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Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Africa must capitalise on transformative High Seas Treaty for global ocean conservation
Having shaped the treaty, Africa must capitalise on recent global momentum to benefit from a new era in ocean governance. In June, the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) culminated in an ambitious political declaration that marks a turning point for global ocean governance. The highlight was the progress made in adopting the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement (High Seas Treaty). This landmark agreement tackles governance and regulatory gaps in areas beyond countries' jurisdiction — 64% of the ocean's total surface. These waters are critical to planetary health and human wellbeing, but are often overexploited, polluted and abused due to the lack of an overarching regulatory framework. The treaty fills these gaps by focusing on four pillars: marine genetic resources and benefit sharing; area-based management tools, including marine protected areas; environmental impact assessments; and capacity building and technology transfer. UNOC3 generated significant momentum for the agreement. In the days leading up to the conference, 28 ratifications were lodged and 22 new ratifications took place at UNOC3, bringing the total to 51 out of the 60 required for it to come into force. Overall, 139 countries have signed on to the treaty. Africa's engagement with the process has been both strategic and lacklustre. On the one hand, the African Group of Negotiators shaped the treaty, championing the common heritage of humanity principle in negotiations, and before that, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. On the other hand, only seven out of 55 African countries have officially completed their ratification processes. Kenya and Sierra Leone have ratified, but must still deposit their instruments at the UN. Thirty-four African countries have signed. Still, the threshold of 60 ratifications will probably be reached during September's UN General Assembly meeting. The agreement then enters into force 120 days later on 1 January 2026, allowing time for its translation and publication, and for states to prepare for implementation. Once in force, the first Conference of the Parties is convened. The Conference of the Parties is the decision-making body that oversees the treaty's implementation and development. Obligations under the treaty extend only to countries that have ratified it. Those that haven't — including most African states — risk exclusion from its many benefits. These include decision-making power at the Conference of the Parties, without which countries can't shape key implementation and resource allocation decisions, or designate high seas protected areas. Ratification also gives countries access to benefit-sharing arrangements linked to the exploitation of marine genetic resources. Before the Conference of the Parties, a Preparatory Commission will make recommendations on key procedural and institutional matters. It meets again from 18-29 August in New York. These meetings are open to all UN member states, and African states must attend if they want to shape the processes and institutions created for treaty implementation. Ensuring fair representation and benefit-sharing for African states — particularly regarding marine genetic resources — is essential for the legitimacy and effectiveness of the new high seas governance regime established under the treaty. Countries that have ratified the treaty will receive full access to financial mechanisms established under the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement. To spearhead these efforts, the High Ambition Coalition on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, co-chaired by the European Union (EU), Palau and Seychelles, unites over 40 countries to promote the treaty's rapid ratification and implementation. The coalition shares expertise and fosters global ocean governance cooperation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature is the coalition's secretariat, providing scientific and legal support to help members fulfil the treaty's objectives. It facilitates the €40-million EU-funded Global Ocean Programme to support states' involvement in high seas biodiversity-related processes. Marine Protected Areas Once in force, the Conference of the Parties will operationalise the treaty, establish its institutions and begin designating marine protected areas in the high seas. Several ecologically significant areas adjacent to Africa are likely candidates, including the Walvis Ridge in the Southeast Atlantic and the Saya de Malha Bank midway between the Seychelles and Mauritius. These zones are critical for migratory species, fisheries productivity and ecosystem connectivity. Establishing marine protected areas could benefit biodiversity protection, fisheries sustainability and ecosystem resilience, while supporting coastal communities' livelihoods. African countries can prepare for the post-ratification phase in two ways. First, blue economy and fisheries, environment, science, international relations and maritime security ministries must coordinate, and designated focal points must be empowered. Ocean policies and strategies should be reviewed to align with the treaty's objectives. Some commentators describe the agreement as the first global framework for high seas governance. But several regimes already exist, including regional fisheries management organisations like the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, and organisations like the International Maritime Organisation and International Seabed Authority. However, each has its own sectoral or regional mandates, which leads to governance gaps and overlaps. The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty provides a holistic, legally binding framework that coordinates and strengthens existing regimes. This approach is crucial for designating and managing marine protected areas in international waters. The Conference of the Parties can establish these areas and other tools, but must consult regional fisheries organisations when mandates overlap. States party to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement and these regional bodies must promote the aims of both instruments. Cost of monitoring, surveillance and enforcement The second way African countries can prepare for the treaty's implementation relates to the probable high cost of managing marine protected areas. Strictly protected areas are typically less expensive to administer than multiple-use zones. This is because complexity raises the cost of monitoring, surveillance and enforcement — activities that African countries have traditionally struggled to deliver. One innovative solution is uncrewed surface and underwater vessels, which offer cost-effective, continuous surveillance over vast areas. Still, once a threat is detected, enforcement must follow, and additional responsibilities may be costly. Regional and international cooperation, joint patrols and information sharing will be needed, including activities under the African Union and regional navies' frameworks. That means Africa must develop robust maritime security strategies and enhanced regional cooperation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres told UNOC3 delegates that Africa was at the heart of ocean action. Momentum around the treaty offers African states the chance to influence how the high seas are managed and protected, building on its strong legacy in ocean governance.
UPI
23-07-2025
- UPI
Unprecedented sargassum surge threatens tourism in the Caribbean
People walk past sargassum clumps on the sand in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, earlier this month. Dominican President Luis Abinader has issued an urgent call to recognize the scale of the environmental crisis posed by sargassum in the Caribbean, warning that the phenomenon could deal 'a significant blow to the GDP of island nations.' Photo by Orlando Barria/EPA July 23 (UPI) -- At the United Nations Ocean Conference in June, Dominican President Luis Abinader issued an urgent call to recognize the scale of the environmental crisis posed by sargassum in the Caribbean. He warned the phenomenon could deal "a significant blow to the GDP of island nations." Sargassum, a floating macroalgae, has shifted from a rare anomaly to a chronic threat, hitting the tourism industries of countries such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic, where tourism makes up 19% of GDP. This season, sargassum levels could hit a record high, with up to 25 million metric tons estimated across the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The economic effect could surpass that of previous years. Operating costs for sargassum removal could exceed $120 million a year in critical areas, including expenses for barriers, equipment and transportation. Esteban Amaro, director of the Sargassum Monitoring Center in Mexico, warned that the state of Quintana Roo is facing one of its worst seasons yet. The most affected areas stretch from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, along with hotspots such as Xcalak, Mahahual and Cozumel. Nearly the entire coastline is under red alert. Countries such as Barbados, Mexico and the Dominican Republic have reported hotel booking drops of 30% to 40% during peak sargassum periods, typically between May and August. Regional losses could reach $200 million per high season, based on historical patterns. Puerto Rico and Cuba are among other Caribbean nations battling sargassum issues daily. The spread of this invasive seaweed, worsened by global warming, threatens not only the economy but also public health and marine ecosystems, endangering key species such as fish, coral and sea turtles. Local fishers are seeing reduced catches and falling incomes, leaving many in a difficult financial position. As sargassum decomposes, it produces a strong odor that affects quality of life in coastal communities. More concerning are the respiratory issues it can cause, especially among vulnerable individuals exposed to its toxic emissions. In response to the worsening crisis, the region is seeking innovative solutions, with a focus on transforming sargassum into a useful resource. The proposals are varied and promising -- from using sargassum as fuel for biomass energy to harnessing its nutrients to enrich agricultural soil. There is also discussion of extracting compounds for use in cosmetics, food products and other goods. Sos Carbón, a startup led by young Dominican entrepreneurs, has developed an offshore system to collect sargassum before it reaches the shore and begins to decompose, releasing toxic substances. The system already is in use in Mexico, Antigua and Barbuda and Puerto Rico. María Ceballos, a member of the product development team at SOS Carbón-Biotech, said the company has begun producing agricultural biostimulants with promising results. This month, the Dominican Republic and the European Union launched the first Working Group on Sargassum Valorization, aimed at developing viable value chains for processing sargassum. According to the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the goal is to turn this massive challenge into an economic opportunity for the Caribbean.
The Spinoff
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Spinoff
New Zealand isn't just failing to act on ocean protection, it's actively undoing progress
Representing Aotearoa at the UN Ocean Conference in France last month, marine scientist Veronica Rotman felt embarrassed by our lack of leadership and our inaction. Our ocean is in an accelerating state of decline, and we must do better. Representing Aotearoa at the UN Ocean Conference was a highlight of my career as a young marine scientist. But reflecting on my time connecting with scientists and leaders from around the world, I feel a sense of lingering unease. I have always been tremendously proud to be a Kiwi. I deeply love our culture and celebrate it at every opportunity. But this week I didn't feel pride in our country. I felt embarrassed. New Zealand isn't just failing to act on restoring our ocean – recent decisions further remove protections in place, actively undoing progress made towards it. Our government has abandoned plans to establish the significant Kermadec Rangitāhua Ocean Sanctuary, introduced legislation to fast track extractive proposals such as seabed mining, and repeatedly blocked international attempts to restrict bottom trawling on vulnerable deep sea ecosystems in the South Pacific. Meanwhile, developing nations are making big, bold, ambitious commitments to revitalise our ocean and strengthen our collective futures. During the United Nations Ocean Conference, I was honoured to be in the room when Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu's climate change minister, announced a historical transboundary marine protected area between Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. French Polynesia committed ~1.1 million km² of its ocean to highly or fully protected marine protected areas. Chile pledged to protect over 50% of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Ghana declared a full ban of bottom trawling across its entire territorial sea. With minimal resources, they are still taking the most courageous action. Our Pacific neighbours understand that the health of the ocean is the same as the health of the people, that by caring for our oceans we are caring for ourselves. The ocean is not something we protect from a distance, but something we are inextricably part of. This is leadership in action – grounded in courage, collaboration and care. New Zealand, on the other hand… Well, just 0.4% of our EEZ is highly protected – that is, fully no-take. We are still the only country in the South Pacific bottom trawling for orange roughy in international waters, and we use bottom trawling to catch 70% of all commercial fish – including species such as tarakihi, snapper and hoki. This practice was recently highlighted in David Attenborough's film Ocean, and involves dragging a heavy weighted net across the seafloor – destroying seafloor habitat, releasing carbon, causing bycatch and undermining local food security. New Zealand still has some of the highest seabird bycatch in the world. We have fish and shellfish stocks that are on the brink of collapse, and our government has proposed to cap Māori customary marine rights from 100% of the coast to 5%, favouring commercial fishing interests and weakening indigenous ocean governance over ancestral marine areas. We have also not joined the 50 global leaders in ratifying the High Seas Treaty, which would help protect marine life in the high seas outside of any country's national jurisdiction – an area that currently has no rules or regulations. Essentially the wet wild west. Finally, in reference to his ambition to reopen oil and gas exploration in Aotearoa, Shane Jones, New Zealand's minister for oceans and fisheries, last month turned up to a parliamentary scrutiny session wearing a cap that read 'Make NZ great again, drill baby drill'. I wish I was kidding. I was on the world stage, representing my country that I love, but I was embarrassed by our lack of leadership and our inaction. Our ocean is in an accelerating state of decline, and our politicians are shown up (spectacularly) by their peers in the Global South. I am yet to speak to a scientist colleague who is satisfied with the status quo of marine environmental management in Aotearoa. At the UN Ocean Conference, I witnessed New Zealand get called out twice. Once for the country's inaction by Peter Thomson, the UN secretary general's special envoy for the ocean, and secondly by Vanuatu's Ralph Regenvanu for our bottom-trawling practices. This is shameful. We have to do better. As both a marine scientist and spearfisher, I experience the ocean's vulnerability and resilience firsthand. This is not anti-fishing rhetoric. We all love the ocean, and want it to flourish. But our actions must match our words. To start, our government must urgently prioritise marine protection by meeting its commitment to reach 30×30 marine protection, ratifying the High Seas Treaty now, restricting bottom trawling and supporting just transitions, upholding te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and honouring indigenous ocean knowledge and leadership, carrying out a commission of inquiry into the QMS and the monopolised quota ownership, and replacing our current regime with a transition to a more holistic ecosystem-based management approach. In an immunity booster shot of good news, New Zealand did pledge US$52 million to support ocean governance in Pacific Island Countries and contributed to the Global Fund for Coral Reefs. These are welcome commitments, but what we need is bold action in our own country that sets the bar high and dares others to follow. As I said in one of my speeches at the UN Ocean Conference, 'When we allow deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and overfishing, we are robbing future generations of choices, livelihoods, opportunities and food security. We are eroding their resilience and we are burdening our descendants with the cost of our convenience.' This is unacceptable. Ocean policy should outlast politics. The ocean should be considered in 100-year management plans and guided by intergenerational equity audits that assess the long-term impacts of marine policy and extractive approvals. I am sick of ocean action rising and falling with political tides. This is not about politics, this is about doing right by those who come after us. This is about their survival.
NZ Herald
16-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Society Insider: Peter and Lucinda Burling's new life in Italy; Kiwi It Girls in Europe; YouTube star Jesse James opens new Ponsonby Rd bar
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli is based in Cagliari, a major port city, until the next America's Cup regatta takes place off the coast of Naples in 2027. Last month, the former Emirates Team New Zealand, three-time America's Cup skipper announced he was joining Prada Group chairman Patrizio Bertelli's team. 'I've always loved racing against Luna Rossa, and now to join this iconic team is a real honour,' said 34-year-old Burling. Burling will play a pivotal role in the team's leadership group and development programme. Peter Burling in his new Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli uniform. The impressive base is nestled on the Molo Ichnusa harbour area, where the team perform daily tests and analyses on and off the water. Society Insider is told Burling and Luna Rossa are keenly awaiting the release of the final protocols for the 2027 cup by Burling's former boss, Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton. Lucinda, a lawyer and interior design expert, loves Cagliari's rich history and diverse architecture. She is also enjoying the wonderful Prada clothing she has access to thanks to her husband's new role. 'The family are all embracing learning Italian,' a source close to the family tells Society Insider. 'In Italy, pre-school education [scuola dell'infanzia] starts far earlier than in New Zealand, and Paloma will attend a bilingual one.' Lucinda Burling dressed head to toe in Prada at Wimbledon. Peter Burling and his daughter Paloma at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. Burling is also pleased to be working with a team who are as passionate about looking after the ocean as he is. Days after the Black Foils won silver in SailGP in New York last month, Burling, his family and his Black Foils co-chief executive and Live Ocean Foundation co-founder Blair Tuke, spent three days at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France. The pair were star guests at the Ocean House Nightcap, where the duo highlighted issues closer to home in Aotearoa and the Pacific. Blair Tuke and Peter Burling talk at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. Also at the conference was Bertelli's son, Lorenzo, who is the chief marketing officer of the Prada Group and its head of corporate social responsibility. Prada Group has pledged more than $4 million for its Sea Beyond project, which focuses on ocean literacy. The Burlings have a multimillion-dollar house in Ponsonby; however, their new base in Sardinia allows speedy access to the European SailGP racing all over the Continent in the next few months. Lucinda has many friends in London, and this month the Burlings have been spotted out and about. Peter headed to the Silverstone Circuit, near the Northamptonshire villages, for the Great Britain Formula One Grand Prix and both Peter and Lucinda got dressed up for Wimbledon. Peter and Lucinda Burling outside Wimbledon. The Burlings were guests in the royal box on the sixth day of the tennis tournament, and among the sports stars in their row was British sailing champion Sir Ben Ainslie, one seat down. Burling is making a return to ocean racing as a crew member on the French trimaran Trim SVR-Lazartigue in the Rolex Fastnet Race, just days after sailing in the British Sail GP this month. Burling will race with the Black Foils in Portsmouth this weekend and then head to Cowes in the Isle of Wight to join the French team, which will race over 600 nautical miles to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France. Peter Burling at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Lucinda and Peter Burling in New York during the SailGP event there. Burling, who sailed in the Volvo Ocean race in 2017, told Yachting World that when SVR-Lazartigue contacted him to race, it was an easy decision to say yes. 'I've always loved offshore racing – that's what led me to the Ocean Race. The Ultim class is the pinnacle of high-performance offshore sailing,' said Burling. 'These boats are incredibly innovative and versatile. I'm really excited to get back offshore and to learn more about how this class is evolving.' The family will get some time at home in New Zealand this summer, when SailGP returns to Auckland in February. The Kiwi It-girls in the Med London-based Kiwi It girl Kimberly Owen is hitting Europe's hot spots this summer, and a new generation of women is following in her footsteps. Kimberly Owen has been enjoying the European summer. It's been nearly a decade since Society Insider announced that Owen, the daughter of one of New Zealand's most successful property men, Steve, was relocating to London, where her father owns a smart abode in Belgravia and she mixes with the city's elite. Owen was a guest last month at what was billed as the biggest party ever on the Spanish party Island of Ibiza: the opening of the new super club UNVRS, featuring a star-studded lineup of DJs including Carl Cox and Jamie Jones, and celebrities such as Will Smith and English football star Jude Bellingham. UNVRS has been called the world's largest nightclub, with a capacity of 10,000. VIP tables with table service for eight guests are said to cost more than $3000 for DJ booth access and it can cost twice that for a prime dance-floor table. Kimberly Owen at UNVRS Enchanted Forest in Ibiza. Last week, we reported that Gretchen and Duncan Hawkesby's son Dylan enjoyed the club with friends as part of his 19th birthday celebrations. Owen was back in Ibiza last week for the UNVRS Enchanted Forest party, where the club transformed into a forest of sequins. The next generation of Kiwi women turning heads in the Mediterranean are London-based model Ella Sloane, Auckland-based social media co-ordinator Estella Gapes and Sydney-based model Yasmin Christian. Ella Sloane in London. Estella Gapes and Ella Sloane in Ibiza. The trio originate from the same Auckland private school circles. Sloane and Christian share the same New Zealand agency, 62 Management. Christian got her love of fashion from her mother, in-demand, Auckland-based fashion stylist Rachelle Christian. Gapes is the daughter of successful property developer Tony. Her mother, Nikki, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident seven years ago. Sloane is the daughter of former Real Housewives of Auckland star Julia Lorimer, and Dunbar M. Sloane, from the auction house family. Estella Gapes at Ushuaïa outdoor club's Ants Metal Works party in Ibiza. Estella Gapes in Ibiza. Sloane and Gapes have also spent time in Ibiza recently, enjoying the world-renowned outdoor nightclub Ushuaia's high-energy techno Ants Metal Works party. The pair also spent time in Marbella and celebrated Gapes' 23rd birthday in Madrid, before heading back to London to enjoy Sabrina Carpenter's concert VIP-style at Hyde Park. This week, Gapes enjoyed the sights and sounds of Saint-Tropez and Cannes and tells Society Insider the whole trip so far has been amazing. Christian has taken time out of her successful Australian modelling career to enjoy the European summer. So far, she has enjoyed time in Paris, France and Monaco, island-hopped in Greece and taken in Rome, the Amalfi Coast and Capri, in Italy, and this week, Spain. Yasmin Christian on the Amalfi Coast. Yasmin Christian in Monaco. Christian tells Society Insider Milos in Greece was a standout, with good times had at O! Hamos! 'Rome was a dream. In Capri, the terrace at restaurant Villa Verde was stunning,' says Christian. Also in Spain is Auckland Bay Audiology heiress Ali Andrews, who married multi-billionaire Chanel heir Raph Wertheimer in a private ceremony at their home base of Manhattan in December. The couple started the European season in London, where Andrews caught up with Lucinda Burling. Ali Andrews (centre) with her friends in Marbella. Ali Andrews and Raph Wertheimer with their cake at The Coya Club in Marbella. Last week the couple were in Paris, where Wertheimer's family brand Chanel held its fall 2025 couture show at the Grand Palais, also attended by Kiwi singer Lorde. The couple joined friends in Marbella this week, staying at a palatial casa. In honour of their wedding, Andrews and Wertheimer had a celebration dinner at the Coya Club, Puente Romano. Jesse James holds a Texas fundraiser at his new Ponsonby hotspot Tradie, extreme sports athlete and YouTube star Jesse James hosted a fundraiser at the Ponsonby Rd bar he co-owns, Jolene, on Saturday afternoon to support victims of the Texas floods. The event came just a week after Jolene's opening party. 'When I saw the catastrophic floods, we couldn't sit around and do nothing,' James tells Society Insider. Jolene co-owner Jesse James with singer Mitch James at Jolene. 'In my teens, I spent time at a summer camp in Maine, so it rang home, the loss of life for so many people affected in Texas. I knew Jolene had to hold an event to raise money for the families who have lost so much.' James grew up on Auckland's North Shore, and chased an endless summer between the US and New Zealand in his teens after completing his plumbing apprenticeship. In between tradie jobs he would seek extreme sports adventures, including wakeboarding, skydiving, surfing, motorsports, boating and freediving. He took his love of creating extreme sports content for YouTube internationally. He often travelled with his best mate, fellow tradie and YouTube star, Queensland-based Logan Dodds, who was there to support his fundraiser last Saturday. James has opened Jolene alongside hospitality lads Thane Kirby and former Olympic decathlete Brent Newdick, at 164 Ponsonby Rd, the former site of Mexico. Jolene co-owner Brent Newdick. Thane Kirby and Luke Dallow at Gigi's opening night in May. Ponsonby's 'new home of country music and attitude' sits across the road from Kirby's new spot with Luke Dallow, Gigi Bar and Restaurant, which opened in May. At Jolene's opening party James' friend, singer Mitch James, performed. Guests included Precinct Properties' Lily Montana, lawyer Taylor Sutherland and James' good mate, former world champion wakeboarder Brad Smeele and his family. Jolene co-owner Jesse James with Taylor Sutherland at Jolene. Brad Smeele and Jesse James at Jolene. When Auckland nurse Rachel Lockwood saw Jolene fundraising for the Texas Flood Relief Fund, she asked if she could attend the event to share a personal connection. Lockwood had spent time working at Heart O' the Hills, a Texas Summer Camp for girls by the Guadalupe River, which was completely washed away by the floods. 'I am grateful to Jesse and the team at Jolene for putting on a beautiful event and to everyone who showed up to show their support,' says Lockwood. The afternoon event was family-friendly and alcohol-free, to mark Dry July. Sponsors came on board from Asahi 0.0% and Sober AF drinks, with food served by Hamish Pinkham's Tex-Mex pop-up, Sheppards Kitchen. 'All the money we raised from the drinks and food will be going straight to the relief fund,' says James. Rosie Teese and her band play at the Texas Flood Fundraiser at Jolene. Kiwi country star Rosie Teese and her band led the day's entertainment with her new single Breathe, which is released this week. In February, before he opened Gigi, Kirby and Newdick were doing Jolene pop-up nights at 155 Ponsonby Rd. 'I have known Brent for a decade, and when I saw what he and Thane were doing, I loved it,' says James. 'I perched up at the bar and said, You two should do this with a permanent spot with a real cowboy,' he says. When Mexico closed its doors in Ponsonby in May, the posse went about securing a permanent home for Jolene. Jolene co-owner Jesse James. James, whose full name is Jesse James Cassrels, says his dad, Geoff, named him after the legendary American Western outlaw, which gave James a fascination for America's Wild West. His mother, Arnse, is a singer-songwriter and his cousin is singer Benee. James says music is very much in his blood and Nashville, Tennessee, is his second home. James says line dancing and ladies-only nights will be part of Jolene's schedule. 'Customers have a great time enjoying fantastic country music and authentic, Southern-inspired food.' Party people of the week Naveya & Sloane Christchurch opening Fine jewellery house Naveya & Sloane unveiled its first South Island showroom on Friday evening – housed within the historic Midlands Club on Oxford Terrace in Christchurch. Hosted by co-founder Rachel Sloane and her business partner and husband Alex Bunnett, the night included diamonds, bubbles and curated detail. Lou Heller and Rachel Sloane at the opening of Naveya and Sloane in Christchurch. Photo / Chloe Pomfret To celebrate, Naveya & Sloane designed New Zealand's largest ring box. Sitting riverside on the Avon by the Bridge of Remembrance, the two-metre installation brimmed with fresh blooms by local florist Bek Novak. Guests were treated to canapés by Lillies, pours from Cloudy Bay, Peroni and Pals, and thoughtful take-home moments by Abel Fragrance and Audi. The event included artwork by Jacqui Colley and styling by Naveya & Sloane head of design Sophie Bioletti. The giant Naveya & Soane ring box installation brimming with fresh blooms by local florist Bek Novak. Photo / Chloe Pomfret Among the guests were Metropol Magazine editor Nina Tucker; Lomas Kerr director Julia Lomas; Spark PR & Activate event manager Danielle McEnaney; and fashion stylist Lou Heller. Tuscany Hamel and Richard Clarke. Photo / Chloe Pomfret Georgia Royle and Michael Karabassis. Photo / Chloe Pomfret Denise Faraco, Fraser Bremford and Natalie Crowe. Photo / Chloe Pomfret Leo Noordanus, Hannah Brown and Nina Tucker. Photo / Chloe Pomfret Sophie Stephens and Brianna Boyd. Photo / Chloe Pomfret Rachel Sloane and Alex Bunnett. Photo / Chloe Pomfret Ana-Maria Didenco and Kasia Stanicich. Photo / Chloe Pomfret Julia Lomas and Emma McLaughlin. Photo / Chloe Pomfret Central city splash Kiwi technical outerwear company Inselberg treated guests to a sneak preview of the brand's latest design at a pop-up shop in Auckland's Britomart last Tuesday. Calvin Lee and Jarlath Anderson at their Inselberg pop-up at Britomart. Photo / Katie Armstrong Labelled 'the world's toughest shell jacket', the Axiom Shell was put through its paces over three years by members of the Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team in the Southern Alps. The jacket was also put to the test at the event, with various demonstrations of the fabric's strength, including an in-store rain shower. Drinks were also flowing, and canapes were served by neighbouring restaurant Ortolana. Inselberg founder Jarlath Anderson shared the brand's back story in front of the guests, who included Black Foils SailGP sailor Leo Takahashi, Olympic swimmer Lewis Clareburt, international rugby referee Ben O'Keeffe, 1News presenter Jenny Suo, Shortland Street star Ben Barrington, fashion stylist Sarah Stuart and influencers Simone Anderson and Tarryn Donaldson. Jessica Weale and Ben Barrington. Photo / Katie Armstrong Ben O'Keeffe and Zac Dickinson. Photo / Katie Armstrong Calvin Lee and Tom Walsh. Photo / Katie Armstrong Leo Takahashi, Jarlath Anderson and Lewis Clareburt. Photo / Katie Armstrong Sarah Stuart, Jessica Weale and Carolyn Enting. Photo / Katie Armstrong Simone Anderson and Sarah Wallace. Photo / Katie Armstrong Ricardo Simich has been with the Herald since 2008 where he contributed to The Business Insider. In 2012 he took over Spy at the Herald on Sunday, which has since evolved into Society Insider. The weekly column gives a glimpse into the worlds of the rich and famous.
Daily Tribune
11-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Young Voices Lead Global Ocean Call
TDT | Manama A new generation of Bahrainis stepped forward as ocean advocates during a public event on Wednesday that echoed the global momentum sparked by the recent United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in France. Held at the Bahrain Science Centre for SDGs in Isa Town, the 'Bahar Talks' initiative brought together marine experts, young climate leaders, and local organisations for an evening of dialogue and reflection on ocean conservation. The event, hosted by the French Embassy and the Bahrain Science Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Alliance Française Bahreïn, marked one of the first major youth-centred follow-ups to UNOC3 in the region. From Film to Forum The evening opened with a screening of Tara, the Coral Odyssey, a French documentary chronicling expeditions by Fondation Tara Océan to study coral ecosystems threatened by climate change. The film set the tone for a spirited roundtable moderated by Aysha Alsherooqi, SDG specialist and Bahrain's representative to the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change. Panellists included Dr Reem Al Mealla, founder of local marine NGO NUWAT, and Khaled Al Saeed, president of the Bahrain Diving Volunteer Team and CEO of Sea World Expo Bahrain 2025. They were joined by marine biologists Sylvain Kreuter and Rahma Aleskafi, alongside Fatima Alzaki, a rising youth leader who attended the UNOC3 summit in Nice after being selected through the 3rd Green Youth Hackathon. Ocean Momentum Speakers highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping Bahrain's environmental future and stressed the importance of local actions aligning with global sustainability goals. Discussions revolved around Sustainable Development Goal 14 - Life Below Water - with an emphasis on combining scientific research with public engagement. Bahar Talks was described by participants as a meaningful continuation of UNOC3's message, ensuring it resonates not only on the international stage but also in grassroots movements and local policymaking circles. The event drew attention to the growing appetite among Bahrain's youth to take the lead in ocean conservation initiatives at home and abroad.
