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Mastery Made Easy – HIKMICRO Packs Next Generation Thermal Technology into One Hand with New FALCON 2.0 & CONDOR LRF 2.0

HANGZHOU, China, Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pioneering optics manufacturer HIKMICRO set a new standard for thermal hunting with the launch of the FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 thermal monoculars at JAGD & HUND Dortmund 2025. The hunting showcase, in Germany’s Messe Dortmund from Tuesday 28th January to Sunday 2nd February, is the perfect place for the world-leading optics brand to reveal these two groundbreaking devices and share their “Mastery Made Easy” ethos with the shooting community.


Mastery Made Easy – FALCON 2.0 & CONDOR 2.0 Launch

HIKMICRO has been focusing on one-handed operation over the past year and the team’s uncompromising pursuit of excellence has culminated in these two remarkable products. These devices reaffirm HIKMICRO’s commitment to “Continually Make Crafted Confidence” for hunters by pushing the boundaries of technological performance while respecting traditional hunting values and expert craftsmanship.

HIKMICRO R&D expert Mr. Wang said: “We have made comprehensive improvements to the FALCON and CONDOR models with “Mastery Performance” and “One-handed, easy operation” functions. These advancements have been made while maintaining high image quality to provide the most comfortable observation, with enhancements in usability delivering a simplified and intuitive operating experience.”

Continuously Making Crafted Confidence – Reinforcing Commitment to Best Hunting Experience

HIKMICRO conducted meticulous market and audience research for these new products. HIKMICRO’s Product R&D team insists that user-centered innovation can overcome all challenges and that truly innovative products not only contain technological breakthroughs but do so in meaningful ways. Working together brings the “Mastery” to thermal products to significantly improve users’ hunting experience.

The strive for excellence entails deconstruction and careful analysis, countless tests, factory experiments, industrial design drafts and proofing demonstrations. Final testing then sees products sent to professional hunters for the ultimate test in demanding real-life scenarios.

The FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 are born from this extensive R&D. Perfecting the product before taking it to market provides hunters with Continuous Crafted Confidence.

Mastery Made Easy – Boosting Image Quality and Usability for Hunters

HIKMICRO’s two new handheld thermal products – FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 – both take “Mastery Made Easy” as their core ethos. This comprises Mastery level image quality and a key upgrade for one-handed operation. The main difference between the two products is the positioning of the laser rangefinder module and their ergonomic design.

The compact CONDOR LRF 2.0 series is equipped with integral laser rangefinder and is sculpted to cradle the hand. FALCON 2.0 is traditionally styled with the classic cylindrical shape and the FQ50L 2.0 model boasts LRF module in-lens design. Both share Mastery performance and simple one-handed operation, reflecting HIKMICRO’s devotion to providing a more precise, faster and easier way to immerse hunters in observing the mystery of the night.

Mastery Performance

Image quality is vital for hunters who need to effectively spot and quickly identify their quarry with absolute confidence. CONDOR LRF 2.0 and FALCON 2.0 thermal monoculars feature higher performance and more sensitive 15mK thermal detector to capture tiny temperature differences. This provides the richest image details on the 0.49” display to accurately depict the most intricate hunting scenes. Animals are shown in the finest detail, right down to every hair. The result is easy location and recognition of target species in all weather conditions and environments.

Precise shot placement is an essential requirement for safe, humane hunting. Laser rangefinder function removes guesswork by giving the hunter precise distance readings at the press of a button. Both devices can precisely determine range up to 1000m (±1m) and also display horizontal data. This enables hunters to always keep shots right on target.

Image freeze has been an irritation to hunters – but not anymore. CONDOR LRF 2.0 and FALCON 2.0 eliminate this problem with HIKMICRO’s Shutterless Image System (HSIS). The annoying countdown will no longer interrupt the hunt – viewing is smooth and continuous as HSIS delivers fluid observation. The detector continuously learns the background images to avoid image loss, so hunters are free to enjoy seamless visual immersion.

HIKMICRO has strived to ensure hunts are never cut short by a low battery. These devices boast an optimised 21700 battery for operation time of over 6 hours. Replaceable batteries can quickly be swapped to maintain power for non-stop operation. An ordinary power bank with Type-C connection can also be used as an external power supply. This flexible system facilities the longest hunting trips.

The mastery performance goes far beyond the product itself. The connection with the Sight App provides users with more operational possibilities, including live-viewing, browsing & saving captured images and videos, sharing with friends, product upgrades, tracking after-sales information, and more. This allows you to experience not only CONDOR LRF 2.0 & FALCON 2.0’s impressive capabilities but also the enhanced connectivity in hunting community and personalized after-sales service supported by the HIKMICRO Sight App.

One-handed Operation

The newly introduced rear focus wheel and inline button arrangement ensure intuitive operation for hunters of all ages, while thoughtful design facilitates easy transitions between both hands during the changing stages of the hunt.

Focusing of the CONDOR LRF 2.0 and FALCON 2.0 is easily done with one finger. The rear focus wheel is within easy reach so hunters can quickly adjust focus between nearby and distant animals. This easy operation gives an unrivalled observation experience without distraction or delay.

Button components have been simplified and feature easily distinguishable up and down arrows to help hunters quickly locate their position – even in complete darkness. The power button is positioned aside to avoid accidental touch, and the silent buttons won’t frighten wary animals.

Hunters are always on the move, but their devices are not always in hand. With multiple carrying options (neck strap, wrist lanyard and monocular carrying bag) hunters can choose the most convenient method, ensuring their hunting partner is always close by and ready for action.

Careful design makes for comfortable operation and reduced fatigue whichever hand you use. The compact and easy-to-grasp profile of the HIKMICRO CONDOR LRF 2.0 perfectly fits the curvature of the hand while the FALCON 2.0 series maintains the traditional cylindrical shape for hunters who prefer classic styling. Both allow everyone, whether left- or right-handed, to intuitively find the best hold position. A soft, skin-friendly rubber housing gives a comfortable and secure grip in all conditions.

HIKMICRO’S Ongoing Commitment
HIKMICRO remains committed to continuously making crafted confidence for hunters, providing more mastery solutions to make hunting easier and even more rewarding. Stefan Li, HIKMICRO’s overseas director, highlighted the exciting new ways in which thermal technology is impacting the relationship between hunters and their devices. HIKMICRO’s vision is to keep blazing the trail by creating more precise, faster and easier ways to help hunters master the mystery of the night.

Mercari Launches New Marketplace Mercari NFT

Mercari Users Can Now Use Mercari to Buy and Sell Popular NFTs Listed on OpenSea

TOKYO, Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mercari, Inc. (“Mercari”) announces that on January 28, 2025, it has launched Mercari NFT, an online marketplace for NFTs[1] on Mercari. The new service allows users to use Mercari to buy and sell popular NFTs[2] available on OpenSea, a major NFT marketplace based in the US. This change kicks off the expansion of Mercari’s business from a marketplace for buying and selling physical items into a digital marketplace for buying and selling NFTs.

PressRelease URL:https://about.mercari.com/en/press/news/articles/20250128_mercarinft/
Mercari NFT URL: https://campaign.jp.mercari.com/pages/nft-2501-org-lp/index.html
 (available only in Japanese)

1. Non-fungible token (NFT): A unique digital asset that cannot be falsified or replicated.

2. Users can only list NFTs purchased on the Mercari NFT platform.


Background

In order to realize Mercari Group’s mission of “circulate all forms of value to unleash the potential in all people,” Mercari has continued to grow its marketplace app, which now boasts approximately 23 million monthly active users as well as a cumulative total of over 4.0 billion listings[3]. In addition to the items and money that circulate on Mercari, the company has expanded the circulation of value by increasing payment locations, creating new credit through Merpay, the Group’s payment and credit business, and by making it possible to trade cryptoassets through Mercoin.

3. As of September 2024

In order to further expand the circulation of value, the company has launched Mercari NFT, a marketplace for buying and selling NFTs. Users will now be able to seamlessly purchase NFTs using their Mercari sales balance without having to apply to create a cryptoasset wallet or open a new account. In addition, users will also be able to easily list the NFTs they purchase on Mercari NFT.

From day one of the service launch, Mercari users will be able to buy and sell NFTs from popular projects on OpenSea, a major NFT marketplace. Going forward, Mercari plans to issue and sell NFT contents together with businesses and IP holders in Japan and overseas in a variety of categories including art, trading cards, and entertainment to further expand Mercari NFT as a digital marketplace.

Mercari NFT Information (as of January 28, 2025)

Item

Details

Features

– Buying NFTs

Users can buy NFTs using the familiar payment methods they use when shopping on the Mercari marketplace, such as Merpay balance and Mercard.

Note: Some payment methods are not available.

Reference: How to make purchases on Mercari NFT

https://help.jp.mercari.com/guide/articles/1902/ (available only in Japanese)

– Collecting NFTs

Users can view a list of the NFTs they own on the “My items & listings” screen.

– Listing purchased NFTs

Just like when selling physical items on Mercari, as soon as an NFT sells, the seller receives the profits as sales balance.

Reference: How to list items on Mercari NFT

https://help.jp.mercari.com/guide/articles/1900/ (available only in Japanese)

Note: There is no comment feature on Mercari NFT listing pages and no transaction message feature when buying and selling items.

Payment methods

The following payment methods are available for buying items on Mercari NFT.

Mercari points

Merpay balance

Merpay Smart Payments (lump-sum payment only)

Mercard (lump-sum payment only)

Note: For details on payment methods, see the following guide.

https://help.jp.mercari.com/guide/articles/1903/ (available only in Japanese)

Payments
fees

Buying
– Users are not charged transaction fees when buying NFTs.
– Users are not charged payment fees when using the payment methods currently available on Mercari NFT.

Regarding price listings that include handling fees:
The displayed prices include handling fees. The amount a buyer pays is the amount displayed on the details screen of the item. There is no need to calculate other handling fees.
Note: The amount displayed on the details screen of the item includes the item’s price, gas fees, consumption tax, and selling fees.

Listing
There are no fees for listing NFTs.

Note: Once a listed NFT sells and the transaction is complete, the seller pays a selling fee of 10% of the NFT’s listing price.

How to
access
Mercari NFT

1. Open Mercari through the Mercari marketplace app or a web browser.
2. Go to My Page and select Mercari NFT.

(Alternatively, open a web browser and go to https://nft.jp.mercari.com/.)
(available only in Japanese)

Note: This information may be subject to future change.

For detailed information on this feature, see the following guide.
https://help.jp.mercari.com/guide/articles/1896/ (available only in Japanese)

Overview of Mercari

Company Name: Mercari, Inc.
Location: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6118
Main Business Activities: Planning, development, and operation of the Mercari marketplace app
Representative: Shintaro Yamada

For information about using the Mercari logo and icon, please see the page below.
https://about.mercari.com/en/press/press-kit/mercari/

Enfinity Global Secures 2 GW of Connectivity for Solar and Wind Projects in India

HYDERABAD, India, Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Enfinity Global, a global leader in renewable energy, has secured connectivity for 2 GW of utility-scale solar PV and wind projects in the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka in India. This strategic development represents a key advancement in the company’s efforts to expand its renewable energy portfolio and contribute to India’s energy transition.

The combined capacity of this 2 GW portfolio is expected to produce electricity equivalent to powering approximately 4.7 million households and avoiding 49 million metric tons of CO2 annually. The power generated from these projects is earmarked to cater to government utilities, as well as commercial and industrial (C&I) customers.

“This milestone underscores our commitment to accelerating India’s renewable energy transition, with the aim of contributing to its ambitious goal of deploying 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030,” said Carlos Domenech, CEO of Enfinity Global. “Our global presence enables us to create capital and operational synergies, and when combined with our local capabilities, it positions us as a strategic and reliable partner for the long-term energy needs of our customers in India.”

With over 1 GW of projects expected to enter the construction phase this year, including those in Maharashtra and Karnataka starting in Q1 2025, Enfinity Global’s renewable energy portfolio in India now totals ~3.3 GW in various stages. This includes 240 MW already operational, 2 GW with granted connectivity, and an additional 1 GW of solar PV, wind, and energy storage projects in development. The company recently awarded a 300 MW Solar-Wind Hybrid project through SJVN’s competitive bidding process in Q4 2024.

Over the next 3 years, Enfinity intends to develop and commission renewable power plants to supply over 5 GWh of renewable electricity annually, including through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with C&I customers.

The company is also taking significant steps to align the necessary capital to execute its portfolio in India through collaboration with national and international financial partners. In May 2024, it closed a $135 million junior financing agreement with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) to support the development and construction of solar and wind projects across the country.

Acadian Plant Health™ and Koppert expand partnership to drive sustainable agriculture

DARTMOUTH, NS, Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Acadian Plant Health and Koppert, two leading innovators in sustainable agriculture, are expanding their partnership to enhance the global reach of biocontrol and biostimulant technologies. By integrating Koppert’s expertise in biological pest and disease control with Acadian’s advanced biostimulant technology, this collaboration aims to deliver improved crop yield and quality for growers worldwide.

Acadian Plant Health
Acadian Plant Health

Building on a successful history of collaboration in North and South America, the two companies have now signed an extended distribution agreement covering Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Starting with France, this partnership will evolve to a truly global scale, providing growers and farmers with an even broader array of biological solutions to support plant health, resilience, and productivity.

“Demand for sustainable agricultural solutions is growing at an unprecedented rate,” says Nelson Gibson, President of Acadian Plant Health. “This expanded partnership with Koppert aligns our shared commitment to delivering sustainable and profitable solutions that growers and farmers can depend on.”

Martin Koppert, Chief Business Officer at Koppert, adds: “As a company deeply committed to the vision that the world needs 100% sustainable agriculture, we continuously invest in innovative R&D to advance biological solutions. Collaborating with industry leaders like Acadian allows us to complement our existing range of products, empowering growers and farmers to achieve effective, natural crop production worldwide.”

The collaboration between Acadian and Koppert already spans key agricultural regions, including Brazil, the US and Europe. By combining their strengths, both companies are well-positioned to meet the growing global demand for sustainable agriculture, offering growers and farmers new, integrated solutions that protect crops, enhance yields, and support long-term soil and plant health.

About Acadian Plant Health
Acadian Plant Health™ is a biostimulant company with a core focus on sustainable, science-based biological solutions for specialty and broad-acre crops. Acadian is committed to launching patented innovative products, with a focus on regenerative and climate-smart agriculture.
Acadian’s world-leading crop science research and proprietary extracts comprise the foundation of the agricultural solutions we offer. We deliver key functionality to meet agricultural needs worldwide in the areas of performance and sustainability.

About Koppert 
Koppert partners with nature to find ways of growing that are both safe and healthy. Helping growers to support, protect, and strengthen their crops with an integrated system of natural solutions. We use natural enemies to combat pests, bumblebees for pollination, microbials, and biostimulants that support, protect, and strengthen crops. We have driven agricultural innovation for over 50 years. Growers and farmers worldwide use our products and knowledge to restore the natural balance in their crops. Our holistic approach is what sets us apart. Improving plant health both above and underground. All our solutions support one goal: 100% sustainable agriculture. 

Media Contact:
Shannon Wentz
Global Director, Communications
Acadian Plant Health
T: (1) 403-973-2716
E: swentz@acadian.ca
WeSeaBeyond.com

 

The British Library Selects Clarivate to Provide Library Services and Discovery Platforms

Achieving more unified and secure workflows with cloud-based Alma, Primo and Rapido library software solutions from Clarivate

LONDON, Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today announces that the British Library has selected Clarivate to provide its library services and discovery platforms to create a more cohesive, streamlined and secure experience. The British Library will implement Alma, Primo VE and Rapido.

Founded in 1973, the British Library is the United Kingdom’s national library and is one of the largest libraries in the world. Its collection features 170 million items, including books, journals, newspapers, patents, maps, prints, manuscripts and digital publications.  

After 20 years of partnership providing Aleph Library Management System and Primo discovery services, the British Library has turned to Clarivate to implement their next-generation library services platform and patron interface. The British Library will be the 43rd National and State library in the world to adopt Alma. This will improve the experience of users and simplify Library operations with a unified platform whilst providing a platform to enhance the Library’s services into the future. Additionally, the British Library has selected Rapido to streamline its interlibrary loan system, further supporting resource sharing among the academic and research community.

Liz Jolly, Chief Librarian at the British Library, said: “Building on our existing and long-established relationship with Clarivate, we are delighted to be developing a comprehensive, end-to-end platform for all our library services. By implementing Alma, Primo VE and Rapido, we aim to restore and improve access to our collection, enhancing our support for research and making the knowledge and resources we hold accessible to everyone.”

Bar Veinstein, President of Academia & Government at Clarivate, said: “At Clarivate, we are dedicated to providing forward thinking solutions that support the missions of national libraries such as the British Library. Our collaboration will foster learning and discovery for future generations and make the United Kingdom’s rich heritage accessible to researchers, scholars and the public.”

About Clarivate
Clarivate™ is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com

Media Contact:
Amy Bourke-Waite, Senior Director, External Communications
newsroom@clarivate.com

 

President and CEO Yannick Fierling proposed as new Board member of AB Electrolux

STOCKHOLM, Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Nomination Committee of AB Electrolux proposes election of Yannick Fierling, the new President and CEO of AB Electrolux, as new member of the Board of Directors of AB Electrolux at its Annual General Meeting on March 26, 2025. The Committee also proposes re-election of Torbjörn Lööf (Chair), Geert Follens, Petra Hedengran, Ulla Litzén, Daniel Nodhäll, Karin Overbeck, David Porter and Michael Rauterkus.

As previously communicated, Yannick Fierling has succeeded Jonas Samuelson as President and CEO of AB Electrolux on January 1, 2025. As Jonas Samuelson also has resigned from the Board, Yannick Fierling is accordingly proposed as a new Board member.

The Nomination Committee’s proposal means that the Board of Directors shall comprise nine ordinary members elected by the Annual General Meeting, without deputies.

The Nomination Committee’s motivated statement, complete proposals, and a presentation of the proposed Board members will be published in due time before the Annual General Meeting 2025.

The Nomination Committee of AB Electrolux comprises Christian Cederholm, Investor AB (Chair), Marianne Nilsson, Swedbank Robur Funds, Anders Hansson, AMF Tjänstepension och Fonder, and Carina Silberg, Alecta. The Nomination Committee also include Torbjörn Lööf, Chair of the Board of AB Electrolux.

For more information, please contact:
Oscar Stjerngren, Investor Relations, +46 70 879 87 69
Electrolux Group Press Hotline, +46 8 657 65 07

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/electrolux-group/r/president-and-ceo-yannick-fierling-proposed-as-new-board-member-of-ab-electrolux,c4096250

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/1853/4096250/3226348.pdf

250128 PR Nomination committe proposal

200 Experts Convene at 2025 Nature-based Solutions for Climate Conference to Explore Nature’s Role in Tackling Climate Challenges

HONG KONG, Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in partnership with Civic Exchange, successfully organized the 2025 Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Conference on January 14th to 15th at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. This landmark event convened over 200 global and local experts, policymakers, academics, and industry innovators to explore the transformative potential of nature-based solutions (NbS) in addressing climate challenges and enhancing urban resilience.

The conference served as a platform to foster collaboration and share innovative strategies for integrating NbS into climate action plans. In her opening remarks, Ms Lulu Zhou, Director of Strategic Partnerships (Asia Pacific) and Hong Kong Program Lead at The Nature Conservancy, underscored the importance of the Greater Bay Area as a critical ecological corridor and emphasized the National Climate Adaptation Policy, noting how TNC is advocating for the incorporation of climate considerations into Hong Kong’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP).”

The event featured an esteemed lineup of speakers, including Professor Debra Roberts (Co-Chair, AR6 Working Group II, IPCC), Professor Wang Yi (Members of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, member of the Environment and Resources Committee, Vice Chair of the National Expert Committee on Climate Change), Professor Wong Kam Sing (Former Secretary for the Environment (2012-2022), Hong Kong SAR Government), Professor Christine Loh (Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Former Under Secretary for the Environment), and Mr Lam Chiu Ying (Former head of Observatory and Senior Advisor of Hong Kong 2050 is now), who offered valuable insights on climate change, sustainability, and environmental policy.

Professor Debra Roberts emphasized the urgency of cohesive climate adaptation strategies, noting that global temperatures have increased faster since 1970 than in any other 50-year period over at least the last 2000 years. She warned that fragmented and incremental efforts are insufficient in addressing the scale of the crisis.

Professor Wong Kam Sing highlighted Hong Kong’s unique challenges in implementing effective climate policies, including political, social, and infrastructure aspects, and called for accelerated and coordinated actions.

Mr. Lam Chiu Ying presented a stark warning about Hong Kong’s future, cautioning that heat waves and unprecedented storm surges could become unbearable by the late 21st century, particularly in the northwest regions where the Northern Metropolis is under development. His remarks underscored the critical need to integrate NbS into urban planning to enhance climate resilience.

Furthermore, Ms Pecvin Young (Deputy Director, Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office) was invited as a special guest. She emphasized the need to ensure that development goes hand-in-hand with conservation, stating plans for the Northern Metropolis to preserve nature and build sustainable communities.

The two-day conference featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.  Day 1 of the conference focused on the transformative potential of NbS, particularly their integration into urban resilience strategies through policy, design, and sustainability. Keynote speakers and panellists explored how NbS can address pressing challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate adaptation, and cross-boundary collaboration. Experts from Hong Kong and Mainland China shared their insights on fostering regional resilience by aligning ecological conservation with economic development goals. The program also featured local case studies showcasing successful examples of cross-sector collaboration, illustrating how stakeholders can work together to implement NbS.

Day 2 examined the business case for NbS, highlighting its role as a strategic asset for risk mitigation, resilience, and sustainable growth. Key discussions centered on innovative financing, ESG investments, and the incorporation of natural capital into decision-making. Participants emphasized the importance of private sector involvement and identified NbS as a key solution for addressing ecological challenges in the Northern Metropolis.

The Nature Conservancy and Civic Exchange extend their heartfelt gratitude to all speakers, partners and contributors who made this conference a success. Special thanks go to our co-organizers — the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, the Business Environment Council, and Seneca Impact Advisors — as well as to our sponsors, The Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Hong Kong, and supporting organizations, including AECOM, ARUP, HKGFA, ICE Hong Kong, Page 148, PBAF, RNUS, Salata Family, HKILA, HKUST ENVR, and WWF. Their support was instrumental in advancing the dialogue on nature-driven solutions for a sustainable future.

As a key takeaway, the conference reaffirmed that NbS are vital to enhancing urban resilience and mitigating the impacts of climate change. However, achieving these goals requires cross-sector collaboration, innovative financing mechanisms, and decisive action. A comprehensive report summarizing the conference’s key insights and discussions will be released soon. We invite all stakeholders to stay tuned for more updates and resources as we collectively work toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

For the event agenda and speakers’ profile, please visit: LINK

For photos: LINK

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping to make cities more livable. Working in more than 81 countries and territories, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. TNC has been in Asia Pacific for almost 30 years with projects in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.  In 2019, TNC was awarded the Lui Che Woo Prize for Sustainable Development. To learn more, please visit: The Nature Conservancy (tnc.org.hk) or follow TNC HK 大自然保護協會 and @tnc_hk

About Civic Exchange

Civic Exchange is an independent public policy think tank with a vision to shape a liveable and sustainable Hong Kong. Our mission is to engage society and influence public policy through research, dialogue, and the development of practical solutions. Civic Exchange has been ranked among the top 50 environment policy think tanks in the world by the University of Pennsylvania since 2011. To know more, please visit: https://civic-exchange.org/

Please consider the environment before printing this press release.

Economic Crisis, Teacher Shortages Drive Rising School Dropout Rates Across Laos

The meeting to tackle education issue in Attapeu (Photo: Pathedlao)

Laos has seen high school dropout rates for several years, with Attapeu, Sekong, Savannakhet, Bolikhamxay and Vientiane Capital being the most affected provinces. These rates have been driven by economic turmoil and limited access to higher education, according to reports from the Lao government.