Category: Ecology

### Egyptian Humanitarian Diplomacy: A Model for Regional Food Security

Amid growing humanitarian crises, Egypt is emerging as a key player in the fight against food insecurity. Following the meeting between Amr al-Gowily, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Carl Skau, representative of the World Food Programme, it becomes clear that the pharaonic nation plays a strategic role not only because of its geographical position, but also because of its commitment to vulnerable populations, particularly in Gaza and Sudan.

As Egypt struggles to address its own food challenges, the presence of one million Syrian refugees and other displaced people complicates the situation. The country, at the heart of regional efforts, is weaving a long-term development strategy, integrated into its Vision 2030, aimed at combining food security and social support.

By adopting a proactive and collaborative approach to crises, Egypt is not only a bastion of stability; It also serves as a model for other nations, promoting humanitarian diplomacy centered on solidarity and cooperation. Recent discussions are an invitation to rethink our collective response to humanitarian challenges, as the world navigates uncertain times.

### Gaza: A Humanitarian Vision Through Reconstruction

In a landmark statement, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty presented a reconstruction plan for Gaza without uprooting its residents. Stating that simplistic solutions must give way to a respectful and humanitarian approach, Egypt distances itself from controversial projects while reaffirming the dignity of Palestinians.

By supporting the idea of ​​a Palestinian state and encouraging constructive discussions, Abdelatty underlines the importance of integrating socio-economic dimensions into any reconstruction strategy. With nearly 80% of Gaza’s population dependent on humanitarian aid, it is imperative to prioritize economic self-sufficiency in order to build a sustainable framework.

Finally, as peace talks continue, ensuring inclusivity and listening to the voices of Gazans seems essential to move towards peaceful coexistence. This plea for human dignity is a reminder that reconciliation must prevail over geopolitical issues, offering desperate hope for the future of the region.

### The Forgotten Tragedy of North Kivu: A Call to Humanity and the Economy

North Kivu, a province rich in natural resources, is at the heart of a deep humanitarian crisis that has lasted for decades. The recent invasion of Goma by the M23 and tensions with Rwanda only accentuate an alarming reality: in 2024, nearly 5 million Congolese are internally displaced, living in precarious conditions marked by malnutrition and violence.

This tragic situation is exacerbated by a cruel paradox: while the territory is full of coltan, tungsten and gold, the wealth of the DRC fuels the war rather than benefiting its population. Large multinationals, often with little concern for human rights, continue to appropriate these resources without positive impact on the lives of the Congolese.

To break this cycle of violence, it is urgent to promote reconciliation between communities and initiate an inclusive dialogue involving the government, armed groups and international actors. The crisis in North Kivu must be addressed with a human and economic perspective, giving voice to local populations, who are the real agents of change.

Hope lies in a collective conscience and a sustainable approach that will allow North Kivu to recover and look to a better future, far from its forgotten tragedy.

### A New Era of Conservation in Central Africa: Payments for Environmental Services in Action

On January 27, 2025, Kinshasa hosted an inter-ministerial conference to launch Payments for Environmental Services (PES) in Central Africa. At a time when the Congo Basin is facing alarming deforestation, this initiative appears to be an innovative response, combining conservation of natural resources and economic incentives for local communities. Drawing inspiration from the successes of Costa Rica and integrating digital tools, this approach aims to transform agricultural practices into sustainable strategies. Ministers stressed the urgency of mobilizing financing for these projects, thus laying the foundations for improved management of the region’s ecosystems. Although much remains to be done, this initiative could redefine the way Central Africa approaches the preservation of its unique environmental heritage.

**Leni and Lotti: Panda Twins Raising Environmental Awareness in Berlin**

In the heart of Berlin, excitement is palpable as giant panda twins Leni and Lotti make their grand entrance at the zoo. Born on August 22, they are delighting visitors while highlighting critical conservation issues. Berlin Zoo, Germany’s exclusive panda home since 2017, is not only showcasing these adorable creatures, but also highlighting the urgent need to protect this endangered species, of which there are only about 1,800 left in the wild.

These children of Meng Meng embody the hope for a sustainable future and the need for collective action. Pandas, often considered ambassadors for conservation, remind us that behind their charming image lies a worrying reality: their survival depends on breeding programs, genetic exchange, and public awareness. Walking alongside these twins at the zoo, each visitor is invited not only to admire, but to reflect and act for the protection of our planet.

By witnessing this touching spectacle, Leni and Lotti remind us that awe for wildlife can be the first step towards true ecological awareness, inspiring everyone to become a champion of biodiversity.

### Kambau: A drinking water supply project that awakens hope

In a context of humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the armed group ADF in North Kivu, the village of Kambau stands as a symbol of resilience. The inhabitants are mobilizing to launch an ambitious drinking water supply project, entirely funded by community contributions. This project, which aims to improve access to a vital resource, goes beyond simple infrastructure issues. It demonstrates true solidarity in the face of adversity.

Despite the trying challenges, the inhabitants are adopting a proactive approach, seeking local solutions rather than depending on external aid that is often absent. Their approach is reminiscent of similar initiatives in Africa, where community determination has helped transform villages into spaces of sustainable autonomy. However, the success of this enterprise requires a long-term commitment and support from local authorities, in order to ensure not only the construction of infrastructure, but also its effective management.

The Kambau project is an invitation to collective action and solidarity. It embodies the hope for a better future, proving that, even in the face of crisis, communities can come together to claim their dignity and their right to water – a fundamental need for life. By supporting this initiative, we are participating in a global advocacy for a world where access to drinking water is no longer a struggle, but a universal right.

### Côte d’Ivoire faces an ecological emergency: saving the pygmy hippopotamus

The biodiversity-rich Côte d’Ivoire is engaged in a vital fight for the survival of the pygmy hippopotamus, an endangered species with only 2,500 individuals in the world. Threatened by deforestation, illegal hunting and clandestine gold mining, this iconic animal symbolises the pressing environmental challenges facing the country. The recent birth of a baby pygmy hippopotamus in a Thai zoo has sparked international interest, highlighting the opportunity for Côte d’Ivoire to promote responsible tourism as a lever for conservation. By adopting a collaborative approach between authorities, NGOs and local communities, Côte d’Ivoire could not only protect this unique animal, but also restore the balance of its ecosystem. It is imperative to act now to preserve our natural heritage before it is too late.

### Sustainable Electrification in Africa: An Ambitious Challenge to Realize

The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam launched a bold initiative to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030, in the face of the continent’s 600 million people still deprived of energy. Led by the African Union and the African Development Bank, the project is met with both hope and skepticism. Investment commitments must confront local realities and lessons from the past, particularly in terms of sustainable resource exploitation, as demonstrated by the case of Rwanda with its new oil wells on Lake Kivu.

Initiatives such as that of Solange Kwinja, who transforms coffee into artisanal soaps in the DRC, illustrate the entrepreneurial potential of Africa, creating jobs and added value. The continent’s energy future seems to depend on close collaboration between governments, investors and local communities, which are grappling with crucial environmental challenges. By adopting sustainable and innovative solutions, Africa could not only emerge from obscurity, but also forge a development model that respects its environment.

### Redon, a reflection of our vulnerability to natural disasters

On January 30, 2025, Redon, a small town in western France, was submerged by the floods of the Vilaine, revealing the flaws in an infrastructure poorly adapted to climate change. This tragic event goes far beyond a simple flood; it highlights an urgent sociological and environmental problem. While floods represent 40% of natural disasters, the frequency of these events doubles every decade. Faced with this rising water level, the city calls for collective awareness and the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions. Local and national solidarity is crucial, as is the need for a proactive review of urban planning policies. Redon, although tested by this crisis, could become a powerful symbol of resilience if it manages to transform this adversity into an opportunity to build a better future.

**Up Helly Aa: A Journey into Viking Tradition and Community Resilience**

Each year, the town of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands lights up for Up Helly Aa, a bold celebration that blends Norse heritage with contemporary issues. More than just a festival of Viking costumes, the event is rooted in local 19th-century history, where the community unites to honour its ancestors. Around 1,000 participants, armed with torches and axes, embody the strength of a culture that resists global homogenisation. But Up Helly Aa is not just a reminder of the past; it also becomes a space of inclusivity, where women and children participate by challenging traditional norms.

As sustainability becomes a major issue, organisers are exploring environmentally friendly alternatives to preserve this rich tradition. With its ability to spark a sense of identity and bring community together, Up Helly Aa reignites the flame of a vibrant culture, while providing a model for other festivals around the world. In a world that is constantly changing, this flamboyant celebration is a reminder that cultural heritage is a vital force for the future.