Wilfredo Benjamin, an Afro-Dominican environmental activist from Samaná, leads efforts to address plastic pollution and promote environmental education in the region. He emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of Samaná, while highlighting the challenges posed by plastic waste and climate change. Despite systemic inequalities and environmental threats, Benjamin remains hopeful and committed to activism, viewing it as an investment in a sustainable future. The text also notes the recent assassination of the Dominican Republic's Minister of Environment, Orlando Jorge Mera, underscoring the ongoing struggles in environmental governance.

Cutting the Line is a documentary that highlights the severe impact of abandoned fishing nets on marine life, particularly seals along Namibia's Skeleton Coast. The film, directed by Alan Van Gysen and co-produced by Plastic Oceans, showcases the efforts of Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN) in rescuing entangled seals and addressing marine pollution. The documentary emphasizes the need for international policies and collaboration among local communities, NGOs, and businesses to create sustainable solutions. It also explores the economic challenges and the urgent need for biodegradable fishing materials to prevent further environmental damage.

The documentary 'Cutting The Line' highlights the severe impact of abandoned fishing lines on marine life along Namibia's Skeleton Coast. Ocean Conservation Namibia, led by Naude and Katja Dreyer, works tirelessly to free entangled seals and raise awareness about ocean pollution. Directed by Alan Van Gysen and co-produced by Plastic Oceans International, the film advocates for global policies to support communities in mitigating plastic pollution. It emphasizes the need for sustainable fishing practices and collaborative efforts among local communities, NGOs, and businesses to address environmental challenges.

The article discusses the Colombian Presidential election, highlighting Gustavo Petro as the current frontrunner and potential first leftist leader in the country's history. Petro, a former militant guerrilla, is gaining popularity despite his past, indicating a shift in the Colombian public's willingness to engage with its violent history. The piece also touches on Petro's vice-presidential running mate, Francia Márquez, an Afro-Colombian woman who has faced assassination attempts and represents historically oppressed communities. The article further explores the consequences of the 2016 peace process with the FARC, which left a power vacuum now being filled by organized crime, leading to increased deforestation and violence against land rights defenders. The author suggests that peace is the only way forward for Colombia, drawing parallels with South Africa and Northern Ireland, and emphasizing the importance of peace for environmental conservation.

The article by Jonathan Bonfiglio discusses the precarious state of democracy in the United States, highlighting voter suppression and the potential for civil unrest following the upcoming election. It reflects on the impact of the last four years, where lying by politicians has become normalized and suggests that this trend will not vanish even if the current leader loses. The author mentions global leaders like Bolsonaro, Duterte, Boris Johnson, and Victor Orbán, indicating a worldwide shift towards brazen leadership. The piece emphasizes the importance of integrity in the electoral process and suggests that the upcoming election is a critical test for the concept of democracy itself, urging readers to hope for less tumultuous times.

Pedro Uc Be, a Mayan writer and activist, is at the forefront of resistance against colonialism and extractivism in the Yucatan Peninsula. In an interview with Jon Bonfiglio, Managing Editor at Plastic Oceans International, Uc Be discusses the environmental crisis from a Mayan perspective, emphasizing local issues such as deforestation and water contamination. He highlights the inseparability of social and environmental justice, criticizing the elitist nature of the mainstream environmental debate and advocating for a pluricultural discourse at the community level. Uc Be also touches on the historical resilience of the Mayan people and the emergence of a new Mayan consciousness through cultural expression. The article also notes Uc Be's opposition to megaprojects like the Tren Maya and his experiences with threats of violence due to his activism. Indigenous land rights defenders in Latin America face increasing danger, with record rates of killings.

The Amazon rainforest faces severe deforestation driven by economic needs and local policy failures, while European forests have seen significant growth due to managed conservation efforts. European leaders criticize Brazil's handling of the Amazon, but local perspectives highlight the economic struggles driving deforestation. Sustainable development and direct support for local communities are suggested as solutions. The article contrasts the historical and current management of forests in Europe and the Amazon, emphasizing the need for intervention to address environmental and economic challenges.