What in the World

North Korea is one of the world’s most secretive nations. For years it’s been almost entirely closed to foreign visitors (apart from a few highly-controlled tours each year). But in July the state opened the luxury Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, which was promoted as an attraction for both locals and foreigners. It has hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and a water park, with a capacity of 20,000 people, according to state media.Since the resort began construction in 2018, human rights groups have protested the alleged mistreatment of its workers. According to early planning documents seen by BBC Verify, the initial goal was to attract more than a million visitors, with foreign tourists expected to mainly come from China and Russia.But now, a notice on North Korea's tourism website says that foreigners are "temporarily" not allowed to visit. Russian tourists appear to be the exception. We speak to Rachel Lee, a BBC reporter in South Korea about why North Korea is trying to boost its tourism. And we hear from Anastasia Samsonova, a Russian tourist who visited the resort.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Abiona Boja Additional reporting: Yaroslava Kiryukhina Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Jamestown in Accra, Ghana, is famous for producing boxing world champions like Azumah Nelson. However, it wasn't until last year that a female boxer brought back a historic new title. Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey defeated British boxer Sangeeta Birdie, making her Ghana's first female boxing champion and Jamestown's newest boxing prodigy.Abigail tells us how the journey to victory was a difficult one. We hear about the social and financial challenges she faced in detail.Plus, Isaac Fanin, a sports reporter from BBC Newsday gives us a crash course on what it takes to become a world champion boxer.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Benita Barden, Beryl Richter Editor: Verity Wilde

The controversy over Adidas' Oaxaca Slip-Ons sparks a passionate debate on cultural appropriation versus appreciation. Critics argue the brand failed to collaborate with Indigenous artisans, raising questions about ethical practices in fashion. Legal expert Javier Uhthoff discusses the rights of Mexican designers, shedding light on how legislation aims to protect cultural creations. The discussion serves as a call for brands to engage in respectful collaborations and ensure fair recognition for cultural inspirations.

In this engaging discussion, Graihagh Jackson, a BBC journalist and the voice behind The Climate Question podcast, delves into the complexities of eco-tourism. She highlights Costa Rica as a model of sustainable travel yet raises questions about the true eco-friendliness of tourism itself. The talk explores the carbon footprint linked to air travel, the paradox of tourism's benefits versus its environmental toll, and the prevalence of greenwashing. Graihagh urges for practices that genuinely support both local communities and the planet.

Nigeria's women's basketball team just claimed their seventh AfroBasket title and are set to receive $100,000 and new apartments as recognition. President Bola Tinubu emphasizes the inspiring role of these athletes. However, reactions vary; many question the sustainability of these rewards amidst economic challenges. Listeners also hear about how other nations incentivize their athletes, from cash prizes to livestock, highlighting a global perspective on sport and financial support. The podcast dives into the tension between celebrating success and addressing economic realities.

Victoria Gill, a BBC Science correspondent, shares her insights on the recent discovery of the small Jurassic dinosaur Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae. She highlights how paleontologists continue to unearth new species, revealing the thrilling connection between dinosaurs and modern birds. Gill discusses the evolving dynamics within the field, from historical rivalries to today's collaborative efforts in fossil research. The podcast also features passionate voices from young paleontologists, showcasing the enduring allure of dinosaurs and their significance for understanding Earth's history.

Ghana's Year of Return initiative sparked a wave of returnees eager to reconnect with their roots. Individuals share their heartfelt journeys, revealing a blend of excitement and challenges. The impact on local communities raises questions about rising costs and economic benefits. Perspectives on identity, belonging, and community support highlight the emotional rollercoaster of relocation. The discussion dives into how these experiences reshape understandings of heritage while also addressing the balance between diaspora influence and local lifestyles.

If you’re a Barca fan, you might want to look out for a small change to the players’ kits that’s coming soon. The Democratic Republic of Congo has struck a four-year sponsorship deal with FC Barcelona, that will see “DR Congo - Heart of Africa" emblazoned on the back of their training shirts from the start of next season. The deal reportedly cost the country around 50 million dollars and includes a training camp in Spain for 50 young Congolese players, according to the Sports Minister. But it’s also faced criticism at home and abroad, as the DRC continues to struggle with poverty and political instability.BBC journalist Emery Makumeno joins us from Kinshasa to explain the reasons the country has given for making the deal and the issues its own football league is facing. BBC sports journalist Daniel Austin explains how sports sponsorship works and what it reveals about money, image, and influence in sport. And we hear from football fans in the DRC, who share what they think of the deal.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

At least 30,000 of the 350,000 known plant species on our planet are edible, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, but only 170 species of plant are cultivated for food on a large scale. As climate change affects plant yields and disease threatens some of our most popular crops (bananas, we’re looking at you), scientists say we need to explore so-called “forgotten foods” to diversify the crops we grow. But what are they — and what are some of the opportunities and challenges of growing them at scale?BBC Climate and Science correspondent Georgina Rannard explains why food security is such an important issue - and the solutions scientists are finding to tackle this. Kew Gardens ethnobotanist Philippa Ryan, from the UK, tells us about some examples of forgotten foods. And BBC Africa business correspondent Jewel Kiriungi explains why seed sharing - a practice to help preserve crop diversity - is banned in Kenya.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates and Julia Ross-Roy Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

If you look at the list of box office hits from the past year, you’ll see lots of live action versions of children’s and young adult films, and even film adaptations of video games. Films like A Minecraft movie and Lilo and Stitch.Last year Inside Out 2 led the global box office earning $1.69 billion, and 6 out of the top 10 movies were animated - it’s a big jump up from the year before. Previously action and comedy films seem to dominate, but this year, ‘The Naked Gun’ is only the second big-screen comedy to hit cinemas.Why are kids films and remakes of familiar films are doing so well at the moment? Megan Lawton chats to us about why this might be and what it might say about Hollywood.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde