Topic · Baobab Pulse
Science
Research, discovery, and scientific progress.
Must Read🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·6 hours ago
Nigerian floods: Agencies warn of worse to come as governments fail to act on predictions
Despite consistent warnings and projections from relevant agencies, Nigerian governments have largely ignored the threat of devastating floods, leading to recurring deaths, destruction, and misery. In early July 2026, torrential rains caused widespread devastation in Lagos and Ogun states, submerging homes, disrupting electricity, and shattering food supply chains. The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Mohammed, warned that this is just the beginning of the rainy season, with worse floods expected around August-September. The agency's 2026 Annual Flood Outlook indicated that 30,707 communities are at risk across 34 states, with 4.2 million hectares of farmland, 4,792 health facilities, and 10,684 schools located in flood-prone areas. The National Emergency Management Agency's After-Action Review showed that 2024 was Nigeria's most devastating flood year, claiming over 1,237 lives and displacing 1.24 million people, while coordinated action in 2025 significantly reduced the tragedy. The article criticizes governments and citizens for their indifference, highlighting the gap between prediction and implementation, and regulation and compliance. It suggests emulating Ghana's decisive actions against illegal structures obstructing waterways and calls for concerted commitment to climate change adaptation, comprehensive flood-control strategies, and effective waste management. The Lagos State Government, as a low-lying coa
11 min read
🇸🇳SeneNews·16 hours ago
First Lady Marie Khone Faye encourages girls in STEM at Miss Maths and Miss Sciences 2026 reception
First Lady Marie Khone Faye met with the 2026 national winners of the Miss Maths and Miss Sciences competitions, Khadidiatou Ka and Sokhna Mame Bousso Mbacké, at the Presidential Palace. The First Lady emphasized the importance of promoting girls' access to scientific careers and removing barriers that limit their presence in these fields. She highlighted her commitment to education and female excellence, recalling her support in March 2026 during a visit to the Diourbel Scientific Excellence High School, where she awarded scholarships and school kits to six girls with high academic averages. During discussions with the laureates, topics included challenges in girls' schooling, conditions for academic success, and ways to strengthen their orientation towards science. Marie Khone Faye urged young Senegalese girls to believe in their abilities, strive for excellence, and pursue scientific paths. She also acknowledged the families and teachers who supported the students' success, presenting them with gifts and awards of encouragement.
1 min read
🇲🇦Le Matin·17 hours ago
New evidence supports meteorite impact origin for Lake Isli in High Atlas
Twelve tiny metallic meteorite fragments have been discovered in sediments near Lake Isli, close to Imilchil in the High Atlas. This finding, approximately 600 meters from the lake, reopens a scientific debate spanning over a decade regarding whether the lake's depression was formed by a meteorite impact or a natural collapse of the limestone subsurface. The research was conducted by a team from Ibn Zohr University in Agadir, in collaboration with G. S. Senesi from the Italian Institute of Plasma Science and Technology in Bari. Their findings will be presented at the 88th annual meeting of the Meteoritical Society in Frankfurt from August 9 to 14, 2026. The fragments, measuring between 2 and 5 millimeters and weighing about one gram in total, were recovered from silt and chalk deposits. Electron microscopy and laser analysis revealed high concentrations of iron and nickel, along with cobalt, and traces of gallium, germanium, and iridium, consistent with iron meteorites. Some samples also showed an oxidation layer from rapid cooling and small imprints from atmospheric entry. The hypothesis of a meteoritic origin for Lake Isli was first proposed in 2012 and 2013, but was contested in 2014 and 2015 due to the absence of meteorite fragments around Lake Isli, unlike the nearby Agoudal site. Opposing researchers suggested a karstic collapse, where water dissolved limestone, causing the ground to sink and form a circular depression. The presence of these new fragments weakens a key
3 min read
🇩🇿Algérie360·19 hours ago
Algeria faces record heatwave with temperatures up to 49°C in several wilayas
Algeria is experiencing an intense heatwave, with the National Office of Meteorology ONM issuing special bulletins confirming extreme temperatures across much of the country. On Monday, July 13, temperatures were expected to reach up to 49°C in parts of the Grand South, specifically in Adrar, In Salah, and Bordj Badji Mokhtar, persisting until at least Tuesday. Northern wilayas are also affected, with areas like Mascara, Relizane, Chlef, Aïn Defla, Tizi Ouzou, M’Sila, and Guelma experiencing 44-45°C on Monday, potentially rising to 46-47°C on Tuesday. Other northern wilayas, including Sidi Bel Abbès, Saïda, Tiaret, Tissemsilt, Médéa, Djelfa, Bouira, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Sétif, Mila, Constantine, Souk Ahras, Batna, Oum El Bouaghi, Khenchela, and Tébessa, are under surveillance for temperatures between 44 and 45°C, also until Tuesday. Coastal wilayas such as Béjaïa, Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, and El Tarf are seeing sustained heat of 40-42°C, with inland areas reaching 44-46°C. In addition to the heat, the ONM has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms with rain in the Grand South, affecting Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, and In Guezzam, from 3 PM Monday until 3 AM Tuesday. This heatwave follows previous alerts, with temperatures of 45-48°C reported in over 35 wilayas on July 12, and a double alert for heatwave and thunderstorms on July 11. The lack of nocturnal recovery, with morning temperatures remaining high 25-28°C in the North, 30-35°C in the South, exacerbates health risks
3 min read
🇳🇦The Namibian·1 day ago
Namibia intensifies efforts to combat illegal lithops trafficking
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Namibia is increasing its efforts to stop the illegal harvesting and trade of lithops, also known as 'living stones' or 'pebble plants'. These desert succulents, endemic to Namibia, are protected under national and international laws and are highly sought after by collectors globally, making them targets for organized wildlife trafficking. Environment minister Indileni Daniel informed parliament that Namibia has enhanced monitoring, law enforcement, and international cooperation to combat this illicit trade. The ministry collaborates with the police, customs officials, and conservation partners to prevent illegal harvesting and exports. Wildlife inspectors conduct compliance inspections and confiscate illegally collected plants, while border posts are monitored to prevent unlawful movement of protected species. Investigations have revealed cases linked to illegal lithops exports. Namibia is also working with research institutions to improve propagation methods and support conservation. Daniel stated that no legal export permits have been issued for wild-harvested lithops, and artificially propagated plants can only be exported under strict permit conditions. Protecting Namibia's unique plant species requires continued enforcement, public awareness, and international cooperation.
1 min read
🇩🇿Algérie360·1 day ago
Algeria braces for extreme heatwave with temperatures up to 48°C across 35 wilayas until July 20
Algeria is experiencing an intense heatwave, with the National Meteorological Office issuing a special bulletin for exceptionally high temperatures. Over 35 wilayas across the country are expected to see temperatures between 45 and 48°C in the shade. This heatwave is projected to continue until at least July 20. A first group of wilayas, including Sidi Bel Abbès, Tissemsilt, Relizane, Béjaïa, M'Sila, Tiaret, Mila, Guelma, Tizi Ouzou, Chlef, Batna, Annaba, Djelfa, Constantine, Skikda, Jijel, Aïn Defla, Médéa, El Tarf, Saïda, Bouira, and Mascara, are under a direct alert. A second group, comprising Souk Ahras, Timimoun, In Salah, Laghouat, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Tamanrasset, Oum El Bouaghi, Tébessa, Sétif, Tlemcen, El Bayadh, Khenchela, Adrar, and Naâma, is also affected. The peak of the heatwave is anticipated on Monday, with interior regions of the west, center, and east expecting highs between 45 and 47°C. Coastal areas will experience temperatures between 38 and 45°C, while southern wilayas in the Sahara could reach 40 to 49°C. A significant concern is the lack of nocturnal relief, with night temperatures remaining high, between 25 and 28°C in the north and 30 to 35°C in the south, exacerbating health risks, especially for the elderly, children, and chronically ill. The Ministry of Interior advises avoiding direct sun exposure between 11 am and 4 pm, staying hydrated, and limiting travel during the hottest hours. It is also strictly forbidden to leave chil
3 min read
Must Read🇲🇺Le Mauricien·2 days ago
Alvin Ramgobeen on understanding human behavior for global challenges, from climate to AI
Alvin Ramgobeen, Director General of Alliance pour le GIECo and an international data expert, emphasizes that environmental and societal challenges require a deeper understanding of human behavior. His journey, spanning from Mauritius to France, involved studying fundamental physics and later transitioning into the corporate world, where he held numerous roles in digital services. He observed that the real complexity in business, regardless of company size, is human-centric, not purely technological. Ramgobeen highlights that while scientists understand climate change mechanisms, humanity struggles to act. This led him to join GIECo, an organization gathering over 1,000 scientists across 70 disciplines to systematically understand human behavior, its inhibitors, and motivators. The goal is to provide actionable insights for individuals, organizations, nations, and civilizations. He believes that the climate crisis and global inaction can only be understood through the complex interactions of human mechanisms. Ramgobeen stresses that sustainable change cannot be uniformly imposed; each individual must find their path with collective support. He also views artificial intelligence as an extension of human intelligence, but cautions that its impact depends on the intentions of its developers and users, emphasizing the need for human discernment. He suggests that Mauritius, with its unique cultural coexistence, could serve as a laboratory for future global cooperation, embodying t
9 min read
🇪🇹The Reporter Ethiopia·2 days ago
Ethiopia's changing demographics revealed in new health and demographic survey
A recent demographic and health survey by the Ethiopian Statistical Service ESS highlights significant shifts in Ethiopia's health, fertility, education, employment, and socio-economic status. The survey, conducted from August 2024 with support from various international organizations, covered 797 Enumeration Areas across the country. It found that 42 percent of Ethiopians are under 14, and many lack basic services, with only 57 percent having access to clean drinking water and 40 percent to electricity. Access to hygiene, clean fuel, and technology remains even lower. While 62.5 percent own farmland, only 10 percent have refrigerators and 3.8 percent own a vehicle. Sanitation has improved, but over a quarter of Ethiopians still practice open defecation. The national total fertility rate has dramatically fallen from nearly six children per woman a quarter-century ago to under four today, driven by increased availability and acceptance of modern family planning methods. However, a stark urban-rural divide persists, with Addis Ababa's fertility rate below replacement level around two children per woman compared to nearly five in rural areas. Childhood survival indicators show progress, with under-five mortality plummeting from 166 to 51 deaths per 1,000 live births, largely due to decentralized immunization and disease management. Neonatal mortality, however, remains stubbornly high, accounting for nearly half of all under-five deaths, with 68 percent of newborns receiving no p
7 min read
Must Read🇳🇦The Namibian·3 days ago
Namibia faces severe drought risk due to strong El Niño forecast
Namibia is preparing for a potentially severe drought, as the Enso forecast indicates a strong likelihood of a Super El Niño event. El Niño, characterized by a warming of the ocean surface, directly correlates with dry seasons and droughts in Namibia. The probabilities for a strong El Niño are high, suggesting a severe drought is likely. This follows a very strong El Niño in 2024, which led to a national state of emergency and was described as the worst drought in 100 years. During that period, the Hardap Dam's capacity dropped to 5.5% in December 2024, and crop production was 56% lower than in 2023 and 70% lower than in 2022. The government also permitted the culling of wild animals for drought relief. The upcoming El Niño is expected to last from October to March 2027, coinciding with Namibia's critical planting and rainy season, raising concerns for water security and crop farmers.
1 min read
🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·3 days ago
Nigerian Academy of Science urges journalists to enhance climate change awareness
The Nigerian Academy of Science has called on journalists to increase public awareness of climate change, emphasizing the media's role in protecting public health and promoting climate resilience. During a media roundtable in Lagos, scientists and media experts advocated for greater collaboration in communicating climate change realities to Nigerians. Professor Babajide Alo, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics and Research of the University of Lagos, highlighted the media's reach in educating citizens on climate change causes, consequences, and solutions. He noted that climate change is a pressing challenge, with desertification affecting the North and rising sea levels impacting the South. Alo also linked environmental degradation to insecurity, citing the shrinking of Lake Chad as a factor in the Boko Haram insurgency. He urged journalists to use community language for public sensitization and stressed the importance of involving young people, older citizens, and local communities in adaptation and mitigation efforts. Veteran journalist Wale Fatade described climate change as a public health crisis, not just an environmental issue, and challenged journalists to report on its impact on disease, food security, nutrition, mental health, and healthcare access. Professor Chinedum Babalola, Public Affairs Secretary of the Nigerian Academy of Science, stated that the roundtable aimed to make scientific knowledge accessible and relevant, ensuring science informs policymaking, b
2 min read
Must Read🇱🇾Libya Herald·3 days ago
Libya's Man-made River Project eastern section achieves record water production
Libya's Man-made River MMR Project has reported a record daily production of 1 million cubic meters of water from its Sarir–Sirte–Tazerbo–Benghazi system. This milestone marks the highest output achieved by the project since 2011. Despite facing operational challenges such as limited resources, high temperatures, and frequent power outages, the project has significantly increased water inflow to key reservoirs. The Omar Al-Mukhtar terminal reservoir now receives 80,000 cubic meters per day, up from 40,000, while the Al-Qardabiya terminal reservoir's inflow has quadrupled to 40,000 cubic meters per day from 10,000.
4 min read
Must Read🇲🇦Le Matin·3 days ago
Morocco's southern regions on alert as desert locust groups spread
Groups of desert locusts are increasing in southern Morocco, raising concerns about the potential formation of small swarms in the coming weeks. Teams are mobilized from Guelmim to Merzouga, including Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Agadir, Foum El Hassan, Foum Zguid, and Errachidia, to contain their progression. According to the FAO, these groups consist of immature winged locusts that developed from larval bands observed in June. Their maturation could lead to the formation of small swarms before a possible migration towards Mauritania and the summer breeding grounds in the Sahel. Morocco is currently conducting the majority of anti-locust operations in the western region, demonstrating the scale of efforts to control detected outbreaks. Morocco continues extensive prospecting and anti-locust operations. The latest bulletin from the FAO's Desert Locust Information Service DLIS reported that 87,363 hectares were treated in June, covering almost all affected areas in the western region, compared to 1,070 hectares in Algeria and 68 hectares in Mauritania. These interventions significantly reduced larval populations, with only a few pockets remaining by the end of June. However, the organization emphasizes that treatments and surveillance must continue in the coming weeks to prevent the formation of new swarms. This resurgence is primarily due to favorable climatic conditions in recent months, including spring and June rains, which have sustained abundant vegetation in several southern Morocc
2 min read
🇲🇺Le Mauricien·3 days ago
Mauritius to experience below-normal rainfall through September due to strengthening El Niño
Mauritius is forecast to experience below-normal rainfall from July to September 2026, according to the Mauritius Meteorological Services. This projection is attributed to the progressive strengthening of the El Niño phenomenon in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The latest report from the Climate Prediction Centre of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA, dated June 22, 2026, indicates that El Niño conditions are intensifying. Sea surface temperature anomalies in the Niño 3.4 region have consistently risen, from +0.48 °C between March and May 2026 to +0.94 °C in May, with the latest weekly Niño 3.4 index reaching +1.7 °C. These indicators confirm a transition to a moderate-strength El Niño episode. Consequently, the Meteorological Services anticipate rainfall totals below seasonal averages for the next three months: 90 mm in July approximately 70% of the long-term average, 86 mm in August 80% of the long-term average, and 70 mm in September 80% of the long-term average. The total accumulated rainfall for July to September is expected to be 246 mm, which is only 77% of the long-term average for this period. This trend of deficient rainfall could impact water resources and climate-dependent activities if it continues in the coming months.
1 min read
Must Read🇰🇪Tuko·3 days ago
KNH surgeons successfully remove patient's esophagus, reshape stomach in historic 7-hour surgery
Kenyatta National Hospital KNH has announced that a team of Kenyan specialists successfully performed Kenya's first Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy MIE on June 30, 2026. The 7-hour keyhole procedure involved removing the esophagus of 43-year-old Joshua Wanzala and reshaping his stomach into a new food pipe. KNH reported that Wanzala is recovering well and has progressed to soft foods and fluids. The hospital highlighted this achievement as a significant milestone in the country's surgical capability, reinforcing its standing as a premier national teaching and referral hospital. The lead consultant cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons were Dr. Joseph Mutie and Dr. Obed Makori, supported by a multidisciplinary team. The successful operation has been widely praised online, with many Kenyans stating it demonstrates that advanced cancer treatment is now available locally, reducing the need for patients to travel abroad.
5 min read
🇬🇭GhanaWeb·4 days ago
Ghana requires $9.5 billion annually for circular economy and waste management policies
Juliet Nortey, a Development Planning Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, stated that Ghana needs approximately US$9.5 billion each year to implement policies promoting circularity and waste management. Speaking at the Climate Forward Summit, Nortey identified inadequate financing and limited technical capacity as significant barriers to Ghana’s green transition, despite the country having strong policies for sustainable development. She noted that Ghana's Nationally Determined Contributions, including the draft NDC 2.0, incorporate components for circularity and waste management. Dr. Gloria Boamah Kusi, a Senior Sustainability Officer at Jospong Group of Companies, emphasized the need for collective action in addressing waste management challenges, urging citizens to report indiscriminate dumping. Maria-Ancilla Bombande, a Research Associate at the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa, also advocated for a shared approach to implementing environmental and waste management policies, calling on households to dispose of waste responsibly and researchers to simplify technical findings for public understanding.
3 min read
🇲🇺Le Mauricien·4 days ago
CIDP emphasizes quality in clinical studies through participant safety, rigorous preparation, and data integrity
The International Center for Pharmaceutical Development CIDP highlights key pillars for clinical research quality: participant safety, rigorous study preparation, and data integrity. Medical advancements, while driven by scientific innovation, require a strict methodological and regulatory framework to ensure both volunteer well-being and reliable results. At CIDP, each clinical study is meticulously planned before participant recruitment, involving a multidisciplinary team to meet scientific, operational, clinical, and regulatory requirements. This preparatory phase includes protocol analysis, risk assessment, infrastructure preparation, and specific team training. Anissah Appadu, Head of Projects/Regulatory Affairs Manager, states that participant protection and data integrity are absolute priorities, with rigorous preparation anticipating challenges, limiting risks, and ensuring volunteer safety and scientific excellence. CIDP operates in strict compliance with Mauritian regulations and under the supervision of independent ethics committees, guaranteeing adherence to high ethical and scientific standards. A dedicated medical team provides continuous participant monitoring, promptly addressing, documenting, and resolving any reactions during the study, ensuring constant medical support and tailored follow-up.
1 min read
🇪🇬Egypt Today·4 days ago
Egypt studies seabed dredging to protect Delta coastline after identifying 3 billion cubic meters of sand
The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is exploring the use of modern dredging technology to pump sand from the seabed onto beaches. This initiative aims to protect the Nile Delta's coastline from climate change impacts and rising sea levels. Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilam emphasized that any new protection method must undergo comprehensive technical, economic, environmental, and social feasibility studies. The Shore Protection Authority SPA states that the northern coast of the Nile Delta is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise, which threatens natural resources, agricultural land, and exacerbates coastal erosion and salinization. Dr. Mohamed Hassan Ghattas, Chairman of the SPA, explained that the Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger TSHD is a widely used method for beach nourishment, extracting sand from the seabed within 30 kilometers offshore to manage costs. Environmental considerations are crucial to prevent harm to the marine environment, with dredging planned at a depth of about 16 meters. Surveys indicate over 3 billion cubic meters of sand are available offshore the Delta, sufficient for coastal erosion and raising beach levels. The government is also implementing other coastal protection measures, including concrete barriers and sand pumping, as part of a strategic plan to mitigate climate change impacts and protect the entire Delta region for future generations.
4 min read
🇲🇦Le Matin·4 days ago
Super Typhoon Bavi highlights Morocco's need for climate change vigilance
Super Typhoon Bavi, an exceptionally intense weather event, serves as a reminder of accelerating global climate change. While this type of typhoon does not directly threaten Morocco, the underlying mechanisms contributing to its development are already impacting the Kingdom through increasingly extreme weather. Mustapha Benrimal, an environmental expert and president of the Al Manarat Écologiques Association, stated to "Assahra Al Maghribia" that climate change is a present reality requiring accelerated adaptation strategies. He explained that rising ocean and atmospheric temperatures provide more energy to tropical cyclones, increasing their power, development speed, and capacity to cause torrential rains and destructive winds. Benrimal views Super Typhoon Bavi as part of a series of extreme phenomena indicating an increasingly unstable climate system, though he cautions against calling it the "most powerful in history" without sufficient scientific basis. For Morocco, the consequences are primarily indirect. The Kingdom is not in a tropical cyclone formation zone but is experiencing the effects of global warming, including heatwaves, persistent droughts, and an increase in violent storms and flash floods. Benrimal advocates for strengthening early warning systems, improving infrastructure resilience, and integrating climate risks into development policies. He also emphasized protecting natural resources and supporting climate-related scientific research and disaster managem
2 min read
🇹🇳Business News·4 days ago
Concerns over "forever chemicals" in air fryers and Teflon pans
Viral videos have raised concerns about the presence of "forever chemicals," or PFAS, in kitchen items like air fryers and Teflon pans. While these videos highlight a real scientific issue, they often lack nuance. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals developed since the 1950s, valued for their non-stick, waterproof, and heat-resistant properties. They are found in non-stick coatings, food packaging, waterproof textiles, and cosmetics. These chemicals are called "forever chemicals" because their carbon-fluorine bonds are extremely stable, leading to very slow degradation and persistence in the environment for decades. They can contaminate soil, rivers, groundwater, and living organisms, accumulating in the human body. A report by the international network IPEN, titled "Forever Chemicals in Single-use Food Packaging and Tableware from 17 Countries," found PFAS in 54% of 119 food packaging and disposable tableware samples from 17 countries, including Tunisia. These were detected in fast-food packaging, microwave popcorn bags, baking paper, cups, takeout containers, and packaging made from recycled paper. High concentrations were found in plant-fiber containers marketed as biodegradable or compostable, and in microwave popcorn packaging. PFAS can migrate from packaging to food, especially when food is hot, fatty, or in prolonged contact with the container. Studies show that regular consumption of microwave popcorn or fast food leads to higher PFAS concentrations in blood. Expo
7 min read
Must Read🇲🇺Le Mauricien·5 days ago
Mauritius faces intensifying climate change threats, launches new program to boost resilience
Mauritius is increasingly experiencing the effects of climate change, including more intense cyclones, flash floods, accelerated coastal erosion, strong swells, and landslides. These growing risks threaten its inhabitants, infrastructure, and economy, potentially leading to more frequent population displacements in the medium and long term. In response, the International Organization for Migration IOM, in collaboration with the government and the European Union EU, launched the Regional Responses to Climate-Related Displacement in Sub-Saharan Africa RE2CLID program. This initiative, presented in Port Louis, aims to help Mauritius and Rodrigues better anticipate disasters, improve response capabilities, and protect populations at risk of displacement. Mauritius, located in one of the world's most active cyclone basins, is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, a situation exacerbated by the concentration of its population and strategic infrastructure in coastal areas. Premanand Budhoo, Commander of the Special Mobile Force and head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre, stated that the program supports national efforts to strengthen disaster risk reduction systems and integrate climate mobility considerations into development planning. RE2CLID plans to reinforce alert systems, enhance data on climate risks and population displacement, develop emergency protocols for affected individuals, and raise awareness among communities, especially the
3 min read
Must Read🇬🇭GhanaWeb·5 days ago
KMA forestry coordinator blames leaders for Ghana's forest devastation, urges urgent action
Bannor Duodu, the Forestry Coordinator for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly KMA, has accused politicians and traditional leaders of complicity in the destruction of Ghana's forest reserves due to illegal mining. He called on President John Dramani Mahama and traditional rulers to form an alliance to stop illegal mining before the country's natural resources are permanently damaged. Duodu made these comments during a tree-planting exercise at Kumasi Wesley Girls' Senior High School, organized by Ecobank Ghana and the Forestry Commission. He argued that leaders are responsible for the ecological crisis as they are the constitutional and traditional custodians of Ghana's lands and forest reserves, stating that illegal miners seek permission from chiefs and local political actors. Duodu appealed to President Mahama to implement strict state-level measures to end illegal mining in forest reserves. Mrs. Nadia Osei Antwi, Branch Manager for KNUST Ecobank, also spoke at the event, expressing concern about humanity's negligence towards the ecosystem and urging Ghanaians to make tree planting a personal responsibility. Awuraba Love Amankwa Baffour Awuah, Headmistress of Kumasi Wesley Girls' Senior High School, thanked the partners and assured them that the school would protect the newly planted trees.
2 min read
Must Read🇳🇬Punch Nigeria·5 days ago
Nigerian students win multiple gold medals at International STEM Olympiad in Rome
Three Nigerian students, Egejurum Onyedikachi, Onwubiko Chimdiebube, and Don Anele Munachimso, secured gold medals at the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy. Onyedikachi was recognized as the world's best in the Mathematics Primary Category, while Munachimso also won a gold medal in Science. Education advocate and Educare CEO, Alex Onyia, sponsored the students' participation after they excelled in the Southeast Mathematics Olympiad. The International STEM Olympiad, held at the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, featured participants from over 150 countries. Onyia covered the expenses for the students' travel and participation, including registration, visas, flights, and accommodation. The students represented Nigeria in the primary, junior, and senior categories, achieving significant recognition on the global academic stage.
2 min read
Must Read🇿🇼NewsDay Zimbabwe·5 days ago
Zimbabwe commissions specialized honey testing laboratory to boost export competitiveness
Zimbabwe has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory, a move aimed at enhancing the country's export competitiveness in the honey market. This development is expected to support the local honey industry and improve its standing on the global stage.
1 min read
🇳🇦The Namibian·5 days ago
Scientists investigate rising desert elephant calf deaths in Namibia
Scientists are expanding research into the deaths of desert elephant calves in north-western Namibia due to increasing mortality rates. This research follows the death of a newborn calf, filmed struggling before it died, an event captured and shared by Elephant-Human Relations Aid EHRA. EHRA stated that tourists were present, potentially adding stress. The organization is collaborating with Daniella Chusyd, an assistant professor at Indiana University, to explore potential causes of calf mortality through genetic and field sample analysis, as well as stress level assessments. Atanasius Gawiseb, an experienced safari guide, suggests that increased human activity, including frequent tourist vehicles, close viewing distances, and the growth of tourism infrastructure, might contribute to elephant stress. He noted that elephants now lack privacy and are more restless, potentially affecting the ability of young calves to feed or rest. Gawiseb urged tour operators, guides, and self-drive visitors to maintain respectful distances from elephants. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism, through spokesperson Vilho Hangula, supports this study, which involves EHRA and Ongava Game Reserve, and aims to understand factors contributing to high calf mortality among Ugab dwelling elephants. EHRA encourages visitors to maintain distance from elephants and invites public support for the research through expeditions or contributions to help protect Namibia’s desert elephant population.
2 min read