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Green Building Initiative and Global Electronics Council Align to Advance Whole Building Energy Efficiency

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Green Building Initiative (GBI) has announced that the Global Electronics Council’s (GEC) EPEAT^® ecolabel will serve as an additional pathway for evaluating the sustainability and efficiency of products within GBI Ascent^™ and Green Globes^® certifications. This alignment strengthens the connection between product–level sustainability and building–level performance, enabling more holistic evaluation of energy efficiency across the built environment.

“We are pleased to promote EPEAT as a trusted resource for procurement professionals and manufacturers to support delivery and implementation of the most efficient products available,” said Vicki Worden, GBI CEO.

“Energy use in the built environment is exploding, led by rapid data center growth and increasing power demands to run the servers, networking equipment, and data storage equipment housed in them,” said Bob Mitchell, CEO of the Global Electronics Council. “Integrating EPEAT into the Green Globes and Ascent certifications ensures that energy use and all other sustainability impacts of ICT equipment used in data centers and all GBI certified buildings are minimized. We are thrilled with this exciting new collaboration and look forward to working with GBI to help their members adopt EPEAT registered ICT equipment.”

GBI’s Green Globes and Ascent certifications are designed to align with industry standards and offer multiple compliance pathways, making sustainability certification more accessible to a broad range of building types. The integration of EPEAT adds both flexibility and accountability for Green Globes and Ascent users, helping to reduce risk while achieving measurable outcomes. Together, GBI and GEC are equipping project teams to achieve deeper, measurable sustainability impacts.

To date, over 25 million square feet of data centers have been certified or are pursuing Green Globes or Ascent certification in 18 states and Canada, underscoring the scale and impact of sustainable choices in this rapidly growing sector. EPEAT registered office equipment, including computers and imaging equipment – can also now be used to meet GBI’s product level sustainability criteria in other built environments.

Today, data centers account for roughly 1.5% of global electricity consumption used to power data center ICT equipment and accompanying cooling strategies. This figure is predicted to double by 2030. GEC offers EPEAT registered Servers and Solar Panels and Inverters among its product categories, providing a method of standardization and comparison among the market, and EPEAT registered Network Equipment is expected soon. EPEAT registered data storage equipment is expected to be available in FY27. Recognizing EPEAT registered products in data centers will continue to improve data center performance. EPEAT registered products are also third party verified as meeting criteria which catalyze climate change mitigation in the ICT manufacturing process and advance circularity, use of safer chemicals, and responsible supply chains. EPEAT registered office products can now also be used to help meet GBI’s Green Globes and Ascent criteria requirements.

GBI and the GEC share a mission to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and improve performance. By aligning GBI Green Globes and Ascent certifications with GEC’s EPEAT^® ecolabel, the organizations are advancing a more integrated approach to building sustainability—empowering owners, operators, and manufacturers to make informed choices that contribute to healthier, more efficient, and resilient buildings worldwide.

About GBI

GBI is an international nonprofit organization and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer dedicated to reducing climate impacts by improving the built environment. Founded in 2004, the organization is the global provider of the Green Globes^®, Ascent^™, Journey to Net Zero^™ and federal Guiding Principles Compliance building assessment and certification programs. GBI also issues professional credentials, including the Green Globes Professional (GGP) and Guiding Principles Compliance Professional (GPCP). To learn more about opportunities to become involved with GBI, contact [email protected] or visit the GBI website at www.thegbi.org.

About the Global Electronics Council

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) envisions a world with only sustainable electronic technology that enhances the well–being of people and the planet. Our mission is to accelerate the transformation of markets toward prioritizing the most sustainable electronic products and services.

As stewards of the EPEAT^® ecolabel, we set global standards for electronics that empower brands, their value chains and their buyers to achieve ambitious sustainability goals. Through our thought leadership, advocacy, and EPEAT ecolabel, GEC is helping to reshape the electronics industry into a driving force for environmental preservation and global well–being. Visit gec.org to learn more.

MEDIA CONTACT
Megan Baker, GBI Vice President of Engagement, (971) 256–7174 [email protected]

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9563245)

EBC Financial Group Launches World’s First Trading Initiative to Protect the Amazon with Every Trade

MANAUS, Brazil, Oct. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EBC Financial Group today launched its “Protect the Amazon with Every Trade” programme, the first by an online brokerage to create environmental impact via client trading activity in Latin America. The effort underscores the growing convergence of financial markets and environmental stewardship, as traders and investors increasingly weigh climate risk and ESG (environmental, social, governance) metrics in their decision–making. For each eligible trade in Latin America, EBC will donate on the client’s behalf to vetted conservation partners at no additional cost to clients, linking routine market participation to measurable conservation outcomes.

“By introducing this programme, we provide our clients the opportunity to help preserve one of the world’s most important rainforests in the fight against climate change. Reflecting COP29’s push to scale climate finance to around US$1.3 trillion annually by 2035 and unlock private investment through smarter risk–sharing, we’re making it simple for every trade to contribute to Amazon protection. This is the first time an online brokerage has linked day–to–day trading activities with protecting tropical ecosystems at such a scale,” said David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd.

Responding to Demographic Shift Towards Environmental Values

The initiative addresses evolving market demographics where 30% of Gen Z investors began trading during college or early adulthood. Gen Z, as well as millennials, are increasingly exploring financial service providers that align with their environmental and social values.

“We wanted to create a simple way for our clients in Latin America to be part of the Amazonian conservation efforts,” added Barrett. “This campaign allows traders to support Amazon rainforest protection effortlessly – for each trade, we direct a donation on their behalf to conservation partners, with direct impact on the critical lungs of the planet that is the Amazon.”

Amazon Conservation Aligned with Business Necessity

EBC recognises that supporting preservation of the world’s largest rainforest addresses both environmental imperatives and business requirements in communities where it operates. While trading itself does not directly cut emissions, linking trades to Amazon conservation mobilises private capital to preserve critical carbon sinks—a priority intervention under the 1.5ºC agenda and a complement to systemic decarbonisation efforts. Ahead of COP30 Brasil Amazonia, in November 2025, the first UN climate summit hosted within the Amazon region, EBC has been taking an active approach to create impact holistically, while educating clients on the impact of every trade on environmental sustainability.

The Amazon spans 6.7 million square kilometres, plays a pivotal role in global climate stability, and houses roughly 10% of known species. Scientists warn of a potential tipping point if deforestation continues, where the biome could shift from carbon sink to carbon source with implications for global climate patterns and for financial markets that depend on environmental stability.

Linking Capital Markets to Climate Resilience Beyond the Amazon

“Markets cannot afford to ignore climate,” Barrett added. “The Amazon is not only a biodiversity hotspot, but also a linchpin of global carbon markets. What happens in these rainforests will directly affect the world we live in and shape the trajectory of ESG investing, from carbon credits to green bonds. Our initiative links capital to climate solutions in ways that matter to both traders and the planet.”

Beyond the Amazon, EBC has also expressed interest in contributing potential to expand globally to benefit other high–integrity conservation efforts. This initiative aligns with EBC’s broader mission to add value to clients while creating impact in communities.

For more information about the Protect the Amazon with Every Trade campaign, visit https://www.ebc.site/trade4earth

About EBC Financial Group

Founded in London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is a global brand known for its expertise in financial brokerage and asset management. Through its regulated entities operating across major financial jurisdictions—including the UK, Australia, the Cayman Islands, Mauritius, and others—EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, CFDs and more.

Trusted by investors in over 100 countries and honoured with global awards including multiple year recognition from World Finance, EBC is widely regarded as one of the world’s best brokers with titles including Best Trading Platform and Most Trusted Broker. With its strong regulatory standing and commitment to transparency, EBC has also been consistently ranked among the top brokers—trusted for its ability to deliver secure, innovative, and client–first trading solutions across competitive international markets.

EBC’s subsidiaries are licensed and regulated within their respective jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA); EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC); EBC Financial (MU) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission Mauritius (FSC).

At the core of EBC are a team of industry veterans with over 40 years of experience in major financial institutions. Having navigated key economic cycles from the Plaza Accord and 2015 Swiss franc crisis to the market upheavals of the COVID–19 pandemic. We foster a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor relationship is handled with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

EBC is a proud official foreign exchange partner of FC Barcelona and continues to drive impactful partnerships to empower communities – namely through the UN Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria initiative, Oxford University’s Department of Economics, and a diverse range of partners to champion initiatives in global health, economics, education, and sustainability.

https://www.ebc.com/

Media Contact:

Alya Amani
Global Public Relations Executive
[email protected]

Aldric Tinker Toyad
Global Public Relations Lead
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9223d715–3116–41d1–9039–b1164b68a739

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9551498)

Karandaaz, Walee Launch Pakistan’s First Shariah-Compliant Financing Program for Women Entrepreneurs

Islamabad, Pakistan, Oct. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – WALEE: Karandaaz Pakistan and Walee Financial Services have entered into a strategic partnership to launch “Khudmukhtar Khatoon”, Pakistan’s first Shariah–compliant, digital, asset–financing solution exclusively designed for women entrepreneurs. The partnership was formalised at a signing ceremony at Karandaaz, attended by senior leadership from both organisations.

The Khudmukhtar Khatoon initiative addresses one of the most persistent barriers faced by women–led businesses in Pakistan: access to meaningful, growth–oriented finance. Unlike conventional loan structures, this program offers Shariah–compliant, asset–based financing, enabling women entrepreneurs to receive essential business assets rather than cash disbursements. By directly linking financing to productive inputs, the project ensures that resources translate into sustainable business growth.

The program introduces a tier–based framework, enabling inclusivity for women at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys, whether they are aspiring home–based business owners with limited records, or established, formally structured enterprises. Each tier is matched with tailored financing support aligned with business maturity and growth potential.

Launched as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) phase, the project will focus on sectors with high participation from women entrepreneurs: apparel and tailoring, food services, and beauty services. The MVP aims to serve as a testing ground for evaluating demand, operational processes, and product–market fit, paving the way for nationwide scale–up. The vision is to develop, test, and validate Pakistan’s first Shariah–compliant digital financing model tailored for women entrepreneurs.

Representing Walee Financial Services at the ceremony were Noshad Minhas, CEO & Co–Founder; Adnan Akhtar, Head of Finance & Compliance; and Khushba Hayat, Partner Investments. From Karandaaz Pakistan, Waqas ul Hasan, Chief Executive Officer; Sharjeel Murtaza, Chief Digital Officer; and Samia Salik, Lead – Women’s Economic and Digital Inclusion, participated in the signing.

Karandaaz & Walee signing ceremony

Highlighting the company’s commitment to women’s financial inclusion, Waqas ul Hasan, Chief Executive Officer at Karandaaz Pakistan, said: “Women’s economic participation is central to Pakistan’s national development agenda and one of the key priorities of the Gates Foundation. Through Khudmukhtar Khatoon, Karandaaz is proud to pioneer a model that meets the financing needs of women entrepreneurs but does so in a way that aligns with local values and economic priorities. This collaboration with Walee Financial Services is a step toward building inclusive financial systems that enable women to become active contributors to Pakistan’s growth. The project has demonstration potential, and we need to join hands to close the gender gap in financial inclusion in Pakistan”

Speaking at the ceremony, Noshad Minhas, CEO & Co–Founder of Walee Financial Services, stated: “Khudmukhtar Khatoon is a step toward empowering women entrepreneurs with dignity, choice, and sustainable growth opportunities. We are proud to partner with Karandaaz to pilot this innovative, Shariah–compliant model that can redefine access to finance for women in Pakistan.”

The Khudmukhtar Khatoon pilot will serve as a proof of concept for a first–of–its–kind, women–focused, Shariah–compliant asset financing product in Pakistan. The program will generate critical learnings on product design, operational performance, and women’s financial needs, with the ambition to scale and mainstream such solutions across the country.

Speaking about the initiative’s innovation and inclusivity, Sharjeel Murtaza, Chief Digital Officer at Karandaaz Pakistan, said: “Financial inclusion must go beyond access. It must create pathways for women to thrive as business leaders. This initiative combines innovation, Shariah compliance, and inclusivity to test a scalable model for women’s economic empowerment. Khudmukhtar Khatoon reflects our mission to bridge systemic gaps and enable women entrepreneurs to achieve their potential.”

_{Disclaimer: Walee Financial Services is a licensed Non–Banking Financial Company (Investment Finance Services) regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). It is an Islamic, Shariah–certified digital financing platform operating on a Shariah–compliant unorganised tawarruq structure and does not charge interest. Under Walee Financial Services, Hakeem was launched as Pakistan’s first Islamic digital nano–finance initiative. Walee Financial Services is a subsidiary of Walee Technologies Pvt. Ltd., and its services are provided in Pakistan under SECP supervision; they are not offered or regulated in the UK, EU, or other jurisdictions. Data handling complies with SECP’s Digital Lending Code of Conduct.}

Karandaaz & Walee signing ceremony

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9550873)

Independent Evaluation Confirms Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) Delivered Impact at Scale

Rotterdam, Sept. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) today welcomed the results of the first independent, end–of–phase evaluation of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) and its GCA–led Upstream Financing Facility, as conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

The evaluation assessed the entire program from 2021 to 2025, drawing on over 40 stakeholder interviews across funders, partners and beneficiaries, among others, and a thorough review of performance metrics, benchmarked against sector comparators and OECD–DAC criteria. It confirms that AAAP has already shaped close to USD 19 billion in board–approved investments from International Finance Institutions (IFIs) and is firmly on track to achieve its headline target of USD 25 billion by year end. These investments were unique in their reach across some 40 African countries and with underlying climate–adaptation aligned IFI investments expected to benefit some 200 million people with strengthened resilience.

Mr. Aly–Khan Jamal, Managing Director at BCG, said: “BCG’s independent assessment finds that AAAP is on track to achieve its goal of shaping $25 billion in investment to address Africa’s adaptation needs—reaching nearly 40 countries across the continent. For a first–of–its–kind programme, this represents a strong foundation, underpinned by technical credibility and system–level influence. Looking ahead, there is an opportunity to deepen impact by strengthening measurement, broadening partnerships, and addressing structural barriers to adaptation finance.”

Professor Patrick Verkooijen, President and CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, said “This evaluation confirms that AAAP has delivered impact at scale, embedding adaptation into investments that protect millions of lives and livelihoods. It validates our upstream model and provides a clear pathway forward: more robust measurement, stronger private–sector engagement, and deeper policy impact. These lessons will guide the bold next phase of AAAP as Africa’s flagship resilience program.”

The evaluation highlighted AAAP’s unique “solutions–broker” model—combining deep technical expertise with system–level influence—to help governments and development partners embed adaptation in major development investments and programs, ensuring that critical infrastructure, water, agricultural and other key services continue to deliver into the future despite increasingly challenging and evolved climate conditions. Case studies within the evaluation indicated strong value for money, with benefit–cost ratios of 3–5:1 in areas such as food security and resilient infrastructure.

The evaluation likewise examined each of AAAP’s four pillars in detail. It found that Food Security interventions, including climate–smart seed systems and digital advisory services, have anchored resilience in agricultural investments. Infrastructure and Nature–Based Solutions delivered high value–for–money, integrating resilience into urban planning and water systems while advancing locally led adaptation. Youth Entrepreneurship and Adaptation Jobs created over 10,000 new jobs and fostered innovation but requires greater scale to mainstream adaptation fully. Adaptation Finance evolved toward unlocking private and domestic finance, with promising pilots such as bank portfolio stress–testing, though catalytic impact remains at an early stage. In addition, the program’s engagement with the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) has embedded adaptation into policy–based lending reform measures of USD 1.7 billion of approved financing.

Looking ahead, the evaluation recommends strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning systems including to track results into IFI implementation stages, broadening partnerships such as to engage private capital alongside development banks, and deepening policy and beneficiary support channels to sustain systemic impact. Such findings will inform the design of AAAP 2.0, the next phase of the program, set to commence as of the start of 2026.
GCA leaders hailed the findings and set out next steps to accelerate momentum in the program’s second phase (AAAP 2.0).

Ban Ki–moon, Honorary Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation and 8th Secretary–General of the United Nations, said “AAAP’s pioneering ambition has translated into tangible, climate–resilient investment at scale. The world must now match Africa’s resolve: close the adaptation finance gap and support programs that turn evidence into action across systems.”

H.E. Macky Sall, Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation and 4th President of Senegal, said “This evaluation confirms the Africa–designed and Africa–led AAAP works. Our task now is to scale it: anchor adaptation in national budgets and policies, unlock domestic and international private capital and move from pilot successes to continent–wide resilience. We will take AAAP 2.0 forward with urgency and unity.”

Notes to Editors

About the AAAP Evaluation
Following an open request for proposals issued by the GCA, the Boston Consulting Group’s independent evaluation was commissioned to review AAAP and its Upstream Financing Facility’s performance from 2021–2025 using an OECD–DAC+ framework. The analysis combined qualitative and quantitative evidence, including dozens of project–level case assessments, extensive stakeholder interviews and value–for–money analysis, to assess effectiveness, efficiency, additionality and sustainability.

About the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP)
Launched in 2021 by the African Development Bank, the African Union Commission and the Global Center on Adaptation, AAAP’s Upstream Financing Facility supports governments and international financial institutions to mainstream adaptation in large–scale investments through technical assistance, policy support, capacity building and knowledge brokering—acting as a high–leverage, catalytic “solutions–broker.

About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate–proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent. Founded in 2018, GCA is the first international organization to maintain dual headquarters in both the Global North in Rotterdam and in the Global South in Nairobi – underscoring the equal partnership between regions and the conviction that climate adaptation solutions must be co–designed and co–owned. Its regional hubs in Abidjan, Dhaka and Beijing, leverage local expertise to pilot and scale context–specific approaches. Together, these centers ensure a continuous, two–way exchange of knowledge and best practices that empower communities and drive resilient and inclusive growth worldwide.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9528056)

President Ruto Calls for a Powerful New Phase of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP 2.0) at Africa Climate Summit

Addis Ababa, Sept. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the 2^nd Africa Climate Summit (ACS), President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya, as Chair of Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), called for a powerful new phase of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (“AAAP 2.0”), urging international partners to step forward in support of Africa’s resilience agenda.

“Africa is in the eye of the storm of the climate crisis. This has also made Africa the cradle of climate solutions for the world,” said President Ruto, indicating that with AAAP 2.0 there is the opportunity “not just to protect our environment, the climate, but to propel our development, and also generate jobs and attract investment. We call on our partners across the world to join us in this major new effort under CAHOSCC,” President Ruto added.

The call for AAAP 2.0 was made during the Africa Climate Summit’s mandated event, “Scaling Africa’s Adaptation Action,” co–hosted by the Government of Ethiopia and GCA, with attendance from leaders of Kenya, Ghana, and Zambia, as well as representatives from the African Union, International Financial Institutions, key development partners and African nations.

Leaders at the ACS event highlighted that with the world on the brink of surpassing the 1.5°C threshold, Africa—being the most climate–vulnerable continent—must respond urgently to protect its people and economies. As such, AAAP 2.0 would aim to build on the success of the first phase, which embedded adaptation into $25 billion of investments, benefitting over 200 million people across 40 African nations, and supporting the creation of more than 1 million jobs. A new Global Center on Adaptation (GCA)–Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) report shows how the newly positioned AAAP 2.0 initiative under CAHOSCC could help take Africa into the “high–upside” scenario, where private sector leadership, innovation, and resilient economic growth converge.

Speaking at ACS, the 4^th President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Macky Sall, serving as Chair of the GCA Board, stated: “AAAP has mobilized resilience at scale. AAAP 2.0 must be even more ambitious—reaching deeper into food systems, infrastructure, and finance, led by African institutions and communities.”

Professor Patrick Verkooijen, GCA President and CEO, added: “Phase 1 proved adaptation works—from over 200 million people reached. AAAP 2.0 is the opportunity to rapidly scale the embedding of resilience across Africa’s markets, urban zones, and food systems—firmly placing the continent to seize a high–upside future.”

AAAP 2.0 is envisaged as the world’s largest adaptation partnership, with African leaders committing to work with international financial institutions, private sector partners, and national institutions between now, the UN General Assembly in New York, and the forthcoming climate summit of COP30 in Brazil.

Representing the African Union Commission at the event, H.E. Nardos Bekele–Thomas, CEO of AUDA–NEPAD, said: “We stand firmly in support of AAAP Phase Two. It offers exactly the kind of African–owned platform that can move us from scattered projects to continental transformation. Indeed, with AAAP 2.0 and the AU’s Agenda 2063 as our compass, Africa has the opportunity to show the world that resilience is development,” adding that Africa is “ready to lead, and to deliver adaptation at the speed and scale the world now demands.”

AAAP partner, Mr. Hans Olav Ibrekk, Special Envoy on Climate and Security of Norway, said: “Norway has doubled its climate finance contribution and we are now going to triple our adaptation finance. We have been with AAAP since the start. The new independent evaluation of the program has highlighted its effectiveness. We now need to build from there and strengthen and scale the program further.” He added that “Norway will continue to support AAAP as it moves into this important second phase.”

Partners at the ACS event, moreover, indicated that, building on the September 4–5 High–Level Development Partners meeting on AAAP 2.0, the new phase of the program is being shaped as Africa’s vehicle to deliver system–wide resilience–scaling with urgency. It will strengthen national ownership and locally led solutions, expand partnerships with regionally active commercial banks, national development finance institutions, and regulators, and accelerate efforts to embed resilience across food systems, infrastructure, and urban development.

African leaders at the ACS event, moreover, highlighted that this new phase of AAAP must move faster, go deeper, and mobilize broader coalitions—including especially the private sector and private finance—to ensure Africa not only protects itself against escalating climate risks but also seizes the transformative opportunities for growth, jobs, and green industrialization.

Leaders' Event at the 2nd Africa Climate Summit

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9526051)

Environmental Justice Foundation welcomes historic assent to Ghana’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) today celebrates a landmark moment for Ghana’s fisheries: the President has given his full assent to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, without amendments. This bold act of leadership will help to build effective protection for Ghana’s small–scale fishers, strengthen food security, and lay the foundation for marine ecosystems to recover.

CAPE COAST, Ghana, Aug. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — By signing the Bill into law exactly as passed by Parliament, the President has shown a clear commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of over 200,000 small–scale fishers and the millions of Ghanaians who depend on fish as a vital source of food and income, says EJF.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill introduces critical reforms, including the long–awaited expansion of Ghana’s Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) from 6 to 12 nautical miles. Reserved for artisanal fishers, this extended area will shield them from destructive industrial trawlers that have too often encroached illegally, killed fishers in collisions, destroyed their nets, and depleted fish populations.

Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, has been instrumental in ensuring this victory for Ghana’s oceans and people. Her strong leadership and unwavering commitment to equitable and sustainable fisheries have been pivotal in achieving a law that puts the welfare of Ghana’s coastal communities at its heart, says EJF.

This new law also represents a significant step toward lifting the European Union’s ‘yellow card’ trade warning against Ghana, according to the NGO. By enshrining stronger measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and enhancing fisheries transparency, the Bill gives regulators and enforcement agencies the tools they need to act decisively against law–breaking vessels. With these new powers, Ghana can demonstrate to international partners that it is serious about reforming fisheries management and protecting the nation’s marine resources.

Steve Trent, CEO and Founder of EJF, said: “This new law marks a turning point for Ghana’s fisheries and coastal communities. The President’s assent to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill sends a clear signal of leadership, vision, and commitment to the millions of people who rely on a healthy ocean. By supporting small–scale fishers, safeguarding food security, and tackling illegal industrial fishing head–on, Ghana has set a course for a sustainable and equitable future. We commend the President, Minister Arthur and Ghana’s parliament for this bold step forward.”

The Bill was passed at a critical time: more than 90% of artisanal fishers report declining catches, while populations of small pelagic species such as sardinella have almost entirely collapsed in a matter of years. Without urgent action, Ghana risked losing not only a vital food source but also a cornerstone of national culture and livelihoods.

EJF emphasises, however, that the focus must now shift to implementation. Laws cannot deliver change without consistent and robust enforcement. With effective monitoring, transparent governance, and strong penalties for illegal operators, the Bill can deliver on its promise of rebuilding Ghana’s fisheries and protecting ocean ecosystems for generations to come.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1001124168)

Saving Birds in Wind Farms With AI: Boulder Imaging and Oikon Launch IdentiFlight in Croatia

Pročitajte ovu objavu na hrvatskom na www.identiflight.com/blog/oikon.

LOUISVILLE, Colo., July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boulder Imaging has partnered with Oikon Ltd., Croatia’s leading environmental consultancy, to bring AI–powered bird protection technology to wind farms across Southeast Europe. Through the deployment of Boulder Imaging’s IdentiFlight system, the partnership supports the growing demand for sustainable wind development while also protecting biodiversity.

As Croatia ramps up renewable energy under the European Green Deal, strict permitting requirements now mandate detailed environmental impact assessments, particularly for wind farms near Natura 2000 sites. IdentiFlight’s real–time bird detection and automated turbine curtailment capabilities help developers meet these standards, reducing permitting risk while protecting high–concern species such as Eurasian griffons, honey buzzards, short–toed snake eagles, golden eagles, and kestrels.

“IdentiFlight is a proven solution that aligns with our mission to harmonize development with nature conservation,” said Dalibor Hatić, general manager of Oikon Ltd. “We’re excited to bring this cutting–edge technology to Croatia and the broader Southeast European region where wind energy is expanding and biodiversity protection is critical. Our goal is to ensure that wind development can thrive without compromising our common natural heritage.”

“Partnering with Oikon Ltd. enhances our ability to deliver conservation–driven technology where it’s most needed,” said Don Mills, President and Chief Operating Officer of Boulder Imaging. “Together, we’re advancing the role of AI in biodiversity protection and accelerating responsible wind energy growth in Croatia and beyond.”

With more than 520 systems deployed across five continents, IdentiFlight has reduced bird fatalities by over 85% while maintaining a power generation loss of less than 1% in wind farms. The first systems in Croatia are planned for 2026, with an initial focus on sensitive migratory corridors and ecologically valuable terrain.

AI that protects biodiversity. Ecology that drives progress.
To learn more about IdentiFlight’s AI–powered bird protection technology, visit www.identiflight.com.
To explore Oikon’s environmental expertise, visit www.oikon.hr.

About Boulder Imaging
Founded in 1995, Boulder Imaging develops and delivers innovative machine vision and artificial intelligence solutions that redefine quality assurance. With unmatched speed, accuracy, and scalability, its inspection systems address complex challenges in industries such as renewable energy, automotive, architectural products, and security paper. Headquartered in Colorado, Boulder Imaging is dedicated to advancing machine vision technology to meet global inspection needs.

For more information, visit www.boulderimaging.com.

About Oikon Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology
Oikon Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology is Croatia’s leading licensed environmental consultancy, offering integrated solutions in environmental protection, nature protection, natural resource management, environmental law and legislation, and sustainability services. Since 1997, Oikon has supported public institutions, developers, development banks and conservation organizations in aligning economic development with ecological sustainability, in line with Croatian legislation and EU directives. In addition to its leadership in Croatia, Oikon provides expert services across Southeast Europe, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, Cyprus and Turkey, delivering regional solutions that reflect global environmental standards.

For more information, visit www.oikon.hr.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aab070b8–b89d–4704–b2f7–5de9fccb55f6

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9501798)

Vogelschutz in Windparks mit KI: Boulder Imaging und Oikon starten IdentiFlight in Kroatien

Pročitajte ovu objavu na hrvatskom na www.identiflight.com/blog/oikon.

LOUISVILLE, Colorado, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boulder Imaging ist eine Partnerschaft mit Kroatiens führendem Umweltberatungsunternehmen Oikon Ltd. eingegangen, um in Windparks in Südosteuropa KI–gestützte Vogelschutztechnologie einzuführen. Mithilfe des IdentiFlight–Systems von Boulder Imaging unterstützt die Partnerschaft den wachsenden Bedarf für nachhaltige Windenergie und schützt gleichzeitig die Artenvielfalt.

Da Kroatien im Rahmen des europäischen „Grünen Deals“ verstärkt auf erneuerbare Energien setzt, schreiben strenge Genehmigungsauflagen nun detaillierte Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfungen vor, insbesondere für Windparks in der Nähe von Natura–2000–Gebieten. Die Echtzeit–Vogelerkennung und die automatisierte Turbinenabschaltung von IdentiFlight helfen Entwicklern, diese Standards zu erfüllen, wodurch das Genehmigungsrisiko verringert und gleichzeitig besonders gefährdete Arten wie Gänsegeier, Wespenbussarde, Schlangenadler, Steinadler und Turmfalken geschützt werden.

„IdentiFlight ist eine bewährte Lösung, die unserer Mission entspricht, Fortschritt und Naturschutz in Einklang zu bringen“, sagte Dalibor Hatić, Geschäftsführer von Oikon Ltd. „Wir freuen uns, diese Spitzentechnologie nach Kroatien und in die gesamte südosteuropäische Region zu bringen, da hier die Windenergie immer wichtiger wird und der Schutz der biologischen Vielfalt von entscheidender Bedeutung ist. Wir möchten nun sicherstellen, dass die Windenergie immer mehr florieren kann, ohne unser gemeinsames Naturerbe zu gefährden.“

„Die Partnerschaft mit Oikon Ltd. verbessert unsere Fähigkeit, umweltschutzorientierte Technologie dort bereitzustellen, wo sie am dringendsten benötigt wird“, sagte Don Mills, President und Chief Operating Officer von Boulder Imaging. „Gemeinsam fördern wir die Rolle der KI beim Schutz der Artenvielfalt und beschleunigen das verantwortungsvolle Wachstum der Windenergie in Kroatien und darüber hinaus.“

Mit mehr als 520 Systemen, die auf fünf Kontinenten zum Einsatz kommen, hat IdentiFlight die Anzahl der getöteten Vögel um über 85 % reduziert und gleichzeitig die Ausfälle in der Stromerzeugung der Windparks auf weniger als 1 % begrenzt. Die ersten Systeme in Kroatien sind für 2026 geplant. Der Schwerpunkt liegt hierbei zunächst auf besonders anfälligen Vogelzugrouten und ökologisch wertvollen Gebieten.

KI zum Schutz der Artenvielfalt. Ökologie als Motor des Fortschritts.
Um mehr über die KI–gestützte Vogelschutztechnologie von IdentiFlight zu erfahren, besuchen Sie www.identiflight.com.
Um die Umweltkompetenz von Oikon zu erkunden, besuchen Sie www.oikon.hr.

Über Boulder Imaging
Das 1995 gegründete Unternehmen Boulder Imaging entwickelt und liefert innovative Lösungen für maschinelles Sehen und künstliche Intelligenz, die die Qualitätssicherung neu definieren. Mit beispielloser Geschwindigkeit, Genauigkeit und Skalierbarkeit bewältigen die Prüfsysteme des Unternehmens komplexe Herausforderungen in Branchen wie erneuerbare Energien, Automobilindustrie, Architekturprodukte und Banknoten. Boulder Imaging hat seinen Hauptsitz in Colorado und widmet sich der Förderung der maschinellen Bildverarbeitungstechnologie, um globale Inspektionsanforderungen zu erfüllen.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter www.boulderimaging.com.

Über Oikon Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology
Oikon Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology ist Kroatiens führendes lizenziertes Umweltberatungsunternehmen, das integrierte Lösungen in den Bereichen Umweltschutz, Naturschutz, Management natürlicher Ressourcen, Umweltrecht und –gesetzgebung sowie Nachhaltigkeitsdienstleistungen anbietet. Seit 1997 unterstützt Oikon öffentliche Einrichtungen, Bauträger, Entwicklungsbanken und Naturschutzorganisationen dabei, die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung gemäß den relevanten kroatischen Gesetzen und EU–Richtlinien mit ökologischer Nachhaltigkeit in Einklang zu bringen. Oikon nimmt dabei nicht nur in Kroatien eine führende Position ein, sondern bietet in ganz Südosteuropa, darunter in Bosnien–Herzegowina, Slowenien, Nordmazedonien, Montenegro, Serbien, Albanien, dem Kosovo, Zypern und der Türkei, fachspezifische Dienstleistungen an und liefert regionale Lösungen, die globalen Umweltstandards entsprechen.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter www.oikon.hr.

Ein Foto zu dieser Mitteilung finden Sie unter https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aab070b8–b89d–4704–b2f7–5de9fccb55f6/de

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Sauver les oiseaux dans les parcs éoliens grâce à l’IA : Boulder Imaging et Oikon lancent IdentiFlight en Croatie

Pročitajte ovu objavu na hrvatskom na www.identiflight.com/blog/oikon.

LOUISVILLE, Colorado, 29 juill. 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boulder Imaging s’est associé à Oikon Ltd., le cabinet de conseil environnemental leader en Croatie, pour déployer une technologie de protection des oiseaux basée sur l’IA dans les parcs éoliens d’Europe du Sud–Est. Grâce au déploiement du système IdentiFlight de Boulder Imaging, ce partenariat répond à la demande croissante de développement éolien durable tout en protégeant la biodiversité.

Alors que la Croatie accélère le développement des énergies renouvelables dans le cadre du Pacte vert pour l’Europe, des exigences strictes en matière d’autorisations imposent désormais des études d’impact environnemental détaillées, notamment pour les parcs éoliens situés à proximité de sites Natura 2000. Les capacités de détection en temps réel des oiseaux et de réduction automatique des turbines d’IdentiFlight aident les promoteurs à respecter ces normes, réduisant ainsi les risques liés à l’obtention des permis, tout en protégeant des espèces préoccupantes telles que le griffon fauve, la bondrée apivore, le circaète Jean–le–Blanc, l’aigle royal et la crécerelle.

« IdentiFlight est une solution éprouvée qui s’inscrit dans notre mission d’harmoniser le développement et la conservation de la nature », a déclaré Dalibor Hatić, directeur général d’Oikon Ltd. « Nous sommes ravis de proposer cette technologie de pointe à la Croatie et à l’Europe du Sud–Est, où l’énergie éolienne est en plein essor et où la protection de la biodiversité est essentielle. Notre objectif est de faire en sorte que le développement de l’énergie éolienne puisse se poursuivre sans compromettre notre patrimoine naturel commun. »

« Ce partenariat avec Oikon Ltd. renforce notre capacité à fournir des technologies axées sur la conservation là où elles sont le plus nécessaires », a souligné Don Mills, président–directeur général de Boulder Imaging. « Ensemble, nous faisons progresser le rôle de l’IA dans la protection de la biodiversité et accélérons la croissance responsable de l’énergie éolienne en Croatie et au–delà. »

IdentiFlight a déjà déployé plus de 520 systèmes sur les cinq continents, réduisant la mortalité aviaire de plus de 85 % tout en maintenant une perte de production d’électricité inférieure à 1 % dans les parcs éoliens. Les premiers systèmes en Croatie sont prévus pour 2026, avec une priorité accordée aux couloirs migratoires sensibles et aux zones écologiquement précieuses.

L’IA au service de la biodiversité. L’écologie au service du progrès.
Pour en savoir plus sur la technologie de protection aviaire basée sur l’IA d’IdentiFlight, rendez–vous sur www.identiflight.com.
Pour découvrir l’expertise environnementale d’Oikon, rendez–vous sur www.oikon.hr.

À propos de Boulder Imaging
Fondée en 1995, Boulder Imaging développe et fournit des solutions innovantes de vision industrielle et d’intelligence artificielle qui redéfinissent le contrôle qualité. Avec une vitesse, une précision et une flexibilité inégalées, ses systèmes d’inspection répondent à des défis complexes dans des secteurs tels que les énergies renouvelables, l’automobile, les produits architecturaux et les papiers sécurisés. Basée dans le Colorado, Boulder Imaging se consacre à l’avancement de la technologie de vision industrielle afin de répondre aux besoins en matière de contrôle dans le monde entier.

Pour en savoir plus, veuillez consulter le site www.boulderimaging.com.

À propos d’Oikon Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology
Oikon Ltd. – L’Institute of Applied Ecology (Institut d’écologie appliquée) est le principal cabinet de conseil environnemental agréé de Croatie. Il propose des solutions intégrées en matière de protection de l’environnement, de préservation de la nature, de gestion des ressources naturelles, de droit et de législation environnementaux, ainsi que de services de développement durable. Depuis 1997, il accompagne les institutions publiques, les promoteurs, les banques de développement et les organisations de conservation pour aligner le développement économique sur la durabilité écologique, conformément à la législation croate et aux directives européennes. Outre son leadership en Croatie, Oikon propose des services d’expertise dans toute l’Europe du Sud–Est, notamment en Bosnie–Herzégovine, en Slovénie, en Macédoine du Nord, au Monténégro, en Serbie, en Albanie, au Kosovo, à Chypre et en Turquie. L’entreprise propose des solutions régionales conformes aux normes environnementales mondiales.

Pour plus d’informations, rendez–vous sur www.oikon.hr.

Une photo accompagnant le présent communiqué est disponible à l’adresse suivante : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aab070b8–b89d–4704–b2f7–5de9fccb55f6/fr

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