Latest news with #cooperatives
Al Bawaba
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Union Coop Inaugurates ‘Al Khawaneej Mall'
Coop's main activities are to establish hypermarkets and manage cooperatives within UAE. Union Coop is the largest consumer cooperative in the UAE as it operates 18 branches and two malls (Al Barsha Mall, Etihad Mall). Union Coop has also launched two grocery chains: Mini Coop and Coop, a new concept, thereby making it the first consumer cooperative to include a smart shopping concept in many of its branches in the MENA region. Additionally, Union Coop plays an active role in stabilizing prices through promotional campaigns and offering real-value offers and give prizes worth tens of millions yearly. Union Coop's outlets offer a wide range of products from food and electronics to hardware and household appliances.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Wine-Tasting In Alto Adige: A Unique And Still Authentic Corner Of Italy
Farm worker hand-picking organic "Lagrein" grapes, a red wine variety native to South Tyrol, Italy Alto Adige is among Italy's smallest wine-growing regions and is far less known and less touristed than the wine regions of Tuscany, Veneto, or Piedmont. However, the area is becoming increasingly popular among visitors seeking a more relaxed and less crowded setting to discover exceptional wines. Alto Adige, also known as Sudtirol (literally South Tyrol), is in the northern part of Italy that borders Switzerland and Austria. Evidence suggests that wines have been cultivated here for over 2,500 years, making them an integral part of the people and place. Until 1918, this southern area of Tyrol was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Thus, the region's wines, foods and traditions reflect not only Italian influences but also those of its Swiss and Austrian neighbors. Both Italian and German are the official languages, and some 65% of the population is German-speaking. Lake Caldaro, Alto Adige, location of the South Tyrolean Wine Museum The region boasts 4,800 predominantly independent winegrowers whose vineyards collectively cover more than 14,456 acres. Typically family-owned and operated, most wineries are small and collaborate through cooperatives for wine production and marketing. A smaller segment consists of private estate wineries that utilize their own grapes or source them from elsewhere. The diversity of the climate and soils is ideal for growing more than 20 grape varieties, contributing to the wide range of top-quality Alto Adige wines available. Located at the foot of the Alps, the region is blessed with warm Mediterranean air currents while shielded from the wind by the Dolomite Mountains. Many vineyards are cultivated on steep slopes at altitudes ranging from 660 to 3,300 feet, requiring manual labor to tend the vines and hand-pick the grapes. The soil of this relatively small area is rich with about 150 different types of rock that vary from parcel to parcel, adding to the complexity of the wines. Hot summers, mild winters, and the diurnal variation of hot days and cool nights allow for slow grape ripening. Enjoying a white sparkling Alto Adige wine with pasta The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines, established in 2007, is the official group responsible for promoting and ensuring the quality of these regional wines. The Consorzio jump-started an effort begun by winemakers in the 1980s to shift the focus from mass production to improved quality and sustainable viticulture methods. Remarkably, 98 percent of the wines are now produced under the Alto Adige DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) designation. It has also been a driving force behind an ambitious UGA Zoning Project —an initiative that elevates 86 meticulously defined vineyard areas (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive), to ensure each varietal genuinely represents its terroir. Historically known for its native red grape production (such as Schiava and Lagrein), Alto Adige has also become a leader in producing elegant white wines in recent decades. In terms of whites, the region is best known for its Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco but also produces excellent Pinot Nero, one of its signature reds. Due to its multicultural heritage, Alto Adige wines are typically labeled in both Italian and German. For example, Pino Bianco is also called Weissburgunder and Pinot Grigio is called Ruländer or Grauburgunder. Bicycling through a vineyard in Alto Adige, Italy The Dolomite Mountain range (a UNESCO World Heritage site) passes through Alto Adige, making the area a must-visit for hikers and skiers. But it is also a mecca for wine tourists. The Alto Adige Wine Road, one of Italy's oldest wine roads, spans 90 miles. It allows tourists to visit 15 wine villages and 80 member wineries surrounded by breathtaking mountains, scenic valleys and pristine lakes. Along the route, wine enthusiasts can stop for guided cellar tours and tastings of local wines. Each village and winery offers authentic opportunities to mingle with locals and learn about the traditions of the people living and working there. In addition to Italian and German, many locals also speak English. Several examples of wineries on the route: Wellness at Five-Star Adler Lodge, in Soprabolzano, a mountain village on a scenic high plateau over Bolzano Bolzano, the capital of Alto Adige, offers an excellent base for tourists. It has interesting wine bars, wine shops, and numerous nearby wineries. With its charming Old Town, the city offers guests a range of eateries and hotels, from budget-friendly to luxury. In addition, one-of-a-kind local guest houses, hotels, and agriturismi (working farms) offer relaxed overnight accommodations throughout the region. Visits can be timed to coincide with local festivals, such as Vino in Festa in late spring, and other seasonal events. Although Alto Adige is considered a four-season destination, many wine enthusiasts prefer to visit in September or October to witness the grape harvest (wimmen) and the vibrant fall foliage. The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines recently unveiled its newest wine tourism project, the Wine & Bike Alto Adige Collection. This initiative aims to showcase the region's natural beauty as cyclists discover its wines. In partnership with Komoot, an Italian app, visitors can choose from eight different Alto Adige-themed self-guided tours. Wine-tasting in Alto Adige is an immersive experience that couples excellent wines with distinctive fusion cuisine in an unspoiled natural setting.
Mail & Guardian
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Limpopo mining-affected communities call for community-led, socially-owned renewable energy model
A new case study proposes that, as part of the country's energy transition, mining-affected communities, like those in Sekhukhune, set up solar farms through cooperatives to generate electricity for their own use. The mining region of This is the argument of 'The mining houses in that area are investing in Pedro was speaking at a recent webinar where the Sekhukhune Combined Mining-Affected Communities — a grassroots movement representing communities in Burgersfort — together with consultancy firm Ahinasa and the According to the civil society organisations, the report is 'both a call to action and a blueprint for change', challenging extractive energy models and 'foregrounding the role of social ownership in ensuring a just, inclusive and equitable energy future'. It proposes that, as part of the country's energy transition, mining-affected communities, like those in Sekhukhune, set up solar farms through cooperatives to generate electricity for their own use. Any surplus energy could be sold to the mines or the national grid, with the profits ploughed directly into community-led initiatives such as schools, healthcare facilities and small businesses. 'Too often, decisions are made about our future without our input,' said Katlego Malesa, the spokesperson for the Sekhukhune Combined Mining-Affected Communities. 'This report is proof that we have the knowledge, the vision and the will to lead our own transition. What we need now is investment, policy support and real accountability.' The groups noted that, for decades, mining-affected communities in regions like Burgersfort, within the mineral-rich Bushveld Complex, have suffered the ill-effects of the country's mining and mineral energy economy. They have faced land dispossession, environmental degradation, pollution and widespread socio-economic exclusion, 'often without seeing any meaningful benefit from the wealth extracted around them'. Burgersfort hosts an estimated 41 chrome and platinum mines, including some that have been placed in 'care and maintenance' for a lengthy period 'with devastating consequences for the local economy', the report said. Despite provisions in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act obligating mining companies to contribute to local development through social and labour plans, compliance has been minimal, according to the groups. 'Community members continue to endure human rights violations and have limited access to basic services, job opportunities or infrastructure.' Pedro concurred. 'Their [mining companies'] social and labour plans were supposed to uplift communities but too often these are filled with empty promises and not significant enough investment in the community for real economic development. 'Now that the mines are investing in renewable energy for their own operations and communities are still relying on expensive unreliable electricity — if they have access at all — what are we going to do about it? This isn't just unfair, but unsustainable.' Pedro emphasised that the country's energy transition can't merely be for the benefit of corporations. 'If mines can spend millions in renewables for themselves, why can't they invest in community-owned energy and community infrastructure projects that can secure and result in sustainable economic development for the whole community?' The civil society groups noted that, with the closure of coal mines now underway and global demand rising for transition minerals, mining-affected communities face yet another wave of uncertainty and possible exclusion. 'Without intentional, community-led planning, the risk of an unjust transition will simply perpetuate the exploitation and neglect of mining-affected communities — this time under the banner of 'going green',' they said. The case study, they said, presents a viable alternative — a community-led, socially-owned renewable energy model that 'restores agency to communities by enabling them to shape and benefit directly from their local energy systems'. It explores the viability of solar mini-farms and other decentralised energy solutions as catalysts for economic regeneration, energy access, skills development and long-term community resilience. The report also outlines the role of Eskom and other public institutions in enabling and supporting this shift, aligning with the broader vision of a 'green new Eskom' that is accountable, decentralised and committed to public benefit. The report's key recommendations include public financing and enabling legislation to support socially owned renewable energy projects in mining-affected communities. There must be mandatory investments by mining companies into community-led transition projects, as part of their social development obligations under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act as well as strengthened regulatory frameworks and transparent mechanisms to support procedural and distributive justice. Other recommendations are for capacity-building, training and feasibility studies to ensure local ownership and long-term sustainability as well as the recognition of community-defined energy solutions within national just transition frameworks and climate policy. The findings affirm what communities have long stated — a just transition must be just, said Robert Krause, researcher and acting head of programme: environmental justice at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies. 'It must include redistribution of power and resources and repair the historical harms caused by a mining economy rooted in colonialism and apartheid. It must centre those who have been excluded, dispossessed and harmed and give them a meaningful say in shaping South Africa's energy future,' he said. Socially-owned renewable energy has entered into mainstream public discussions, the report said. 'However, similar to the concept of just transition, its meaning and implementation model is still highly contested … The specific implications for mining-affected communities have yet to be thoroughly investigated.' These communities face unique challenges and opportunities in the context of a just transition and socially-owned renewable energy. 'Notably, mining companies have begun investing in renewable energy both to power their operations and to diversify their revenue. 'At the same time, they are legally obligated to support community economic development, particularly in light of widespread coalmine closures and the growing demand for transition minerals used in renewable energy technologies. Early experiences suggest that this new wave of mining is following the same extractive patterns as before.' The report concluded that socially-owned renewable energy is not only a technically and economically viable alternative but a necessary counter-narrative to the dominant private sector-led model. 'It offers a compelling case for public sector leadership, under a democratised and adequately resourced Eskom, and calls for coherent policy, legal and financial frameworks that support community- and worker-led renewable energy projects.' Through the Sekhukhune Combined Mining-Affected Communities' efforts, the report demonstrates how grassroots mobilisation, strategic alliances and evidence-based advocacy can 'coalesce into a campaign with transformative potential'. 'It highlights the untapped opportunity to mobilise community savings mechanisms like stokvels, the underutilised obligations of mining companies to support local development and the power of education and organising in forging a shared vision,' it said. 'The success of this initiative — and others like it — will depend on deepening community participation, securing the necessary financial and technical support and embedding this work within broader struggles for climate justice, energy democracy and economic resilience.' The Sekhukhune case study offered a replicable and adaptable participatory model for other mining-affected communities across South Africa 'to take forward their own visions of social ownership in the energy transition'.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
More than 4,000 without power in East Texas counties due to severe weather
TYLER, Texas (KETK) — Severe weather hit several East Texas counties on Tuesday, electricity utilities and cooperatives are reporting around 4,272 power outages in East Texas homes as of 10:24 p.m. KETK has compiled a list of East Texas counties from the Texas Power Outage Map which is showing the following power outages: Anderson: 91 Bowie: 45 Camp: 5 Cherokee: 291 Franklin: 54 Gregg: 273 Harrison: 794 Henderson: 81 Morris: 1 Nacogdoches: 305 Panola: 1,108 Polk: 8 Rusk: 145 Shelby: 254 Smith: 457 Titus: 249 Trinity: 3 Upshur: 1 Van Zandt: 73 Wood: 34 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to |
