Stories about Environment from February, 2014
The Sustainable Fishing Practices of Dhivehi Reef Fishermen
Maldivian blogger Hani Amir writes about the traditional fishing methods of the reef fishermen of Maldives which include catching tons of fish with their hands, instead of nets or rods. The bloggers also sheds light on how they are being exploited by greedy resort owners who tries to exploit them...
Kazakhstan's Charyn Canyon
Sergei Terekti presents [ru] a photo essay about his recent trip to Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan's own smaller version of the Grand Canyon in the United States: The main canyon is about 150 kilometers long; the Charyn River crosses it. Multiple gorges, valleys, and smaller canyons surround the Charyn Canyon. One of the main...
Saving Primate Lemurs
A group of researchers from Madagascar, Canada, UK and USA published a detailed report in Science that alerts on the possible extinctions of 90% of the known lemurs of Madagascar following the prolonged political crisis in the country. One of the researcher, Christoph Schwitzer, explains to the Scientific American the dire consequences...
Mushrooms, France's Latest Food Trend
Like wine or seasonal fruit and veg, mushrooms are highly valued both in the mind and on the plate, associated with a better lifestyle and local produce.
Malagasy React to SI Swimming Suit Issue and Model's Take on Madagascar
The 2014 Sports Illustrated Swimming Suit Issue was shot on Nosy Iranja (Iranja Island), Madagascar: Nosy Iranja is known as the Turtle island for the Hawksbill Turtles came to shore to lay their eggs. It is also known for the spectacular sandbank that bridges the two nearby islands. Russian Top...
“They Fell Our Souls and Memory”: Felling of Trees Draws Anger in Tajikistan
Whenever the authorities in Dushanbe launch a redevelopment project, they start by felling trees. Over the last decade, Tajikistan's capital has lost thousands of trees.
Toilets Should Not Be Emptied by Humans Say Indian Sanitation Laws
Despite the Indian government's stringent anti-manual scavenging law, the practice continues to flourish in pockets of India. A group of bloggers go on a field visit to find out more.
China: A Survey of City Pollution
Greenpeace has released its 2013 survey on air pollution in China. Dan Harris suggested foreign corporates should consider the index before picking their offices’ locations. The summary of the Greenpeace report in English can be found in China Hush.
Adapting to Extreme Climate Change in Mali and Madagascar
Climate change has already had a dramatic impact on the economy of two downtrodden countries
The Millenium Development Goal for Safe Water Is Still Beyond Reach for Many African Countries
Virgil HOUESSOU, a Benin-based reporter for the African association for clean water, is pessimistic about the Millenium Development Goal with respect to safe water. He writes on the collective blog Wash Journalists [fr]: A quelques mois de l’échéance de la réalisation des OMD [Objectifs du millénaire pour le développement], beaucoup de défis...
China Central TV Blames Beijing Government for Air Pollution
Beijing has reached Red Alert Levels of Smog during the past few days. China's state media CCTV wrote some comments on Sina Weibo on Feb 15, 2014, blaming Beijing government's impotency: 连续几天的沉默，说明了一个问题，严重雾霾天气多了，民众自然就会麻木，社会也会熟视无睹，但央视财经提醒的是，政府不能当瞎子，它必须要肩负起自己的责任，守土要有责，莫无知！无畏！无为！所以，央视财经大声的问一句，这里，还有人管雾霾吗？ Several days of silence indicates one problem: with constant smog, people will become numb, the society will turn a blind...
[Photos]: Birds Of Bangladesh
For a foreigner it’s hard to identify birds in Bangladesh as local books often have the wrong names in English, and Western books don’t have the Bangla names. The Face of Bangla blog and Jacob and Sanna's blog tried to help by posting popular birds’ pictures with both Bangla and...
Ending Illegal Logging and Launching Forest Carbon Credits in Madagascar
The new administration in Madagascar is seemingly making a concerted effort to curb down deforestation in Madagascar. First, new president Hery Rajaonarimampianina has made ending illegal logging of Madagascar rosewood a priority at his first executive meeting[fr]. Second, the Wildlife Conservation Society announced that the Government of Madagascar has approved...
‘Dolphin’ Marriage Proposal in the Philippines Angers Animal Rights Activists
Many Filipinos did not find it romantic to use a dolphin in a marriage proposal. Environmentalists described it as vandalism, unethical, and plain cruelty to animals
Argentina's Polar Bear ‘Arturo’ Will Stay at the Mendoza Zoo
After a medical evaluation, Arturo the polar bear will stay in Argentina. The people of Mendoza and different organizations demand better conditions for him.
Controversial Sindh Festival Accused of Risking Ancient Ruins for Flashy Kickoff
The festival celebrating the rich and vast cultural heritage of Sindh drew ire from some for its decision to hold the theatrical opening ceremony at the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-daro.
An “Increasingly Uncertain” Future for Central Asia's Fergana Valley
On the Caravanistan blog, Cycloscope writes about radioactive landfill sites in the Fergana Valley, a region “absurdly divided between Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan”: Unaware of the dangers of radioactivity, the locals take the equipment in the old abandoned mines and sell them as scrap, risking not only their own lives...
VIDEOS: Argentina's Melting Pot of Culinary Traditions
A large diversity of migrants in Argentina allows us to enjoy a wide array of international dishes often shared in feasts for the various immigrant communities throughout the country.
Remembering Dr Alison Jolly, Lemurs of Madagascar Expert
After leading a distinguished career as a primatologist at the Berenty Reserve of Madagascar, Dr. Alison Jolly has died at home in Lewes, East Sussex, aged 76. Dr. Jolly, a PhD researcher from Yale, made her name as the first scientist to do an in-depth account of the behaviour of the ring-tailed lemur, L. catta, beginning...
India's Solar Vision Promises Clean Energy And Happy Farmers
The Indian government is aiming to replace 26 million diesel-powered groundwater pumps with more efficient solar-powered irrigation models. The country also plans to build the world's largest solar power plant.
Caribbean Diaspora Blogger Makes Meatless Monday Meaningful
One Caribbean diaspora blogger puts her own spin on a meatless pizza that will have even the most committed meat lover longing for a slice.
