Reef heritage vulnerability is the main theme being discussed through the Dialogue Science - Decision Makers for Integrated Management of Coastal and Marine Environment (DiDEM) project. The collaboration headed by experts from the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) has brought together experts from the University of Seychelles (UniSey), Seychelles Park and Garden Authority, institutes and universities from the region in meetings, called the Thematic School, held in Seychelles this week. The main aim is to provide doctoral and post-doctoral scientists, coral reef managers, and experts from non-governmental organisations the opportunity to share experiences, knowledge, and methods, especially about assessing the resilience of reef ecosystems. It will also help consider coral reefs as a natural heritage and build a coral social-ecological system and ultimately follow an integrated approach; bridging the final goal to put coral reef heritage as a cross-cutting body of analysis and management. Over five days, the project financed by the Monaco Expedition, will explore the concepts of resilience, vulnerability, heritage and social-ecological systems from the perspective of sustainable science.   An expert scientist from IRD, Dr Gilbert David, emphasised the importance of understanding the human aspect as part of the reef heritage and said, «You need to link human beings and resource ecosystems.» Speaking to SNA, the acting director for the Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI) at UniSey, Dr Jerome Harlay, explained that this thematic school helps. «It's important for the University of Seychelles and the Blue Economy Institute to have a network. And the regional experts that we are receiving here will help us broadcast our ideas and we will also gain knowledge from outside. We've got different islands; we've got different practices. [...] As was mentioned during one of the presentations, it's very hard to read all the literature. So sometimes we need to also convey this message by speaking to each other because it makes more of an impact,» said Harlay. One of the participants, fisheries specialist and consultant, Dr Ameer Ebrahim, said, «Such events bring great value to the country because it not only brings experts together, but we are also gaining insight into what is happening in the neighbouring countries. So far the thematic school has been very interesting, we even had an expert talking about the formation of Seychelles' different islands and the geometry of the country.» Dr Pascale Chabanet, a leading IRD scientist on Indian Ocean coral reefs, explained the importance of an interdisciplinary thematic school on coral reefs. She emphasised the need to understand reefs from both scientific and societal perspectives. «It is very important to have an interdisciplinary and multi-actor approach, including the view of the scientist as well as society. It's what we call sustainable science in IRD. If you want a sustainable solution you have to involve society,» she added. Chabanet also discussed the threats facing reefs including human pressures like pollution and climate change stresses increasing bleaching events as well as the resilience and adaptation of certain coral to cope with thermal stress.  

The party’s official stances on abortion, same-sex marriage and other contentious issues could be adjusted to reflect Trump’s latest positions.

MIKE KEEGAN: The Premier League giants have thrown their weight behind the Dutchman and are discussing a new contract, despite sounding out potential candidates.

The results contrast with those after Donald Trump's recent conviction which led to a six-point bump for the former president.

German utility Uniper has decided to terminate its gas supply contracts with Gazprom Export following an arbitration court’s ruling Read Full Article at RT.com

The president listened individually to meeting attendees after the general meeting and had separate meetings

Mogadishu (HOL) - Asal Consulting, a professional services firm focused on sustainable development in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, has appointed Mohamed Abdirizak Mohamud as its new CEO. He succeeds Rahma Ahmed, who will transition to Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Mogadishu (HOL) - The National Attorney General's Office referred 19 social media influencers to the Banadir Regional Court on Tuesday for spreading clan-based insults and engaging in «bad behavior» online.

Toronto (HOL) — The vibrant spirit of the late Somali-Canadian journalist Hodan Nalayeh was celebrated with zeal on May 29 during the third annual Legacy Day at Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School. What began as a modest gathering has evolved into a significant community celebration, drawing students, families, educators, and local leaders to honour Nalayeh's enduring impact.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: When Team GB name their gymnastics squad for the Paris Olympics on Thursday, Becky Downie must do something she has not done in a while - set foot in Lilleshall.

DailyMail.com can reveal Tori Spelling has left neighbors outraged over the trash and mess she left in her wake after moving out of a two-story, five-bedroom, three-bath Woodland Hills rental.

[allAfrica]

[allAfrica] Botswana has threatened to send 10,000 elephants to the UK and another 20,000 to Germany as UK and European countries move toward banning the import of hunting trophies. According to President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Botswana is heavily overpopulated with elephants, which he believes will be solved by trophy hunting.

[allAfrica] The race for 2026 World Cup spots is heating up as top African teams battle fiercely across the qualifying groups.

Aquaculture production in the European Union remains relatively stagnant compared with the rising rates of farmed seafood production at world level. Over the past 20 years, the Commission has attempted to gear up EU production potential through the publication of various strategy and guideline papers, and the Aquaculture Advisory Council (AAC) was established in 2016 in that vein. This body is made up of representatives of the industry and other relevant stakeholder organisations and gives advice to the EU institutions and the Member States. On 12 May 2021, the Commission published its new strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture. On 15 November 2022, the Commission published a communication (COM(2022)0592) entitled ‘Towards a Strong and Sustainable EU Algae Sector’. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The procedures for electing the European Parliament are governed both by European legislation laying down rules common to all Member States and by specific national provisions, which vary from one state to another. The common provisions lay down the principle of proportional representation, rules on thresholds and certain incompatibilities with the Member of the European Parliament mandate. Many other important matters, such as the exact electoral system used and the number of constituencies, are governed by national laws. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The EU’s development policy stresses the importance of trade, and focuses on the countries most in need. The Generalised Scheme of Preferences gives some goods from developing countries preferential access to the EU market. Economic Partnership Agreements ensure preferential commercial treatment for African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, while the Everything But Arms scheme applies to least developed countries. These schemes are in line with World Trade Organization rules. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

EU food safety policy aims to protect human health and consumer interests, and foster the smooth operation of the single market. Recent developments have broadened food safety objectives to include the mitigation of crisis-induced food insecurity. The EU ensures that standards are adhered to in the areas of feed and food-product hygiene, animal health, plant health, food-borne zoonotic diseases and prevention of food contamination. The EU also regulates labelling for food and feed products. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The EU, the US and Canada share the values of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and economic and political freedom, and have common foreign policy and security concerns. Close cooperation and strategic relations with the US and Canada remain a priority for the EU. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has claimed that 80% of Ukraine’s thermal power generation capabilities have been destroyed by Russia Read Full Article at RT.com

Russian President established five new directorates

The nomination for the Sokhranovka gas pumping station has been rejected

Russia is among top five trade partners of Turkmenistan with the turnover about $1.6 bln

This is about the opportunity of transferring five inoperable Super Etendard

Moscow Region signed 216 agreements to the amount of $10.1 bln

Their number dropped to 180 after introduction of certain sanction measures, with about fifteen of them making rebranding

The defined term ‘manufacturer identification’ is specifically to reference the manufacturer of the item that the logo or the emblem is on

MAKKAH: The Hajj season brings people together in a spirit of faith, solidarity and volunteerism, among whom 70-year-old scout leader Abdulwahed bin Abdulmalik Khayyat stands out for his exceptional service and multilingual abilities.

MAKKAH: Families of conjoined twins, who were separated in Saudi Arabia, were welcomed in Makkah after arriving to perform Hajj, state news agency SPA reported. They were hosted as guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit under directives issued by Saudi King Salman last month. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which supervises the program, had made extensive preparations and formed various committees to ensure a smooth pilgrimage for the families.

RIYADH: Saudi Ambassador to Jordan Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi Tuesday bid farewell to the first group of 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims, who are staying in Jordan, who were invited by King Salman to perform Hajj this year. Al-Sudairi saw off the pilgrims, who are the families and relatives of Palestinian martyrs, prisoners and wounded, at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

RIYADH: Saudi aid group KSrelief inaugurated three health projects in Port Sudan, Red Sea State that provide necessary medical equipment to hospitals, the Saudi Press Agency said.   The first project aims to support Al-Abyadh Specialist Hospital for Children with an oxygen station to generate and distribute oxygen, benefiting 25,000 individuals. The second project seeks to support government hospitals affiliated with the Sudanese Ministry of Health with dialysis machine, benefiting 3,960 individuals.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Border Guard has foiled an attempt to smuggle 240 kg of qat into the country. Officers in Asir’s Al-Raboah district arrested several suspects, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The government has urged the public to report suspected smuggling operations or customs violations on the confidential numbers 1910 and 00 966 114208417, or via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa. Financial rewards are offered for tips leading to prosecutions.

Leaders of the G7 wealthy nations gather in southern Italy this week against the backdrop of global and political turmoil, with boosting support for Ukraine top of the agenda. US President Joe Biden, France's Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are among the Group of Seven leaders heading to the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia in Puglia for the June 13-15 summit. It comes at a sensitive time, with wars raging in Ukraine and Gaza and  with Biden, Macron and Britain's Rishi Sunak all facing elections in the coming weeks and months. With an eye to the global challenges, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the host, has also invited around a dozen non-G7 heads of government, from Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan to India's Narendra Modi. Pope Francis will also fly in on Friday to talk about artificial intelligence. - Support for Ukraine - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend a discussion Thursday on Russia's war on his country, now into its third year, where he will again press for more help from Western allies. G7 leaders hope to agree a deal on using the profits from the interest on 300 billion euros ($325 billion) of frozen Russian central bank assets to help Kyiv. The idea is to use the profits as collateral for a loan of up to $50 billion, but there is still debate over who would issue the debt as well as a raft of technical issues -- including what would happen if the assets were unfrozen in the event of peace. John Kirton, director of the University of Toronto's G7 Research Group, said he expected an agreement. «This issue has been the signature test of the summit's performance on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, so the G7 leaders will not do too little here,» he told AFP. The leaders are also expected to discuss their concerns over China's support for Russia's military expansion. While the summit is officially three days, the sessions end on Friday, with Zelensky and some other leaders heading Saturday to a conference on Ukraine in Switzerland. Biden will not attend, instead sending Vice President Kamala Harris. - 'Difficult moment' - The summit of G7 leaders -- including Germany's Olaf Scholz and Canada's Justin Trudeau -- comes at a «particularly difficult moment on the international stage», an Italian government source said. The Hamas-Israel war is now in its ninth month, with the conflict to be addressed at the summit as part of a wider discussion on the Middle East. G7 leaders last week endorsed a proposed peace deal. Tensions in the Indo-Pacific will also feature on the agenda in Puglia, as will economic security, including rising trade tensions with China on green technologies. Non-G7 guests will join an «outreach session» on Friday afternoon. They were set to include Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Erdogan and Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva -- whose country holds the rotating G20 presidency this year -- Argentina's Javier Milei, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and representatives from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank have also been invited. All the guests are invited to a dinner Friday night at the Borgo Egnazia luxury hotel complex built in the style of a traditional village, an evening which will also include a short artistic show. With security to be extremely tight, the venue is far away from protesters and journalists, with the media centre located some 60 kilometres away in Bari. - Migration, Africa - Migration and relations with Africa are two priorities for Meloni for the summit, and she has invited leaders from Kenya, Algeria and the African Union. On climate change, G7 environmental ministers have already committed in April to phase out unabated coal-fired power plants by the mid-2030s -- though they left some wiggle room. The Group of Seven is a political forum of largely like-mind democracies, but their economic weight is not what it once was -- and without China, some question its relevance. It could be the last G7 summit for several participants. Biden is up for re-election in November, while Britain's Sunak faces voters on July 4, when his Conservatives are expected to lose power. Macron is also facing trouble at home: on Sunday he called snap legislative elections after his centrist alliance was routed by the far right in weekend European Parliament elections. Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party, by contrast, came out top in the vote in Italy. © Agence France-Presse

Hamas gave its official response to the latest truce proposal for Gaza on Tuesday, calling for a «complete halt» to Israeli «aggression» as fighting raged in the Palestinian territory. The response came after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on his eighth Middle East tour since the October 7 Hamas attack that sparked the war, pushed the group to accept the deal. «The response prioritises the interests of our Palestinian people and emphasises the necessity of a complete halt to the ongoing aggression on Gaza,» Hamas said in a joint statement with Islamic Jihad. A source with knowledge of the talks said Hamas proposed amendments to the plan, including a ceasefire timeline and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Talks were expected to continue via Qatari and Egyptian mediators, coordinated with the United States. During his visit, Blinken said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had «reaffirmed his commitment» to the proposed six-week ceasefire, which was also backed by a UN Security Council vote. «Everyone has said yes, except for Hamas,» Blinken said. «And if Hamas doesn't say yes, then this is clearly on them.» Blinken then attended a summit in Jordan, alongside leaders from the Arab world and beyond, addressing Gaza's humanitarian crisis. The Israeli siege has left Gaza's 2.4 million people without adequate food, clean water, medicines and fuel, pushing many to the brink of starvation. Only occasional aid shipments provide temporary relief. - 'Carnage and killing' - «The horror must stop,» UN chief Antonio Guterres told the conference, voicing his support for the truce plan first outlined by US President Joe Biden late last month. «The speed and scale of the carnage and killing in Gaza is beyond anything in my years as secretary-general,» he told the gathering on the shores of the Dead Sea. UN humanitarian coordinator Martin Griffiths labelled the Gaza conflict a «stain on our humanity» and called for $2.5 billion in funding until year-end. Amid diplomatic efforts to address the crisis, Israel conducted further strikes on Gaza, resulting in casualties according to hospital sources. The Israeli army said four soldiers were killed in the southern city of Rafah on Monday in what Hamas called a booby-trap explosion. Israel has faced mounting international criticism over the escalating death toll in the conflict. Health officials in Hamas-ruled Gaza reported 274 people were killed during an Israeli special forces raid on Saturday to rescue four hostages. The UN human rights office expressed deep concern over the civilian casualties in the Nuseirat raid and said it was «deeply distressed» over the ongoing hostage situation in Gaza. And on Monday the UN Security Council endorsed the three-phrase truce proposal Biden set out last month. Netanyahu suffered a setback on Sunday when Benny Gantz, a centrist former army chief, quit his war cabinet, citing the lack of a post-war governance plan for Gaza. Blinken met Gantz and opposition leader Yair Lapid, both of whom have been vocal critics of Netanyahu and his handling of the conflict. Washington has also pushed for a «day-after» plan for Gaza, promoted a governance role for Hamas's rival, the Palestinian Authority, and urged steps toward a two-state solution. Netanyahu and his far-right coalition partners reject the idea of Palestinian statehood, arguing it would endanger Israel's security and effectively «reward terrorism». - 'Siege and destruction' - The war broke out after Hamas's October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. The militants also seized 251 hostages, more than 100 of whom were released during a November truce. After special forces rescued four captives on Saturday, 116 hostages remain in Gaza, though the army says 41 of them are dead. The Israeli army launched a devastating offensive on Gaza that has left at least 37,164 people dead, the majority of them civilians, according to the Hamas-ruled territory's health ministry. The latest Israeli deaths in Rafah took to 298 the military's overall losses in Gaza since its ground offensive began on October 27. In Jabaliya, Soad al-Qanou said her young child Amjad was suffering from malnutrition, as aid shipments failed to adequately address Gaza's needs. «This war has destroyed our lives and turned them upside down,» she said. «There is no food, no drink. There is siege and destruction everywhere.» Violence has also surged in the already restive Israeli-occupied West Bank since the start of the war. On Tuesday, six people were killed during an Israeli army raid in the village of Kfar Dan, the Palestinian health ministry said. Among aid pledges made at the Jordan meeting, the United States promised $404 million for food, water, health supplies and other aid. A joint statement at the end of the summit called for «immediate, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance and sustained provision and delivery throughout Gaza». It also backed the «indispensable and irreplaceable role of UNRWA», the UN agency for Palestinian refugees which coordinates aid in Gaza but has been the target of severe criticism from Israel. Blinken, hitting back at critics of US support for Israel, noted the UN appeal for the Palestinians was only one-third funded. «Some who have expressed great concern over the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, including countries with the capacity to give a lot, have provided very little or nothing at all,» Blinken said, likely referring to US adversaries China and Russia. «It is time for everyone -- everyone -- to step up.» The United States is the largest donor to the Palestinians. It also provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military aid. © Agence France-Presse  

Law enforcement agencies in Seychelles are building networks and increasing police presence in the communities in renewed efforts to fight the increase in synthetic drugs entering the country. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ned Wirtz, announced in a press conference held at the Seychelles Police Headquarters on Tuesday. The press conference also updated the public on its progress in the fight against drugs, following the recent arrests of nine Iranians on suspicion of drug trafficking. «We are intensifying our efforts on the borders of both seaports and airports and working with all our partners. Given the size of our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), we have been working very closely with the Seychelles Coast Guard to reach areas we cannot,» explained Wirtz. Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, has an EEZ of 1.4 million square kilometres making it difficult for surveillance of illegal activities at sea.  Wirtz said, «We are still challenged where sea entry points are concerned.» In addition to intercepting the entry of illicit drugs into the country at the entry points, Wirtz said the authorities were working to establish more reliable networks to receive credible intelligence. «The fight against drugs is not exclusive to the police, we also need the help of citizens who have information on drug trafficking to give us,» he added. According to police figures for the year 2023, a total of 623 kilogrammes of heroin, 10.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, 1.8 kilogrammes of herbal cannabis, 4.9 kilogrammes of resin, and 388.6 kilogrammes of methamphetamine were seized. «Our work with our international partners shows an increase in synthetic drugs entering the western Indian Ocean,» said Wirtz. He added that the local police force has been trained to recognise and deal with such drugs entering the island nation. In February last year, six law enforcement officers from Seychelles, participated in an 'Undercover and Surveillance Techniques' training by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Mauritius. Wirtz revealed that the officers are working with various agencies to keep an eye on «any information such as bills of lading that may show certain people plan on making methamphetamine here.» He said while the police have made some successes there are still areas where they face challenges. Wirtz said that law enforcement agencies will be conducting more patrols in the community to have more of a presence despite the need for manpower.