Egypt: President El-Sisi Receives King of Bahrain His Majesty (H.M.) King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will receive King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, during his visit to his second home, Egypt.

The visit aims to strengthen the deep-rooted fraternal bonds between the two countries. President El-Sisi and H.M. King Hamad bin Isa will hold talks focused on further deepening bilateral relations and strengthening the outstanding cooperation between Egypt and Bahrain across various fields. They are also expected to discuss the latest regional and international developments of mutual concern.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Défense et Sécurité : Le Bénin et le Nigéria intensifient leur coordination sécuritaire

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le partenariat stratégique entre le Bénin et le Nigéria en matière de défense et de sécurité entre dans une nouvelle dynamique. Ce mardi 4 août 2026, le Ministre délégué auprès du Président de la République, chargé de la Défense Nationale, Monsieur Gildas AGONKAN, a accueilli à Cotonou une importante délégation nigériane conduite par le Ministre de la Défense, le Général Christopher GWABIN MUSA. Cette visite de travail s’inscrit dans la dynamique de renforcement des relations bilatérales entre les deux pays en matière de sécurité et de défense. 

À leur arrivée, les membres de la délégation nigériane se sont d’abord rendus à la caserne militaire de Togbin, où ils ont échangé avec les troupes nigérianes déployées au Bénin dans le cadre de la célébration du 66ᵉ anniversaire de l’accession du Bénin à la souveraineté nationale et internationale. Ils ont ensuite pris part à une séance de travail avec le Ministre délégué chargé de la Défense Nationale au siège du Ministère à Cotonou. 

● Renforcer la coopération face aux défis sécuritaires 

Au terme de la rencontre, le Ministre nigérian de la Défense, le Général Christopher GWABIN MUSA, a souligné les défis sécuritaires communs auxquels sont confrontés le Bénin et le Nigéria. « Nous sommes ici pour identifier les mécanismes les plus appropriés à mettre en œuvre afin de renforcer la lutte contre le terrorisme », a-t-il déclaré. Il a rappelé que la lutte contre ce phénomène exige une synergie d’actions entre les États de la sous-région, notamment le Bénin, le Nigéria, le Niger, le Burkina-Faso et le Mali. Il a également appelé les populations des deux pays à faire preuve de vigilance et à renforcer leur collaboration avec les forces de défense et de sécurité. 

Prenant la parole à son tour, le Ministre délégué auprès du Président de la République, chargé de la Défense nationale, Monsieur Gildas AGONKAN, a salué une visite qui traduit la volonté commune des deux États de consolider leur partenariat stratégique. Selon lui, cette coopération permettra de « fusionner les talents, les capacités et les efforts » afin de relever efficacement les défis sécuritaires. « Nos stratégies doivent être mutualisées pour qu’ensemble, avec les autres pays de la sous-région, nous puissions venir à bout de ce fléau qui freine le développement de nos nations », a-t-il affirmé, insistant sur la nécessité d’une action concertée pour priver les groupes terroristes de toute marge de manœuvre. 

Cette visite de travail témoigne de la qualité des relations de coopération entre le Bénin et le Nigeria ainsi que de l’engagement constant du Gouvernement béninois à renforcer les dispositifs de sécurité, dans une approche fondée sur la coopération régionale, la solidarité entre États et la préservation de la paix au bénéfice des populations.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Gabon: Arrivée du Chef de l’État en République de Côte d’Ivoire pour les festivités du 66ème anniversaire de l’indépendance

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


​Le Président de la République, Chef de l’État, Chef du Gouvernement, S. E Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, est arrivé ce jour à Abidjan, en République de Côte d’Ivoire, accompagné de la Première Dame, Madame Zita OLIGUI NGUEMA à l’occasion des festivités marquant le 66ᵉ anniversaire de l’indépendance de la République de Côte d’Ivoire.

À leur arrivée, le Couple présidentiel a été accueilli par Madame Nialé KABA, Ministre d’État, Ministre des Affaires étrangères de la République de Côte d’Ivoire.

Invité d’honneur de Son Excellence Alassane OUATTARA, Président de la République de Côte d’Ivoire, le Chef de l’État prendra part, le 7 août prochain, aux festivités officielles de l’indépendance, aux côtés de plusieurs Chefs d’État et de gouvernement du continent. Cette invitation témoigne de l’excellence des relations d’amitié, de fraternité et de coopération qui unissent le Gabon et la Côte d’Ivoire.

En marge des célébrations, le Président de la République effectuera plusieurs activités, notamment des rencontres avec la communauté gabonaise établie en Côte d’Ivoire, des visites de sites et de projets structurants, ainsi que des échanges destinés à renforcer davantage la coopération entre les deux pays.

Cette visite s’inscrit dans la continuité de la tournée diplomatique du Chef de l’État en Afrique de l’Ouest, après les étapes du Ghana, de la Gambie et de la Sierra Leone. Elle traduit sa volonté de renforcer les partenariats africains, de promouvoir le partage d’expériences et de faire de la diplomatie un levier de développement au service des populations gabonaises.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

Illegal initiation schools, deaths, top agenda of high-level SAPS meeting

Source: Government of South Africa

Illegal initiation schools, deaths, top agenda of high-level SAPS meeting

The Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia convened a high-level meeting with South African Police Service (SAPS) officials on Tuesday, to strengthen government’s response to the challenges associated with initiation schools.

The officials included the Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, the Deputy National Commissioners, Provincial Commissioners, Premiers and Members of the Executive Councils (MECs) responsible for Community Safety.

“The meeting follows the recent engagement convened by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa which brought together key stakeholders to address matters relating to illegal initiation schools, the tragic deaths of initiates and the role of government in preventing these incidents while safeguarding legitimate cultural practices,” the police said in a statement.

The Deputy National Commissioner: Policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, who also serves as the Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), presented a comprehensive situational report detailing the number of initiation-related deaths, arrests effected by law enforcement as well as the number of registered legal initiation schools and those identified as operating unlawfully.

The meeting welcomed the presentation, noting that it provides a valuable operational picture that will inform targeted interventions by law enforcement and other government departments.

“Discussions that followed highlighted a number of operational and coordination challenges experienced across provinces.

“Provincial Commissioners emphasised the need for stronger coordination between government, law enforcement and all stakeholders responsible for regulating and overseeing initiation schools,” the police said.

Minister Cachalia noted the concerns and resolved that they will form part of the report to be submitted to the Minister of CoGTA.

The report will also include practical recommendations aimed at strengthening intergovernmental coordination and ensuring a more integrated approach to addressing illegal initiation schools and preventing avoidable deaths.

The meeting further resolved to enhance collaboration between provincial governments, the SAPS, traditional leaders and recognised initiation school leadership to improve compliance with applicable legislation, facilitate information sharing and strengthen enforcement efforts against illegal operators. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Empowered Women, Empower Nations: The Entrepreneurial Success of Zamafiso Mngomezulu

Source: Government of South Africa

Empowered Women, Empower Nations: The Entrepreneurial Success of Zamafiso Mngomezulu

By Lihle Nxumalo

The National Women’s Month launch, held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on 01 August 2026, celebrated the achievements of women who are shaping South Africa’s future through entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Hosted under the theme: “Empowered Women, Empower Nations”, the event was led by the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga.

A key highlight of the event was the vibrant EmpowerHer Trade Market, which featured women-owned businesses from across the country, showcasing their role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and strengthening local communities.

Among the standout exhibitors was Grasp Adhesive, a 100% black female-owned manufacturing enterprise founded by Zamafiso Mngomezulu. Operating in the construction sector, the company manufactures high-quality tile adhesive products that meet rigorous standards of durability, reliability and performance. Through innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality, Grasp Adhesive has established itself as a trusted supplier in an industry where women remain underrepresented.

Mngomezulu’s entrepreneurial journey reflects resilience, determination and a clear vision. She founded Grasp Adhesive with the ambition of demonstrating that women can excel in manufacturing and construction while producing products that compete with the best in the industry. Her dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has enabled the business to grow steadily, earning the trust of contractors, retailers and property developers.

A pivotal moment in the company’s growth came through funding support from Ithala Bank. The investment enabled Grasp Adhesive to expand its production capacity, enhance its manufacturing processes and strengthen its competitiveness within the construction industry. For Mngomezulu, Ithala’s support represented more than financial assistance, it was a strong endorsement of her vision and confidence in her potential as a business leader.

Beyond building a successful enterprise, Mngomezulu is passionate about empowering women and creating opportunities for young people in manufacturing. She believes that increasing women’s participation in the sector is essential to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Through her leadership, she continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women seeking to break barriers in industries traditionally dominated by men.

Zamafiso Mngomezulu’s story embodies the spirit of this year’s Women’s Month theme: “Empowered Women, Empower Nations”.  Through innovation, perseverance and strategic support from institutions such as Ithala Bank, she has built a thriving business that not only delivers quality products but also creates employment, contributes to economic development and demonstrates the transformative impact of investing in women-owned enterprises. – SAnews.gov.za

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Chikunga calls for women’s empowerment that transcends generations

Source: Government of South Africa

Chikunga calls for women’s empowerment that transcends generations

Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga has called for women’s empowerment that transcends generations, is institutionalised, and gives women the power to define their futures.

“Africa and the world [must] move from merely remembering women to building institutions that include women. Our responsibility is not only to honour the women who changed history – it is to ensure that the next generation of women has the power to define their own futures,” Chikunga said on Tuesday in Pretoria.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of the Portraits of Power Exhibition, which celebrates extraordinary women whose courage, leadership and contributions have shaped nations and inspired generations.

The exhibition takes place during Women’s Month, celebrated under the theme: “Empowered Women Empower the Nation,” and commemorates the 70th anniversary of the historic 9 August 1956 march by more than 20 000 women to the Union Buildings.

Chikunga emphasised that women must take their rightful place in all areas where decisions are made, and power is exercised.

“Especially decisions over the ownership, control and management of the wealth-producing resources of this land.  We must continue to ask difficult questions: Where are the women when budgets are allocated, when policies are designed, and when decisions about our collective future are taken,” Chikunga said.

She stressed that women’s participation must be institutionalised, not incidental.

“We must demand institutional commitment, not symbolic commitment. The true measure of our commitment to women is not the number of conferences we hold, or portraits we unveil. It is whether our institutions themselves change — whether women gain access to capital, education, leadership, technology, markets, and decision-making power,” the Minister said.

Chikunga said women must have access to education, financial support, networks and institutions that can turn ambition into influence — and influence into impact.

“We must make intergenerational inclusion mandatory. This initiative already creates a platform connecting international women leaders, diplomats, artists, students, and young women leaders. Let us institutionalise those connections. Every woman who has climbed the ladder must become part of building the ladder for someone else. Bring someone along,” she said.

The Minister said the women whose portraits were unveiled should not remain historical figures on walls.

“They must become symbols of hope, and of access. Their stories must enter our classrooms, our universities, our communities, and our conversations with young women — and opportunities must be materially realised in their honour.

“Let us leave this room with a personal responsibility. Leave here committed. Identify one young woman you will mentor. One door you will open. One institution you will challenge. One opportunity you will create. Because the most powerful portrait we can unveil is the portrait of the woman whose future we helped change,” she said.

The International Portraits of Power exhibition is a Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute initiative presented in partnership with The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and participating diplomatic missions.

It forms part of a series of legacy projects commemorating the 155th birthday anniversary of Mannya-Maxeke. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Emirates and South African Airways Expand Codeshare Partnership

Source: APO – Report:

Emirates (www.Emirates.com) and South African Airways (SAA) today announced an expansion of their codeshare partnership, enabling access to nine cities and establishing the start of a reciprocal codeshare agreement between both carriers. The expanded partnership opens more destinations across central and southern Africa, simplifying connectivity for customers.

Since launching their codeshare agreement, Emirates and SAA have operated on a unilateral basis, with SAA placing its code on Emirates-operated flights between Dubai and Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, as well as interline access to 68 Emirates destinations worldwide via Dubai. With regulatory approvals secured, the new agreement will see Emirates place its code on SAA-operated flights, extending its network deeper into South Africa and neighbouring countries.

The expansion covers nine new routes including three domestic South African links connecting Johannesburg with Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, in addition to six regional routes linking Johannesburg with Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), Gaborone (Botswana), Windhoek (Namibia), Lusaka (Zambia), Harare (Zimbabwe) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).

Emirates and South African Airways have been partners for almost 30 years, marking one of the longest partnerships in Emirates’ portfolio. Since 1997, millions of passengers have benefitted from the partnership, with frictionless, single-ticket travel. This extension to the codeshare underscores the ongoing commitment to providing greater access, convenience and choices to travellers from South Africa and neighbouring countries.

The move builds on Emirates’ longstanding commitment to providing reliable, consistent connectivity for passengers travelling to, from and within South Africa and the broader region. It also responds to strong demand for travel to South Africa from key international markets, particularly across Europe, while providing customers with greater access to destinations throughout southern and central Africa.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “This reciprocal codeshare partnership with South African Airways is a natural evolution of a relationship that has served our customers well for many years. By placing our code on SAA’s domestic and regional network, we are opening up seamless access to destinations across South Africa and neighbouring countries, backed by the reliability and consistency our customers expect from Emirates. It reinforces our long-term commitment to South Africa and wider region, and our confidence in the continent’s continued growth.”

Matshela Seshibe, Acting Group CEO of SAA, said, “The expansion of our partnership with Emirates marks an important milestone in SAA’s strategy to strengthen connectivity across Africa while enhancing access to global markets. Through this reciprocal codeshare agreement, customers will benefit from a more seamless travel experience and greater choice across our combined networks. This partnership is about more than connecting destinations. It is about connecting people, businesses and opportunities across the continent and beyond. By combining SAA’s growing African network with Emirates’ extensive global reach, we are creating greater value for our customers and reinforcing Johannesburg’s role as a key gateway for travel, trade and tourism in Africa.”

Emirates in South Africa

Emirates has been flying to South Africa since 1995, starting with its inaugural flight to Johannesburg. Since then, the airline has scaled operations, increased frequencies and gateways to Cape Town and Durban and served over 20 million passengers to and from the market. Currently, Emirates operates 56 weekly flights across the three gateways. South Africa is also the only market on Emirates’ Africa network to receive all three widebody aircraft types: the Boeing 777, the Airbus A380 and the A350.

As part of its commitment to offering best-in-class products to travellers in South Africa, the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy experience is available on flights between Dubai and both Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Customers travelling on the new codeshare routes will benefit from convenient single-ticket bookings, coordinated schedules and through-checked baggage to their final destination.

Tickets can now be booked on www.Emirates.com, via travel agents or at Emirates’ retail stores.

– on behalf of The Emirates Group.

About South African Airways:
South African Airways (SAA) is the national carrier of South Africa, committed to delivering safe, reliable, and world-class air travel while contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

With 92 years in the skies, SAA links domestic, regional, and international destinations. SAA flies from Johannesburg to Abidjan, Accra, Dar es Salaam, Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, Harare, Kinshasa, Lusaka, Lubumbashi, Lagos, Mauritius (from Johannesburg and Cape Town), Windhoek, Victoria Falls, São Paulo (from Cape Town and Johannesburg), and Perth.

Since first taking to the skies in 1934, SAA has grown to include a passenger airline, a cargo transport service, and related services provided through its wholly owned subsidiaries, SAA Technical (SAAT) and Air Chefs. SAAT delivers high-quality maintenance services, major airframe checks, engine overhauls, mechanical components, avionics, and line maintenance to SAA and third parties. Air Chefs provides in-flight, airline lounges, and other catering services to the airline and third parties.

About Emirates:
Emirates began operations in 1985 and has grown into one of aviation’s most awarded airlines. The world’s largest international airline as measured in revenue passenger kilometres RPKMs), it connects travellers to Dubai, and through Dubai to more than 150 destinations across six continents on the world’s largest fleets of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, alongside its newly introduced Airbus A350s. Emirates remains synonymous with service and product excellence at every touchpoint, from its award-winning cabin experiences and regionally inspired cuisine to its industry-leading inflight entertainment system, ice. Visit www.Emirates.com for more information

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Uganda: Lieutenant Colonel Frank Murema Takes Over Command of 16 Service Brigade

Source: APO – Report:

The Special Forces Command (SFC) on Sunday 2nd August 2026 conducted a series of handover and takeover ceremonies as senior officers assumed new responsibilities following recent appointments within the force.

Lt. Col. Frank Murema officially handed over the office of Deputy Director of Operations at the SFC Headquarters to Lt. Col. A.C. Kaawe before taking over command of the 16 Service Brigade, headquartered at Busambaga in Entebbe.

At the brigade headquarters, Lt. Col. Allen Atuhaire, who had been serving in an acting capacity as head of the 16 Service Brigade, formally handed over office by presenting the official report on behalf of the outgoing Brigade Commander, Col. R.R. Tugume, who has proceeded to the National Defence College for a strategic course.

The report highlighted several achievements registered under Col. Tugume’s leadership, including the construction of modern storage facilities, fuel reserves, the main quarter guard and other key infrastructure projects that have significantly enhanced the brigade’s operational and logistical capacity.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Commander of the Special Forces Command, Maj. Gen. Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, commended Col. Tugume for his exemplary leadership and dedication in leading one of the SFC’s most critical formations.

He urged Lt. Col. Murema to build on the brigade’s achievements by fostering teamwork, integrity, professionalism and effective coordination.

Describing the 16 Service Brigade as the backbone of the SFC’s welfare and logistical support, Maj. Gen. Nyakikuru said strong leadership and unity would be essential in sustaining the brigade’s contribution to the force’s operational success.

The SFC Commander also announced the appointment of Lt. Col. Allen Atuhaire as Deputy Brigade Commander, noting that her previous position as Brigade Operations and Training Officer will be filled in due course.

Earlier at the SFC Headquarters, the Director of Operations, Col. Philip Mugizi, praised Lt. Col. Murema for his professionalism and outstanding contribution to the successful execution of SFC operations during his tenure as Deputy Director of Operations.

He welcomed Lt. Col. Kaawe to his new role and encouraged him to embrace innovation by leveraging emerging technologies and modern operational approaches to enhance mission effectiveness.

The ceremonies were attended by senior SFC leaders, including the newly appointed Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. John Mango Baraza, the newly appointed Director of Human Resource Management, Hon. Col. Night Ikiriza, who also serves as the UPDF representative in Parliament, as well as senior and junior officers and non-commissioned officers.

– on behalf of State House Uganda.

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Uganda: ‘Garbage trucks to be deployed on cleaning days’

Source: APO – Report:

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Garbage collection trucks will be deployed across the country ahead of the next national cleaning day to improve waste collection and ensure proper sanitation.

The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Ruth Aceng made the revelation while responding to concerns raised by Kampala District Woman Representative, Hon. Shamim Malende over poor waste management following the inaugural national cleaning day that was held countrywide on Saturday, 25 July 2026.

During the plenary sitting held on Tuesday, 04 August 2026, Malende said uncollected garbage within Kampala and its surrounding areas is a serious threat to public health and presented environmental risks.

“While the initiative was intended to improve sanitation and public health, the collected waste has remained on the roadsides of Kampala and in the communities of Lubaga, Kawempe, Makindye, Central and Nakawa,” Malende said.

She called for a clear garbage collection plan, to ensure better success of the forthcoming national cleaning day that will take place on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

“I would like the line minister to inform us of the long-term measures which government is putting in place to ensure that future national cleaning exercises are followed by timely waste collection, transportation and disposal,” Malende added.

Aceng acknowledged that the intensity of the initial programme revealed gaps that will be addressed in future.

“We take note that the first activity clearly showed that we are overwhelmed. However, this morning, this issue has been largely addressed. KCCA is still moving around collecting waste. In future, we will have more trucks all over the country because it is a national activity,” Aceng told the House.

She added government is seeking partnerships to improve the viability of the activity.

“We want to promise you that with serious sensitisation, it will be better done and there will be no garbage left around,” Aceng added.

The initiative is expected to run from 7am to 10am on every last Saturday of the month, with a goal of improving sanitation, preventing disease, protecting the environment and promoting a lasting culture of civic responsibility.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Africans bear the brunt of biodiversity loss

Source: APO – Report:

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For millions across Africa and the developing world, the biodiversity crisis is not an abstract problem – it’s the soil that no longer yields bountiful harvests and the fish that no longer return to coastal waters.

But the world spends 30 times more money destroying nature than protecting it, and Africa often lacks the necessary resources to address the crisis, the head of the UN’s Biodiversity Convention warned this week at a major scientific forum in Nairobi.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. In addition to maintaining natural ecosystems, having a variety of species – both flora and fauna – also supports human survival through food and medicine.

“Thanks to biodiversity, we have food. Biodiversity gives us clean water. It helps us fight climate change. It makes us more resilient,” Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity Astrid Schomaker told UN News. “All these issues matter to all of us.”

Africa is home to 25 per cent of the world’s biodiversity but has also lost about 24 per cent of its species since the pre-industrial period, according to a recent study. 

The continent is uniquely impacted by biodiversity loss because many people rely on its bountiful natural resources to earn a living.

Ms. Schomaker said climate change is the single biggest driver, and Africa is especially vulnerable to climate shocks.

But because of massive government subsidies for fossil fuels and private industrial spending around the world, biodiversity loss outpaces efforts to protect it, UN Environment Programme, UNEP, warned earlier this year.

Ms. Schomaker said rising temperatures, invasive species, pollution and overexploitation of land and water all deplete the resources rural and coastal communities rely on for food, income and clean water.

From science to funding

If the recent meeting of the UN’s Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice identified biodiversity loss as a problem, the Subsidiary Body on Implementation – meeting until 12 August in Nairobi – will focus on how to solve it.

Negotiators are now working through how to embed biodiversity into national decision-making, draw financial institutions into the conversation and raise the money needed to close the gap.

“We have a very solid understanding of where we are,” Ms. Schomaker said. “And now it is taking this understanding of where we are and translating it into recommendations on how we can move forward faster.”

Cautious optimism ahead of COP17

Despite alarming figures, reports submitted to UNEP by 125 countries show strong global engagement on solving the crisis of diversity loss.

In fact, whether it be planting a tree, creating insect havens or avoiding harmful chemicals, UNEP says everyone has a role to play in protecting biodiversity.

The recommendations from the two Nairobi conventions will inform Member States’ negotiations and decisions at COP17, the biennial meeting of parties to the Biodiversity Convention, which begins on 19 October.

This year in Yerevan, Armenia, countries will review progress toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at COP15 as a roadmap to reverse biodiversity loss and help people live in better harmony with nature.

“That is our biggest challenge: How can we turn this around?” Ms. Schomaker said. “How can we make everybody understand that biodiversity matters for them – that destroying biodiversity means you essentially destroy what you are building your lives on, and then make the right decisions.”

– on behalf of UN News.