COP 29, Day 3: Small islands reaffirm commitments, and Climate Action Commissioner EU's leadership

SYDNEY — Scientists say they have found the world’s largest coral near the Pacific’s Solomon Islands, announcing Thursday a major discovery “pulsing with life and color”. The coral is so immense that researchers sailing the crystal waters of the Solomon archipelago initially thought they had stumbled across a hulking shipwreck. “Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly one billion little polyps, pulsing with life and color,” marine ecologist Enric Sala said. READ: Parts of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef show highest coral cover in 36 years The […]...

Keep on reading: Scientists say world's largest coral found near Solomon Islands

The world’s largest coral colony has been discovered near the remote Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean – an undersea mass that is so big, it can be seen from space, National Geographic scientists announced Nov. 12, 2024.   

Washington — National Geographic scientists say they’ve discovered the world’s largest coral near the remote Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean — an undersea mass that is so big, it can be seen from space. The man who found it, Manu San Felix, director of cinematography for National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas, a program dedicated to marine conservation, says the giant organism measures 34 meters wide and 32 meters long and is “close to the size of a cathedral.” “I see this as a living library that has the information of the conditions of the oceans for centuries,” he told reporters this week, underscoring it is a reminder of the need to better protect the ocean from global climate change. Eric Brown, a Pristine Seas coral scientist, said the enormous coral species, Pavona clavus, is healthy and has “high reproductive potential,” making it essential to help other coral reef ecosystems recover from the damage of a warming ocean. Corals “are very vulnerable ecosystems. So, it’s important for us to do whatever we can to protect these environments that are both small and mighty,” Brown said at a Tuesday press briefing to announce the find. The announcement comes as world leaders gather for the United Nations climate conference, known as COP29, in Azerbaijan. Attendees are trying to agree on new mechanisms to finance a global energy transition to renewables and help nations like the Pacific Islands pay for the cost of adapting to rising oceans. Pristine Seas is also encouraging nations to designate marine protected areas, or MPAs. The goal is to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. is attending the summit. Palau has walled off 80% of its waters to development, while the nearby Pacific Island nation of Niue has designated 40% of its waters for protection. “It cannot just be big countries. Small countries need to do their part,” he told VOA in an interview. “So, it's all of us working together ... protecting our oceans, because we know that healthy oceans are an important part of the ecosystem and important in regulating climate.” Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele agreed. “Our survival depends on healthy coral reefs, so this exciting discovery underlines the importance of protecting and sustaining them for future generations,” he said in a press release. But so far, the Solomon Islands has created a network of 79 designated ocean conservation areas — less than 1% of its exclusive economic zone. What’s more, its economy is largely dependent on forestry — the very industry that threatens the viability of coral through sedimentation. “All that sediment is going onto a reef, and it’s smothering the reef, thereby preventing the corals from being able to feed, to grow, to reproduce,” Molly Timmers, Pristine Seas lead scientist on the Solomon Islands, said at the press briefing. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, an online platform that seeks to visualize the distribution of international trade, the Solomons exported $308 million in rough wood in 2022, with $260 million of it going to China. VOA asked Chief Dennis Marita, director of culture at the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, how the government can find a balance. “Much of the logging activities are happening on the mainland” away from the coral, Marita said in an interview, but “there needs to be a serious awareness about the impacts of what’s happening in the logging industry to the marine environment.” Marita sees this coral discovery as a way to attract researchers, biologists and tourists to bring in revenue to the small island nation of 740,000 people. Earlier this week, the Solomon Islands signed an agreement with China to provide visa-free travel between the two countries. “Suddenly, people will start coming to the island, but then we need to be prepared for them, and also, we need to ensure that the coral is safeguarded,” Marita said. Dr. Daniel Barshis of Old Dominion University’s Ecological Sciences Department in Norfolk, Virginia, said that idea has merit. “I would imagine this discovery would draw tourists to the area, similar to how old-growth trees inspire folks to visit,” he told VOA via email. “The fact that [corals] like this still exist is a reminder that coral reefs are still surviving and deserve us working as hard as we possibly can to save them from some of the worst-case scenarios if we don't reverse course on greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible,” said Barshis. William Yang contributed to this report.

Dewing, K; Hadlari, T; Pearson, D G; Matthews, W. Geological Society of America Bulletin 2019 p. 1-20, https://doi.org/10.1130/B35017.1
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20160081.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20160081.jpg" title="Geological Society of America Bulletin 2019 p. 1-20, https://doi.org/10.1130/B35017.1" height="150" border="1" /></a>

Currie, L D; Brent, T A; Turner, E C. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences vol. 57, no. 10, 2020 p. 1254-1267, https://doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2019-0159
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20210388.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20210388.jpg" title="Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences vol. 57, no. 10, 2020 p. 1254-1267, https://doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2019-0159" height="150" border="1" /></a>

Midwinter, D; Hadlari, T; Dewing, K. Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 8855, 2022, 17 pages, https://doi.org/10.4095/329398
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_329398.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_329398.jpg" title="Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 8855, 2022, 17 pages, https://doi.org/10.4095/329398" height="150" border="1" /></a>

Re-release; Hadlari, T. Sedimentary basins of northern Canada: contributions to a 1000 Ma geological journey and insight on resource potential; by Lavoie, D (ed.); Dewing, K (ed.); Geological Survey of Canada, Bulletin 609, 2022 p. 215-235, https://doi.org/10.4095/326088
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_326088.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_326088.jpg" title="Sedimentary basins of northern Canada: contributions to a 1000 Ma geological journey and insight on resource potential; by Lavoie, D (ed.); Dewing, K (ed.); Geological Survey of Canada, Bulletin 609, 2022 p. 215-235, https://doi.org/10.4095/326088" height="150" border="1" /></a>

Re-release; Dewing, K; Hadlari, T. Sedimentary basins of northern Canada: contributions to a 1000 Ma geological journey and insight on resource potential; by Lavoie, D (ed.); Dewing, K (ed.); Geological Survey of Canada, Bulletin 609, 2022 p. 23-35, https://doi.org/10.4095/326085
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_326085.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/gid_326085.jpg" title="Sedimentary basins of northern Canada: contributions to a 1000 Ma geological journey and insight on resource potential; by Lavoie, D (ed.); Dewing, K (ed.); Geological Survey of Canada, Bulletin 609, 2022 p. 23-35, https://doi.org/10.4095/326085" height="150" border="1" /></a>

KEBA, a manufacturer of parcel lockers, is collaborating with Posta, the national postal service of the Faroe Islands, to contribute to highly efficient logistics on the islands.

An Out of the Comfort Zone team experiences island life as they bring Christ’s love to children and families on Gilutungan and Kinatarcan Island.

For a limited time only, Pacific Holidays is pleased to announce the unveiling of four distinct tours to exotic destinations. The world renowned tour company is known for putting together luxury tours at prices nearly 40% off retail.

Highland and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is a public corporation wholly owned by the Scottish Ministers. The company operates and manages 11 Airports at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Islay, Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick. HIAL’s airports are vital to the social and economic welfare of the areas they serve, but are loss making, and are supported by ...

The Mosquito Network - American Military Radio in the Solomon Islands During WWII by Martin Hadlow. "The American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides Stateside radio and television programming, 'a touch of home,' to U.S. service men and women, DoD civilians, and their families serving outside the continental United States."

The Mosquito Network - American Military Radio in the Solomon Islands During WWII by Martin Hadlow. "Once ashore, Captain Spencer Allen was relieved to find that Army engineers and Signal Corpsmen had constructed a studio building for the radio station, 'the first made of clapboard in the camp,' he recalls, and a smaller transmitter shack about 200 yards away."

The Mosquito Network - American Military Radio in the Solomon Islands During WWII by Martin Hadlow. "As AES-Guadalcanal continued to develop, it was joined by other new stations in The Mosquito Network. On April 3, 1944, AES-Munda (New Georgia), opened transmissions..."

Jersey aims to "strengthen ties within education, sport and culture" with Antigua and Barbuda.

Chagossians from Crawley are critical of an agreement between the UK and Mauritian governments.

Tropical Storm Rafael chugged toward the Cayman Islands on Tuesday and was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane en route to Cuba.

Our 30th anniversary is approaching and we are looking for a week long getaway to the beach in May 2025. We would fly out of PHL or EWR. We are beach people who like nature, snorkeling, moderate hiking and water sports. Over the years we have...

Children's Geographies; 02/01/2023
(AN 163249018); ISSN: 14733285
Academic Search Premier

Children's Geographies; 02/01/2023
(AN 163249015); ISSN: 14733285
Academic Search Premier

The USGS is pleased to announce the release of new US Topo maps for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These updated topographic maps offer valuable, current geographic information for residents, visitors, and professionals, providing essential resources for communities in these areas.

New U.S. Virgin Islands Insurance CE Requirements Can be Satisfied Through WebCE

The Grant Honors College of Charleston's First Black Woman Graduate, Linda Gadson

Provides background information on the Canary Islands; describes the major sights, and suggests hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and outdoor activities.

Suggests similar evolution occurs on separate islandsToronto, ON – A University of Toronto-led team has reported the discovery of a new lizard in the middle of the most- visited island in the Caribbean, strengthening a long-held theory that communities of lizards can evolve almost identically on separate islands. The chameleon-like lizard – a Greater Antillean […]

The Theme Park Rangers say goodbye to Poseidon’s Fury at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and celebrate Animal Kingdom’s birthday.

The United Kingdom's recent decision to relinquish control over the Chagos Islands as part of a treaty with Mauritius has raised significant questions about the future of the popular .io domain.

St Thomas Jet Center Stt Paradise Us Virgin Islands... Susan Hancock, Owner And Operator, C E King Airport, St Thomas, St Thomas, Virgin Islands

Since 1968 Cayman Airways Has Been Serving The Cayman Islands As Our National Flag Carrier... Wendy Evans - Williams, Director Of Hr, Human Resources, Grand Caymon, KY, Cayman Islands

The Bermuda men’s national volleyball team won two and lost two of their matches at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association Senior Men’s Championships in Antigua and Barbuda. Bermuda lost their first match 3-1 to Grenada, beat Sint Eustatius 3-0, lost to Antigua 3-2, and defeated the British Virgin Islands 3-0. Related Stories Video: Antigua & […]

Bermuda Hockey Federation’s men’s and women’s teams traveled to Jersey, Channel Islands to compete in the Easter Weekend Hockey Festival. In the opener the Bermuda women’s team defeated Jersey’s women’s team 2 – 0, the Bermuda men’s team then defeated the Jersey men’s team 3 – 2. There were two mixed matches as well, with […]

The Bermuda Men’s National XVs team is set to clash with the Cayman Islands in an electrifying World Rugby International Test Match. A spokesperson said, “Scheduled for 5:00 PM ADT on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at North Field, National Sports Centre, this game not only promises to showcase top-tier rugby action but also marks the […]

Travel + Leisure readers have named Bermuda as one of the top 25 islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas for 2024, with the island ranking at the list’s 19th position with a reader score of 84.05. The Travel + Leisure story said, “Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers […]

I had the opportunity to play a preview edition of Quests & Cannons: The Risen Islands  from Short Hop Games in advance of the game’s upcoming Kickstarter campaign. Designed by Eric and Shannon Geller, the preview edition arrived in a bright and colorful cover box that hinted at the beautiful artwork within.

We got it on the table for a family game straightaway. As we unpacked the contents of the box, I was impressed with the quality of the wooden components. Especially for a preview copy, everything was incredibly well made and sturdy, which speaks to the care and enthusiasm Eric and Shannon have put into the game. The illustrations on the components are just lovely! The artists (Lily Yao Lu, Tony Carter, Regis Torres, Sita Duncan, and Lilia Sitailo) did a really great job integrating the theme into the materials. 

Quests & Cannons  is very easy to setup and the rules are straightforward,  so you can get started playing pretty quickly; no one is going to be stuck spending an hour reviewing the rules upfront. The only thing you really need to work out is whether you want to play the game solo, cooperatively, free for all, or in teams.  Regardless of the mode you choose, you’ll sit down as a leader of a kingdom, tasked with bringing prosperity (i.e. victory points) to your people as you explore new islands that have suddenly cropped up in the sea. The revelation of the islands has coincided with devastating famine and drought hitting the kingdoms to varying degrees, so you’re also on a quest to find a way to reverse these plagues.

And since prosperity can be gained through attacking other leaders during explorations, you’ll need to be thinking about battle defense and offense.  My kids are teens, so they handled the attacks pretty well, but your mileage may vary with your youngsters, depending on their age and temperament.

The underlying mechanics of the game are pretty simple:

• Explore to gather resources across the islands and turn those resources in to complete quests (pick up and deliver)
• Follow explicit instructions on map clue cards to do X action at X location
• Attack rival ships

Players can do three actions on a turn, choosing freely between move, gather resources, and attack. 

I did find a few issues with the mechanics for the Geller team to address before the final version is distributed:

• Explain in the rulebook what should be done if the map clue drawn cannot possibly be used
• Add a 0 space to the action point track on each player’s ship to track the exhaustion of the final action point
• Implement monsters or other descriptive elements with differing effects into the treacherous sea spaces to add more complexity

Outside of these issues, I recommend Quests & Cannons as a family game for gateway gamers (i.e. new to the hobby) or those who gravitate toward light strategy games. It’s kid-friendly and there isn’t any analysis paralysis inherent in the game.  It plays in under 90 minutes, gives kids exposure to different play modes within the same game, tackles conflict resolution, and comes with a variety of board layouts to keep things interesting over multiple plays. Note that this is not a game I’d recommend for players who prefer deeper strategy. Highly experienced gamers drawn to seafaring themes and beautiful artwork can find similar mechanisms with a bit more depth and complexity in other games such as Islebound (designed by Ryan Laukat from Red Raven Games).

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Publisher: Short Hop Games
Players: 1-6 (We played with 4 and 5)
Actual Playing Time (vs the guideline on the box): about 90 minutes per game
Game type: pick-up and deliver,hand management, action points, kid-friendly, solo

Rating for Gateway Gamers: 

Rating for Advanced Board Gamers:                                          

Rating scale:
OUI: I would play this game again; this game is ok. I probably would not buy this game myself but I would play it with those who own it and if someone gave it to me I would keep it.
OUI OUI: I would play this game again; this game is good. I would buy this game.
OUI OUI OUI: I LOVE THIS GAME. I MUST HAVE THIS GAME.
NON: I would not play this game again. I would return this game or give it away if it was given to me.

OM Sweden plans church-planting initiatives in three urban centres.