Canon EMEA (www.Canon-CNA.com), in partnership with Coral Spawning International (CSI) and Nature Seychelles (NS), has successfully achieved, and experienced its first coral spawning event in the newly established on-land coral breeding lab on Praslin Island in the Seychelles. The lab was built as a part of Nature Seychelles’ Assisted Recovery of Corals (ARC) facility and represents a significant advancement in restoring and protecting coral reefs against climate change by pioneering controlled sexual reproduction.

Since its operational launch in November, the lab has successfully produced approximately 800,000 coral embryos from 14 colonies belonging to the species Acropora tenuis cf. macrostoma. Initial evidence is highly encouraging showing the settlement of approximately 65,000 new corals, indicating the potential increase of genetic diversity and thermal resilience of the reef in the Seychelles.    

This has been achieved by moving beyond traditional ‘coral gardening’ techniques that normally result in genetically identical corals. Supported by Canon’s investment and advanced imaging equipment, the lab enables unprecedented observation and documentation during these natural spawning events. These tools are essential for building a diverse genetic bank of resilient coral species and provide researchers with invaluable data on reproductive timing and critical early growth and survival, all of which are crucial for developing reefs capable of withstanding threats like coral bleaching.

“Witnessing our first successful spawning event at the lab has been incredibly rewarding,” says Dr. Nirmal Shah, CEO of Nature Seychelles. “This lab, a key addition to our ARC facility thanks to Canon’s vital support and technology, has changed what is possible for coral restoration in the Seychelles. Since November 2025, we have seen coral offspring not only survive, but settle, grow, and cross the most fragile thresholds of early life, turning a moment of spawning into a pipeline of living, growing reef builders. In the months ahead, our focus is to move from proof of concept to impact at scale: increasing production, sharpening our understanding of priority species, and opening to students and partners so restoration becomes a next-level effort.

“To see the lab within the ARC facility open and already achieve its first natural spawning event is a testament to the dedication of this partnership and the innovation it represents,” comments Dr. Jamie Craggs, marine scientist and co-founder of Coral Spawning International. “Canon imaging technology has been pivotal, allowing us to observe critical reproductive processes with a clarity we could only dream of before.

We designed the systems to facilitate predictable spawning, enabling rapid learning and providing unprecedented insight into coral reproductive timing in Seychelles through the data and images collected by the team. The initial number of corals produced is hugely encouraging, and this marks just the first of many spawning events over the coming years.  

This year, our focus will be on reaching key milestones, including beginning to outplant juvenile corals grown in the lab and placed directly in the reef, and tracking the survival of these genetically diverse corals post-out planting, as well as expanding local expertise through advanced technical training. The outcomes of this first spawning have been incredibly positive, and we will continue pushing the boundaries of coral reproductive science to new heights while equipping more communities with these vital tools.”

Peter Bragg, Sustainability and Government Affairs Director at Canon EMEA, adds: “The fully operational lab and its successful coral spawning events are a clear demonstration of how technology can support scientific progress. We are particularly excited by how our imaging equipment is enabling researchers to reveal the intricate, previously unseen processes of coral reproduction, delivering invaluable real-world insights. We look forward to seeing this project evolve and in believe it will continue to foster a sustainable future for these vital marine ecosystems.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the global “rule of law” is being outmuscled by a “rule of force” during his opening address at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on February 23, 2026. 

Guterres stated that human rights are under a “full-scale attack” globally, occurring in plain sight and often led by those with the greatest power.

He decried a world where mass suffering is “excused away” and international law is treated as a “mere inconvenience”.He warned that technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence, is being wielded to suppress rights, deepen inequality, and target marginalized communities.

Guterres specifically voiced outrage over the continuing war in Ukraine, noting over 15,000 civilian deaths in four years, and condemned violations in Occupied Palestinian Territory, where he claimed the two-state solution is being “stripped away in broad daylight”. 

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk echoed these sentiments, noting that “domination and supremacy are making a comeback” and that the use of force to resolve disputes is becoming normalized at a rate not seen in 80 years.

Guterres urged world leaders to stop treating the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a “menu” where they pick only the parts they like.

By Anthony Solly

A new six-year partnership between the World Bank Group and Papua New Guinea aims to support the reforms and investments necessary to create jobs, improve services, and help build a foundation of lasting resilience.

The World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors approved the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) on February 17, 2026, setting the direction for World Bank Group support through 2031 in line with the government’s own development priorities.

Papua New Guinea is rich in natural resources but faces significant challenges to turn this wealth into better living conditions for all Papua New Guineans. With most of the population living in remote areas and limited access to basic infrastructure, expanding opportunity beyond the extractive sector and strengthening institutions will be critical.  

The CPF puts jobs at the center and focuses on four priorities: building skills and human capital, connecting communities to basic infrastructure, strengthening economic governance, and supporting private sector growth and economic diversification. Agriculture is a key area, with strong potential to create jobs if productivity and access to markets improve.

The new partnership will invest in education, health, and nutrition, critical in a country where the Human Capital Index stands at 0.42, while expanding access to electricity, roads and basic infrastructure so rural communities can participate more fully in the economy. It will also support reforms to improve transparency in the management of resource revenues, ensuring public funds are better directed toward people and infrastructure. 

“Papua New Guinea has immense natural wealth and extraordinary human potential,” said Han Fraeters, World Bank Director for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. “Turning that potential into tangible development outcomes and opportunities for all Papua New Guineans is the challenge ahead. We look forward to supporting practical reforms and investments that create jobs, strengthen institutions, and contribute to a more resilient and secure Papua New Guinea.”  

The CPF includes an estimated US$1.2 billion financing envelope over six years from the World Bank Group. Together, the World Bank Group will help mobilize private capital, strengthen economic governance, and improve transparency and management of resource revenues so that growth delivers greater benefits for Papua New Guineans.