Criminal dies in Serbia

Faton Hajrizi, a notorious Kosovar criminal known for his repeated prison escapes, was killed by Serbian police in Loznica after shooting a Serbian border police officer. His death has sparked controversy, with accusations against Serbia for harboring criminals and criticism of Kosovo's lenient prison policies. Hajrizi had gained fame for mocking authorities on social media during his escapes. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and differing approaches to criminal rehabilitation between Serbia and Kosovo.

How tropical birds from Guinea via Serbia end up in Belgian cages

Tropical birds are increasingly being smuggled into the European Union via the Balkans, ending up in the cages of Belgian enthusiasts. Despite a 2005 EU ban on wild bird trade to prevent avian flu, prices have soared, and birds like Mozambique finches are often smuggled into the EU. Belgium and the Netherlands are hotspots for this illegal trade, with organized crime networks involved. The birds are transported from tropical forests to EU border countries like Serbia, where they are then smuggled across the border. The illegal wildlife trade is lucrative, with Interpol estimating it to be worth billions annually. Efforts to combat this trade are hampered by limited international cooperation and resources. The trade has significant ecological impacts, contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss, with a current mass extinction of species underway.

When the ‘strangers’ came – Chinese rubber giant ‘destroys’ rainforests, indigenous lives in Cameroon

The article discusses the plight of the indigenous Baka people in Cameroon, who have been displaced from their ancestral rainforest lands due to the establishment of rubber plantations by companies like GMG Global Ltd and its subsidiary Sud Cameroun-Hévéa S.A. The Singapore-based GMG Global was granted land concessions by the Cameroonian government, which led to deforestation and the eviction of the Baka. The company was later acquired by Halcyon Agri, which is controlled by Chinese state-owned enterprises including Sinochem International and China Hainan Rubber Industry Group. The article also touches on the historical context of rubber plantations in Cameroon, the environmental impact of deforestation, and the European Union's new law aimed at preventing the import of commodities linked to deforestation. The Baka community's struggle for reparations and the return to their traditional way of life is highlighted, as well as the complex web of corporate ownership and the involvement of the Cameroonian government and Chinese interests in the rubber industry.

Parrots as valuable as cocaine

The article investigates the illegal trade of exotic birds, focusing on the African grey parrot, which is endangered in the wild. It highlights the high demand for these birds in Europe, leading to a lucrative black market that rivals drug trafficking in profitability. The United Nations and Interpol estimate that the wildlife black market is worth between $7 billion and $23 billion annually. The article details the smuggling routes through Serbia and the Balkans, the challenges faced by law enforcement and conservationists, and the impact of the trade on bird populations. It also discusses the legal loopholes that allow trafficked birds to be laundered into the legal market in the EU.

Das Ende keiner Ära

The article discusses the current state of FC Bayern under the leadership of Julian Nagelsmann. It describes the team as an 'Amplitudenmannschaft', a term that suggests they are experiencing significant fluctuations in performance. The article implies that there is a lack of understanding within the team regarding these fluctuations. It also touches on the high expectations in Munich, where the only options are to be either outstanding or to be out of favor.

Darf man Oktopusse noch essen? Sie spielen eine wichtige Rolle im Meeresökosystem, gelten als hochintelligent. Und sie sind eine wertvolle Delikatesse, von Japan bis Spanien. Bald soll man sie züchten können. Kann Aquakultur das Kraken-Dilemma lösen? Fotos & Text für Süddeutsche Zeitung

In Deutschland soll bald kein Torf mehr abgebaut werden. Doch schon jetzt importieren wir den wertvollen Stoff aus dem Baltikum.

The article discusses the impact of hydroelectric power generation through dams around the world. It highlights that while dams are producing more renewable electricity than ever before, there is a significant cost associated with their use. The investigation by 'SZ' reveals that the environmental and social consequences of dam construction are considerable, and the reliability of energy production from such sources may not be as secure as previously thought. The article likely covers the ecological disruption caused by dams, the displacement of communities, and the potential overestimation of sustainable energy output from hydroelectric sources.

Octopus hunger threatens the world's largest artisanal cephalopod fishing power

Mauritania, home to the world's largest artisanal octopus fishery, faces challenges from foreign fishing fleets, climate change, and government regulations aimed at protecting the overexploited species, essential for biodiversity. Approximately 50,000 fishermen with a fleet of 7,500 boats are struggling to make a living, often returning empty-handed due to fierce competition and unsustainable practices. The government has issued fishing licenses to large foreign trawlers and implemented policies to favor local production, but overfishing persists. The FAO reports that annual octopus catches exceed sustainable levels by 49%. Measures such as catch quotas and protected areas are in place, but illegal fishing remains a problem. The situation is critical for both the local economy and the marine ecosystem.