CHILE: BAN VISIT PROMISES FIELD HOSPITALS AND OTHER HELP
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has visited a Chilean city badly damaged by last week's earthquake and promised aid to help the country recover, the BBC reported (6/3/10).
As the clear-up continues, doctors have warned that debris piled up in towns and cities poses a health hazard. The official death toll stands at 452 but hundreds are still missing.
"Your people helped Haiti when it was in need - now is the moment when the international community must help Chile," Mr Ban said. After returning to the capital Santiago, he said Chile would receive field hospitals, temporary bridges and other international aid that the government needs. REPORT: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8553821.stm
UNESCO CHIEF REAFFIRMS PROTECTION OF HAITI’S CULTURAL HERITAGE
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova
(second right) visits remains of Quisqueya
University in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
The head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reiterated the agency’s support to help the nation protect its cultural heritage – including works of art and libraries – in the wake of January’s catastrophic earthquake, the UN News reported (10/3/10).
“I have come to express UNESCO’s solidarity with Haiti,” said Director-General Irina Bokova at the start of a visit to the impoverished Caribbean nation, adding she hopes to see first-hand how the agency can best assist authorities at a crucial time for Haiti.
With many Haitian artefacts under threat of looting, vandalism and illicit trafficking, UNESCO has helped set up an International Coordination Committee (CIC) for Haitian culture, led by the government.
Ms Bokova was scheduled to visit Jacmel, in the south east, which was founded in the late 17th century and suffered extensive damage during the recent earthquake. Jacmel, many of whose historical structures collapsed in the disaster, is on Haiti’s tentative list of sites for consideration for inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
REPORT: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34034&Cr=haiti&Cr1=
PORT-AU-PRINCE SLUMS ‘NOT TO BE RE-BUILT’
Haiti's president says the Caribbean country's crowded capital of Port-au-Prince cannot be rebuilt as it was before January's devastating earthquake, the ABC reported (10/3/10). President Rene Preval was speaking in Washington to meet US secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
Speaking through an interpreter, he thanked the US for its support and said his country would take a long time to recover. Many of Haiti's earthquake victims died as poorly built slum housing in Port-au-Prince collapsed when the 8.0- magnitude earthquake hit in January.
"To rebuild Port-au-Prince as it was before would be a major historical mistake," Mr Preval said. "That is the message that I'm trying to convey not only to the Haitians, but also to my international partners."
REPORT: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/10/2841474.htm?section=justin
FIJI RATIONS LOCAL SUGAR SUPPLIES
The Fiji Sugar Corporation is reportedly rationing the supply of sugar, to prevent it being exported to other Pacific nations undetected, Radio Australia reported (9/3/10). The corporation decided last year, after a fall in production, to limit sugar exports around the Pacific in order to protect its commitment to the European market.
REPORT: http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201003/2840951.htm?desktop
REPORT: http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201003/2840951.htm?desktop
KENYA FACES POSSIBLE WATER-BORNE DISEASES: UN OFFICIALS
Flooded section of the Ewaso Nyiro River
along Isiolo-Samburu districts in Kenya.
The recently flooded regions of Kenya could fall victim to water-borne diseases if public hygiene campaigns are not organised, the UN humanitarian wing warned, the UN News reported (10/3/10).
This year’s rainy season in Kenya, which began recently and is expected to last through June, has killed at least 11 people and affected some 8,300 others. The northern, north-eastern and western regions of the country are the worst affected areas.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said hundreds of livestock have been washed away and farms are submerged, particularly near the country’s border with Uganda, where mudslides have caused thousands to flee their homes. In the central district of Isiolo, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has provided chlorine for water purification. UNICEF is consulting with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Kenyan Red Cross Society to provide health support, including the distribution of health kits which are on standby.
PHILANTHROPIST’S $15M GIFT FOR GLOBAL CHANGE INSTITUTE
A visionary philanthropist is to donate $15 million for the new Global Change Institute (GCI) in Brisbane, the University of Queensland stated in a media release (10/3/10). The new institute will target solutions for problems linked to global-scale change.
Queensland Governor Dr Penelope Wensley announced the donation by Graeme Wood, a founder of Wotif.com, when launching the GCI. Mr Wood called on other successful Australians to join him in supporting the GCI, which will pit leading researchers against the most complex global problems.
“If we want to make a genuine impact on global issues concerning the environment and the effects of rapid population growth, the investment has to be substantial,” he said. “Every gift counts but in order to make a difference, substantial support is necessary.” Mr Wood said that universities were the logical places to find solutions to the world’s problems and therefore places in which businesses should invest on behalf of future generations.
“I call upon the business community, government and individuals to assist the university in bringing together the best national and international thinkers and practices towards solving these complex and pressing global issues.
“Education is the key to engendering tolerance and overcoming ignorance,” he said.
“Our generation can and must make a mark in history by espousing altruism and responsible business practices to leave the world a better place for our children and grandchildren.”
The GCI’s focus will not be limited to first-order environmental problems, but include a multidisciplinary approach to interconnected issues such as population shifts, energy innovation, and water and food security.
DETAILS: Jan King at UQ Communications on 0413 601 248; + 61 7 3346 3900; advancement.office@uq.edu.au; www.advancement.uq.edu.au;
Queensland Governor Dr Penelope Wensley announced the donation by Graeme Wood, a founder of Wotif.com, when launching the GCI. Mr Wood called on other successful Australians to join him in supporting the GCI, which will pit leading researchers against the most complex global problems.
“If we want to make a genuine impact on global issues concerning the environment and the effects of rapid population growth, the investment has to be substantial,” he said. “Every gift counts but in order to make a difference, substantial support is necessary.” Mr Wood said that universities were the logical places to find solutions to the world’s problems and therefore places in which businesses should invest on behalf of future generations.
“I call upon the business community, government and individuals to assist the university in bringing together the best national and international thinkers and practices towards solving these complex and pressing global issues.
“Education is the key to engendering tolerance and overcoming ignorance,” he said.
“Our generation can and must make a mark in history by espousing altruism and responsible business practices to leave the world a better place for our children and grandchildren.”
The GCI’s focus will not be limited to first-order environmental problems, but include a multidisciplinary approach to interconnected issues such as population shifts, energy innovation, and water and food security.
DETAILS: Jan King at UQ Communications on 0413 601 248; + 61 7 3346 3900; advancement.office@uq.edu.au; www.advancement.uq.edu.au;
AFRICAN FARMERS FIND NICHE SECTORS OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
Nearly 5000 West African farmers are now able to take advantage of the growing popularity of organic foods in industrialised countries thanks to a $2.4 million German-backed FAO program that helped them meet necessary certification and other requirements.
The FAO stated (9/3/10) the market for organic and fair-trade products in developed countries is expected to grow by about five to ten percent per year over the next three years, offering new opportunities for smallholder farmers in poor countries. However, these poor farmers struggle to comply with high-level food standards in the developed countries and need to meet certification requirements.
Furthermore, to enter organic markets the farmers have first to go through a conversion period from conventional to organic agriculture during which they tend to incur higher costs as a result of applying new organic techniques without yet obtaining the higher prices usually associated with the organic label.
FAO projects in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal and Sierra Leone helped farmer groups and small exporters overcome these challenges and take advantage of the remunerative markets. They increased their technical skills and improved product quality, which enabled farmers to obtain organic and fair-trade certification.
"Some farmer groups had never exported products before, at best they offered them to the local market at a low price. Most of them had a very low level of institutional capability, technical capacity and financial resources", said FAO's Trade Economist Pascal Liu. "Now most of the groups have legal status, meet regularly, keep records and are now made up of ‘real members' who pay dues".
As a result of the improved structure and organisation farmer groups are now in the position to draw up and negotiate contracts with an exporter.
Furthermore, to enter organic markets the farmers have first to go through a conversion period from conventional to organic agriculture during which they tend to incur higher costs as a result of applying new organic techniques without yet obtaining the higher prices usually associated with the organic label.
FAO projects in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal and Sierra Leone helped farmer groups and small exporters overcome these challenges and take advantage of the remunerative markets. They increased their technical skills and improved product quality, which enabled farmers to obtain organic and fair-trade certification.
"Some farmer groups had never exported products before, at best they offered them to the local market at a low price. Most of them had a very low level of institutional capability, technical capacity and financial resources", said FAO's Trade Economist Pascal Liu. "Now most of the groups have legal status, meet regularly, keep records and are now made up of ‘real members' who pay dues".
As a result of the improved structure and organisation farmer groups are now in the position to draw up and negotiate contracts with an exporter.
The additional income generated through sale of certified products is mainly used for purchasing food or clothing, for paying school fees and for medical expenditures, improving living conditions and food security. The project has resulted in creating jobs for workers involved in the production of certified products as well as supportive services. The project also supported national networks of organic farmers, exporters and fair-trade organisations, including the Fédération National de l'Agriculture Biologique (FENAB) in Senegal.
WELCOME FOR ECONOMIC STUDY OF MARINE PARKS
The release of a report on the economics of marine protected areas - saying that it showed that protected areas provide a win-win for the economy and the environment - has been welcomed by the Australian Greens (5/3/10).
"Marine protected areas play a vital role in protecting our marine life, but as this report shows, they also play a key role in local economies as well," said Australian Greens Marine spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert in Perth.
It was pleasing to see greater evidence and public understanding emerging of the crucial role they play in protecting fisheries, building tourism industries, and supporting Australia's
unmatched coastal lifestyle. DETAILS: Fernando de Freitas on 0417 174 302.
The release of a report on the economics of marine protected areas - saying that it showed that protected areas provide a win-win for the economy and the environment - has been welcomed by the Australian Greens (5/3/10).
"Marine protected areas play a vital role in protecting our marine life, but as this report shows, they also play a key role in local economies as well," said Australian Greens Marine spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert in Perth.
It was pleasing to see greater evidence and public understanding emerging of the crucial role they play in protecting fisheries, building tourism industries, and supporting Australia's
unmatched coastal lifestyle. DETAILS: Fernando de Freitas on 0417 174 302.
LUCAS HEIGHTS UNDER PARLIAMENTARY SCRUTINY
The Australian Public Works Committee is conducting an inquiry into a proposed Centre for Accelerator Science and extensions to other facilities for the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at Lucas Heights, NSW.
The project, estimated to cost $62.5 million, proposes to construct a new building for the Centre for Accelerator Science, as well as extensions to the OPAL reactor building and Bragg Institute. The new centre is proposed to enhance Australia’s capacity for research into climate and environmental science, nuclear safeguards and forensics, materials science, human history, medical physics and radiation physics. The extensions will enable expansion of existing programmes with neutron beam instruments, as well as providing centralised accommodation for reactor operations staff.
The Public Works Committee is responsible for ensuring that the need, cost and scope proposed is appropriate. Details on the proposal and details of the public hearing will soon be available on the committee’s website.
SUBMISSIONS: Close on April 1. Public hearing set for April 9 in Sydney.
INFORMATION: How to make a submission, public hearing times, and copies of submissions available: http://www.aph.gov.au/pwc or Secretariat on 0434 567 521.
FERGUSON TO PRODUCE MUCKATY WASTE DUMP DOCUMENTS
The Australian Senate has ordered the Federal Government to finally release documents relating to the secret contract which paved the way for a radioactive waste dump to be built at Muckaty Station near Tennant Creek, the Australian Greens stated in a media release (11/3/10). Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam moved the order which was passed in the Senate two weeks ago, giving Minister Martin Ferguson until 4 pm AEST on Thursday to produce them.
The Australian Senate has ordered the Federal Government to finally release documents relating to the secret contract which paved the way for a radioactive waste dump to be built at Muckaty Station near Tennant Creek, the Australian Greens stated in a media release (11/3/10). Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam moved the order which was passed in the Senate two weeks ago, giving Minister Martin Ferguson until 4 pm AEST on Thursday to produce them.
DETAILS: Fernando de Freitas on 0417 174 302.
DOCTORS DEBUNK MEDICAL NEED FOR NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP
The Medical Association for Prevention of War has noted with concern the announcement by Energy Minister Martin Ferguson that the Australian Government will pursue Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory as the preferred site for a nuclear waste dump.
MAPW President Dr Bill Williams said, “Mr Ferguson is quoted as saying that the waste requiring storage in this dump is isotopes used in medical treatments. This dump is absolutely not needed for this purpose. MAPW believes that the safest current option for management of this toxic waste is likely to be continued storage at the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor.
“The decision to store the waste on Aboriginal land at Muckaty station fails to meet world standards, either for scientific appraisal, or for community consultation. The minister has not fully assessed all options available for storage of the waste, including the costs, risks and benefits of continued storage at Lucas Heights,” Dr Williams said.
MAPW policy notes that nuclear waste is a long-lived and serious environmental hazard, and remains an unresolved problem in every place that has nuclear power or nuclear weapons. The policy also notes that that Indigenous Australians have already suffered from imposition of nuclear contamination through the British nuclear bomb tests at Maralinga.
MAPW ON MEDICAL NEED FOR NUCLEAR DUMP
MAPW President Bill Williams – and nuclear radiologist – Peter Karamoskos have continued to explain to NT media, that the amount of waste produced by nuclear medicine is small, and that most waste is from the Lucas Heights reactor. Energy Minister Martin Ferguson has continued to suggest that the proposed Muckaty dump is needed to dispose of nuclear medicine waste.
BROADCAST: http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/03/04/2836622.htm?site=darwin
MAPW’s media statement www.mapw.org.au
MAPW: NEW SENATE SUBMISSION ON NUCLEAR DUMP
The Northern Territory MAPW branch is working with Dr Peter Karamoskos on a submission to the Senate inquiry into the proposed Muckaty dump. The inquiry into the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill 2010 is being conducted at very short notice to look at legal and constitutional matters: submissions due March 15.
MAPW President Bill Williams – and nuclear radiologist – Peter Karamoskos have continued to explain to NT media, that the amount of waste produced by nuclear medicine is small, and that most waste is from the Lucas Heights reactor. Energy Minister Martin Ferguson has continued to suggest that the proposed Muckaty dump is needed to dispose of nuclear medicine waste.
BROADCAST: http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/03/04/2836622.htm?site=darwin
MAPW’s media statement www.mapw.org.au
MAPW: NEW SENATE SUBMISSION ON NUCLEAR DUMP
The Northern Territory MAPW branch is working with Dr Peter Karamoskos on a submission to the Senate inquiry into the proposed Muckaty dump. The inquiry into the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill 2010 is being conducted at very short notice to look at legal and constitutional matters: submissions due March 15.
2010 COMMUNITY HERITAGE GRANTS NOW OPEN
The National Library of Australia is calling for applications for the 2010 Community Heritage Grants. Applications for grants for collection management training workshops for staff and volunteers from community organisations to improve their skills when working with heritage collections are also welcome.
The National Library of Australia is calling for applications for the 2010 Community Heritage Grants. Applications for grants for collection management training workshops for staff and volunteers from community organisations to improve their skills when working with heritage collections are also welcome.
PACIFIC ADVENTURER IAT REPORT RELEASED
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) released the report of the Incident Analysis Team (IAT) into the response to the oil spill from the Pacific Adventurer off the coast of Queensland in March 2009 (10/3/10). REPORT: http://www.amsa.gov.au/about_amsa/media_releases/current_media_releases/documents/march%2010%202010%20- %20pacific%20adventurer%20iat%20report%20released.pdf
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) released the report of the Incident Analysis Team (IAT) into the response to the oil spill from the Pacific Adventurer off the coast of Queensland in March 2009 (10/3/10). REPORT: http://www.amsa.gov.au/about_amsa/media_releases/current_media_releases/documents/march%2010%202010%20- %20pacific%20adventurer%20iat%20report%20released.pdf
MIRACULOUS SURVIVAL OF BABY ELEPHANT
A baby elephant thought to have died in its mother's womb was born alive this morning at Taronga Zoo, the Sydney Morning Herald (10/3/10). Six days after Taronga's Asian elephant Porntip went into labour, the live male calf was born at 3.27am on Wednesday, the zoo's director Cameron Kerr said. On Thursday it was reported that the calf, monitored by the zoo's keepers throughout the night, had started to suckle from his mother, Porntip, without help and was moving around, according to Mark Williams, the zoo's media relations manager.
ROADWORKS DIG FINDS ‘OLDEST’ SOUTHERN HUMAN HABITATION
Archaeologists say they may have found proof of the oldest and most southerly human habitation in the world at the site of a major road project in Tasmania, the ABC reported (10/3/10). Archaeologists and Aboriginal heritage officers have been removing sediment from eight trenches along the Jordan River levee at the Brighton roadworks site, north of Hobart.
Initial findings suggest the sediment is between 28,000 and 40,000 years old, making it the oldest, most southern site of human habitation in the world. It is believed up to 3,000,000 artefacts could be buried there.