Let's recap some of the biggest environmental news from last year and tell me what you think...
http://news.mongabay.com/2011/1222-top_10_2011.html
Learn More About Peatlands in Southeast Asia
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
No Bottled Water Campaigns
Kudos to Pullman Putrajaya Hotel and One Utama Shopping Centre (OU) which have taken moves to discourage the use of bottled water on their premises.
Pullman offers plain water in tanks set at the back of the room while OU have put up signs encouraging people to refill their own bottles at the refill stations in the complex.
It would be better, though, at Pullman, if the water was put in a more strategic location. As it is, I didn't see the water station until the later part of the day, and I was quite dehydrated since there was no water on the tables. I did have my bottle and I could have refilled it if I knew where the station was. Probably a spot near the entrance would be a better choice.
IN OU I didn't check where the refill station was, but it seemed to be in a hidden corner somewhere. It would be good to eventually offer more stations in the huge complex.
Anyways, it's a step in the right direction and I hope more establishments follow suit :-)
Pullman offers plain water in tanks set at the back of the room while OU have put up signs encouraging people to refill their own bottles at the refill stations in the complex.
It would be better, though, at Pullman, if the water was put in a more strategic location. As it is, I didn't see the water station until the later part of the day, and I was quite dehydrated since there was no water on the tables. I did have my bottle and I could have refilled it if I knew where the station was. Probably a spot near the entrance would be a better choice.
IN OU I didn't check where the refill station was, but it seemed to be in a hidden corner somewhere. It would be good to eventually offer more stations in the huge complex.
Anyways, it's a step in the right direction and I hope more establishments follow suit :-)
Friday, December 2, 2011
Carbon Trading
Looking at the development of REDD+, I wonder if it will die the same death as previous carbon trading efforts. Does it really make sense? Is there enough money in the world to feed those who deforest to make a living? Why then, are large companies still allowed to convert large tracts of valuable rainforest and peatlands into monocultures of oil palm and acacia? What about smallholders looking to make a living? Would there be enough to compensate for their opportunity cost of NOT planting commercial crops?
Yes, there are many problems causing this complicated cycle of deforestation, but let's look at the other side of the coin, shall we?
What are the 'developed' countries doing other than trying to buy off poorer countries at pitiful prices? Stop developing, basically that's what they're saying. They're not giving practical solutions, they're trying to salvage their conscience with a few cents thrown to the poor. Why aren't the 'rich' countries reforesting their depleted lands? Why aren't they committing to reduce their carbon footprint? How much CO2 is released from their endless baking and driving? Compare that to CO2 released from villages which don't even have electricity except from generators at night.
What the world needs is a more comprehensive solution to a complex problem. I really don't think Carbon trading is the answer to the global warming problem.
Disclaimer: These are merely my basic thoughts based on incomplete information. I'm not saying the rich are bad, it's just that we need to take a more comprehensive solution to this problem.
Yes, there are many problems causing this complicated cycle of deforestation, but let's look at the other side of the coin, shall we?
What are the 'developed' countries doing other than trying to buy off poorer countries at pitiful prices? Stop developing, basically that's what they're saying. They're not giving practical solutions, they're trying to salvage their conscience with a few cents thrown to the poor. Why aren't the 'rich' countries reforesting their depleted lands? Why aren't they committing to reduce their carbon footprint? How much CO2 is released from their endless baking and driving? Compare that to CO2 released from villages which don't even have electricity except from generators at night.
What the world needs is a more comprehensive solution to a complex problem. I really don't think Carbon trading is the answer to the global warming problem.
Disclaimer: These are merely my basic thoughts based on incomplete information. I'm not saying the rich are bad, it's just that we need to take a more comprehensive solution to this problem.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tiger parts seized during restaurant raid
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 16th March 2011—A restaurant owner could face RM600,000 (USD196,000) in fines and time in jail after authorities found him in possession of meat and parts of several protected species including several pieces of dried Tiger parts.
Perhilitan Pahang Director, Khairiah Mohd Shariff displays animal parts—some of them Tiger—found during a raid on a restaurant Click photo to enlarge © TRAFFIC Southeast Asia
Officers from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) in Pahang, a state on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, found close to 17 kilogrammes of Common Barking Deer meat, two skinned Mouse Deer, 54 Argus Pheasant feathers, a White-breasted Waterhen when they raided the man’s house and shop in a raid yesterday (15th March).
The dried Tiger parts were found in a sealed glass jar along with dried parts of several other animals, which will be sent for forensic analysis.
The find of Tiger parts in the suspect’s possession is significant because his village of Kubang Rusa in Merapoh, lies within the country’s most important Tiger corridor, said Pahang Perhilitan Director Khairiah Mohd Shariff.
This corridor, Sungai Yu, is a critical link between the Taman Negara national park and the Main Range, two of Malaysia’s most important Tiger landscapes, as identified in the country’s Tiger Conservation Action Plan.
The suspect is a second-time offender, having been convicted in 2008 for possession of Barking Deer meat without a permit. He could face two charges under Section 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 for keeping the Tiger parts and Argus Pheasant feathers without a permit. Unlawful possession of some totally protected species such as Tigers, also carries a mandatory jail requirement under this law.
The suspect also faces another three charges under Section 60 of the same Act for keeping the protected White-breasted Waterhen and exotic meats without a permit. He is out on bail pending trial.
In two other operations this month, Perhilitan Pahang seized Wild Boar meat from two houses in the town of Triang and are expected to charge two local men and a woman for being in possession of the meat without a licence. And earlier in February, officers also seized a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and two Blue-crowned Hanging-parrots from a man in the town of Janda Baik.
All suspects face heavy fines under the new law which came into force last December.
So far this year Perhilitan Pahang has also seized four guns from people who have committed hunting offences in the State, including one home-made gun.
Khairiah expressed concern over the abuse of weapons for illegal hunting and told a press conference that the Department would not hesitate to use its powers under the new law to confiscate guns under these circumstances and seek police assistance to revoke an offender’s licence to carry and use a gun.
"It is wildlife traders such as this one that have given Malaysia a reputation as being a poaching hotspot and trade hub. These criminals are posing a serious threat to the continual survival of many increasingly threatened species," says TRAFFIC Southeast Asia's Regional Deputy Director Chris R. Shepherd.
"The authorities are to be applauded for taking action, especially in such a critical Tiger landscape. TRAFFIC urges the authorities to penalize this man and others like him to the full extent of the law to deter further such crime, and to demonstrate just how serious they are about protecting Malaysia's natural heritage," he said.
Officers from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) in Pahang, a state on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, found close to 17 kilogrammes of Common Barking Deer meat, two skinned Mouse Deer, 54 Argus Pheasant feathers, a White-breasted Waterhen when they raided the man’s house and shop in a raid yesterday (15th March).
The dried Tiger parts were found in a sealed glass jar along with dried parts of several other animals, which will be sent for forensic analysis.
The find of Tiger parts in the suspect’s possession is significant because his village of Kubang Rusa in Merapoh, lies within the country’s most important Tiger corridor, said Pahang Perhilitan Director Khairiah Mohd Shariff.
This corridor, Sungai Yu, is a critical link between the Taman Negara national park and the Main Range, two of Malaysia’s most important Tiger landscapes, as identified in the country’s Tiger Conservation Action Plan.
The suspect is a second-time offender, having been convicted in 2008 for possession of Barking Deer meat without a permit. He could face two charges under Section 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 for keeping the Tiger parts and Argus Pheasant feathers without a permit. Unlawful possession of some totally protected species such as Tigers, also carries a mandatory jail requirement under this law.
The suspect also faces another three charges under Section 60 of the same Act for keeping the protected White-breasted Waterhen and exotic meats without a permit. He is out on bail pending trial.
In two other operations this month, Perhilitan Pahang seized Wild Boar meat from two houses in the town of Triang and are expected to charge two local men and a woman for being in possession of the meat without a licence. And earlier in February, officers also seized a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and two Blue-crowned Hanging-parrots from a man in the town of Janda Baik.
All suspects face heavy fines under the new law which came into force last December.
So far this year Perhilitan Pahang has also seized four guns from people who have committed hunting offences in the State, including one home-made gun.
Khairiah expressed concern over the abuse of weapons for illegal hunting and told a press conference that the Department would not hesitate to use its powers under the new law to confiscate guns under these circumstances and seek police assistance to revoke an offender’s licence to carry and use a gun.
"It is wildlife traders such as this one that have given Malaysia a reputation as being a poaching hotspot and trade hub. These criminals are posing a serious threat to the continual survival of many increasingly threatened species," says TRAFFIC Southeast Asia's Regional Deputy Director Chris R. Shepherd.
"The authorities are to be applauded for taking action, especially in such a critical Tiger landscape. TRAFFIC urges the authorities to penalize this man and others like him to the full extent of the law to deter further such crime, and to demonstrate just how serious they are about protecting Malaysia's natural heritage," he said.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Wildlife Crime Hotline
Did you know that you can report all sorts of wildlife crime to the authorities by calling just one number? Grab your phone and save this one:
Wildlife Crime Hotline: 019- 356 4194
It's run by the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT), and reports will be forwarded to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP aka PERHILITAN) or other relevant agencies.
Now, mind that you don't call just to test if it's real. It is. And please don't call to report non-wildlife related stuff. A stray dog is not wildlife; call SPCA or your municipal council regarding that.
They would want to know if someone is setting up snares in a nearby forest reserve, or trapping birds in your local kiddie park. You can let them know if there is a panther loose in the housing estate. Tell them about the auntie selling bear paw soup under a tree. Or a traditional medicine shop selling pangolin scales and that uncle selling tiger claw amulets in the pasar malam. Illegal trade of endangered species like star tortoises in pet shops are important too.
Before you call, make sure you have the necessary details so that the authorities can take immediate action. They'll need to know
1. What is the nature of the crime? Is it illegal hunting? Poaching? Trade? Be specific.
2. Where? Let them know exactly where the dodgy dealings are so that the authorities can find it to take action.
3. When? Tell them the time and date you saw the crime. It would help if the crime did not happen four months ago.
Now that you know, be sure to use the number to help curb wildlife crime.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Interested in Protecting our Tigers?
Join CAT trips with the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT). Registration is open now. Visit their FB note at http://www.facebook.com/notes/mycat/citizen-action-for-tigers-cat-in-sungai-yu-pahang/197284320299621 for more details. Hurry, now!!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Where Have You Been?
Yeah, yeah... I'm a lazy blogger. Have been working quite a lot, although not as insanely as I was at the magazine. Just catching up with things, you know...
Anyway, it's quite an interesting time for nature enthusiasts right now. Raptor Watch is just round the corner. To be held on 12 & 13th March this year, the annual event has always been held in Tanjung Tuan, in March, right around springtime, when the raptors are migrating back to their native Siberia from the lower reaches of the earth. That means Australia and parts of Indonesia where they have been biding their time, away from the bitter cold of their homelands, until they can return to breed in the summer.
So in March, they begin their long and arduous journey back to their nesting sites, flying over the islands of Java, Sumatera, across the Straits of Malacca to Peninsular Malaysia and further up through Thailand and beyond. So why is this interesting for us?
Because in Tanjung Tuan, and along the PD coast, the birds fly very low when they arrive from across the sea. Tired from the long flight without any air currents to lift them, the birds are low enough to be seen with the naked eye. And the sight they make as they spiral in groups to gain height is something that should not be missed.
OK. I need to make a move now. For more information, visit the RWW website at http://www.raptorwatch.org/. Cheers!!
Anyway, it's quite an interesting time for nature enthusiasts right now. Raptor Watch is just round the corner. To be held on 12 & 13th March this year, the annual event has always been held in Tanjung Tuan, in March, right around springtime, when the raptors are migrating back to their native Siberia from the lower reaches of the earth. That means Australia and parts of Indonesia where they have been biding their time, away from the bitter cold of their homelands, until they can return to breed in the summer.
So in March, they begin their long and arduous journey back to their nesting sites, flying over the islands of Java, Sumatera, across the Straits of Malacca to Peninsular Malaysia and further up through Thailand and beyond. So why is this interesting for us?
Because in Tanjung Tuan, and along the PD coast, the birds fly very low when they arrive from across the sea. Tired from the long flight without any air currents to lift them, the birds are low enough to be seen with the naked eye. And the sight they make as they spiral in groups to gain height is something that should not be missed.
OK. I need to make a move now. For more information, visit the RWW website at http://www.raptorwatch.org/. Cheers!!
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