Safari Notes

Mauritius Ranks Twenty-fourth in World's Democracy Index

2012-01-24T22:48:00.000-08:00

Mauritius ranks 24th

According to the Economist: The results of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index 2011 show that democracy has been under intense pressure in many parts of the world.

The Economist Intelligence Unit of Democracy

But, incredibly, Mauritius, the tiny island nation off the coast of Southern Africa, out of 165 countries - ranks twenty-fourth: This little country (population: 1.2 million) is the wealthiest, best-governed country in Africa. The World Bank put it first in its ranking of African economies (and 20th worldwide). The Mo Ibrahim Foundation ranked it first in its Ibrahim Index, which measures African countries based on rule of law, human rights, human development and economic opportunity.

More instructive still is the ranking of Mauritius in the Index of Economic Freedom published by the Washington-based Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal. In 2010, this index put Mauritius in 12th place (out of 179 countries); in 2012, it elevated the country to eighth place (with a score, out of 100 points, of 77, only two slots behind Canada’s 79.9). It was the first time an African country had placed in the index’s top 10 – and it did so by surpassing the United States (in 10th place with a score of 76.3).

Mauritius is a small multiracial country that has practised free-market economics for years – and now has top 10 rankings in both democratic governance and economic performance. The economy expanded by 4 per cent last year, and average incomes increased to $14,000 (U.S.). (China, incidentally, ranked 138th and Russia 144th.) Economic freedom is as much a prerequisite for democracy as voting. Let’s hear it for the prosperous little democracy with a dodo on its coat of arms. The Globe And Mail

Mauritius continues to be a success story. The small Indian Ocean island continues to be in great contrast to most African states. As tiny as it is, Mauritius is indeed a Giant. Congratulations to Mauritius and their leaders for being among the top 25 most democratic countries in the world! Can the other African countries do the needed and the same.

'Kinyarwanda': another Perspective on the Rwandan Genocide

2011-12-23T00:12:00.000-08:00

Remember the movie 'Hotel Rwanda'? Which told the very painful, gruesome story of how some Rwandans went through the genocide? Now there is another motion picture which, too, tells a story based on events during the Rwandan genocide. With a different perspective. It is a powerful, touching, very painful and eye-opening, award winning movie, Kinyarwanda: Forgiveness is Freedom - about those horrific one-hundred-or-so days of the Rwandan genocide - which resulted in almost one million people being mercilessly hunted and butchered; and the very peaceful, caring role Muslims played during that period:

At the time of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the Mufti of Rwanda, the most respected Muslim leader in the country, issued a fatwa forbidding Muslims from participating in the killing of the Tutsi. As the country became a slaughterhouse, mosques became places of refuge where Muslims and Christians, Hutus and Tutsis came together to protect each other. KINYARWANDA is based on true accounts from survivors who took refuge at the Grand Mosque of Kigali and the madrassa of Nyanza. It recounts how the Imams opened the doors of the mosques to give refuge to the Tutsi and those Hutu who refused to participate in the killing.

Many of us who know of Rwanda, many times associate it with the dreadful genocide of 1994. But, Rwanda is now so improved and so transformed that one recent newsman, visiting the country couldn't help saying: Rwanda is the cleanest country I've ever seen. In the last sixteen years, since the genocide - Rwanda has dramatically very much changed. Thanks to its gifted leaders and its very resilient people. Not only are mountain gorillas being very well protected and their numbers steadily increasing through the years. Not only is Kigali, its very scenic capital city, the cleanest, safest and most orderly urban center in the region - but, the whole country is being cleaned up. Rwanda, today, is also the least corrupt and the fastest growing country in Eastern Africa.

Help With Food and Change Lives

2011-12-21T23:54:00.000-08:00

Many of us have so much food to eat, everyday, that some of that food is wasted or thrown away. Ever thought of how difficult it can be to be hungry? For Muslims who fast during the month of Ramadhan, they know how hard that can be. There are millions of our fellow Mankind around the world, who, daily - have nothing to eat or too little food. There are millions who do not know where there next meal is going to come from. Hunger and malnutrition are still the number one risks to health worldwide:

There are 925 million undernourished people in the world today. That means one in seven people do not get enough food to be healthy and lead an active life. Hunger and malnutrition are in fact the number one risk to the health worldwide — greater than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. World Food Programme

Get involved. Each of us can help. You can help. By helping, feed your next door neighbor. By feeding any hungry person or family you know of. By feeding a hungry person in need who you meet on your way. Or, by getting involved in any reputable humanitarian, aid agency. Agencies like the: World Food Programme, Save the Children, One Org and the Hunger Site.

CCTV News Africa

2011-12-17T02:27:00.000-08:00

For most Africans, since their countries got independence, BBC has been the most preferred and most tuned to - news channel from a foreign country. Then, for TV viewers, in the 1990s came CNN; which was then followed by Al Jazeera. All along, the French on their part have been transmitting news in French and in English. But, whoever thought of Africans tuning in to a Chinese news channel?

That's what the main international Chinese channel is aiming at: CCTV (China Central TeleVision) - headquartered in Beijing, is soon going to expand. The state broadcaster is launching a major expansion in pursuit of an international audience, increasing its overseas staff fivefold by the end of next year and almost tenfold by 2016. It hopes to win millions of viewers in the US and Africa with English-language services produced in Washington and Nairobi.......At the heart of operations will be six hubs: two probably in London and Dubai and others in South America and the Asia Pacific region.......It is understood to have hired some 150 people, with Washington gaining 60 staff. Most will be working for the English- and other foreign-language channels. In Nairobi, the Kenyan vice-president has said Chinese officials plan to increase CCTV's staff from 12 to 150. It has poached high-profile anchors from local networks for CCTV Africa.

CCTV Beijing

For Western countries, especially their main stream media organizations, this move by the Chinese - is not welcomed. It is suspiciously viewed as a way; for this powerful, fast growing country - increasing and expanding its global influence. For the last two decades, China has rapidly and vigorously been expanding its influence in Africa: economically and politically. And now, it intends to do that culturally. Many African countries have greatly benefited from China's economic influence. As for China widening its news into Africa, it doesn't really matter how influential that would be. But, for a change - Africans will have more choices, options and a variety when listening to international news channels from foreign lands. For a change, Africans will have news from a Chinese perspective. Which is certainly much more different from/to all the other Western dominated news medias.

Wangari Maathai: the Environmentalist, the People's Champion and the Role Model

2011-09-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

It is not how long we live that matters. It is what we do while living that does. For me, she has been the greatest Kenyan who ever lived. A philanthropist. A humanitarian. A politician. An activist. And one of the bravest and greatest campaigners the world has ever known.

But, it is as one of the greatest environmentalist that the world has ever known that Wangari Maathai will always be known for and remembered for. That made her, worldwide, be so revered and so highly regarded like no other Kenyan. She was the first woman from the East and central African countries to have a doctorate. And the first African woman to have won the Nobel Peace Price.

Against poverty. Against injustice. For human rights. For women's rights. For peace. And above all, for the environment. She lived. She practiced. She did. And dedicated her life to. Bravely and courageously dedicated her life to. We will always fondly remember her and miss her as not only the greatest activist Kenya has ever known. Not only as the greatest environmentalist Africa has ever had. But, also as one of the greatest environmental activist, campaigner and protector that humanity has ever had. May God rest her soul in PEACE.

+ Photo and more: The New York Times
+ Wangari Maathai passed away of ovarian cancer at 11.00 PM on Sunday night - 25th September, 2011 - just over a year after being diagnosed with the disease in July, 2010

If africa was united.......

2011-09-21T22:36:00.000-07:00

"To .. all the dispossessed youth of Africa: for perpetuation of communion with ancestral spirits through the fight for African freedom, and in the firm faith that the dead, the living, and the unborn will unite to rebuild the destroyed shrines." ~ Jomo Kenyatta

'Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world. I believe strongly and sincerely that with the deep-rooted wisdom and dignity, the innate respect for human lives, the intense humanity that is our heritage, the African race, united under one federal government, will emerge not as just another world bloc to flaunt its wealth and strength, but as a Great Power whose greatness is indestructible because it is built not on fear, envy and suspicion, nor won at the expense of others, but founded on hope, trust, friendship and directed to the good of all mankind.' ~ Kwame Nkrumah

“African nationalism is meaningless, dangerous, anachronistic, if it is not, at the same time, pan-Africanism” ~ Julius K. Nyerere

I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses. ~ Nelson Mandela

"The day that the black man takes an uncompromising step and realizes that he's within his rights, when his own freedom is being jeopardized, to use any means necessary to bring about his freedom or put a halt to that injustice, I don't think he'll be by himself." ~ Malcolm X

You Are Invited!

2011-09-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Every day, all over the world, people like you are dedicating their choices to make a sustainable world a reality. We choose sustainability in our home lives, in our communities, in our political preferences, and in our careers.

Together, these actions are adding up to huge momentum for change. We are slowly building power, but not yet enough to overcome the power of the fossil-fuel lobby. This month, you are invited to two world-wide events for our global movement for sustainable solutions to build our power:

24 Hours of Reality AND Moving Planet - Two ways to take part.

+ The Climate Reality Project

Africa and The Global Competitiveness Report 2011-2012

2011-09-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

Click on it to enlarge

Do global rankings matter? According to the World Economic Forum, they do. The Forum's report for 2011-2012, just released, puts most African countries at the bottom of the rankings. I quote from Business Live: Only two Sub-Saharan African economies, South Africa and Mauritius, were in the top half of the Global Competitiveness Index rankings; in fact, among the bottom 20 economies, 13 hailed from the region.

Two of my most favorite African countries have done well: Mauritius and Rwanda. Both, small. Both, without any of the valued natural resources. Except, both - have visionary, gifted leaders and governance. Mauritius moved only one step this year. While Rwanda, the wonder nation, moved ten ranks up. For some reason, some countries like Seychelles, the Comoros and a few other countries are not included.

Of the East African countries, Kenya, out of the 142 countries, has moved up four places and ranks 102nd; while Tanzania falls by six ranks to 120th; and Uganda, with its vast resources (and oil?) ranks 121st. At the bottom of the rankings - even with its oil, is Chad at 142nd. One can understand why South Africa, with all its resources can top the Sub-Saharan list at rank 50th; but Mauritius and, especially Rwanda? If they can do it, the rest of Africa can, too.

+ Click on 'Country Profiles' to see how each country performs and scores according to the Report
+ The New Times

Ramciel will be South Sudan's new capital

2011-09-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

Mainly, due to the resistance of the indigenous locals in and around Juba (the present South Sudan capital) who do not want their land taken for use by their government - there is not enough land to cover the 31 or so square kilometers (about 12 square miles) needed for the construction of new government buildings in the present capital city. Now, the Southern Sudanese government has officially approved the moving of their capital and is now making plans for relocating its capital about 200-250kms. (about 125-155 miles) North or Nort-West of Juba - to Ramiciel (or Ramshiel or Ramkiel or Ramcel or Ramicel or Ramshel in Lakes State - Arabic: البحيرات‎: Al Buhayrat.) Even before seceding, the southerners were already planning for a new capital city.

Ramciel or Ramcel, South Sudan - Click on map to enlarge

Note: as I have not been able to find reliable, good map of Ramshiel on the Web - on the above and below maps, I have tried to indicate where Ramciel could be. Ramshiel is said to be in Lakes state, bordering Jonglei to the West, and an enclave between Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei and Lakes state.

Ramshiel, Lakes State - Click on map to enlarge

Ramshel is also reportedly around Coordinates: 5°52′0″N 31°41′10″E. A screen shot of that is below. Or better still, go to Google Maps to get a better view here. Or go here and see the map from WikiMiniAtlas - Ramciel's site is encircled red - which would mean that it is North of Juba, the present capital.

Ramciel - Coordinates: 5°52′0″N 31°41′10″E

The University of Texas has some fine updated, very detailed maps of parts of Southern Sudan. It has a map here (as seen below) - which has the proposed site for Ramciel. Note: the university's map indicates Ramciel's proposed site not around Coordinates: 5°52′0″N 31°41′10″E - but further to the North-West. See what the proposed new capital will look like - here.

Ramshel Map

Moving the capital from Juba is excellent news. Once the capital is moved, River Nile in Southern Sudan - will be saved from some if not most pollution and environmental degradation. Ramiciel too, being in the center of the new country and with lots of space and very little population, can be built in a much better way than the present, poorly planned and haphazardly constructed Juba. Forty square kilometers (about 15 square miles) has already been secured in Ramciel by the government for its buildings. The new site, is reportedly said to have been favored by the late John Garang. He is said to have considered Rumbek, too.

Can and will the Southern Sudanese leaders remember the blood of the hundreds of thousands who died and the millions who went through dreadful periods - so as to create South Sudan? Can they do what almost no other African country has been able to do and truly, honestly, mercifully and honorably care for their people? Can its leaders and its government be able to wisely and responsibly - and with integrity - use its oil wealth and its other very abundant resources to build, and create a just, equitable and humane country? Can they be able to move and relocate their capital responsibly - without nepotism, favoritism and corruption taking precedent? How they move, relocate and build Ramciel will be one of the main tests of their leadership and governance.

Related articles:

- Juba, South Sudan and lessons from Rwanda
- South Sudan Map: Where will its new capital be?

More info:

- Gurtong: here and here and About Lakes State and Map
- Detailed Maps of South Sudan: here
- Sudan Tribune: here and here
- The search for new nation’s capital in South Sudan
- In the News: Google News, Yahoo News

LifeStraw, Carbon for Water for Western Kenya

2011-08-16T03:53:00.000-07:00

Lifestraw

LifeStraw is a portable water filter, manufactured by a Swiss company: Vestergaard Frandsen - that removes all bacteria and parasites responsible for causing diseases, especially diarrhea. Many people in Africa have to boil water to kill harmful parasites and bacteria in the water. Which means burning charcoal or firewood; which means the cutting down of trees. A few months ago, Vestergaard Frandsen launched a project called Carbon for Water - to provide hundreds of thousands of their water filter to Western Kenya.

Nearly 900,000 LifeStraw® Family water filters will be installed in almost all households in the Western Province of Kenya beginning on 26 April. The province-wide, door-to-door, free distribution program will last almost six weeks and reach about 90 percent of all homes without access to safe municipal water sources. It will provide point-of-use water filtration for Kenyan residents for at least 10 years and do so without any cost to local residents, governmental agencies or donor groups.

By now, about one million homes around Kakamega have been provided with the filters. The company is aiming to give millions more homes in Kenya with the filters. Talk of hitting two birds with one stone: the project not only reduces water borne and related diseases but, too, helps in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

+ Open Data Kit

Gapminder: forecasts for East Africa

2011-08-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

IMF forecast

According to the IMF, there is now fast economic growth in East Africa. All countries in East Africa are reportedly doing very well. In reality, are East African countries truly doing well? Are lives improving?

All East African countries are indeed growing; they are all projected to grow by about 5% this year and the coming few years. But then, look at the region's GDP based on PPP per capita; considering how fast the population is growing in the region, the economic growths are not that impressive: in 2016 - Kenya's GDP will reach about $2,500 while Burundi's, the poorest country in East Africa, will hover at about $500. Compare that to (in 2009): South Africa's or Botswana's - both at about $10,000; or Seychelles, with about $30,000; or the richest country in the world - Qatar, which has about $74,000.

Gapminder: HIV trends

Ever heard of Gapminder? It is an amazing, superb tool that provides you with such a variety of statistics, charts and data, and in such an interesting, entertaining way - that you can't help, but be glued to it for hours. It is while looking at statistics and data on Gapminder, that the projected growth for East Africa doesn't impress much. For instance, HIV is still and will remain a very weakening factor for most of Eastern and Southern Africa. Most of these countries have been quite successful in providing treatment for those infected, the death rate due to AIDS has fallen - but they still have quite a high percentage of infected people even if the number of new infections is falling. Though smallpox has been eradicated and the Guinea worm eliminated in many African countries, diseases, poverty, poor governance and conflicts are still most weakening for Africa. In almost all of Gampinder's statistics, data and forecasts - sub-Saharan African countries, including Eastern Africa, are the worst performers and will be so for years to come.

+ East Africa Economic outlook

Do you want a Google Plus Invite?

2011-08-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

Do you, unlike I, love social-networking? Do you like Facebook or Twitter? Millions of people are now using social-networking services; especially the young - and most of them waste much precious time while on such platforms and many fail exams due to these services. Still, the rage is on. And Google is not being left behind.

For long, Google has tried repeatedly to enter in to social media; and repeatedly they have failed: Orkut, Buzz, Wave and Friend Connect have all been tried by the search giant but without much success. And now, they have come up with: Google Plus. For those wanting to sign-up to the much talked about and the very fast expanding Google+, it is now very easy to get an 'invite'. Click here or here and easily get the 'invite' and sign-up to Google Plus.

The African Grey Parrot

2011-08-09T05:32:00.000-07:00

African Gray Parrot

With the Ugandan Wildlife Authority last week releasing over 200 African gray parrots back into the wild after being confiscated from poachers near Kasese, many animal lovers in Uganda and around the world were and are still celebrating. Just six months ago, a woman trying to smuggle over 130 parrots was arrested by Ugandan authorities. African grey parrots are so prized and so highly valued by 'pet lovers', especially in the West, that, these birds are in danger of being wiped out completely from the wild.

The African gray parrots are considered among the most intelligent of birds. Several sub-species of this very loveable birds have been identified, but it is only the Congo African Grey Parrot or CAG (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) and the smaller Timneh African Grey Parrot or TAG (Psittacus erithacus timneh) that are universally recognized as Gray Parrots. Grey parrots habitat, range from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Angola all the way to Ivory Coast, Sao Tome and Principe in Western Africa. As about one-fifth of these birds are poached from the wild to be sold as pets and as the parrot's habitats are being fast destroyed - the parrots' population is in decline; it will not be long before these wonderful birds are on the critically endangered list of animals.

In East Africa, grey parrots can be found in Uganda: South-Western Uganda, Murchison Falls Protected Area, around Mabira Forest, probably in Sesse Islands and at the Entebbe Wildlife Education Center; with luck, you may see these birds, in Kampala, flying in the mornings and evenings to and from roost. In Kenya, grey parrots can be found in the western part, mainly in Kakamega Forest. And in Tanzania, the North-West is the best place to sight grey parrots. Very few of these monogamous birds are kept as pets here in East Africa; mainly by the affluent. Without their natural habitat, gray parrots very rarely breed. It is not easy to see them in the wild and you need a very knowledgeable guide for you to see them in their natural habitats.

+ IUCN
+ CITES
+ Arkive
+ World Parrot Trust
+ Books

Kenya leads the way in Solar, Wind and Geo-thermal Power

2011-07-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

Kenya Renewable Energy

Of developing regions, Africa has had the highest percentage rise in investments in renewable energy; in sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya is leading the way. With electric power being unreliable and power bills rising, many Kenyans - of whom 25% use electricity - are turning to solar panels; both in urban and rural areas. Solar power is clean, very convenient and in the long run, cheaper to use. Many hotels, furnished apartments for rental and households around Nairobi, are opting for solar panels to heat up water; in rural areas, where most use the uneconomical and the very unhealthy kerosene lanterns, many are now turning to solar power; one Kenyan company - Solantern - is very much assisting in that.

Kenya is already a leader of renewable energy with three quarters of the country's energy coming from hydro-power and a further 11percent coming from geothermal sources. When the Lake Turkana Wind Power plant is completed, it will be the largest of its kind in Africa. Already, in Ngong Hills a short distance outside of Nairobi, is the country’s first wind power plant. It consists of six turbines and is capable of generating about 5 or so Megawatts of electricity. The plant is run by one of the main Kenyan Electricity Generating Company (KenGen).

In geo-thermal power, Kenya, through its government owned company - the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is thinking and planning big: Kenya has unveiled a plan to construct the largest geothermal power plant in Africa, capable of generating 2,000 Megawatts; the Bogoria-Silali geothermal project has an estimated potential of providing up-to 3,000 Megawatts of electricity. Kenya, in line with its Vision 2030 plan, is aimimg to produce about 5,000 Megawatts of geothermal electricity in 2030. In Africa, Kenya has been the firsts to build geothermal plants; the plants, so far, are all in the Rift Valley Province.

It is very relieving and comforting knowing that Kenya, and East Africa in general, are turning to clean renewable energy; with fossil fuels expensive, being depleted fast and being as environmentally unfriendly as they are; with nuclear energy very expensive to start and as dangerous as it is; the best and most sustainable way for Kenya and Africa, is to invest in renewable resources as much as they can. Using renewable energy, means: we can use it repeatedly without depleting it; we do not pollute the environment and contribute to Climate Change; and, when counting all costs, in the long run - we save on health and its costs. The more we use renewable energy, the more we benefit the environment and keep it clean; the more we strengthen our energy security. At the same time: we create jobs locally, and help improve our economy.

* Read more from here.

Tears for Africa

2011-07-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

On a scale not seen on the continent in nearly 60 years, famine is once again stalking Africa. Caused mainly by the severest droughts in years; and also by the effects of climate change, floods, mismanagement of land and food supplies, political instability, and regional conflicts. Nearly 11 million people are now affected and starving, mainly in Somalia; and also in: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and even in Uganda - the land of plenty.

BLOATED bellies with stick arms and legs; huge eyes staring out of skeletal heads; gaunt mothers trying to suckle babies on withered breasts. The world thought it might never see such scenes again. Famine in Africa, absent for many years, appeared to have gone the way of diseases for which we now have cures or vaccines.

Yet, after the worst drought in 60 years, more than 10m people in the Horn of Africa need emergency food aid. Livestock have been annihilated. Hundreds of thousands of people are streaming into refugee camps in search of help. Malnutrition rates in some areas are five times more severe than the threshold aid agencies use to define a crisis. Many children are already dying of starvation. The Economist

Of all places, why does this have to happen repeatedly in Africa? None is to blame most for this very painful and distressing situation on the continent like its leaders; leaders who are very short-sighted, corrupt and who have grossly mismanaged African countries' political and economical systems. Since independence, agricultural output, in most African countries, per capita remained stagnant, and in many places declined. When most African countries became independent from colonialism, fifty years ago, the continent was more than self sufficient in food; while south Asian countries were begging for food. Now south Asia, even China with its billion plus inhabitants - exports vast quantities of food. With its immense resources and good governance, Africa should be a net exporter of food and other agricultural produce; not - beggars. Not - starving.

+ Africa and Genetically Modified Food
+ Oxfam
+ Facts About Hunger and Poverty
+ Postcards of Hope and Success from Africa

Discoveries: Snow Leopard and Rainbow Toad

2011-07-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Snow Leopard

Great, wonderful news this week: first - a good number of the very elusive, endangered snow leopard has been discovered, thriving, in, of all places: Afghanistan. The Wildlife Conservation Society has discovered a surprisingly healthy population of rare snow leopards living in the mountainous reaches of northeastern Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, according to a new study.

The discovery gives hope to the world’s most elusive big cat, which calls home to some of the world’s tallest mountains. Between 4,500 and 7,500 snow leopards remain in the wild scattered across a dozen countries in Central Asia. Read more here. The discovery was made using camera traps high up in the remote Afghan north-east mountains. As with most wild animals, the leopard's greatest danger is from man: mainly poachers.

Long-legged Borneo Rainbow Toad

Then, another more elating, wonderful news: a toad that was thought to be extinct and was last seen 87 years ago - and never photographed - has been rediscovered in the jungles of Southeast Asia. Scientists from the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak made this amazing discovery. After months of searching, the team spotted the long-lost toad six feet (two meters) up a tree. A total of three rainbow toads—an adult male, an adult female, and a juvenile—were found......"They pieced its [behavior] together from related species," Moore said. "They suspected it might be climbing trees, and they knew to search at night along streams. But a lot of it was still guesswork."....The rainbow toad is only the second species—along with Ecuador's critically endangered Rio Pescado stubfoot toad (picture)—to be found from the most wanted list. Read more on the BBC and here.

The frog too faces its greatest danger from Man; thus: the exact location - unfortunately in an area in Malaysia which is not protected - where these toxic frogs have been discovered is being kept a secret. Should the location be known, poachers would descend and hunt the toads. Amphibians are disappearing; fast disappearing. Currently, the ICUN estimates that about 41% of the world's amphibians are threatened with extinction; mainly due to diseases, poachers and human encroachment.

Juba, South Sudan and lessons from Rwanda

2011-07-16T03:24:00.000-07:00

Juba - click on map to enlarge

The capital might be changed, but, today, Juba, is the capital city of the world's newest nation: South Sudan. The city, like the country, has to start from scratch: its infrastructure (systems for sanitation, utilities, land usage, housing and transportation), institutions and all the basics a city should have, are almost non-existent. With so many people - Sudanese and non-Sudanese - migrating to or entering the city from within South Sudan, from the North and from other countries, it is very hard to know the present real population of Juba. It could be half-a-million or one million or more; most of who are poor.

Those planning, administering and managing Juba, on the White Nile, have a most daunting task. At the same time, with South Sudan awash in oil and the city being built from almost nothing , they can build the city into whatever they want it to be. Properly planned and managed, Juba can be a clean, organized and sustainable metropolis. Left un-managed and in the hands of corrupt officials, the city will be just another, poorly planned, crowded (with mainly poor people), dirty and an insecure crime ridden African city. A sample of what is being reported about the city: today the periphery of Juba city is more violent than during the war and too insecure for cultivation. In the middle of town, markets are full of food and other supplies, but prices are high, as most food comes from Uganda and Kenya. The outskirts are overcrowded, posing serious health and sanitation risks such as cholera outbreaks.

The government of South Sudan ~~can~~ should learn from others. Learn from countries that had to start from very difficult, almost impossible positions/situations and yet managed to build. No country in Africa can be as an excellent a role model to South Sudan as Rwanda. It is the best role model for South Sudan. It has risen from one of the greatest tragedies Africa has ever known and to be as impressive as it is today. Here is a country that 15 or so years ago, seemed to be on the brink of complete anarchy and chaos, and yet today it is one of the most exemplary nations in Africa. Rwanda now stands strongly on its feet; in many ways - more than all its neighbors. Today, Kigali, is the cleanest and safest city in Eastern and Central Africa; and the city is planning big. And yet Rwanda has very little resources; it is a poor, over crowded country.

Luckily and very fortunately for Rwanda, it had one strong thing going for it: an enlightened, forward looking leadership that cares deeply for its people. A leadership, that, despite many of its short-comings has done what very few, thought possible. Rwanda has, so far, avoided the worst. Kigali is shining. Can the Southern Sudanese leadership do the same for their people? Can they do the same for Juba or whatever site they decide for their capital? It is not what problems or resources a family or a society or a nation have that matter; it is the kind of leadership that a family or a society or nation has, that most matters.

More on Juba:

+ Wikitravel
+ TIME
+ MYsinchew
+ VOA
+ Yahoo News
+ Google News
+ South Sudan Nation
+ Google Map

Celebrate Kwita Izina with Rwandans

2011-06-17T04:30:00.000-07:00

One of my, few, most favorite African countries is Rwanda: not only because I have always deeply sympathized with the country due to the genocide; not only because Kigali is the cleanest city in East Africa and one of the cleanest in Africa; not only because Rwanda is one of the least corrupt countries in Africa; not only because I am an avid admirer and supporter of President Paul Kagame; I have another reason to be very concerned with Rwanda: gorillas.

These great apes, who share 99% of their genes with us humans, are rapidly declining in numbers; and are listed as critically endangered; but, there is a place that these very rare creatures are very well protected and are multiplying in numbers. In Rwanda: A latest census put the number of Gorillas to 480 from 380 indicating a 26.3 percent increase in last seven years. All along this week, Rwandans, lead by their president, are celebrating this incredible success in caring for these mountain gorillas.

This Saturday, June the 18th, the last and main event will be held: The Gorilla Naming ceremony. Kwita Izina (literally “Naming”) is a Rwandan traditional ceremony held to welcome a child both into his/her family and into the community. Neighbors, family and friends are gathered in a festive ceremony by the parents bring out the child and reveal what name they have chosen for the child. This year will be bigger and better, naming 22 baby gorillas born during the past year. Yes: 22 baby gorillas - which includes two sets of twins, born in the last one year, will be named (one set of the twins will be named on Saturday and the other next year). What an achievement! What a feat! I congratulate the leaders and people of Rwanda on this occasion. And I too, am celebrating.

+ Rwanda Tourism
+ National Geographic
+ Gorillasorg
+ Defenders
+ Worldwildlife

Remapping Sudan and the way forward

2011-06-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

With South Sudan almost certain to gain independence next month: Sudan's political coordinates will be updated. Sudan will be split and Sudan, as we know it, will no longer look or be the same. The largest country in Africa, has only had brief intervals without wars since its independence. And now its borders, inherited from colonialism, will be changed. North Sudan will still be very large: it will be the 3rd largest country in Africa, after the D.R. of Congo and Algeria; and the 17th largest country in the world. Already, demarcating the new border is causing immense friction between the North and the South; and the splitting of Sudan, is causing intense worries in many parts of ethnically and culturally, very diverse Africa. What will discourage other people in other countries of Africa, not to seek or even fight for independence? After south Sudan splits - what will dissuade people within it not to want, or struggle for, further separation?

North Sudan map - click on map to enlarge

Many analysts believe that, the split will not be beneficial to both the North and to especially - the South. Only time will tell. But, on the whole, the North should benefit from Southern's secession; they will be much better off focusing on a smaller country; directing their resources and attention on and to that smaller area, only. Since independence, the Southern problem has caused much suffering and misery to the people of Sudan. So many lives and so much resources have been wasted, that - whatever happens after the split, has to be better for both sides. Even without oil, which is now the most contentious issue for both sides, the two Sudan's can develop and make the lives of their people, much, much better; reason: Sudan is still pristine and there are still vast and too many untapped resources in the country.

North Sudan map - click on map to enlarge

After the split, the two Sudan have to manage and settle their border differences amicably and peacefully; there are no alternatives or options for that, except further suffering and misery for the people of Sudan; and further wastage of resources and loss of lives. For North Sudan to have peace, to settle and to move forward: land disputes have to be resolved, especially with with the South and in particular in relation to Abyei and oil. And as much as most Sudanese do not mention it, the border with Egypt, with Hala'ib in mind, should be decided upon too. "Hala'ib is Sudanese and will stay Sudanese", is what Sudanese President stated just one year ago; left unresolved, Hala'ib will be a cause for tension between Sudan and its northern neighbor. It is not oil that matters most. Societies, people and so do countries - grow, develop better and faster if they have peace; and friendly neighbors. The perquisite for peace and development, are: good, wise, visionary, humane and enlightened leadership.

More info on Sudan: SudanNet, Sudan Tribune, NationMaster, Google Map, Google Images

Take a stand against Slavery

2011-06-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Slavery still exists. In many forms.What is slavery? It is the involuntary subjection to another or others. Slavery emphasizes the idea of complete ownership and control by a master: to be sold into slavery. Bondage indicates a state of subjugation or captivity often involving burdensome and degrading labor: in bondage to a cruel master. Servitude is compulsory service, often such as is required by a legal penalty: penal servitude.

In many parts of Africa, slavery is still practiced; in some African countries, slavery is openly practiced. Across the continent: children are sold, exploited and used as domestic or sexual slaves; women are trafficked across countries and continents and sold. Human wickedness has no boundaries: recently, in Nigeria - a 'baby producing factory' was discovered:

Police in Nigeria freed 32 teen girls from an alleged "baby factory" used to feed the region's exploding sex trade and human trafficking markets, authorities said.......NYDNews

Earlier this year, CNN announced it was marshalling its global resources to take on human trafficking with the launch of ‘The CNN Freedom Project: Ending Modern-Day Slavery’. Through this multi-platform initiative, CNN’s reporting aims to expose the horrors of modern-day slavery, highlight the growing efforts to stop the trade and exploitation of human beings and amplify the voices of the victims. More here.

Look around you: how many people do you see daily, being treated like slaves? Especially women? How many children do you see or know, and are treated in the most inhuman of ways? How many maids do you see or know, who are no more than slaves? Take a stand. Join the Freedom Project. Help in abolishing slavery.

+ Act against slavery
+ News on salvery

Sudan: The Boma Jonglei

2011-05-02T03:45:00.000-07:00

In-spite of all of the deadly fighting; in-spite of the instability that has lasted for decades; located not far from from the Gambela and the Omo National Park in Ethiopia; and not far from Kenya's Lake Turkana National Parks and Uganda's Kidepo Valley National Park, is the most intact savannah ecosystem in East Africa: the Boma Jonglei. Described as East Africa's largest savanna eco-system, it is about 200,000 km2 and like the Masai Mara-Serengeti, has one of the world's greatest and most spectacular animal migration that was described by The New York Times as rivaling that of the Serengeti.

The Boma-Jonglei landscape encompasses Boma and Badingilo National Parks, broad pasturelands and floodplains, the vast swamps and internationally recognized wetlands of the Sudd, including the Zeraf Game Reserve and the proposed Loelle protected area. The landscape covers parts of Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria, and Central Equatoria states, supporting an abundance of wildlife species, including elephants, giraffe, elands, oryx, lions, wild dog, buffalo, and the endemic, endangered antelope species Nile Lechwe. Sudan Tribune

This 77,220-square-mile landscape is about the size of New York State.
Around 1.3 million antelopes migrate across the Boma-Jonglei Landscape taking advantage of seasonal changes in water and food supplies.
Among the world's most important bird areas, the Sudd Swamp is a stopover site for birds migrating between Africa and Eurasia. Wildlife Conservation Society

The Boma Jonglei is one of the least known and least visited natural, wildlife wonders of the world. Although very sparsely populated, it has faced intense danger from the continuous conflict in the region. A region that was once the cradle of humanity. Now, with intensive and expanding oil and other economic activities going on, in and around the Jonglei Boma, its survival and sustainability will continue being threatened and in danger. Unless the government of Southern Sudan and conservationists, do all they can to protect and conserve what is undoubtedly South Sudan's greatest treasure: its pristine land and rich wildlife.

+ See Map

The New Kigali Future City

2011-04-07T00:55:00.000-07:00

Rwanda is planning BIG. As much as I hate urban jungles of concrete, slab and glasses - I have to salute and congratulate the Rwandan leadership for having uplifted their people from one of the greatest tragedies ever, to where/what Rwanda is now. And now, the country's leadership is having grand plans for it main city: Kigali.

This plan brings forward the most cutting-edge ideas for city and infrastructure planning; and it is based on the three prongs of sustainability: ecology, equity and economy. Sustainable management of land, water, and biodiversity guided the development of the plan insofar as these elements are essential factors for integrated urban design. The Master Plan takes into account the preservation of hillsides, forests and wetlands so that they may be available for future generations to love and appreciate. It uses the natural cycles to provide efficient infrastructure for water, drainage, water purification, biogas generation from waste, and recycling, etc. Kigali City Official Site

Kigali Future City

Office workers talking over Skype. Fibre-optic cable snaking hundreds of miles underground and to the top of a 4,500-metre volcano. Paperless cabinet meetings with every minister using a laptop. This may sound like an advanced western country rather than a tiny, poor African state. Yet this is Rwanda, now in the midst of an extraordinary development plan to leap into the 21st century. The Guardian

Today, even without the ultra-modern planned city, Kigali is one of the cleanest, safest and fastest growing cities in Africa. And to cap it all and make it even better, the city is one of the most efficient and least corrupt in the Continent. The new plan, envisions Rwanda as a country with one of the most sustainable, high-tech, wired country in Africa; with Kigali as its center and showcase. Can Rwanda achieve that dream of their planned city and society? Considering what the Rwandan leadership has achieved since that darkest of time: 1994, yes they CAN.

Images: Google

Lesotho: one of the best places for women to live in?

2011-03-10T03:45:00.000-08:00

How many people ever heard of, let alone know of, Lesotho? Very few indeed. Out of Africa, even fewer. Did you know that Lesotho is completely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa? The Kingdom of Lesotho or the Mountain Kingdom as it is fondly called by its officials; and due to its rolling high mountains and valleys, its stunning beauty and mountain scenery, it is also know as the 'Kingdom in the Sky'.

For complete report go: here

For many who know of Lesotho, they know it for having one of the highest HIV-Aids infection in the world. But now, thankfully and hearteningly, there is very good news about the Kingdom: it is now reportedly one of the very few places on Earth where women have full rights and are much better off than women in most other places. A report just released by the World Economic Forum, ranks the Mountain Kingdom - 8th - for bridging the gap between the sexes and for continuing to demonstrate the greatest equality between men and women.

Lesotho ranks very high up there with the exemplary Nordic countries, and Iceland, Ireland and New Zealand. Consider: in that report, Germany ranks 13, the United Kingdom is 15, the United States is 19 and France is at 46. Of African countries at the top are: South Africa at 12, Mozambique at 22 and Namibia at 25. Of the East African countries, Uganda is up there; it has improved dramatically: it is ranked 33; Tanzania is 66th; while Kenya apparently is one of the worst countries for a woman to live in: it scores poorly and is ranked 96th.

For more: World Economic Forum’s 2010 Global Gender Gap Rankings (Table)

Cocoa: Sao Tome and Principe's way forward

2011-03-09T02:32:00.000-08:00

As Sao Tome and Principe's oil benefit hopes, have diminished of late, the Island nation is having great success with one of its other main and most loved products: cocoa. Since the late 1980s, the Island has been trying hard in improving its cocoa production and reaping benefits from it; due to falling cocoa prices, many cocoa farmers had abandoned their plantations in the 80s or had decided to farm other crops instead. As prices, internationally, plummeted in 1998 - many more gave up on growing it.

Early this Century, a French organic chocolate producer did an assessment on the Island's cocoa sector; they concluded that: the rich genetic origin of Sao Tome cocoa varieties could produce superior aromatic cocoa beans that would fetch higher and more stable prices than ordinary cocoa. The study also found that traditional farming methods could be adapted easily to organic production. By combining organic production and fair trade principles, cocoa farmers could greatly boost their income.

Now, thanks to high-quality, organic, fair-trade cocoa - the raw ingredient for chocolate - farmers on the islands of Sao Tome and Principe, off the coast of West Africa, are again enjoying the sweet taste of success. Once in the doldrums, production of the country's cocoa crop has risen sharply, registering a 10-fold increase since 2004. Many of the small farmers, who were previously living on the edge of poverty, have seen a boost to their incomes. Without oil Sao Tome and Principe can very much improve the lives of its very small population; it doesn't need crude oil to advance forward. As with its success with its cocoa farming, the Island nation can and should manage and develop its other sectors and resources.

Elephants: superiority confirmed

2011-03-07T23:57:00.000-08:00

There is some thing about these massive creatures that has, from the instant I set eyes on them, captured my imagination and won my complete admiration. I have always felt without any doubt, that Elephants are supreme. They are huge, but whenever I get close to them and look at them attentively, I have always felt that Elephants are unique. Not because of their size or the way they are shaped, but there is some thing about them that simply awes and makes you love them. They are massive, but neither threatening nor menacing; compared to their size, they have these very small eyes that whenever they look at you, they seem to say: 'I know and understand'. The way they move, feed, breed, take care of their young and each other and sleep - is simply amazing: so organized and disciplined. They are more intelligent and superior than most animals. That superiority has now been confirmed:

An experiment reveals that elephants not only cooperate, but that they understand the logic behind teamwork.
Some elephants even figured out shortcuts that researchers hadn't thought of to obtain food rewards.
Elephant intelligence and ability to cooperate at least equal these same skills in chimpanzees and dolphins, scientists believe.
Elephants naturally understand when to lend a helping trunk much as people know when to lend a helping hand, displaying a complex level of cooperation confirmed only in humans and our closest relatives until now. Discovery News

Elephants are widely regarded as possessing advanced brains, displaying levels of intelligence seen only in humans, dolphins, chimpanzees and others capable of higher forms of thinking. For instance, elephants recognize themselves in mirrors, learning that such reflections are images of themselves and not others, behavior apparently unique to species that show complex empathy and sociality. Live Science

A series of tests, reports the National Academy of Sciences, has proved the intelligence and superiority of Elephants. The tests too, have proved how the giant mammals learn to cooperate and solve complex problems; how emotional they are and how they help each other, even those in distress. And how can anyone who knows Elephants forget the way these adorable creatures behave when they lose one of their own: the wake and vigil that they perform for the dead, is incredible.

The Iberian Lynx

2011-03-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

To most people who have no knowledge of cats, the Iberian lynx looks just like many other lynxes. If you have ever set eyes on the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), then you are one of the very lucky few who have had that privilege. It only exists in the Iberian Peninsular, in Spain, and it is so rare, that - of all cats on Earth - it has been classified as the most threatened and the most endangered; if it goes extinct, then it would be the first cat to do so in thousands of years. The Iberian lynx, like North America's, Black Footed Ferret, is on the brink of extinction due to its main food not being easily available anymore on its habitat. The ferret depends on the prairie dog; the lynx's main prey is the rabbit which has been decimated by successive diseases, the last pandemic which nearly wiped out rabbits in the wild, was in 1988.

More on the Lynx: IUCN Red List, Iberia, Worldwildlife, Animal Info, Arkive, Facts, National Geographic, Suite101, New Scientist, Speigel

Help in fighting for a cleaner Europe

2011-02-25T12:21:00.000-08:00

Join the World Wildlife Fund to stop oil sands from Canada blowing into Europe:

The European Union (EU) is about to make a decision that could define if we move towards a better, cleaner world or a short-sighted, dirty energy future.

We need the politicians who are deciding on this legislation to hear our voice and make the right choice!

Take action by signing the Petition!

Can Libya become another Somalia?

2011-02-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

What a year? Within just the last few weeks, the face of Africa has been dramatically changing so fast, it is as if we are hallucinating. First: Tunisia, the events there and the rapid developments, at that time, seemed utterly incredible. Then came Egypt: what happened and the eventual result, were the most mind boggling events of this century and will continue to stun and be discussed for years to come. And now: Libya. Where is it heading to?

Map of Libya - click to enlarge

Whatever happens in and of Libya, Africa will very much be affected. Not only because of its immense oil reserves and wealth; but, because too, Muammar Al Qaddafi, the man at the center of all what has been and is happening in Libya, has for a long time been playing a leading and major role in Africa. Very unfortunately and deplorably, in Libya, the uprising there, is turning into a very bloody and deadly process. Many have died or are badly injured, including children; and the violence and slaughter is still continuing with no end in sight. Can this rapid destabilization of Africa's largest oil producer lead to another Somalia? Will the large country end up as fractured and as unstable?

Map of Somalia - click to enlarge

When Somalia's problems began in the late 1980's with Siad Barre trying to impose his rule, no one thought that it would take so long and be so bloody and horrific as it has. The disintegration, suffering, misery and carnage of Somalis still continues. The world seems to have forgotten about it. Very hopefully, Libya will not turn out to be another fractured, bloody part of Africa. For the youth, the women, the elderly and especially for the children of the country of Omar Mokhtar, we pray and hope that Libya settles down soon. And remains as one united, strong nation. In peace.

Maps: Athaia

The Seychelles Carnaval 2011

2011-02-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

Do you like carnivals? What is a carnival? A carnival can mean many things. Most of us know of the spectacular, yearly, Brazilian carnivals. We very rarely hear of African carnivals. Well, a few days from now, 4th to the 6th of March, the very beautiful island nation of the Seychelles is holding the Carnaval International de Victoria and the islands will turn into a place for celebration and entertainment. And, it is attracting many from other parts of Africa.

The 1972 Carnival was a great success, with Seychellois from all the islands assembling in Victoria for the celebrations alongside the visitors to the country. The 2011 Carnival will take place on a bigger scale and with an international flavor as Carnival Floats will this time be welcomed to Seychelles from the four corners of the world. Experience Seychelles

Many other countries from around the world have been invited; and many, will attend. Seychelles, is renowned for its stunning beauty and very welcoming people. It is also one of the quietest, I should say - most tranquil, places on Earth. Ten days from now, for three days, the islands will be one noisy, partying place. Should you not be a carnival person, not all of Seychelles 100 plus islands will be celebrating. Most will be as sleepy and as serene as always.

Image: E-News

The argun palm tree (Medemia argun)

2011-02-17T21:22:00.000-08:00

For years now, environmentalists have been calling for more efforts to protect the argun palm; which is a rare desert tree prized by the ancient Egyptians that is on the verge of extinction. It is now being reported that less than fifty of the trees remain in Egypt and a few hundred in Sudan. Due to its association with ancient Egyptians, the seeds health benefits and how - before, when they were many, the palms helped in keeping the desert green, many people have been very fascinated by the argun palm also known as the medemia argun.

More on the palm tree: IUCN Red List, Kew, Free Republic, IPS, Wired New York, Rare Palm Seeds, Right Health, Alert Net, Plant A Palm, Palm Society, Facts, Images

South Sudan: which way forward?

2011-02-16T21:19:00.000-08:00

In about 6 months, South Sudan will become a country. Many say that the new country is very lucky starting off with so much oil, especially with oil prices as high as they are now. It is not oil that should be the country's main attention; South Sudan, will be much better off, if it uses its oil earnings wisely and focuses on developing its other very promising sectors: tourism and agriculture. Read this very interesting and insightful article on South Sudan's wonderful wildlife. Excerpts:

....with new nationhood comes tough decisions and new pressures. Multi-national companies seeking to exploit the nation's vast natural resources are expected to arrive in South Sudan, tempting them with promises of development and economic growth, promises that have proven uneven at best across Africa. Dubbed the resource curse, many poor nations have seen their rich, natural resources plundered for the world market, but instead of reaping the financial rewards, money is lost in poorly-made deals or commodity swings, or ends up in the pockets of foreign corporations or corrupt officials, leaving the nation's people not with education and opportunity, but environmental degradation and social unrest. Dependent on oil (98% of the government's revenue comes from oil) and shockingly poor (90% of the people live on less than a dollar a day), South Sudan is perfectly situated for a resource-curse repeat.

With some of the continent's biggest herds—and therefore some of the best wildlife viewing in the world—South Sudan could become an eco-tourism hub. Tourism in such a place is nothing to sniff at: Kenya estimated it would make over $1 billion in revenue from tourism in 2010. And unlike oil, tourism doesn't run dry, so long as South Sudan makes forward-thinking conservation a priority.

Protecting watersheds and forests will greatly benefit the people of South Sudan, who are mostly agriculturalists and herders, by preserving precious ecosystem services. Smart partnerships with open-minded NGOs could help the people of Sudan grow more food, gain improved heath care, receive education, improve infrastructure, and essentially live better while preserving their ecosystems.

In an age when the world's great renewable and necessary resources—i.e. water, forests, biodiversity—are vanishing, South Sudan, if it plays its cards right, could retain unprecedented wealth in nature and be seen as nation for a new world.

South Sudan doesn’t have to repeat the resource curse. Most African countries with oil, have not done well at all. To most, oil has only brought corruption, conflicts, misery for people and extreme environmental destruction. South Sudan is lucky that it can learn from the mistakes of these countries that have misused and mismanaged their resources.

Uganda: Gorilla Stamps, Parrot smuggling and Baboons slaughtered

2011-02-14T02:20:00.000-08:00

While, it was most pleasing and uplifting that a few days ago, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Posta Uganda used the World Post Day to launch a series of stamps dedicated to the mountain gorillas in the country - mainly found in Bwindi and Mahinga; in the last few weeks, there have been some very disturbing and disheartening news on Ugandan wildlife. Hundreds of gray African parrots have been seized while being smuggled out of the country; while in Luweero, tens of baboons were mercilessly slaughtered.

A team of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials and the Police have seized 140 African Gray parrots from Wakiso district. This brings the number of parrots seized to 272 in just a fortnight. New Vision

An Uganda Wildlife Authority official says more than 270 African grey parrots have been seized from smugglers in the past month, which suggests there is a syndicate illegally exporting Ugandan wildlife. The Canadian Press

.....a week after Luweero District authorities launched a campaign on Thursday, to eliminate families of baboons which they accuse of destroying crops in Kamira sub-county. Over 30 baboons have so far been shot dead. AllAfrica

African gray parrots, once out of the country - mainly destined for Europe and the US, fetch about 2,000 US Dollars. It is not only those smuggling these harmless birds that are merciless; those buying them and keeping them in their homes as pets, for fun or as a form of entertainment - should realize that they too are just as cruel; these birds are hunted, trapped and captured in very cruel ways; when being transported, after being captured, many of these parrots die on the way due to the very harsh means on which they are being moved from place to place. Why should any one want to keep as a pet, a wild animal which is comfortable in the wild and not in captivity?

We all know how most troublesome baboons can be, especially when they live close to us. We know how they steal and destroy our crops and food. But to butcher tens of them as a form of control, that is going too far. As Ms Lillian Nsubuga, Uganda Wildlife Authority spokesperson said: killing baboons is against the law. She went on to point out and stress: vermin control strategy provides for target killing of the ringleaders which often, are the dominant males in the group. It is sad that so many baboons were killed; it is even sadder and disturbing that the slaughter was done by the Luweero District authorities.

Sao Tome and Principe do not need oil to develop

2011-02-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

With reports now stating that the oil wealth, that the island nation had for long hoped for as a stepping stone - to prosperity, will not be a reality for now. The tiny African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe in West Africa is unlikely to realise soon its long held dream that crude oil hidden beneath the waves offshore will lift its people out of poverty and into wealth.This is because big explorers that once jostled for drilling rights in the country of 163,000 people, nestled at the heart of a promising oil region, have backed off after a slew of dry wells, raising questions over how soon the dream will come true.

With its stunning beauty, its many agricultural and fish products and its small population of less than 200,000 people - the Island country does not really need oil to develop and lift its people out of poverty. If it focuses and properly manages its tourist potential, which has excellent attractions; if it improves and modernizes its agricultural and fishing system; if it encourages and supports small industries - Sao Tome and Principe can easily overcome its economic difficulties and improve the lives of its people. Above all, like what all other African countries need most, it is good, honest, responsible and transparent governance that can most make the island nation prosper.

Time and again, it has been proven that - it is not a country's natural wealth that lifts it, but good and proper management of its resources and the honesty and hard work of a nation's leadership that propels it forward; greed, corruption, selfishness and dishonesty of leaders has been the greatest weakness and drawback of African countries. Come to think of it, which country in Africa with oil has prospered? It is countries without oil that are making progress and improving their peoples lives faster. Sao Tome and Principe, too, can plan to grow enough of its food needs instead of importing so much; which will save much needed money for other projects.

Read this related article: Shall we survive the oil curse?

Map and more news on Sao Toem and Pirincipe: Reuters

South Sudan Map: Where will its new capital be?

2011-02-09T05:44:00.000-08:00

South Sudan has been setting itself up for its independence. Now, a new capital is being planned; it could be Juba or another site. In 2004, Rumbek was being talked of as the most likely new capital of South Sudan, should it get independence. Of Rumbek, the BBC reported: with no multi-storey buildings or paved roads and a population of under 100,000 - the ramshackle town of Rumbek has been chosen by Sudan's former southern rebels as the unlikely administrative capital of the south.

Click on map to enlarge

Now, it is being reported that two new locations are being proposed: an area (not named) that straddles four Southern states and the other is Ramicel (or Ramshiel or Ramshel or Ramkiel or Ramcel or Ramicel or Ramshel in Lakes State - Arabic: البحيرات‎: Al Buhayrat) - Rumbek is easily found on many maps but I could not find Ramshel on any map. The two competing locations have been proposed for study before the government could choose one as a federal territory in which it will build the new capital. One of the proposed locations is an area which straddles four states; the north-eastern part of Central Equatoria, north-western part of Eastern Equatoria, south western part of Jonglei and south eastern part of Lakes state.....Another proposed location for the capital is Ramciel , which officials say is the geographic center of South Sudan has been the choice of SPLM.......

Although it would be very costly to start a whole new capital city, many of those who favor Ramshel say: it is the best option as it is in the center of South Sudan making it easier for all Southern Sudanese to access it; it has a pleasant topography and climate, and that, best of all, it is vast, empty and very sparsely populated making it easy to set up a new city. Those favoring the other unnamed site, say - it too, has all the same qualities as Ramciel. And the same would be said about Rumbek (which was reportedly most favored by Dr. John Garang). Rumbek sparsely is populated; you can easily locate it on many detailed maps Sudan.

Rumbek - click on map to enlarge or click here

Even if it is rich in oil, this will be a very costly process and project for the new country. The good side: if the capital city of South Sudan is moved, it can be better planned and managed. Best of all, if the new capital will be far from the Nile, the river will be very much spared from enormous pollution and environmental degradation. In Juba, the river is already being polluted heavily by sewage, garbage and other refuse. With development and if Juba will continue being the Southern capital, the Nile will be much more polluted, especially by the many factories that are already in Juba and that will be popping up in the city. Due to Southern Sudan's government having to be very busy with many pressing matters all at once, little attention will be given to developments and factories in the city; many of which, will undoubtedly - be destructive to the Nile and its environment.

Read more from: from this detailed article from SouthSudanNationcom. Or from AllAfrica, The China Post, the Arab News. Read this (PDF) Report on Juba

For Sudan maps: Google or Bing or click here for a more detailed map of Sudan or here.

For maps of South Sudan go to the: Government of Southern Sudan maps or Gurtong Trust for detailed map of each state in the South. For more maps: Maps of World or National Geographic

Update - 3rd September, 2011: It has been confirmed that Ramciel will be the new capital of South Sudan. Read more here.

Lions could become extinct!

2011-02-08T00:36:00.000-08:00

This is very unnerving: lions are disappearing fast, and if nothing is done immediately to reverse this, experts predict that - lions could be wiped out from the wild in ten years. It is hard to imagine this let alone accept it. For a number of years now, we are being warned on the precarious numbers of this most majestic of animals:

Lions may soon become extinct in large parts of Africa. According to a commission set up under the auspices of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), there is not a single population of lions in West or Central Africa that is large enough to be viable. New Scientist ~ November, 2001

According to wildlife experts, there are now only 23,000 lions left in Africa. That compares with over 200,000 in the 1980's, and if the populations continue to fall, experts predict lions will soon become extinct.......a wildlife biologist from the University of California, said the only way to save lions and other predators is to learn how humans and the animals can live together. Animal Planet ~ October, 2003

Lions in East-Africa are being poisoned by a pesticide that is banned in the European Union and will probably soon be banned in the US for all food crops. It's called Carbofuran and it's used to "control insects and other pests on crops such as corn, rice and sorghum". Unfortunately, it's also used to poison lions... Trehugger ~ March, 2009

It is the world's most iconic animal. The stuff of childhood nursery rhymes. The inspiration for many of humankind's most enduring myths. A purveyor of legends and, for those unlucky enough to be caught in its claws, the harbinger of nightmares. The lion is a circus performer, the star attraction at the local zoo and a must-see attraction of any safari to Africa. Its likeness appears on crests, on coats-of-arms, outside many of the world's law courts and on many of the world's currencies. And now, according to the two world-renowned researchers and wildlife filmmakers who have made big-cat conservation their life's calling, the lion is in serious danger of disappearing from the wild. Leader-Post ~ February, 2011

Lions are dying off rapidly across Africa. These cats once ranged across the continent and into Syria, Israel, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and even northwest India; 2,000 years ago more than a million lions roamed the Earth. Since the 1940s, when lions numbered an estimated 400,000, lion populations have blinked out across the continent. Now they may total as few as 20,000 animals. Scientists connect the drastic decreases in many cases to burgeoning human populations. Big Cats Initiative ~ Now

Alarm bells have been regularly ringing on the fate of the King of the Wild. It seems no one is heeding these calls, and nothing is being done. Anyone who visits game and wildlife parks and reserves regularly, will have noticed that - lions in the wild, are becoming more and more rarer. For instance, forty years ago: in Kenya, while traveling from the Coast to Nairobi or from Nairobi to Tanzania, you could easily see these imposing animals; in Uganda, lions, especially at nights, would be crossing roads or would be there by the roadsides near places like Mbarara, Kasese and even Soroti; and in Tanzania, then, they seem to be everywhere. Now, you can hardly find lions on the roadsides anymore. Even while visiting most game parks or reserves where they were abundant before, you can hardly see any lions.

Do we need to save lions? It is all about survival and life here on Earth. The more creatures become endangered or extinct, the more, we Mankind are in danger;...the loss of a top predator such as the lion can cause ecological changes. And without them, scientists lose any chance of understanding how all of the species in the ecosystem might normally interact. We can still save lions. There are several ways you can help make a difference: read the eight ways to save them; or support conserving lions in - Mara, Laikipia, Amboseli and around the Kilimanjaro; or donate and you can help save a big cat and ensure the Earth is not without these majestic creatures. Or: support Save the Lions on Facebook.

This is charity at its Noblest

2011-02-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

With food becoming more and more expensive; with the world's poor and hungry in their hundreds of millions, and daily increasing in numbers; with thousands of children dying every day due to hunger - nothing can be as humane and noble as feeding some of our less fortunate human kind. Except if: those being fed are children. That's precisely what a Scottish based organization: Mary's Meals is doing. It is feeding half-a-million children every school day, in several continents and countries; in: Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Albania, Ukraine and more. What is even more pleasing and heartening about the project, is that: the children are fed when they are in school.

In Malawi, where the whole project began nine years ago, as an experiment aimed at helping a handful of African orphans - the organization is feeding almost 400,000 children every school day; in Kenya, it feeds 17,000 children every school day; 17,000 of the poorest, mainly from slums. Kenya’s slums are among the worst in the world, and Mary’s Meals is assisting children in the densely populated Mukuru slums of Nairobi. The highly motivated teachers and volunteers who run the program are dedicated to ensuring that children’s right to education and adequate food is fulfilled. At Kwa Njenga Mary’s Meals is helping to attract children to school and to keep them coming every day making this school one of the best performing in Nairobi, despite its dire setting. The beauty of this project, is that: by feeding the children when they are at school, more children can be encouraged to study.

Nine years ago, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow founded the charity after visiting Malawi and meeting a 14-year-old boy called Edward whose mother was dying from Aids; he established Mary's Meals as a result of the teenager revealing his dream in life: to have enough food to allow him to attend school. And so, the project was started. Says Magnus: "In this world of plenty, it's mad that millions of children are dying of hunger-related causes, or are out of school through poverty. Reaching half a million children is a significant step and we are grateful to all the volunteers and supporters whose efforts have made it possible for us to help them."

South Sudan name change?

2011-02-03T05:29:00.000-08:00

It has a national flag which looks very much like the Kenyan one; it now has a national anthem; and it even has an official website. But a name change? That's what some are proposing for the newest country on Earth: South Sudan, the Republic of Kush, the Nile Republic, Azania, Equatoria, New Sudan, Wunjubacel, and even Juwama - an acronym for Juba, Wau and Malakal. All these have been suggested. Excerpts from what is being said about changing South Sudan's name:

.....as Sudan referendum dominated some of the world key burning issues for the last three weeks, few voters and writers overjoyed by throwing suggestions of new names if the Sudan is going to fall apart into two nations. Among the proposed names for consideration are The Nile Republic, The Republic of Kush, and South Sudan..... BorGlobe

The Daily Citizen published by veteran South Sudan leader Joseph Lagu says that the new nation should be called the Nile Republic. The Standard

The new country, however, still lacks a name. South, Southern Sudan, New Sudan or even Cush, after a biblical kingdom in the area, are possibilities. The Guardian

Debates have been raging as to what name the new nation or call it new country should pick as it moves towards full independence come July 9th, 2011. So let me add my view to the foregoing debate about the name of our new country- in - waiting, which is exactly six (6) months away from now. Sudan Tribune

Southern Sudan, which recently carried out a referendum on seceding from the north, will be named the Republic of South Sudan upon independence, officials here in the regional capital said Sunday. The New York Times

Any name that has the word 'Sudan' will be most suitable and best. The new country needs to save, in resources and time, as much as they can; it would be cheaper and easier to implement a name with 'Sudan' as part of it. No matter how much bad feelings Southern Sudanese have on the North, Southern Sudan will still be very much attached to the North, just as Eritrea is to Ethiopia and the former Soviet republics are to Russia. And most weighing of all: South Sudan will always have the North as its neighbor. For the interest and benefit of both countries, they will be better of, if they forgive and overlook bygones and history; and live at peace, with cooperation and mutual respect - with each other.

Sudan's Wildlife Undiscovered

2011-01-31T06:53:00.000-08:00

Before the wars and instability that Sudan has known since its 'independence' from the British and then the Egyptians, the country must have had a fascinating, abundant and a variety of wildlife. With its vast green plains, rivers and swamps - elephants, rhinos, lions, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, birds and many other animals, must have roamed in many parts of the country.

Presently, not many wild animals are left in the North; Southern Sudan, still has abundant wildlife. The deep swamps of the Sudd, is abundant with wildlife like the white-eared kob and Nile lechwe (Kobus megaceros). Nobody seems to know the true numbers and distribution of Sudan's wildlife. With the country now settling down, both in the North and the South - studies can now be undertaken on this. Today, there are four known national parks in the Sudan: Dinder, Nimule, Southern and Sanganeb; Sanganeb and Dungonab on the Red Sea, are said to contain some of the best and most unspoiled coral reefs in the world; the Dongonab area is relatively remote and rarely visited. For the most part, tourism consists of international diving holidays, with visitors flying to Port Sudan and residing on large hotel boats, which travel to anchor at the various diving sites for a few days at a time.

There are a number of other game reserves around the country: the Suakin Archipelago, comprises coral reefs which surrounds a number of sandy islands approximately 20 km south-east of Suakin; it has important nesting sites for marine turtles and sea birds; the Khor Kilab Bird Sanctuary is a small estuarine area on the south side of Port Sudan harbor; the Abu Hashish area, is another small area on the eastern side of the new Green port, containing numerous coral reefs; and Shuab Rumi, is another area of coral reefs 50 km north of Port Sudan. For bird lovers, Sudan has many. Most of these wildlife are under intense pressure from human encroachment; what Sudan needs now, is for these areas to be protected and properly managed; and conservation measures have to be applied.

Prayers and Best Wishes for Mandela

2011-01-27T23:13:00.000-08:00

Photos: PhotBlog

The Tunisian uprising: it happened in Sudan before

2011-01-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

Before Tunisia, it happened in Sudan. Very rarely mentioned is the popular uprising against Ja'afar Numeiry that took place in Sudan about 25 years ago. In March 1985, a few days after Numeiry had doubled the prices of bread, petrol and public transport, public protests began in Sudan. Daily protests continued and were soon to be joined by university students, union activists and tens of thousands of others. Many were arrested, a state of emergency was declared so as to better manage crackdowns. Then, too, like in Tunisia, the military at first watched impartially; but eventually sided with the popular uprising. On the 5th of April, 1985 - the Sudanese armed forces supported the people's demands for the ouster of Numeiry and seized power in Sudan, while Numeiry was out of the country; they suspended the constitution, sacked Numeiry's top officials and dissolved the People's Assembly. Lead by General Suwar Al'Dhahab, they formed a transitional government, they organized democratic elections and about one year after they had taken over, the military relinquished power to a democratically elected government. Only for that government to be ousted on the 30th of June,1989.

The difference is that, most of us have been completely taken by surprise and disbelief by the the dramatic and very swift events in Tunisia. Twenty-five years ago, due to the extreme economic hardships there, one could understand what happened in the Sudan. But, Tunisia? Incredible. Here was a country whose government seemed to have absolute ~~power~~ control and the country looked very disciplined and stable. Without depending on oil or minerals,Tunisia has grown at about 5% annually for the last ten years; it has one of the highest income per-capitas not only in the region, but in Africa, with only about 4% of its population living below the poverty line; it has one of the highest exports, per-capita, in Africa; it has one of the lowest death-rates and longest life expectancy in the Arab world, in Africa and in fact - in the whole world; and it has one of the highest literacy rates not only in the Arab world and in Africa, but in the world; and - about 60% of its university graduates are women. Home ownership is reportedly at 80%. Read this - excerpt below - very insightful article from the Institute for Security Studies:

On the positive side, Ben Ali did well in infrastructural development in his country. In the 2010 UNDP Human Development Index, Tunisia is the third African country and one of only four African countries on the list of High Human Development countries after Libya and Mauritius and before Algeria. Its annual GDP per capita is put at $8,509, with a life expectancy at birth of 74.3 years, and an adult literacy rate of 74.3 per cent. Moreover, the country has developed one of the finest medical systems on the continent, with a good health infrastructure and highly skilled medical staff. Compared to other African states, and given that all this was achieved without substantial natural resources, this is truly an impressive record, and much of the credit goes to Ben Ali. It is this impressive record that bemuses most people.

This was a country being lauded by economists and 'experts' as being an 'economic miracle', an African 'tiger' and a role model to be emulated by other countries. Only ten days ago, the Economist which many policy makers, especially Western, rely on - was confidently stating that: Tunisia’s troubles are unlikely to unseat the 74-year-old president or even to jolt his model of autocracy. Well: Ben Ali has been unseated. Tunisians are now jubilant. They are rejoicing and celebrating. Revolutions are that sweet. But, they are only sweeter if dreams are realized; and if they bring better changes; if the goals for what lives were lost for, are achieved.Tunisians can - in fact, should - learn from the Sudanese experience. The question now for them, is: what next? Can and will their elation continue for long? Will their expectations be fulfilled? Can and will what they revolted for, be achieved?

Read more here (The Tunisian Matchstick), here and here.

South Sudan: its future can be bright if...........

2011-01-18T23:49:00.000-08:00

A new country has just been created in Africa: in Southern Sudan. According to an article in Marketwatch, its future can be bright if:

First, with all due respect to the relative harmony with the north concerning oil exports, it can vanish instantaneously. And war with the north is the last thing the new country can afford.

.....raw materials would be a godsend for a fledgling landlocked nation with hardly 100 miles of paved roads and an annual average income of less than $1,000. And South Sudan is indeed blessed with a range of other raw materials, from iron and tungsten to copper and zinc. Yet to embark on a truly solid future, Juba would do well to realize at this embryonic stage that overreliance on raw materials has devastated other newborn countries. Besides inviting more friction with the north, a focus on oil is likely to enrich a thin social elite and leave the economy itself degenerate and the populace restive.

Conversely, South Sudan can focus on farming, education, infrastructure, and tourism.

Sitting on the Nile’s sources, and benefiting from a generally temperate climate, South Sudan can modernize its subsistence farming to become a regional breadbasket. This will keep the bulk of the population gainfully employed and the Treasury’s coffers steadily supplied with foreign currency.

Other than the north, South Sudan is ringed by friendly neighbors, some of whom are also enterprising. Kenya dominates Juba’s fledgling banking sector and is seeking investments for a railway and pipeline that will eventually lead South Sudanese exports to the Indian Ocean. Landlocked Uganda, which is also vying for a rail link to Juba, is developing industrial centers near the South Sudanese border that will help supply the new country. These projects must be the new country’s first financial focus, since they will be crucial for its prospective agricultural exports. China, which in recent years has invested more than $1 billion in a railway between Khartoum and Port Sudan, will join this kind of enterprise just as happily.

Blessed with elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards and lions as well as more than a million antelopes, this country is one destination most safari lovers have yet to reach and can be counted on to admire. If South Sudan plays its cards right, these tourists will soon arrive and will help the country’s war-ravaged population finally get a life.

The people of Southern Sudan are very hopeful of the future. Can and will the hopes and dreams of the millions of Southern Sudanese be realized? Watch: Rebuilding Hope.

The Giant Tortoise of Seychelles

2011-01-17T23:53:00.000-08:00

Some species of the giant tortoises are now extinct, but in some places, especially islands in Africa, some still exist. These gentle, lovable creatures, can live for more than 100 years; one, in Australia, was said to have lived for 176 years, and another in Kolkata, India, reportedly lived for about 250 years. They sometimes weigh up-to over 300 kilos and can be over one-and-a-quarter meters long. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles, they thrive.

Read more from: UNESCO, the BBC, FM, Fox News, Aldabra Tortoise, Aldabra Atoll, Destination360, Galapagos Online, Discover Galapagos, Wikipedia, Geo Cornell

Sao Tome: Africa's secret

2011-01-17T05:29:00.000-08:00

Much has ben said about, Sao Tome and Principe; this magical island nation: its remoteness, it's stunning beauty and its distinct culture. The Guardian has just come up with this:

If travel writers ever descended on São Tomé they would be able to deploy every cliche. The island, and its even more isolated neighbour Príncipe, is a magical place of ridgeback mountains and rainforest, palms and rocky pinnacles, beaches and old Portuguese towns. Not very much has happened there since its rather vicious colonial rulers walked away in 1975; few people know that it is an independent country or can find it on the map, in the Atlantic just south of Nigeria and west of Gabon. Its government is democratic, the sun shines, the rain falls, the soil is good and the sea is full of fish.

Can coral reefs be protected?

2011-01-10T23:19:00.000-08:00

With the seas being continuously and increasing polluted; with air and sea temperatures rising; with fishing becoming more intensive and extensive - can coral reefs be protected? Scientists predict that 70 per cent of the world’s coral reefs may well be destroyed over the next 20-40 years, unless we stop cyanide fishing, pollution, sewage, erosion and clumsy tourism. Plans are being made to give coral reefs more and better protection; if the plans succeed, our Planet will be better off:

Coral reefs occupy less than one percent of the Earth’s marine environment, but are home to more than a quarter of all known marine fish species and tens of thousands of other species found nowhere else on earth. Reefs also serve as a buffer against incoming storm surges, protecting local populations. Unfortunately, many coastal ecosystems are threatened by human activities including overfishing, agriculture, and urban development. The degradation of coastal ecosystems not only results in a loss of biodiversity but also a loss of revenue, depleted fish stocks and increased exposure of communities to storms. WRI

Conservationists, and most of us who care about our Planet, are now pinning their hopes on MAPs: facing a host of threats including fishery devastation and the destruction of coral reefs, conservationists have increasingly pinned their hopes on marine protected areas. Poorer countries with less money and who are the least contributors to coral reefs devastation, are the least likely to contribute much to the protection of the reefs; rich countries which have caused most of the destruction - can and should do more to support the conservation of coral reefs.

The Other Side of Sudan: Wildlife

2011-01-08T05:16:00.000-08:00

There is a side of Sudan that has always been over-shadowed by the very unstable situation there: its abundant wildlife; on land and in the sea. Wildlife that has suffered as much as humans throughout the wars and conflict; wildlife that has had very little attention and care.

Maybe, now, with peace most likely since the creation of Sudan - many from within the country and out of it, will be able to visit, and some - study - the almost unknown and very rarely visited Dinder, the Sukakin Archipelago which has been described as having probably some of the best diving in the World. The Suakin Archipelago is made up of a group of islands offering some of the most unforgettable dives you will ever make in the Red Sea. A lot of the reefs within this constellation have not been dived, and journeys to the area are reminiscent of early exploratory diving; and the many other places with varying and interesting wildlife in this very large country. And very hopefully, the country's fascinating and many animals, fauna and plants, both on land and in the seas; and forests - whether the country remains united or separated - will be better taken care of and preserved.

More on Sudan's wildlife: Ministry of Tourism, Sudan Travel & Tourism, Sudansite, Parks, Wilderness Safari, Google, Bing, Yahoo

The Rothschild Giraffe

2010-11-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

Endangered. There are only a few hundred of them left in the wild. Maybe six-hundred-and-seventy of them. In Kenya and Uganda; and probably - in Southern Sudan. Sixty percent of them are said to be in Kenya. About 70 of these, are at the non-profit, breathtaking Soysambu Conservancy on the shores of Lake Elmenteita in the Great Rift Valley.

The Rothschild’s giraffe fared the worst after Kenya’s Independence in 1963. Huge ranches in western Kenya around Soi were subdivided and sold, leaving the Rothschild’s giraffe with no habitat. The giraffe was endemic there.

The Maasai giraffe covers a larger range south of the Equator, while the Reticulated giraffe is found in the drylands of the north.

Both the Reticulated giraffe of northern Kenya and the Masaai giraffe of southern Kenya are facing challenges, too. Loss of habitat is widespread, hence the decline in their populations.

Although giraffes have no competition for food resources with other browsers, (they can reach 20 feet high), very few are found outside protected areas due to human-wildlife conflict.

Only an adult elephant could possibly compete for food with a giraffe, but even then it would have to stand on its hind legs and reach up with its trunk.

The most common reason for the drop in giraffe numbers is pressure from farming and modern land practices. Poaching is also common in northern Kenya, where the graceful giants are killed for their meat and hide. Read more here and here.

Image from: Science Blogs

Halliburton................................again!

2010-10-29T04:36:00.000-07:00

It is now being reported that Halliburton might be to blame for the Gulf oil spill that’s currently threatening the coasts, livelihoods, health, and seafood restaurants of many states along the Gulf of Mexico.

As for Halliburton, this is what they claim on their site: Halliburton originated oilfield cementing and leads the world in effective, efficient delivery of zonal isolation and engineering for the life of the well. Operators consistently rank Halliburton Cementing No. 1 in total value provided to customers.

'Effective', 'efficient' and 'No. 1' Halliburton has been indeed! They have been so effective and efficient and made billions in profit from their own - Americans, and from many other countries; including from Iraq. Profits made, at any cost. Even if it meant 'selling' un-purified water to their own as they did in Iraq; even if it meant ineffectively and inefficiently cementing the deepwater drilling hole in the Gulf of Mexico. Even if it meant the company - as reported - purchasing an oil clean-up company 10 days before the Deepwater Horizon explosion that killed 11 workers and launched the worst oil spill in US history. BP may be feeling some sense of relief now: it helps if a juggernaut of American companies shares in the blame.

Kibera's Population is not One Million!

2010-10-10T03:40:00.000-07:00

What a surprise! What a shock! The most talked and most researched slum in the world: Kibera, does not have a population of 1 million as always suggested and believed. In fact, Kibera does not have half of that many people; and not even a quarter of that. The 2009 Kenyan census puts Kibera’s population at only 170,070.

A few quotes on what has been said about Kibera's incredible population census results:

It is now official: Kibera is not the biggest slum in Africa. The 2009 Kenya Population and Housing Census shows that one of the world's most famous slums houses just 170,070 residents, not one million, as previously believed.......While many may dispute these figures, I find it highly unlikely that the margin of error in the census was so huge that the population of a settlement dropped dramatically to one-fifth of its previous estimate in just a few years - unless the drop can be explained by a natural disaster or epidemic.......The more likely scenario is that, in the absence of authoritative statistics, the population figure for Kibera was entirely made up to suit the interests of particular groups. And because no one publicly challenged the figures, a lie became the truth. AllAfrica

Something is wrong when international organisations like the United Nations inflate their estimates of Kibera’s population by hundreds of thousands of people.......Since the Kenya government’s September census report showed that Kibera boasts just about 170,000 inhabitants — not the 800,000 figure so often cited — I wondered what other myths about Kibera had morphed into truths over the years. The East African

It is also possible that some folks in Kibera too felt cheated when they learnt that they were about 16 per cent of the population they thought they were. Why? Because if you are in a terrible situation, you get some comfort from thinking that you are not suffering alone, and so you exaggerate the number of people who are in a similar position. The Daily Nation

The truth is that we still don’t know how many people live in Kibera. It’s a different number today than yesterday. The definition of “living” in Kibera varies, it’s quite a transient place. Whether it’s 170000 or 1.5 million, the truth of that number is intertwined with the understanding of where it’s coming from. And questioning authority in Kenya doesn’t come easy. One chink in the armor is exploited to cast doubt on the entire enterprise. Authority means knowing all. MapKibera

I agree with Onyango-Obbo when he says that: One senses that not too many other people are happy either that there are only 160,000, not one million wretched souls, in Kibera. Still, having even thousands or hundreds of people living in such 'wretched' conditions is dehumanizing and very saddening.

Pink Hippo At The Masai Mara

2010-10-02T02:31:00.000-07:00

Two adventuoruous wildlife phographers, Will and Matt Burrard-Lucas - during a visit to Kenya's rennowned and very popular Masai Mara, spotted a very unsusual sight: a pink hippo. Pink hippos are very rare and have reportedly been seen on only a handful of occasions, in Uganda. From Will and Matt's blog:

We have just returned from a trip to the Masai Mara in Kenya where we were photographing the annual wildebeest migration. After a rather uneventful morning, we stopped on the banks of the Mara River for a picnic breakfast. It was then that we came across a truly exceptional individual… just as we started to tuck into our breakfast, we looked up and gawked, open-mouthed, as a pink hippopotamus emerged from the river! Hippos are usually dark brown in colour, so this individual was very conspicuous! We dropped our breakfast and reached for our cameras.

The hippo was clearly a young one since it was much smaller than the others in the group. It was also very shy and tended to stick close to its mother. To avoid frightening it off, we used a long 600mm lens to photograph it from a distance. Nevertheless, it only stayed ashore for few minutes before returning to the safety of the river. Thereafter we caught fleeting glimpses of it as it came up to breathe.
Later our guide told us that he had heard rumours from other guides that a pink hippo existed in the Mara, but he had never seen it and had not been told where it lived. We were obviously very fortunate to have stumbled upon it by chance. As we were taking our photographs, we had no idea how rare the animal was, or if it had been photographed by others before us.

On returning to the UK, we set about researching the occurrence of pink hippos and found that there have only been a handful of recorded instances, mainly in Uganda. We could not find any reports of a pink hippo in the Masai Mara.

This phonomenenon is explained in the National Geographic: The odd-looking animal has a condition called leucism, which occurs when the skin produces less pigment than usual, according to Joshua Charlton, assistant curator of mammals at the Bronx Zoo in New York City.

Southern Sudan: to secede or not to.........

2010-09-08T06:14:00.000-07:00

Come January next year, no one can blame the Southern Sudanese if they opt for independence. After being marginalized for so long; after, for years, fleeing from place to place in search of safety; and after so much blood and suffering, they can not be blamed for choosing secession. But, doesn't and won't that set a wrong and dangerous precedent for Africa?

Won't that encourage others in other African countries, who 'feel' or 'consider' themselves marginalized or oppressed to want or demand and struggle for secession? What is to stop southern Ethiopians or northern Ugandans or north-eastern Kenyans to think of taking the same path as the Southern Sudanese? And should southern Sudan go for independence, what is to stop another or other parts or other tribes of the same Southern Sudan, like the Shuluk or the Nuer demanding for separation, should they feel marginalized or oppressed?

There are hundreds of thousands of Southern Sudanese now living in the North of Sudan; many have livelihoods and are already rooted there - what happens to them? Yes: many African former colonies got independence from European countries because of the same reasons that has lead the Southern Sudanese to fight for separation; many of these 'independent' African countries only created more difficulties for their populace. Should the Southern Sudanese decide to secede next year, very hopefully their leaders can and will ensure equality and justice for all their citizens. Otherwise all their struggles and suffering would have been meaningless, should they create conditions there which make some of their people think of or consider separation, too.

At last: Dual Citizenship for Kenyans

2010-09-05T00:46:00.000-07:00

For most Kenyans living outside the country with foreign citizenship, the just signed New Constitution is a great gift and relief; apart from being entitled to proper housing, free medication, and the right to food - Kenyans who have acquired citizenship in foreign countries would now qualify for dual citizenship! "The Bill of Rights in Chapter Four of the new Constitution and Chapter Three on Citizenship, became effective instantly after President Kibaki promulgated the new Constitution." The New Constitution means:

A person who is a citizen does not lose citizenship by reason only of acquiring the citizenship of another country.
A person who as a result of acquiring the citizenship of another country ceased to be a Kenyan citizen is entitled, on application, to regain Kenyan citizenship.

"Dual citizenship is good because it will enable Kenyans in the diaspora to enjoy the benefits of their country of residence while at the same time make their contribution in the development of their country of birth,” said President Kibaki while recently on a visit to Swaziland. Indeed: most Kenyans having foreign citizenship would very much like to contribute to the development of the country. To the development of the Kenya we all cherish and love very much.

The Kihansi Spray Toad

2010-09-03T01:36:00.000-07:00

Nectophrynoides asperginis the Kihansi spray toad was originally discovered and described in 1998 . The Kihansi spray toad is now extinct in the wild.

The Kihansi spray toad lived in the spray wetland of the Kihansi Falls in the Kihansi Gorge in the Udzungwa Mountains of eastern Tanzania

The serious decline and extinction of this species appears related to the construction of a hydroelectric dam in 2000 upstream on the Kihansi River, which cut off 90% of the original water flow to the gorge, thereby hugely reducing the volume of spray, particularly in the dry season. Read more>>>>

More on the Kihansi Toad: IUCN, AmphibiaWeb, Wikipedia, Mongobay, Science Daily, WCS, Guardian,

Sao Tome and Principe

2010-09-02T01:50:00.000-07:00

Ever heard of São Tomé or Príncipe? It is Africa's smallest nation, after Seychelles; and it's probably Africa's least known country. Both are islands. Both are pristine and very rarely do foreigners visit it; and very rarely do its people travel out.

More on Sao Tome and Principe: Nation Master, Country Profile, Nations On Line, MBendi, WWF, BBC, IPS, Lonely Planet, InfoPlease, National Geographic, African Studies Center, World66, Culture, WikiTravel, World Atlas, Google Maps, Africa.com, World Travel Guide, HRW, Atlas, Maps, Books, Videos, News, UN, Wikipedia, Timeline

The Matthews Mountain Range: Kenya's Wonder 'Island' Gets Attention

2010-07-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Very few people know of or have ever heard of Kenya's pristine Matthews Mountain Range, also known as the Lenkiyio Hills. It is over 2,700m above sea level; is densely covered with forest; is one of the wildest parts of Kenya and has many, never known before species of plants and animals. But now, it is getting attention; an expedition - organized by the Northern Rangelands Trust and Namunyak Conservancy, is underway. It is funded by The Nature Conservancy and taking part too, in the expedition - are scientists from the National Museums of Kenya and the TNC:

View Larger Map

The Matthews Range of mountains rises from the arid brown plains of northern Kenya like a green tropical island; its peaks looming above the dusty haze blanketing the otherwise featureless landscape.

The flat lands that surround it stretch for almost 100km in any direction, leaving the Matthews blissfully isolated.

It has been this way for at least 10 millennia, the dry sea lapping against its shores - sometimes rising, sometimes falling in a tide driven by periods of global warming and cooling that has always kept it cut off from the rest of East Africa's forests.

But that isolation has also helped protect the Matthews from any serious human encroachment.

The Samburu tribes who graze their cattle in the surrounding grasslands have for most of their history left it largely untouched, retreating there only when drought forces them to search for grazing or when the elders harvest plants used for traditional medicines.

It is what the scientists have dubbed a "sky island": a remarkably untouched patch of tropical highland forest that has been allowed to evolve in its own direction, free of influence from the rest of the region by that dry gulf too vast for most plants and insects to cross. Read more from the BBC

This expedition and the remote range getting such attention, may be good and what this gem of a place needs; at the same time - it will undoubtedly attract unneeded attention to a very isolated, delicate natural wonder. Very hopefully: the Kenyan government with the help of conservationists like the Greenbelt Movement, will see to it that the Matthews Mountain Range continues to be protected and preserved.

According to British Petroleum's CEO

2010-05-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

BP's chief executive, Tony Hayward , has said the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster should not mean the end of deep-water exploration. He told the BBC: "I don't believe it should [result in a ban], in the same way as Apollo 13 did not stop the space programme nor have serious airline accidents from time to time stopped people flying." His thinking is just like that of the many oil executives and dealers: they only think in terms of figures and profits.

Above photo from: Rocky Mountains Review

For Mr. Hayward to compare the Apollo 13 and past air disasters to the current massive and very damaging oil spill off the Gulf of Mexico, is an insult and a complete lack of responsibility. The Apollo 13 disaster and past air plane crushes were in no way as destructive, perilous, costly and with such damaging long term effect, as the present oil spill is. BP's oil spill is destroying lives and livelihood; does Mr. Hayward know how many dolphins, turtles and other forms of marine life have perished so far, and how many more are threatened and might perish too? Does he know how many people have lost incomes and livelihoods? Does he know how much more destruction the oil spill will wreak? Does he know how long the effect of his company's irresponsibility will last?

He, like most oil executives - knows. But, like most of them, he prefers to ignore. To ignore the facts, so as to drill more and more wells - irrespective of the human and environmental costs; and make as much money and profits as they can. At any cost.

Upper photo from: Planetsave

Dinder National Park, Sudan

2010-05-11T05:57:00.000-07:00

The park was established in 1935 and it is one of two parks in the Sudan designated as Biosphere Reserves. Dinder in also proposed as the first Ramsar site in Sudan. The park lies along the transition ecotone between two floristic regions : the Ethiopian high plateau and the arid sahara Sudanian biomes. The park also lies along the boundary of two major faunal realms. i.e. the Paleartic and Ethiopian region. The park in dominated by Acacia Se al and Balanich ecosystem and rivervine and may (meadows) ecosystems about 2.7 large mammalian spp. Are present and about 200 spp. Of birds and diversity of fish and reptice. Diversity of local communities including indigenous tribes living around the park. UNESCO World Heritage

More on the Park: Looklex, Overladinthesun, Earthlore, UNESCO, Traveltheworld, Blogs, Images, Videos, Map

Image: Easyvoyage

Rwenzori Ice Cap Splits

2010-05-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

What a disheartening news: it has just been reported that due to global warming, the ice cap on the Ruwenzori has split. THE remaining ice cap on Mountain Rwenzori covering Margherita, the second highest peak in Africa, has split, creating a crevasse of 6 metres, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Rwenzori has about six peaks but Margherita is its highest and most popular the world over. It provides a unique experience to mountain climbers. The peak was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO and it was recently gazetted as a Ramsar site requiring protection.

More on the disaster:

The ice cap on Uganda's highest peak has split because of global warming, Uganda's Wildlife Authority (UWA) says.

The glacier is located at an altitude of 5,109m (16,763ft) in the Rwenzori mountain range, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The BBC

Ugandan wildlife authorities say the ice cap on the country's western Rwenzori mountain range has split after extensive melting caused by global warming. The Washington Post

The Ruwenzori ice caps covered more than 6 sq. km. 50 years ago; now it covers about 1 sq. km. - the ice, scientists say, could disappear in 20 years. From the Uganda Wildlife Authority: the 120km Rwenzori chain is regarded to be the legendary snow-capped Mountains of the Moon, described by Ptolemy in AD150. Reaching an elevation of 5,109m, it is also Africa's tallest mountain range, exceeded in altitude only by the free-standing Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro. The distinctive glacial peaks are visible for miles around, but the slopes above 1,600m are the preserve of hikers, who rate the Rwenzoris to be the most challenging of all African mountains.

Wildlife Trade and Destruction: A Disgrace to Mankind

2010-04-04T02:16:00.000-07:00

With the recent voting down on proposals to protect sharks at the UN conference on endangered species, the future for the endangered sharks is very bleak. Millions of hammerhead and whitetip are extracted from seas each year, mainly to satisfy a burgeoning appetite for sharkfin soup, a prestige food in Chinese communities around the world.

The nations gathered in Doha, Qatar, for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, rejected proposals that would have required countries to strictly regulate — but not ban — trade in several species of scalloped hammerhead, oceanic whitetip and spiny dogfish sharks. NYT

What is very sad and shameful about all this destruction, is that - some of the wealthiest countries in the world are the most exploiters of wildlife:

China is the largest consumer of shark fins; imagine - sharks are caught, their fins are removed and the rest of the fish is thrown; many times, all this - the cutting of the fins and the throwing of the shark back in to the water - is done while the shark is alive. What else can be as cruel and as wasteful as this? Why not ban this cruelty?

Japan, even with the rapid decline in the numbers of whales and tuna, continues to mercilessly and aggressively fish for endangered whales and the bluefin tuna. Shamefully, Japan continues to hunt for whales while pretending that the whales are needed for lab testing purposes.

In the US, wildlife trafficking and trade, is a multi-billion industry. The US, by far, continues to be the main destination for captured wild birds and animals; each day - wild birds and animals, many of which are on the endangered list, cross in to the United States, to be sold and inhumanely kept as 'pets'. The way these birds are trapped, captured and transported, is most cruel and barbaric; and the way, they are kept as 'pets' is a big shame to Americans. Shamefully too, parts of many animals like chopped elephant legs, turtle shells, bear paws and heads, tiger heads and skins, furs etc. - are used as decorations or as status symbols in America.

Mark twain said: Of all the creatures ever made [man] is the most detestable. Of the entire brood, he is the only one... that possesses malice. He is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. And he went on to point out: It is just like man's vanity and impertinence to call an animal dumb because it is dumb to his dull perceptions.

And George Orwell in 'Animal Farm' states: Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. Lord of all animals we are. But we have been a most unkind, brutal and merciless lord.

This is very good news..........

2010-04-02T03:32:00.000-07:00

Uganda, at last, surrenders Migingo Islands:

Uganda on Wednesday gave up its claim on Migingo Island and apologised for what it said was an inaccurate decision based on wrong interpretation of a 1962 map.

In compensation, it announced that it would allow Kenyan fishermen access to 400 nautical miles of its territorial waters in Lake Victoria. “Our surveyors were wrong in their interpretation of the 1962 map.

“It is an old map and not as accurate as modern maps,” said presidential spokesman Loofapril Kabalagala. Mr Kabalagala said President Yoweri Museveni had spoken to President Kibaki on the matter.

What a relief? At one time, many thought that Kenya and Uganda might go to war to settle the dispute over the Island. But, thankfully, the territorial dispute has been peacefully resolved.

See also map of the Island.

Boma National Park of South Sudan

2010-03-30T02:52:00.000-07:00

Very hopefully, Sudan and Southern Sudan in particular - will settle down. And have peace. Much needed peace that will not only allow its people build and have normal lives, but, too, let its abundant and varied wildlife thrive:

Before Southern Sudan descended into civil war in 1983, the country's protected areas supported some of the most spectacular and important wildlife populations in Africa, and hosted the second largest wildlife migration in the world. Surveys in the preceding years revealed that Boma National Park, west of the Ethiopian border, as well as the Sudd wetland and Southern National Park near the border with Congo, provided habitat for large populations of kob and topis (two types of antelope), buffalo, elephants, giraffes, hartebeests (another antelope), and lions. Sudan's forest reserves also provided habitat for bongo (also an antelope), giant forest hogs, red river hogs, forest elephants, chimpanzees, and forest monkeys. WCS

Boma National Park (2,280,000 ha) was established in 1977 but has not been gazetted. The Anyuak, Murle and Toposa peoples are the principal inhabitants of the area. The Anyuak and Murle traditionally hunt during the dry season while the Toposa hunt during the rains. Sustainable traditional hunting practices have, however, now been disrupted with the introduction of firearms resulting in increased hunting pressure. A further threat is the presence of large numbers of cattle in the park, creating conflict with game for water and grazing during the dry season and also resulting in overgrazing. Birdlife

Three years ago, MSNBC reported:

More than a million animals — including elephants, buffaloes, ostriches, lions, giraffes and a rare type of stork — have been unexpectedly seen living and migrating across Southern Sudan, where no surveys of wildlife had been conducted for the past 25 years due to civil war in the region.

Decades of war wrought significant damage to the region, along with excessive hunting, desertification of the land and periodic droughts, so wildlife numbers were declining in the stricken country. Based on observations in other war-torn nations, conservationists thought the wildlife in Southern Sudan would be wiped out, but it wasn't.

Sudan, Such a beautiful country. With abundant, vast resources. Enough. It is time its politicians put petty differences aside and do the needed and whatever it takes; and allow its people have normal lives. And let its animals and wildlife BE.

More reading: The Sudan Tribune,

Thomas Sankara: always remembered

2010-03-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

No other African leader, and very few contemporary leaders in the rest of the world, brought so much radical change, so quickly and were so revolutionary as Burkina Faso's The Lion King Thomas Sankara. He was most visionary and creative. And he was a most incorruptible of men.

Africans will never forget one of its most caring sons: As Africa looks desperately for leaders of integrity and vision, the life and ideals of the late Thomas Sankara seem more and more relevant and exemplary with the passage of time. Sankara is still venerated as much as Patrice Lumumba, Amilcar Cabral and Steve Biko are - in Africa and as much as Che Guevara is, around the world.

Sankara, a charismatic army captain, came to power in Burkina Faso, in 1983, in a popularly supported coup. He immediately launched the most ambitious program for social and economic change ever attempted on the African continent. To symbolize this rebirth, he even renamed his country from the French colonial Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, Land of Upright Men. As soon as he took office, he reduced the salaries of all public servants, including his own, and forbade the use of chauffeur-driven Mercedes and 1st class airline tickets. Like many revolutionary leaders, he banned unions, a free press, anything which might stand in the way of his plans for the immediate and radical transformation of society. Newsreel

The Lion King, the martyr, Thomas Sankara lives on. He will always remain one of Africa's greatest, most venerated and one of Africa's most highly regarded leaders. And he will always be remembered.

Image: Google Images

Earth Hour: Capture the Moment

2010-03-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

From National Geographic:

Cities around the world will briefly go dim Saturday evening as the lights of buildings and landmarks are shut off for one hour to raise awareness about climate change. Called Earth Hour, the event is organized by the conservation nonprofit WWF to encourage people to conserve electricity and reduce the greenhouse emissions that cause global warming.

From WWF - very encouraging news about Africa's support this year:

Great support from African countries this year, including candle-lit events in Senegal, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, Botswana and Zambia.

The more people participate in this, the more effective its is. Wherever you are, try and get Involved.

The Blobfish or the Blob Sculpin

2010-02-19T23:07:00.000-08:00

The Blobfish or Blob Sculpin

Not many of us will ever set our eyes on this rather lazy, slow moving creature: the Blobfish, also known as the Australian Sculpin or Toadfish - scientific name: Psychrolutes marcidus . Except in pictures. Because they live in oceans, deep underwater. The problem is that the blobfish lives at depths of 600 to 1,200m (1,970-3,940 ft). Instead of using a swim bladder to maintain buoyancy, he has gelatinous flesh that is slightly less dense than water, allowing him to float just above the sea floor. It probably doesn't look so bad down there, but up here he looks a little melty and... splat.. Mainly off the cost of Australia and Tasmania. For most of us: few creatures come as ugly as the blobfish. Most likely, the few fishermen who get to catch them in their nests while fishing must think they must have caught some alien. But: stop hating the Toadfish. It is a product of its environment; it is due to its brilliant adaptation allowing this fish to be slightly less dense than water. This slight positive buoyancy allows P. marcidus to hover over the seafloor without expending energy, a huge advantage in the food poor deep sea.

The Blobfish or Blob Sculpin

Unfortunately for these very harmless, very unattractive fish, which out of water - looks more like a ball of jelly-like, slime; which plucks its food around it as it lazily floats, deep under water; and though we do not eat them, they are in danger of being wiped out. By who else? Man. This amazing fish,, is rarely seen by humans but it lives at the same depths as other ocean organisms, such as crabs and lobsters and other edible sea creatures.......... As a result the fish, which is inedible, is being dragged up with other catches by trawler fishermen.

For it to live at such very difficult, extreme surroundings where pressure would be about eighty times greater than at sea levels - the blobfish has the special features that allows for this: it doesn't have a swim bladder; it doesn't have any muscles; and its body is less dense than water. The blobfish is very rarely active and simply floats - swallowing food that passes by. Whatever we think of the blobfish, we have to respect its unique shape; we have to respect its living so deep underwater where the pressure is so high that each bone of any other normal creature would easily explode; we have to respect the low density of his gelatinous mass which can float above the sea bottom. We have to respect the way it gets its food: as it’s a very weak muscular fish that needs to spare its energy, it actually waits for its pray to come close enough to attack. We have to respect this very extraordinary, one-of-a-kind creature. We have to do all we can and protect the amazing blobfish and allow it to thrive.

More on the Blob Fish: ItsNature, Helium, Ezine Articles, Blob Fish Facts, Wikipedia, Telegraph, MSN, Kottke

Image: Google

Cry Haiti!

2010-01-13T02:31:00.000-08:00

The first post-colonial independent Black-led nation in the world. The only nation whose independence was gained as part of a successful slave rebellion. The only predominantly Francophone independent nation in the Americas. And one of poorest country in the world and it is the most impoverished country in the Western hemisphere, where about 80% of its population live below the poverty line. That is Haiti.

View Larger Map

Haiti: a country that, for decades, has been ruled by dictators and despots. When we think of the words 'voodoo', 'zombies' and 'Tontons Macoutes' - Haiti comes to mind. Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier, who ruled Haiti with an iron fist for 14 years, was delighted when US President John F Kennedy, on whom it is said the mad Doc had placed a curse, was assassinated on 22 November 1963. A country that has experienced military coups, UN sanctions and other tragedies such as severe storms and flooding - is now facing its worst moment. Of all countries in the world, the devastating earthquake that has just hit the country couldn't have come at a worst time. Haiti needs help. Most of all, from the US. What a shame: the US, with all its economic and military might, has a country so poor and desperate right at its back-yard. In September 2008, when Mr. Obama seemed most likely to win the US presidential race, I said:

Then there is Haiti: one of the most noble things that the next American leader can do, is to help much more in bringing change to one of the poorest countries in the World - Haiti. Real change. Change that can improve Haiti's economy and uplift the living condition of its people; a people who have been so ravaged by its rulers and by natural disasters. A people who, to survive, have been forced through the years to cut most of their country's trees and turn the once lush and green country, in to an environmental disaster zone. It's shameful, incredible and a pity that - the richest and most powerful country in the World, has one of its very closest neighbors living in such miserable and pathetic conditions.

Will America help Haiti now? Really help? Will the US president act and do what is noble and do all it can to change and uplift lives in that very impoverished and desperate country? We all hope it will. As for Haitians, they too should act and do all it takes to change the incredible huge wealth gap between the impoverished Creole-speaking black majority and the French-speaking minority, 1% of whom own nearly half the country's wealth. All Haitians have to act. Both rich and poor. Creole speaking and French speaking. If Haitians do not most help themselves, they will keep on sinking. And Haiti will continue to be a living hell.

The alternative way forward for humanity....

2009-12-19T02:13:00.000-08:00

With the fiasco at Copenhagen, we now know that world leaders can not do much when it comes to Climate Change and other like problems that face humanity. Most world leaders are politicians who are more swayed by votes and economics than by doing what is right for humanity. The more powerful the leaders, the more they seem to be more interested in votes and economic profits.

But each of us and independent organizations and other world bodies can do much to change the World for the better. And that is what Google is doing: Google.org uses Google's strengths in information and technology to build products and advocate for policies that address global challenges. Apart from joining the climate express to reverse Climate Change, see and support what Google is doing to make our Planet a better place for us and our children. There are a number of other organizations that are doing much to positively impact people and our World. The Greenbelt Movement, the Grameen Foundation, the Skoll Foundation are a few such noble organizations. Noble organizations that each of us, if we can, should support.

We can not rely or depend on our leaders to make that positive change. Each of us and humane organizations, can bring positive change to our Planet. Can make a difference. Small, the difference may seem, but together: people, organizations - we can do much for US. Plant a tree. Do not throw garbage around. Conserve and protect our environment in whatever way you can. Be good, kind, considerate and just not only to our other fellow human beings but to all creatures on Earth.

We are all Maldivians

2009-12-18T05:36:00.000-08:00

"We are all Maldivians", so said the forty-two year old President of the Maldives: Mohammed Nashid. How right he is. Indeed we are all Maldivians; and we are all Bangladeshis. Maldives is sinking. If sea levels continue to rise, the Maldives will be no more; its survival is truly at stake. And so are the Islands of Tuvalu and the Solomon. Should Copenhagen fail, no country will be spared the repercussion of failure in Copenhagen.

Water. It is central to what climate change is doing. Sea levels are rising. Mountain glaciers, from the Kilimanjaro to the Alps, from the Andes to the Himalayas - are melting. Both Arctic and Antarctic, could all melt. Droughts, storms and flooding will wreak havoc in many places; they already are doing just that. Already we know of the many horrors due to storms, floods and droughts: the devastating floods and disappearing grazing lands in Bangladesh, India, Darfur and in many other parts of the world, have brought intense suffering and misery to millions. In the last few months, what droughts have done in parts of Africa, like Kenya - are so tragic that most of us don't want to watch it displayed on our TV screens.

Compared to what is to come due to climate change, this is just the beginning. It will get worst. What climate change deniers are after, I fail to understand. I don't have to be a scientist to see or know what is happening. Wherever I go, I notice the effects of change. Big change in temperatures and rainfall. Call it what you want, but change there is. With that change I see so much suffering: I see Masais full of pride, humbled and turned into beggars due to droughts. And due to droughts and floods, I see millions of people trekking and migrating into city slums like Kibera, Dharavi and the many slums in Dhaka.

As grazing land disappear and droughts and floods destroy crops, food prices will continue to rise fast. Leading to much more poverty; more people selling their children; and more crime. Don't the climate change deniers see these? Are world leaders aware of these? This is not for Maldivians only; not for Bangladeshis only; not for Kenyans only. Copenhagen has to succeed for US all. We are all in this together.

John Garang

2009-12-15T21:52:00.000-08:00

John Garang

After only a few weeks after becoming Sudan's vice-president and after about six months after signing a peace treaty with the North in Kenya, Dr. John Garang de Madiobor (June 23, 1945 – July 30, 2005) was killed in a helicopter crash in late July, 2005. A Dinka, the sixth child of a poor family of seven siblings - 5 brothers and 2 sisters, Garang was orphaned before his teens; due to the conflict in Southern Sudan, he went Tanzania for his secondary school and then on to the US for college and a B.A in economics; then returned to Tanzania for further studies. Later, he returned to America and got his Masters degree and then a Ph.D. after writing a thesis on the agricultural development of Southern Sudan.

In the 1970s, Garang joined the Sudanese army and rose to be a lieutenant colonel. In 1983, he started leading the southern Sudan People's Liberatin Army (SPLA) against the northern government forces; this Second Sudanese War lasted for about 21 years and an estimated one-and-a-half million people were killed. During this long civil war, it is reported that several African countries backed the SPLA - including Libya. Garang was married to Rebecca Nyandeng and reportedly has six children - 2 sons and 4 daughters. As John Garang was said to be very much for keeping Sudan united, if he was alive today, would Southern Sudan have, still, separated?

For more on Garang: BBC, Twicom, Times Online, Wikipedia, SPLM, Mading

Uganda bans female Circumcision

2009-12-14T03:09:00.000-08:00

At last: Uganda bans female genital mutilation! Last Thursday, the Ugandan parliament unanimously passed a bill banning the very risky and cruel circumcising of females. Unlike Kenya, circumcision, both for males and females, is not widely practiced in Uganda. Anyone convicted of the practice, which involves removing all or part of the female genitalia, will face 10 years in jail or a life sentence if a victim dies.

Eastern Uganda is where the cruel, traditional rite is practiced most. Female circumcision is practiced in many parts of Africa and Asia. Reasons given for the practice vary from place to place. They include:

Sexual: to control or reduce female sexuality.
Sociological: for example, as an initiation for girls into womanhood, social integration and the maintenance of social cohesion.
Hygiene and aesthetic reasons: where it is believed that the female genitalia are dirty and unsightly.
Health: in the belief that it enhances fertility and child survival.
Religious reasons: in the mistaken belief that FGM/C is a religious requirement.

According to WHO:

Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes procedures that intentionally alter or injure female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
An estimated 100 to 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of FGM.
In Africa, about three million girls are at risk for FGM annually.
The procedure has no health benefits for girls and women.
Procedures can cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later, potential childbirth complications and newborn deaths.
It is mostly carried out on young girls sometime between infancy and age 15 years.
FGM is internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

Though it has taken rather long for Ugandan lawmakers to have passed such a law: congratulations to Ugandan parliamentarians for leading the way in East Africa. May Kenyan and Tanzanian legislators do the same. Please!

Uganda goes for Jatropha

2009-12-13T02:12:00.000-08:00

Biofuels are produced from plants and plant-derived materials. They reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse-gas emissions when used to power engines, cars and other road vehicles. Can biofuels be the answer to a greener and more sustainable future for our Planet?

With huge oil reserves lying under it, Uganda is still going after greener energy resources. It has embarked on a project to test the viability of biodiesel from jatropha, a drought resistant crop:

The government energy policy advocates increased research and use of modern renewable energy sources which it expects to increase from the current four per cent to 61 per cent of the total energy consumption by 2017. The East African

A mature jatropha tree can produce three kilos of seeds annually and continues to yield for up to 40 years. An acre of land can take up to 1,000 trees of jatropha. AllAfrica

Unlike: wheat, corn, oil palm, sugar cane, sugar beet and soy - which would only bring more misery than good if used to extract biofuels from - jatropha is safe and sustainable. With oil production at its peak and no new large fields being discovered; and with demand rapidly increasing for fuel - other ways and means, will have to be used to serve the World's energy hunger. One of which will certainly be the increasing use of biofuels. Biofuels which are much cleaner than fossil fuels. Jatropha is certainly one of the best choices. Especially for Uganda.

Uganda: for or not for homosexaulity

2009-12-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

I spent most of my childhood in Northern Uganda; and still regularly spend time in Uganda. While growing up - be it in Lango or Acholi, not once did I witness any homosexual tendency or behavior. Boys and men grew up as men - we learnt from an early age, that handshakes have to be firm. No holding hands or hugging or touching or kissing between boys or men; that was unthinkable and impossible. Any one who has been in Northern Uganda, would know that even women there are masculine in many ways. They are strong; a woman can ride a bicycle with a baby strapped on her back and more load carried on the back of the bicycle; with no problem at all.

In Kenya, it is the same. Most of my youth and early manhood was with Luos. They too are very similar to Northern Ugandans. Masculine; Luo women are masculine too. It is only when I visited and later lived on the coast of Kenya, that I openly saw homosexuals. I even saw homosexual prostitutes in Mombasa. I was shocked and was rather nauseated. It is one of the reasons that I have never liked the East African coast - that openness and acceptance to such sexual relationship, simply was not acceptable to me.

For most Ugandans or Kenyans, homosexuality is simply not a topic for discussion or even mentioning. I understand once, for some reason, the topic was broached with the then President of Kenya: Daniel Arap Moi. He simply kept quiet and ignored it. He never responded. Should the subject be brought up with President Museveni, or President Kibaki or Prime Minister Odinga or most East African lawmakers - there is no doubt, the response will be very similar to that of Mr. Moi's.

The present bill being proposed in Uganda might seem harsh and absurd to many outsiders, especially Americans and Europeans:

Gays and lesbians convicted of having gay sex would be sentenced, at minimum, to life in prison.

People who test positive for HIV may be executed.

Homosexuals who have sex with a minor, or engage in homosexual sex more than once, may also receive the death penalty.

The bill forbids the "promotion of homosexuality," which in effect bans organizations working in HIV and AIDS prevention.

Anyone who knows of homosexual activity taking place but does not report it would risk up to three years in prison.

Indeed the bill is rather too harsh and has gone further than reasonable; but, it does reflect the attitude and feelings of most Ugandans: Ugandans are that repugnant about same sex relationship. Most Africans find it incredulous that an issue like that can even be brought up for discussion. Western media and politicians have now come hard on Uganda's attitude towards homosexuality; there is duplicity and the applying of double standards in this.

Western law and media - have always been very hard and very un-accepting of polygamy and polygamists - even if it is between consenting adults; and yet polygamy, is a kind of sexual relationship which is most acceptable and normal in Uganda and to Africans. Americans and Europeans, would rather we follow their laws. They have always made the mistake of trying to impose their ways of thinking on others. Their laws, which too, many of us here - find many absurdities with.

American and European laws and constitutional rights, are hypocritical and most absurd in the way they handle the whole issue of polygamy: a man has the right to engage in any form of consensual sexual relationship with any number of women and can live with multiple women - a very old man like Hugh Hefner is allowed to keep multiple mistresses young enough to be his grand-daughters; a man can even sire children from different women so long as they do not marry. But when that same man accepts a legal commitment for two or more partners "as a spouse" even with the consent of the women - he is sent to jail. And yet the same man can keep as many mistresses as he wants; it's not against American law. But get married to more than one woman, and the American legal system comes down hard on you. Incredible.

Even most incredible for us, is the way Western law accepts and makes lawful not only same sex relationships, but same sex 'marriages' too. We find that most absurd and unacceptable. But we have never tried to impose our ways of thinking on them. Our media hasn't pounded them with harsh criticisms when they passed those laws. Our leaders, both religious and political, never questioned them about their passing such laws. May they too not impose theirs on us.

I did write about this subject almost three years ago. Read it here.

Join the Climate Express

2009-12-06T04:12:00.000-08:00

In the next few days, World leaders will decide on how to control the effects of Climate Change. Many countries will be at Copenhagen for the meeting, but only a handful of rich, powerful countries' decision will matter. For the poor nations, like those in Africa - although they have the least adverse effect on the climate and are the most affected by Climate Change, they will have the least say at the conference. And for Africa, Climate Change could be the greatest danger we are now facing. It could be a matter of our survival. What happens in Copenhagen matters. Matters most to Africa.

Africa accounts for just less than five percent of global greenhouse emissions, but the continent suffers the most. In the the last few months, millions of people have lost crops, livestock and even their lives through drought that have swept through Kenya; in the last few days, in Kenya, diarrhea, an indirect result of the drought and then the heavy rains, has already killed several people. From prolonged droughts to melting ice caps to heavy flooding and unpredictable weather patterns, climate change effects are already wrecking lives in Africa, the continent that pollutes the least.

If global warming continues and temperature rises by just 1.5º Celcius - the cost for Africa, each year, will be catastrophic and in billions of Dollars; millions more in the Continent will be suffering from hunger, diseases, floods and water shortages. There will be millions of malnourished, dying children. The number of people suffering from malaria and diarrhea, will increase dramatically.

Most of us simple individuals and citizens of the World are not able to join the Climate Express to Denmark; but there are a few things each of us can do to help. With small actions here and there, every day - each of us can make an enormous difference. Here are a few things you can do:

Change a light. Replacing a regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent one saves 150 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

Drive less. Walk, bike, carpool, take mass transit, and/or trip chain. All of these things can help reduce gas consumption and one pound of carbon dioxide for each mile you do not drive.

Recycle more and buy recycled. Save up to 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide each year just by recycling half of your household waste. By recycling and buying products with recycled content you also save energy, resources and landfill space!

Check your tires. Properly inflated tires mean good gas mileage. For each gallon of gas saved, 20 pounds of carbon dioxide are also never produced.

Use less hot water. It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Reducing the amount used means big savings in not only your energy bills, but also in carbon dioxide emissions. Using cold water for your wash saves 500 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, and using a low flow shower-head reduces 350 pounds of carbon dioxide. Make the most of your hot water by insulating your tank and keeping the temperature at or below 120.

Avoid products with a lot of packaging. Preventing waste from being created in the first place means that there is less energy wasted and fewer resources consumed. When you purchase products with the least amount of packaging, not only do you save money, but you also help the environment! Reducing your garbage by 10% reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 1,200 pounds.

Adjust your thermostat. Keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer not only helps with your energy bills, but it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions as well. No matter where you set your dial, two degrees cooler in the winter or warmer in the summer can mean a reduction of 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Plant a tree. A single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

Turn off electronic devices when not in use. Simply turning off your TV, VCR, computer and other electronic devices can save each household thousand of pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

Take Action! And stay informed:

Support Wangari Mathaai and Greenbelt Movement.

Support Greenpeace.

Be informed: here, here, here, here and here.

Uganda: now and then

2009-11-26T23:29:00.000-08:00

1969: UPC was in power and Apollo Milton Obote was the President.

2009: NRM is in power and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is the President.

1969: The population of Uganda was about 10 million.

2009: The population of Uganda is about 30 million [Reference: NationMaster].

1969: HIV/Aids did not exist.

2009: About 1 million Ugandans are living with HIV/Aids.

1969: Makerere University was the top university in East Africa and one of the best educational centers in Africa.

2009: Makerere University is still one of the best in Africa but has declined and is not the top in East Africa.

1969: The Ugandan railway system extended from the Kenyan border to Kasese, near the DRC and to Arua, near Sudan.

2009: The Ugandan railway system has very much been destroyed and extends from the Kenyan border to only Kampala and Port Bell.

1969: Uganda's urban centers were some of the best and most advanced in Africa, with excellent infrastructure, schools, hospitals and golf courses. With no boda bodas. Kampala, then, with a much less population, was neat and indeed the Pearl of Africa; and Mbale town was a real jewel.

2009: Uganda, now, has some of the most poorly served urban centers. Kampala now, is overcrowded, has a poor infrastructure, is dirty and dusty. Mbale's beauty and neat streets is no more and is now a town of dirty, poorly paved streets with decaying houses.

1969: Uganda was not an oil producing country.

2009: Uganda could soon, maybe by 2015, become one of the world's top 50 oil producers.

1969: Uganda had abundant wildlife extending to most parts of the country.

2009: Uganda's wildlife - due to civil strife, poaching, the cutting of wood for charcoal and population encroachment, through the years - has very much declined or been destroyed. Protection and conservation efforts has lead to some increase in some animals and the conservation of some forests and jungles.

Kibera's Green Revolution

2009-08-23T01:25:00.000-07:00

Rarely do I read any thing about Kibera, as encouraging and elating as this article from The Standard. Here are some excerpts:

Having a kitchen garden in the city is a preserve of residents in leafy suburbs. But what previously could only be a fantasy for slum dwellers has become a reality for Ms Mariam Abdala, a Kibera resident.

This is how it works: Seedlings are planted on the sides of earth-filled sacks that are placed besides doorsteps, on verandas or even rooftops. One bag can support up to 30 seedlings.

Many families in Kibera have adopted this mode of farming, perhaps setting precedent for a green revolution in Africa. The ‘hanging gardens’ of Kibera account for several acres of land. Residents refer to them as gunia gardens. And just like Israel’s agricultural magic, residents are zealously turning the slum green.

At a time when food prices have soared, many residents in the largest slums in Africa can harvest vegetables at their doorsteps. Even schools have picked up the idea.

Thanks to the French based humanitarian organization Slolidarites, which provides aid and assistance to victims of war or natural disaster - Kibera goes green and its people, are much better off. Watch these uplifting, wonderful photos from the Solidarites site on the Kibera project. Read more about this noble project here and here.

Photo: Hopebuilding

The Culling of the Human Species

2009-08-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

Some, like the British scientist James Lovelock - who formulated the Gaia theory, believe that the World is over populated and over crowded: "It is not simply too much carbon dioxide in the air . . . ," he writes in The Vanishing Face of Gaia,"......the root cause is too many people, their pets, and their livestock -- more than the Earth can carry. No voluntary human act can reduce our numbers fast enough even to slow climate change." He goes on in an interview with the New Scientist:

I'm an optimistic pessimist. I think it's wrong to assume we'll survive 2 °C of warming: there are already too many people on Earth. At 4 °C we could not survive with even one-tenth of our current population. The reason is we would not find enough food, unless we synthesised it. Because of this, the cull during this century is going to be huge, up to 90 per cent. The number of people remaining at the end of the century will probably be a billion or less. It has happened before: between the ice ages there were bottlenecks when there were only 2000 people left. It's happening again.

I don't think humans react fast enough or are clever enough to handle what's coming up. Kyoto was 11 years ago. Virtually nothing's been done except endless talk and meetings.

Mr. Lovelock's conclusions maybe shocking and completely unbelievable, but the question is: how long can Mankind and Earth continue this way? There is just too much destruction on our Planet; too much and too fast. It's very hard to imagine how Earth can continue sustaining us with the limited, fast depleting resources that we have, as many as we are - close to 7 billion now - for long, without some thing drastic happening. WWF and its periodic Living Planet Report - paints a similar very dire picture and future for Mankind:

Demand for resources now exceeds the planet's capacity to replenish its ‘natural capital’ by about 30%. If global consumption continues at the same rate, by the mid-2030s we will need the equivalent of two planets to maintain our lifestyles.

.........our rampant consumption of resources such as timber and paper, water, energy, agricultural crops, meat and dairy products, fish and seafood, and land for infrastructure – as well as the impacts associated with disposing of waste products.

“Our natural environment is already bowing under this pressure,” said Colin Butfield, WWF’s Head of Campaigns. “The danger is that the ecological recession will be followed by a widespread and irreversible breakdown in our most important natural systems.”

There just isn't enough food, water and shelter for all of us, now; not to mention medical care, education, proper sewage treatment and waste disposal. It will get even worst with time and as we increase in numbers - we are increasing by about 75 million per year - the United Nations projects that the World population will be over 9 billion in 41 years. In Africa, the fastest growth is expected to be in: Uganda, the DR of Congo, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Will Africa, then, have enough resources to sustain all these people? If Africa, now, can't manage to feed, care for and shelter the 1 billion people it has - it's hard to imagine how it can manage to take care of an estimated, almost, 2 billion people in 2050.

Still: we can all take simple steps to reduce our impact on the planet. WWF’s online footprint calculator enables you to measure your footprint, and provides many tips on ways to reduce it. WWF also works to reverse the decline in the world’s most threatened species and habitats, and to tackle the global threat posed by climate change. And we can help bring about change LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. Or: support in whatever way you can, organizations like Wangari Mathaai's the Greenbelt Movement.

Save turtles in trouble

2009-08-01T01:12:00.000-07:00

This just in from WWF:

Marine turtles are a globally important species, but the number of turtles has plummeted and some populations are now on the brink of extinction.

These gentle creatures of the sea swim great distances and come to land only to nest. They play a critical role in keeping marine ecosystems healthy; the same ecosystems which sustain our fisheries and tourism industries that provide food and livelihoods for millions of people.

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Leatherbacks and Hawksbills are listed as Critically Endangered, while Green turtles are Endangered and Olive ridleys are categorised as Vulnerable.

Four out of the 7 species of marine turtles land and lay their eggs on beaches in Malaysia; Leatherbacks, Hawksbills, Olive Ridleys and Green turtles.

They face many threats, including the practice of consuming turtle eggs, becoming accidentally caught in fishing gear, pollution and the illegal trade of turtles and their parts.

But key to all this is the fact that the laws to protect turtles in Malaysia are inadequate. The current Federal law is limited and, under the Constitution, individual states have the authority to make their own laws on turtles. This means that the laws vary from state to state, have loopholes and do not effectively protect turtles and their eggs.

Please take action!

This is Cruel

2009-07-24T01:43:00.000-07:00

This photo which was probably taken at Kasai Occidental, the Democratic Republic of Congo - might seem fun and interesting to some, but it shows how merciless, cruel and indifferent We can be to our fellow creatures.

All leading religions are against cruelty to animals. Much has been said about our relation to other creatures here on Earth and our treatment of them, by many thinkers, philosophers and writers:

"The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them, that's the essence of inhumanity." - George Bernard Shaw, Irish Playwright and Essayist

"We have enslaved the rest of animal creation and have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond doubt, if they were to formulate a religion, they would depict the Devil in human form." - William Ralph Inge, British Author

"Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages." - Thomas Edison, American Inventor and Scientist

"Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man." - Arthur Schopenhauer, German Philosopher

"I could not have slept tonight if I had left that helpless little creature to perish on the ground." (Reply to friends who chided him for delaying them by stopping to return a fledgling to its nest.) - Abraham Lincoln, Sixteenth President of the United States

"Nothing living should ever be treated with contempt. Whatever it is that lives, a man, a tree, or a bird, should be touched gently, because the time is short. Civilization is another word for respect for life." - Elizabeth Goudge, author of The Joy of the Snow

"If man is not to stifle his human feelings, he must practice kindness towards animals, for he who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant, German Philosopher

"Cruelty to dumb animals is one of the distinguishing vices of low and base minds. Wherever it is found, it is a certain mark of ignorance and meanness; a mark which all the external advantages of wealth, splendor, and nobility, cannot obliterate. It is consistent neither with learning nor true civility." - William Jones, English Philologist and Jurist

"They say he's a sociopath because they don't know what else to call him. He has some of the characteristics of what they call a sociopath. He has no remorse or guilt at all. And he had the first and worst sign - sadism to animals as a child." - Thomas Harris, Author of Red Dragon (other related books by Harris are The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal)

And yet: does Man learn? To the contrary - with time, we continue to mercilessly and indifferently deplete natural resources and destroy wildlife and the environment. Only Man can be so cruel that we fish for sharks, cut off their fins and then throw them back, still alive but dying, in to the waters; only Man would indiscriminately and brutally slaughter seal pups by the thousands, just for their skins; only Man can be as cruel as those who mercilessly poach and sell wild creatures to their fellow other mankind with similar warped up minds; only Man can hunt other creatures not out of need, but for sports; only Man has the short sightedness and cruelty, of continuously chopping and destroying plants and trees - for no necessity or need at all, rather than to serve a selfish urge; and only Man can carry a goat so indifferently and with no second thoughts at how the animal feels, as in the photo here.

Why President Obama is not coming to Kenya

2009-07-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

At a news conference after the G8 summit, Mr. Barack Obama said that when his father came to the United States in the the late 1950s, his home country of Kenya had an economy as large as that of South Korea - per capita. But today Kenya remains impoverished - with a GDP of about 21 billion dollars, and is politically unstable, while South Korea has become an economic powerhouse, with a GDP of about 900 billion dollars.

“There had been some talk about the legacies of colonialism and other policies by wealthier nations, and without in any way diminishing that history, the point I made was that the South Korean government, working with the private sector and civil society, was able to create a set of institutions that provided transparency and accountability and efficiency that allowed for extraordinary economic progress, and that there was no reason why African countries could not do the same.”

Having deep Kenyan roots and being much closer to Kenya than any to other African country, Mr. Obama is very right in being so hard and demanding on Kenya. Kenya is his home too, and who won't like to see one's own home being peaceful, secure and strong? Kenya is not yet settled; the politicians have yet to reconcile; bribery and corruption are still a very normal part of life. In the Corruption Perceptions Index for 2008, by Transparency International, Kenya - at number 147, was ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

Some have wondered: how could Obama visit a corrupt, despotic African country like Egypt, and not visit Kenya? These are two complete different issues; Egypt is one of the most important players and movers for the search for Middle East peace. America very much needs Egypt, if peace is to be achieved in the Middle east. And most of all - Egypt, after Israel, is America's most important ally, in the most volatile part of the world: the Middle East. Obama had to visit Egypt.

The issue with Kenya is different. By not coming to Kenya, Obama is simply trying to send a message and get Kenyan leaders to move their country in the right direction. And the message is for all of Africa: the continent needs clean leaders and good governance. ".....if you talk to people on the ground in Africa, certainly in Kenya, they will say that part of the issue here is the institutions aren’t working for ordinary people and so governance is a vital concern that has to be addressed.” Are Kenyan leaders listening?

Costa Rica: an excellent example for Africa

2009-07-06T04:25:00.000-07:00

In a report released this past week end by a research group based in Britain - the Happy Planet Index, which seeks countries with the happiest and most content people - the Central Latin American nation of Costa Rica comes on top. According to the research group, Costa Ricans report the highest life satisfaction in the world, have the second-highest average life expectancy of the Americas .......... and have an ecological footprint that means that the country only narrowly fails to achieve the goal of ‘one-planet living’: consuming its fair share of the Earth’s natural resources. It should be noted too, that: Costa Rica ranks high in many other International Rankings.

For decades Costa Rica has stood out for its stability and has benefited from the most developed welfare system in the region. It has no standing army, and its citizens enjoy one of the highest life expectancy levels in the Western hemisphere and better living standards than their war-torn neighbours. More than any other nation one can think of, Costa Rica insists that economic growth, human progress and environmentalism work together.

Not only does Costa Rica have no standing army; not only does the country have peace and a long history of strong democracy; not only does it have one of the longest life expectancies in the world; not only is it a paradise for holiday makers; Costa Rica too, is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world and the greenest of all.

Demonstrating an environmental sensitivity unparalleled elsewhere, Costa Ricans have set aside one quarter of their land as protected areas and national parks. Ecotourists are rewarded with botanical and animal marvels found nowhere else on Earth. Although Costa Rica is best known as an invaluable refuge for nature, this small nation is also a haven of peace. Geographia

Many African countries can emulate the Latin American nation. It may look and be difficult, but it's possible. It's not only oil and such resources that matter; Africa, like Costa Rica has abundant and many other useful natural resources. African countries and its people too, can have such achievements. All African countries need, are leaders with vision and determination. And they too can achieve. It can be done.

Photo of the Endangered Mono Titi: TravelBlogs

Will the oil in Uganda be a curse?

2009-07-05T08:58:00.001-07:00

I don't think so. I very much hope not so. The latest reports say the oil discoveries in Uganda are unquestionably the largest onshore discovery made in sub-Saharan Africa in at least 20 years, possibly ever. And that one might safely consider production in the order of 150,000 barrels a day over a period of 15, 20 or even up to 25 years. In terms of comparison.......Uganda (would) in the top 50 of oil producers in the world.

And this is a report by Al Jazeera on the Ugandan oil:

As exploration and work still continues in the oil fields, so much hope and expectations are being put by Ugandans on the oil discovery. As I said before, the focus now is on how Uganda can both benefit from oil and at the same time take care of its magical, natural wonders. The problem: most of the oil so far discovered in Uganda are in the very environmentally sensitive, Lake Albert region. The priority is that: Uganda, with oil, manages to take care and protect its real wealth: its land, its waters, its wildlife and most of all - its people.

Even without oil, Uganda could and can still develop. With oil, the Ugandan leadership can now find it much easier to move the country and its people forward. Ugandans have suffered much more than most people; and Ugandan leaders owe Ugandans, nothing more than that - whatever is earned from oil, is used constructively and wisely for the benefit of Uganda and all Ugandans. And that's what Ugandan leaders, especially Mr. Museveni, are promising.

Wildlife crisis worse than economic crisis

2009-07-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

Wildlife crisis worse than economic crisis - that's the very sobering report from the IUCN. In relation to Africa, some of the very dire reports state:

...28 percent of all fishes in Eastern Africa are threatened..

The Sidamo Lark (Heteromirafra sidamoensis), from the Liben Plain of Ethiopia, has been moved from Endangered to Critically Endangered and is in danger of becoming mainland Africa’s first bird extinction due to changes in land use.

“Across Africa, widespread birds of prey are also disappearing at an alarming rate, and emblematic species such as Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) and Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) have been placed in a higher category of threat as a result,"

In Mauritius, the stunning Mauritius Fody (Foudia rubra) has been rescued from the brink of extinction after the translocation and establishment of a new population on a predator-free offshore island. It is now classified as Endangered, rather than Critically Endangered.

The saddest and most frightening of the report states that: .... 869 species are Extinct or Extinct in the Wild and this figure rises to 1,159 if the 290 Critically Endangered species tagged as Possibly Extinct are included. Overall, a minimum of 16,928 species are threatened with extinction. In the oceans, the picture is similarly bleak. The report shows that a broad range of marine species are experiencing potentially irreversible loss due to over-fishing, climate change, invasive species, coastal development and pollution. At least 17 percent of the 1,045 shark and ray species, 12.4 percent of groupers and six of the seven marine turtle species are threatened with extinction. Most noticeably, 27 percent of the 845 species of reef building corals are threatened, 20 percent are Near Threatened and there is not enough data for 17 percent to be assessed. Marine birds are much more threatened that terrestrial ones with 27.5 percent in danger of extinction, compared with 11.8 percent of terrestrial birds.

Uganda: after decades a baby rhino is born!

2009-06-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

'Nandi'! That's how she is called. The ten year old rhino has just given birth. Due to instability and wars, for decades now, rhinos - which were completely wiped out in Uganda in the 70s - have never given birth in Uganda. Southern White rhinos that are now kept in sanctuaries in Uganda, were all imported from Kenya, South Africa and the United States; Nandi is one of those from the Sates.

In 1968 more than 100 Northern White rhinos lived in Uganda, but as of the early 1980s, no white rhinos were seen. Originally, Eastern Black and Northern White rhinos were present in the Murchison Falls and Kidepo National Parks; a recent survey failed to locate the only known surviving population of about 4 remaining individuals of the Northern White rhinos in the Garamba National Park in the DR Congo. A few remaining Northern White rhinos, a total of maybe 8, are in captivity in the US and Europe.

Rhinos, which are said to have existed on Earth - in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America - for more than 50 million years, are today one of the most endangered species. It's very sad and incredible that rhinos have to be imported from the US to Uganda; decades ago, who would have thought of this. The White rhino once roamed much of sub-Saharan Africa, but today is on the verge of extinction due to poaching fueled by ....... commercial uses. Only about 11,000 white rhinos survive in the wild, and many organizations are working to protect this much loved animal.

Two living subspecies of white rhino are recognised: the northern white rhino, and the southern white rhino. Recent studies have confirmed that the two subspecies are genetically distinct.

Only 4 northern white rhinos remain, all of them in the Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. Efforts to protect them have been severely disrupted because of the ongoing civil war and incursions by poachers coming mainly from Sudan. Thanks to the dedication of park staff through years of armed conflict in the region, this Critically Endangered subspecies still survives, but for how much longer?

In contrast, the southern white rhino is one of conservation's greatest success stories. Thought to be extinct in the late 19th century, in 1895 a small population of less than 100 was discovered in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. After more than a century of protection and management, southern white rhinos are now the only non-endangered rhinos, being classified as Near Threatened. World Wildlife Fund

It's to be noted that: Africans have always lived with wild animals; it's only when foreign forces started entering Africa - traders and colonialists in particular - that the destruction of African wildlife started. And unfortunately for rhinos, due to the very great demand for their horns, they have been one of the most hunted and slaughtered. Today, only five species of rhinos survive. All rhinos are under threat and all but one species, the Southern White, are on the verge of extinction in the wild. Without proper, drastic action, some of the rhino species now living, could soon be extinct.

Tanzanians may soon be allowed dual citizenship

2009-06-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

The Tanzanian government, like the Ugandan one, may soon allow dual citizenship for its people. If approved, this new law will not only benefit thousands of Tanzanians, especially those living abroad - mainly in the Middle East - but the new policy will allow too, Tanzania to benefit economically.

The new law, if approved, will allow the many Tanzanians living abroad to invest their wealth, some of which is huge, in to Tanzania. And it will allow too, the free movement of many Tanzanians who were very much restricted by the previous policy.

It's very disappointing and sad that, for many years, East African governments never allowed dual or multiple citizenship for their populace. This has always very much restricted the movement of East Africans living abroad; it has also made it very difficult for them, many of whom are wealthy, to invest back home into East Africa. Contrary to what many East African lawmakers have always believed in, the allowing of dual or multiple citizenship will be much more beneficial to East Africa than otherwise. It will allow the hundreds of thousands of East Africans living abroad to move easily and freely to and from East Africa; and as most of the East Africans living abroad are financially and economically much better off than their counterparts living back home, they will certainly move much of that wealth back to East Africa. They will certainly invest back home. Hopefully, Kenyan legislators will soon too - see reason and wisely allow many Kenyans living abroad the same benefit.

Read more here and here.

The Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher

2009-06-29T22:34:00.001-07:00

The Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher or the Vev in Creole (Terpsiphone corvina) can never be found any where else on Earth in the wild, except in the Seychelles. Even in this stunningly, beautiful island nation, the bird which was once common in Praslin and other nearby islands, is now restricted to La Digue Island, especially in the Veuve Nature Reserve. This beautiful bird, is one of the world's rarest bird and is under immense threat; and although, great care has been taken by the Seychelles government to increase their numbers, human activity and animals like cats, still threaten the survival of this very rare bird.

More reading: Nature Seychelles, Arkive, Wildlife Vets International , Bird Watch

Image: Birdlife

Michael Jackson: like him or hate him he defined an era

2009-06-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

Whatever might be said about Michael Jackson, whatever one might think of him - one thing is certain: he defined an era. As for his lifestyle, it's not for us mortals to judge others; that is only God's prerogative. He will judge him the way He will judge each of us.

One thing is certain too: Michael Jackson is a genius and undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians, one of the most talented entertainers and one of the best dancers of all time; and one of the top ten African American entertainers ever, right there with - Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Harry Belafonte.

"Star of records, radio, rock video. A one-man rescue team for the music business. A songwriter who sets the beat for a decade. A dancer with the fanciest feet on the street. A singer who cuts across all boundaries of taste and style, and color too." TIME Magazine 1984

"It's one of the greatest losses," said Tommy Mottola, former president of Sony Music, which released Jackson's music for 16 years. "In pop history, there's a triumvirate of pop icons: Sinatra, Elvis and Michael, that define the whole culture.. . . . His music bridged races and ages and absolutely defined the video age. Nothing that came before him or that has come after him will ever be as big as he was.

Jackson "had it all. . . . talent, grace, professionalism and dedication," said Quincy Jones, Jackson's collaborator on his most important albums and the movie "The Wiz." "He was the consummate entertainer, and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him." Quoted from the Los Angeles Times

As Michael said: "If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with." He was loved and will always be loved by millions of people worldwide. Most probably, in the history of music, of all musicians and entertainers, none has been as loved and adored by so many, as Michael Jackson. As he would have very much wished and wanted, he leaves this world with millions of people still loving him. In life and death, very, very few people can ever be as passionately loved and revered as Michael Jackson was and is.

Photo: MTV UK

Mount Mabu: the New Wonder

2009-06-10T23:50:00.000-07:00

Just discovered. It's the new wonder. It's in Mozambique. It's Mount Mabu. Saved from development by Mozambique's long civil war. Surrounded by developed land. And still pristine, largely untouched, Mount Mabu is, now, the largest rain forest in Southern Africa. And it boasts an abundant wildlife of phenomenal biodiversity, some of which are new species.

Very few, even in Mozambique - except for the local villagers, have heard of Mount Mabu, one of the few places on Earth that has never been explored or mapped before. It is being described by the National Geographic as a place with a mind-boggling diversity of wildlife and plants. See more pictures of the new wonder here.

Watch The Vision of Wangari Maathai

2009-05-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

"It is the people who must save the environment. It is the people who must make their leaders change. And we cannot be intimidated. So we must stand up for what we believe in." Wangari Maathai

For any one who loves and cares for wildlife and the environment, the documentary: Taking Root - The Vision of Wangari Maathai is a must watch.

TAKING ROOT: The Vision of Wangari Maathai tells the story of Kenya’s Green Belt Movement, a grassroots organization encouraging rural women and families to plant trees in community groups, and follows Maathai, the movement’s founder and the first environmentalist and African woman to win the Nobel Prize. Maathai discovered her life's work by reconnecting with the rural women with whom she had grown up. They told her they were walking long distances for firewood, and that clean water was scarce. The soil was disappearing from their fields and their children were suffering from malnutrition. “Well, why not plant trees?” she suggested.

Maathai soon discovered that tree planting had a ripple effect of empowering change. In the mid-1980s, Kenya was under the repressive regime of Daniel arap Moi, whose dictatorship outlawed group gatherings and the right of association. In tending their nurseries, women had a legitimate reason to gather outside their homes and discuss the roots of their problems. They soon found themselves working against deforestation, poverty, ignorance, embedded economic interests and government corruption; they became a national political force that helped to bring down the country’s 24-year dictatorship.

Using archival footage and first-person accounts, the film documents dramatic political confrontations of 1980s and 1990s Kenya and captures Maathai's infectious determination and unwavering courage through in-depth conversations with the film’s subjects. TAKING ROOT captures a world view in which nothing is perceived as impossible. The film also presents an awe-inspiring profile of one woman's three-decade journey of courage to protect the environment, ensure gender equality, defend human rights and promote democracy—all sprouting from the achievable act of planting trees.PBS

If you haven't watched the movie, watch it. It's powerful, very inspiring and very interesting. It's an eye opener for any one who watches it.

And learn much more about the challenges facing Africa today from her books: the challenges facing Africa today are severe and wide ranging. Yet what we see of them in the media, more often than not, are tableaux vivantes connoting poverty, dependence, and desperation. Wangari Maathai presents a different vision, informed by her three decades as an environmental activist and campaigner for democracy. She illuminates the complex and dynamic nature of the continent, and offers "hard-headed hope" and "realistic options" for change and improvement. With clarity of expression, Maathai analyzes the most egregious "bottlenecks to development in Africa" occurring at the international, national, and individual levels—cultural upheaval and enduring poverty, among them—and deftly describes what Africans can and need to do for themselves, stressing all the while responsibility and accountability.

Manny Pacquiao

2009-05-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

He is fast. Very fast. And in the ring, very smart and relentless. Unbeaten. And he is the greatest and best professional boxer today. He is not only the most popular sportsman in his home country, the Philippines but also he is the most admired person in that country. In boxing, he is undoubtedly on his way to becoming one of the all time greats; to rank as high as Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson.

More on Pacquiao: Official Website, LA Times, HBO, TIME, BoxRec, Boxing Gurus, Fan Site, Times Online, Wikipedia, News, Videos

Image: GMANews

Baby gorilla saved.......

2009-05-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

A baby gorilla has been seized from animal traffickers by ICCN following a 3-month undercover investigation to bust an international wildlife smuggling ring, reports the official website of Virunga National Park.

One suspected trafficker was caught and arrested at Goma International Airport on Sunday while disembarking from a flight from Walikale (in the interior of the country and close to gorilla habitat) with an eastern lowland gorilla (remember these animals are only found in DR Congo). The gorilla was found concealed under clothes at the bottom of a bag and was suffering from over-heating and dehydration after spending over 6 hours in transit.

Baby gorillas can be sold for up to $20,000 each; for some people, that's a price that can drive them to such extreme cruelty. As for whoever would want to buy gorillas and other such wild animals, and accept the animals being so mistreated, they must be utterly heartless and sick. Gorillas should be in the wild. There are less than 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild worldwide, according to Virunga National Park, with about half of those in the Virunga Volcanoes Conservation Area shared by Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.

Read more here.

Elephants: the Greatest living creatures

2009-04-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

I can not think of any other living creature that is as awesome to look at and yet so gentle, majestic and noble as elephants. I have seen African elephants at close range many times, and yet, I am awed and have to stare and gawk at these incredible creatures whenever I see them. I quote from the movie White Hunter Black Heart:

I've never seen one before,
outside the circus or the zoo.

They're so majestic. So indestructible.
They're part of the earth.

They make us feel like perverse little
creatures from another planet.

Without any dignity.

Makes one believe in God.

In the miracle of creation.

Fantastic.

They're part of a world
that no longer exists, Hod.

Feeling of unconquerable time.

How true. Facts about elephants, are amazing. Elephants are incredibly social creatures who have lasting memories, and can communicate over long distances through low range sound waves; they can cry, play, have incredible memories, and can even laugh; and they grieve at a loss of a stillborn baby, a family member, and in many cases other elephants.

And yet there are those who, to fulfill there selfish goals and for profit - have no qualms and are so merciless that they can and do slaughter these great creatures. One can understand Zimbabweans, due to their hunger plight, slaughtering elephants for meat; but for a few men to slaughter tens of elephants for profit, that is cruel and abhorrent.

And that is what has just happened in Kenya: two wildlife crime suspects have pleaded guilty to charges of illegal possession of ivory. The actual value of the ivory is incalculable bearing in mind that it was extracted from 35 to 40 murdered elephants. The haul of ivory represents a huge toll on the Kenyan tourism industry as well as the ecosystems from which the elephants lived. This is a major setback to Kenyan efforts to the recovery of elephant populations after elephant numbers dropped from 167,000 in 1963 to the current 33,000.

A Malaria Free Island

2009-04-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

On the idyllic island of Moheli, the Comoro Islands, a Chinese medical team from Guangzhou University has got involved in a project - to eradicate malaria. Malaria, which, each year, infects hundreds of millions of people around the world, especially in Africa, causes an estimated a million deaths every year; mostly in tropical Africa. The project hasn't received much support from WHO, and and many in the public health community still believe malaria can not be wiped ou t. But the Chinese medical team believes Malaria can be eradicated; if it can be eradicated on the island of Moheli, then, indeed it can be eradicated in other parts of the world.

At the same time, the WHO admits that: the world's best hope for a cure to malaria is emerging from China, which is developing a range of highly effective medicines that include a derivative of a traditional herb, qing hao-su or artemisinin.

The new treatments combine artemisinin, an extremely powerful anti-malarial agent, with modern synthetic drugs. At least four treatments are being developed; one is already available, while another therapy, which is likely to be less costly, may be on the market within two years.

These combinations have a cure rate of more than 95% against malaria, which kills about one million people annually...................

Video from Al Jazeera. Watch more videos on the subject here.

Celebrate Earth Day

2009-04-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

Every day is Earth Day. ~ Author Unknown

I conceive that the land belongs to a vast family of which many are dead, few are living, and countless numbers are still unborn. ~ A Chieftain from Nigeria

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~ Native American Proverb

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~ Chief Seattle, 1855

Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money. ~ Cree Indian Proverb

What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on? ~ Henry David Thoreau

Celebrate!

Revealed: Wangari Mathai

2009-04-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

I read the report and have watched CNN"s revealed on Wangari Mathai, twice. Some of what Wangari said:

"In any society, if there is no regulation, if there is no control, you will always get greedy and selfish people who are prepared to take the economy very far for their own selfish ends."

"People get leaders they deserve," she continued. "So if they are getting leaders in Africa that are not caring about us, it's because they let them."

"If we want a responsible leadership, the African people have to rise up and demand that kind of leadership from their leaders."

"We see time and time again that the ruling elite are the least concerned about the poor and not only use the poor to argue their case, but when the money is available they're not paying attention to the issues that would make a difference in the lives of the poor people."

Watch the very interesting and absorbing video on Wangari Mathai - here.

Rwanda Genocide Deniers

2009-04-08T21:24:00.001-07:00

It's very shocking and extremely disturbing that, there are some people who deny that there was Genocide in Rwanda; there are those who have been trying hard to spread lies and propaganda and twist real facts and the truth about the Rwandan genocide; there are those who deny that, it took meticulous planning - resulting in about 800,000 Tutsis and some Hutus, systematically being brutally butchered, in Rwanda, in 1994:

.........thousands of children butchered individually, by machete. And the massacres at hundreds of churches, mostly Catholic churches at that. Not to mention the systematic gang rapes of Tutsi women and girls which led the international tribunal to define rape as an act of genocide when part of an extermination campaign.

The genocide, while it coincided with the civil war and was clearly driven by the politics around the conflict, was mostly carried out by civilians against civilians far from the front. There was no "other side". There were the murderers and their unarmed, helpless victims. The Guardian

April 2009 marks the 15th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda of most of its Tutsi population and of many Hutu who refused to embrace violent extremism.

Yet at the same time, as in virtually every other genocide, denial is alive and kicking. Here is yet another common thread that binds the people that suffered through what many consider the three classic genocides of the 20th century - the Armenians, the Jews and the Rwandan Tutsis. The bitter and apparently never-ending fight against deniers, or revisionists, is a common cause among the survivors of all these genocides, one that will be highlighted in Rwanda in April 2009 as people from all over the world will gather to mark the 15th anniversary of the genocide of the Tutsi - Remembering Rwanda 15, or RR15.

If much of the world now remembers the genocide in Rwanda, the battle against those who deny that genocide is much less familiar though no less insidious than its Armenian or Holocaust equivalents. The persistence of Holocaust denial remains a reality everywhere in the world that anti-Semitism rears its head. In some countries it attracts elites. In the west it is the preserve of a lunatic fringe, and usually more an irritation than anything else. But there is always a well-earned fear that it could explode into something more ferocious, especially as anti-Semitism and opposition to Israeli policies sometimes become difficult to distinguish. AllAfrica

Why would any sane person deny such a horror ever happened? Perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide have been campaigning hard and spreading lies and propaganda, to gain sympathy; they are being assisted too, by other perpetrators of genocide in other parts of the world - like Bosnia. And: some Genocide defense lawyers and authors are today earning their living through negating the Genocide that left behind thousands of traumatized survivors.

They can spread lies and propaganda; they can twist and concoct facts; they can go on denying. But facts are facts. And the real truth is that: ten years ago, in April 1994, almost a million people were hunted like animals and raped, slaughtered, butchered and treated in the most inhumane and horrific ways one can imagine. No denying that: Genocide did take place in Rwanda in 1994.

Photo: Google Images

Some good news from Kibera

2009-04-03T04:11:00.000-07:00

After what happened last year after the elections, and considering the very difficult conditions that people in Kibera live in - there's some good news:

Kenyan designers have built a cooker that uses the trash as fuel to feed the poor, provide hot water and destroy toxic waste, as well as curbing the destruction of woodlands.

In another part of Kibera, a group of 35 youths have developed a farm on a former rubbish dump, feeding themselves and selling cucumbers, pumpkins and tomatoes.

Read more about the cooker here, here, here; and about the farm on the rubbish dump here, here and here.

Earth Hour: Turn off your Lights

2009-03-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

At nights, most of Africa is dark, but wherever you are, if you use artificially generated light - join and turn off your lights for Earth Hour. Starting in New Zealand's remote Chatham Islands, thousands of cities, towns, and landmarks around the world will start to go dark for Earth Hour on Saturday evening.

Up to a billion people worldwide are expected to participate in this global voluntary blackout by switching off their lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time. The movement, sponsored by the conservation nonprofit WWF, is designed as a symbolic gesture in support of action against global warming. Read more from the National Geographic.

Main 'reason' for Uganda's Population Explosion

2009-03-11T23:56:00.000-07:00

Lack of electricity! That's what one of Uganda's ministers says:

A leading Ugandan economist — who is also a government minister — discovered why the country had one of the highest birth rates in the world.

The minister of State for Planning, Prof Ephraim Kamuntu, told a planning workshop a few days ago, that Uganda’s high population growth rate was the result of electricity shortage and outages, which compelled couples to go to bed early.

The good professor buttressed his argument, adding that a related reason for the high population was that in Uganda, like most of Africa, one could argue, people don’t work in shifts.

“While the rest of the world is working in shifts, we in Uganda are going to bed early. Then we complain that the population is growing; why not?” he said. >>>>> more from Daily Nation

Uganda has the world's youngest population and is one of the fastest growing. In 199o, the country's population was estimated at 17 million people; and now, just 28 years later, it's estimated to be about 30 million people. With its present, fast growth rate, this population is expected to reach 55 million in 1929 and 130 million in 2050. Even with its enormous and abundant natural resources, and its huge potential for growth - Uganda simply will not be able to coop with such a fast growing population. Even the richest of countries, will find that most disturbing and daunting.

The country is still recovering from years of wars and internal strife. It's still trying to repair and build its infrastructure, and civil and social services; most Ugandans are still unemployed and live in inadequate housing; and even with one of the fastest growing economies and one of the most developed poverty programs in Africa - most Ugandans are still poor who live on less than 1 US$ a day and the country is still one of the poorest in the world. Uganda simply doesn't have the means and resources to deal with such a fast growing population. The country, at present, is not able to adequately provide the most basic of services; with the present population growth rate - all that Uganda's government is trying to do now to: provide services, reduce poverty and improve people's lives - will not be feasible.

The Ugandan authority has to act, now, and control the country's population growth rate. It's not lack of electricity that's causing this population boom; it's simply lack of proper planning.

Save Lake Victoria

2009-03-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

Lake Victoria - the second largest fresh water lake in the world - is said to have experienced the greatest mass extinction of vertebrates in modern times. Thirty years ago the Lake boasted over 400 fish species. More than half are now extinct. The Nile Perch, most probably introduced in to the Lake deliberately in the 1950s - has been as disruptive to Lake Victoria's ecosystem as Man has been. The legendary river, the Nile, that flows from the Great Lake - is no better off: it's listed as one of the top ten World's rivers that are fast dying as a result of climate change, pollution and dams.'

Human activity has already excessively polluted the Lake but now Lake Victoria faces another great danger: water hyacinth has re-invaded the Lake choking thousands of hectares of the lake's surface - especially in Kenya. The species, which is originally from South America but today is a costly invasive species worldwide, first established itself in Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, in 1989. A few years ago, most scientists believed that the fight against the weed was getting on well and there was nothing much to fear or worry from it, but now it's feared that the weeds have re-invaded the Lake. And much more aggressively than before.

More than thirty million people in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania rely on the Lake for its natural resources. With its vast and abundant fresh water reservoir, Lake Victoria is undoubtedly one of the greatest treasures that East Africa has. Protecting and saving the Lake and all life forms that depend on it should be a priority. Already Man and the Nile Perch have caused enormous damage to the Lake; and now the weed, which reproduces and spreads rapidly - while choking most other life forms around, is rapidly spreading its tentacles. Although it would require huge amounts of time and money - the weeds must be stopped; and as indestructible as they are, they must be eradicated. The alternative to not doing that, would be too costly and destructive to all: Man and other life forms that depend on the Great Lake.

New Fish Discovery in Indonesia

2009-03-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

A recently discovered "psychedelic" fish (shown in a January 2008 picture) is bouncing into the books as a new species, a new study says........ Read more from the National Geographic. Read more here; or read more and see more pictures of the fish from Discovery and Nature blogs.

Watch videos of the fish on Quick Time here. More videos here, here and here.

Lagos

2009-02-22T05:16:00.000-08:00

Africa's second most populous city has grown explosively, from 300,000 in 1950 to an expected 18 million by 2010, when it will be ranked as one of the world's ten largest cities. This happened so quickly that the city had no effective institutions, engineering, planning, or traditions to guide the hypergrowth. Nigeria's booming oil industry fueled it, and it will likely only accelerate, taking Lagos along and drawing even more immigrants from rural areas, as well as from neighboring countries. Overcrowding (averaging six people per room), poor sanitation, air and water pollution, clogged sewers, solid-waste contamination, and staggering traffic fester even as efforts are being made to improve the national and city infrastructures in a time of political turmoil. Residents survive all those conditions and have kept the food supply moving through the efforts of individual vendors who sell their wares in vast outdoor markets. National Geographic

More on Lagos: City-Data, Daily Sun, BBC, UN News, Wikipedia, Official Site, CyberSchoolBus, World66

Image: Skyscrapercity

The difference betweeen Us and Chimpanzees

2009-02-18T02:17:00.000-08:00

Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives, sharing more than 98 percent of our genetic blueprint. Humans and chimps are also thought to share a common ancestor who lived some four to eight million years ago. In many ways we are very very much like chimpanzees. And yet, we and chimps have some huge differences.

The biggest difference between us and chimps, is: Man is the most cruel and the most destructive not only to our own fellow humans, but to all living creatures on this Planet. Chimps never keep us humans in captivity; or keep us in zoos for entertainment; or cruelly use us for scientific research; or eat us. Due to our destructive actions, we have driven chimpanzees almost to extinction and they are now an endangered species.

Why was 'Travis' the chimp kept in captivity for all these years, when he should have been in the wild? Which is more cruel: 'Travis' the chimp mauling a woman or the chimp having been kept away from the wild and from its kind for so long? And why do chimps attack?

Why does the US not stop using chimps for research? Chimpanzees should be free in the wild and not kept in captivity. So much is being said and done about the the chimp mauling the woman - which is sad. Can much more be done to save chimpanzees and other creatures on this Earth!

Photo: WWF