Capital city reality check
Leaders gather in Yerevan for COP17 as biodiversity targets come under scrutiny. While some nations report progress on targets and protections, funding shortfalls and slow implementation threaten the 2030 goals, with experts warning that current commitments fall well short of what is needed.
Two Africa-wide efforts and a national drive highlight rising commitment to biodiversity and reforestation. UN officials warn biodiversity loss remains urgent as Africa grapples with climate shocks, while Ethiopia readies to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day as part of the Green Legacy Initiative, underscoring continental leadership in climate resilience.
A travel feature on Yerevan, Armenia, exploring Republic Square, the Dancing Fountains show, and the city’s heritage from Tamanian’s design to recent tourism growth linked to direct flights from London.
A 12-day Sri Lanka group tour, chronicled by a solo traveler, shows how organised trips now attract millennials while highlighting social dynamics, logistical hiccups, and evolving bonds with local guides. The narrative follows the writer’s shift from solo exploration to extended travel after meeting a guide, amid a backdrop of scenic sites and practical challenges.