreements with Arcano Partners and Buenavista Infrastructure totalling €410 million.
- The agreements will channel new funding to urban development projects (including those promoting affordable housing) and others related to sustainable tourism.
- The funds come from the Regional Resilience Fund financed by NextGenerationEU and implemented by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise with EIB support.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed agreements with Buenavista Infrastructure and Arcano Partners to channel a total of €410 million to new urban development projects (including those promoting affordable housing) and others related to sustainable tourism.
The agreements were made possible by a contribution from the Regional Resilience Fund, part of Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and financed by NextGenerationEU. More specifically, this was facilitated by the launch of a new EIB-managed instrument to channel financing via financial intermediaries to back urban development and sustainable tourism.
The intermediaries selected by the EIB will assess investment opportunities across the country to promote urban development in areas such as affordable housing, education, healthcare, social and cultural infrastructure, sustainable mobility, waste and water management, energy efficiency and sustainable tourism. The investment period runs until December 2030.
The first two intermediaries selected for the distribution of these funds were Arcano Partners (with a €210 million signature) and Buenavista Infrastructure (€200 million).
The first two intermediaries selected for the deployment of these funds were Arcano Partners and Buenavista Infrastructure. Arcano Partners has been allocated €210 million by the EIB, which it will channel through “Spanish Urban Development SICC” fund. Buenavista Infrastructure was allocated €200 million to be channelled through “Buenavista NextGen Urban SICC” fund. Both are regulated vehicles set up specifically for this action. Funding can happen in the form of both equity investment and debt, or a combination of both. The maximum allocation per project is 22 million while maximum recovery periods are 15 years for equity investments and 20 years for debt.
“These agreements are a further step forward in the rollout of the EIB Group-managed Regional Resilience Fund and will drive new investment to promote urban development and sustainable tourism. The resources can also go to affordable housing projects, which is one of the EIB Group’s strategic priorities,” said EIB Director General of Financing and Advisory Operations within the European Union Jean-Christophe Laloux. “Close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise made it possible to launch this new line of action for the Regional Resilience Fund, promoting key investments in Spain’s regions.”
“Thanks to the signature of these agreements, the implementation of the intermediated instrument for urban development and sustainable tourism materialised. This instrument is one of the pillars of the Regional Resilience Fund. It will channel funds to relatively small projects that aim to invest in social and affordable housing and urban regeneration, as well as sustainable tourism activities. Furthermore, funds from the Regional Resilience Fund continue to be a crucial tool for the green transition in Spain, supporting projects that promote sustainability in key areas such as housing and tourism in various regions of the country,” said Inés Carpio, Director General of International Finance at the Treasury.
Partner in Asset Management at Arcano Partners Eduardo Fernández-Cuesta added: “We are very proud to be once again have the confidence of the European Investment Bank to channel vital financing to bolster our national infrastructure, with a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. This combined debt and equity strategy will enable Arcano Partners to continue to diversify our capabilities and deliver the excellence we guarantee to our private investors and the public sector institutions that rely on us to manage investments.”
Managing Partner at Buenavista Infrastructure Victoriano López-Pinto said: “We are very grateful for the vote of confidence in our judgment and expertise in facilitating the use of EU funds. With this new allocation, we have become one of the leading European fund managers by volume of European funds under management. Our team is one of the most experienced in managing public funds and we are excited to be able to contribute to this project promoting local connections, sustainable urban development and the renovation of our national tourism infrastructure to make it more sustainable.”
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for residents.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.
Regional Resilience Fund
The Regional Resilience Fund (RRF) was created to facilitate access to NextGenerationEU loans from the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan for the autonomous communities, with the aim of boosting investments and developing projects in eight priority areas: social and affordable housing; urban renewal; transport and sustainable tourism; the energy transition; water and waste management; the care economy; research, development and innovation; and the competitiveness of industry and SMEs.
The fund is led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, which takes input from the autonomous communities and cities for investment decision-making and looks to the EIB Group as a strategic management partner.
The initial phase of the RRF includes the activation of up to €3.4 billion in financing via:
- a direct financing mechanism, to co-finance EIB-supported operations in sectors like renewable energy, clean transport and sustainable infrastructure;
- an intermediated mechanism managed by financial intermediaries selected by the EIB, to support projects in urban development and sustainable tourism;
- two instruments intermediated by the European Investment Fund that will facilitate SME financing for innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.
Arcano Partners
Arcano Partners, founded in 2003, is an independent global firm with more than 20 years of experience in international financial advisory and private markets’ asset management. Arcano currently has four business areas:
- Asset Management, with more than €12.5 billion managed and advised since the start of its activity in 2006, and with six asset classes: Private Equity, Credit Strategies, Real Estate, Sus-tainable Infrastructure, Venture Capital and Aviation Finance; Arcano has a strong focus on sustainability and responsible investment, being one of the benchmark asset managers in ESG.
- Investment Banking provides advisory services in M&A, refinancing, restructuring and capi-tal markets transactions to companies in various sectors; Arcano has specialized teams by sector, and additionally offers a transversal technology/digital approach.
- Research & Consulting provides economic, real estate and differential market analysis, as well as geopolitical and technological analysis of both local and global trends. This analysis is extremely useful for optimizing business decisions, especially in environments of extreme uncertainty where the impacts of making mistakes are profound and can be mitigated by in-vesting in quality analysis.
- Asset Finance, an area that allows investors to participate in the creation of solutions for the financing of real or intangible assets in Spain.
Arcano Partners has a team of more than 260 professionals of more than 20 nationalities across 7 offices in Europe and the United States and has become one of the independent firms of reference in the European private markets industry.
Buenavista Partners (www.buenavistaequity.com)
Buenavista Equity Partners is an independent asset manager founded in 1996 that operates in the middle-market segment. It currently manages more than €1 billion through different Private Equity, Infrastructure and Venture Capital vehicles.
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MIL-OSI USA: 2025 Great New York State Fair Tickets on Sale, July 7
Source: US State of New York
overnor Kathy Hochul announced that admission and parking for The 2025 Great New York State Fair went on sale today. Packed with value, a single admission ticket costs $8 and includes access to all grounds entertainment and the Chevrolet Music Series, while parking costs $12. In addition, a Frequent Fairgoer ticket option is available for $25. Admission remains free for those aged 65 and older along with children 12 years old and under, continuing to ensure that The Fair is one of the most affordable fairs in the nation, providing an accessible space for the whole family to get offline and get outside.
For those superfans who are planning to be at The Fair at least four days over its 13-day stretch, the Frequent Fairgoer option again allows the ticket holder to enter The Fair once a day, every day during The Fair. A Frequent Fairgoer ticket is non-transferable and is available exclusively online.
“The Great New York State Fair is a time-honored tradition and a cornerstone of our summers here in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “People shouldn’t have to break the bank to have fun. As of today, tickets for this affordable, family-friendly event are now on sale. New Yorkers – get your tickets today and I’ll see you at The Fair this summer!”
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Summer means one thing – it’s time for The Great New York State Fair! I encourage everyone to get their tickets now and start planning their trip to learn about New York agriculture, sample some delicious foods, check out some fantastic entertainment, and so much more.”
New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave said, “The 2025 Great New York State Fair is just 43 days away, so now’s the time for fairgoers to start planning a day (or 13!) of unforgettable summer fun. From animals, to hundreds of commercial attractions, scores of exciting midway rides, and dozens of big-name entertainers, The Fair has something in store for the whole family and so many great memories waiting to be made. We strongly encourage fairgoers to make their ticket and parking arrangements before arriving at the grounds. With close to 100,000 people in the vicinity of the Fairgrounds daily, purchasing in advance helps to keep lines to a minimum and ensure fairgoers move through the gates as quickly as possible to experience all the fun that The Fair has to offer! From our Fair family to yours – we can’t wait to see you soon!”
Fair admission includes the ability to watch dozens of national recording acts in the Chevrolet Music Series, including Grammy winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performers, and so many more. There will be a daily 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. concert at Chevy Court (located near Gate 1) with an extra show at 9:00 p.m. on Friday nights, as well as a daily 8:00 p.m. concert at Suburban Park (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway).
Updated concert schedules are available on The Fair’s website at pages dedicated to Chevy Court and Suburban Park.
HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS AND PARKING TO THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR
There are three ways to buy admission tickets and/or parking: online, over the phone, and in-person from August 20 through September 1.
- Online: The link to purchase admission tickets and parking will go live at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, at The Great New York State Fair’s website.
- Over the Phone: Starting July 7, tickets and parking may also be purchased over the phone by calling Etix toll-free at 1-800-514-3849 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
- At the Gate: Beginning Wednesday, August 20, kiosks positioned at all gates will be available for electronic ticket purchases. To minimize waiting time for the kiosks, large signs featuring QR codes will also be available at all entrances and in parking lots so fairgoers can use their smartphone to purchase tickets.
Including fees, the total cost for fairgoers will be:
- Admission: $8.32 per ticket ($8 admission, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 18 cents)
- Frequent Fairgoer: $25.70 ($25 Frequent Fairgoer pass, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 56 cents; note that the Frequent Fairgoer passes are available exclusively online)
- Parking: $12.41 per vehicle ($12 parking, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 27 cents)
Upon arrival to The Fair, drivers must show their parking ticket to lot attendants electronically on their phones or through a printed copy. Please note that again this year, EZPass Plus is not an option for parking. Parking passes may be purchased with a credit card at the lots. Please note that cash is not accepted.
There will be no cash sales at The Fair’s entrance gates or in parking lots. Machines that can convert cash into a usable card will be positioned at The Fair’s Main Gate for those fairgoers bringing cash to the grounds.
HOURS OF OPERATION
The Great New York State Fair begins on Wednesday, August 20 and continues through Labor Day, September 1. The Fair’s hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day, except for Labor Day, when The Fair closes at 9:00 p.m. Gates open to the public at 9:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. every day except for Labor Day, Monday, September 4, when no entry will be permitted after 8:00 p.m.
Parking Hours: The Orange parking lot opens at 9:00 a.m. daily, with the Brown and Pink lots opening daily at 6:00 a.m., and the Gray lots opening daily at 8:30 a.m. The Willis Ave parking lot opens at 10:00 a.m., but will only be accessible only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day.
Trams: For the convenience of fairgoers, trams will run continuously on the Fairgrounds, stopping at 10 stops from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.* every day. Plus, a dedicated ADA shuttle runs between the Gray Accessible Parking lot, located outside Gate 10, to Tram Stop #3 at the rear entrance of the Horticulture Building from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.* each day.
*Note, on Monday, September 1, the trams stop running one hour earlier.
CENTRO’S PARK-N-RIDE DIRECT SHUTTLE SERVICE TO AND FROM THE FAIR
Centro’s Park-N-Ride direct shuttle service will provide passengers with transportation from the Centro Transit Hub Downtown, Long Branch Park, and Destiny USA to and from the Fairgrounds with drop-off and pick-up points to the left of the Main Gate. To ride the shuttle one way, the fee is $1 for adults, and 50 cents for senior citizens, children six to nine years old, and those who are living with disabilities. The last shuttle leaves the Fairgrounds each day at 11:15 p.m. Shuttles will run on a limited schedule after 9:00 p.m. on September 1 as The Fair closes earlier that day.
WADE SHOWS MIDWAY: TICKETS ON SALE SOON
Advance tickets for The Fair’s famous Midway, operated by Wade Shows, will go on sale in the coming weeks. Stay up-to-date with The Fair’s social media and website to be the first to hear when these tickets are available for purchase.
ABOUT THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR
Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.
The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
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MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s Statement on the Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee joined her House Republican colleagues in passing the amended version of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, through the House of Representatives. This landmark legislation delivers the largest tax cut in decades for working- and middle-class American families. It eliminates the looming $3,650 tax hike threatening the average Florida household, protects nearly 400,000 jobs, and preserves critical benefits like the child tax credit and small business deductions that millions of Floridians rely on. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk.
Congresswoman Lee issued the following statement:
“This legislation gives Florida families real relief—protecting their paychecks, lowering their tax burden, and expanding opportunity. It makes the Trump tax cuts permanent, ends unfair taxes on tips and overtime, and preserves essential benefits like the child tax credit. It also strengthens critical programs like Medicaid and Social Security to ensure they work better and last longer. In addition, it empowers law enforcement to enforce our immigration laws and restore order at the southern border.
At its core, the One Big Beautiful Bill stands with the hardworking people who make our country strong—American families, small businesses, and the workers who are the foundation of Florida’s economy and our nation’s future.”
Key Provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill for Florida:
- Permanently codifies the 2017 Trump tax cuts, preventing a tax increase of up to 24% for families and 43.4% for small businesses in Florida.
- Eliminates federal taxes on tips, overtime pay, and car loan interest, benefiting workers in Florida’s hospitality, tourism, and service sectors.
- Provides relief to seniors by increasing their standard deduction and exempting more Social Security income from taxation.
- Implements Medicaid reforms to ensure program integrity and long-term sustainability by focusing resources on qualified individuals and preventing fraud.
- Strengthens border security by expanding immigration enforcement capacity through the 287(g) program, allowing state and local law enforcement to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws and detaining individuals who enter the country illegally.
- Enhances protections for unaccompanied minors by requiring the federal government to coordinate with states to ensure proper placement, track their whereabouts, and prevent trafficking or exploitation.
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Modi govt has planned ₹5,000-crore investment to develop northeast waterways: Sarbananda Sonowal
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
In a major push to boost inland waterways and maritime infrastructure in India’s Northeast, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday announced a slew of initiatives with an investment outlay of ₹5,000 crore. The projects aim to transform the region’s connectivity, trade, tourism, and employment landscape over the next few years.
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Sonowal said the Modi government has drawn up comprehensive plans to develop year-round navigable waterways, modern terminals, community jetties, urban water metros, and maritime skill hubs across the region.
Empowering Northeast Youth
A key highlight of the plan is the training of 50,000 youth from the Northeast in maritime skills over the next decade. The Maritime Skill Development Centre (MSDC) in Guwahati and a new Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Dibrugarh will spearhead this effort, with an investment of ₹200 crore earmarked for the CoE alone. Together, these centres are expected to generate at least 500 jobs annually.
“Prime Minister Modi has always envisioned how Yuva Shakti can bring real transformation to the country. Our vision is to train, enable and empower 50,000 youth from the Northeast with world-class maritime skills, ensuring meaningful employment and growth,” Sonowal said.
Strengthening Connectivity and Trade
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has undertaken projects worth ₹1,000 crore in the region’s inland waterways sector in the past two years. Of this, ₹300 crore worth of works have been completed, with the remaining ₹700 crore scheduled for completion by 2025.
Major initiatives include setting up permanent cargo terminals at Pandu, Jogighopa, Dhubri, Bogibeel, Karimganj, and Badarpur; new approach roads to Pandu Port; heritage restoration works in Dibrugarh; and the development of tourist jetties worth ₹299 crore.
Additionally, 85 community jetties will be built across the Northeast to boost local trade and connectivity. To ensure uninterrupted navigation on major river routes, the government will deploy 10 amphibian and cutter section dredgers at an investment of ₹610 crore.
A fleet of 100 modern barges operated by German logistics major Rhenus is also expected to become operational on National Waterways 2 and 16 by 2025, significantly enhancing cargo movement across Assam and neighbouring states.
Kaladan Project to be Operational by 2027
Providing an update on the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) — a crucial link connecting India’s Northeast with Myanmar — Sonowal said the project would be fully operational by 2027.
“This strategic initiative, born out of the India-Myanmar Friendship Treaty, will provide the Northeast with direct and shorter access to international sea routes. It will unlock new trade opportunities for Northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar, strengthening regional ties with Southeast Asia,” he said.
The Kaladan corridor connects Sittwe Port in Myanmar to Paletwa via an inland waterway, and from Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram by road. Goods can also move from Kolkata to Sittwe Port and onward to Teknaf Port in Bangladesh, then by road to Sabroom in Tripura, reducing transit times and logistics costs substantially.
Focus on Tourism and Urban Transport
In a bid to boost regional tourism, the government plans to develop tourism and cargo jetties at Silghat, Neamati, Biswanath Ghat, and Guijan with an investment of ₹300 crore. Water Metro projects for modern urban transport have also been proposed for Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh, with feasibility studies already completed.
Lighthouses will be installed at Pandu, Tezpur, Biswanath, and Bogibeel, equipped with IMD units to provide local weather forecasts. These will be supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Sonowal said, “These projects reflect our commitment to transform the Northeast into a vibrant hub for waterways-based trade, tourism, and employment. This is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas — ensuring inclusive growth and development for all.”
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MIL-OSI Russia: Sanya’s Qianguqing Park Expands Range of Interactive Programs for Russian Tourists
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HAIKOU, July 7 (Xinhua) — A preliminary familiarization tour of the “Qianguqing Carnival” was held recently at the major Qianguqing (Millennium Romance) theme park in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, during which Russian tourists were offered various interactive activities.
According to the park’s representative, Huang Jia, Russian tourists were taught Chinese idioms, introduced to China’s intangible cultural heritage, and involved in traditional folk dances. This initiative helped to effectively overcome language and cultural barriers, allowing Russian guests to visually and deeply become acquainted with the charm of traditional Chinese culture and the distinctive color of Hainan Province.
According to the data, following the results of the first 5 months of this year, Russian tourists were consistently leading in number among foreign guests of Sanya, demonstrating a trend towards a younger contingent. Moreover, almost 80% of travelers from Russia stayed in the city for more than four days. At the same time, Russians traditionally make up the main category of foreign visitors to the Qianguqing theme park, the number of visits to which has been rapidly growing in recent years.
According to Huang Jia, in order to deepen international cultural exchanges, expand overseas markets and improve service quality, the park has installed signs in Russian, trained guides fluent in Chinese and Russian, and invited Russian artists to participate in performances. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic at INNOPROM-2025: Technologies of the Future Are Already Here
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On July 7, the INNOPROM-2025 exhibition opened in Yekaterinburg. This is the main industrial exhibition of Russia and one of the key platforms in Eurasia for presenting high-tech solutions, concluding international contracts and exchanging experience between industry leaders. INNOPROM-2025 will cover key industries, including automation, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, materials production, urban technologies and the IT sector.
More than 1,000 companies from Russia, the Middle East, Europe and Asia will present their products on an exhibition area of 50 thousand square meters. In total, over 47 thousand participants from 60 countries are expected at INNOPROM-2025, including representatives of 11 thousand organizations and companies.
“I am glad to welcome you to the anniversary XV International Industrial Exhibition INNOPROM! The main theme of INNOPROM-2025 — “Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough” — is fully revealed in the business and exhibition program of the exhibition. And almost every thematic track of the exhibition — be it the development and application of advanced digital and production technologies or effective educational solutions for training a new generation of engineering personnel — corresponds to one or another scientific and technological or practice-oriented educational area of activity of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, — says Rector of SPbPU, Chairman of the SPbB RAS Andrey Rudskoy. — I am convinced that INNOPROM-2025 will become an effective platform for uniting sites for demonstration, interaction, as well as effective business communications with potential customers and investors. The stand of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is open for constructive dialogue and interaction with all interested participants and partners who are ready, like our university, to actively participate in the implementation of the action program to achieve technological leadership in Russia.”
Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University presents more than ten advanced developments at the exhibition, which not only demonstrate the level of the engineering school of Russia, but are also ready for implementation in key areas of industry. These are not prototypes “for the future”, but ready-made solutions for the present.
“Zhuchok” – a transport platform for wheelchairs
A distinctive feature is that any wheelchair can enter the platform: both electric and mechanical. This allows the platform to be rented on popular tourist routes or beaches, increasing their accessibility for people with disabilities. Equipped with a unique rubber track, which has no analogues in Russia.
Industrial cartridge – an effective barrier for protecting urban waters
FOPS filters purify wastewater, turning sewer manholes into eco-stations. The development is entirely Russian and has already been tested in megacities. The solution is scalable and relevant for all urbanized areas. FOPS filters are not thrown away after cleaning, but are included in the composition of nutrient substrates. The new technology closes the ecological cycle, reduces waste and makes agriculture “greener”. The key idea: to use what others throw away.
Lithium-ion module with smart balancing
Module for electric vehicles and new generation equipment. Up to 1500 W/kg of power in a compact case. Most of the components are domestically produced, the rest can be replaced in the near future.
“Nomad” – mobile laser welder
Mobile laser cladding complex created in the Research Laboratory “LiAT” of the Institute of Metallurgy and Metallurgy of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The Nomad is designed to restore and modify the surfaces of large-sized and special products using laser cladding. After transportation, the start-up and adjustment time is up to 30 minutes. The laboratory specialists designed the complex to carry out projects to repair components of domestic and imported gas turbine engines. This technology allows applying layers of material to a substrate or a finished product. Metal powders and wires can be used as raw materials. The main feature of the MK is its compactness and the ability to move to the work site, which is convenient for repairing large-sized products.
Also on the stand you can see nozzle assemblies after restoration repairs using the laser gas-powder surfacing method, working and nozzle blades, welded joints formed using the laser and hybrid laser-arc welding method, and much more.
New generation unmanned aerial vehicle “Snegir-2”
The Snegir electric UAV family is a line of multifunctional unmanned vehicles developed by specialists from the Experimental Design Bureau of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”. In 2023, the Snegir-1 UAV was created on an initiative basis in just five months, and in 2024–2025, the Snegir-1.5 and Snegir-2 modifications with increased take-off weight and flight range were developed on its basis.
The new generation UAV Snegir-2 presented at the Polytechnic stand has increased stability due to an improved control system, and is also equipped with an innovative modular system of interchangeable components, which allows the device to be quickly adapted to perform various tasks.
The SPbPU stand showcased developments of the Polymer Composite Materials laboratory of the SPbPU Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering”, including demonstrators of overprinting and induction welding technologies for thermoplastic composite materials, as well as automated laying out of thermoplastic unidirectional prepregs. These solutions were highly praised by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko at the XI International Forum of Technological Development “Technoprom” in 2024.
Innovative materials and products are presented for the first time: ASM PEEK C140UD toupreg for automated production of highly loaded composite structures, a bracket made of ASM PEEK-C285S-P based on a thermoplastic consolidated plate made of superstructural polyetheretherketone, as well as ASM PEEK-3K filament for 3D printing based on continuous carbon fiber. The production technologies of the materials were developed by engineers of the Polymer Composite Materials laboratory of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” of SPbPU in the interests of JSC Prepreg-SKM (part of Rosatom Composite Technologies), and samples of the materials were manufactured by an enterprise of the composite division of the State Corporation specifically for the INNOPROM-2025 exhibition.
Oil products in water sensor
The use of the sensor allows determining the concentration of impurities in real time. Analogues allow determining the presence and concentration of impurities only in samples taken at specified time intervals. When creating the sensor, digital design technologies, additive technologies, development of proprietary image processing algorithms, and microcontroller programming were used.
“ARCitech” – industrial 3D metal printing
An open-type installation designed for electric arc growing of large-sized metal products. The technological process allows achieving record high speeds of product production (for aluminum alloys (Al) — 2.2 kg/hour, for Fe — 6 kg/hour).
“The Cable of Life” is a story that has become a symbol of heroism
An exhibit from the SPbPU History Museum is an engineering solution that saved Leningrad during the siege. A fragment of a high-voltage cable that was laid along the bottom of Lake Ladoga to provide Leningrad during the siege with electricity from the restored Volkhov Hydroelectric Power Station. It is named by analogy with the “Road of Life”.
There is also an active business program at the Polytechnic stand. On the first day of the exhibition, negotiations were held with representatives of the Industrial Cluster of the Republic of Tatarstan. They were attended by the Scientific Secretary of SPbPU Dmitry Karpov, Chairman of the Board of the Cluster Sergey Mayorov, Member of the Board Aidar Gimadeev, Member of the Board Pavel Loginov, Member of the Board Ilnar Zakirov.
The Tatarstan Industrial Cluster is an association of enterprises and organizations created to develop industrial production and increase its competitiveness. Founded in 2010, the cluster today includes more than 1,000 enterprises operating in various industries. The goal of the cluster is to develop the republic’s economy through the development of production and increasing the competitiveness of industrial enterprises. The partners discussed promising options for cooperation that can be implemented in joint educational projects. They are aimed at improving production technologies, creating new products and services, and improving the qualifications of personnel.
Another delegation represented the Moscow Government. The prospects for cooperation and interaction with the Polytechnic were discussed by the Scientific Secretary of SPbPU Dmitry Karpov, the Head of the Department for the Development of International Cooperation of the Department of Foreign Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow Elena Tikhonova and the Head of the Department of International Relations Anastasia Sibileva. The discussion focused on joint events within the framework of the upcoming BRICS municipal forum.
Ilya Kobykhno, Head of the Laboratory of Polymer Composite Materials of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”, spoke at the session “Thermoplasts – New Materials for Industry”, during which the participants discussed the prospects for the development of the thermoplastic composites market in key areas of industry, as well as the impact of new materials on the competitiveness of the final product.
The speaker presented advanced developments created for the Rosatom State Corporation and Rostec enterprises, including demonstrators of overprinting and induction welding technologies for thermoplastic composite materials, as well as automated laying of thermoplastic unidirectional prepregs. Let us recall that these solutions were highly praised by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko at the XI International Technological Development Forum Technoprom in 2024.
Ilya Kobykhno also spoke about the creation of innovative materials and products jointly with Prepreg-SKM JSC (part of Rosatom Composite Technologies) and BI PITRON LLC: ASM REEK C140UD toupreg for automated production of highly loaded structures, a bracket made of ASM REEK-C285S-P based on a thermoplastic consolidated plate made of superstructural polyetheretherketone, as well as ASM REEK-3K filament for 3D printing based on continuous carbon fiber. These exhibits are presented at the SPbPU stand as part of the INNOPROM exhibition program.
In conclusion of his speech, the speaker emphasized that further development and application of the integrated technology for producing composite structures using the overprinting method for manufacturing products, including aviation equipment, will be carried out within the framework of the key scientific and technological development area of SPbPU “System Digital Engineering”.
This was the first day of the Polytechnic University at the INNOPROM-2025 exhibition. Follow the work of SPbPU in Yekaterinburg on our website.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Cooperation between Jilin Province and Primorsky Krai yields fruitful results
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) — A thrilling kickboxing match between 12-year-old Sergey from Primorsky Krai and a local athlete took place at the Changchun Sports Complex in northeast China’s Jilin Province on Thursday. After the final bell, the young fighters exchanged friendly hugs, showing respect for each other.
The fight was part of the martial arts festival “Youth and Martial Arts,” which brought together more than 240 young participants. Most of the Russian athletes represented Primorsky Krai, which borders Jilin Province.
In 1990, the city of Nakhodka in Primorsky Krai and the city of Jilin in Jilin Province became sister cities. Over the years, youth exchanges have been ongoing between the regions, and practical cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, logistics and tourism has been actively developing, yielding fruitful results.
This strong connection is especially noticeable in the border city of Hunchun in Jilin province. Russians can be seen on the streets everywhere, browsing Chinese goods at local shops. And local traders at night markets call out to customers in Russian with a slight northeastern accent.
Since the beginning of June, Zhou Yajuan, a tour guide at the Yutong International Travel Agency in Hunchun, has been receiving an average of over 200 Russian tourists a day. She said that most of them come from Primorsky Krai in groups for dental treatment and to get acquainted with traditional Chinese medicine, and their program is very busy.
At the Aizu Tang Chinese Medicine Center in Hunchun, Han Shimin receives over a thousand Russian guests every year. Certificates of appreciation in Russian hang on the walls of his office.
Over the past 35 years, economic cooperation between the regions has reached new heights. Every morning, refrigerated trucks loaded with Kamchatka crabs from Russia cross the Hunchun checkpoint and enter China. Sea corridors linking Hunchun via the Russian port of Zarubino with the Chinese ports of Ningbo, Shanghai and Qingdao have turned Jilin Province into a “city of seafood delicacies.” The Changchun-Hunchun-Europe freight train route passes through Primorsky Krai, closely linking the hinterland of Northeast China with the European continent. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI Africa: Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lesley Green, Professor of Earth Politics and Director: Environmental Humanities South, University of Cape Town
Urban water bodies – rivers, lakes and oceans – are in trouble globally. Large sewage volumes damage the open environment, and new chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds don’t break down on their own. When they are released into the open environment, they build up in living tissues all along the food chain, bringing with them multiple health risks.
The city of Cape Town, South Africa, is no exception. It has 300km of coastline along two bays and a peninsula, as well as multiple rivers and wetlands. The city discharges more than 40 megalitres of raw sewage directly into the Atlantic Ocean every day. In addition, large volumes of poorly treated sewage and runoff from shack settlements enter rivers and from there into both the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans.
Over almost a decade, our multi-disciplinary team, and others, have studied contamination risks in Cape Town’s oceans, rivers, aquifers and lakes. Our goal has been to bring evidence of contaminants to the attention of officials responsible for a clean environment.
Monitoring sewage levels in the city’s water bodies is essential because of the health risks posed by contaminated water to all citizens – farmers, surfers, and everybody eating fish and vegetables. Monitoring needs to be done scientifically and in a way that produces data that is trustworthy and not driven by vested interests. This is a challenge in cities where scientific findings are expected to support marketing of tourism or excellence of the political administration.
Our research findings have been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. We have also communicated with the public through articles in the media, a website and a documentary.
Cape Town’s official municipal responses to independent studies and reports, however, have been hostile. Our work has been unjustifiably denounced by top city officials and politicians. We have been subject to attacks by fake social media avatars. Laboratory studies have even received a demand for an apology from the political party in charge of the city.
These extraordinary responses – and many others – reflect the extent to which independent scientific inquiry has been under attack.
We set about tracking the different kinds of denial and attacks on independent contaminant science in Cape Town over 11 years. Our recently published study describes 18 different types of science communication that have minimised or denied the problem of contamination. It builds on similar studies elsewhere.
Our findings show the extent to which contaminant science in Cape Town is at risk of producing not public knowledge but public ignorance, reflecting similar patterns internationally where science communication sometimes obfuscates more than it informs. To address this risk, we argue that institutionalised conflicts of interest should be removed. There should also be changes to how city-funded testing is done and when data is released to citizens. After all, it is citizens’ rates and taxes that have paid for that testing, and the South African constitution guarantees the right to information.
We also propose that the city’s political leaders take the courageous step of accepting that the current water treatment infrastructure is unworkable for a city of over 5 million people. Accepting this would open the door to an overhaul of the city’s approach to wastewater treatment.
The way forward
We divided our study of contaminant communication events into four sub-categories:
-
non-disclosure of data
-
misinformation that gives a partial or misleading account of a scientific finding
-
using city-funded science to bolster political authority
-
relying on point data collected fortnightly to prove “the truth” of bodies of water as if it never moves or changes, when in reality, water bodies move every second of every day.
We found evidence of multiple instances of miscommunication. On the basis of these, we make specific recommendations.
First: municipalities should address conflicts of interest that are built into their organisational structure. These arise when the people responsible for ensuring that water bodies are healthy are simultaneously contracting consultants to conduct research on water contaminants. This is particularly important because over the last two decades large consultancies have established themselves as providers of scientific certification. But they are profit-making ventures, which calls into question the independence of their findings.
Second: the issue of data release needs to be addressed. Two particular problems stand out:
-
Real-time information. Water quality results for beaches are usually released a week or more after samples have been taken. But because water moves all the time every day, people living in the city need real-time information. Best-practice water contamination measures use water current models to predict where contaminated water will be, given each day’s different winds and temperatures.
-
Poor and incomplete data. When ocean contaminant data is released as a 12-month rolling average, all the very high values are smoothed out. The end result is a figure that does not communicate the reality of risks under different conditions.
Third: Politicians should be accountable for their public statements on science. Independent and authoritative scientific bodies, such as the Academy of Science of South Africa, should be empowered to audit municipal science communications.
Fourth: Reputational harm to the science community must stop. Government officials claiming that they alone know a scientific truth and denouncing independent scientists with other data closes down the culture of scientific inquiry. And it silences others.
Fifth: The integrity of scientific findings needs to be protected. Many cities, including Cape Town, rely on corporate brand management and political reputation management. Nevertheless, cities, by their very nature, have to deal with sewage, wastes and runoff. Public science communication that is based on marketing strategies prioritises advancing a brand (whether of a political party or a tourist destination). The risk is that city-funded science is turned into advertising and is presented as unquestionable.
Finally, Cape Town needs political leaders who are courageous enough to confront two evident realities. Current science communications in the city are not serving the public well, and wastewater treatment systems that use rivers and oceans as open sewers are a solution designed a century ago. Both urgently need to be reconfigured.
Next steps
As a team of independent contaminant researchers we have worked alongside communities where health, ecology, livestock and recreation have been profoundly harmed by ongoing contamination. We have documented these effects, only to hear the evidence denied by officials.
We recognise and value the beginnings of some new steps to data transparency in Cape Town’s mayoral office, like rescinding the 2021 by-law that banned independent scientific testing of open water bodies, almost all of which are classified as nature reserves.
We would welcome a dialogue on building strong and credible public science communications.
This study is dedicated to the memory of Mpharu Hloyi, head of Scientific Services in the City of Cape Town, in acknowledgement of her dedication to the health of urban bodies of water. Her untimely passing was a loss for all.
This article also drew on Masters theses written by Melissa Zackon and Amy Beukes.
– Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public
– https://theconversation.com/cape-towns-sewage-treatment-isnt-coping-scientists-are-worried-about-what-the-city-is-telling-the-public-260317 -
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MIL-Evening Report: Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lesley Green, Professor of Earth Politics and Director: Environmental Humanities South, University of Cape Town
Urban water bodies – rivers, lakes and oceans – are in trouble globally. Large sewage volumes damage the open environment, and new chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds don’t break down on their own. When they are released into the open environment, they build up in living tissues all along the food chain, bringing with them multiple health risks.
The city of Cape Town, South Africa, is no exception. It has 300km of coastline along two bays and a peninsula, as well as multiple rivers and wetlands. The city discharges more than 40 megalitres of raw sewage directly into the Atlantic Ocean every day. In addition, large volumes of poorly treated sewage and runoff from shack settlements enter rivers and from there into both the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans.
Over almost a decade, our multi-disciplinary team, and others, have studied contamination risks in Cape Town’s oceans, rivers, aquifers and lakes. Our goal has been to bring evidence of contaminants to the attention of officials responsible for a clean environment.
Monitoring sewage levels in the city’s water bodies is essential because of the health risks posed by contaminated water to all citizens – farmers, surfers, and everybody eating fish and vegetables. Monitoring needs to be done scientifically and in a way that produces data that is trustworthy and not driven by vested interests. This is a challenge in cities where scientific findings are expected to support marketing of tourism or excellence of the political administration.
Our research findings have been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. We have also communicated with the public through articles in the media, a website and a documentary.
Cape Town’s official municipal responses to independent studies and reports, however, have been hostile. Our work has been unjustifiably denounced by top city officials and politicians. We have been subject to attacks by fake social media avatars. Laboratory studies have even received a demand for an apology from the political party in charge of the city.
These extraordinary responses – and many others – reflect the extent to which independent scientific inquiry has been under attack.
We set about tracking the different kinds of denial and attacks on independent contaminant science in Cape Town over 11 years. Our recently published study describes 18 different types of science communication that have minimised or denied the problem of contamination. It builds on similar studies elsewhere.
Our findings show the extent to which contaminant science in Cape Town is at risk of producing not public knowledge but public ignorance, reflecting similar patterns internationally where science communication sometimes obfuscates more than it informs. To address this risk, we argue that institutionalised conflicts of interest should be removed. There should also be changes to how city-funded testing is done and when data is released to citizens. After all, it is citizens’ rates and taxes that have paid for that testing, and the South African constitution guarantees the right to information.
We also propose that the city’s political leaders take the courageous step of accepting that the current water treatment infrastructure is unworkable for a city of over 5 million people. Accepting this would open the door to an overhaul of the city’s approach to wastewater treatment.
The way forward
We divided our study of contaminant communication events into four sub-categories:
-
non-disclosure of data
-
misinformation that gives a partial or misleading account of a scientific finding
-
using city-funded science to bolster political authority
-
relying on point data collected fortnightly to prove “the truth” of bodies of water as if it never moves or changes, when in reality, water bodies move every second of every day.
We found evidence of multiple instances of miscommunication. On the basis of these, we make specific recommendations.
First: municipalities should address conflicts of interest that are built into their organisational structure. These arise when the people responsible for ensuring that water bodies are healthy are simultaneously contracting consultants to conduct research on water contaminants. This is particularly important because over the last two decades large consultancies have established themselves as providers of scientific certification. But they are profit-making ventures, which calls into question the independence of their findings.
Second: the issue of data release needs to be addressed. Two particular problems stand out:
-
Real-time information. Water quality results for beaches are usually released a week or more after samples have been taken. But because water moves all the time every day, people living in the city need real-time information. Best-practice water contamination measures use water current models to predict where contaminated water will be, given each day’s different winds and temperatures.
-
Poor and incomplete data. When ocean contaminant data is released as a 12-month rolling average, all the very high values are smoothed out. The end result is a figure that does not communicate the reality of risks under different conditions.
Third: Politicians should be accountable for their public statements on science. Independent and authoritative scientific bodies, such as the Academy of Science of South Africa, should be empowered to audit municipal science communications.
Fourth: Reputational harm to the science community must stop. Government officials claiming that they alone know a scientific truth and denouncing independent scientists with other data closes down the culture of scientific inquiry. And it silences others.
Fifth: The integrity of scientific findings needs to be protected. Many cities, including Cape Town, rely on corporate brand management and political reputation management. Nevertheless, cities, by their very nature, have to deal with sewage, wastes and runoff. Public science communication that is based on marketing strategies prioritises advancing a brand (whether of a political party or a tourist destination). The risk is that city-funded science is turned into advertising and is presented as unquestionable.
Finally, Cape Town needs political leaders who are courageous enough to confront two evident realities. Current science communications in the city are not serving the public well, and wastewater treatment systems that use rivers and oceans as open sewers are a solution designed a century ago. Both urgently need to be reconfigured.
Next steps
As a team of independent contaminant researchers we have worked alongside communities where health, ecology, livestock and recreation have been profoundly harmed by ongoing contamination. We have documented these effects, only to hear the evidence denied by officials.
We recognise and value the beginnings of some new steps to data transparency in Cape Town’s mayoral office, like rescinding the 2021 by-law that banned independent scientific testing of open water bodies, almost all of which are classified as nature reserves.
We would welcome a dialogue on building strong and credible public science communications.
This study is dedicated to the memory of Mpharu Hloyi, head of Scientific Services in the City of Cape Town, in acknowledgement of her dedication to the health of urban bodies of water. Her untimely passing was a loss for all.
This article also drew on Masters theses written by Melissa Zackon and Amy Beukes.
Lesley Green has received funding from the Science for Africa Foundation; the Seed Box MISTRA Formas Environmental Humanities Collaboratory; and the Science For Africa Foundation’s DELTAS Africa II program (Del:22-010).
Cecilia Yejide Ojemaye receives funding from the University of Cape Town Carnegie DEAL Sustainable Development Goals Research Fellowship and the National Research Foundation for the SanOcean grant from the South Africa‐Norway Cooperation on Ocean Research (UID 118754).
Leslie Petrik received funding from National Research Foundation for the SanOcean grant from the South Africa‐Norway Cooperation on Ocean Research (UID 118754) for this study.
Nikiwe Solomon received funding at different stages for PhD research from the Water Research Commission (WRC) and National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), in collaboration with the South African Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA). Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at are those of the author and are not necessarily to be attributed to the WRC, NIHSS and SAHUDA.
Jo Barnes and Vanessa Farr do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public – https://theconversation.com/cape-towns-sewage-treatment-isnt-coping-scientists-are-worried-about-what-the-city-is-telling-the-public-260317
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MIL-OSI Analysis: Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lesley Green, Professor of Earth Politics and Director: Environmental Humanities South, University of Cape Town
Urban water bodies – rivers, lakes and oceans – are in trouble globally. Large sewage volumes damage the open environment, and new chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds don’t break down on their own. When they are released into the open environment, they build up in living tissues all along the food chain, bringing with them multiple health risks.
The city of Cape Town, South Africa, is no exception. It has 300km of coastline along two bays and a peninsula, as well as multiple rivers and wetlands. The city discharges more than 40 megalitres of raw sewage directly into the Atlantic Ocean every day. In addition, large volumes of poorly treated sewage and runoff from shack settlements enter rivers and from there into both the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans.
Over almost a decade, our multi-disciplinary team, and others, have studied contamination risks in Cape Town’s oceans, rivers, aquifers and lakes. Our goal has been to bring evidence of contaminants to the attention of officials responsible for a clean environment.
Monitoring sewage levels in the city’s water bodies is essential because of the health risks posed by contaminated water to all citizens – farmers, surfers, and everybody eating fish and vegetables. Monitoring needs to be done scientifically and in a way that produces data that is trustworthy and not driven by vested interests. This is a challenge in cities where scientific findings are expected to support marketing of tourism or excellence of the political administration.
Our research findings have been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. We have also communicated with the public through articles in the media, a website and a documentary.
Cape Town’s official municipal responses to independent studies and reports, however, have been hostile. Our work has been unjustifiably denounced by top city officials and politicians. We have been subject to attacks by fake social media avatars. Laboratory studies have even received a demand for an apology from the political party in charge of the city.
These extraordinary responses – and many others – reflect the extent to which independent scientific inquiry has been under attack.
We set about tracking the different kinds of denial and attacks on independent contaminant science in Cape Town over 11 years. Our recently published study describes 18 different types of science communication that have minimised or denied the problem of contamination. It builds on similar studies elsewhere.
Our findings show the extent to which contaminant science in Cape Town is at risk of producing not public knowledge but public ignorance, reflecting similar patterns internationally where science communication sometimes obfuscates more than it informs. To address this risk, we argue that institutionalised conflicts of interest should be removed. There should also be changes to how city-funded testing is done and when data is released to citizens. After all, it is citizens’ rates and taxes that have paid for that testing, and the South African constitution guarantees the right to information.
We also propose that the city’s political leaders take the courageous step of accepting that the current water treatment infrastructure is unworkable for a city of over 5 million people. Accepting this would open the door to an overhaul of the city’s approach to wastewater treatment.
The way forward
We divided our study of contaminant communication events into four sub-categories:
-
non-disclosure of data
-
misinformation that gives a partial or misleading account of a scientific finding
-
using city-funded science to bolster political authority
-
relying on point data collected fortnightly to prove “the truth” of bodies of water as if it never moves or changes, when in reality, water bodies move every second of every day.
We found evidence of multiple instances of miscommunication. On the basis of these, we make specific recommendations.
First: municipalities should address conflicts of interest that are built into their organisational structure. These arise when the people responsible for ensuring that water bodies are healthy are simultaneously contracting consultants to conduct research on water contaminants. This is particularly important because over the last two decades large consultancies have established themselves as providers of scientific certification. But they are profit-making ventures, which calls into question the independence of their findings.
Second: the issue of data release needs to be addressed. Two particular problems stand out:
-
Real-time information. Water quality results for beaches are usually released a week or more after samples have been taken. But because water moves all the time every day, people living in the city need real-time information. Best-practice water contamination measures use water current models to predict where contaminated water will be, given each day’s different winds and temperatures.
-
Poor and incomplete data. When ocean contaminant data is released as a 12-month rolling average, all the very high values are smoothed out. The end result is a figure that does not communicate the reality of risks under different conditions.
Third: Politicians should be accountable for their public statements on science. Independent and authoritative scientific bodies, such as the Academy of Science of South Africa, should be empowered to audit municipal science communications.
Fourth: Reputational harm to the science community must stop. Government officials claiming that they alone know a scientific truth and denouncing independent scientists with other data closes down the culture of scientific inquiry. And it silences others.
Fifth: The integrity of scientific findings needs to be protected. Many cities, including Cape Town, rely on corporate brand management and political reputation management. Nevertheless, cities, by their very nature, have to deal with sewage, wastes and runoff. Public science communication that is based on marketing strategies prioritises advancing a brand (whether of a political party or a tourist destination). The risk is that city-funded science is turned into advertising and is presented as unquestionable.
Finally, Cape Town needs political leaders who are courageous enough to confront two evident realities. Current science communications in the city are not serving the public well, and wastewater treatment systems that use rivers and oceans as open sewers are a solution designed a century ago. Both urgently need to be reconfigured.
Next steps
As a team of independent contaminant researchers we have worked alongside communities where health, ecology, livestock and recreation have been profoundly harmed by ongoing contamination. We have documented these effects, only to hear the evidence denied by officials.
We recognise and value the beginnings of some new steps to data transparency in Cape Town’s mayoral office, like rescinding the 2021 by-law that banned independent scientific testing of open water bodies, almost all of which are classified as nature reserves.
We would welcome a dialogue on building strong and credible public science communications.
This study is dedicated to the memory of Mpharu Hloyi, head of Scientific Services in the City of Cape Town, in acknowledgement of her dedication to the health of urban bodies of water. Her untimely passing was a loss for all.
This article also drew on Masters theses written by Melissa Zackon and Amy Beukes.
Lesley Green has received funding from the Science for Africa Foundation; the Seed Box MISTRA Formas Environmental Humanities Collaboratory; and the Science For Africa Foundation’s DELTAS Africa II program (Del:22-010).
Cecilia Yejide Ojemaye receives funding from the University of Cape Town Carnegie DEAL Sustainable Development Goals Research Fellowship and the National Research Foundation for the SanOcean grant from the South Africa‐Norway Cooperation on Ocean Research (UID 118754).
Leslie Petrik received funding from National Research Foundation for the SanOcean grant from the South Africa‐Norway Cooperation on Ocean Research (UID 118754) for this study.
Nikiwe Solomon received funding at different stages for PhD research from the Water Research Commission (WRC) and National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), in collaboration with the South African Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA). Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at are those of the author and are not necessarily to be attributed to the WRC, NIHSS and SAHUDA.
Jo Barnes and Vanessa Farr do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public – https://theconversation.com/cape-towns-sewage-treatment-isnt-coping-scientists-are-worried-about-what-the-city-is-telling-the-public-260317
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