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BeaconLink LLC. Launches English JapanConnect eSIM Store with Instant Access, Low Prices, Wide Range of Data Plans for International Visitors to Japan

TOKYO, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BeaconLink LLC., a Tokyo-based telecom company, has officially launched the JapanConnect eSIM Store, an English-language online platform designed to support international travelers visiting Japan. The new store provides easy access to affordable, flexible and instant mobile connectivity for those looking to stay connected during their visit.

English JapanConnect eSIM Store:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108624/202504076976/_prw_PI1fl_ysE4qe6X.jpg 

JapanConnect eSIM offers key advantages for travelers:

– A wide variety of data plans to meet different travel needs — from light users to heavy data consumers

– Some of the lowest prices in the industry, making it one of the most cost-effective eSIM options for Japan

– Instant QR code delivery after purchase, allowing users to get online within minutes — no physical SIM card, no waiting time

The eSIM lineup includes:

– Roaming-based eSIMs using KDDI and SoftBank networks

– Local eSIMs powered by the Docomo (IIJ) network

Japan-only data plans with daily, fixed-volume (1GB–50GB) and unlimited data options

– Asia Regional Plan (14 countries including Japan)

– Global Plan (133 countries)

Europe + USA Plan (Japan not included)

eSIM lineup:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108624/202504076976/_prw_PI2fl_nfd7sAU7.jpg 

All eSIMs are compatible with most modern smartphones and offer reliable, high-speed coverage across Japan. Connectivity is provided in partnership with leading Japanese telecom carriers to ensure performance and stability. For travelers concerned about online privacy and safety, the store also offers the NordVPN Standard Plan (1-month) as an optional add-on — a perfect complement for public Wi-Fi environments.

To ensure a seamless experience throughout trips, the company’s dedicated customer support team is available daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM JST to assist users during their stay.

Limited-time Campaign:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108624/202504076976/_prw_PI3fl_5U5DwY6J.jpg 

https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108624/202504076976/_prw_PI4fl_giSHyY7D.jpg 

To celebrate the launch of the JapanConnect eSIM Store, BeaconLink is offering 3,000 free Japan eSIMs (1GB total, valid for 3 days) on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more details about the campaign, please visit: https://www.instagram.com/japanconnect_esim_en/ 

Official Store: https://japanconnect-esim.store/en/
Company Info: https://beaconlink.jp/ 

BeaconLink LLC. is committed to making mobile connectivity in Japan smarter, safer and more accessible for global travelers.

CellPoint Digital and Checkout.com Announce Strategic Partnership to Maximise Payment Performance for Travel Merchants

Collaboration to Deliver AI-Powered Payment Optimisation, Global Acquiring, and Frictionless Transactions for Travel Brands

DALLAS, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CellPoint Digital, the global leader in Payment Orchestration for airlines and travel merchants, today announced a strategic partnership with Checkout.com, a leading global payment solutions provider. This collaboration will enable travel brands to streamline payment complexity, optimise conversion rates, and deliver a frictionless payment experience through a single, AI-driven integration.

The partnership integrates Checkout.com’s global acquiring, digital payment processing, and AI-driven transaction optimisation with CellPoint Digital’s Payment Orchestration Platform, providing merchants with the flexibility to adapt quickly to market demands, reduce costs, and improve approval rates. The solution is set to go live in June 2025 and will empower travel merchants with:

Key Benefits of the Partnership

  • Enhanced Payment Performance – AI-powered optimisation increases approval rates and reduces declines. Global Reach – A single integration gives access to multiple payment methods and markets, including 168+ Alternative Payment Methods (APMs), local acquiring, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions.
  • Agility & Simplification – Checkout.com’s deep expertise in fraud prevention and digital payment processing reduces complexity for merchants, accelerating time-to-market and improving payment performance.
  • Scalability & Flexibility – Businesses can accept payments online through fast-start methods or fully customised integrations, ensuring a seamless user experience.
  • Transparent Pricing & Dedicated Support – Merchants benefit from Checkout.com’s white-glove service and clear, predictable pricing structures.

Driving Innovation in Travel Payments

“As payment complexity continues to grow, travel brands need solutions that reduce friction, optimise performance, and unlock new revenue opportunities,” said Andy Sale, Head of Partnerships at CellPoint Digital. “Our partnership with Checkout.com brings together best-in-class AI-driven payment intelligence and a global acquiring network, ensuring our merchants can process transactions seamlessly while increasing approval rates and reducing costs.”

“Travel is a global industry, and consumers expect payment options that match their preferences, no matter where they book,” said Matthieu Barral, VP Global Partnerships at Checkout.com. “By integrating Checkout.com’s acquiring and optimisation capabilities into CellPoint Digital’s platform, travel brands can now leverage AI-powered transaction routing, increase acceptance rates, expand their global reach, deliver top-tier customer service, and streamline operations—all through a single integration.”

Unlocking New Opportunities in Travel Payments

As travel brands seek to enhance customer experiences and expand into new markets, the CellPoint Digital and Checkout.com partnership will provide a seamless, scalable, and high-performing payment solution. Merchants can now access a global acquiring network, deep AI-powered fraud protection, and streamlined contract onboarding—ensuring a future-proof approach to payments.

For more information about CellPoint Digital and the Air Europa partnership or to schedule an interview with a company executive, please contact Steven Osei at steven.osei@cellpointdigital.com.

About CellPoint Digital

CellPoint Digital is a fintech leader in payment orchestration and optimisation. CellPoint Digital’s main solution is a powerful Payment Orchestration Platform that optimises digital payment transactions from cards or alternative payment methods and accelerates the deployment of new payment options. Merchants can easily scale their own payment ecosystem across the world, unify the customer payment experience across their website, mobile apps and other channels, optimise the routing of each transaction, increase conversion rates and minimise payment costs. CellPoint Digital has offices in Copenhagen, Dallas, Dubai, London, Miami, Pune and Singapore. Visit www.cellpointdigital.com to learn more. 

About CheckOut

Checkout.com processes payments for thousands of companies that shape the digital economy. Our global digital payments network supports over 145 currencies and delivers high-performance payment solutions across the world, processing billions of transactions annually.

With flexible and scalable technology, we help enterprise businesses boost acceptance rates, reduce processing costs, combat fraud, and turn payments into a major revenue driver. Headquartered in London and with 19 offices worldwide, Checkout.com is trusted by leading brands such as Alibaba, Docusign, GE Healthcare, Remitly, Sainsbury’s, Sony, The Financial Times, Uber Eats, Vinted, and Wise.

Swatten Empowers Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program at Smart Energy 2025

SYDNEY, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 9, 2025, Swatten, a subsidiary of Sieyuan Electric, made a significant appearance at the Smart Energy 2025 expo in Sydney, Australia, at booth 58. Coinciding with the event, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, reiterated the government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which aims to permanently reduce energy bills for Australian households. The program offers a 30% subsidy on home energy storage systems, saving new solar homes up to AUD 2,300 annually and existing solar households an additional AUD 1,100. With over 4 million Australian homes already equipped with solar, the initiative provides significant cost-saving opportunities.

Swatten’s innovative energy solutions align perfectly with the program’s goals. The new Single-Phase Hybrid Inverter (8/10kW) is purpose-built for high-demand homes and small businesses. Key features include a 50V ultra-low startup voltage for early activation in low-light conditions, 200% DC input oversizing for greater PV capacity, and a 4-MPPT design for optimized energy capture. The inverter’s 10kW charge/discharge capability and 14.5kW output power ensure it can handle high-load demands, including EV charging and air conditioning, reducing reliance on the grid.

Swatten also highlighted its All-in-One Energy Storage System, integrating a built-in 11kW AC EV charger. With a compact, stackable, plug-and-play design, it reduces installation time and space by 20%, while intelligently managing EV charging to maximize solar self-consumption and reduce electricity costs—a perfect fit for green home mobility.

To address the rising demand for larger systems, Swatten’s Three-Phase Hybrid Inverter (10–50kW) offers industrial-grade scalability: 30 units in parallel, 1.5MW total output, and 3MWh battery compatibility. Featuring 16A PV input, 6-MPPT architecture, and wide MPPT voltage range (150V–950V), it ensures stable, high-efficiency performance across all weather conditions.

Swatten’s solutions are VPP-ready, supporting the Modbus protocol for seamless integration with VPP platforms. This ensures that energy storage assets are utilized to their fullest potential, providing value to both residential and commercial users.

By participating in this expo, Swatten has firmly demonstrated its commitment to Australia’s clean energy transition. With technological innovation at its core, Swatten is dedicated to providing smarter, more economical, and more sustainable green energy solutions for both residential and commercial users. This commitment supports Australia’s shift towards clean energy and promotes sustainable development.

For more information, visit https://www.swatten.com/show-3-17.html

SKF to publish Q1 report on 25 April

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SKF will publish its Q1 results for 2025 on 25 April at approximately 07:30 (CEST).

Investors, analysts and media are invited to join a webcast, which will be held in English, at 09:00 (CEST).

To join the webcast, please login at least 10 minutes before the start using the below link or phone numbers:

Link to web event: https://www.investis-live.com/skf/67e26af6eeffcd000f59a93e/mpwrt
Sweden: +46 8 5051 0031
UK / International: +44 207 107 0613

All information regarding the results will be made available on the Group’s IR website: https://investors.skf.com/en/quarterly-reports

Media: To book interviews with Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO, after the webcast, please contact Carl Bjernstam on carl.bjernstam@skf.com.

Aktiebolaget SKF

      (publ)

For further information, please contact:

Press Relations: Carl Bjernstam, +46 31-337 2517; +46 722 201 893; carl.bjernstam@skf.com 
Investor Relations: Sophie Arnius, +46 31-337 8072; +46 705 908072; sophie.arnius@skf.com 

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

https://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-to-publish-q1-report-on-25-april,c4133919

The following files are available for download:

 

Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect x LIVE JAPAN Combining Wi-Fi Access and Tourist Info for Greater Convenience for International Visitors

TOKYO, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NTT Broadband Platform, Inc. (hereinafter “NTTBP”) has been providing the smartphone application “Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect” (hereinafter “Japan Wi-Fi”) since December 2019. This application automatically connects users to free Wi-Fi available at locations such as local governments, public transportation, commercial facilities, and tourist sites nationwide. The app, which already enjoys widespread use among international visitors, will integrate with “LIVE JAPAN PERFECT GUIDE” (hereinafter “LIVE JAPAN“), effective Thursday, April 10, 2025. LIVE JAPAN is one of Japan’s leading tourism information websites for international visitors. In addition to its primary feature of automatic free Wi-Fi connection, the app will provide easy access to information on sightseeing, dining, shopping, accommodation, and more.

Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108633/202503316619/_prw_PI1fl_EtAgb50A.jpg 

1. What is Japan Wi-Fi?
Japan Wi-Fi is an app that enables automatic connection to free Wi-Fi spots nationwide, with total downloads exceeding 2.4 million. Available in 16 languages, it is widely used by international visitors. Furthermore, it supports Open Roaming, which enables seamless connectivity at over three million Wi-Fi spots in Japan and abroad.

Japan Wi-Fi: https://www.ntt-bp.net/jw-auto/en/index.html 

2. What is LIVE JAPAN?
LIVE JAPAN is one of Japan’s largest tourism information websites for international visitors. Built around the concept of “Sharing Japan’s Appeal with Global Travelers,” it offers information on tourism and related topics in up to eight languages. It comprehensively covers essential information for visitors staying in Japan, such as sightseeing spots, dining options, and transportation information. The platform is operated in collaboration with over 60 companies and organizations across various sectors including railways, airports, buses, Wi-Fi, and retail. NTTBP has also been a long-standing participant in this initiative.

Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108633/202503316619/_prw_PI2fl_IBvJGz1t.png 

LIVE JAPAN: https://livejapan.com/ 

3. New Top Screen
The Travel GUIDE tab allows users to quickly access LIVE JAPAN content covering sightseeing, dining, shopping, accommodation, and more.

Image3: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108633/202503316619/_prw_PI3fl_u7A50CPP.png 

4. Scheduled Service Start Date: April 10, 2025
Users can access the new features by updating the app or completing a new installation on or after this date.

5. Combining Connectivity and Information for More Comfortable Travel
As the number of international visitors grows, issues such as overtourism have become evident. To help address these issues, NTTBP aims to create a more comfortable and fulfilling travel experience by integrating reliable connectivity with relevant information.

Aiming to bridge the digital divide for international visitors, Japan Wi-Fi has historically focused on facilitating easy and secure connectivity through free Wi-Fi access. This integration with LIVE JAPAN allows travelers to smoothly access needed information and empowers tourist destinations to offer improved information. NTTBP hopes this fosters a positive information cycle that enhances the overall quality of travel in Japan.

Kuen Cheng High School Earns 2nd Place in Otis’ Asia Pacific Regional Made to Move Communities™ Challenge

School awarded US$15,000 grant to advance STEM programming

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A team of students from Kuen Cheng High School has been named runner-up in the Otis Asia Pacific region Made to Move Communities student challenge, a competition in which students apply principles of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) to propose solutions to real-world urban mobility issues.


Over the last several months, the high school students, with the guidance of Otis volunteer mentors, designed solutions leveraging AI technology aimed at enabling more inclusive mobility in their communities, and presented their ideas to Otis judges from the company’s Asia Pacific region. Otis (NYSE: OTIS) is the world’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service company.

The students’ solution titled City Alive: Leveraging AI to Resolve Traffic Congestion showcased an innovative concept using drones as command centers for the creation of autonomous and moveable platforms to clear road obstacles. The team received a US$15,000 grant from Otis to further advance STEM programming in their school.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Otis for providing Kuen Cheng High School with the opportunity to participate in this year’s Made to Move Communities challenge,” said Ms. Foo Cheau Yee, teacher-in-charge from Kuen Cheng High School. “It has been an enriching and meaningful experience for our students, who have gained valuable insights through their eight-week collaboration with Otis volunteers—enhancing their AI solution, strengthening their presentation skills, and learning how to position a solution for commercial viability.” 

“Rapid urbanization has driven the swift growth of cities across Malaysia, leading to traffic congestion, longer commute times, and reduced productivity,” said Pradeep Nair, Managing Director of Otis Malaysia. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the students of Kuen Cheng High School for securing second place in the Otis Asia Pacific region with their innovative solution to overcome Malaysia’s urban mobility challenges. Most importantly, we hope this experience has inspired them—and all participating students—to continue exploring and pursuing opportunities in the STEM fields.”

About the Made to Move Communities challenge

Launched in 2020, the Made to Move Communities challenge engages young minds to explore real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions with the potential to create more connected communities and improve mobility for all. This initiative brings together students, educators, and Otis colleagues as mentors with the goals of advancing STEM and leadership skills to help build the next generation of talent, ensuring future workforce readiness, and sustaining innovation.

Each year, the program focuses on a different theme that aligns with global priorities, such as sustainability, accessibility or technology. This year’s theme had students incorporate Artificial Intelligence into their proposals. Students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, applying STEM principles to address mobility-related issues. Through workshops, mentorship, and collaboration, participants gain valuable insights and skills that prepare them for future careers while making a positive impact on society. Participating schools also receive grants at the conclusion of the program to support ongoing STEM education in their schools.

This year, more than 250 students globally from dozens of schools participated in the challenge. To date, the Made to Move Communities program has reached more than 1,000 student participants, involved more than 950 Otis volunteer mentors, and delivered nearly 90 grants totalling over $1 million to support ongoing STEM education at participating schools.  

To learn more about the Made to Move Communities challenge, visit www.otis.com/mtmc.

About Otis

Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators, we move 2.4 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.4 million customer units worldwide – the industry’s largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world’s most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 44,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo.

 

The Nature Conservancy Urges the Government of Hong Kong for Designation of Pak Nai as a Marine Protected Area in the Northern Metropolis

 A Science-Backed, Community-Based and Consensus-Driven Conservation Plan Featuring Long-Term Conservation Recommendations to Protect One of Hong Kong’s Most Important Coastal Ecosystems  

HONG KONG, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has released a comprehensive report outlining 10 key conservation recommendations for the future management of Pak Nai, a vital ecological hotspot along the Deep Bay coastline.

The Nature Conservancy Urges the Government of Hong Kong for Designation of Pak Nai as a Marine Protected Area in the Northern Metropolis
The Nature Conservancy Urges the Government of Hong Kong for Designation of Pak Nai as a Marine Protected Area in the Northern Metropolis

Marine conservation in Hong Kong severely lags behind terrestrial conservation despite having rich marine biodiversity within a relatively small area. Hong Kong’s waters are home to at least 5,943 species, which represents over one-quarter of the total number of species known in mainland China. However, Hong Kong’s existing network of Marine Protected Areas (MPA)s covers only around 6% of its territorial waters, compared to the 30% global target. More importantly, many marine biodiversity hotspots remain outside of protected areas, leading to ecosystem degradation and leaving vulnerable species at peril from on-going threats.

At risk is Pak Nai, an ecological hotspot of regional significance at the Northwestern edge of Hong Kong. The area covers approximately 80 hectares stretching from Sheung Pak Nai to Ha Pak Nai and includes mangrove forests, oyster reefs, Hong Kong’s largest Halophila beccarii seagrass beds, and serves as a critical nursery for two threatened horseshoe crab species (Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda), as well as foraging grounds for thousands of migratory birds. Despite its rich biodiversity, the area remains largely unprotected and faces increasing threats from invasive species, illegal fishing, marine litter, and unregulated tourism.

To address this gap, since 2017, TNC has partnered with local communities, academic institutions, environmental NGOs, and volunteers to implement science and community-based conservation at Pak Nai. These efforts have already shown measurable success, including over 190% increase in endangered horseshoe crab populations, the reconfiguration of over 8,000 square meters of abandoned oyster farms into soft shore and natural oyster reefs, and the removal of over three tons of marine litter and 2,614 square meters of invasive Spartina cordgrass. Despite these successes, Pak Nai remains vulnerable to illegal fishing, habitat degradation, and unmanaged human activities. Without long-term and effective management, progress in conservation is reversible and a threat to the health of the Pak Nai ecosystem and the species that depend on them.

Marine Thomas, Associate Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy, explained the importance of community conservation efforts where official protection is lacking, saying:

“Like many marine biodiversity hotspots in Hong Kong, Pak Nai sits outside of official protection and effective management. As a result, threatened species that depend on them are vulnerable to local extirpation. As Hong Kong’s largest endangered horseshoe crab nursing ground, we couldn’t afford to wait for official protection measures in to fall into place, so we launched a bottom-up approach through community-based conservation empowering the community to take conservation into their own hands. The model has yielded positive results, but Pak Nai still needs increased government support for effective long-term conservation”.

The opportunity for increased protection under the planned Coastal Protection Park and TNC’s Conservation Vision for Pak Nai

In 2021, the Hong Kong government unveiled its project to transform a large area of northern new territories into the Northern Metropolis, which is set to accommodate over 2.5 million residents and partially develop rural areas. Pak Nai is included in the Northern Metropolis blueprint as a strategic site for conservation and ecotourism development within a proposed 10 km long Coastal Protection Park (CPP) along the Deep Bay coastline. With sound conservation planning and implementation, this new CPP could be an opportunity to ensure much needed protection and management of Pak Nai and other vital ecological areas.

To that end, TNC is urging the Government to ensure protection of Pak Nai’s biodiversity by adopting a science-driven, community-based approach that aligns with global conservation standards. Key conservation planning considerations should include:

  • Designating Pak Nai as a Marine Protected Area (MPA), e.g. Marine Park or Core Protected Zone under the Coastal Protection Park, to provide more active and formal protection for its rich biodiversity.
  • Carrying out community stakeholder engagement into the planning of the proposed Coastal Protection Park.
  • Incorporating effective management measures and scientific monitoring to track the ecosystem’s health, as well as regular evaluations to adapt and improve management strategies based on scientific data.
  • Aligning with international standards such as the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas framework to ensure effective governance and conservation excellence.
  • Integrating community-based management principles that engage and benefit local community stakeholders.

The report also proposes 10 Specific Recommendations for long term management of a Pak Nai MPA:

  1. Establish Core Conservation No-Go Zones – Zoning to protect the most ecologically sensitive areas from human disturbance.
  2. Carry out Active Habitat Management – Control invasive species, remove marine litter, and restore degraded mudflats (e.g. areas with abandoned oyster farms).
  3. Implement Long-term Scientific Monitoring – Track habitat health and species recovery including horseshoe crab populations, oyster reef associated biodiversity and seagrass beds as key indicators.
  4. Adopt Community-Based Conservation measures- Empower local communities to carry out conservation stewardship and develop sustainable ecotourism activities that align with IUCN standards and support long-term conservation goals.
  5. Adopt Inclusive governance:  Form a Pak Nai Advisory Committee with government, academic, conservation experts, and local community stakeholders to ensure transparent decision-making and incorporate community input into governance.
  6. Develop low-cost eco-friendly facilities – To minimize trampling on mudflats and seagrass beds while allowing visitors to safely observe wildlife.
  7. Set up adequate funding mechanisms that support on going-site management, inclusive conservation and community stewardship. For e.g. support on-site training programs for Ecotour Guides that to ensure sustainable visitor management.
  8. Adopt an Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) Approach – Address knowledge gaps through further scientific studies and habitat restoration across the entire estuarine ecosystem (for e.g. reforestation in degraded coastal hillsides).
  9. Establish a Buffer Zone – Prevent high-density development near Pak Nai to minimize human impact.
  10. Ensure Ecological Connectivity – Link Pak Nai with a network of other protected areas, including the subtidal marine and terrestrial areas of the Coastal Protection Park, Mai Po Nature Reserve and the broader Wetland Conservation Park Systems.

Ken Cheng, Resident Representative of Ha Pak Nai Tsuen, emphasized the urgency of these conservation efforts, saying:

“Pak Nai was once home to many large adult horseshoe crabs, but now we barely see any, and those we observe nowadays are much smaller. The decline of these iconic species reflects the overall degradation of our local ecosystem. These recommendations are critical for restoring and preserving Pak Nai’s natural environment, which will not just benefit the biodiversity but also create new opportunities for sustainable tourism that can support our community.”

According to Tom Chan, Community Conservation Manager at TNC:

“It is crucial that we include Pak Nai as a core conservation area within the new Coastal Protection Park or as an outstanding Marine Park. This area is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also rich in cultural heritage. Our research and community-based efforts over the past years have shown that inclusive conservation can effectively manage and protect Pak Nai’s unique habitats, benefiting both people and nature. The recommendations we have put forward, grounded in the IUCN Green List framework, aim to ensure that Pak Nai thrives ecologically while supporting sustainable development of the Northern Metropolis.”

As a member of the Hong Kong Marine Protection Alliance (HKMPA), TNC extends its sincere thanks to HKMPA partners for their valuable contribution, alongside the 6,500 public volunteers and 55,000 supporters who have supported conservation efforts. Special appreciation is given to the organizations and individuals who have supported TNC’s work in Pak Nai, including the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Marine Conservation Enhancement Fund, Ha Tsuen Rural Committee, local communities, oyster farming associations, and academic institutions. Their collaboration has been instrumental in advancing conservation goals and protecting one of Hong Kong’s natural gems.

For the full report, please visit [LINK].
For photos download, please go to [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, mainland 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 and @tnc_hk

Please consider the environment before printing this press release.

Zimbabwe Government Delivers on Commitment: Compensation of Former Farm Owners Under the Global Compensation Deed Commences

In February 2025, Government disbursed US$20 million towards compensation of investors protected by Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement whose farms were affected by the 2000 Land Reform programme


HARARE, ZIMBABWE – EQS Newswire – 10 April 2025 – Zimbabwe Government has started fulfilling its commitment to compensate Former Farm Owners (FFOs) claims under the Global Compensation Deed (GCD) signed in 2020. To date, 740 farms have been approved for compensation. In this regard, Government disbursed US$3.1 million for the first batch of 378 processed farms. This amount is 1 per cent of the total compensation claim value of US$311 million. Government has also issued Treasury bonds amounting to US$ 308 million for the first batch of farmers.

FFOs receive 1 per cent of their claim in cash, with the balance being paid through US$ denominated Treasury bonds with a 2 per cent coupon and maturities of 2 to 10 years. Government allocated US$10 million in the 2025 National Budget for the compensation of FFOs under the GCD.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Hon. Prof. Mthuli Ncube, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to reforms aimed at clearing the country’s arrears and resolving its debt burden, emphasizing that “payments to FFOs will continue.”

Monday 24 March 2025 saw the first US Dollar Cash payments due under this plan being paid to the signed up FFOs,” said Mr. Andrew. J. Pascoe, Chairperson of the Compensation Steering Committee.

Mr. Pascoe thanked His Excellency, President Dr. E.D Mnangagwa for upholding the commitment to compensate FFOs for improvements on farms acquired under the Fast Track Land Reform Programme more than 20 years ago. He believes this move “will attract and strengthen the local, regional and international goodwill that will be vital for the success of the country’s current Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process.”

UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Ayodele Odusola welcomed the progress made under the GCD framework and expressed commitment “to supporting a transparent, inclusive, and sustainable process that contributes to economic recovery and re-engagement.”

Ambassador of Switzerland to Zimbabwe, H.E. Stéphane Rey said; “These initial payments are a step in the right direction and hopefully more farmers will come forward to seek compensation based on this development.”

This compensation marks another historic milestone. In February 2025, Government disbursed US$20 million towards compensation of investors protected by Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement whose farms were affected by the 2000 Land Reform programme. Both milestones are key as Zimbabwe seeks to clear its arrears, restore debt sustainability, and unlock new concessional external financing to achieve its development goals. Zimbabwe further calls for support from partners to complement its efforts.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.

Download Image (1): https://apo-opa.co/4iXaNax (Zimbabwe President H.E Emmerson D Mnangagwa flanked by Zims Finance Minister Hon.Mthuli Ncube Afdb President Dr. A.A. Adesina Ambassador Nuno)

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Hashtag: #ZimbabweGovernment

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