As you can see, the five colors of the francophonie flag are reminders about the colors of the states and governments participating in the francophonie summit. It also represents the five continents. The interlocked strips symbolize mutual aid, reunification and dynamism.
The motto of the francophonie organisation is "égalité, complémentarité, solidarité" (equality, complementarity, and solidarity), which is a direct allusion to France's motto "liberté, égalité, fraternité" (liberty, equality, fraternity). 
The goal of the organization is also to send a message about peace, democracy, human rights, supporting education, cooperation and sustainable development. 

One of the exercises that every school does on this day is the famous “french dictation”. It is officially since 2004 part of the activities done around the world to celebrate the francophonie day. 
In France, its use began in 1850. The oldest is attributed to the writer and academician of the 19th century Prosper Mérimée. 
It is an exercise well known by the students in the French school system and it has become a playful activity for them and is very often a trial in many exams.
The goal of the dictation is to sensitize the students to the diversity and wealth of the french language by its expressions and vocabulary. 
​For the francophonie day the dictation presents itself as a few paragraphs in which there are expressions and words from regions and countries of the francophonie. This year the countries and regions promoted are Quebec, Lebanon and Lorraine.

So today don’t forget to take a pen with you, eat a croissant, learn the difference between vers, ver, vert and verre and be ready to celebrate the French language with all the other people speaking it across the world !

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​Forests are vital ecosystems for the health of the planet and the survival of many plant and animal species. They also play a fundamental role in regulating climate and air quality. In this article, we will explore the importance of forests and the threats they face.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), forests cover approximately 31% of the planet's land surface. These ecosystems are home to about 80% of terrestrial biodiversity and are home to millions of plant and animal species. In
addition, forests are important sources of resources for humanity, providing timber, food, medicines and other essential products.

One of the main benefits of forests is their role in climate regulation. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and convert it into oxygen. This helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, which in turn helps
combat climate change. In addition, forests also have a regulating effect on the local climate by preventing soil erosion, reducing temperature and regulating the water cycle.

However, forests face increasing threats. Deforestation, illegal logging, mining and agricultural expansion are some of the main causes of forest loss worldwide. According to FAO, about 10 million hectares of forest are lost every year, which is equivalent to the area of a country like Iceland. Amazing, right?

Forest loss has serious consequences for biodiversity and the global climate. Deforestation and illegal logging release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. In addition, forest loss reduces the capacity of ecosystems to absorb CO2 and other greenhouse gasses, further exacerbating the problem.

To protect forests and the biodiversity they harbor, concrete action is needed. This includes the implementation of conservation and sustainable forest management policies, as well as the promotion of economic alternatives for the communities that depend on them for their livelihoods. It is also important to take measures to reduce the demand for products derived from illegal logging, such as timber and beef.

In short, forests are vital ecosystems for the well-being of humanity and the planet as a whole. The loss of forests represents a threat to biodiversity, climate and the quality of life of the communities that depend on them. It is everyone's responsibility to protect and conserve these ecosystems for present and future generations.

The world’s climate is changing. These changes are caused by extra heat that occurs when the addition of greenhouse gases gets into the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels, for instance, generate greenhouse gases that act like a blanket in the atmosphere, wrapping around the Earth and trapping the sun’s heat.
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Luckily, healthy forests can keep global warming in check. Forests contain 662 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide – the most significant greenhouse gas –. After oceans, forests are the world’s largest repositories of carbon. They absorb and store more than half the global carbon stock in soils and vegetation. This means that forests and trees are among the best carbon-capture technology available. And therefore, the solution to climate change.

Sadly, forests can also be a source of greenhouse gases. The emissions from deforestation and forest degradation make up nearly 50% of global emissions. Moreover, agriculture, forestry, and other land uses are responsible for almost a quarter of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions.

Forests and their crucial role in the fight against climate change have become increasingly visible in international agreements since the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1994. Since then, international meetings regarding climate change have become more and more important. And the implementation of forests in combating the threat has become more and more defined.

Nowadays, consumers are gradually demanding forest products from sustainable sources. Progressively, forest product corporations are beginning the conversion to deforestation-free supply chains. For instance, palm oil, timber, paper, cattle, soy, cocoa, and coffee are products that will no longer contribute to deforestation and forest degradation, regarding the new EU Regulation.

To maintain protected areas and launch sustainable initiatives, many countries are restoring degraded and deforested land. This helps to take pressure off healthy forests and reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Concretely, restoring forests has the
potential to avoid more than one-third of the total climate change mitigation that scientists say is required by 2030 to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

Increasing and maintaining forests, ending forest conversion, and preserving the forest carbon sink, is, therefore, an essential solution to climate change. Nature – and in particular, forests – must be part of the answer to keeping the climate in the globally accepted two-degree temperature limit.

What is poetry? It can be said that “poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn”, or that “poetry: the best words in the best order”, or even that “poetry is the clear expression of mixed feelings”.

Poetry has a long and varied history. It dates back at least to prehistoric times with hunting poetry in Africa. The oldest surviving epic poem, the Epic of Gilgamesh, dates from the 3rd millennium BCE in Sumer, present-day Iraq, and was written on clay tablets and, later, on papyrus. Other ancient epics include the Greek Iliad and the Odyssey. Poetry is a distinct form of expression used by humans for centuries.

The world is always changing. And now, more than ever, it seems like the lack of interest in poetry is general and spreads quickly. It’s rare to see someone waiting for the bus reading a poetry book. So what changed?

New technologies have numerous advantages. Physical boundaries, such as distance, disappeared. And today, everything is faster and more accessible. However, with the new digital reality, mindsets have also changed. People would rather spend hours in front of screens on social media than dedicate time to a good book of poetry. And like that, this unique form of literature seems to be losing the fight against phones for people’s attention.

In this context, is important to reflect on possible solutions to save poetry from being
forgotten. That's how the idea of ​​aligning social media and poetry came about. In an attempt to keep poetry alive and reach more people. There are countless accounts on social networks, such as Instagram, Twitter, and tiktok, which produce content to promote poetry. These accounts have young people as their main target. They reach thousands of people and encourage reading. More importantly, they make poetry dynamic and current.

I leave in this article some of my favorite poetry accounts on Instagram, so you can celebrate this special day by checking them out or even following them.

@poetryfoundation

The Poetry Foundation isn’t only an Instagram account. Is an American literary society that seeks to promote poetry and lyricism in the wider culture. They publish daily on social media. In their feed, you can find your next favorite contemporary poet. “We work to amplify poetry and celebrate poets by fostering spaces for all to create, experience, and share poetry.”

@artofpoets

Art of Poets it’s an online community with an inspirational vision: “Inspiring readers to live a more conscious life”. On their Instagram, you can count on excellent book recommendations and a poem a day.

@poetspecial
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With this account, you have the feeling of opening a book. Every post is a picture of a page of a poetry book. I’m sure that in there you can find the perfect post to put on your stories to celebrate #poetryday. Their motto is: “we all are different, we all are special, poetry for all moods in one place.”

While some families shy away from educating their children about issues they themselves do not fully understand, there are others who experience hate on a daily basis and therefore have no choice. Education about racism and experiences of discrimination should be done in the right way and at the right time.

Even though conversations about racism and discrimination will look different in every family, science agrees: the earlier parents start the conversation with their children, the better.

Babies as young as 6 months perceive physical differences, including skin colour. Studies have shown that children as young as 5 years old can show signs of racial bias, for example by treating people of a certain ethnic group better than others. Ignoring or avoiding the issue does not protect children, but exposes them to the prejudices that exist everywhere we live. Children who face racism can feel lost trying to understand why they are treated in a certain way, which in turn can affect their long-term development and well-being.

Being silent is no option.

Children's understanding of the world develops as they get older, but it is not too late to talk to them about equality and racism. The appropriate way to start a communication strongly depends on the age of the child.

Children under the age of 5 begin to recognise and name differences between the people around them. As a parent, you have the opportunity to carefully lay the foundation for your worldview. Use age-appropriate language that the child can easily understand. Therefore, it is important to recognise and appreciate differences that the child may ask about. Focus on openness, fairness and explaining uniqueness.
It is not important to have all the answers, but to let the children know that you are open and fair.

Children aged six to eleven are better able to talk about their feelings and are eager for answers. They are also exposed to an increasing amount of information that they may find difficult to process. Start to understand what you know. Talking together about their main sources of information and media helps to uncover racial prejudices and stereotypes. Honest and open discussions about racism, diversity and inclusion build trust with your children.

Teenagers are better able to understand abstract concepts and express their opinions. They may know more than they think and have strong feelings about the subject. Be clear about how they feel and what they know and keep the conversation going. At this age, you can already encourage action and participation in online activism to respond to and address racist issues.

Regardless of your child's age, it is important to celebrate diversity. Imagine bringing your child into contact with different cultures and people of different races and ethnicities. Such positive interactions with other races and social groups help to reduce prejudice and foster inter-group friendships from an early age.

Be aware of racial prejudice in books and films and look for films that portray people of different racial and ethnic groups in different roles. Consider stories in which minority actors play complex or leading roles. This can do a lot to counter racist and discriminatory stereotypes.

Explore the past together to better understand the present. Historical events such as the end of apartheid in South Africa, the civil rights movement in the United States and other equality movements around the world are symbols of a traumatic past from which societies are still recovering. Understanding them together can show us how far we have come and how much we still have to do. These experiences can help your children develop self-confidence and openness to other perspectives.

You are the example your child follows. What children see their parents do is as important as what they hear them say. 

Like language, prejudices are learned over time. When helping those around you to recognise and combat racial prejudice, think of your own first. Take every opportunity to speak out against racism, show kindness and stand up for the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect.

Children are our future. Help them decide to go a peaceful and respectful way.

Most of the time we think that happiness is something that we can obtain externally, and with it, we can modify our way of thinking, or more commonly said ‘state of mind’.

However, if we pay attention to the professionals, we will realize that we are incorrect. Being happy is a state that comes from within and true happiness rises when we are in touch with ourselves, when we are aware of the here and now. How many times have we heard the phrase ‘be present’?

Despite this, ‘being present’, nowadays it’s more difficult than we think, due to the existence
of technology. Technology is in constant progress and evolution. We could not imagine our lives right now without it, and this is because it occupies all aspects of our lives. Since the appearance of computers, and as a result, the internet, televisions and over all smartphones, nothing is the same. The way we communicate or even entertain ourselves has changed, being completely dependent on technology. Life has become digitalised.

Nevertheless, we are not in a position to say or even assume that we would be happier in a world without technology. Looking back, not so many years ago, when technology was barely present, people were not happier or unhappier than they are in the present days, they were simply happy in a different way. Regardless of this, professionals remark that disconnecting from technology completely, detaching ourselves from these devices, and spending a day with loved ones will make us feel freer and therefore happier.

It is for this reason that the practice of mindfulness has become widespread in recent years. Mindfulness means to achieve awareness of self and reality in the present moment and in a non-judgmental manner. This awareness can be achieved through the practice of particular meditation techniques derived from those used in Buddhism. In other words, the practice of mindfulness sees as its main goal the fulfillment of a maximum degree of consciousness through which each individual should achieve a state of well-being. In fact, by becoming aware and non-critical of themselves and reality, individuals should be able to control and contain negative emotions, feelings and thoughts that can lead to suffering. The main way to accomplish this ‘process’ is through the act of meditation. There are different meditations approaches such as: Body scan meditation, Sitting meditation or Walking meditation. From Praxis we invite you to try any of them, given all its health benefits.

Linked to all of this, it must be mentioned in the ‘World Happiness Report’. The study informed us that the happiest people in the world live in sub-zero temperatures, swim in cold water and pay high taxes. Finland is at the top of the list as the happiest country in the world in 2022. The land of a thousand lakes is home to approximately 5.550.000 inhabitants. The secret of this civilization is to take pleasure in the small things such as a ray of sunshine on a winter day, the sound of the waves while you read your favorite book or the smell of a good croissant in the oven.

I don’t know if you notice dear reader, that all of the practices that we invite you to try all lead to the same conclusion, you have to be Now and Here. That’s why, the next sip of coffee you drink, do it being conscious, the next word you read doing consciously and the next
mouthful you take, do it consciously.

Political prisoners are individuals who have been arrested, detained, and imprisoned for their political beliefs and actions. They are often seen as a threat to the state, and their incarceration serves as a warning to others who dare to challenge the status quo. Today, political prisoners are found in many countries around the world, from China and Russia to the United States and Turkey.

The conditions that political prisoners face are often harsh and inhumane. They may be subjected to torture, solitary confinement, and other forms of abuse. In some cases, they are denied access to medical care or legal representation, and their families may be targeted as well.

Despite these challenges, political prisoners continue to fight for their rights and freedoms. They organize hunger strikes and protests, and they work to raise awareness about their situation both locally and internationally. Their struggle is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can endure.

One example of political prisoners that have gained international attention in recent years is the Kurdish political prisoners in Turkey. Thousands of Kurdish activists and politicians are currently imprisoned, often on dubious charges related to their alleged involvement in terrorism. These individuals are denied basic rights such as access to a fair trial or adequate medical care, and their treatment has been criticized by human rights organizations around the world.

Another example is the ongoing detention of Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, who has been imprisoned in the UK since 2019 after being expelled from the Ecuadorian embassy. Assange is facing extradition to the United States, where he could face life in prison for his role in leaking classified information. Supporters of Assange argue that he is being persecuted for his work as a journalist and his commitment to transparency and government accountability.

The ongoing detention of Palestinian political prisoners by Israel also is a current example. According to human rights organizations, there are currently over 4,500 Palestinian political prisoners being held in Israeli prisons, many of whom are children. These prisoners are often subjected to torture and other forms of abuse, and are denied basic rights such as access to medical care and legal representation. The situation is particularly dire in Gaza, where Israel's blockade has created a humanitarian crisis and made it difficult for families to visit their loved ones in prison.

The struggle for the freedom of political prisoners is not just a legal or humanitarian issue, it is also a political one. Those who are imprisoned for their political beliefs and actions are often those who challenge the status quo and push for radical change. By imprisoning these individuals, governments attempt to silence dissent and maintain their grip on power. Therefore, the fight for the freedom of political prisoners is also a fight for democracy, human rights, and social justice.

In conclusion, the plight of political prisoners remains an urgent issue that requires the attention and action of individuals and governments around the world. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about their situation and advocate for their rights and freedoms. We must stand in solidarity with political prisoners, and work towards a world where dissent is celebrated rather than punished, and where the voices of all people are heard and respected.

Today, March 3, 2023 is World Wildlife Day. But what is meant by “Wildlife” ?
 
To summarize, wild life is a part of biodiversity, which includes all forms of undomesticated free life, whether animal, plant, fungal or other organisms when they are little influenced by human activities or presence and impacts.
 
This day is so important because we humans are taking more and more place in this system and cause effects that are not always positive.
 
Indeed, currently, humankind has a rather destructive effect on nature: he cuts down forests, builds roads, uses chemicals that massively kill certain insects, fishes more than our oceans allow. Biodiversity is suffering from these activities and is declining significantly. 
 
Even the smallest touch of an individual can have a huge impact on wildlife.
 
But today we're going to look at the dangers of the estimated $19 billion global wildlife trade. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) : 
 
The illegal trade in plants and animals from both land and sea is estimated to be worth billions of euros per year to the networks that orchestrate it. 
 
The estimated revenues from wildlife trafficking rank it as the fourth most lucrative transnational criminal activity, after drugs, counterfeit goods and human trafficking.
 
For protected species, the process is vicious. The rarer they are, the more their by-products can be desired, thus accentuating the probable disappearance of the species.
 
African elephants are one of the major victims of poaching: between 20,000 and 30,000 individuals are killed annually for their ivory, threatening the disappearance of certain populations in West and Central Africa.
 
But a multitude of other species, among the best known, such as rhinoceroses, tigers, or even marine turtles, or on the contrary, less publicized, such as precious woods or certain fish for example, suffer the same fate.
 
In addition, when we talk about trafficking we think mainly of animals but there are also plants. For example.
 
Indeed, the same is true for cactus: many species are very localized. They are found, for example, only on certain steep limestone cliffs in Mexico, on a single sandy plot of land of less than one square kilometer on the coast of Peru, or in the depths of Texas.
 
In fact, the cactus are even more threatened than mammals and birds and are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. "Currently, 31% of cactus species are threatened with extinction," the IUCN wrote in 2015. "The destruction of its habitat, the horticulture industry and illegal trade in general are named as responsible for the taxon's decline," notes WWF for its part.
 
In conclusion, it is important to preserve wildlife in any shape or form, there are various actions we can take to reduce our behaviors contributing to plant extinction.

By financially supporting land conservation organizations and voting for protection, we can maintain an environment where plants can flourish.
By reducing our contribution to global warming, we can also limit negative impacts on plant endangerment.
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No matter how much, we can all contribute ! ; long live wildlife!