Jean Thompson, Author at Dual cow

Guinea-Bissau: CSR cases supporting responsible fisheries and food security

23

Apr

Guinea-Bissau: Advancing Fisheries & Food Security through CSR

Guinea-Bissau’s coastline and the Bijagós archipelago sustain livelihoods, culture, biodiversity and national food security. Small-scale and artisanal fisheries dominate the sector; marine and estuarine resources are primary sources of animal protein for coastal communities and central to rural economies. At the same time, the country faces pressure from industrial fleets, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, habitat loss (notably mangroves) and governance capacity gaps. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) — when aligned with good fisheries governance and community priorities — can complement public and donor action to protect fish stocks, safeguard food security and strengthen coastal resilience.Key policy and institutional contextProtected…

Cameroon: CSR cases protecting forests and supporting alternative community incomes

23

Apr

By Jean Thompson

Social Responsibility

Cameroon: CSR Strategies for Forest Protection and Community Livelihood Diversification

Cameroon sits at the ecological heart of the Congo Basin and contains large tracts of tropical forest that provide global climate regulation, biodiversity habitat, and local livelihoods. Corporate activity in the forest landscape—ranging from logging and plantation agriculture to commodity sourcing and infrastructure development—has stimulated a range of corporate social responsibility (CSR) responses. These responses aim both to reduce negative environmental impacts and to support alternative, sustainable sources of local income. This article reviews the context, typologies of CSR interventions, documented cases and results, common challenges, and practical design principles for CSR programs that genuinely protect forests while strengthening community…

How do investors assess regulatory risk in biotech and pharmaceuticals?

23

Apr

By Jean Thompson

Investments and Business

Biotech & Pharma: Investor Regulatory Risk Assessment

Regulatory risk stands among the most pivotal factors investors assess when directing capital toward biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as these sectors rely heavily on government bodies to oversee product authorization, labeling practices, manufacturing requirements, and post‑market monitoring, and any single regulatory ruling can shape whether a therapy becomes a major success, faces prolonged delays, or ultimately fails to reach patients.From an investor’s perspective, regulatory risk reflects the probability that a product or company will face approval delays, restrictive conditions, unexpected compliance costs, or outright rejection. Assessing this risk requires a combination of scientific literacy, regulatory knowledge, and financial analysis.The Role…

Gluten: when avoiding it makes sense—and when it doesn’t

23

Apr

By Jean Thompson

Science and Technology

Your Guide to Gluten: When to Avoid, When It’s Okay

Understanding what gluten is and why it plays a significant roleGluten refers to a group of structural proteins mainly present in wheat, barley, rye, and their hybrids, contributing to dough elasticity and allowing baked products to rise and maintain their form; while it is harmless for most individuals, a smaller group experiences immune, allergic, or digestive reactions that lead to genuine health issues, so determining whether to avoid it depends on proper diagnosis, specific symptoms, and long-term nutritional considerations.When avoiding gluten clearly makes senseCeliac disease: an autoimmune disorder in which ingestion of gluten damages the small intestine. Prevalence is about…

22

Apr

By Jean Thompson

Culture and Entertainment

Delving into Conceptual Fashion

Conceptual fashion transcends traditional clothing design, focusing on ideas and concepts that provoke thought beyond the typical aesthetic appeal. It challenges the norms of fashion, encouraging both designers and consumers to interact with clothing as a form of intellectual expression and commentary. Through its emphasis on artistic narratives and philosophical exploration, conceptual fashion invites us to reconsider the role of clothing in our lives.The Origins of Conceptual FashionEmerging from the avant-garde movements of the 20th century, conceptual fashion arose from a wider cultural push to confront conventional norms, with designers such as Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons,…

London, in the United Kingdom: What drives private equity appetite for carve-outs

21

Apr

By Jean Thompson

Economy

Unpacking Private Equity’s Carve-Out Strategy in London

Private equity interest in carve-outs—assets or business units separated from a parent company and sold as standalone businesses—has grown in London and globally. London-based firms and their international counterparts are drawn to carve-outs for a mix of structural, financial, and operational reasons. The following analysis explains those drivers, how deals are executed, the risks and mitigants, and why London remains a leading hub for carve-out activity.Market context and momentumAbundant divestment opportunities: Corporates aiming for strategic shifts, regulatory alignment, or healthier balance sheets often shed non-core operations. Times of economic transition—from post-crisis overhauls to regulatory changes and industry consolidation—typically amplify the…