Visa Pressure on Mobility: Comoros is reported to have the world’s highest Schengen refusal rate in 2024 at 62.8%, with other African countries also facing steep denials—costing applicants an estimated €60 million in non-refundable fees alone. Maritime Security & Climate Risks: Kenya is refining its National Maritime Security Strategy after an IMO-supported workshop, with priorities including inter-agency coordination, maritime awareness, and emerging threats like cyber risks, uncrewed systems, underwater infrastructure, and climate change. Mining’s Forest Knock-On Effects: A new study links mine development to wider forest loss across Africa—finding that each hectare deforested near mines can trigger far more clearing for roads and settlements, with DR Congo’s cobalt region seeing especially high multipliers. Wildlife Rediscovery: Scientists revisit the coelacanth story as the “extinct” fish lineage is highlighted again for its long survival in deep waters, underscoring how biodiversity can persist unseen. Tourism Costs & Sustainability Fees: A roundup of entry fees for EU travellers flags steep charges in parts of Africa and notes Bhutan’s added Sustainable Development Fee per night, tying travel access to sustainability funding. Public Health Links: New global findings point to alcohol intake and smoking as major shared risk factors for breast cancer and atrial fibrillation, with population-wide reductions potentially preventing large shares of cases.