Climate & Weather Watch: Copernicus reports May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with an unusually early, intense heatwave across western Europe (France, UK, Ireland, Portugal) and sharp rain swings—drier conditions in parts of Europe and flooding in places like Türkiye, Bulgaria and Moldova—while ocean heat stays near record highs and El Niño conditions loom. Biodiversity Survey in Madagascar: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners have launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming for Madagascar’s first official butterfly ID guide and stronger protection for fragile forest species. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches from a breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning of a growing black market for live insects. Forest Governance to Livelihoods: A regional webinar says Africa’s forest and biodiversity policies still lag on the ground, but biodiversity value chains could support rural jobs—especially for women and youth—if investments target real market pathways. Madagascar–Nigeria Diplomacy: President Michaël Randrianirina met Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu in Abuja for talks expected to cover trade, agriculture, security and climate resilience, including impacts in southern Madagascar. Food Systems & Climate Resilience: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly is calling for women smallholder farmers to lead food and climate policy, highlighting their role in building resilient food systems across the region.