In the settlement of Torbat-e Jam, which is a refugee camp, a project to increase solar energy capacity was implemented. This project was carried out by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with support from the Government of the Republic of Korea and in collaboration with the Center for Alien Affairs and Immigration (CAFIA).
The expansion of solar generation brought economic, environmental, and social benefits to both Afghan refugees and the host local community. According to an UN press release dated July 15, the modernization significantly improved access to vital services, reduced emissions, and promoted sustainable development.
The initiative is part of the 'Scaling Sustainable Settlements for Afghan Refugees in the Islamic Republic of Iran' program, which aims to improve living conditions, expand access to sustainable infrastructure, and strengthen refugees' earning potential while supporting local communities. Building on the success of the first phase, UNIDO increased the capacity of the photovoltaic power plant in the settlement from 52.25 kilowatts to 200 kilowatts. The updated facility began operating in July 2025, allowing the settlement to generate significantly more clean electricity from the sun, which is one of the country's most abundant natural resources.
The results were immediate: within a year, electricity consumption from the national grid decreased by almost 36 percent, and peak electricity demand dropped by nearly 60 percent. These improvements helped reduce the operational costs of the settlement, lessened the strain on the national grid during peak hours, and helped ensure a more stable power supply for schools, medical facilities, and other public services.
The environmental benefit is also substantial. Annually, the expanded solar plant is expected to produce about 432 megawatt-hours of clean energy, preventing the emission of approximately 285 tons of carbon dioxide. Furthermore, this will reduce the consumption of natural gas and conserve water that would otherwise be used in traditional power generation—which is particularly important in the arid climate of Torbat-e Jam. Beyond the technology itself, the project focuses on people: UNIDO organized practical training for settlement staff on the operation and maintenance of the photovoltaic system, thereby developing local technical expertise and ensuring the long-term viability of the investment.
Mohsen, a 29-year-old participant, noted that the training provided them with practical skills and confidence in operating and optimizing the photovoltaic system, emphasizing how teamwork makes energy more reliable for their families and public services. The expansion of solar generation also contributes to Iran's efforts to increase the share of renewable energy sources, simultaneously advancing humanitarian aid, environmental sustainability, and national development priorities. The experience of Torbat-e Jam serves as a solid foundation for implementing similar measures in other Iranian refugee camps through continued cooperation between UNIDO, CAFIA, the Iranian Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA), the Government of the Republic of Korea, and national partners.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has introduced a lion marking initiative aimed at mitigating the growing problem of human-wildlife conflict in KwaZulu-Natal province, particularly in communal areas.
As the number of lion sightings in KwaZulu-Natal's communal zones increases, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has developed a proposal to tag lions in state protected areas and private reserves. This measure is intended to respond to growing anxiety among residents, especially in the northern parts of the province where increased lion activity causes concern.
A recent incident in the Phongola area in June prompted concern among local authorities, who urged the public to remain vigilant. After several days of searching, the lion was killed, with no livestock damage reported. However, this is just one of a series of recent cases highlighting the complex issue of lions escaping from protected areas and encroaching on communal lands.
Ezemvelo faces difficulties in establishing the origin of escaped lions, especially when livestock owners demand compensation for losses related to lion attacks. Currently, processing such claims is complicated because lions in private reserves are usually untagged, which hinders the ability to determine where the animal originated.
In response to the situation, Ezemvelo has included the issue of lion marking on the agenda for the upcoming KwaZulu-Natal Predator Forum, scheduled for October. The main theme of the forum will be 'Marking Lions from State Protected Areas and Private Reserves to Avoid Res Nullius (Ownerless Property) and Mutual Accusations.'
Vuyi Radabe, Ezemvelo's General Manager for Biodiversity, Conservation, and Operations, emphasized the organization's commitment to working with private reserves and industry stakeholders to strengthen containment measures. She stated: 'We strive to reinforce existing strategies to prevent escapes, ranging from assessing fence integrity to early warning protocols.'
Radabe also assured that Ezemvelo remains committed to open communication with communities affected by human-wildlife conflict. She appealed to residents for cooperation during response operations for the safety of people and animals. According to her, 'Human-wildlife conflict is a complex issue, but through collaboration and proactive management, we can reduce risks while protecting both biodiversity and community safety.'
The organization strongly urges residents to immediately report any sightings of lions, tracks, or livestock killings to the nearest office, police station, or the Ezemvelo emergency hotline at 0800 212 126. Ezemvelo has stated that every credible report of an escaped lion will be promptly investigated, and response teams will be dispatched if necessary to ensure community safety.
At the young age of 12, Taaragai Aarathana has made a significant contribution to marine environment protection by removing over 7,000 kilograms of plastic and ghost nets from the ocean.
This young activist's work is not limited to cleanup campaigns. She uses unconventional methods to inspire people to conserve the oceans, including performing Bharatanatyam dance underwater and swimming from Sri Lanka to India under the slogan 'Save the Ocean.'
Video footage shows how this moving dive inspired the 12-year-old resident of Chennai to become one of the youngest ocean protectors in India. This story is featured in the #ForceForGoodHeroes series, dedicated to India's invaluable heroes who are showing the power of change.
With the start of the date harvesting season (Al-Khayz season) this year, the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has launched the second edition of the 'Haraef Al Rutab' initiative.
Under this program, fresh dates are collected and distributed among families and communities across the emirate. The initiative is implemented under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.
This year, the program aims to deliver boxes of fresh dates to over 5,000 families and other target groups. This is achieved in collaboration with national farms and with the participation of 1,000 Emirati volunteers. Through this project, locally produced agricultural products are optimally utilized, and seasonal harvests bring long-term social and humanitarian benefits.
The annual event reaffirms the connection to the heritage of the Emirati people, which is associated with the fresh date harvest season. Furthermore, it aims to maximize the benefit from seasonal agricultural produce. The program also introduces the younger generation to the significance of the date palm in UAE culture and revives the Al-Khayz season as one of the country's traditional heritage seasons, historically linked to generosity, giving, and community bonding.
The implementation of the initiative is made possible by a partnership between the UAE Food Bank, the Dubai Municipality, the Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA), and the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, as well as national farms and volunteers. The distribution of fresh dates will take place through CDA community majlises, including Umm Suqeim, Al Hawaneej, Nad Al Sheba, Al Warqa, and Al Barsha majlises.
The distribution schedule is as follows: Umm Suqeim Majlis — Monday, July 20; Nad Al Sheba Majlis — Tuesday, July 21; Al Warqa Majlis — Wednesday, July 22; Al Barsha Majlis — Thursday, July 23; Al Hawaneej Majlis — Friday, July 24. Activities under the initiative will continue throughout the fresh date season in community councils across Dubai, where volunteers will participate in distributing boxes of fresh dates to target groups. A series of awareness and public engagement events is also planned, highlighting the importance of the date palm in the heritage of the Emirati people.
