Hong Kong – SEE welcomes national research team to exchange views on fisheries development in Hong Kong (with photos)

SEE welcomes national research team to exchange views on fisheries development in Hong Kong (with photos)

******************************************************************************************


     The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (May 28) accompanied a research team led by the Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mr Ma Youxiang and the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guangdong Province, Mr Liu Zonghui, to visit the modern mariculture demonstration farm at Tung Lung Chau set up by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The research team gained a better understanding on the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in promoting modernised and sustainable mariculture and exchanged views on the development of marine fisheries in the two places.
 
     Mr Tse said, “The HKSAR Government welcomes the nation’s research team to visit the modern mariculture demonstration farm at Tung Lung Chau for exchange of views. The demonstration farm adopts deep sea cages with modernised and sustainable practices. It provides infrastructure for on-site training leading the upgrading and transformation of the local fisheries industry.”
 
     Mr Tse added, “Promoting the sustainable development of fisheries has now become the dominant trend and is consistent with the direction of the development of the nation. The Government will continue to promote and assist fishermen to switch to modernised and sustainable mariculture practices, enhance manpower training and conserve our ocean resources.”
  
     The Government has been promoting the upgrading and transformation of fisheries operations, moving towards the modernisation and sustainable development of the fisheries industry. The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) and the AFCD are working hand in hand with the industry to formulate a blueprint for the sustainable development of agriculture and fisheries. The Government plans to roll out an array of measures covering finance, infrastructure, land and technical support to raise the quality and value of local produces, as well as the productivity of the industry.
 
     To further promote the development of deep sea cage mariculture, the AFCD has designated new fish culture zones at four priority sites and will provide several deep sea cages equipped with modern mariculture equipment in phases for renting to fish farmers. Through the implementation of the measures, the Government expects the local mariculture production will increase by 100 per cent in five years.
   
     Also joining the visit to the demonstration farm at Tung Lung Chau today were Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Member of the Legislative Council, Mr Kenneth Fok, and representatives from the Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium (HKFC). Witnessed by Mr Tse and Mr Ma, Mr Fok presented a cheque to the HKFC to support its HKSAR Mariculture Training Programmes for Young Talents. The EEB is pleased to know that the HKFC has been committed to promoting the upgrading and transformation of traditional fisheries to integrate into the overall development of the country. The training programmes provide scholarships for young people interested in joining sustainable fisheries, allowing them to apply for tuition fee or living subsidies to further their studies in the Ocean University of China or Guangdong Ocean University, etc. to become quality talents who meet national needs and contribute to aquaculture in Hong Kong.
  
     The Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Miss Vivian Lau, and the Acting Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, also attended the visit of the research team today.
 

National Men In Grief Day May 30,2023

By: The National Widowers’ Organization, Inc.

MARTHA’S VINEYARD, Mass.May 23, 2023PRLog — Every year over 450,000 men suffer the death of spouse or partner. Even more men must deal with the death of a parent, sibling, child, or a grandchild. For many reasons these men suffer and grieve in isolation and loneliness. “National Men in Grief Day” is designed to raise awareness of this situation.

Men in our culture are expected to be strong, resilient, and able to cope on their own. Society expects them to accept the death of a loved one and move on. We know that often men are left to grieve alone and suffer in silence. The National Widowers’ Organization and our Men’s Grief Network declared this special day to raise public awareness about a problem which is largely unrecognized and scarcely addressed.

Use this day to think about those men who had a significant person die and how they coped with that death. Everyone knows someone who experienced the death of a spouse/partner, parent, sibling, friend, child, or a grandchild. If you feel they are suffering with their grief in silence reach out and let them know they are not alone.

Here are some suggestions for ways you can support a grieving man:

  • Let him know that you are thinking about him.
  • Call or arrange to visit him; although you won’t be able to fix the situation, your  presence is important.
  • Suggest spending part of the day together reminiscing and sharing memories; don’t be afraid to talk about the deceased, although it might make him sadder.
  • Offer to accompany him to the cemetery if he wishes.
  • Offer  your gift of presence and listen-listen-listen.

Help and support is there for you and them at the National Widowers’ Organization (http://www.nationalwidowers.org/) and The Men’s Grief Network (http://www.mensgriefnetwork.org/).

The National Widowers’ Organization, a 501c3 nonprofit, was formed in 2009 to help widowers deal with the death of their spouse or life partner and has expanded to understanding and promoting support for men and their families dealing with all forms of grief

Our mission is to support the community of men in grief by raising public awareness, providing education, research, and advocacy. Visit the National Widowers’ Organization, website (www.nationalwidowers.org) or Men’s Greif Network (www.mensgriefnetwork.org). Contact us by email for more information at info@nationalwidowers.org

Canada – Save the Date! National Biodiversity Symposium: Toward a 2030 Biodiversity Strategy for Canada

Overview
The conservation, protection, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity is a shared responsibility in Canada. While the Government of Canada is leading development of the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, working together in a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach will be crucial to implementing an ambitious Strategy that will meet Canada’s goals to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, and put us on track to living in harmony with nature by 2050.

We want to hear your views and perspectives to inform development of the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, and learn about how you can contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss in Canada and help achieve our national and global biodiversity goals.

There are several opportunities for Canadians to provide views and perspectives to shape the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, including:

Attending the National Biodiversity Symposium
Participating in an Online survey
The Government of Canada will host additional engagement events and platforms with key partners and stakeholders over the spring and summer of 2023 to support further dialogue on development and implementation of a 2030 Biodiversity Strategy.

National Biodiversity Symposium
On May 15, 2023, Environment and Climate Change Canada will host a virtual National Biodiversity Symposium. The Symposium, open to all interested Canadians, will kick-off formal engagement on developing Canada’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy.

Watch here
 

Canada’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy will establish a vision for halting and reversing biodiversity loss in Canada, and will reflect Canada’s domestic priorities for biodiversity conservation. It will also guide how Canada implements the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework goals and targets domestically.

Working together in a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach will be crucial to developing and implementing an ambitious 2030 Biodiversity Strategy to halt and reversing biodiversity loss in Canada by 2030, and put us on track to living in harmony with nature by 2050.

As the kick-off for engagement with Canadians on developing the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, the Symposium program will offer a diversity of voices representing the different levels of government, Indigenous leaders, and key partners and stakeholders. The Symposium will provide the opportunity to:

Hear about outcomes from the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity 15th Conference of the Parties (CBD COP15) and an overview of the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Outline the process, opportunities to engage, and timelines for developing Canada’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy
Hear Canadians’ perspectives on challenges, opportunities, and how they can contribute to development and implementation of Canada’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy

Online Survey
Beginning May 15 to July 14, 2023, the Government of Canada is seeking your views and perspectives to inform development of Canada’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy. The survey will draw on the issues, challenges, and opportunities presented in the Towards a 2030 Biodiversity Strategy for Canada discussion paper, and provide an opportunity for participants to respond to questions reflected in the discussion paper.

[Access the Survey Here]

Environment and Climate Change Canada, in collaboration with our partners, will continue to work to conserve our biodiversity. You can find out more about biodiversity and current efforts in Canada to support biodiversity conservation at:Biodivcanada.ca

This is the website of the federal, provincial and territorial working group on biodiversity. It profiles biodiversity information, news and events. This website reflects the shared responsibility for biodiversity in Canada and the commitment of governments to achieve the goals and objectives of the United Nations CBD through a collaborative approach.

Contact Information
For more information: Nature2030@ec.gc.ca.

AT&T and National PTA Deliver Free Screen Readiness Workshops

The new Ready, Tech, Go! workshop series for parents and caregivers promotes healthy digital habits and is coming to more than 35 elementary schools across the U.S.

DALLAS – WEBWIRE

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ready, Tech, Go! workshop series is a new collaboration between AT&T and National PTA that will deliver more than 35 workshops in elementary schools across the U.S.
  • Workshops are free and open to parents and caregivers and are designed to help them reflect on screen readiness, become familiar with tools and resources to help determine screen readiness, and gain tips and ideas to promote a healthy digital home.
  • Local PTAs will lead the workshops developed by National PTA, which includes curated content and resources from AT&T ScreenReady .

Whats the news?

In todays connected world, families face challenging decisions. Among them: When are their children ready for a device? How can parents encourage healthy digital habits?

AT&T and National PTA have joined forcesto help parents and caregivers navigate these challenges and share tips, tools and resources to create healthy digital habits.

The collaboration features a Ready, Tech, Go! free educational workshop series through which more than 35 workshops will be delivered to parents and caregivers at elementary schools across the country, primarily in underserved communities.

Why is this important?

Two-thirds (66%) of parents and caregivers say parenting is harder today than it was 20 years ago, with many citing technology as a reason why.1

As the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America, National PTA brings knowledge, tools and resources into the lives of families to support their health, safety, well-being and success and help them navigate challenges and thrive. And as a leader in helping to bridge the digital divide, AT&T is committed to providing parents and caregivers with the skills and confidence they need to support their childs online learning.Together, the two are combining resources to help get kids started with technology safely and responsibly.

How we will make it happen

Local PTAs will lead the workshops developed by National PTA, which includes curated content and resources from AT&T ScreenReady . During the workshops, parents and caregivers will:

  • Identify and reflect on various aspects of screen readiness.
  • Become familiar with tools and resources to determine screen readiness and discuss digital life.
  • Gain new ideas to help create a healthy digital home.

Workshops are happening at the following locations throughout the rest of the 2022-2023 school year.

Ready, Tech, Go! Workshop Series Locations

Arizona
New River Elementary
Eagle Ridge Elementary
California
Morning Creek Elementary
Connecticut
Quaker Hill Elementary
Florida
Sunset Lakes Elementary
Blankner Elementary
Beachside Elementary
Georgia
Hembree Springs Elementary
Illinois
Booker T. Washington STEM Academy
Sutherland Elementary
Maryland
Forest Ridge Elementary
Traceys Elementary
North Carolina
Piney Grove Elementary School
New Jersey
Asher Holmes Elementary
New York
Maud S Sherwood Elementary
Mamaroneck Avenue School
A.W. Becker Elementary
Howell Road School
Wynantskill Elementary
Ohio
Austintown Intermediate School
John Foster Dulles Elementary
Big Creek Elementary School
Berea Council PTA
Oklahoma
Creekwood Elementary
Pennsylvania
Carnegie Elementary
Tennessee
Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts
Lookout Valley Elementary
Texas
Viridian Elementary
Mitchell Elementary
Clara Love Elementary
Keiko Davidson Elementary
Morningside Elementary
Utah
Greenwood Elementary
Bountiful Elementary
Millcreek Elementary
Virginia
BM Williams Primary
Washington
George C. Marshall Elementary

The collaboration is part of AT&Ts Connected Learning and 3-year $2 billion commitment made in 2021 to help bridge the digital divide. For National PTA, the effort is part of the associations PTA Connected initiative, which seeks to improve digital access and equity, digital safety and wellbeing, cybersecurity, and digital literacy for all children through tailored programs, dissemination of resources and tools, and community conversations.

What are people saying?

It takes thoughtful collaboration to help narrow the digital divide, said Mylayna Albright, assistant vice president of corporate social responsibility, AT&T. And by working with National PTA, well be able to equip parents and caregivers with the tools and resources needed to help get their children connected.

Parents and caregivers know whats best for their own children and every family approaches digital parenting differently, but we have heard from families that they need and want information when it comes to devices and screen time, said Anna King, president of National PTA. Through our PTA Connected initiative, we are focused on empowering families with knowledge, tools and resources so they can make the best decisions for their individual household and support healthy digital habits for their children. We are pleased to team up with AT&T in this effort.

1 Pew Research Center.Parenting Children in the Age of Screens(2020).

Japan – JCB and The Saudi National Bank Sign an Agreement to Allow the Acceptance of JCB Cards Through its Points of Sale and ATMs in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

As part of its continuous efforts to develop electronic payment services, the Saudi National Bank and JCB agreed the acceptance of the JCB Card through about 306,351 POS and 3,088 ATMs across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This came as a result of a partnership agreement signed between the Saudi National Bank (SNB) and JCB International Co. Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co. Ltd., Japan’s only international payment brand. The partnership will provide greater convenience for JCB’s growing cardholders in the middle east markets to benefit from the usage of their JCB Cards throughout the Saudi National Bank POS and ATM network across the Kingdom.

This step will allow JCB cardholders visiting the Kingdom, whose numbers are increasing in the global markets, to carry out financial operations with greater ease, safety, and comfort. Realizing the importance of moving the customer experience towards new horizons of excellence with the best global banking solutions, it is an important step in the Bank’s relentless endeavor to enrich the customer experience, and in cultivating this partnership for enhancing financial inclusion in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

Mr. Ahmed Bassam Abu Khamsin, Head of Global Transaction Banking at the Saudi National Bank commented on this partnership: “As a leading Saudi Bank, we always aspire to build strategic partnerships with significant international organizations to cope up with technology, support the Saudi Vision 2030 agenda, and meet our customers’ needs. The Saudi National Bank is a primary banking service provider and such partnership will help JCB penetrate the Saudi market.”

Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Yoshiki Kaneko, President and COO of JCB International Co., Ltd. said: “Saudi Arabia is one of the most important travel destinations for our cardholders. Given the evolving strategy of the the Saudi Vision 2030, and in line with the growing relationship between the two countries, we are pleased to sign this partnership with the Saudi National Bank, one of the largest banks in the region, to allow the acceptance of JCB Cards inside the Kingdom. This partnership will serve business and tourism requirements of our cardholders.”

It is noteworthy that the Saudi National Bank (SNB) banking services are widespread and accept a wide range of international payment and credit cards, in addition to JCB Cards, Japan’s only international payment brand with more than 150.5 million cards issued around the world.

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 41 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 150 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/

About The Saudi National Bank (SNB)

The Saudi National Bank (SNB) is the largest financial institution in Saudi Arabia and one of the largest powerhouses in the region. SNB plays a vital role in supporting economic transformation in Saudi Arabia by transforming the local banking sector and catalysing the delivery of the Saudi Vision 2030. Its strategy is closely aligned with the Saudi Vision programs. The Saudi National bank also leverages its position as the largest institutional and specialized financier in the Kingdom to support the Kingdom’s landmark deals and mega projects. The Saudi National Bank (SNB) vision is to be a primary financial and banking service provider locally and regionally through achieving strategic aspirations to have the highest revenues, profit, customer service, digital banking, the employer of choice, and the best Shariah-compliant products service provider in the world. For more information, please visit: https://www.alahli.com/

SNB:
Muhannad AlOmari
Corporate Relations
Tel: +966-11-811-2404
Email: Muhannad.Al-Omari@alahli.com

JCB Co., Ltd:
Ayaka Nakajima
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-5778-8353
Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp