
Proposed acquisition strengthens Pharming’s late-stage pipeline with a potential first-in-disease asset Abliva’s lead product KL1333 is currently in a pivotal clinical trial, with a positive interim analysis achieved, in mitochondrial DNA-driven primary mitochondrial diseases Total transaction value of approximately US$66.1 million No external funding required to fund acquisition and KL1333 development costs Pharming to host a conference call on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 14:00 CET (8:00 am EST) Leiden, the Netherlands, December 15, 2024: Pharming Group N.V. (“Pharming” or “the Company”) (EURONEXT Amsterdam: PHARM/Nasdaq: PHAR) today announced a recommended public cash offer to the shareholders of Abliva AB (“Abliva”) to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Abliva. Pharming, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Pharming Technologies B.V., offers the shareholders SEK 0.45 in cash per share in Abliva. The transaction is valued at approximately US$66.1 million. Abliva is a biotechnology company, based in Lund, Sweden, focused on developing medicines for the treatment of mitochondrial disease. Abliva’s lead product, KL1333, a regulator of the essential co-enzymes NAD+ and NADH, is in a pivotal clinical study (FALCON) in adult patients with genetically confirmed primary mitochondrial disease (PMD) with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations who experience consistent, debilitating fatigue and muscle weakness (myopathy), and reduced life expectancy. Over 30,000 patients diagnosed with mtDNA mitochondrial disease would be potentially addressable by KL1333 in the U.S., EU4 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain) and the UK. KL1333 has shown positive clinical effects in a proof-of-concept Phase 1b study, and a pre-planned interim analysis of the ongoing pivotal FALCON trial demonstrated promising differences over placebo in both alternate primary efficacy endpoints. KL1333 has received Fast Track designation in the U.S. and Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of PMD in the U.S. and EU. Sijmen de Vries, Chief Executive Officer of Pharming, said: “Abliva has made exciting progress developing KL1333, a potential first-in-disease treatment undergoing a pivotal clinical trial that offers new hope to patients with rare mtDNA mitochondrial disease who experience debilitating fatigue and muscle weakness. With over 30,000 addressable patients in the U.S., EU4 and UK, we are excited about the potential of this asset, which achieved a positive interim analysis in the registration trial in July 2024. We believe KL1333 has blockbuster potential in the U.S. alone and can significantly change Pharming’s future growth trajectory. We will fund this acquisition using existing cash, and anticipate covering costs to complete the pivotal trial with positive cash flows from our existing business. The acquisition of Abliva would further strengthen our clinical pipeline with the addition of a therapy, with U.S. launch expected in 2028, aligning with our vision to become a leading global rare disease company. We are pleased that Abliva’s independent Board of Directors and major shareholders recognize the expertise and value Pharming brings to the development and eventual commercialization of KL1333, and unanimously support this transaction. We look forward to welcoming the Abliva team with their strong expertise in mitochondrial research and drug development and to combining with our resources, capabilities and commercial infrastructure to bring this groundbreaking and important medicine to patients and their healthcare providers.” Transaction highlights Today at 19:45 CET, Pharming announced a recommended cash offer to the shareholders of Abliva AB. Hereby Pharming, through a wholly owned subsidiary, has offered SEK 0.45 in cash for each outstanding share of Abliva (the ''Offer''). The total value of the Offer based on all outstanding 1,611,884,536 shares in Abliva amounts to approximately SEK 725,348,041, or approximately US$66.1 million. The Board of Directors of Abliva unanimously recommends the shareholders of Abliva to accept the Offer. The Board of Directors of Abliva has obtained a fairness opinion from PwC, according to which, based on the assumptions and reservations stated in the opinion, the Offer is fair to Abliva’s shareholders from a financial perspective. Pharming has obtained acceptance undertakings from the three largest shareholders, accounting for 49.82% of Abliva's outstanding shares. The Offer is subject to customary regulatory approvals, and Pharming expects to obtain such approvals prior to the end of the acceptance period. Pharming Group N.V. has cash on hand to finance the Offer in full. The acceptance period in the offer is expected to commence on or around January 16, 2025 and to expire on or around February 7, 2025. For information in relation to the Offer, please refer to www.raredisease-offer.com. An offer document will be made public by Pharming shortly before the commencement of the acceptance period. Van Lanschot Kempen N.V. is sole financial advisor and NautaDutilh N.V. and Mannheimer Swartling Advokatbyrå are legal advisors to Pharming in connection with the Offer. Invitation to conference call Pharming to host a conference call on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 14:00 CET (8:00 am EST). The conference call presentation is available on the pharming.com website from 14:00 CET on December 16, 2024 A transcript will be made available on the pharming.com website in the days following the call. To participate in the conference call, please register in advance using the link below. Once registered, dial-in information and a unique PIN will be provided, allowing access to the call. Conference call dial-in details: Please note, the Company will only take questions from dial-in attendees. https://register.vevent.com/register/BIfcd1fd2bdf0e443cbf6192dc063763ad Webcast Link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/2hfpccyi For further public information, contact: Pharming Group, Leiden, the Netherlands Michael Levitan, VP Investor Relations & Corporate Communications T: +1 (908) 705 1696 E: investor@pharming.com FTI Consulting, London, UK Victoria Foster Mitchell/Alex Shaw/Amy Byrne T: +44 203 727 1000 LifeSpring Life Sciences Communication, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Leon Melens T: +31 6 53 81 64 27 E: pharming@lifespring.nl Abliva investors Leo Wei T: +46 (0)709 910 081 E: pharming@fogelpartners.se About KL1333 KL1333 has been designed to treat chronic fatigue and myopathy (muscle weakness) in genetically confirmed adult patients with primary mitochondrial disease. Diagnoses can include MELAS-MIDD and KSS-CPEO spectrum disorders as well as MERRF syndrome. The drug candidate is intended for long-term oral treatment. KL1333 has the ability to restore the ratio of NAD+ and NADH, and thus leads to the formation of new mitochondria and improved energy levels. In a cohort of mitochondrial disease patients in a Phase 1a/b study, the patients who received KL1333 showed both improvements in symptoms of fatigue as well as functional improvements. KL1333 is currently being evaluated in a global, potentially registrational, Phase 2 study (the FALCON study) and has received orphan drug designation in both the USA and Europe as well as Fast Track designation in the USA. About the FALCON Study FALCON is a Phase 2, global, randomized, placebo-controlled, potentially registrational study evaluating the safety and efficacy of KL1333 in adult patients with primary mitochondrial disease who experience consistent, debilitating fatigue and myopathy (muscle weakness), the most common and impairing symptoms. A total of 180 patients with mitochondrial DNA mutations who meet the eligibility criteria are randomized 3:2 to receive KL1333 (50mg-100mg) or placebo twice daily for 48 weeks. The two alternative primary endpoints assess consistent fatigue (using the PROMIS® Fatigue Mitochondrial Disease Short Form) and myopathy (using the 30 second Sit-to-Stand test), only one of which must be positive to file for marketing approval. An interim analysis evaluating 24-week data from the first wave of patients confirmed the strong safety profile of KL1333, and both primary endpoints passed futility, meaning that both have the potential to demonstrate benefit in the final analysis of the study. About Abliva AB Abliva discovers and develops medicines for the treatment of mitochondrial disease. This rare and often very severe disease occurs when the cell’s energy provider, the mitochondria, do not function properly. The company has prioritized two projects. KL1333, a powerful regulator of the essential co-enzymes NAD+ and NADH, has entered late-stage development. NV354, an energy replacement therapy, has completed preclinical development. Abliva, based in Lund, Sweden, is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden (ticker: ABLI). For more information, please visit www.abliva.com. About Pharming Group N.V. Pharming Group N.V. (EURONEXT Amsterdam: PHARM/Nasdaq: PHAR) is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the lives of patients with rare, debilitating, and life-threatening diseases. Pharming is commercializing and developing an innovative portfolio of protein replacement therapies and precision medicines, including small molecules and biologics. Pharming is headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands, and has employees around the globe who serve patients in over 30 markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. For more information, visit www.pharming.com and find us on LinkedIn . Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”, “ambition”, ‘‘anticipate’’, ‘‘believe’’, ‘‘could’’, ‘‘estimate’’, ‘‘expect’’, ‘‘goals’’, ‘‘intend’’, ‘‘may’’, “milestones”, ‘‘objectives’’, ‘‘outlook’’, ‘‘plan’’, ‘‘probably’’, ‘‘project’’, ‘‘risks’’, “schedule”, ‘‘seek’’, ‘‘should’’, ‘‘target’’, ‘‘will’’ and similar terms and phrases. Examples of forward-looking statements may include statements with respect to timing and progress of Pharming's preclinical studies and clinical trials of its product candidates, Pharming's clinical and commercial prospects, and Pharming's expectations regarding its projected working capital requirements and cash resources, which statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to the scope, progress and expansion of Pharming's clinical trials and ramifications for the cost thereof; and clinical, scientific, regulatory, commercial, competitive and technical developments. In light of these risks and uncertainties, and other risks and uncertainties that are described in Pharming's 2023 Annual Report and the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the events and circumstances discussed in such forward-looking statements may not occur, and Pharming's actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied thereby. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information available to Pharming as of the date of this release. Pharming does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. Inside Information This press release relates to the disclosure of information that qualifies, or may have qualified, as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. Attachment Pharming announces public cash offer to the shareholders of Abliva AB_EN_15DEC24
HUNTINGTON, W.V. (AP) — Marshall has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl after a coaching change resulted in much of its roster jumping into the transfer portal. The Thundering Herd were slated to play Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. But the Independence Bowl and Louisiana Tech announced on Saturday that the Bulldogs will take on the 19th-ranked Black Knights instead. Marshall said it pulled out “after falling below the roster minimum that was deemed medically safe.” The Herd (10-3) beat Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 last weekend to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship for the first time. The program has won seven games in a row in the same season for the first time since 2020. “We apologize for the nature and timing of this announcement and for the turmoil it has brought to bowl season preparations for Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said in a statement. Coach Charles Huff left Marshall for Southern Miss last Sunday, and Tony Gibson, the defensive coordinator at North Carolina State, was announced as his replacement less than an hour later. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players had entered the transfer portal. Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He followed that up with phone calls, text messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday. “Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.” It's the first bowl for Louisiana Tech (5-7) since 2020. The Bulldogs have won two of their last three games, but they haven't played since a 33-0 victory over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30. “We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a release. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballBoyd scores 22 in Charleston's 79-64 win against Northern KentuckyMarshall Withdraws From Independence Bowl Matchup Against Army
HUNTINGTON, W.V. (AP) — Marshall has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl after a coaching change resulted in much of its roster jumping into the transfer portal. The Thundering Herd were slated to play Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. But the Independence Bowl and Louisiana Tech announced on Saturday that the Bulldogs will take on the 19th-ranked Black Knights instead. Marshall said it pulled out “after falling below the roster minimum that was deemed medically safe.” The Herd (10-3) beat Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 last weekend to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship for the first time. The program has won seven games in a row in the same season for the first time since 2020. “We apologize for the nature and timing of this announcement and for the turmoil it has brought to bowl season preparations for Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said in a statement. Coach Charles Huff left Marshall for Southern Miss last Sunday, and Tony Gibson, the defensive coordinator at North Carolina State, was announced as his replacement less than an hour later. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players had entered the transfer portal. Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He followed that up with phone calls, text messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday. “Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.” It's the first bowl for Louisiana Tech (5-7) since 2020. The Bulldogs have won two of their last three games, but they haven't played since a 33-0 victory over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30. “We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a release. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballAttica districts where there are still large and unused spaces – e.g. in the western suburbs – could, according to real estate market executives, receive investments for the development of affordable housing, either for rent or for purchase. The key is size, as, to be viable for individuals, these projects require large surfaces and a correspondingly large number of apartments. In other words, they cannot be like a typical apartment block, with 10-20 units. In this way, the return is maximized and the relevant concession contract is easier and more attractive. Otherwise, it is easy for the tenders to turn barren and the desired result not to occur. The state promotes public-private partnership tenders through the social consideration model. That is, it will contribute the land and in return will receive apartments from the private developer, who will then make them available either for rent or for sale at affordable prices, while the developer will keep the remaining apartments for its own utilization. The aim of these projects will be to develop 2,500 homes for 5,000 beneficiaries, young people up to 39 years old, with an annual income of 10,000 to 16,000 euros for singles, and up to €24,000 for married couples. Private individuals will keep a percentage ranging from 40% to 70% – depending on the case and the tender – which they will utilize for a specific period (over 25 years), so that they can also have the relevant return on their investment. However, ownership of the building and the apartments will remain with the state. Speaking at the recent Prodexpo real estate conference, Dimand Real Estate CEO Dimitris Andriopoulos said that “there are entire neighborhoods and areas that are cut off from the rest of the city. If areas such as Thrakomakedones, Agioi Anargyroi, Zefyri and Menidi, northwest of the city center, are integrated and gain proximity to the city through some fixed-track means, it will be possible to unlock a significant stock of buildings and add a large number of new homes to the market.”
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After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details including where they system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today
How our red and green came to be
Sealed defence properties in Pune trespassed by installing fences, CCTVsWASHINGTON (AP) — Three American citizens imprisoned for years by China have been released and are returning to the United States, the White House said Wednesday, announcing a diplomatic agreement with Beijing in the final months of the Biden administration. The three are Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung , all of whom had been designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained by China. Swidan had been facing a death sentence on drug charges while Li and Leung were imprisoned on espionage charges. “Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years,” the White House said in a statement. The release comes just two months after China freed David Lin, a Christian pastor from California who had spent nearly 20 years behind bars after being convicted of contract fraud. U.S.-China relations have been roiled for years over major disagreements between the world’s two largest economies on trade, human rights, the production of fentanyl precursors, security issues that include espionage and hacking, China’s aggressiveness toward Taiwan and its smaller neighbors in the South China Sea, and Beijing’s support for Russia’s military-industrial sector. The release of Americans deemed wrongfully detained in China has been a top agenda item in each conversation between the U.S. and China, and Wednesday’s development suggests a willingness by Beijing to engage with the outgoing Democratic administration before Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January. Trump took significant actions against China on trade and diplomacy during his first term. He has pledged to continue those policies in his second term, leading to unease among many who fear that an all-out trade war will greatly affect the international economy and could spur potential Chinese military action against Taiwan. Still, the two countries have maintained a dialogue that has included a partial restoration of military-to-military contacts. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met earlier this month to discuss potential improvements. A U.S. official said the Biden administration had raised the cases of the detained Americans with China in multiple meetings over the past several years, including earlier this month when Biden spoke to Xi on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru. Politico was first to report the men’s release, which it said was part of a prisoner swap with the U.S. The White House did not immediately confirm that any Chinese citizens had been returned home. Li, a Chinese immigrant who started an export business in the U.S., was detained in September 2016 after flying into Shanghai. He was placed under surveillance, interrogated without a lawyer and accused of providing state secrets to the FBI. A U.N. working group called his 10-year prison sentence arbitrary and his family said the charges were politically motivated. Leung was sentenced last year to life in prison on spying charges. He was detained in 2021, by the local bureau of China’s counterintelligence agency in the southeastern city of Suzhou after China had closed its borders and imposed tight domestic travel restrictions and social controls to fight the spread of COVID-19. Swidan had been jailed for 12 years on a drug charge and, along with Li and Leung, had considered by the State Department to be wrongfully detained.COAS, Oluyede Solicits Support Of Traditional Institution To End Insurgency
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Marshall Withdraws From Independence Bowl Matchup Against ArmyMarshall withdraws from Independence Bowl matchup against Army
Saturday, December 14, 2024 Kenyan President William Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the country’s heritage sites and monuments as part of a bold initiative to elevate tourism numbers from 2 million to 5 million annually. During a ceremony in Nairobi, where the government celebrated its cultural heritage and the return of stolen artifacts from overseas museums, Ruto emphasized the economic and cultural significance of preserving Kenya’s globally recognized assets. Kenya’s eight UNESCO-listed heritage sites represent some of the most iconic cultural and natural landmarks in Africa. They include Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Lamu Old Town on the northern coast, the sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests in Kilifi County, the Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site in western Kenya, Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest, Lake Turkana National Parks, the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, and the recently inscribed Gedi Ruins in Kilifi County. These sites, celebrated for their historical and ecological significance, face a range of threats, including ecological degradation and human encroachment. Ruto highlighted the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure their preservation for future generations. Also Read: Kenya Seeks To Capitalize On U.S. Travel Market Boom With New Tourism Strategies As part of the government’s strategy to revitalize cultural tourism, Ruto announced plans to allocate significant resources to protect and enhance heritage sites. Measures include building perimeter walls to prevent encroachment and rehabilitating roads to improve accessibility for tourists, researchers, and archivists. These infrastructural upgrades are expected to boost the sites’ appeal and promote sustainable tourism. “Our ongoing efforts to enhance the authenticity of heritage sites across the country aim to strengthen Kenya’s global stature as a premier tourist destination,” Ruto said. Kenya ranks fifth in Africa in terms of UNESCO-listed heritage sites, underscoring its cultural and ecological wealth. However, Ruto noted that these sites remain underutilized and hold untapped potential to transform rural livelihoods by attracting more tourists, creating jobs, and supporting local economies. By safeguarding and promoting these heritage sites, Kenya aims to leverage cultural tourism as a driver of sustainable development. Enhanced visitor experiences at sites like Mount Kenya National Park and the Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site can attract both domestic and international travelers seeking meaningful and immersive cultural experiences. Also Read: Barbados, Bhutan, Eswatini, Jordan, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan and Zimbabwe Soon to Get Simplified Visa Policy to Travel to Russia Heritage conservation initiatives have far-reaching benefits. They not only enhance Kenya’s global profile as a tourist destination but also foster national pride and community involvement. The return of stolen artifacts, celebrated during the Nairobi ceremony, underscores the importance of reclaiming Kenya’s cultural identity on the global stage. Moreover, the government’s efforts align with global tourism trends emphasizing authenticity, cultural preservation, and sustainable travel. These initiatives will position Kenya as a leader in cultural tourism while addressing the pressing need to protect vulnerable heritage sites. Despite Kenya’s commitment to heritage protection, challenges persist. Ecological degradation, unregulated urban development, and insufficient funding have threatened the integrity of UNESCO-listed sites. Ruto’s administration has pledged to tackle these issues through comprehensive conservation strategies, increased funding, and community engagement. The sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests, for instance, face threats from logging and agricultural expansion, while Lamu Old Town contends with modernization pressures that risk eroding its historical charm. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts involving government agencies, local communities, and international partners. Also Read: Kenya Airways Dominates as Africa’s Top Airline for Unmatched Service and Timely Operations In addition to infrastructure improvements, Kenya’s tourism strategy includes diversifying visitor experiences. Interactive cultural tours, educational programs, and eco-tourism activities are being developed to enrich the experience at heritage sites. For example, guided tours of the Gedi Ruins can offer insights into Swahili culture, while Mount Kenya National Park provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Investments in technology, such as virtual reality tours and digital storytelling, are also being explored to attract tech-savvy travelers and younger audiences. These innovations aim to make Kenya’s cultural heritage more accessible and engaging. Successful heritage conservation depends on active collaboration with local communities. By involving residents in tourism activities and decision-making processes, the government ensures that the benefits of tourism are equitably distributed. Community-based tourism initiatives empower locals to act as custodians of their heritage while earning a livelihood through cultural performances, handicrafts, and eco-tourism ventures. Programs to train local tour guides and entrepreneurs are already underway, enhancing their capacity to provide high-quality services and authentic experiences for visitors. These initiatives not only preserve cultural traditions but also foster community pride and ownership. Also Read: Kenya Airways and China Eastern Airlines Partnership Enhances Travel Flexibility Between Africa and China: What You Need to Know Kenya’s heritage protection efforts are part of a broader campaign to promote the country as a global tourism hub. Marketing initiatives targeting international audiences highlight the unique appeal of Kenya’s UNESCO sites, from the historical allure of Fort Jesus to the natural splendor of Lake Turkana National Parks. Collaborations with international organizations such as UNESCO and global travel agencies further amplify Kenya’s visibility. High-profile events and media campaigns showcase the country’s rich cultural and ecological assets, attracting tourists from diverse markets. With its strategic focus on heritage conservation and tourism development, Kenya is poised for significant growth in the travel sector. The government’s target of attracting 5 million tourists annually reflects its ambition to transform the industry into a cornerstone of the national economy. As global interest in cultural and sustainable tourism continues to rise, Kenya’s efforts to protect and promote its heritage sites will play a crucial role in achieving this vision. By addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, Kenya can strengthen its position as a leading destination for heritage and cultural tourism. Also Read: Colorado, Thailand, Montreal, Puerto Vallarta, Kenya Surging Globetrotting Trends Which Five Destinations Are Captivating January Travelers Seeking Snow, Sun, and Adventure? In conclusion, President William Ruto’s commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s heritage sites underscores the vital role of cultural conservation in boosting tourism and economic development. Through strategic investments, community engagement, and global promotion, Kenya is paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry. Read Travel Industry News in 104 different regional language platforms Get our daily dose of news, by subscribing to our newsletters. Subscribe here . Watch Travel And Tour World Interviews here . Read more Travel News , Daily Travel Alert , and Travel Industry News on Travel And Tour World only.US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says
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LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Andrej Jakimovski converted an off-balance layup with 8 seconds left, and Colorado handed No. 2 UConn its second loss in two days at the Maui Invitational, beating the two-time defending national champion 73-72 on Tuesday. A day after a 99-97 overtime loss to Memphis that left Huskies coach Dan Hurley livid about the officiating, UConn (4-2) couldn't shake the unranked Buffaloes (5-1), who shot 62.5% in the second half. With Colorado trailing 72-71 in the closing seconds, Jakimovski drove to his right and absorbed contact from UConn’s Liam McNeeley. He tossed the ball toward the glass and the shot was good as he fell to the floor. Hassan Diarra missed a 3-pointer just ahead of the buzzer for UConn. Elijah Malone and Julian Hammond III scored 16 points each for Colorado, and Jakimovski had 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Huskies led 40-32 at halftime and by nine points early in the second half, but Colorado quickly closed that gap. McNeeley led UConn with 20 points. UConn: Hurley's squad is facing its first adversity in quite a while. The Huskies arrived on Maui with a 17-game winning streak that dated to February. Colorado: The Buffaloes were held to season lows in points (56) and field goal percentage (37%) in a 16-point loss to Michigan State on Monday but shot 51.1% overall and 56.3% (9 of 16) from 3-point range against the Huskies. Hurley called timeout to set up the Huskies' final possession, but the Buffs forced them to take a contested 3. Colorado had a 28-26 rebounding advantage after being out-rebounded 42-29 by Michigan State. Colorado will play the Iowa-Dayton winner in the fifth-place game on Wednesday. UConn will play the loser of that matchup in the seventh-place game. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball .
US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer saysBOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Don McHenry scored seven of his 29 points in overtime to lead Western Kentucky over Murray State 81-76 on Saturday. McHenry hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 39 seconds left and two free throws with 15 remaining to rally the Hilltoppers (7-3). He added five rebounds. Babacar Faye scored 17 and grabbed nine rebounds. Khristian Lander had 12 points. Jacobi Wood led the way for the Racers (6-3) with 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Nick Ellington totaled 15 points and seven rebounds. AJ Ferguson pitched in with 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Faye put up eight points in the first half for Western Kentucky, which trailed 39-33. McHenry led the Hilltoppers with 15 second-half points and he hit the game-tying layup with 35 seconds left to send the game to overtime tied at 67. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .