Scouts in the Indian Ocean Zone of Africa are taking the lead in supporting young people to learn about and care for the environment, with the establishment of an Environment Embassy to assist national leaders of the Indian Ocean Zone National Scout Organizations, supported by staff of the African Regional Office and Central Office. The objectives of the Environment Embassy are to share, discuss and develop ideas, experiences and best practices surrounding the issues of the environment and sustainable development.

Haiti has been severely affected by a wave of cyclones in the recent months, causing considerable human loses and property damage.

For more than one month, the Scouts of Haiti have played an active role in helping the victims of this natural disaster, just like they did in 2004 after the disaster of cyclone Jeanne.

These actions, which service the local community, are currently integrated into week-long Scout camps for Rovers and leaders, and are located across three sites that have been particularly affected by the catastrophe: Gonaïves, Cabaret and Chansolme. On the whole, more than 1,800 people from all over the country, have been involved in this project.

Scouts in Algeria have been incredible in their support of the community in the Ghardaia region recently, as the area was dramatically hit by flash floods. The 'Scouts Musulmans Algériens' have proved the value of developing a disaster preparedness plan - which they activated with great success when the need arose.

On the 1st October 2008, the department of Ghardaia, 600 km south of Algiers, was hit by dangerous floods caused by heavy rains. More than 90 people were killed, 50 injured and more than 600 houses destroyed. According to the Algerian Red Crescent report, the mudslides overran the riverbanks of Oued M’Zab and invaded the villages.

BUJUMBURA - The Food for Life (FFL) project was launched in Burundi on 9 October 2008. The project was launched by a WSB – ARO (World Scout Bureau, Africa Regional office) delegation in a ceremony attended by the top leadership of Burundi Scouts Association (BSA) among them, the Chief Commissioner Dr. Thierry Gahungu and the National council.

2008 has seen another milestone achievement for the Scouts of the World Bases – this time in Singapore.

Riding on the momentum of the 10th World Scout Youth Forum and 38th World Scout Conference in Korea, the Singapore Base completed its second successful Scouts of the World Award Discovery Workshop on 14 September 2008.

The number of participants increased from nine to eleven this year. Led by Tan Sijie, the Course Director (who is the SWA Coordinator for Singapore), the group first went on a field trip in June to Pulau Semakau, one of Singapore’s unique offshore landfills.

In Togo, the last quarter of the year 2007 was marked by strong floods in the savannah, plateaus and coastal areas. Heavy rainfalls in the said areas and in the Lomé Commune, have produced a sudden rise in the levels of the rivers Haho and Zio, thereby resulting in floods. The immediate consequences of this situation are: flooding of fields and houses, destruction and/or flooding of roads

The Swiss National Jamboree 'Contura 08' has taken place in Eastern Switzerland on the Plain de la Linth with 25,145 Scouts participating in the two week event which takes place only every 14 years. This year's location was particularly special, because it was on the border of 3 cantons- St Gallen, Schwyz and Glarus.

Participants had the opportunity to take part in action-packed activities throughout the Jamboree which included a full day's programme in the Global Village. 28 workshops were presented by various NGOs and partners of the Swiss Scout Movement and World Scouting which explored issues relating to education, sustainable development, human rights and environmental protection.

Faced with the reality that global warming is the most important environmental issue today, Scouts across the world gathered at the International Environment Youth Forum from 20th to 21st July 2008 in Tokyo, Japan to address the issue. Scouts Association of Japan hosted the forum.

Jeju Island, Korea - 14 July 2008: Scouts from all over the world have traveled to Jeju Island, Korea to attend the 38th World Scouting Conference, which begins today. During this ‘General Assembly’ of Scouting – taking place from July 14 – 18 – delegates of all National Scout Organizations will discuss and decide on a wide range of topics and projects important to Scouting. Among these topics is the launch of the new World Scout Environment Programme developed with support of the Alcoa Foundation.

On Saturday 21 June 2008, the President of FIS, that is, Fédération Ivoirienne du Scoutisme (Federation of Ivorian Scouting), Dr. DOUMBIA Gnamakolo, reiterating the need to live in a healthy environment, officially launched the 'Operation Youth for Clean Cities' which will be implemented in two phases. First, in Abidjan, then in the interior cities. This colourful ceremony took place in Attecoubé, one of the four pilot areas, in the presence of the Director General of youth affairs, Mr. Sery Bially, municipal officials, traditional and religious leaders, and presidents of youth movements and associations.