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FanDuel Promo Code: Get $150 Bonus Before Ravens-Chargers KickoffVanuatu is hosting a pivotal workshop on Linking Ocean Accounting for Sustainable Ocean Development this week. The event aims to strengthen Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy by clarifying data needs and aligning data systems with practical policy goals. The workshop seeks to provide an overview of ocean accounting and its implementation across the Pacific and Asia-Pacific region while identifying essential requirements for organised social, economic, and environmental data to support Vanuatu’s policy priorities on sustainable ocean development. Additionally, it aims to determine capacity-building and international collaboration needs to accelerate data integration and ocean accounting in support of the nation’s objectives. Dr Ben Milligan, Director of the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP), commented on the importance of data in sustainable ocean management. He said oceans are among Vanuatu’s most valuable assets, providing food, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. To ensure these resources are well-managed for future generations, he stressed the need for organised and reliable data. According to Dr Milligan, this workshop focuses on integrating data from various institutions to establish a national ocean accounting system that aligns with Vanuatu’s National Ocean Policy. Toney Tevi, Head of Vanuatu’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division, stressed the nation’s progress in ocean governance. Following the completion of the National Ocean Policy review and the launch of the Marine Spatial Plan in June 2024, he noted that this workshop represents a step toward implementing these frameworks. He said understanding Vanuatu’s oceans and seas better will not only boost government revenue but also foster sustainable development. Tevi mentioned that ocean accounting would enhance accountability and ensure sustainable practices, safeguarding resources for future generations. He explained that this tool would help assess human activities’ impact on the sea, enabling informed decisions that balance development with conservation. Tevi also noted the urgency of addressing environmental challenges, such as pollution caused by inadequate drainage systems, which threaten marine life and ecosystems. He pointed out that initiatives like ocean accounting are crucial to ensure that activities today do not compromise the ability of future generations to enjoy and benefit from the ocean’s resources. The workshop reflects Vanuatu’s strong reliance on the ocean, which constitutes 98% of its territory. The ocean supports local livelihoods through subsistence fishing, marine tourism, and other economic activities. Vanuatu’s 2nd National Ocean Policy (VNOP2), launched in June 2024, reflects this reliance and sets ambitious conservation targets. These include protecting 30% of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by 2030 through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other conservation measures, as well as managing 100% of its ocean space sustainably to ensure the long-term health and resilience of marine ecosystems against climate change and biodiversity loss. These commitments align with global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the SAMOA Pathway, as well as regional initiatives such as the Pacific Roadmap for Sustainable Development and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Dr Milligan noted the growing regional momentum for ocean accounting, citing similar initiatives in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Palau. He praised Vanuatu’s inclusion in this effort, describing it as a significant step forward. He explained that by measuring the value of the ocean, governments and communities can make better decisions for the future of these vital ecosystems. The workshop has attracted participation from a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Environment, and Statistics departments, as well as Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) such as World Vision and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Donor partners, including the University of New South Wales and the Pacific Community (SPC), have played a key role in supporting the event, reflecting the collaborative effort required for effective ocean governance.
A WARM breeze drifts through the open balcony doors just as I’m lulled to sleep by the sound of waves splashing lazily against the shore. It’s November, I’m steeling myself for the festive season’s craziness, and I can’t think of a better way to relax before it all than this. A long weekend in Lanzarote was just the trick, where the sun shone in a clear blue sky and the balmy temperatures warmed my winter bones. Our getaway was to the wonderfully located Barcelo Teguise Beach, right on the seafront in Costa Teguise. This smaller resort on the island’s sunny east coast is known for its lovely golden sand beach and compact, walkable centre. And we loved the fact our adult-only hotel was right in the heart of the action. Our room looked out over the bay and down below, and we could watch the morning joggers on the promenade and holidaymakers strolling day and night along the seafront’s many bars, restaurants and shops. The hotel’s Champs sports bar sits right on the promenade too, so you can enjoy all the benefits of the hotel’s all-inclusive package while still being in the midst of the town and beachfront. This 4H resort has a lovely boutique feel to it and welcomes a mix of nationalities — the majority British — with a relaxed, chilled atmosphere. There are two pools, a lovely courtyard main pool lined with palm trees with plenty of sun loungers and cabana beds as well as a rather swish infinity number on a terrace overlooking the seafront. There was of course some of the inevitable lounger-hogging for the sunniest spots but it was encouraging to see staff clear away towels if beds remained unoccupied for long periods. The vibe was calm with activities such as aqua aerobics and board games occasionally across the day from the hotel’s enthusiastic staff. By night, guests gathered after dinner in the swish B-Lounge where there was live music and excellent cocktails. I was particularly impressed that the drinks were all premium brands, served with a flourish by the waiters at your table directly from the spirit bottle. The hotel offers B&B and half-board options as well as all-inclusive deals and the food was of good quality with plenty of choice. The main buffet restaurant, open in winter for breakfast and dinner, featured a different themed cuisine each night, as well as plentiful fresh salads and live cooking stations serving up everything from freshly grilled seafood to steaks. At lunch, those on all-inclusive could choose from the comfort pub classics at Champs or light local cuisine at the Breeze Gastro Pool Bar. I loved the Canarian cold tomato soup with slices of boiled egg and quality Iberico ham. Rooms — recently refurbished — were the perfect place to relax, too. Our junior suite came with a separate living room and two balconies — one with its own hot tub, the other with loungers. With plenty of storage space, USB sockets and rainfall shower with quality full-size toiletries, it really ticked all the boxes. The black and white loo rolls were a quirky touch — reflecting the island’s natural volcanic geography. Many of the hotel’s deluxe double rooms also feature a tub on the balcony. The resort’s classic Lanzarote architecture of brilliant white walls and vibrant green woodwork are of course part of the huge legacy of the Spanish artist, architect and activist Cesar Manrique. His passion for preserving the island’s unique natural beauty saw him lead the way in fighting overdevelopment when tourism boomed in the 1980s. His influence helped establish strict building regulations that remain in place to this day, that buildings must be low-rise and feature traditional colours with doors and windows in blue or green. And the great man played a significant role in the development of Costa Teguise itself. We wandered around the Pueblo Marinero, a complex of white-washed buildings with green wooden shutters and balconies that is home to a host of shops, houses and restaurants. Las Cucharas beach was developed in a way to respect the natural landscape, and even humble roundabouts in the town feature sculptures and other artworks. But that’s not to say you’re in a Disneyesque fantasy: there are still oodles of places to eat and drink with the inevitable Irish bars and tapas joints offering happy hour £2 pints and cocktails from £4.50. After a couple of days to relax, we took to our hire car to explore more of the island and Manrique’s influence. We rented a car through Cicar, picking it up easily from the airport. This Which?-recommended hire car provider is a gem. I paid £155 for five days. We were pleased to be offered an upgrade and all their cars come with no insurance excess. There’s even a handy Cicar app to help you with audio guides to the island’s main attractions There is even a handy Cicar app to help you with audio guides to the island’s main attractions. Just a ten-minute drive took us to Manrique’s former home and studio in Taro de Tahiche, which is now the headquarters of the foundation dedicated to preserving his legacy. Also a museum displaying his art and personal collections, the astonishing house is built into a lava field with rooms and even a pool garden carved out of the natural volcanic formations. Sunday is also the best day to visit the inland town of Teguise — its narrow, cobbled streets host a weekly market selling handmade crafts including pottery, ceramics and jewellery from local artisans as well as your standard souvenirs, food and Canarian cheeses and meats. We stopped for lunch at La Bodeguita del Medio in the middle of the market, paying just £16.50 for a generous platter of six tapas dishes plus a basket of bread, enjoying plump prawns, spicy chorizo sausage and crisp potatoes. With clear roads and little traffic, in just half an hour we were admiring the astonishing, stark lava fields and volcanic craters in the Timanfaya national park. Manrique’s influence continues here — he designed many of the buildings in the park including the El Diablo restaurant where chefs cook over the heat of the dormant volcano. Here, you can tuck into grilled dishes including chicken and chorizo in the Manrique-designed dining room with stunning views all around. GETTING / STAYING THERE : Seven nights’ half-board in a deluxe double room with hot tub is from £881pp including flights from Stansted on January 14, 2025, 22kg luggage and transfers. Birmingham, East Midlands, Manchester departures also available. See jet2holidays.com . MORE INFO : See barcelo.com/en-es/barcelo-teguise-beach .
By DEVNA BOSE and JOHN SEEWER “Wanted” posters with the names and faces of health care executives have been popping up on the streets of New York. Hit lists with images of bullets are circulating online with warnings that industry leaders should be afraid. Related Articles National News | Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge National News | Unidentified drones spotted flying at locations across NYC, including LaGuardia Airport National News | About 2.6 million Stanley cups recalled after malfunctions caused burns. Is your mug included? National News | Woman who falsely accused Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006 publicly admits she lied National News | Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases The apparent targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the menacing threats that followed have sent a shudder through corporate America and the health care industry in particular, leading to increased security for executives and some workers. In the week since the brazen shooting , health insurers have removed information about their top executives from company websites, canceled in-person meetings with shareholders and advised all employees to work from home temporarily. An internal New York Police Department bulletin warned this week that the online vitriol that followed the shooting could signal an immediate “elevated threat.” Police fear that the Dec. 4 shooting could “inspire a variety of extremists and grievance-driven malicious actors to violence,” according to the bulletin, which was obtained by The Associated Press. “Wanted” posters pasted to parking meters and construction site fences in Manhattan included photos of health care executives and the words “Deny, defend, depose” — similar to a phrase scrawled on bullets found near Thompson’s body and echoing those used by insurance industry critics . Thompson’s wife, Paulette, told NBC News last week that he told her some people had been threatening him and suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Investigators believe the shooting suspect, Luigi Mangione , may have been motivated by hostility toward health insurers. They are studying his writings about a previous back injury, and his disdain for corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Mangione’s lawyer has cautioned against prejudging the case. Mangione, 26, has remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday . Manhattan prosecutors are working to bring him to New York to face a murder charge. UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, said this week it was working with law enforcement to ensure a safe work environment and to reinforce security guidelines and building access policies, a spokesperson said. The company has taken down photos, names and biographies for its top executives from its websites, a spokesperson said. Other organizations, including CVS, the parent company for insurance giant Aetna, have taken similar actions. Government health insurance provider Centene Corp. has announced that its investor day will be held online, rather than in-person as originally planned. Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm, said last week it was temporarily closing its six offices for security reasons and would have its employees work from home. Heightened security measures likely will make health care companies and their leaders more inaccessible to their policyholders, said former Cigna executive Wendell Potter. “And understandably so, with this act of violence. There’s no assurance that this won’t happen again,” said Potter, who’s now an advocate for health care reform. Private security firms and consultants have been in high demand, fielding calls almost immediately after the shooting from companies across a range of industries, including manufacturing and finance. Companies have long faced security risks and grappled with how far to take precautions for high-profile executives. But these recent threats sparked by Thompson’s killing should not be ignored, said Dave Komendat, a former security chief for Boeing who now heads his own risk-management company. “The tone and tenor is different. The social reaction to this tragedy is different. And so I think that people need to take this seriously,” Komendat said. Just over a quarter of the companies in the Fortune 500 reported spending money to protect their CEOs and top executives. Of those, the median payment for personal security doubled over the last three years to just under $100,000. Hours after the shooting, Komendat was on a call with dozens of chief security officers from big corporations, and there have been many similar meetings since, hosted by security groups or law enforcement agencies assessing the threats, he said. “It just takes one person who is motivated by a poster — who may have experienced something in their life through one of these companies that was harmful,” Komendat said. Associated Press reporters Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York and Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco, contributed to this report.
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