Ireland, Britain and France faced travel chaos on Saturday and one person died as a winter storm battered northwest Europe with strong winds, heavy rain, snow and ice. Hampshire Police in southern England said a man died after a tree fell onto a car on a major road near Winchester early in the day. Police in West Yorkshire said they were probing whether a second death from a traffic accident was linked to the storm. It is understood the road was not icy at the time of the incident. Storm Bert left at least 60,000 properties in Ireland without power, and closed roads and some ferry and train routes on both sides of the Irish Sea. Channel ports and airports in Britain were badly affected while in France, tens of thousands remained without power after Storm Caetano on Thursday. Hundreds of passengers were stranded when trains were halted by power cuts. Media footage showed flooding in the west of Ireland, which also caused rail closures in Northern Ireland. Snow impacted travel across Britain. The heaviest snow hit Scotland and parts of northern and central England, with dozens of flood alerts in place. The UK Met Office issued snow and ice warnings for those regions, saying there was a «good chance some rural communities could be cut off». Scottish hills could see up to 40 centimetres (16 inches) of snow, while winds approaching 113 kilometres (70 miles) per hour were recorded in Britain. Ferry operator DFDS cancelled services on some routes until Monday, with sailings from Newhaven and Dover in southern England to Dieppe and Calais in France severely affected. Flights were disrupted at Newcastle airport due to heavy snow, with some flights diverted to Belfast and Edinburgh. - Blackouts - Avanti West Coast, which runs rail services between England and Scotland, advised customers not to attempt travel beyond the northern English city of Preston, as it cancelled numerous trains. National Highways also issued a «severe weather alert», warning of «blizzard conditions» affecting Yorkshire and northeast England, with a number of road closures announced. Met Eireann, the Irish National Meteorological Service, also issued a  warning for «very strong winds and heavy rain». The worst affected areas for power outages in Ireland were in western and northwestern counties, according to ESB Networks, which runs the country's electricity system. «Crews and contractors are deployed and restoring power in impacted areas where it is safe to do so,» it said. In Britain, the National Grid operator said power had been restored to «many homes and businesses» but more than 4,000 properties across the country were still without electricity on Saturday -- the majority in southwest England. Some 47,000 homes remained without power in northern France on Saturday, two days after the country was battered by Storm Caetano, power company Enedis said. Up to 270,000 people had been cut off due to the storm but Enedis said it had 2,000 technicians working to reconnect electricity lines torn down by winds of up to 130kph. Several hundred passengers were stranded on two trains in western France halted by power cuts. Some 200 people on a train going from Hendaye to Bordeaux and 400 on high-speed TGV going from Hendaye to Paris spent up to nine hours in the carriages. Junior transport minister Francois Dourovray told RTL radio that up to 1,000 passengers on different trains were affected by the power cut. © Agence France-Presse

Seychellois-Italian goalkeeper Francesco Anacoura has been named as the top goalkeeper of Serie C, the third-highest football division in Italy by Italian journalists. The award was given during the Italian Football Festival, which is the most important, prestigious and exclusive annual sports event in Italy. Anacoura was named in the Serie C XI of the year, after helping his team Sestri Levante to safety in their first season in the third division of Italian football. «I am very happy to have been given this award and it makes me so proud,» said Anacoura, adding that it feels great to be recognised for his performances. Anacoura has not represented Seychelles yet but he has expressed a desire to do so. Anacoura was named in the Serie C XI of the year, after helping his team Sestri Levante to safety. (Francesco Anacoura) Photo License: All Rights Reserved  He began his career at Juventus, one of the top teams in the Serie A, the top division in Italy after playing in the youth sides of Inter Milan and Parma. His senior career saw him represent the jerseys of Cuneo, Pro Vercelli, Pontedera, Rimini, Casertana, Ancona and, in Portugal, Cova da Piedade, Maritimo and Estrela Amadora. He joined Sestri Levante while they were in the fourth division of Italian football and helped them to the league title and promotion. They managed to secure a 15th-place finish last season to avoid relegation, with Anacoura  being instrumental, with some great performance, which has earned him a spot in the team of the season. «Last season was unbelievable, as we were rookies in the division and did not play any games in our stadium, but with a strong group of players and a good mentality, we achieved our goal,» said the 30-year- old, who has seen his career revived at the club. This season, however, has been a tough one for the side, who find themselves in the relegation play-off zone after 15 games. They have once again been solid defensively, while the attack has been lacking with only eight goals scored so far. Anacoura hopes he has made enough of an impression to earn a move to a bigger team, which is something he hopes to achieve. He shared, however,  that he owes so much to Sestri Levante. «I will always be grateful to this club!» Anacoura added, sharing that he has found a family there. For those interested in the more popular players, in the Serie A, Arsenal's former Bologna defender, Riccardo Calafiori was named as the best player for the 2023/24 season, with Lorenzo Lucca, who plays for Udinese, taking home the young player of the year award.

This week marked three years since the prominent Seychellois businessman Mukesh Valabhji and his wife Laura, a lawyer, appeared in the Supreme Court after being arrested on November 18, 2021, by police on suspicion of money laundering of $50 million and possession of firearms. The couple has been on remand since, and the money laundering charges have been removed against Laura. The case is related to $50 million granted to the Seychelles' government by the United Arab Emirates in 2002. The funds were transferred to a bank account of the Seychelles Marketing Board (SMB), now the Seychelles Trading Company (STC), to a Baroda bank account in England. At the time, Mukesh Valabhji was the managing director of the SMB, and the prosecution alleges that the funds were returned to Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, to pay for hotels sold in the privatisation of the COSPROH holdings, a state-owned enterprise that owned several hotels, of which Mukesh Valabhji was the executive chairman. SNA looks at the main points in the case three years after the arrest of the Valabhji couple. Search of the property – arms discovery During the search at the couple's residence, the police discovered a cache of arms. Shortly after, Leslie Benoiton, a senior officer in the former Seychelles People's Defence Forces—now known as the Seychelles Defence Forces—was arrested in connection to the cache of arms. A separate case was opened on the possession of these weapons. High-level officials and former First Lady arrested  On November 23, 2021, two former high government officials, former minister Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, who was one of the former directors of the Compagnie Seychelloise de Promotion Hôtelière (COSPROH), and Lekha Nair, a former director general at the Ministry of Finance at the time, were also arrested. While Nair was granted bail, Loustau-Lalanne was remanded until all suspects appeared before the Supreme Court on December 3, 2021. On November 27, Sarah Zarqhani Rene, the wife of late President France Albert Rene, was arrested as part of the ongoing case of the missing $50 million. All six suspects were formally charged on December 17, 2021. Mukesh Valabhji was charged with conspiracy to commit official corruption contrary to sections 91 and 381 of the Penal Code and and former First Ladyconspiracy to commit money laundering. His wife, Laura Valabhji, was charged with money laundering. Leslie Benoiton was charged with money laundering for corruptly obtaining $100,000 by way of payment from Mukesh Valabhji without lawful authority or excuse. Three others charged with money laundering were Lekha Nair, Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, and Sarah Zarqhani Rene. Bail for Nair, Loustau-Lalanne, and Zarqhani was granted, while the Valabhji couple and Benoiton remain to date on remand. Nair was released after paying an SCR 50,000 ($3,768) bail bond, and Loustau-Lalanne after paying an SCR 250,000 ($18,837) bail bond and providing two sureties of SCR 100,000 ($7,535) each, as well as handing his passport to the authorities. Bail for Zarqhani was set at $2 million with two sureties of $1 million each. She did not pay the bail set and remained in police custody. On December 29, 2021, two former officers of the Seychelles Defence Forces were arrested—75-year-old retired brigadier and former Chief of the Seychelles People's Defence Forces (SPDF), Leopold Payet, and 81-year-old retired lieutenant colonel and presidential chief security officer, Frank Marie. The five suspects in the ongoing possession of firearms case—Valabhji and his wife Laura, Benoiton, Payet, and Frank Marie—were formally charged on February 11, 2022. They were charged with abuse of authority of office for possession of firearms, use of property for the commission of terrorist acts, conspiracy to commit offenses under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and acquisition and possession of firearms or ammunition without a license under the Firearms and Ammunition Act. Marie was released on bail on February 25, 2022, due to health issues. Case transferred to the Office of the Attorney General On May 6, 2022, the money laundering case of the missing $50 million from Seychelles' government accounts was transferred to the Office of the Attorney General. This came after it was revealed that the powers of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles (ACCS) to prosecute six defendants are limited both in time and in regard to the offences until amendments are made to the Anti-Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (AMLFT) Act 2020. Charges amended, some accused released After the amendments to the law were made by the National Assembly on May 19, 2022, the ACCS filed amended charges for money laundering against businessman Mukesh Valabhji and former First Lady Sarah Zarqhani Rene. While Valabhji remained in custody, Zarqhani Rene was released. All charges against Nair and Loustau-Lalanne in the money laundering accounts were dropped. Charges concerning money laundering were withdrawn against Laura Valabhji pending further investigations, but she remains on remand in relation to the firearms and prevention of terrorism case. The Supreme Court had set December 1, 2023, as the date for the arms and ammunition trial, and the hearing is ongoing, while the corruption case's initial trial date was set for April 13, 2023. This date was later moved to May 11, 2023, as the couple appeared before Judge Mohan Burhan concerning their request for Chief Justice Govinden's recusal from their cases. ACCS to resume corruption case once the ongoing illegal arms case concludes Despite announcing the trial date for the corruption case, the ACCS head, May de Silva, announced in the National Assembly in November 2023 that it will only resume the corruption case once the illegal arms and ammunition case comes to a conclusion.

A new draft deal at UN climate talks Friday proposes that rich nations commit $250 billion a year to help poorer nations combat global warming in an 11th-hour bid to break the deadlocked negotiations. African countries and climate activists quickly denounced the figure as «unacceptable» and inadequate to meet the realities of a rapidly warming world, but wealthy nations including the United States have insisted that massive packages are not politically realistic. With the gathering scheduled to end later Friday, delegates from nearly 200 nations had eagerly awaited COP29 hosts Azerbaijan's new proposal after two weeks of fraught bargaining. The text sets an ambitious overall target to raise at least $1.3 trillion per year by 2035 from not only the public money but also the private sector. It is the first time concrete numbers were formally proposed at talks dominated by divisions over how to increase assistance for developing nations to cut emissions and adapt to climate change. Developing countries were seeking a significant boost in the existing pledge that commits rich nations to $100 billion a year in climate finance. «The proposed target to mobilise $250 billion per year by 2035 is totally unacceptable and inadequate to delivering the Paris Agreement,» said Ali Mohamed, chairman of the African Group of Negotiators. He said it would «lead to unacceptable loss of life in Africa and around the world, and imperils the future of our world.» «The $250 billion target is not enough -- not big enough, not fast enough, not good enough,» said Friederike Roder from activist group Global Citizen. «Inadequate, divorced from the reality of climate impacts and outrageously below the needs of developing countries,» said Jasper Inventor from Greenpeace. But the US, which President-elect Donald Trump is expected to pull out of climate diplomacy, signalled it was not looking to negotiate a higher figure. «It has been a significant lift over the past decade to meet the prior, smaller goal. $250 billion will require even more ambition and extraordinary reach,» said a senior US official, whose team in Baku comes from outgoing President Joe Biden's administration. COP29 host Azerbaijan said the $250 billion reflected the submissions made by rich nations during the negotiations. Azerbaijan said it would keep working on «final adjustments» on outstanding issues. - Azerbaijan under pressure - An influential negotiation bloc of 134 developing nations including China had pushed for at least $500 billion from developed countries. But major contributors such as the European Union have said that private-sector money inevitably must play a part. The EU also wanted newly wealthy emerging economies like China, the world's largest emitter, to contribute to the overall goal. Azerbaijan, an authoritarian state that relies on oil and gas exports, has been accused of lacking the experience and bandwidth to steer such large and complex negotiations. «This is the worst COP in recent memory,» Mohamed Adow, speaking for the Climate Action Network, said at a press conference before the text's release, adding that «no deal is better than a bad deal» for developing countries. Sindra Sharma from the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network, an activist coalition, expressed «a complete sense of frustration» at the talks. «I've never seen a presidency like this, I've never seen a process like this,» she said. The EU had also called for stronger leadership from Azerbaijan, whose leader, Ilham Aliyev, opened the conference by railing against Western nations and hailing fossil fuels as a «gift of God». - Fossil fuel fight - Apart from splits over money, many nations fear the climate deal in negotiation does not reflect the urgency on phasing out coal, oil and gas -- the main drivers of global warming. Last year's COP28 summit in Dubai made a landmark call on the world to transition away from fossil fuels after long negotiations in Dubai. But a Saudi official speaking on behalf of the Arab Group said the bloc would «not accept any text that targets any specific sectors, including fossil fuel» in Baku. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock singled out Saudi Arabia as she said it was «essential» to keep last year's call on fossil fuels. «Apparently some had a different goal here, and that is turning back the clock,» she told reporters. But European countries, like the US, have also seen a shift in political mood with a backlash against foreign aid and the green agenda. The annual UN-led climate talks come on what is already poised to be the hottest year in history and as disasters rise around the world. Just since the start of COP29 on November 11, deadly storms have battered the Philippines and Honduras, while Ecuador has declared a national emergency due to drought and forest fires and Spain has been reeling after historic floods. © Agence France-Presse

The Seychelles – China Trade Expo has officially begun and already several businesses have confirmed certain transactions with the Chinese exhibitors. This statement was made by Seychelles' Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Devika Vidot, at the opening ceremony of the fair on Thursday. «At this moment, following a tour of the fair, I have personally witnessed transactions being confirmed between the suppliers and local entrepreneurs for machinery. I am very happy that in the first hour of the trade fair there are Seychellois businesses who have benefitted from this event. This is exactly what I want to encourage our local businesses to do; we need to keep looking for ways to innovate and how to include new technology in a way that it improves the standard and services they offer. We want them to be on par with international standards,» said Vidot. During her speech at the ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador for Seychelles, Lin Nan, said, «This Expo is an important manifestation of China's opening up to the outside world. China will open its market wider, turning its big market into Africa's big opportunity, and encouraging more two-way trade and investments. China is willing to work together with Seychelles side to deepen cooperation in trade, tourism, agriculture, and other sectors, to achieve pragmatic outcomes and build a China – Seychelles community with a shared future.» Products on display at the Seychelles-China Expo. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY  While responding to a question from reporters about the relationship between Seychelles and China, Vidot also echoed this sentiment and stated that the development of commerce between Seychelles and China would solidify the already excellent partnership that exists between the two countries.   «I feel that a commercial relationship is more durable over time and it guarantees that the partnership benefits both countries, especially in terms of prosperity. At the moment we have a lot of businesses here who do interact with Chinese suppliers; however, we've also noted a large majority who haven't been able to establish contact to start, therefore this event is meant to enable our local businesses to have direct contact with Chinese suppliers,» she added. Vidot said, «This expo represents a myriad of opportunities, not only for established businesses but also entrepreneurs who are just starting out as well. It can also be a good opportunity for anyone who is still thinking about starting a business, it can inspire them to pursue the idea further.» The Vice Mayor of Chengdu, Wang Qian, who is leading the Chinese delegation to Seychelles, said, «Today, we bring our selected products and enterprises covering areas such as mechanical equipment, agricultural technology, packaging design, urban construction, new energy as well as art and cultural design with the hope that they can be known and popular among people and enterprises in Seychelles. We will also bring tuna and rum back home, giving Chengdu people a chance to experience the unique charm of Seychelles.»

Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, met with Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra, reaffirming the strong ties between the two nations.On Thursday, a press release from State House said, «The official visit commenced with a ceremonial military guard of honour, followed by a private tête-à-tête between the two leaders. President Ramkalawan conveyed heartfelt greetings from the people of Seychelles and expressed profound gratitude for Ghana's warm hospitality.» Discussions highlighted the historic relationship between Seychelles and Ghana, as the two leaders explored avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation. Key topics included culture, tourism, youth development, and the Blue Economy. The agreements were signed by Seychelles' Ambassador Conrad Mederic and Ghana's Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer. (State House) Photo License: CC-BY  The two countries also signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on tourism and culture.  The agreements were signed by Seychelles' Ambassador Conrad Mederic and Ghana's Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer.In a joint press conference, the two Presidents emphasised the importance of bolstering partnerships and exploring mutual opportunities.President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo later hosted President Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan for an official luncheon.As part of the visit, the Seychelles delegation paid tribute to Ghana's rich history with wreath-laying ceremonies at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture. Ramkalawan and the First Lady met with the Seychellois community in Ghana. (State House)  Photo License: CC-BY  The head of state of Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, also met with members of the Seychellois community residing in Ghana. The event, organised by Kwame Acquah, Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Ghana, brought together Seychellois nationals living and working in the country. Ramkalawan expressed his gratitude to the attendees and updated them on recent developments in Seychelles. Speaking on behalf of the Seychellois community in Ghana, John Micock shared their pride and privilege in meeting the President and getting the opportunity to engage directly with the nation's leader. Since coming into office in October 2020, Ramkalawan has made it a must to meet with the Seychellois diaspora in every country he visits. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also set up a section dedicated to the Seychellois diaspora and earlier this year launched the diaspora policy, according to the statement.

Seychelles and Lebanon have enhanced their bilateral cooperation and existing friendly relations with the signing of an agreement for visa waiver last week. According to the Foreign Affairs Department, «Under the Agreement, all passport holders from the two countries will enjoy exemption from visa requirements. This measure seeks to facilitate the movement of citizens between Seychelles and Lebanon.» The signing ceremony took place in New York between the Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, and the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations, Hadi Hachem. Meanwhile, no visa is required to enter Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean but before departure, all visitors must apply for a travel authorisation through the Seychelles Electronic Border System platform. Seychelles' passport remains the most powerful on the African continent for a consecutive year while moving three steps up in a global ranking published by Henley and Partners for the first quarter of 2024. The Henley Passport Index ranks Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, as 26th worldwide for the first quarter of 2024 compared to 29th in 2023 for the ability of the country's passport holders to visit 153 countries visa-free.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is «now officially a wanted man» after the International Criminal Court's decision Thursday to issue arrest warrants for the Israeli leader, Amnesty International said. The ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif «for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024». «Prime Minister Netanyahu is now officially a wanted man,» Amnesty Secretary General Agnes Callamard said in a statement. «We urge all ICC member states, and non-states parties including the United States and other allies of Israel, to demonstrate their respect for the court's decision.. . by arresting and handing over those wanted by the ICC,» Callamard added. «ICC member states and the whole international community must stop at nothing until these individuals are brought to trial before the ICC's independent and impartial judges.» The ICC's move now theoretically limits their movements, as any of the court's 124 national members would be obliged to arrest them on their territory. Israel said in early August it had killed Deif in an air strike in southern Gaza in July, but Hamas has not confirmed his death. Hamas militants conducted a stunning cross-border raid on Israel on October 7 last year that resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel has since then been fighting a war in Gaza, which the militant group rules. The Hamas government's health ministry in the Gaza Strip said Thursday at least 44,056 people had been killed in more than 13 months of war. © Agence France-Presse

Ghana's Asante king, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will receive 28 historic gold ornaments and regalia this weekend, in the latest major restoration of cultural treasures to the West African country. The objects, dating to the 19th century, are symbols of governance, chiefship and royal heritage. Originally crafted by Asante court artisans, they include swords, linguist staffs, palace security locks, rings, necklaces and gold weights. The artefacts were authenticated by historian and associate director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, Ivor Agyeman-Duah. «This is a significant cultural moment for Ghana and Africa,» he said. Speaking to AFP, he described the regalia as «masterpieces of gold smithery reflecting the sophistication of Asante court governance». The presentation will take place at a mini-durbar at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the return from exile of the king's grand-uncle, Nana Agyeman Prempeh I. The event will also honour the visiting president of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, according to a statement from the palace. Agyeman-Duah said the restitution follows a direct appeal that the Asante king -- the Asantehene -- made earlier this year to AngloGold Ashanti, a South African mining company, to hand back the artefacts. - Stolen goods - The objects had been part of the company's Gold of Africa Museum in Cape Town, South Africa, before being transferred to the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria. Their return to Kumasi was approved three weeks ago by the Reserve Bank of South Africa, the statement added. The objects will be housed in a new contemporary gallery recently added to the Manhyia Palace Museum. This restitution brings the total number of cultural objects returned to the Asante Palace this year to 67, the largest repatriation of artefacts in Africa in recent years. Earlier this year, seven items looted during the 1874 Anglo-Asante War were returned by the Fowler Museum at UCLA in California. A further 32 were restituted from the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. An AngloGold Ashanti delegation will attend the ceremony in Kumasi. Neighbouring Nigeria is also negotiating the return of thousands of 16th- to 18th-century objects looted from the ancient kingdom of Benin and held by museums and art collectors across the United States and Europe. And, two years ago, Benin received two dozen treasures and artworks stolen in 1892 by French colonial forces. © Agence France-Presse

The Seychelles' government has already earmarked SCR 10 million ($730,000) for the construction of the new National Archives building at Union Vale in the central Mahe district of English River. The secretary general of the Seychelles National Institute of Culture, Heritage and the Arts (SNICHA), David Andre, revealed the plans after a visit held at the proposed construction site on Thursday morning. The Archives personnel together with other high SNICHA officials viewed where the new two-storey building would be constructed.  One of the main services that the Seychelles National Archives offer to locals is genealogy research, where people can trace their ancestry through several generations. «This new building will provide an opportunity to offer new services and also cater for current services, but in line with the mandate and functions of an archive,» explained SNICHA's permanent secretary, Cecile Kalebi. At the moment, the Archives' offices are spread between Ile Du Port, a man-made island close to the capital Victoria and, and Providence, in the east of Mahe, the main island. The construction of the new building will allow the institution to have all its services under one roof. Kalebi explained that they are planning for the building to be a modern one while keeping some aspects of traditional designs in its interior decor. For the time being, the provisional plans will be sent for the Planning Authority's approval. «It is only once we have completed the first process that the project to build the new Archives will be under way,» said Andre. He added that while the money for the project has already been set aside and the exact time frame for its implementation and completion will depend on the technicians involved. The Seychelles National Archives first appeared with the Instrument of Capitulation of Seychelles, signed on May 17, 1794, between the British Captain Henry Newcome of HMS Orpheus and the French Commandant Chevalier Quéau de Quincy. The colonial administrative records of the island began with this historical document, laying the groundwork for the future creation of the Seychelles National Archives. However, with the passage of Seychelles National Archives Ordinance No. 27 of November 7, 1964, the present Seychelles National Archives began to take shape in the 1960s. The Archives were not immediately active despite the 1964 decree, and it took several more years before the institution was formally established. Up to June 2022, the National Archives were housed in the same building as the National Library. However, due to a fungus outbreak, authorities had to move out of the building and are now in Helena Complex at Ile du Port and the data entry unit is at Providence. 

The President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, received a warm reception upon landing at Accra's Kotoka International Airport for his inaugural official visit to Ghana, State House said on Wednesday.The visit coincides with the 100th Anniversary celebrations of King Prempeh I's return from exile in Seychelles, underscoring historical ties between the two nations.Ramkalawan and his delegation were welcomed by Ghana's Minister of State for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe. Joining the reception were Seychelles Ambassador to Ethiopia and Ambassador-Designate to Ghana, Conrad Mederic, alongside Ghana's newly appointed High Commissioner to Seychelles, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, and other senior officials.The official ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances, showcasing Ghana's rich heritage.During his visit, Ramkalawan is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Ghana's President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. 

The first direct charter flight of the Sichuan Airlines, linking Seychelles to Chengdu in China, arrived in the island nation on Tuesday. The flight touched down at the Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue at 6.47 am carrying 264 passengers, together with a delegation of high officials from Chengdu led by the Deputy Mayor of the city. Also onboard was a group of Chinese businessmen who will be participating in the trade fair organised by the Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA). The trade fair will be held at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel from Thursday, November 21 to Saturday 23. Apart from the officials and the businessmen, there were also several tourists present on the flight. The passengers were welcomed at the airport by the Minister for Tourism and Foreign Affairs, Sylvestre Radegonde, the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry Devika Vidot, the Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles, Lin Nan, as well as the principal secretary for Tourism, Sherin Francis. In his welcoming address,  Radegonde said that the last time Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, had a direct flight from China was almost six years ago. Radegonde added that the new flight is the result of extensive negotiations and discussions and «it represents the culmination of our shared commitment to strengthening ties with China.» He told reporters that the flight from Chengdu was a chartered one and that they expect to have more from there in the future. «We are having discussions at the moment regarding this flight route. If everything goes well and we get enough people, this might become a regular flight,» he added. Vidot talked about the participation of the 34 businessmen in the trade fair and described China as very developed country, especially in regards to innovation and technology. She said that this event is meant to bring Seychellois entrepreneurs closer to Chinese suppliers as well as show these suppliers the business landscape in Seychelles. «We are making it easier for them; we've removed the language and geographical barrier so they are able to ask questions and learn more about the processes, so they are able to do it themselves in the future,» added Vidot.  According to ESA, the exhibitors from China have shown a lot of interest in displaying agricultural equipment, however, there will be representatives of different sectors such as manufacturing, tourism and hoteliers, beekeeping as well as crafts.

Football fans in Sudan, a country torn apart by war, are savouring a rare moment of pride after the national team qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals. The feat, achieved at the expense of Ghana, one of the continent's traditional powerhouses, comes despite the team having to play all their matches abroad and the domestic league being suspended. Streets of Port Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of displaced endure agonising waits for water and healthcare, came alive after the match, with car horns blaring and ecstatic fans waving Sudanese flags from the windows. The match marked Sudan's 10th qualification for the continental tournament, offering a rare moment of happiness to a nation devastated by 19 months of war. «Our joy after the game... could not truly reflect the emotions in our hearts,» one jubilant fan, Hassan Mohamed, told AFP. In Port Sudan, the country's de facto capital since last year, fans gathered in cafes Monday to watch the final group stage match against Angola, played in Benghazi, Libya. Others followed the action on mobile phones, holding their breath in the final moments, an AFP correspondent reported. Despite a goalless draw, Sudan secured the second qualifying spot for next year's AFCON finals from a group that, besides Angola and Ghana, also included Niger. As the referee's whistle signalled the end of the game, chairs toppled over as fans jumped for joy. Celebrations spilled into the streets of the Red Sea port city, where car horns echoed in triumph. It was only the second time that Sudan, the champions in 1970, made it to the AFCON finals in the last seven editions. - 'Impossible smile' - Social media platforms lit up with images of the players, as Sudanese users hailed the team's qualification as a «rare joy in dark times». «Their aim was to bring a smile back to the Sudanese people,» Khalid Omer Yousif, vice-chairman of the Sudanese Congress Party, wrote on X. Speaking to AFP by phone, sports journalist Nasr al-Din al-Fadalabi called the achievement «an impossible smile in a time of sorrow». Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Tens of thousands have been killed and more than 11 million have been displaced, including over three million who fled the country. Inside Sudan, displaced people face compounding humanitarian crises and the threat of famine, even in areas spared direct fighting. The war has devastated the country's infrastructure, crippled the health sector and shuttered most businesses. Football has not escaped the turmoil. - Politics on the pitch - With the domestic league suspended, Sudanese football has taken a new path. Home games were relocated to South Sudan and Libya, and the national team trained in Saudi Arabia. Players have signed contracts abroad, including goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa in Tanzania. Sudanese footballers in Libya benefit from local status, while others who played abroad are now in the national team. Among them is Mohamed Eisa, a star forward who spent years in British leagues and now plays in Iran. The war has also seeped into football. In an October match against Ghana, team captain Ramadan Agab mimicked a victory gesture associated with army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, taunting his paramilitary rivals. Burhan has praised the team in public statements and visits to the football federation. For many Sudanese, this week's qualification was a moment of pride and unity. «Despite the divisions among some and despite so many obstacles... they (the players) have overcome every challenge,» said fan Akrama Ali Karamallah. «I believe they will go even further, and as they say, nothing is impossible.» © Agence France-Presse 

Rafael Nadal said early Wednesday he had left a sporting and personal 'legacy' after retiring from professional tennis, as tributes flooded in for the 22-time Grand Slam winner. The 38-year-old's glittering and historic career came to a close as Netherlands defeated Spain in the Davis Cup and Nadal gave an emotional speech that ran over 10 minutes long to more than 10,000 fans in Malaga. After 23 years in the game and many struggles with injury, Nadal retires as the second-most successful men's singles player of all time. «I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I really feel is not just a sporting one but a personal one,» Nadal said at his retirement ceremony. «I understand that the love I have received, if it was just for what happened on the court, would not be the same.» Nadal said he hoped people would remember him for more than just his record-breaking achievements on the court, including 14 French Open titles and a record 81-match unbeaten streak on the red dirt which made him the 'King of Clay'. The Spaniard never smashed a racquet on court during his career and was adored for his positive attitude. «The titles, the numbers are there, so people probably know that, but the way that I would like to be remembered more is like a good person, from a small village in Mallorca,» continued Nadal. «I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid that followed their dreams and achieved (even) more than what I had dreamed.» Nadal was celebrated with a video montage on the many screens around the Martin Carpena arena in Malaga featuring many tennis greats. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Serena Williams among others left messages in the video, alongside former football stars including David Beckham, Raul and Andres Iniesta, who retired from playing in October. «Your tenacity, your fighting spirit, the energy that you brought, the power, is something that will be studied and transferred to many generations coming up,» said Djokovic, who has the record of 24 Grand Slam men's singles titles and is the last of the 'big three' still playing. «Congratulations on the most incredible career, it was such a privilege to play with you but also against you,» said Federer, Nadal's greatest rival, who retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slams. - 'Eternal' - Nadal's last match was a 6-4, 6-4 defeat by Botic van de Zandschulp in the first singles rubber of Tuesday's Davis Cup quarter-final, and although Carlos Alcaraz forced a doubles decider Spain were eventually defeated to bring the curtain down on his career. «I'm not tired of playing tennis, it's just that my body has reached a moment where it doesn't want to play any more, so I have to accept the situation,» said Nadal. The Spaniard welled up during the Spanish national anthem at the start of the match and admitted it was «an emotional day». World number three Alcaraz, 21, is one of the game's brightest talents and a player some hope can become Nadal's heir. «His legacy is going to be eternal,» Alcaraz told reporters. «He has been great for tennis, for the sport in general, it is difficult -- at least for me -- to feel that I should continue the legacy that he has left. »It is difficult, almost impossible, I will just try to do my best, right now it's time to say great things about Rafa... «It is just great to have had Rafa in tennis, in Spain and in my life.» Spain's Davis Cup captain David Ferrer also paid tribute to Nadal. «There are people who will be remembered for their achievements in life, others until the end of their days, and others eternally,» said Ferrer. «You will be remembered eternally.» Nadal thanked fans in Spain in his speech but also around the rest of the world where he found many admirers. In Paris, where he won a record 14 French Open titles and earned the nickname the 'King of Clay', his image was projected onto the night sky in front of the Eiffel Tower. «I am crying as we speak... Rafael Nadal... What an absolute icon of sport period! There will never be another one like Rafa!» wrote former world number one Boris Becker on social media platform X. © Agence France-Presse

The Beau Vallon Promenade project, which will see 21 artisanal kiosks installed alongside the popular Regatta site of the Beau Vallon beach, is expected to be completed by May 2025, if everything goes according to plan, said a top official on Wednesday. The project, which began in February, will feature 35 kiosks with 10 of them being for food, four for beverages, and 21 for artisans. «The construction works on the kiosks will be completed in February 2025, but there are still a few small works that will take place after that, to ensure everything is ready and operational by the first week of May,» said the chief executive of Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA), Lisa Lautoy, in an interview with the media.   At the moment, only the kiosks for food and beverage vendors have been allocated. Those for artisans have been delayed as there is an issue with one of the businesses found within the area where the project is being done, which is refusing to move. «For now, only 18 of the 21 artisanal kiosks have been constructed, because of the business that is refusing to move, and we are taking legal action against that business, where we are hoping everything will be sorted and the area can officially open in May,» explained Lautoy. One of the areas that the kiosks have been constructed on, is in fact an area which was used as a vehicle parking. Lautoy explained that the Beau Vallon area has been sub-divided for various development projects, and among them will be parking, although the operators of these kiosks will be allowed to come in with their vehicles for loading. The kiosks have been constructed from concrete but they feature some aesthetics that reflect the traditional buildings of Seychelles. They will all be painted green, to match with the surrounding trees. The kiosks are being constructed by Laxmambhai, a local construction company, as a donation from the company.   Other structures in the area, aside from the kiosks, will include public toilets, as well as toilets for the operators, while a lifeguard kiosk will also be constructed. During the interview, Lautoy also mentioned that the rental fees for these kiosks start from SCR4,000 ($296) per month to SCR17,000 ($1,257). 

Seychelles has established diplomatic relations with El Salvador as part of its engagement to promote bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of friendship, through the signing of a Joint Communiqué on November 12. The Foreign Affairs Department said on Wednesday, that «based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respect for international law and cooperation, the establishment of diplomatic relations will promote exchanges in various fields of mutual interests for the benefit of the two countries.» The signing ceremony took place in New York between the Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, and the Permanent Representative of El Salvador to the United Nations, Ambassador Egriselda Aracely González López. 

Seychelles has begun updating its National Implementation (NIP) Plan to effectively target Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and stay aligned with the Stockholm Convention. A workshop was held at the Savoy Resort and Spa hotel on Tuesday to receive the input of not only government officials but also those from civil society, academia and the industry. POPs are compounds that are difficult to destroy, keeping their chemical makeup over long periods that have been linked to a number of health problems in humans. The Stockholm Convention, to which Seychelles is a signatory, calls for governments to take measures to reduce or eliminate the release of POPs into the environment. In her address to officially open the workshop, the director of the Division for Waste, Enforcement and Permit Division, Nanette Laure, said that Seychelles signing the Stockholm Convention represents its collective commitment to safeguarding human health and the environment from the adverse effects of POPs. She said that with the «Seychelles' unique biodiversity and reliance on marine and terrestrial resources, the effective management of such substances is not just an obligation but most importantly it is a necessity.» The participants reviewed the objectives and framework of the Stockholm Convention and its implications for Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. The aim of updating the NIP is to take into account the latest scientific knowledge, technological advancements and most importantly newly listed POPs which in turn Laure said would ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing those polluants. Participants also had the chance to identify challenges, opportunities and priority actions for the updated plan as well as assess progress and achievements made in the existing NIP. Seychelles developed its first NIP in 2007 - where it identified 12 pesticidal POPs that should be eliminated. Local expert Cliff Gonzalves has been appointed as the National Lead Expert for updating the NIP. Over the coming two years, he will be working with the local stakeholders to make an inventory of POPs in the country in an effort to make sure the data available is up to date. The Department of Environment, which is leading the project, also revealed that there will be training sessions as part of the process. The Global Environment Facility (GEF), through the Africa Institute, is providing capacity-building support for updating the NIP.

Botswana will diversify its diamond-dependent economy by launching into the medicinal cannabis market and exploiting its abundant sunshine, President Duma Boko said Tuesday, in his first state of the nation address. Boko swept to power in elections three weeks ago that ejected the party that had ruled for nearly six decades on concerns about a slump in the economy. Diamonds make up about 80 percent of the southern African country's foreign earnings. «The decline in diamond revenues by over 60 percent in recent years is a clear signal that we can no longer afford to depend on a single commodity,» Boko said. His government aims to attract investors to high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and technology. «Botswana receives more than 3,200 hours of sunlight annually and averages 21 megajoules per square metre which is among the highest in the world,» Boko said. «The potential of solar energy is abundant.» The arid country will also begin cultivating medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp to plug into the growing international market. «Our forecast in Botswana is to significantly increase our GDP with cannabis and hemp-related products,» said Boko. «We will create jobs in this industry.» A major gripe against the previous government under the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which led the country to independence from Britain in 1966, was a 27-percent unemployment rate, rising to 38 percent for young people. Boko said other plans for job creation lay in boosting manufacturing and construction, as well as encouraging youth entrepreneurship and innovation. Botswana has engaged US billionaire Elon Musk's satellite internet provider Starlink to extend affordable internet connectivity to the entire country, Boko said. Starlink has plans to invest in infrastructure that will help transform Botswana into a digital hub for the entire region, he added. Home to around 2.7 million people, Botswana won praise for a smooth change of government when the BDP was quick to concede defeat after winning just four seats in parliament on October 30, compared to 36 for Boko's Umbrella for Democratic Change. © Agence France-Presse  

The spread of a mosquito in East Africa that thrives in urban areas and is immune to insecticide is fuelling a surge in malaria that could reverse decades of progress against the disease, experts say. Africa accounted for about 95 percent of the 249 million malaria cases and 608,000 deaths worldwide in 2022, according to the most recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which said children under five accounted for 80 percent of deaths in the region. But the emergence of an invasive species of mosquito on the continent could massively increase those numbers. Anopheles stephensi is native to parts of South Asia and the Middle East but was spotted for the first time in the tiny Horn of Africa state of Djibouti in 2012. Djibouti had all but eradicated malaria only to see it make a slow but steady return over the following years, hitting more than 70,000 cases in 2020. Then stephensi arrived in neighbouring Ethiopia and WHO says it is key to an «unprecedented surge», from 4.1 million malaria cases and 527 deaths last year to 7.3 million cases and 1,157 deaths between January 1 and October 20, 2024. Unlike other species which are seasonal and prefer rural areas, stephensi thrives year-round in urban settings, breeding in man-made water storage tanks, roof gutters or even air conditioning units. It appears to be highly resistant to insecticides, and bites earlier in the evening than other carriers. That means bed nets -- up to now the prime weapon against malaria -- may be much less effective. «The invasion and spread of Anopheles stephensi has the potential to change the malaria landscape in Africa and reverse decades of progress we've made towards malaria control,» Meera Venkatesan, malaria division chief for USAID, told AFP. - 'More research is needed' - The fear is that stephensi will infest dense cities like Mombasa on Kenya's Indian Ocean coast and Sudan's capital Khartoum, with one 2020 study warning it could eventually reach 126 million city-dwellers across Africa. Only last month, Egypt was declared malaria-free by WHO after a century-long battle against the disease -- a status that could be threatened by stephensi's arrival. Much remains unknown, however. Stephensi was confirmed as present in Kenya in late 2022, but has so far stayed in hotter, dryer areas without reaching the high-altitude capital, Nairobi. «We don't yet fully understand the biology and behaviour of this mosquito,» Charles Mbogo, president of the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association, told AFP. «Possibly it is climate-driven and requires high temperatures, but much more research is needed.» He called for increased funding for capturing and testing mosquitos, and for educating the public on prevention measures such as covering water receptacles. - Multiplying threats - The spread of stephensi could dovetail with other worrying trends, including increased evidence of drug resistant malaria recorded in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Eritrea. «The arrival of resistance is imminent,» said Dorothy Achu, WHO's head of tropical and vector-borne diseases in Africa. WHO is working with countries to diversify treatment programmes to delay resistance, she said. A new malaria variant is also evading tests used to diagnose the disease. «The increased transmission that stephensi is driving could potentially help accelerate the spread of other threats, such as drug resistance or another mutation in the parasite that leads it to be less detectable by our most widely-used diagnostics,» said Venkatesan at USAID. Another added challenge is the lack of coordination between African governments. Achu said WHO is working on «a more continental approach». But Mbogo in Kenya said «more political will» was needed. «We share information as scientists with colleagues in neighbouring countries,» he said . «But we need to reach the higher level. We need cross-border collaborations, data-sharing.» © Agence France-Presse

The President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, is set to undertake an official visit to Ghana from November 23 to 25 at the invitation of his counterpart, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, State House said on Tuesday. Seychelles and Ghana have historical ties back to the days of the exile of King Prempeh I of the Ashanti people to the western Indian Ocean archipelago, almost 120 years ago. Ramkalawan's visit will coincide with Ghana's commemoration of the 100th anniversary of King Prempeh I's return from exile in Seychelles. The late King of Ashanti was exiled to Seychelles in the early 1900s and resided there for 24 years before his return to Ghana. Some of his descendants remain in Seychelles, underscoring the enduring bonds between the two nations. The visit of the Seychelles' head of state highlights the longstanding ties between Seychelles and Ghana, since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations on October 10, 1988. 

A top government official said on Monday that the moratorium on change-of-use applications for converting residential properties into tourism accommodations in Seychelles will be lifted on January 13 next year. The moratorium was put in place in August 2023, and it is being lifted after a new policy was approved recently by the Cabinet of Ministers. This means that converting residential properties into tourism accommodations can now take place in line with the Department of Tourism's standards.  The new policy will only apply to Mahe and Praslin, the two main islands of Seychelles. The moratorium for the third most populated island of La Digue will remain in replace in place.   The principal secretary for tourism, Sherin Francis, said, «The new policy will see changes in the procedures. Before applicants had to submit their plans to the Planning Authority for change of use, but now, they will have to complete a mandatory pre-planning stage. The Department of Tourism will assess the property to ensure it is up to the required standards before plans are sent to the Planning Authority.» Applicants will have to submit their letter of intent to the Tourism Department, after which a visit will be organised with all relevant bodies present, to assess the property and provide a report. The applicants will have the report that  can be used when they submit their applications to the Planning Authority. If the application is successful, the applicant can apply for the occupancy stage, where another visit will conducted and if successful, then the process to gain a licence will then begin. Francis explained that this change will put emphasis on higher-quality, low-impact tourism, while also streamlining the application process and ensuring collaboration with the relevant agencies. After the recommendations from the carrying capacity studies, which show that Seychelles' accommodation products are nearly saturated, Francis stated that new change of use facilities must give significant added value to the existing tourism market. The goal is to provide a distinctive, higher-quality guest experience through better and more responsible procedures. «Our physical requirements remain and we will look at the location and size of the property, and minimum requirements, such as room size and safety measures. We have also included some criteria related to sustainability, to start making our operators start thinking of sustainable development when planning their development,» added Francis. According to the criteria set, a change of use to large and medium hotels must meet a minimum 4-star rating, while a change of use to small hotels, self-catering and guesthouses, must meet a minimum Seychelles Secret Gold rating.

Lions International will work with Seychelles to establish a vision hospital among many other areas of cooperation, the district governor, Dr Moez Manji, said on Monday. Manji made the announcement after he paid a courtesy call to Vice President Ahmed Afif at State House. «With the expertise that we have, we will be able to mobilise grants in support of this hospital,» he said. Manji said that this will be a long process of a year or two, «depending on how fast we can set up the MoU (memorandum of understanding).» The other area the club wants to work closely with the government on is paediatric or childhood cancer. He explained that with the hospital, they will be able to detect cancer in children early. Lions' Clubs International is a global service organisation that works to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need. Seychelles together with Kenya and Ethiopia falls under the 411 district - whose main areas of service to the community are vision, hunger, and the environment, among others. Another area that the club is interested in working on is that of youth development and empowerment and Manji said, «A lot of them can slip into drug abuse, due to depression and many other challenges.» He added: «With the lifestyle of the world as it is now, is very challenging, and if we do not handle it correctly we find that we are losing a lot of the youth in the wrong manner.» As Lions International has many programmes dealing with the prevention of drug abuse, Manji explained that the Lion's Club of Seychelles is planning to donate SCR 25,000 ($1,700) as a start-up to this problem. Meanwhile, for his first visit to Seychelles, Manji and his delegation had the chance to take part in the World Diabetes Walk, which Lions Clubs held recently, which he said was to create awareness about diabetes - which is one of their global causes - and the environment. Lions Clubs started working in Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, nine years ago. While expressing satisfaction at his visit and the activities held, Manji revealed that he has left certain goals the local clubs will need to achieve after he leaves.

New areas  of collaboration such as climate finance, coastal erosion social isssues, conducting a functioning review of the public service to boost efficiency renewable energy sector are some of the subjects discussed between the Seychelles' government and the World Bank on Monday. The World Bank regional vice president for Eastern and Southern Africa, Victoria Kwakwa, met with the Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade, Naadir Hassan, following a site visit on Sunday. Kwakwa and her delegation visited a number of places based on the East coast of Mahe and these were different sites for projects meant to curb the effects of erosion caused by climate change that are being financed by the World Bank. The first phase of the project which covers the cost of a 300-metre stretch of coastline at a cost of SCR2.1 million ($152,000) has been completed. Speaking during the meeting with the Hassan on Monday, Kwakwa described the field visit as eye-opening, especially to the effects of climate change. «It is very important for us to hear from our client, in particular the voice of small island states. The World Bank is ready to support Seychelles,» she said. Hassan noted the «importance of working with development partners such as the World Bank, especially in the coordination and alignment of objectives, given that resources are scarce.»    Kwakwa is expected to be in Seychelles until November 19. Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, is vulnerable to climatic conditions as many infrastructural developments have been done along coastlines to cater to the needs of the tourism industry, the top pillar of its economy.

India's capital New Delhi switched schools to online classes Monday until further notice as worsening toxic smog surged past 60 times the World Health Organization's recommended daily maximum. Various piecemeal government initiatives have failed to measurably address the problem, with the smog blamed for thousands of premature deaths each year and particularly impacting the health of children and the elderly. Pollution extended across a swathe of northern India -- with the tourists at the Taj Mahal in Agra snapping photographs of the barely visible white marble monument -- and choked residents of Lahore in neighbouring Pakistan. «My eyes have been burning for the last few days,» said rickshaw puller Subodh Kumar, 30. «Pollution or no pollution, I have to be on the road, where else will I go?» he said, pausing from eating at a roadside stall. «We don't have an option to stay indoors... our livelihood, food, and life -- everything is in the open.» The city is blanketed in poisonous smog each year, primarily blamed on stubble burning by farmers in neighbouring regions to clear their fields for ploughing, as well as factories and traffic fumes. A report by The New York Times this month, based on samples collected over five years, revealed dangerous fumes also spewing from a power plant incinerating rubbish from landfill garbage mountains. - 'Hazardous' - Levels of PM2.5 pollutants -- dangerous cancer-causing microparticles that enter the bloodstream through the lungs -- peaked at 921 micrograms per cubic metre at midday on Monday, according to IQAir pollution monitors, with a reading above 15 in a 24-hour period considered unhealthy by the WHO. Individual monitoring stations noted even higher levels -- one government-run monitor recorded PM2.5 pollutants at 1117 micrograms, 74 times the WHO maximum. Dense grey and acrid smog smothered New Delhi, with IQAir listing conditions as «hazardous». Primary schools were ordered to cease in-person classes on Thursday, with a raft of further restrictions imposed on Monday, including limiting diesel-powered trucks and construction. Authorities hope by keeping children at home, traffic will be reduced. The government urged children and the elderly, as well as those with lung or heart issues «to stay indoors as much as possible». Air filters are too expensive for many, and most do not have homes they can effectively seal from the misery of dangerous foul-smelling air. «The rich ministers and officials can afford to stay indoors, not ordinary people like us,» said rickshaw taxi driver Rinku Kumar, 45. «Who can even afford an air purifier when paying monthly bills is a challenge?» India's Supreme Court ordered the authorities to take «all possible» action. «It is the constitutional obligation of the central government and state governments to ensure citizens live in a pollution free atmosphere,» the court said. - 'Choking death trap' - Long-time Delhi resident William Dalrymple said he was shocked to «find the city embalmed in an all-enveloping burial shroud of pollution», he wrote on social media. «I've never seen anything like this in 40 years of living here,» the Scottish historian wrote, saying the «most fascinating of cities» was «currently a tragic, choking death trap». Critics say arguments between rival politicians heading neighbouring states -- as well as between central and state-level authorities -- have compounded the problem. Politicians are accused of not wanting to anger key figures in their constituencies, particularly powerful farming groups. But Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, who uses one name, blamed surrounding states for not stopping farmers burning the stubble. «The people of Delhi are really troubled, they can't breathe,» she told reporters Monday. «I kept receiving phone calls the entire night from people who had to admit their elderly parents to hospitals for breathing issues, or parents looking for steroid inhalers for their children,» she added. «Why? Because stubble is being burnt all over the country, in every state, everywhere, and the national government isn't doing anything. Today, the entire north of India has been pushed into a medical emergency». Delhi and the surrounding metropolitan area, home to more than 30 million people, consistently tops world rankings for air pollution in winter. © Agence France-Presse

Sweden on Monday began sending some five million pamphlets to residents urging them to prepare for the possibility of war, as neighbouring Finland launched a new preparedness website. Both Sweden and Finland dropped decades of military non-alignment to join the US-led military alliance NATO in the wake of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Since the start of the war, Stockholm has repeatedly urged Swedes to prepare both mentally and logistically for the possibility of war, citing the serious security situation in its vicinity. The booklet «If Crisis or War Comes», sent by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), contains information about how to prepare for emergencies such as war, natural disasters, or cyber attacks. It is an updated version of a pamphlet that Sweden has issued five times since World War II. The previous version sent out in 2018 made headlines, as it was the first time it had been sent to Swedes since 1961 at the height of the Cold War. «The security situation is serious and we all need to strengthen our resilience to face various crises and ultimately war,» MSB director Mikael Frisell said in a statement. The 32-page document outlines with simple illustrations the threats facing the Nordic nation, including military conflict, natural disasters, and cyber and terror attacks. It includes tips for preparedness, such as keeping non-perishable food in stock and storing water. MSB said the updated 2024 version had a stronger focus on preparation for war. Over the next two weeks 5.2 million copies will be sent to Swedish households. The brochure is available in print in both Swedish and English and digital versions are available in several other languages -- including Arabic, Farsi, Ukrainian, Polish, Somali and Finnish. Sweden's former army chief Micael Byden alarmed many of his compatriots in January when he urged them to consider their own preparedness. «Swedes have to mentally prepare for war,» he said. Also on Monday, the government in Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometre (830-mile) border with Russia, launched a website gathering information on preparedness for different crises. © Agence France-Presse

As Black Friday approaches, Seychellois entrepreneurs are being asked to seize the opportunity to promote their businesses and the products they have to offer. The chief executive of the Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA), Lisa Lautoy, made the statement during a recent press conference in which she called on businesses to participate in the event from November 28 to 30. «Black Friday is usually celebrated on the last Friday of November, this will be on the 29th this year, when businesses take the opportunity to promote their products, this is usually through mega sales. Here in Seychelles, we are not asking businesses to do mega sales. However, this is a day to promote your business, so seize the opportunity and make the most of the day,» said Lautoy. She explained that apart from sales, businesses could use other tactics to promote their business «For example, if your shop usually closes at 4.30 pm or 5 pm, if possible, on that day especially if you are in the town area you should keep your shop open longer.» Lautoy said, «This year, ESA will be collaborating with the Shreeji Group, which has different businesses under its portfolio such as Ani Décor, Gopi supermarket, and Lakshmi, that will be holding a three-day mega sale event at Camion Hall. Given that we are doing this event in town, we encourage other businesses to take this opportunity and extend their opening hours.» She stated that most often people complain about the opening hours of shops especially in the town area given that a large majority of customers end up working around the same time that the shops close. Lautoy said this opportunity would surely allow these businesses to establish contact with more clients and they can even market their products for the upcoming festive season.

Pope Francis for the first time tackled claims of Israel's ongoing «genocide» of Palestinians in Gaza in a forthcoming book, urging further investigation into whether Israel's actions meet the definition. Titled «Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World», the book includes his latest and most forthright intervention into the more than year-long war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel. «According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of genocide,» the pontiff wrote in extracts published on Sunday in Italy's La Stampa daily. «This should be studied carefully to determine whether (the situation) corresponds to the technical definition formulated by jurists and international organisations,» he added. The Argentine pontiff has frequently deplored the number of victims of Israel's operations in Gaza, with the territory's Hamas-run health ministry putting the toll at least 43,846 people, most of them civilians. But his call for a probe marks the first time he has publicly used the term genocide -- without endorsing it -- in the context of Israeli military operations in the Palestinian territory. On Thursday, a United Nations Special Committee judged Israel's conduct of warfare in Gaza «consistent with the characteristics of genocide», accusing the country of «using starvation as a method of war». Its conclusions have already been condemned by Israel's key backer the United States. It is, however, not the first time that Israel has been the subject of genocide accusations since the start of the war. South Africa has brought a genocide case before the International Court of Justice with the support of several countries, including Turkey, Spain and Mexico. Francis has also frequently called for the return of the Israeli hostages taken by Palestinian Islamist militants on October 7. That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people on the Israeli side, the majority of them civilians, according to an AFP count based on Israeli official figures. Hamas fighters also took 251 people hostage that day, with 97 still held in the Palestinian territory including 34 the Israeli army says are dead. On Thursday, the 87-year-old pope received 16 former hostages freed after months of captivity in Gaza. © Agence France-Presse

An innovative initiative combining coral restoration, recycling, at the same time gearing children's interest in marine life and its conservation, is set to be implemented on Praslin, the second most populated island of the Seychelles archipelago. The project is the brainchild of Vicky Durand, a diving instructor and coral conservation specialty instructor, who is the recent recipient of the Ocean Innovation Award of the Danny Faure Foundation. The award was created to encourage ocean innovation, seeking to encourage Seychellois emerging ocean leaders to design innovative solutions to tackle ocean challenges that Seychelles faces.  As a reward, Durand won a five-day learning visit at the Nekton Foundation headquarters in the United Kingdom, where she will work with Nekton's personnel and its partners with specialist skills to further advance her project. The Nekton Foundation is a not-for-profit research foundation that works on scientific exploration and ocean protection. SNA caught up with Durand, to learn more about her winning the former President Danny Faure's Ocean Innovation Award, the project – Save the Ocean, the role of the project in the Blue Economy, as well as children's involvement in marine conservation.   SNA: Tell us about the Ocean Innovation Award. VD: Winning the inaugural award for 2024 from the Danny Faure Foundation is truly an honour. It highlights the dedication and impact of the project in advancing coral restoration and marine conservation. I'm excited about the upcoming educational visit to Nekton headquarters in the UK, scheduled for July 20, 2024, as my prize for winning such an award. This visit presents a fantastic opportunity to deepen my understanding of ocean research and innovation, as well as to explore potential collaborations that could further enhance our conservation efforts.   SNA: Why such a project? VD: As a devoted diving professional with over 18 years of experience, the underwater world has been my enduring passion, a sanctuary of wonder that has profoundly shaped my life. The countless hours spent beneath the waves have revealed the heartbreaking truth of our vanishing corals, their vibrant hues fading into a haunting memory. This profound loss ignited a fire within me, compelling me to establish the project:  save the ocean. Our coral reefs are not just underwater spectacles; they are the lifeblood of our tourism and fisheries industries, vital to the prosperity and sustainability of our coastal communities. The urgency to act is now more pressing than ever. We stand at a critical juncture where our actions, or lack thereof, will determine the fate of these irreplaceable ecosystems.  Time is of the essence, and we must cast aside complacency and excuses. Together, we must channel our collective passion and commitment into tangible efforts to revive and protect our corals. Let us unite in this noble cause, driven by the belief that through our dedication and perseverance, we can breathe life back into our oceans and ensure that their splendour endures for generations to come. Durand is a diving instructor and coral conservation specialty instructor. (Vicky Durand) Photo License: All Rights Reserved    SNA: Why did you choose children from Praslin and are you working with only them? VD: The youths of Praslin will play a central role, contributing significantly to their community through this project. However, as Seychellois, we all share a collective responsibility for our ocean. We welcome anyone who wishes to join us, provided they undergo the requisite training. Together, let us unite in a shared commitment to protect and restore our marine environment.   SNA: How will the project be sustained? VD: Our Save the Ocean Project will be sustained through a multifaceted approach. Firstly, we prioritise community engagement and education, fostering awareness among local communities and schools about coral reefs' significance and the threats they face. Secondly, we're establishing vital partnerships with governmental bodies, NGOs and businesses to secure funding, conduct research, and implement conservation initiatives collaboratively. Thirdly, we're committed to long-term monitoring and maintenance of our artificial reef, ensuring its health and effectiveness through regular upkeep and structural assessments. Additionally, by promoting our reef as a sustainable tourism attraction, we aim to generate revenue that funds ongoing conservation efforts and supports local economies. Through policy advocacy, continuous innovation in coral restoration techniques, and staying abreast of scientific advancements, we strive to safeguard marine biodiversity effectively and ensure the longevity of our conservation efforts. Durand said the reefs are the lifeblood of Seychelles' tourism and fisheries industries. communities. (Vicky Durand) Photo License: All Rights Reserved    SNA: How is your project linked to the Blue Economy? VD: It is intricately linked to the Blue Economy through several impactful avenues. By creating an artificial reef and promoting it as an eco-tourism attraction, we directly contribute to local economies by attracting tourists who support coastal businesses. Our efforts in coral restoration not only enhance biodiversity and support sustainable fishing practices but also contribute to marine biotechnology through innovative research in conservation techniques. Protecting coral reefs also strengthens coastal resilience against climate change impacts, benefitting both communities and infrastructure. Moreover, our educational initiatives foster awareness about marine conservation, promoting a stewardship mindset essential for sustainable use of marine resources. In these ways, our project aligns closely with the principles of the Blue Economy, aiming to sustainably utilise and conserve marine resources while fostering economic growth in coastal regions.   SNA: Tell us more about the children's involvement in the project and their activities around scuba diving. VD: In July of last year, I established the AQUAKIDZ swimming team with a primary goal: ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn swimming, regardless of their initial skill level. As we mark our first anniversary this July, I'm proud that AQUAKIDZ has become the largest swimming team on Praslin Island, offering comprehensive lessons from beginner to advanced levels. Beyond promoting fitness and health, our team encourages positive youth engagement. AQUAKIDZ is uniquely geared towards preparing young participants to eventually join the Save Our Ocean project, fostering a generation passionate about marine conservation and equipped with vital swimming and diving skills for safe and impactful ocean exploration. At AQUAKIDZ swimming team, our activities extend beyond swimming practice. We engage in creative learning about diverse ocean species and their significance through art, music, and storytelling. This approach effectively spreads awareness among our members, fostering a deep understanding of marine conservation and the critical role each species plays in our oceans. 

The UN's climate chief urged G20 leaders on Saturday to push COP29 talks towards a deal to raise money for developing nations as diplomats struggled to find common ground in marathon negotiations. Negotiators worked through the night in efforts to produce a new draft deal before ministers arrive next week for the final days of the COP29 talks in a Baku sports stadium, but differences remained. «There is a long way to go, but everyone is very aware of the stakes, at the halfway point in the COP,» UN climate chief Simon Stiell said in a statement. Stiell appealed for leaders of the Group of 20, which includes the world's top economies and polluters, to weigh in when they meet in Brazil on Monday and Tuesday. «As G20 Leaders head to Rio de Janeiro, the world is watching and expecting strong signals that climate action is core business for the world's biggest economies,» Stiell said. «G20 Leaders must signal loud and clear that international cooperation is still the best and only chance humanity has to survive global heating,» he said. Some developing countries, which are least responsible for global greenhouse gas emissions, want an annual commitment of $1.3 trillion to help them adapt to climate impact and transition to clean energy. The figure is well above what donors including the United States, the European Union and Japan currently pay. But the negotiations are stuck over a final figure, the type of financing, and who should pay, with developed countries wanting China and wealthy Gulf states to join the list of donors. «We know we need at least 1.3 trillion to be committed to the low and middle income countries. And that has to be the figure at the end,» Irish climate minister Eamon Ryan said earlier this week. «The question is what's that made up of,» he said. Rich nations, which face their own economic challenges and political pressure following years of high inflation, are loath to commit large amounts of money from their public budgets alone. Buried in debt, developing countries do not want the money to come in the form of loans. - 'Much to do' - The latest draft deal was 25 pages long, and still contained a raft of options. Samir Bejanov, deputy lead negotiator of COP29 host Azerbaijan, said nations were given more time to produce a new text later on Saturday. «There is still much, much to do,» Bejanov said in a press conference. «Over the last few days, some people have doubted whether collectively we can deliver. It's time for the negotiators to start proving them wrong,» he added. Observers described a tense atmosphere in the negotiating rooms in Azerbaijan's capital. «Stark divisions between North and South prevent negotiators from tackling the main issues at hand,» said Iskander Erzini Vernoit, director of the Imal Initiative for Climate and Development, a Morocco-based think tank. Tensions also emerged after some nations specified how much they should be getting from any deal. A bloc of least-developed nations, mostly from Africa, asked for $220 billion while small-island states at threat from rising seas want $39 billion. Friederike Roder, a vice president at the non-profit Global Citizen, said the latest draft contains a «jungle of options» that makes «insufficient progress or even backtracks» on some key points. «What is urgently needed is real political momentum and energy from world leaders as they convene for the G20 summit in Rio,» she said. © Agence France-Presse  

For the second consecutive year, the Seychelles' Vallee de Mai nature reserve has received the Tripexpert Experts' Choice Award, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination in Seychelles, loved by nature enthusiasts and travellers seeking unique experiences. The Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF) said in its newsletter, «Our »Garden of Eden,« with one of the world's last intact palm forests, transports visitors to prehistoric conditions of the Seychelles islands. The Vallee de Mai is much more than its aesthetic value, for many endemic species, benefit from the ecological processes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.» The Tripexpert Experts' Choice Award recognises the world's best travel locations and organisations yearly based solely on professional reviews from leading travel publications such as Frommer's, Travel + Leisure, and The New York Times. The SIF said this accolade reflects the opinions of seasoned travel writers who have experienced and thoroughly evaluated destinations worldwide. SIF added that apart from the Tripexpert award, Vallee de Mai has consistently been celebrated by visitors themselves, having won the TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Award for many consecutive years. This dual recognition from industry experts and the travelling public underscores Vallee de Mai's status as a beloved destination in Seychelles and worldwide. «The investment into the conservation of our natural heritage, continues to reap benefits, with Vallee de Mai recognised as a shining jewel of Seychelles, attracting thousands of visitors each year, highlighting the need to balance sustainable tourism and preservation of the site,» said SIF. 

G20 leaders gather in Brazil on Monday for a G20 summit set to be dominated by differences over wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, and implications of Donald Trump's White House return. Security considerations -- always high at such meetings -- were elevated further after a failed bomb attack late Wednesday outside Brazil's Supreme Court in Brasilia. Police were probing the two blasts as a possible «terrorist act» committed by a Brazilian perpetrator, whose death was the sole casualty. The summit venue is in Rio de Janeiro, in the city's stunning bayside museum of modern art, which is the epicenter of a massive police deployment designed to keep the public well away. Brazil's leftwing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will be using the opportunity to highlight his position as a leader championing Global South issues while also being courted by the West. That role will be tested in the months and years ahead as Latin America and other regions navigate «America First» policies promised by Donald Trump when he becomes US president in January. At this G20, it will be outgoing President Joe Biden who will represent the world's biggest economy, but as a lame duck the other leaders will be looking beyond. Just before the Rio summit, on Sunday, Biden will make a stop in Brazil's Amazon to underline the fight against climate change -- another issue that Trump is hostile towards. - Putin absent - The G20 meet is happening at the same time as the UN's COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan -- and as the world experiences dramatic climate phenomena, including in Brazil where flooding, drought and forest fires have taken heavy tolls. At the last G20, in India, the leaders called for a tripling of renewable energy sources by the end of the decade, but without explicitly calling for an end to the use of fossil fuels. One invited leader who declined to come to Rio is Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said his presence could «wreck» the gathering. Putin denied an International Criminal Court warrant out against him, for Russia's actions in Ukraine, was a factor in his decision. His foreign minister will represent Russia in Rio. China's President Xi Jinping, however, will be attending, and will even extend his stay after the summit to make an official visit to Brasilia on Wednesday. China is Brazil's biggest trading partner, and the two countries have been touting themselves as mediators to help end Russia's war in Ukraine, so far without success. That conflict, along with Israel's offensives in Gaza and Lebanon, will loom large at the summit. «We are negotiating with all the countries on the final declaration's passages about geopolitics... so that we can reach consensual language on those two issues,» Brazil's chief diplomatic official for the G20, Mauricio Lyrio, said. Those conflicts will be «the elephant in the room,» Flavia Loss, international relations specialist at the School of Sociology and Politics of Sao Paulo (FESPSP), told AFP. But that should not prevent Brazil from finding consensus on issues that it has made priorities under its G20 presidency, she said, such as the fight against hunger or taxing the world's super-rich. Lula, heading up Latin America's biggest economy, set out his line in May when he said: «A lot of people insist on dividing the world between friends and enemies. But the more vulnerable are not interested in simplist dichotomies.» - Tax on billionaires - The Rio G20 summit will open on Monday with Lula officially launching a «Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty». The initiative aims to rally nations and international bodies to free up financing for that campaign, or to replicate programs that have previously had success. And on the issue of taxing billionaires, the G20 countries already declared a desire to cooperate to bring that about, as set out by their finance ministers who met in Rio in June. It remained to be seen, though, whether the leaders at the summit would pursue that goal, and on what terms. Following the summit, Brazil hands over the G20 presidency to South Africa. © Agence France-Presse

The Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) commissioned a new vessel on Friday that will be used for monitoring and identifying illegal activities in the Seychelles waters. The vessel «Surveillance 2,» which costs $920,000, has been donated by the Third South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Governance and Shared Growth Project, known as SWIOFish3, a project that has now come to an end. The commissioning of the new vessel was done in a small ceremony at the Victoria Fishing Port. The Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Jean-Francois Ferarri, said that the addition of the new vessel will help confront unsustainable fishing practices and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. «The Mahe Plateau, a critical area for biodiversity and fisheries, has been under immense pressure from unsustainable practices,» he said. Ferrari added: «Surveillance 2 will help us identify and apprehend those who exploit our marine resources unlawfully, and it will send a clear message that we are committed to safeguarding our Seychelles' waters.» Ferarri described the vessel as one of «hope, handcrafted and equipped with the latest technology to protect our waters and ensure the sustainable use of our marine resource.» Surveillance 2, which will have a crew of four, led by skipper Erol Raguin, has been built in the Philippines, by a company called Stoneworks Specialists. It took nine months to complete. It was delivered to Seychelles in June just before the SWIOfish3 project came to an end. The crew of four for the vessel. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY  The director for Blue Economy, Terrence Crea, handed over the keys of the vessel to the chief executive of SFA, Jan Robinson, during the ceremony. Robinson shared a few words of thanks to everyone who made the purchase of this vessel possible and said, «This comes at an opportune time, where we've seen a threefold increase this year alone, in the amount of IUU that has been detected and apprehended in our waters.» He added that the vessel will greatly help in dealing with that. Before taking on the seas, the vessel was blessed by Deacon Aubrey Pon-Wayeo of the Roman Catholic Church.

As part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week through a collaboration with businesses from the Chengdu  Province in China, the Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA) is planning a trade fair for the benefit of Seychellois entrepreneurs. The trade fair will coincide with the first inaugural flight from Chengdu, a direct and non-stop charter flight operated by Sichuan Airlines, due in Seychelles next week. Around 34 Chinese businesses are expected to come to Seychelles on that flight to showcase what they have to offer and essentially establish a more direct link to Seychellois businesses. The chief executive of ESA, Lisa Lautoy, explained that there have been reports from Seychellois businesses that they experience certain difficulties when attempting to contact suppliers in China. «They want direct contact without having to go through an intermediary. We feel that this is an opportune moment for these businesses to build up on these contacts and analyse different kinds of new equipment available. This may in turn help the businesses here to become more innovative, especially in regards to product development,» she said. Lautoy said, «The exhibitors from China have shown a lot of interest in displaying agricultural equipment, however, there will be representatives of different sectors such as manufacturing, tourism and hoteliers, beekeeping as well as crafts.» She confirmed that apart from the Chinese representatives, there will also be the presence of several local businesses at the fair. «These are businesses that are not common, people are not aware of them, so we are giving them the opportunity to showcase what they have to offer. We will also have two local companies that aim to facilitate importation from China present,» she added.  The trade fair will be held at the Berjaya Beauvallon Bay Hotel starting Thursday, November  21 to 23. The press conference panel comprised Jeevan Palani, CEO Enterprise Seychelles Agency, Lautoy and Annabelle Adrienne. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY    Global Entrepreneurship Week In regards to the Global Entrepreneurship Week, the director general for Policy, Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation from the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Jeevan Palani, said that apart from the trade fair, there will also be a variety of other activities organised. «On Monday, we will have a financial awareness fair that will explore different funding opportunities available in Seychelles. There will be bank representatives, certain government entities that have funds to offer, ESA with the seed capital and several other agencies. The ministry is looking at different issues that entrepreneurs face and one of them is access to finance. This will be from 10.30 am to 3 pm at Camion Hall.» Palani added that on Tuesday there will be a Crowd Funding Awareness Forum that will specifically target students. «We will have two speakers - one who is an established business in Mauritius who runs a crowd-funding firm. He will talk about what they do, what they offer, and what the business is exactly. The other speaker is a Seychellois who has benefited from crow-funding,» he explained. Next Tuesday, there will also be an Impact Assessment Workshop that is being done in partnership with the UNDP.  Palani explained that «this will be for entrepreneurs and government officials, to explain the impact that businesses have, especially focusing on the sustainable development goals.» The workshop will be a closed event held at the Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS). «Apart from the workshop, we will also have an open day for the SBS on Tuesday. This will be for entrepreneurs, where they will be able to see what kind of facilities for product testing are available at the SBS,» he added. Palani explained that the rest of the week will be the trade fair and confirmed that the ministry had also thought of the people based in the Praslin and La Digue region. «We will also be doing an SME fair on Praslin; this will be on Saturday. We want people from Praslin to have access to this information,» he added. 

Seychelles has officially begun its review of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and targets regarding biodiversity through a first stakeholder meeting on Wednesday. These consultations are meant to help formulate national biodiversity targets aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The NBSAP sets specific activities and targets to help achieve the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and these plans are typically implemented through partnerships with conservation organisations. The species and habitats highlighted in the NBSAP are considered government priorities, often drawing attention and action when they are under threat. However, it is important to note that NBSAPs do not have legal status, and the species and habitats listed are not automatically protected unless covered by other laws or regulations.  The national focal point for the Convention on Biological Diversity for Seychelles, Indira Gamatis, told reporters, «The process is not starting at zero, we had already done a review previously and despite certain delays, we are now on track to deliver on our commitment to the convention. At the moment we are working on our national targets, and this will be followed by the continuation of procedures to hopefully complete our NBSAP by next year.» Around 40 participants from government institutions, non-governmental organisations, and biodiversity experts worked in groups to address KMGBF targets in three main areas and these are risk reduction, rehabilitation, and implementation facilitation. The workshop included interactive sessions where stakeholders identified key terms for aligning Seychelles' national targets with the KMGBF and proposed wording for these targets. This review process is being funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support (GBF-EAS) project. The initiative is designed to accelerate actions to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) over the next decade. The project focuses on four key areas; aligning National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP), improving monitoring systems, ensuring policy coherence, and securing biodiversity finance. It is being carried through a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE). The work is guided by the Biodiversity Conservation and Management Division (BCM) and Seychelles' national CBD focal point. As part of the first phase of the project, Seychelles will align its national biodiversity targets with the KMGBF, laying the groundwork for a new National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. This plan will integrate the KMGBF's objectives and relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), developed through a comprehensive approach involving both government and society. Seychelles previously had two NBSAPs in place, from 2016 until 2020 and it was in line with the Aichi biodiversity targets which had been adopted in Japan in 2010. The new NBSAP will take a broader approach, not only focusing on the conservation of ecosystems and species but also detailing how to use natural resources in a more sustainable manner. In addition, it will address other factors impacting biodiversity, including resource mobilisation and capacity building.

Azerbaijan's «doors are still open», the COP29 presidency's lead negotiator said Thursday after France's ecology minister pulled out of the UN climate summit over «unacceptable» remarks by President Ilham Aliyev. Aliyev used a speech at COP on Wednesday to attack Paris for alleged colonial «crimes» and «human rights violations» in its overseas territories, notably in the troubled Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia. French Environment Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher slammed the remarks as «deplorable» and said she was cancelling her trip to Baku. Azerbaijan's leader was using «the fight against climate change for a shameful personal agenda,» she added, with relations between the two countries already frosty. But the COP29 presidency's lead negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev insisted Thursday that Azerbaijan had fostered «an inclusive process». «We have opened our doors to everybody to come to engage in very constructive, fruitful discussions. Our doors are still open,» he added. Despite her pullout, Pannier-Runacher said the team of French negotiators in Baku would not relent in their efforts to do a deal «to protect the planet and its populations» from climate change. Relations between Paris and Baku are tense over France's longtime support for Azerbaijan's arch-rival Armenia. Azerbaijan defeated Armenia in a lightning offensive last year when it retook the breakaway Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh -- leading to an exodus of more than 100,000 Armenians. © Agence France-Presse