Europe Latvia The felling age of trees could be lowered upon decision of the Agriculture Ministry, currently assessing the possibility, if lowering the age of forests would guarantee less emissions from rotting trees, healthier forests and more timber revenues
Africa Togo Africa’s second-leading exporter of organic products to the EU, is urging stakeholders, especially those working with soya, pineapple, other key crops, to enhance practices and meet new certification standards set by EU and US Department of Agriculture
Europe Liechtenstein On August 15 Liechtenstein celebrated its national holiday with fireworks and a large folk festival in Vaduz's town center; the UNICEF booth in the children's and youth zone attracted numerous visitors
Africa Mauritania A four-day awareness caravan was organized in Aleg on the role of women’s mediation in resolving social disputes; specialized presentations will be offered on communication and advocacy, as well as how to promote and protect the rights of women and girls
America Argentina The Perito Moreno glacier, once considered uniquely stable, begin a rapid and likely irreversible retreat due to reduced snowfall and warmer summers, according to a new scientific study
Africa Ghana The Bolgatanga Technical Institute has been closed down following a violent students protest that left some injured and several school properties burnt, including the library; the unrest was triggered by the suspension of six students for misconduct
Asia North Korea A Chinese website dedicated to DPRK investment opportunities published a list of NK export products with items like textiles, machinery and cars that violate UN sanctions but it’s unclear if shipments have actually occurred
Africa Namibia From tomorrow 18 August Windhoek will phase out cash and outdated cards used for its bus service; passengers have been able to verify and transfer balances from their old smartcards to the new cashless system until yesterday
Asia Cyprus A Turkish Cypriot has been diagnosed with mad cow disease, prompting the north’s veterinarians’ association to demand urgent biosecurity measures, pointing out that in southern Cyprus, eradication and surveillance are implemented following EU regulations
Asia Kazakhstan A new nationwide coordination body has been set up to unite state agencies in the fight against drug addiction and drug-related crimes; it will focus on developing comprehensive prevention measures, improving treatment and rehabilitation programs
Africa Guinea Daouda Taban, journalist and reporter for Radiodiffusion Télévision Guinéenne RTG, passed away shortly after having been transferred to Tunisia for medical reasons; Guinean media and public are mourning his death as he leaves a 'great void'
Africa Angola Old Cinema Miramar in Luanda is reportedly been sold to the Chinese without details of the deal that began in December 2013; it could be transformed into a residential space in support of the Chinese embassy
Oceania Palau The Oneisomw community hosted a training and clam farm setup led by Nature Conservancy to provide the community with tools for sustainable aquaculture; 3.600 bear paw clams were stoked, 75 giant clams, locally extinct, reintroduced to Chuuk lagoon
Oceania Fiji Movie 'Bati' was screened at Whanau Marama New Zealand International Film Festival: it is the first ever Fijian feature film selected for NZIFF, filmed in Suva and the highlands of Namosi, with a Fijian cast and crew