FUJAIRAH, FUJAIRAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, July 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Deep in the Hajar Mountains of the Emirate of Fujairah, about 45 kilometers from the city, Wadi Wurayah stands as one of the UAE's most prominent natural treasures. Here,
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
IVORY COAST: Ivory Coast takes a historic step in agricultural climate finance
ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST, July 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Côte d'Ivoire has secured major climate finance to strengthen the resilience of rice, cassava, and yam farmers to the effects of climate change in the central part of the country, particularly in the N'Zi, Moronou, Iffou, La Mé, and Gbêkê regions.
The project, "Strengthening Sustainable Land Management and Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Côte d'Ivoire," known as LARACI (FP304), has received approval from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Executive Board. This project brings together the Government of Côte d'Ivoire, CGIAR, and FIRCA to implement proven climate solutions on a large scale in the N'Zi, Moronou, Iffou, La Mé, and Gbêkê regions.
Over five years, the LARACI project will bring 110,600 hectares of land under improved, low-emission, and climate-resilient management. Focused on climate information, extension services, and agroforestry, the project aims to reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions by more than 600,000 tonnes, while providing direct support to 147,000 smallholder farmers through tools that enable them to manage climate risks, stabilize and increase their yields, and boost their incomes.
Among the proposed climate solutions is the optimization of intercropping with cassava and legumes, which increases productivity, helps maintain soil fertility, and reduces erosion. The widespread adoption of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) practices will improve water use efficiency and reduce methane emissions. Climate-adapted staking will improve yam crop yields and increase carbon sequestration in the surface and subsoil.
The project directly supports Côte d'Ivoire's Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plan and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), thereby strengthening national ownership from design to implementation and impact assessment. It contributes to national priorities in food security, ecological transition, and climate change adaptation.
Developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Ecological Transition, this project demonstrates Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to mobilizing international climate finance to support agricultural producers.
The funding comes from a US$40 million grant from the Green Climate Fund and US$10 million in co-financing from the Government of Côte d'Ivoire and CGIAR partners. The project is designed to ensure that climate finance reaches the farmers who need it most.
Oumar N'Diaye, Executive Director of FIRCA, said:
“Ivorian farmers are on the front lines of the effects of climate change. The LARACI project empowers us to act at the necessary scale by offering concrete, scientifically proven solutions tailored to the realities on the ground. FIRCA will leverage its recognized expertise in fiduciary management, large-scale project coordination, and climate finance mobilization to ensure effective, transparent, and results-oriented implementation.”
Catherine Koffman, Regional Director for Africa at the Green Climate Fund, stated: “
By addressing the structural barriers that prevent finance from reaching Ivorian farmers, this investment can pave the way for a more resilient, productive, and inclusive agri-food economy. It supports climate-smart agriculture, through the direct implementation of the National Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plan (CSAIP), for rice, cassava, and yam—staple crops essential for livelihoods and national food security—while strengthening the financial, institutional, and value chain systems needed to scale up climate-smart agriculture nationwide. This project reflects the Green Climate Fund’s commitment to fostering national ownership and being Côte d’Ivoire’s climate partner of choice.”
Baboucarr Manneh, CEO of AfricaRice, said: “
This project is based on a partnership model that links research and implementation from the outset, enabling large-scale impact. AfricaRice brings decades of research on rice systems in Africa. FIRCA provides the national networks to put this research into practice. Together, and with the support of the Green Climate Fund and the Government of Côte d'Ivoire, we can reach farmers on a scale that would be impossible to achieve by working in isolation.”
Simeon Ehui, CGIAR Regional Director for Africa and Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), said:
“This project marks a decisive step for CGIAR and for climate finance in Africa. As the first CGIAR project funded by the Green Climate Fund, it demonstrates that agricultural research organizations can do more than simply generate knowledge; they can directly mobilize and channel financing to the farmers who need it most. The country-led model we are implementing in Côte d'Ivoire offers a replicable model for accelerating climate resilience across Africa.”
VIETNAM: Lux Travel DMC launches annual FAM tour and presents new travel experiences in Vietnam and Cambodia
The 13-day media trip presents authentic travel experiences and new sustainable offerings in Vietnam and Cambodia.
HANOI, VIETNAM, July 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Lux Travel DMC, one of Vietnam's leading destination management companies specializing in bespoke, private, and luxury travel, has officially announced its annual FAM (Familiarization Trip) for international media partners, content creators, and key opinion leaders (KOLs). The trip, taking place from June 17-29, 2026, will offer select participants the opportunity to experience Vietnam through authentic cultural, culinary, and scenic experiences, as well as to discover new travel products in Vietnam and Cambodia.
This initiative comes amid a growing global demand for authentic, sustainable, and experiential travel. An increasing number of international travelers are seeking not only well-known tourist attractions but also deeper cultural encounters, interaction with local communities, and responsible travel practices that make a positive contribution to destinations. With this in mind, Lux Travel DMC sees its collaboration with international media partners as an important contribution to showcasing Vietnam from a credible, personal, and inspiring perspective.
This year's FAM trip was designed to reflect this very development in tourism. Over 13 days, the program takes participants through some of Vietnam's most famous and diverse regions – including Hanoi, the cultural landscapes of Ninh Binh, Lan Ha Bay, the imperial city of Hue, the historic old town of Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. The itinerary combines cultural highlights, nature experiences, and encounters with local life, offering a comprehensive insight into the country's diversity.
Authentic experiences and cultural interaction are at the heart of the trip. Invited guests will visit local markets, explore traditional craft workshops, enjoy culinary experiences, and gain insights into the daily lives of Vietnamese communities. The aim is not merely to provide tourist impressions, but to foster a deeper understanding of the people, traditions, and values of the country.
“Today’s travelers are looking for more than just sightseeing. They want to experience stories, meet people, and understand a country in an authentic way,” said Pham Ha, founder and CEO of Lux Travel DMC. “With our annual FAM trip, we want to enable our media partners to discover Vietnam from a genuine perspective, while also demonstrating how responsibly designed travel can create sustainable value for guests and local communities.”
In addition to its cultural focus, the FAM trip also serves as a platform for Lux Travel DMC to present new travel concepts. The company is experiencing increasing demand for individual, flexible, and sustainable travel options, particularly in the European market. Tailor-made trips to Vietnam and Cambodia are gaining particular importance, as they combine immersive cultural experiences with comfort, privacy, and local expertise.
By inviting international media representatives, travel journalists, and digital content creators, Lux Travel DMC aims to further enhance Vietnam's visibility as a high-quality and diverse destination. At the same time, the company underscores its commitment to sustainable tourism that preserves cultural values and actively engages local communities.
About Lux Travel DMC:
Lux Travel DMC is a multi-award-winning destination management company based in Vietnam, specializing in bespoke, private, luxury, and sustainable travel experiences in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Southeast Asia. Led by founder and CEO Pham Ha, the company develops customized travel programs that combine cultural authenticity, personalized service, and responsible tourism.
SWITZERLAND: Secro Appoints Guy de Pourtalès As Chief Technology Officer
Strengthening SECRO’s bank-grade digital infrastructure, scalability, and AI roadmap for global trade finance documentation
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, July 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- SECRO, the trade finance tokenization and document workflow automation platform serving the global
ITALY: Pinar Nature Blend by Burkan Ciftciguzeli and Ibrahim Gulbas Wins Bronze A' Packaging Design Award
Plant Based Beverage Packaging by Burkan Ciftciguzeli and Ibrahim Gulbas Recognized for Clarity and Authentic Shelf Presence
COMO, CO, ITALY, July 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The A' Design Award has announced Pinar Nature Blend, a plant based beverage packaging designed by Burkan Ciftciguzeli and Ibrahim Gulbas, as a Bronze winner in the Packaging Design category. The A' Packaging Design Award is one of the
SOUTH KOREA: Kuvings Showcases Healthy Living with Ambassador Devrim Tipi Urhan and the AUTO10S
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, July 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- At Kuvings, we believe that the best kitchen experiences are those that seamlessly blend health, convenience, and joy.
AZERBAIJAN: Oba Corporation Introduces Mega Sardines to Azerbaijan Market to Address Regional Health Trends
To combat metabolic disease, Oba Corp brings MWA-certified "Superfood" Mega Sardines to Azerbaijan, offering pure, 12-hour catch-to-can nutrition.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN, July 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Oba Corporation has announced the launch of Mega Sardines in the Azerbaijan market, effective July 1, 2026. This product introduction from Mega Prime Foods Inc. features a product line that holds a









