Day: 30 June 2026

Planned Dismantling of Ocean Observational System is Devastating Blow to Science, American Economy and Disaster Readiness

Stuart Mitchell

The Trump administration has announced that it plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a deep-ocean observation system that provides essential data to monitor coastal environments, marine ecosystems and powerful currents that shape the world’s climate. The move comes on the brink of what is expected to be one of the worst El Niño cycles in a century, which will require careful monitoring of ocean conditions to understand implications for marine wildlife, fisheries and coastal communities. Chris Robbins, Ocean Conservancy’s associate director of scientific initiatives, issued the following statement in response:…

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ILO report highlights progress and gaps in maternity benefits across ASEAN

Stuart Mitchell

While many Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have expanded maternity protection in recent years, important gaps in coverage and adequacy remain, particularly for women in informal employment and migrant workers, according to a new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Titled “Maternity benefits in the ASEAN: Progress and Opportunities for Integrated Approaches across Social Protection and Health Systems”, the report provides an analysis of the range, coverage and level of social protection benefits which support income security and provide financial protection against healthcare costs…

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PRCA DARE Awards 2025 South West England and Wales winners announced

Stuart Mitchell

The PRCA DARE Awards South West England and Wales ceremony was held at the Avon Gorge Hotel in Bristol in early June honouring the outstanding PR and communications professionals. This year’s edition of the awards is sponsored by MPS Evolving Insights with additional sponsorship by PA Mediapoint and Purposeful Relations. We are proud to acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of these individuals and teams. South West England and Wales winners: Best Use of Data and Analytics Award​Companies House ​Changes to UK Company Law – Identity Verification Charity/ Not for Profit Award​Pic…

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UNESCO designates 14 new biosphere reserves on World Environment Day

Stuart Mitchell

On World Environment Day, UNESCO designates 14 new biosphere reserves across 14 countries, bringing the World Network of Biosphere Reserves to 797 sites in 145 countries. Three countries welcome their first biosphere reserves: Montenegro, Timor-Leste, and Aruba which sees its entire territory designated as such. Marking the Day, UNESCO is also launching today a practical guide for journalists to report on the environment, drawing on case studies, and offering safeguards journalists can use in their daily work. New biosphere reserves have been designated in Albania, Algeria, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Canada, Islamic…

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Climate-resilient ‘Delos’ garden a century in the making officially opens at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Stuart Mitchell

Work has finally been completed on ‘Delos’, the Greek-inspired garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent, realising a planting scheme first envisioned by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson more than 90 years ago. The garden, created by National Trust staff in partnership with the well-known landscape designer Dan Pearson, is the culmination of a 15-year renewal project at the world renowned, Grade I-listed garden and is now fully open for visitors to enjoy. In 1935, Vita and Harold were so inspired by a visit to the Greek island…

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