Europe Sweden A new species has been discovered in Swedish forests, a fungus that parasitizes lichens; it has been recognized by researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Africa Mali The military regimes in power in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger issued a joint statement announcing their immediate exit from the Economic Community of West African States, an international organisation that includes 12 other countries and among other thing
Europe Denmark An investigation will assess evidence of country's air force allegedly participating in NATO bombing raids in Libya in 2011, that killed 14 civilians: first time one of the countries involved is indicated as possibly involved in the killing of civilians
Africa Zimbabwe A door-to-door cholera vaccination campaign was launched, targeting 2,3 million citizens in the areas most at risk of contagion; the epidemic has affected 21.000 people across the country and claimed the lives of over 400
Africa Guinea President of African Party for Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, Domingos Simões Pereira, challenged Guineans to see 2024 as a year to invoke 'memories and tributes' and restore the dignity to the people, regaining the power to respect their will
Asia Japan 40 female participants have formally applied and will for the first time take part in the 'naked man festival', thus changing a 1650-year-old tradition; the event will take place at the Konomiya temple, Inazawa, on 22 February
America Uruguay Uruguay received praise from NASA for its impressive strides in integrating wind energy, highlighting the Peralta wind farm in Tacuarembó as a symbol of the country's rapid progress, increasing its wind energy share from 1% to 34% in 5 years
America Peru Peruvian police attacked protesters opposing the privatization of Machu Picchu's entrance fees; protesters seek the annulment of an alleged irregular contract between the Ministry of Culture and Joinnus for ticket sales
Oceania Samoa Apia will focus on the prevention of meth use, with special focus on the involvement of adolescents and minors; the Mayor assured the issue won't be taken lightly by village chiefs and Aumagas and urged the police to strengthen their role
Oceania Micronesia Kailua arboriculturist Kevin Eckert is working to help the local government save a Pacific treasure on the World Heritage list, the Nan Madol, an archaeological stone complex in Pohnpei dating back thousands of years, threatened by invasive mangroves
Africa Sao Tome and Principe The World Bank has approved the new cooperation framework programme for São Tomé, which includes more than 10 projects worth over $225 million over the next five years, prioritising the resolution of the energy crisis
America Panama The Panama Canal has appointed its first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer, Deputy Administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta, who will lead the waterway's environmental sustainability efforts, focusing on decarbonization, adaptation, and transition
Africa Mozambique An incident of police brutality caught on video has sparked outrage and concern recently, causing tensions between Mozambique and neighbouring Malawi, but there are signs that both countries are acting quickly to address the problem
America Paraguay Paraguayan tomato growers, adapting to technology and expertise, have now achieved successful year-round harvests despite summer challenges, prompting their calls for increased state support and a decrease in tomato imports