Dear Friends,
You are cordially invited for a talk by Dr. Dan Brockington, Visiting Fellow at ATREE, affiliated with Institute for Development Policy and Management, The University of Manchester, U.K. on "Powerful Evnironmentalisms. Celebrity, Conservation and Capitalism" as per the schedule below
Date: 14th March 08 (Friday)
Time: 4.30 pm
Venue: ATREE terrace
Rgds
Kalpana Prasanna
Human Resources Officer,ATREE
email:kalpana@atree.org
================================================================
Here's Dan to tell you about his talk
There is a growing phenomenon in conservation:its creation of, and alliances with celebrities.
It is not new but celebrities are becoming increasingly important for making conservation work. But they also affect the type of conservation supported and can quite fundamentally affect popular relationships with nature which have been the driving force of so much grass roots conservation work.
In this talk I explore the phenomenon of celebrity conservation movements.
I examine:
- the forces driving the celebrification of conservation, and the general proliferation of celebrity of which it is part,
- which celebrities are getting involved in conservation,
- how people win fame for their conservation activity, and
- the work of charismatic and powerful individuals who operate behind the ranks of the celebretariat.
I will then discuss the consequences of celebrity conservation, considering:
- the sort of world which celebrity endorsement and famous conservationists promote, and
- the longer term implications for conservation of relationships with nature which are mediated by celebrities.
I will also be showing never-before-seen pictures of Salman Khan, SRK, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sting, Robert Redford, Amitabh Bachchan, Elle MacPherson and Colonel John Blashford-Snell.
But you can close your eyes when I do.
You can contact Dr Dan Brockington at the address mentioned below:
Institute for Development Policy and Management,
School of Environment and Development,
Arthur Lewis Building,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Road,Manchester,
M13 9PL, United Kingdom
http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm/staff/brockington_daniel.htm
email: daniel.brockington@manchester.ac.uk
Phone: +44 161 275 3233
Fax: +44-161-275-0421
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Orchids of the North East
Orchids of the North East, this is the topic of Dr Shashidhar Sastry's exciting new book.
Here,we share with you some lovely photographs taken by him.
Noble Dendrobium
Dendrobium nobile
It is one of the most popular and colorful Dendrobiums of the north east. It is found in eastern Himalayas, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Sikkim. This beautiful orchid can also be seen in Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand and Myanmar.
Fragrant flowers arise from upper nodes of canes, either with leaves or devoid of leaves.The flowers are about 3 inches in width and are arranged in groups of 2-3. Typically, the flowers have white petals tinged with mauve or rose at the tips and maroon in the central parts.
The plants thrive well in cool and dry conditions.Waterlogging and excessive use of fertilizers must be avoided.
Nun’s Orchid
Phaius tankervilleae (Aiton)Bl.
It is a large terrestrial orchid with palm like leaves. The inflorescence is almost three feet tall. The flowers are fragrant and bloom sequentially in attractive colour combinations, often with a pinkish tinge at the tip of each petal.
The plant grows well in places with plenty of shade and adequate moisture.
Paphiopedilum insigne (Lindl.)Pfitz.
Areas in North East India, Bangladesh and Nepal that are.rich in organic litter or have limestone outcrops are places where you can see this plant thriving.
It is a small to medium sized, orchid. The flowers have a shiny, waxy appearance with undulating petals and a slipper shaped lip that looks very attractive.
This plant flowers in winter, often with a single flower and sometimes even two and thrives on organically enriched soil.This species is widely used to produce hybrids.
Paphiopedilum villosum (Lindl.) Pfitz
This unusual orchid is found in Assam and Meghalaya in the north-east. Outside India, the plant can be seen growing well in Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
This orchid is best described as a terrestrial ‘paph’ with leaves that are linear, with green and purple spots near the base. The flowers are large, long, terminal and colored an interesting mix of green, yellow, crimson and orange shades.
The plant flowers in winter and thrives in soil that is enriched with humus. It grows well in regions with high rainfall.
Paphiopedilum fairreanum (Lindl) Stein.
You can see this orchid growing well by the edge of river banks as small clumps in soils rich in humus or in limestone outcrops in the eastern Himalayas and Bhutan.
This orchid is one of the green leaved ‘paphs’ and is named after Fairrie in Liverpool, England.
Solitary flowers, striking in appearance,with dorsal sepals that have lines and netting and a lip that is green and violet with purple veins are the distinguishing features of this orchid.
Farmer's Dendrobium
Dendrobium farmerii
It is a pendulous epiphyte.The pseudobulb is four angled with three to four leaves at the apex. The dense, cylindrical racemose inflorescence, often 15-20 cm long, with a bunch of twenty to thirty flowers arising from the node of canes look striking. Flowers last for a short period and the plants flower best after a long spell of dry weather. This lovely orchid is found in the eastern Himalayas,Assam,Manipur, Khasi and Naga hills.
Shoe-Lip Dendrobium
Dendrobium crepidatum Lindl & Paxt
It's generally found in Eastern Himalayas and north east India, especially, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. The orchid can also be seen growing well in China, Bangladesh, Myanmar,Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
This is a beautiful epiphyte, at times pendant, with long lasting, mildly fragrant, purple flowers, arranged in bunches of one to four. The orchid grows well at elevations of 500 to 2000 metres.
Text and Photocredits: Dr. K. Shashidhar Sastry
If you would like to know more about orchids of the north-east, you can write to him at the address mentioned below:
Dr.K.S.Shashidhar, IFS,
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden,
Nagaland Forest Department
Forest Colony, Dimapur, Nagaland - 797 112
or email him at kss70@hotmail.com
Note: The images published here may not be used either for personal or commercial use without the written consent of Dr K.S.Shashidhar
Here,we share with you some lovely photographs taken by him.
Noble Dendrobium
Dendrobium nobile
It is one of the most popular and colorful Dendrobiums of the north east. It is found in eastern Himalayas, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Sikkim. This beautiful orchid can also be seen in Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand and Myanmar.
Fragrant flowers arise from upper nodes of canes, either with leaves or devoid of leaves.The flowers are about 3 inches in width and are arranged in groups of 2-3. Typically, the flowers have white petals tinged with mauve or rose at the tips and maroon in the central parts.
The plants thrive well in cool and dry conditions.Waterlogging and excessive use of fertilizers must be avoided.
Nun’s Orchid
Phaius tankervilleae (Aiton)Bl.
It is a large terrestrial orchid with palm like leaves. The inflorescence is almost three feet tall. The flowers are fragrant and bloom sequentially in attractive colour combinations, often with a pinkish tinge at the tip of each petal.
The plant grows well in places with plenty of shade and adequate moisture.
Paphiopedilum insigne (Lindl.)Pfitz.
Areas in North East India, Bangladesh and Nepal that are.rich in organic litter or have limestone outcrops are places where you can see this plant thriving.
It is a small to medium sized, orchid. The flowers have a shiny, waxy appearance with undulating petals and a slipper shaped lip that looks very attractive.
This plant flowers in winter, often with a single flower and sometimes even two and thrives on organically enriched soil.This species is widely used to produce hybrids.
Paphiopedilum villosum (Lindl.) Pfitz
This unusual orchid is found in Assam and Meghalaya in the north-east. Outside India, the plant can be seen growing well in Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
This orchid is best described as a terrestrial ‘paph’ with leaves that are linear, with green and purple spots near the base. The flowers are large, long, terminal and colored an interesting mix of green, yellow, crimson and orange shades.
The plant flowers in winter and thrives in soil that is enriched with humus. It grows well in regions with high rainfall.
Paphiopedilum fairreanum (Lindl) Stein.
You can see this orchid growing well by the edge of river banks as small clumps in soils rich in humus or in limestone outcrops in the eastern Himalayas and Bhutan.
This orchid is one of the green leaved ‘paphs’ and is named after Fairrie in Liverpool, England.
Solitary flowers, striking in appearance,with dorsal sepals that have lines and netting and a lip that is green and violet with purple veins are the distinguishing features of this orchid.
Farmer's Dendrobium
Dendrobium farmerii
It is a pendulous epiphyte.The pseudobulb is four angled with three to four leaves at the apex. The dense, cylindrical racemose inflorescence, often 15-20 cm long, with a bunch of twenty to thirty flowers arising from the node of canes look striking. Flowers last for a short period and the plants flower best after a long spell of dry weather. This lovely orchid is found in the eastern Himalayas,Assam,Manipur, Khasi and Naga hills.
Shoe-Lip Dendrobium
Dendrobium crepidatum Lindl & Paxt
It's generally found in Eastern Himalayas and north east India, especially, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. The orchid can also be seen growing well in China, Bangladesh, Myanmar,Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
This is a beautiful epiphyte, at times pendant, with long lasting, mildly fragrant, purple flowers, arranged in bunches of one to four. The orchid grows well at elevations of 500 to 2000 metres.
Text and Photocredits: Dr. K. Shashidhar Sastry
If you would like to know more about orchids of the north-east, you can write to him at the address mentioned below:
Dr.K.S.Shashidhar, IFS,
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden,
Nagaland Forest Department
Forest Colony, Dimapur, Nagaland - 797 112
or email him at kss70@hotmail.com
Note: The images published here may not be used either for personal or commercial use without the written consent of Dr K.S.Shashidhar
Friday, February 15, 2008
Are India's biodiversity laws too restrictive?
Dr Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan believes so.
Check out this link for more details:
http://www.scidev.net/News/index.cfm?fuseaction=readNews&itemid=4218&language=1
Check out this link for more details:
http://www.scidev.net/News/index.cfm?fuseaction=readNews&itemid=4218&language=1
Saturday, December 8, 2007
UN Climate Change Conference - Dec 3rd -14th
Access the video archive here at: http://www.un.org/webcast/unfccc/2007/index.asp
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
4th ICEE Concludes with Ahmedabad Declaration
The 4th International Conference on Environmental Education for Sustainable Development concluded last week with a dynamic Declaration that was painstakingly crafted by a core team that worked very hard, spending sleepless nights, crafting the draft. You can read the Ahmedabad Declaration here at http://www.tbilisiplus30.org/Declaration.pdf.
The participants from different working sessions got together to draft a set of recommendations. All the recommendations made by different working groups will be published as a book.
Presentations made by some of the speakers during the plenary sessions and other sessions are available here at: http://www.tbilisiplus30.org/Speaker%20ppt.html.
The conference had nearly 1200 participants from 80 countries.
The participants from different working sessions got together to draft a set of recommendations. All the recommendations made by different working groups will be published as a book.
Presentations made by some of the speakers during the plenary sessions and other sessions are available here at: http://www.tbilisiplus30.org/Speaker%20ppt.html.
The conference had nearly 1200 participants from 80 countries.
Eco-Informatics Centre carries out a study on biodiversity awareness in Bangalore Schools
The Eco-Informatics Centre carried out a study on Biodiversity awareness in Bangalore schools and presented the findings at the 4th International Conference on Environmental Education for Sustainable Development. The presentation was made in the Working Session titled, 'Teacher Education: A Crucial Contribution to the UNDESD' that was jointly coordinated by Prof Charles Hopkins and Dr M J Ravindranath.
The study had 118 teachers and 223 students participating
The Study revealed that:
50% of teachers were interested in learning & using creative techniques for EE
75% of teachers not familiar with India specific EE & biodiversity related resources online
53% of students found environment science interesting but 47% of students found EVS boring, difficult or not fun to learn
The study had 118 teachers and 223 students participating
The Study revealed that:
50% of teachers were interested in learning & using creative techniques for EE
75% of teachers not familiar with India specific EE & biodiversity related resources online
53% of students found environment science interesting but 47% of students found EVS boring, difficult or not fun to learn
Friday, November 16, 2007
Research Position: Tsunami Modeling
Suitable candidates with very high research motivation in the field of tsunami modeling are invited to attend the Walk-in-interview along with their CV and supportive certificates on 23rd November 2007 at 9:30 AM in the Department of Applied Geology, Guindy Campus (Opp: to Gandhi Mandapam), University of Madras, Chennai.
The post is a temporary position (up to March 2008) in the Ministry of Earth Sciences funded research project entitled “Establishment of National Early Warning System for Tsunami & Storm Surges in Indian Ocean” .
Selected candidates need to undertake fieldwork along coastal areas of India.
No TA/DA will be given for attending the interview.
For more details please contact:
Dr. R. R. Krishnamurthy
Senior Lecturer in Applied Geology
Scientific Officer to the Vice-Chancellor &
Adjunct Faculty in Center for Ocean and Coastal Studies
University of Madras
Post Bag # 5327, Chennai 600 025
Tel: 0091-44-22531786
email:rrkrishnamurthy@gmail.com
Fax: 0091-44-24961561 (or) 22352870
Mobile: (91) 9840123142
TRINet: Tsunami Rehab Information Network
www.trinet.in
The post is a temporary position (up to March 2008) in the Ministry of Earth Sciences funded research project entitled “Establishment of National Early Warning System for Tsunami & Storm Surges in Indian Ocean” .
Selected candidates need to undertake fieldwork along coastal areas of India.
No TA/DA will be given for attending the interview.
For more details please contact:
Dr. R. R. Krishnamurthy
Senior Lecturer in Applied Geology
Scientific Officer to the Vice-Chancellor &
Adjunct Faculty in Center for Ocean and Coastal Studies
University of Madras
Post Bag # 5327, Chennai 600 025
Tel: 0091-44-22531786
email:rrkrishnamurthy@gmail.com
Fax: 0091-44-24961561 (or) 22352870
Mobile: (91) 9840123142
TRINet: Tsunami Rehab Information Network
www.trinet.in
Get to Interact With Dr Ramaswamy R Iyer on Nov 21st
Dear Friends,
Arghyam cordially invites you for an interaction session with Dr. Ramaswamy R Iyer where he will talk about his new book "Towards Water Wisdom - Limits, Justice, Harmony" on November 21st, 2007.
The Event Schedule and Venue are as follows:
Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Tea : 4:30 - 5:00pm
Talk : 5:00 – 5:30pm
Interaction: 5:30 - 6:30pm
Venue: The Aeronautical Society of India, Suranjandas Road, Opp: HAL Engine Division,
New Tippasandra Post, Off Old Madras Road,
Behind Fuscos School, Bangalore: 560075
Ph: 080 25297159
RSVP is mandatory. Kindly RSVP to Nirmala at (080) 41698941-42 or nirmala@arghyam.org.
Regards,
Sunita Nadhamuni
CEO, Arghyam
Bangalore
Enough water, safe water....always and for all
Mobile: 09343718064 / Office: (080) 41698941/42
Email: sunita@arghyam.org, info@arghyam.org
Websites: www.arghyam.org, www.indiawaterportal.org
Here are some details about the book:
Towards Water Wisdom - Limits, Justice, Harmony
Authored by: Ramaswamy R Iyer
Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi
________________________________________
Description:
There is a widespread view that a water crisis is looming. Towards Water Wisdom: Limits, Justice, Harmony stresses the need for an urgent and radical transformation of our thinking on water management. The first section evaluates the water scene in India, redefining the projected crisis as one of mismanagement more than scarcity. It calls for a shift from supply-side engineering to restraining the increase in demand, for conservation and more equitable management.
The second and third sections deal with water-related conflict, including detailed discussions of the Indus Treaty, Baglihar, the Cauvery disputes and rehabilitation problems in the Narmada Valley. Conflicting rights are juxtaposed: the fundamental right to water, contractual rights of corporations, economic use rights of irrigators and industries, the advocacy of property rights by the World Bank, and neoliberal economists. The analysis points to the emergence of water markets.
The fourth section examines the inadequacies of water laws and policies and the changes that are necessary. The fifth section presents national water concerns in other South Asian countries. At the international/global level, it deconstructs several notions and prescriptions currently in vogue, and takes note of significant new thinking. Finally, the author widens the perspective beyond water to the total system of which it is a part, and draws attention to a dynamic world scenario that makes a change in our thinking imperative.
Reviews:• This authoritative and timely book will help to replace heat with light in dealing with water issues…this extraordinarily valuable contribution will make a significant impact on contemporary discussions on water conflicts. - M.S. Swaminathan
• The author must be congratulated for integrating the various issues under the important phrase in the title, [Towards] Water Wisdom, based on fundamental ethical principles of human dignity and equality, of water being a common good and participation by all concerned in its management. - M.G.K. Menon
• This book stresses the need for an urgent and radical transformation of our thinking on water management.
(e Social Science www.esocialsciences.com/booksinfo/bookdetails.asp?bookid=32 )
• Towards Water Wisdom makes a fervent plea for an urgent and radical transformation of our thinking on water. The author redefines the projected water crisis as one of mismanagement rather than scarcity, and calls for a more equitable, harmonious and sustainable management of the resource - Water Digest, Aug 15, 2007
• This is not a book therefore that has neat solutions to a massive global challenge of which the water crisis is only a part. Indeed its purpose is to convey a complexity that eludes easy solutions. According to the author, development can theoretically at least be informed by sanity, balance and wisdom; technology too could be benign. But can this transformation take place in a world where the challenge of environmental protection is global, but where any plan of action must tie together initiatives from the community upwards? - The Hindu, Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007
Arghyam cordially invites you for an interaction session with Dr. Ramaswamy R Iyer where he will talk about his new book "Towards Water Wisdom - Limits, Justice, Harmony" on November 21st, 2007.
The Event Schedule and Venue are as follows:
Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Tea : 4:30 - 5:00pm
Talk : 5:00 – 5:30pm
Interaction: 5:30 - 6:30pm
Venue: The Aeronautical Society of India, Suranjandas Road, Opp: HAL Engine Division,
New Tippasandra Post, Off Old Madras Road,
Behind Fuscos School, Bangalore: 560075
Ph: 080 25297159
RSVP is mandatory. Kindly RSVP to Nirmala at (080) 41698941-42 or nirmala@arghyam.org.
Regards,
Sunita Nadhamuni
CEO, Arghyam
Bangalore
Enough water, safe water....always and for all
Mobile: 09343718064 / Office: (080) 41698941/42
Email: sunita@arghyam.org, info@arghyam.org
Websites: www.arghyam.org, www.indiawaterportal.org
Here are some details about the book:
Towards Water Wisdom - Limits, Justice, Harmony
Authored by: Ramaswamy R Iyer
Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi
________________________________________
Description:
There is a widespread view that a water crisis is looming. Towards Water Wisdom: Limits, Justice, Harmony stresses the need for an urgent and radical transformation of our thinking on water management. The first section evaluates the water scene in India, redefining the projected crisis as one of mismanagement more than scarcity. It calls for a shift from supply-side engineering to restraining the increase in demand, for conservation and more equitable management.
The second and third sections deal with water-related conflict, including detailed discussions of the Indus Treaty, Baglihar, the Cauvery disputes and rehabilitation problems in the Narmada Valley. Conflicting rights are juxtaposed: the fundamental right to water, contractual rights of corporations, economic use rights of irrigators and industries, the advocacy of property rights by the World Bank, and neoliberal economists. The analysis points to the emergence of water markets.
The fourth section examines the inadequacies of water laws and policies and the changes that are necessary. The fifth section presents national water concerns in other South Asian countries. At the international/global level, it deconstructs several notions and prescriptions currently in vogue, and takes note of significant new thinking. Finally, the author widens the perspective beyond water to the total system of which it is a part, and draws attention to a dynamic world scenario that makes a change in our thinking imperative.
Reviews:• This authoritative and timely book will help to replace heat with light in dealing with water issues…this extraordinarily valuable contribution will make a significant impact on contemporary discussions on water conflicts. - M.S. Swaminathan
• The author must be congratulated for integrating the various issues under the important phrase in the title, [Towards] Water Wisdom, based on fundamental ethical principles of human dignity and equality, of water being a common good and participation by all concerned in its management. - M.G.K. Menon
• This book stresses the need for an urgent and radical transformation of our thinking on water management.
(e Social Science www.esocialsciences.com/booksinfo/bookdetails.asp?bookid=32 )
• Towards Water Wisdom makes a fervent plea for an urgent and radical transformation of our thinking on water. The author redefines the projected water crisis as one of mismanagement rather than scarcity, and calls for a more equitable, harmonious and sustainable management of the resource - Water Digest, Aug 15, 2007
• This is not a book therefore that has neat solutions to a massive global challenge of which the water crisis is only a part. Indeed its purpose is to convey a complexity that eludes easy solutions. According to the author, development can theoretically at least be informed by sanity, balance and wisdom; technology too could be benign. But can this transformation take place in a world where the challenge of environmental protection is global, but where any plan of action must tie together initiatives from the community upwards? - The Hindu, Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007
Be a Commutiny Fellow!
This is a fellowship for young people between the ages of 20 and 27 years
For more details check out
http://www.commutiny.in/ccc.html#contact
For more details check out
http://www.commutiny.in/ccc.html#contact
Plant Trees for Free!
These people - www. treesforfree.org - will come and plant trees for you wherever you ask them to, free of cost.
Just call on 98454 49703 or email: rajanetyeg@gmail.com
Companies can adopt these trees by sponsoring them at Rs.100 per tree. The organization also plants trees in schools, orphanages etc.
Of course, you need to look after them afterwards. May be you would like to get some new trees planted in Bangalore, for all the ones that are being killed.
Just call on 98454 49703 or email: rajanetyeg@gmail.com
Companies can adopt these trees by sponsoring them at Rs.100 per tree. The organization also plants trees in schools, orphanages etc.
Of course, you need to look after them afterwards. May be you would like to get some new trees planted in Bangalore, for all the ones that are being killed.
The Oxford-Princeton Global Leaders Programme
Dear Readers,
I am involved in an exciting post-doctoral fellowship program, with Oxford, exclusively for nationals of non-OECD countries. This program is a partnership between Oxford's Center for Economic Governance, led by Ngaire Woods, and the Niehaus Center for Globalization and Governance, led by Helen Milner, at Princeton. We have very generous funding for up to six two-year post-doctoral fellowships a year. Fellows will spend their first year at Oxford, and their second year at Princeton. We plan to build a network of alumni, linked to our already-instituted Global Advisory Council on distinguished scholars working in developing countries.
The purpose of the program is to help increase the capacity of developing countries to negotiate on more equal terms with rich countries. We envisage our fellows returning with ideas and skills that will enable them both to train new cohorts of people with relevant expertise, and to participate in government themselves.
Candidates must either have a doctoral degree or be in the process of completing one, and they must intend to return to their own countries, or to other developing countries, for their career. We do not require a formal agreement, but in interviews we will seek to explore the depth of candidates' personal commitments to return to help their countries.
I am writing to solicit your help. Could you please take a moment to think both of potential applicants, known to you, and more senior people, especially in developing countries, who might know such potential applicants? Please feel free to forward this note and send the attached materials.
Further details are available on the Global Leaders Fellows website at Oxford. There is a link to this site on the Niehaus Center website. These addresses are as follows:
Website: http://glf.politics.ox.ac.uk/index.asp
Niehaus Center, Princeton: http://www.princeton.edu/~pcglobal/
Sincerely yours,
Bob Keohane
rkeohane@Princeton.EDU
Contributed by Harini Nagendra, Adjunct Fellow, ATREE
I am involved in an exciting post-doctoral fellowship program, with Oxford, exclusively for nationals of non-OECD countries. This program is a partnership between Oxford's Center for Economic Governance, led by Ngaire Woods, and the Niehaus Center for Globalization and Governance, led by Helen Milner, at Princeton. We have very generous funding for up to six two-year post-doctoral fellowships a year. Fellows will spend their first year at Oxford, and their second year at Princeton. We plan to build a network of alumni, linked to our already-instituted Global Advisory Council on distinguished scholars working in developing countries.
The purpose of the program is to help increase the capacity of developing countries to negotiate on more equal terms with rich countries. We envisage our fellows returning with ideas and skills that will enable them both to train new cohorts of people with relevant expertise, and to participate in government themselves.
Candidates must either have a doctoral degree or be in the process of completing one, and they must intend to return to their own countries, or to other developing countries, for their career. We do not require a formal agreement, but in interviews we will seek to explore the depth of candidates' personal commitments to return to help their countries.
I am writing to solicit your help. Could you please take a moment to think both of potential applicants, known to you, and more senior people, especially in developing countries, who might know such potential applicants? Please feel free to forward this note and send the attached materials.
Further details are available on the Global Leaders Fellows website at Oxford. There is a link to this site on the Niehaus Center website. These addresses are as follows:
Website: http://glf.politics.ox.ac.uk/index.asp
Niehaus Center, Princeton: http://www.princeton.edu/~pcglobal/
Sincerely yours,
Bob Keohane
rkeohane@Princeton.EDU
Contributed by Harini Nagendra, Adjunct Fellow, ATREE
Monday, November 12, 2007
Conservation Leadership Program - Deadline - Nov 23
For more details about this interesting award, check out http://conservation.bp.com/applications/fcawards.asp
Friday, October 26, 2007
Useful link for GIS and RS resources and lots more...
Check out; http://www.intute.ac.uk/sciences/worldguide/gis/CommonGIS/CIA2004.html
and the parent site: http://www.intute.ac.uk/
Contributed by: Mohammed Irfan-Ullah, PhD,
Senior Manager, Remote Sensing Applications Group (RSAG), RMSI
email: irfan.m@rmsi.com
and the parent site: http://www.intute.ac.uk/
Contributed by: Mohammed Irfan-Ullah, PhD,
Senior Manager, Remote Sensing Applications Group (RSAG), RMSI
email: irfan.m@rmsi.com
Monday, October 15, 2007
Report of the Inauguration of the Jalapaadom (Lessons on water) Program
ATREE in its effort to address the threats being faced by wetlands has initiated a Community Environmental Resource Centre (CERC) at Alappuzha, Kerala to involve local communities and institutions for wetland management. Jalapaadom is a unique environmental education programmes designed by the CERC for the students in the age group of 10-20 belonging to the schools in the Vembanad region.
The programme aims to motivate students to appreciate the values of wetlands so that they become advocates for wetland conservation and its wise use. Youngsters will be involved in the Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) activities, to address wetland degradation issues and to help restore the Vembanad Socio Ecological System.
The inaugural function of this program was held on 4th October 2007, at the YMCA Hall Alappuzha.
Inaugurating the function Shri. K.C Venugopal, Member of Legislative Assembly expressed his concern over the issues of Vembanad and appreciated ATREE for its timely intervention.
Shri. K.C Venugopal, Member of Legislative Assembly
Municipal Chairman Shri. P.P. Chitharanjan reiterated the significance of Vembanad and assured all possible supports to fulfill the efforts initiated by ATREE. The official logo of “Jalapaadom” was released by him.
Shri. K.V Dayal, well known environmentalist motivated students to be committed to protect their environment and take sincere efforts to safeguard the lake from further destruction. He distributed the “Water Quality testing kit” to some schools and colleges.
Shri K.V. Dayal distributing the water quality testing kits to students
Mr. Jojo T.D, Jalapaadom Program Officer briefed the audience about the objectives and structure of Jalapaadom. Dr. Ravi Chellam, Director of ATREE in his presidential address wished all the best for the program.
Dr. Ravi Chellam, Director of ATREE lighting the lamp
Dr. Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan, Principal investigator of Wetland Conservation Project, expressed ATREE’s views and commitments and requested all concerned people to join hands with this venture.
Dr Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan addressing the gathering
Teachers and students from schools and colleges included in Jalapaadom program were present to enrich the occasion. Many nature lovers, activists, officials and media were present to grace the occasion.
Dr Latha Bhasker, Programme Officer, Wetland Conservation Project delivers the vote of thanks
There was good media coverage in print-audio-visual-media about this programme. ATREE’s intervention to save Vemband through the young generation is given wide publicity by all media. M.M. News channel did cover the programme giving an interview of the programme officer. All India Radio covered the function giving a 20 minute exclusive broadcast. All Newspapers reported the function along with photographs.
A documentary on Kuttanad and a small cultural program by the students of St. Josephs College, Alappuzha added colour to the program.
The programme aims to motivate students to appreciate the values of wetlands so that they become advocates for wetland conservation and its wise use. Youngsters will be involved in the Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) activities, to address wetland degradation issues and to help restore the Vembanad Socio Ecological System.
The inaugural function of this program was held on 4th October 2007, at the YMCA Hall Alappuzha.
Inaugurating the function Shri. K.C Venugopal, Member of Legislative Assembly expressed his concern over the issues of Vembanad and appreciated ATREE for its timely intervention.
Shri. K.C Venugopal, Member of Legislative Assembly
Municipal Chairman Shri. P.P. Chitharanjan reiterated the significance of Vembanad and assured all possible supports to fulfill the efforts initiated by ATREE. The official logo of “Jalapaadom” was released by him.
Shri. K.V Dayal, well known environmentalist motivated students to be committed to protect their environment and take sincere efforts to safeguard the lake from further destruction. He distributed the “Water Quality testing kit” to some schools and colleges.
Shri K.V. Dayal distributing the water quality testing kits to students
Mr. Jojo T.D, Jalapaadom Program Officer briefed the audience about the objectives and structure of Jalapaadom. Dr. Ravi Chellam, Director of ATREE in his presidential address wished all the best for the program.
Dr. Ravi Chellam, Director of ATREE lighting the lamp
Dr. Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan, Principal investigator of Wetland Conservation Project, expressed ATREE’s views and commitments and requested all concerned people to join hands with this venture.
Dr Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan addressing the gathering
Teachers and students from schools and colleges included in Jalapaadom program were present to enrich the occasion. Many nature lovers, activists, officials and media were present to grace the occasion.
Dr Latha Bhasker, Programme Officer, Wetland Conservation Project delivers the vote of thanks
There was good media coverage in print-audio-visual-media about this programme. ATREE’s intervention to save Vemband through the young generation is given wide publicity by all media. M.M. News channel did cover the programme giving an interview of the programme officer. All India Radio covered the function giving a 20 minute exclusive broadcast. All Newspapers reported the function along with photographs.
A documentary on Kuttanad and a small cultural program by the students of St. Josephs College, Alappuzha added colour to the program.
Successful Ban on Use of Plastic in Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Between 15th July to 15th August 2007, ATREE along with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and Singampatti Samasthanam organized a successful campaign to ban the use of plastic in KMTR. Here's the report.
Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in the Agasthyamalai range is endowed with rare plants and animals. The reserve is also known for several religious and tourist places that attract large number of people from places far and near throughout the year and especially so during certain festivals. One of them is the Arulmigu Sorimuthu Iyanar temple which is visited by lakhs of people during the Aadi amavasai festival which falls on the new moon day of the Tamil month of Aadi.
The festival and its background
Locally known as the Sorimuthaiyan Kovil, the temple’s history can be traced back to the Pandian Kingdom of Singampatti. Iyanar and Mahalingam (a self-emanated Sivalinga) are among the numerous deities worshipped in the temple. On the day of the festival, mass-cooking and offering of pongal takes place.
During this festival, the Raja of Singampatti (who is also the hereditary trustee if the temple) holds his customary durbar for two consecutive days. Dance and martial arts performed by descendants of traditional dancers and walking on the fire by devotees are also an integral part of this ritual.
The issue
Earlier, few people used to visit the temple but now, due to availability of public and private transportation and better roads, the number of pilgrims has raised manifold. Since people visit the temple from far off places, they camp in the forest for 2 – 5 days. Besides fuel wood collection, threat of forest fire, water pollution and outbreak of diseases due to extreme unhygienic conditions, the major concern has been littering of garbage, especially that of plastics in the forest. Plastics not only clog the soil, but can also be fatal to animals that consume them. Lack of awareness and a complete absence of a garbage collection and disposal mechanism have been the contributing factors.
In 2006, ATREE, along with the Forest Department, launched an anti-plastic campaign during the festival and a clean up campaign by placing garbage bins. Though the effort was small, it helped us in planning a fitting campaign of a greater magnitude in 2007 to tackle the problem.
This year, we first worked towards getting a ban imposed on plastic covers and cups within the sanctuary. Later, a major awareness campaign on the hazards of plastic and the ban order was launched with the help of the Forest Department and the Temple Samsthanam. During the festival, a string of activities were planned to ensure a successful implementation of the ban.
Getting a ban imposed would not be possible without local support. For this purpose, letters of support were obtained from the Raja, the Panchayat members and Panchayat union, the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, pensioners’ association and farmers’ union of surrounding villages. This was submitted to the District Collector of Tirunelveli requesting for a ban. The Field Director of KMTR followed this up and eventually the collector issued a notice to prevent plastic in the sanctuary. The press and news channels were effectively used to highlight this. In total, 6 local dailies, 3 satellite channels, 3 local network channels reported the issue and the ban order.
Awareness was targeted at different levels using various media. Arumugal Trust - a local NGO, helped us in highlighting the hazards of plastic through a string of street plays and cultural programmes in target villages around Alayakulum. These were repeatedly telecast during prime hours in local TV channels. Prior to the festival, students from Tilak Vidalaya School, Kallidaikurichi; Thithapathi Higher Secondary School, Ambasamudram and St. Mary’s High School, V. K. Puram took out processions holding placards and wearing animal masks made by ATREE’s Green Brigade (an eco-club for school students also known as Pasmai Padai).
An awareness procession by school students wearing masks
Interviews in TV and radio channels were another important way of spreading awareness. Dr. R. Ganesan, was interviewed during the prime hour in Suryan FM – the most popular local FM channel. Dr. Soubadra Devy, Dr. R. Ganesan and Dr. T.Ganesh were interviewed by satellite channels where they spoke about the plastic menace and requested people to minimize use of plastic in the sanctuary. The ATREE team also gave lectures in schools and colleges on the importance of making the sanctuary plastic-free. To highlight the ban, we also arranged for a press meeting with the Panchayat leaders, the Rajah and the Field Director of KMTR.
Implementation
Bins were placed in various places to avoid littering. Over 3 days, about 500 volunteers from various colleges helped us in collecting plastic covers from the pilgrims and replacing them with cloth/ paper bags and in collecting and replacing plastic cups with paper cups from shops. The volunteers also took out an awareness procession around the temple. Efforts were made to ensure that the ban is implemented successfully during the festival.
A vehicle census was carried out on all 3 days at the entrance to get an estimate of the number of people and the number of vehicles that enter the sanctuary. Water samples were collected from the Tambraparni River before and after the festival to test for BOD and E coli levels. To assess the prevailing belief system that prompts people to visit the temple every year in spite of the hardships involved, a social survey was conducted. The social survey also looked at the awareness levels among people which will help in planning the next campaign better.
After the festival, a clean up of the place was organized. NSS students from Theerthapathi Higher Secondary School along with the ATREE and Forest Department staff picked up plastic covers and paper strewn all over the place.
Reported to The Eco-Informatics Centre by Jahnavi Pai and M. Mathivanan
Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in the Agasthyamalai range is endowed with rare plants and animals. The reserve is also known for several religious and tourist places that attract large number of people from places far and near throughout the year and especially so during certain festivals. One of them is the Arulmigu Sorimuthu Iyanar temple which is visited by lakhs of people during the Aadi amavasai festival which falls on the new moon day of the Tamil month of Aadi.
The festival and its background
Locally known as the Sorimuthaiyan Kovil, the temple’s history can be traced back to the Pandian Kingdom of Singampatti. Iyanar and Mahalingam (a self-emanated Sivalinga) are among the numerous deities worshipped in the temple. On the day of the festival, mass-cooking and offering of pongal takes place.
During this festival, the Raja of Singampatti (who is also the hereditary trustee if the temple) holds his customary durbar for two consecutive days. Dance and martial arts performed by descendants of traditional dancers and walking on the fire by devotees are also an integral part of this ritual.
The issue
Earlier, few people used to visit the temple but now, due to availability of public and private transportation and better roads, the number of pilgrims has raised manifold. Since people visit the temple from far off places, they camp in the forest for 2 – 5 days. Besides fuel wood collection, threat of forest fire, water pollution and outbreak of diseases due to extreme unhygienic conditions, the major concern has been littering of garbage, especially that of plastics in the forest. Plastics not only clog the soil, but can also be fatal to animals that consume them. Lack of awareness and a complete absence of a garbage collection and disposal mechanism have been the contributing factors.
In 2006, ATREE, along with the Forest Department, launched an anti-plastic campaign during the festival and a clean up campaign by placing garbage bins. Though the effort was small, it helped us in planning a fitting campaign of a greater magnitude in 2007 to tackle the problem.
This year, we first worked towards getting a ban imposed on plastic covers and cups within the sanctuary. Later, a major awareness campaign on the hazards of plastic and the ban order was launched with the help of the Forest Department and the Temple Samsthanam. During the festival, a string of activities were planned to ensure a successful implementation of the ban.
Getting a ban imposed would not be possible without local support. For this purpose, letters of support were obtained from the Raja, the Panchayat members and Panchayat union, the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, pensioners’ association and farmers’ union of surrounding villages. This was submitted to the District Collector of Tirunelveli requesting for a ban. The Field Director of KMTR followed this up and eventually the collector issued a notice to prevent plastic in the sanctuary. The press and news channels were effectively used to highlight this. In total, 6 local dailies, 3 satellite channels, 3 local network channels reported the issue and the ban order.
Awareness was targeted at different levels using various media. Arumugal Trust - a local NGO, helped us in highlighting the hazards of plastic through a string of street plays and cultural programmes in target villages around Alayakulum. These were repeatedly telecast during prime hours in local TV channels. Prior to the festival, students from Tilak Vidalaya School, Kallidaikurichi; Thithapathi Higher Secondary School, Ambasamudram and St. Mary’s High School, V. K. Puram took out processions holding placards and wearing animal masks made by ATREE’s Green Brigade (an eco-club for school students also known as Pasmai Padai).
An awareness procession by school students wearing masks
Interviews in TV and radio channels were another important way of spreading awareness. Dr. R. Ganesan, was interviewed during the prime hour in Suryan FM – the most popular local FM channel. Dr. Soubadra Devy, Dr. R. Ganesan and Dr. T.Ganesh were interviewed by satellite channels where they spoke about the plastic menace and requested people to minimize use of plastic in the sanctuary. The ATREE team also gave lectures in schools and colleges on the importance of making the sanctuary plastic-free. To highlight the ban, we also arranged for a press meeting with the Panchayat leaders, the Rajah and the Field Director of KMTR.
Implementation
Bins were placed in various places to avoid littering. Over 3 days, about 500 volunteers from various colleges helped us in collecting plastic covers from the pilgrims and replacing them with cloth/ paper bags and in collecting and replacing plastic cups with paper cups from shops. The volunteers also took out an awareness procession around the temple. Efforts were made to ensure that the ban is implemented successfully during the festival.
A vehicle census was carried out on all 3 days at the entrance to get an estimate of the number of people and the number of vehicles that enter the sanctuary. Water samples were collected from the Tambraparni River before and after the festival to test for BOD and E coli levels. To assess the prevailing belief system that prompts people to visit the temple every year in spite of the hardships involved, a social survey was conducted. The social survey also looked at the awareness levels among people which will help in planning the next campaign better.
After the festival, a clean up of the place was organized. NSS students from Theerthapathi Higher Secondary School along with the ATREE and Forest Department staff picked up plastic covers and paper strewn all over the place.
Reported to The Eco-Informatics Centre by Jahnavi Pai and M. Mathivanan
Recommendations for next year's Campaign
Here's a List of Recommendations made by ATREE's KMTR Team to ensure that next year the event will be even more effective
1. Better co-ordination between of the Forest Department and the Police and Municipality and ATREE in implementing the ban
2. Volunteers to be selected more rigorously
3. Advertising about the ban in local newspapers
4. Stop distribution of bit notices inside the reserve which adds to the garbage.
5. Urge people to throw plastic and organic waste in separate bins. A fine should be imposed on the offenders.
6. It should be made mandatory for shopkeepers to keep bins. The Forest Department or the Temple Trust could facilitate this by bringing the bins to the site and renting them out to the shopkeepers.
7. Shop keepers should not be allowed to use, sell or give away plastic bags and plastic cups. They should also arrange for bins outside their shops. License should be issued only on this condition. Offenders should be fined or their license should be cancelled depending on the extent of violation.
8. There should be more firewood depots. This year, firewood was sold only at a single depot and was not enough to meet the demand. People also found the fire wood at the depot expensive. This led to collection of firewood from the forest.
9. The police should be involved in enforcing the ban. For this, better communication and co-ordination required. This year the Police were unaware of the order.
10. Mandatory fine should be imposed at the check post for carrying plastic and liquor. Though the police checked for liquor bottles this year, they not treat carrying of plastic as a violation of law.
11. The temple authorities should provide permanent dust bins and undertake proper waste disposal.
12. There should be a regulation on the number of days people can camp within the sanctuary.
13. Screening of movies and songs on a large screen should not be allowed.
14. A working committee with executive members from ATREE, Forest Department and the Temple Samsthanam should be formed which should work towards implementing the ban well in advance.
15. Support for Volunteers especially for women/girls in terms of a clean mess, water and toilet facilities should be provided.
16. More attention should be given to Banathirtham and other temples where garbage is beginning to accumulate. It is better to curtail it at this early stage.
1. Better co-ordination between of the Forest Department and the Police and Municipality and ATREE in implementing the ban
2. Volunteers to be selected more rigorously
3. Advertising about the ban in local newspapers
4. Stop distribution of bit notices inside the reserve which adds to the garbage.
5. Urge people to throw plastic and organic waste in separate bins. A fine should be imposed on the offenders.
6. It should be made mandatory for shopkeepers to keep bins. The Forest Department or the Temple Trust could facilitate this by bringing the bins to the site and renting them out to the shopkeepers.
7. Shop keepers should not be allowed to use, sell or give away plastic bags and plastic cups. They should also arrange for bins outside their shops. License should be issued only on this condition. Offenders should be fined or their license should be cancelled depending on the extent of violation.
8. There should be more firewood depots. This year, firewood was sold only at a single depot and was not enough to meet the demand. People also found the fire wood at the depot expensive. This led to collection of firewood from the forest.
9. The police should be involved in enforcing the ban. For this, better communication and co-ordination required. This year the Police were unaware of the order.
10. Mandatory fine should be imposed at the check post for carrying plastic and liquor. Though the police checked for liquor bottles this year, they not treat carrying of plastic as a violation of law.
11. The temple authorities should provide permanent dust bins and undertake proper waste disposal.
12. There should be a regulation on the number of days people can camp within the sanctuary.
13. Screening of movies and songs on a large screen should not be allowed.
14. A working committee with executive members from ATREE, Forest Department and the Temple Samsthanam should be formed which should work towards implementing the ban well in advance.
15. Support for Volunteers especially for women/girls in terms of a clean mess, water and toilet facilities should be provided.
16. More attention should be given to Banathirtham and other temples where garbage is beginning to accumulate. It is better to curtail it at this early stage.
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