An initiative to improve healthy marine life and ecosystems of wetland areas, by ensuring the flow of fresh and sea water in wetland areas, as a way of preventing pollution, has resulted in signs of recovery of the Baie Ternay wetland in the western part of the main island of Mahe. The rehabilitation works, aimed at diversifying the freshwater marsh ecosystem by reopening channels, improving the flow and exchange of salt and freshwater, and creating additional habitats for various species to thrive, have been completed after four months. Part of the government of Seychelles-GEF-UNDP «A Ridge to Reef Approach for the Integrated Management of Marine, Coastal, and Terrestrial Ecosystems in Seychelles» project, the rehabilitation work aims at improving the overall condition of the Baie Ternay Marine National Park. «The wetland area was not healthy because it had only one dominant species, and that is a clear indication that the area is not a healthy habitat.  There were also signs of low oxygen levels in the water, hypoxic water, in some areas in the marsh, which posed a major threat to the wildlife in the marsh,» explained Didier Dogley, the consultant overseeing the project, and also former environment minister. Under Dogley's guidance, a 6,000-square-meter wetland section underwent rehabilitation work.  «Projects like these are easy to plan on paper, but the final product needs to be adapted as you do the work. For instance, we had thought the wetland area would be flat, but with Cap Ternay, it was different,» added Dogley. Preliminary hydrological studies conducted before the project began also indicated that the water in the area was partially polluted, suggesting that it was not flushing out correctly. To tackle this issue, a 160-metre channel was dug to facilitate proper water circulation between the hills and the sea. Additionally, ferns were cleared to create more space for better water flow. The channel installed to facilitate proper circulation. (Programme & Development Coordination Section) Photo License: All Rights Reserved  Speaking on behalf of the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), a partner that facilitated the project, Nassirah Dorby said, «As the area falls under the Baie Ternay Marine National Park, we ensured compliance with our laws and regulations. The project has proceeded smoothly and aligns well with SPGA's conservation efforts.» The Baie Ternay Marine National Park is situated on the northwestern coast of Mahe in the Port Glaud district and borders the Morne Seychellois National Park. The park is a living national treasure containing an array of ecosystems, from wetlands, seagrass beds, mud flats, rocky shores, and coral reefs. Designated as a marine national park in June 1979, Baie Ternay also has one of the largest shallow seagrass beds on Mahe – the main island of Seychelles' archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. The seagrass beds act as a nursery for many species, including squid, a staple food for many fish, and a favourite resting place for the feathertail stingray. Other species that can be found in the park include lemon sharks, sea anemone fish, whale sharks, and pearl bubble coral. The next phase of rehabilitation involves replanting the coastal marsh area with native and endemic plants. In collaboration with the Seychelles Prison Services, an additional 6,000 square metres of ferns in and around the mangrove are expected to be cleared, creating better conditions for the reproduction, harvesting, and propagation of new mangrove seedlings. According to Dogley, the fruits of the project's labour are already evident, with various marine life emerging within the wetland area, signalling the positive impact of rehabilitation efforts. 

[New Times] Prof. Penina Uwimbabazi is the only candidate contesting to represent private institutions of higher learning - also called higher learning institutions (HLIs) - in Rwanda's senatorial elections scheduled for September, according to a list of approved aspirants that was published by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), on August 17.

[New Times] The Cabinet, on August 23, approved Rwanda Industrial Policy which the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) indicated aims to contribute to Rwanda's Vision 2050 by accelerating the structural transformation of the country and enabling the development of a competitive and export-oriented private sector.

[Trafigura] The first shipment of copper destined for the United States left the Port of Lobito, Angola this week loaded onto the MSC SAMU container vessel. This follows a number of shipments of copper to ports in Europe and the Far East since the Lobito Atlantic Railway took over the concession in January of this year.

[Vanguard] Nollywood actress and producer Sharon Okpamen died Sunday, almost one month after welcoming her second child.

[RFI] Mali's military-led government has suspended broadcasting by French private news channel LCI on its territory for two months, alleging «false accusations» were made on air against the army and its Russian allies.

[allAfrica]

Malawi Law Society (MLS) is visibly and audibly not looking good on the appointment of Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda as a Senior Counsel. The society is playing double standards and pathetically stabbing itself in the back—if unfolding events are anything to go by. What we know is that, three days ago, the Solicitor General […] The post Is Malawi Law Society just blocking AG Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda from being appointed as a Senior Council? appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Down and out FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have come guns blazing, saying they will formally complain to Confederation of African Football (Caf) over the manner in which Libyan referee Elmabrouk Mohammed officiated their Caf Champions League second leg preliminary round match against Red Arrows at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia. Bullets were booted out […] The post Defeated Bullets cry foul: Says Libyan referee was bias, to complain to CAF appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Apolisi ku Nathenje, Lilongwe amanga mayi wa zaka 25 a Ivy Elinati komanso mamuna wake wa zakanso 25, a Mphatso Nalinde, powaganizira kuti adapotokola khosi nkupheratu, mwana wawo wa zaka ziwiri pofuna kukhwima kuti alemere. Mneneri wa polisi ku Lilongwe a Hastings Chigalu ati a Elinati ndi mayi wa mwanayo ndipo a Nalinde anali bambo […] The post Amangidwa popotokola khosi la mwana wawo pofuna kukhwima kuti alemere appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

What happens when a diner in front of you orders 30 plates of chicken rice? Well, one National University of Singapore (NUS) student who found herself in this situation had to give up on her order, she said in response to a vox pop question posed by HeyKaki on the problems brought about by the influx of tourists, one which has disrupted life on the campus.  That student shared that she was queueing at one of the school's canteen then.  «[The hawker] said they didn't have enough rice... They had enough chicken, but not rice,» she lamented. In HeyKaki's TikTok video posted on Friday (Aug 23), some of the eight NUS students interviewed bemoaned issues such as tourists squeezing onto campus shuttle buses, and packed school canteens. https://www.tiktok.com/@heykaki.sg/video/7406138101858323728?_r=1&_t=8p9s1jT9VEC One the other hand, another respondent said the high visitor traffic does not affect her: «I'm just like, 'Oh wow'. NUS is a normal thing to me, but people take it as a tourist spot.»

The early bird gets the worm — or maybe not. Tissue paper, rocks, and plastic bags were among those 'patiently' waiting in line for rescued food at Block 112 Bishan Street 12 on Friday (Aug 23). Taking to Facebook that night, the food rescue initiative's organisers Bishan East Zone 1 Residents' Network thanked residents for their overwhelming support. «We appreciate the early bird zeal in queuing up for restocks in good orderliness & neighbourliness,» they said. However, the residents' network emphasized that «only physical human queues are accepted» as they shared a photo showing a line of items, mostly plastic bags which were held down by stones, in the queue. «Creative 'chope-ing' by objects is strictly prohibited.» All items on the floor are considered as litter and will be cleared or confiscated, they added. «We seek your understanding and co-operation in maintaining a pleasant and harmonious food rescue experience for all.»

SINGAPORE — Opposition leader and Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh made a bid on Aug 26 to have his upcoming trial transferred to the High Court, citing the case of former transport minister S. Iswaran. Singh, 48, faces two charges of lying to a parliamentary committee that was convened in November 2021 to look into the lying controversy involving his party's former MP Raeesah Khan. A 16-day trial in the State Courts has been scheduled to take place between Oct 14 and Nov 13. The trial is slated to be presided over by Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan. On Aug 26, Singh's lawyer, Andre Jumabhoy, made arguments to High Court Judge Hoo Sheau Peng in a bid to have the case transferred to the High Court. He argued that it was «expedient for the ends of justice» for his client's case to be heard by the High Court. Jumabhoy referred to the case of Iswaran, whose trial was transferred to be heard in the High Court on the application of the prosecution.

WATCH: Wolves 2-6 Chelsea: Noni Madueke scores hat-trick

Mogadishu (HOL) — A former Boeing manager, Ed Pierson, now leading the Foundation for Aviation Safety, has accused Boeing of hiding critical electrical faults in its 737 MAX aircraft, contributing to the Ethiopian Airlines crash in 2019 that killed 157 people, including Somali nationals.

Mogadishu (HOL) — The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Somali Bankers Association (SBA) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a National Digital Identification system for bank customers.

France arrested Pavel Durov so it could “shut down” Telegram, Russia’s top human rights official has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Ukrainian drones struck residential buildings in Saratov Region, Russia on Monday Read Full Article at RT.com

The arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov reflects the spirit of the EU Digital Services Act, a Brussels source has told TASS Read Full Article at RT.com

The St Ann police headquarters, in conjunction with the Sandals Foundation, Great Shape Inc, and the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA) and other sponsors, catered to more than 250 people during their recent annual back-to-school health...

Education officers are being called on to foster a spirit of collaboration within schools as they prepare for the start of the 2024-2025 academic year in September. Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams made the call while addressing the...

With school scheduled to reopen in less than two weeks, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) is supporting families in Junction, Santa Cruz, Christiana, May Pen, and Mandeville with over J$1 million in back-to-school supplies and book...

Heeding the call by the government for members of the diaspora to invest in Jamaica, a group of diasporans have embarked on a project to invest almost US$90 million in a high-end villa resort in Negril, Westmoreland. Known as High Life Resort and...

If you ask Najae Murray, a 2024 Jamaican Chevening scholar, why he applied for the prestigious British government’s offering, his response would more than likely be because of “a chance encountered in a supermarket”. Last week, Murray was announced...

[The Conversation Africa] Baobabs reach extraordinarily old ages. Some have been found to be thousands of years old. During these life spans, elder baobabs have survived erratic climate conditions.

[The Conversation Africa] For more than a year maize prices in Kenya and Malawi have been much higher compared with other countries in the east and southern Africa (ESA) region.

[RFI] Mali's military-led government has suspended broadcasting by French private news channel LCI on its territory for two months, alleging «false accusations» were made on air against the army and its Russian allies.

Australia gave millions of workers the legal right to «disconnect» on Monday, allowing them to ignore unreasonable out-of-hours contact from employers, to the distress of big industry. People can now «refuse to monitor, read, or respond to» their employers' attempts to contact them outside work hours -- unless that refusal is deemed «unreasonable». The law is similar to legislation in some European and Latin American countries. Unions welcomed the legislation, saying it gave workers a way to reclaim a level of work-life balance. «Today is a historic day for working people,» said Michele O'Neil, president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions. «The union movement has won the legal right for Australians to spend quality time with their loved ones without the stress of being forced to constantly answer unreasonable work calls and emails,» she said. «Australian unions have reclaimed the right to knock off after work.» But the reforms got a cool welcome from Australian industry. «The 'right to disconnect' laws are rushed, poorly thought out and deeply confusing,» the Australian Industry Group said in a statement. «At the very least, employers and employees will now be uncertain about whether they can take or make a call out of hours to offer an extra shift,» said the country's peak industry group. The law, enacted in February, came into force for medium-sized and large companies as of Monday. Smaller companies with fewer than 15 employees will be covered from August 26, 2025. «We encourage workplace participants to educate themselves on the right to disconnect and take a commonsense approach to applying it within their workplace,» said the head of Australia's workplace relations regulator, Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth. Under the law, workers may be ordered by a tribunal to stop unreasonably refusing out-of-hours contact, and employers likewise may be ordered to stop unreasonably requiring employees to respond, it said. The question of what is reasonable will «depend on the circumstances», the Fair Work Ombudsman said in a statement. Deciding factors may include the reason for the contact, the nature of the employee's role, and their compensation for working extra hours or being available, it said. France introduced the right to disconnect in 2017, hoping to tackle the «always on» culture facilitated by smartphones and other digital devices. © Agence France-Presse

Emissions-belching nations were challenged to stump up for climate-related damage as a key Pacific islands summit opened on Monday, with low-lying Tuvalu declaring: «If you pollute, you should pay.» The Pacific Islands Forum got underway in Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa, with leaders hoping to draw global attention to the region's worsening climate plight. «We really need to ensure that we continue to push for action from countries that are the most polluting,» Tuvalu Climate Minister Maina Talia told AFP on the sidelines of the summit. «Polluter pays should be on the table.» Pacific leaders will mount a renewed push later this week for a homegrown climate adaptation fund, an idea that largely hinges on financial contributions from foreign nations. They will also push to speed the transition away from oil, gas and other highly polluting fuel sources. «We cannot address climate change without addressing the root cause, which is the fossil fuel industry,» Talia said. «It's disaster after disaster, and we are losing the capacity to rebuild, to withstand another cyclone or another flood.» That is awkward terrain for forum member Australia, a coal-mining superpower belatedly trying to burnish its green credentials. Australia wants to co-host the COP31 climate conference alongside its Pacific neighbours in 2026. But first, it must convince the bloc it is serious about slashing emissions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is making a rare appearance at the summit, in a trip designed to highlight the Pacific's myriad climate threats. «The decisions world leaders take in the coming years will determine the fate, first of Pacific Islanders, and then everyone else,» Guterres said. «If we save the Pacific, we save the world.» - Security split - Foreign dignitaries were briefly sent scuttling for cover when a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off Tonga's coast early Monday. But no major damage or injuries were reported, and no tsunami warning was issued. The summit had earlier kicked off with melodic Tongan choir singers and dancing schoolchildren in traditional dress. Beneath the bonhomie, however, rare fissures have been forming in the 18-member bloc, with Pacific nations torn over China's security ambitions in the region. «We gather at a pivotal time in our region's history,» said forum secretary Baron Waqa, a former president of Nauru. «We are at the centre of global geopolitical interest.» China's interest, specifically, was evident long before Waqa's opening speech. Large «China Aid» signs were installed outside the newly built conference venue, a $25 million gift from Beijing. The United States, meanwhile, has dispatched senior diplomat Kurt Campbell to lead its forum delegation. Campbell has been one of the key figures behind a US-led push to keep China's Pacific ambitions in check. «We need to remain vigilant on issues of regional security,» warned Waqa, who has taken a dim view of the escalating Beijing-Washington rivalry in the past. - New Caledonia crisis - The other pressing security challenge facing Pacific leaders is the unresolved crisis in French territory New Caledonia, which reared its head on opening day. «We must reach consensus on our vision for a region of peace and security,» said Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni. «We must honour the vision of our forefathers regarding self determination, including in New Caledonia.» Much of New Caledonia's ethnically Melanesian Kanak population fears that recent voting reforms put forward by Paris could crush their dreams of independence. It is a cause that resonates widely in the Pacific bloc, which is stacked with former colonies now fiercely proud of their hard-won sovereignty. The fractious topic of deep-sea mining does not sit on any official agenda, but will likely be a topic of heated debate behind closed doors. Forum host Tonga sits at the vanguard of nations eager to open up the emerging industry, joined by fellow forum members Nauru and the Cook Islands. But others such as Samoa, Palau and Fiji see it as an environmental catastrophe in the making, giving their full-throated backing to an international moratorium. © Agence France-Presse

According to the AFP, the initial period of detention for questioning can last up to 96 hours

A Reuters source told TASS earlier that the agency’s safety adviser was killed, but did not provide his name

«Rumble will not stand for this behavior and will use every legal means available to fight for freedom of expression,» Chris Pavlovski said

Apty Alaudinov noted that the enemy has been stopped and is being destroyed every day in the Kursk area

The strikes were delivered by anti-tank missiles against reconnoitered enemy targets, according to Defense Ministry

The Sept. 10 debate with ABC is the only one both campaigns have agreed to with one of the major networks.