A tanker carrying 85,000 barrels of Mexican crude oil arrived in Havana, continuing ongoing exports to Cuba amid Venezuela’s deepening energy crisis and shifting regional dynamics. The government confirmed the shipments are part of sustained contracts or humanitarian aid, and that Mexico has become a significant supplier to Cuba as Venezuelan output declines. Data shows Mexico exported an average of over 12,000 bpd to Cuba in 2025, surpassing Venezuela’s deliveries, although President Claudia Sheinbaum insists levels remain within historical norms. Critics, including opposition figures, argue the exports lack transparency and represent a financial contribution to Cuba’s government without clear public accounting. The move occurs against rising geopolitical tension with the United States over Cuba and Venezuela policy.

Sheinbaum orders foreign affairs talks after Trump’s cartel claims

President Claudia Sheinbaum instructed Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss security cooperation after US President Donald Trump announced plans to “start attacking the cartels on the ground.” Sheinbaum said the talks aim to “strengthen communication” and share information on seized drug laboratories and coordinated efforts. She also spoke to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to reaffirm a shared understanding of security issues, describing Trump’s rhetoric as part of his communication style. The diplomatic move reflects efforts to balance cooperation with the US and Mexico’s sovereignty amid heightened cross-border security concerns.

Experts warn of potential terrorism risk ahead of 2026 World Cup

Security specialists have flagged a potential terrorism risk in Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting that the heightened global profile of the event could attract threats. At a security panel, they urged stronger coordination among Mexico, the United States and Canada to improve screening and border security, and highlighted vulnerabilities such as gaps in shared traveller-vetting systems. Former Mexican ambassador Arturo Sarukhán emphasised the need for integrated security strategies to prevent incidents tied to organised crime or extremist actors during the tournament. The warning reflects broader concerns about public safety and international cooperation in the run-up to one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Government ups its bet on voluntary disarmament to curb violence

Mexico’s federal government is increasing cash incentives for the voluntary surrender of firearms under its “Sí al Desarme, Sí a la Paz” programme, part of a broader strategy to reduce violence and illegal gun circulation. The new scale of payments offers higher amounts for surrendering machine guns, military-grade rifles and other weapons compared with last year, alongside protections for participants’ anonymity. The initiative, coordinated by the Secretariat of the Interior and backed by the army for the secure destruction of collected arms, is intended to tackle structural causes of violent crime by removing firearms from circulation. Officials say the programme boosts community safety while encouraging peaceful engagement.

National forest policy updated with new zoning framework

The government published a national forest zoning agreement under the General Law of Sustainable Forest Development, creating a unified, technical framework to manage Mexico’s forests. The zoning categorises forested areas by natural vocation, from conservation and restoration to sustainable production zones, using geospatial data and ecological inventories to guide planning and protect biodiversity. Authorities say the policy aims to improve coordination across government levels, promote conservation and support sustainable resource use while safeguarding soil, water and ecosystem services . The move responds to long-standing calls for more strategic, science-based forest governance and environmental planning.

Announced in June, this second disbursement brings Côte d'Ivoire’s total earnings under the carbon contract to $50 million. The country had earlier received $35 million in June 2024 after reducing 7 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

The funds are distributed directly to local communities, many of them former poachers now turned forest protectors, through mobile money platforms. According to World Bank Country Director Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, this system ensures transparency and traceability.

"Côte d'Ivoire is the first country in Africa and the second in the world, after Vietnam, to execute a carbon contract with the FCPF fully," she added.

Project coordinator Konan Éric explained that payments are based on verified environmental activities, with a new round of beneficiary registration set for July 2025. So far, 12,000 individuals have received funds, with the project aiming to support 30,000 beneficiaries.

Environment Minister Assahoré Konan Jacques emphasised the global relevance of Côte d'Ivoire’s achievement. “This strengthens our climate credibility internationally,” he said, highlighting that the country’s surplus carbon credits, exceeding 10 million tonnes, could serve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) or be sold on global markets.

Vietnam emerged as a global leader in forest carbon finance, becoming the first country in the Asia-Pacific region, and the first globally under the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), to fully implement an Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA) .

In March 2024, the country received a landmark $51.5 million payment for successfully reducing 10.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions between February 2018 and December 2019. This remains the largest single disbursement ever made under the FCPF program.

The Taï project demonstrates how carbon finance can fund both climate mitigation and poverty reduction, positioning Côte d'Ivoire as a model for carbon credit markets and climate action in Africa.

The World Bank, in its Climate Change Action Plan 2021 – 2025 , aims to reduce carbon emissions by supporting countries in developing and implementing strategies to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

After 13 long years of trying to mate Susi, the 15-year-old mother orangutan, Kasang Kulim conservation centre saw the birth of Ade on May 2 after a 10-month-long pregnancy.

"Thank God, after about 13 years here, we tried to mate the orangutan mother, and it managed to get pregnant. The pregnancy was 10 months long until the baby was born on May 2," Agustina, the manager of the Kasang Kulim conservation centre, told AFP.

Over 75% of the world ’s orangutan population resides in the forests of Indonesian Borneo.

Orangutans are particularly vulnerable to hunters due to their large size and slow movements. They are often killed for meat or in retaliation when they encroach on farmland and damage crops — a behaviour that typically arises when food becomes scarce in their natural forest habitat.

They are especially vulnerable due to their very low reproductive rate. Females typically give birth to a single infant only once every 3 to 5 years, making population recovery from declines a slow process.

Retail trade sales in Brazil rose 0.8% from February to March 2025, reaching their highest level since the series began in January 2000, according to IBGE's Monthly Survey of Trade. This marks the third consecutive monthly gain, pushing the quarterly moving average up 0.6%. Growth was broad-based, with six of eight sectors showing increases. Key contributors included pharmaceuticals and supermarkets. Books, newspapers, and stationery saw a 28.2% jump, driven by textbook sales delayed to March due to changes in the school calendar. Office and tech equipment rose 3.0%, following stock adjustments linked to currency fluctuations. Other gains came from household items (1.5%), pharmaceuticals (1.2%), apparel (1.2%), and supermarkets (0.4%). Meanwhile, furniture (-0.4%) and fuels (-2.1%) declined. Extended retail trade also grew 1.9%, led by vehicles (1.7%) and construction materials (0.6%).

Brazil industrial confidence rises to 48.9

Brazil’s Industrial Entrepreneur Confidence Index (ICEI) edged up to 48.9 in May 2025 from 48 in April, staying below the neutral 50 mark for the fifth straight month. Improved confidence came amid signs of recovery and a weaker dollar, despite high domestic interest rates. Business performance expectations rose to 51.3, while broader economic outlook improved to 42.5. Current business conditions also saw modest gains, with business confidence at 47.3 and economic sentiment at 37.3.

Brazil blacklists over 500 amazon farms in anti-deforestation crackdown

On May 6, Brazil’s Ministry of Environment blacklisted 545 rural properties in Pará for illegal deforestation, barring them from selling crops and livestock domestically and abroad. This marks one of the country’s largest satellite-driven crackdowns, replacing individual embargoes with mass penalties based on remote sensing data. Most affected lands are near Castelo dos Sonhos in Altamira—an area plagued by violence and rampant deforestation. Farmers have until June 6 to remove livestock or face fines. While appeals are allowed, many may miss deadlines for agricultural credit. The move has sparked fear and resistance among local producers.

BRICS de-dollarisation advances as Brazil eyes yuan bonds

Brazil is weighing two key financial measures : issuing its first sovereign bonds in Chinese yuan, known as “Panda Bonds,” and a Central Bank proposal to limit stablecoin transfers to non-Brazilian wallets, according to government sources. While the bond plan remains under review, its approval would mark a significant step in diversifying Brazil’s funding sources and deepening financial ties with China. The move aligns with broader efforts by BRICS nations to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. If issued, the Panda Bonds would be traded in China’s domestic market and settled in yuan, reinforcing Brazil’s growing role in the global shift toward multipolar finance.

Nigeria, Brazil to collaborate on homogeneous spirituality for tourism development

The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) will partner with the Brazilian Consulate to accredit Yoruba traditional practitioners, such as babalawos, Ifa priests, and traditional kings, before they are granted visas to Brazil. NICO’s executive secretary, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, announced the initiative at a press conference on the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON) in Lagos. The move aims to curb unethical practices by individuals posing as traditional practitioners and to preserve the integrity of Yoruba Orisha traditions. NICO also plans to create a platform to support global traditional worshipers visiting Nigeria for cultural exploration. Brazilian Consul General Manuel Inocencio de Lacerda Santos Junior praised the effort to uphold Yoruba heritage in Brazil.

Indonesian soldiers are preparing for the Republic Day 2025 parade in New Delhi, rehearsing on Kartavya Path. Rediff reports that the event showcases the Indonesian army's band and personnel as they get ready for the march. Photographers captured various moments, including soldiers posing and interacting with other military units.

Food sufficiency for Papuans

The Indonesian government, through Transmigration Minister M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, is focusing on helping young Papuans achieve food sufficiency. Since taking office in October 2024, Suryanagara has emphasised that Papua's development should be led by local talent, with external experts supporting the process. He announced plans for local transmigration to bolster human resources for food estate projects, ensuring that movements remain within the province to maintain national unity. Additionally, Deputy Minister Viva Yoga Mauladi highlighted the need to improve educational facilities in transmigration areas to enhance local human resources, Antara News reports.

Forest conversion

Activists are criticising Indonesia's plan to convert 20 million hectares of forest for food and energy production as "environmentally illogical and destructive." According to The Leader-Herald , the government aims to produce rice and bioethanol from sugar palm trees in a bid to boost food and energy sustainability under President Prabowo Subianto. However, environmental NGOs warn that this plan could lead to increased deforestation and exacerbate the expansion of oil palm plantations, Indonesia's top export, which already covers 17.77 million hectares. While the forestry minister claims the initiative will not clear forests but optimise agroforestry, activists argue that the focus should instead be on utilising existing agricultural land, respecting indigenous rights, and promoting genuine agrarian reform.

E-Visa application

Indian tourists can now apply for Indonesia's e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) online, streamlining the visa process for travellers from 97 eligible countries, including India. Economic Times reports that this digital platform, introduced by VFS Global, allows for quicker and more convenient applications, replacing the previous system that required obtaining visas at airports or embassies. Group booking features are also available for travel agents. The e-VoA permits a 30-day stay in Indonesia, with a possible extension of another 30 days, aligning with Indonesia's goal of attracting 14 million tourists by 2025.

International carbon trading platform

Indonesia has launched its first international carbon trading platform to support its climate goals, utilising blockchain technology for transparency and efficiency. Mahendra Siregar, head of the Financial Services Authority, noted the platform’s potential to attract foreign investment and foster sustainable development. Aligning with Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contributions, the country aims to reduce emissions by 31.89% domestically and 43.20% with international help by 2030, targeting net-zero emissions by 2060. This initiative is expected to enhance Indonesia's role in global climate action and aid in reducing carbon footprints, TV Brics reports.

Several countries, still, boast vast forested areas, contributing significantly to the world's total forest cover.

Here are some of the countries with the highest forest areas:

Suriname : 97.3% of the country's land is lush forest.

Guyana : Guyana's forests cover 93.5% of land.

Micronesia : Micronesia has a 92.1% of forest area.

Gabon : Just like the countries mentioned earlier, Gabon has a large forest area which covers 91.3%

Palau : Palau's forests span 90.2% of the country's land area.

Around 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions are due to deforestation and forest degradation. The 2019 IPCC special report on Climate Change and Land emphasised that planting new forests and protecting existing ones are crucial strategies for limiting global warming to 1.5ºC or well below a 2ºC increase.

Millettia sacleuxii , a species with no common name in English, was previously identified in just three forest reserves in the Nguru and Usambara mountains. However, two of these reserves were cleared decades ago for timber and sugar plantations, leaving only a small reserve near Turiani, now surrounded by rice and sugar fields.

Bianchi’s discovery near the Mvaji River was especially notable because the trees had managed to survive despite severe deforestation in the area. The surviving trees, although stunted, produced hundreds of pods filled with thousands of seeds.

These seeds were collected and taken to a nursery managed by Bianchi and the PAMS Foundation. In the nursery, 5,500 of the 7,000 seeds germinated into healthy seedlings.

Local farmers are contributing to the deforestation project by allowing parts of their land to be used for tree cultivation, and the foundation is working to include the project in the voluntary carbon market.

Concerns remain about the genetic diversity of the seedlings, with about 1% exhibiting plant albinism, a condition that can indicate inbreeding. Bianchi hopes to collect more seeds or pollen if Millettia remains in Dunduma.

“Even though we may have saved the species, the genetics are always a worry,” Bianchi said .

The successful cultivation of Millettia sacleuxii seedlings is a big step in preventing the extinction of this rare species and supporting the ecological recovery of Tanzania’s forests.