Beauty and Magic of Biodiversity

A few years back (year of biodiversity), the Canadian Commission for UNESCO collaborated with a Montreal-based Circus (l’Arsenal) to involve students, particularly from disadvantaged schools, in a creative approach to biodiversity which culminated in their viewing of l’Arche, a circus show on the beauty and magic of biodiversity. http://www.arsenal.ca/en/news/busy-autumn-for-arsenal/

The circus troup is now confirmed to tour in the UK from Sept 20- Nov 4 and they are looking for an individual to accompany them in the tour to speak to the audience (youth target) before the show about environmental issues in order to help the audience maximize their experience and to internalize the issues presented.

We are looking for British citizens who may be interested to take part in this adventure.   I can assure that it would be an unforgettable experience.

World Wetlands Day- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

Here are some wetland birds at Durrell:

Grey crowned crane

 

Blue crane chick

 

Black-winged stilt

Images by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

RETURN OF SNOW LEOPARD- PAKISTAN

A snow leopard has been spotted in Chitral forests after two years. According to the wildlife department, the big cat descended to the lower altitude due to heavy snowfall in high mountains and in search of food. Earlier, the villagers had installed bulbs around the village to ward off snow leopard. Also leopard killing was banned in the area but fearing its attack on livestock, the ban was lifted.
27 January
http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/snow-leopard-reemerges-in-chitral-forests.html

PADDY FIELDS TO TURN INTO BIRD SANCTUARY- INDIA

For almost a decade, farmers in South Sikkim have not been able to benefit from paddy cultivation due to crop depredation by peacock and wild boar from Kitam bird sanctuary. Considering this, the state forest department is all set to acquire about 1 hectare of paddy fields and convert it into bird sanctuary for which the acquired land will act as a buffer zone. Farmers have appreciated the move as they will be duly compensated.
30 January
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120130/jsp/siliguri/story_15067014.jsp

RAILWAY TRACK THROUGH ELEPHANT CORRIDOR- INDIA

Construction of new railway track is in full swing between New Mal and New Maynaguri. The track (4 km) passes through forestlands in Apalchand, Kathambari and the buffer zone of Gorumara National Park, the major elephant corridors for more than 150 elephants.
24 January
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-24/kolkata/30658586_1_gauge-conversion-elephants-forest-official

AWARENESS PROGRAMS TOP THE PRIORITY LIST FOR NGOs- NEPAL

According to Social Welfare Council (SWC), major chunk of donation funds are being spent on studies, workshops, seminars, trainings and campaigns. For various developmental projects in 2011 and 2010, the nation received NRS 3.062 billion and NRS 5.21 billion respectively but only NRS 582 million and NRS 1.1 billion were spent for physical developments. Interestingly, as per the SWC guidelines at least 60% of the total budget should be spent on physical development.
28 January

Republica

DEFORESTATION: POLITICS TAKES CENTRE STAGE, FOREST LOSING OUT- NEPAL

Excessive felling of trees by Community forest user groups in Dang District, West Nepal, and involvement of user groups in Chure denudation in Udaypur District, East Nepal, remains unchecked by District forest offices as the communities are backed by political parties. Meanwhile, user committees after receiving hush money from contractors, have allowed cutting of thousands of trees in Pyuthan District, West Nepal.  Amidst all these, Government of Nepal received NRS 4.45 billion for multi stakeholder forestry program, the first multi stakeholder project undertaken in Nepal’s forestry sector.
25, 26, 27 January
The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times,
http://www.nepalnews.com/home/index.php/news/19/16185-switzerland-finland-uk-provide-rs-445-billion-to-support-nepals-forestry-sector.html