Five Vietnamese youth were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the World Youth Wildlife Summit, experience the Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, join a rhino de-horning exercise, visit the Zululand Anti-Poaching Wing and K9 Unit, and participate in a walking trail with a renowned guide. Dinh Thi Thuy Nga (24), Do Quang Thien (20), Le Anh … [Read more...]
Vietnam’s poorest worst hit by Typhoon Doksuri
Six people lost their lives when Typhoon Doksuri smashed into central Vietnam on September 16, the most powerful storm in a decade to hit the country. Although widespread evacuations prevented a higher death toll, the impact on the region’s most vulnerable people will be extensive and lasting. Government sources report that more than 193,000 properties have been damaged, … [Read more...]
Vietnam on red alert in anticipation of worst storm in years
Doksuri is forecast to hit Vietnam on Friday night with wind speeds of at least 118kph. Vietnam has been put on red alert as it braces for a giant tropical storm that is forecast to hit the country this week with wind speeds of at least 118 kilometers per hour. Officials said at a meeting on Wednesday that Doksuri, the 10th storm to form in the South China Sea (which … [Read more...]
Vietnam cancels nuclear reactor deal: a lesson for South Africa
Vietnam recently announced that it would be cancelling its contract to buy two nuclear reactors from Rosatom, the Russian nuclear vendor. The decision was subsequently ratified by the Vietnamese National Assembly in Hanoi. The vice-chair of the parliamentary committee on science, technology and environment, Le Hong Tinh, has stated clearly that the nuclear programme would not … [Read more...]
Vietnam drops coal from future energy plans
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has signalled a reduced role for new coal fired power stations in the country’s forthcoming power plans and an expanded role for renewable energy. Mid last week Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Nguyen Tan Dung, announced [in Vietnamese]: “There is a need to closely monitor environmental issues, especially stringent monitoring of … [Read more...]
Monsanto ordered to pay $93 million for Vietnam-era contamination
The West Virginia State Supreme Court finalized a big blow to the biotech giant Monsanto in August, finishing a settlement causing Monsanto to pay $93 million to the tiny town of Nitro, West Virginia for poisoning citizens with Agent Orange chemicals. After years of litigation those living near the former Monsanto factory, which produced toxic, cancer-causing chemicals, are … [Read more...]
Tackling the demand for rhino horn
Rhinos are currently experiencing the worst poaching crisis on record, due to an explosion in the demand for rhino horn from east-Asian countries. South Africa has experienced a 7,500% increase in rhino poaching since 2007, with 1,004 rhinos poached in the country during 2013 alone. From February 11-13, world leaders, government officials, conservation experts and wildlife … [Read more...]
Art for our rhinos’ sake
A picture says more than a thousand words. Personally I feel that eco art should play a much stronger role in getting our urgent environmental message across than currently happens in our country. Our future demands that – our hearts need to be stirred by all means possible. Why are our musicians not taking up the cause, the artist illustrating our problems, the poets not … [Read more...]
Vietnam challenged about horn trading
Government will start targeting foreigners who come to South Africa for rhino trophy hunting, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said on Wednesday. Poaching statistics continue to increase exponentially year on year, with an estimated 159 animals killed since the beginning of 2012. The majority of illegally traded rhino horn is smuggled into Vietnam and … [Read more...]
150 game rangers to stop rhino poaching in Kruger
Last year 448 rhino deaths were recorded in South Africa – it was the highest number ever. With rhino poaching figures on the rise, will 2012 prove to deliver even higher digits? Judging from January’s figures alone, if drastic measures to help curb rhino poaching are not put into place, this could very well be possible. The year 2012 is definitely not off to a good start … [Read more...]
The power is in your hands
Seafood restaurants are a commodity all over the world. No matter the country you’re in, it is always a treat to sit in a restaurant by the water, in which a row of colourful fishing boats are anchored, enjoying a seafood platter and a glass of wine. It creates the impression that the fish you’re having was caught in those very boats earlier that day. But unfortunately, the … [Read more...]
The foods our ancestors gave us
Ancient Heirloom seed gardens provide the same nutritious and delicious foods that humanity has relied and prospered with for untold thousands of generations. Heirloom plants provide productive seeds that you can share with others or keep for the following year. The plants give you intensive flavor, intensive nutrition, and spectacular color in your cooking. Very few people … [Read more...]
