#promoting responsible tourism

[globalwildlifefair]

Becoming a Sponsor at the Global Wildlife Fair: A Unique Opportunity to Make a Difference

The Global Wildlife Fair is a pioneering event that brings together a diverse community of conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts, ecotour operators, and sustainable tourism advocates. Scheduled for 2025, it is a powerful platform to promote environmental consciousness and drive meaningful conversations about wildlife conservation and responsible travel.

As a sponsor, you become a vital part of this movement, amplifying your impact while aligning your brand with the shared mission of protecting our planet’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Why Should You Sponsor the Global Wildlife Fair?  1. Strengthen Your Brand’s Commitment to Conservation  In a world increasingly concerned with sustainability, businesses and organizations that prioritize environmental stewardship stand out. Sponsoring the Global Wildlife Fair allows your brand to take a leadership role in conservation, demonstrating your dedication to creating a sustainable future.

This sponsorship isn’t just about visibility — it’s about purpose. By aligning your brand with the fair, you show your audience that you care about the natural world and are actively contributing to its preservation.

2. Gain Access to a Targeted Audience  The Global Wildlife Fair attracts attendees who are deeply passionate about nature and sustainability. From eco-conscious travelers to conservation professionals and wildlife photographers, this event brings together an engaged and focused community.

As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to connect directly with this audience, building meaningful relationships that extend far beyond the event. Whether it’s fostering collaborations, gaining new customers, or simply sharing your story, the fair provides a unique platform to engage with a like-minded crowd.

3. Support Tangible Conservation Efforts  One of the most impactful aspects of sponsoring the Global Wildlife Fair is knowing that your contribution directly supports conservation. Proceeds from the event will fund projects like habitat restoration, wildlife rescue programs, and educational initiatives. By sponsoring, you’re actively investing in the future of our planet, helping protect endangered species and ecosystems for generations to come.

4. Build Valuable Collaborations  The fair isn’t just an event — it’s a hub for collaboration. By sponsoring, you’ll join a network of ecotour operators, conservation NGOs, sustainability advocates, and other industry leaders. This creates opportunities to form partnerships, share knowledge, and work together towards common goals.

5. Amplify Your Brand’s Reach  The Global Wildlife Fair generates significant media coverage, both in the lead-up to the event and throughout its duration. As a sponsor, your brand will be highlighted across promotional campaigns, social media platforms, and event materials, ensuring widespread visibility.

How You Can Get Involved  Becoming a sponsor of the Global Wildlife Fair is simple. By joining forces with us, you’ll help make this event a success while positioning your brand as a champion of sustainability. Whether you’re a small organization looking to contribute or a large corporation aiming to make a significant impact, your support will make a real difference.

To get started, visit our website or contact our team directly. We’ll work with you to ensure your involvement aligns with your values and maximizes your impact.

Make a Difference  The Global Wildlife Fair is more than just an event — it’s a platform for change. By becoming a sponsor, you’re not only elevating your brand but also making a tangible difference in the world. Together, we can create a future where wildlife thrives, and sustainability becomes the norm.

Take the first step today and join the movement. Let’s make conservation a global priority.

[greenthestral]

Unveiling the Secrets of Life Below Water: Goal 14 for a Sustainable Future

In our journey towards achieving a sustainable future, Goal 14 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) plays a pivotal role. Life Below Water, as it is commonly referred to, focuses on the preservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. With this goal, the international community aims to safeguard marine ecosystems, mitigate the impacts of human activities, and promote sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. This article delves into the significance of Goal 14, explores the challenges faced, and highlights the initiatives that can help us ensure a healthier and more vibrant life below water.

Understanding the Importance of Goal 14

The Earth's oceans are vast and cover more than 70% of the planet's surface. They are teeming with life and harbor a remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems. From the mesmerizing coral reefs to the mysterious depths of the abyss, the oceans are a treasure trove of biodiversity, supporting millions of species, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Beyond their ecological significance, the oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. They act as a massive heat sink, absorbing a significant amount of the sun's energy and distributing it across the planet. Additionally, oceans play a vital role in the water cycle, facilitating the evaporation of water, which then falls as precipitation and sustains terrestrial ecosystems.

The oceans are not only important for the environment but also for human societies. They provide sustenance to millions of people around the world. Fishing, both for subsistence and commercial purposes, is a primary source of livelihood for coastal communities. The oceans also support economic activities such as tourism, shipping, and offshore industries, contributing significantly to global economies.

However, the delicate balance of marine ecosystems is under threat due to various human activities. Overfishing, driven by unsustainable practices and the demand for seafood, has led to the depletion of fish stocks worldwide. Large-scale industrial fishing, with destructive methods such as bottom trawling, threatens not only the targeted species but also the entire marine food web.

Marine pollution is another significant challenge faced by the oceans. Pollution from land-based sources, including plastic waste, chemicals, oil spills, and agricultural runoff, finds its way into the marine environment, causing severe harm to marine life and ecosystems. The accumulation of plastic debris in the oceans has reached alarming levels, forming giant garbage patches and causing entanglement and ingestion by marine organisms.

Habitat destruction and degradation are also taking a toll on marine ecosystems. Destructive practices such as coral reef destruction, coastal development, and the destruction of mangroves and seagrass beds result in the loss of critical habitats and the disruption of delicate ecological relationships. These habitats serve as nurseries and breeding grounds for many species, and their loss has far-reaching consequences for marine biodiversity.

Furthermore, climate change poses one of the most significant threats to life below water. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise are already impacting marine ecosystems. Corals, which are vital for the survival of countless marine species, are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures and increased ocean acidity, leading to coral bleaching events and the degradation of coral reefs.

In recognition of the urgent need to protect and sustainably manage marine resources, Goal 14 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was established. Also known as Life Below Water, this goal aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources for present and future generations.

Goal 14 encompasses various targets and indicators to guide efforts towards sustainable ocean management. One of the key focuses is the protection and restoration of coral reefs, which are among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. Coral reefs provide habitat for numerous species, protect coastlines from erosion, and support vibrant tourism industries. By implementing measures to reduce coral bleaching, enhance reef resilience, and combat destructive practices, Goal 14 seeks to safeguard these vital ecosystems.

Another critical aspect of Goal 14 is the reduction of marine pollution. It calls for the prevention and significant reduction of marine debris, particularly plastic waste. Efforts are being made to promote better waste management systems, recycling and reusing plastics, and raising awareness about the detrimental effects of single-use plastics. Innovative technologies for ocean cleanup are also being developed to tackle existing pollution.

To address the issue of overfishing, Goal 14 emphasizes the need to restore fish stocks to sustainable levels. This involves implementing science-based management plans, combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and promoting responsible fishing practices. Creating marine protected areas and adopting ecosystem-based management approaches can help protect critical habitats and ensure the long-term viability of fisheries.

Furthermore, Goal 14 acknowledges the urgent need to address ocean acidification, which poses a grave risk to marine organisms. By reducing carbon dioxide emissions and taking steps to enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems, such as protecting mangroves and seagrass beds, this goal aims to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification and ensure the survival of vulnerable species.

Achieving Goal 14 requires a collaborative effort from governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals worldwide. International cooperation is crucial to strengthen governance frameworks, regulate resource exploitation, combat illegal fishing, and promote sustainable practices. By taking collective action and embracing sustainable approaches, we can secure a healthier and more vibrant future for life below water.

Challenges and Threats to Life Below Water

The life below water faces a multitude of challenges that require immediate attention and concerted efforts. Overfishing, driven by unsustainable practices and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, has led to a decline in fish stocks worldwide. The loss of biodiversity affects not only marine ecosystems but also the communities that depend on them for food security and economic opportunities.

Marine pollution poses another significant threat. Plastic waste, chemicals, oil spills, and other pollutants contaminate the oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. The accumulation of plastic debris, in particular, has gained global attention due to its devastating impact on marine organisms and the potential consequences for human health through the food chain.

Ocean acidification, caused by the absorption of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, poses a grave risk to marine organisms such as corals, shellfish, and plankton. Acidic waters can hinder the growth and survival of these organisms, disrupting the entire marine food web and impacting the livelihoods of coastal communities.

 Initiatives and Solutions for a Sustainable Life Below Water

Achieving Goal 14 requires a comprehensive approach involving governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Several initiatives and solutions have emerged to address the challenges faced by life below water:

Sustainable Fisheries Management: Implementing science-based management plans, promoting responsible fishing practices, and combating illegal fishing are crucial steps towards replenishing fish stocks and ensuring the long-term sustainability of fisheries. Tools like marine protected areas and ecosystem-based management help preserve critical habitats and protect biodiversity.

Marine Pollution Prevention: Reducing plastic pollution and other sources of marine debris is vital. This can be achieved through improved waste management systems, recycling and reusing plastics, and raising awareness about the consequences of single-use plastics. Additionally, promoting the use of biodegradable alternatives and supporting innovative technologies for ocean cleanup can help mitigate the impact of existing pollution.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Addressing climate change is fundamental to preserving life below water. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable coastal development are essential steps in mitigating the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Additionally, enhancing the resilience of coastal communities through measures such as mangrove restoration, coastal protection, and sustainable tourism can aid adaptation efforts.

International Cooperation and Governance: Collaboration among nations is crucial for the effective implementation of Goal 14. Strengthening international frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and promoting regional cooperation can help combat illegal fishing, regulate resource exploitation, and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.

Conclusion

Preserving life below water is not only crucial for the health of our oceans but also for the overall well-being of our planet. Goal 14 provides a roadmap for sustainable ocean management, aiming to conserve marine biodiversity, mitigate pollution, and promote the sustainable use of marine resources. By taking action at individual, local, and global levels, we can make a significant difference in ensuring a healthier and more vibrant future for life below water. Let us join hands and work together to safeguard the oceans for generations to come.

[townpostin]

CII Jharkhand Praises Budget 2024-25 for Eastern Focus and MSME Boost

Comprehensive development plan and enhanced support measures signal growth-oriented approach Union Budget 2024-25 earns CII acclaim for its emphasis on Eastern region development, MSME empowerment, and strategic infrastructure investments to foster economic progress. JAMSHEDPUR – The Confederation of Indian Industry has come out with profusely praising words for the Union Budget 2024-25 for its…

[kcinpa]

TL;DR Project 2025

Project 2025 has crossed my dash several times, so maybe tumblr is already informed about the hellish 900-page takeover plan if Trump wins office again. But even the articles covering Project 2025 can be a LOT of reading. So I'm trying to get it down to simple bulleted lists…

Navigator Research (a progressive polling outfit) found that 7 in 10 Americans are unfamiliar with Project 2025. But the more they learn about it, the more they don't like or want it. When asked about a series of policy plans taken directly from Project 2025, the bipartisan survey group responded most negatively to the following:

Allowing employers to stop paying hourly workers overtime

Allowing the government to monitor people’s pregnancies to potentially prosecute them if they miscarry

Removing health care protections for people with pre-existing conditions

Eliminating the National Weather Service, which is currently responsible for preparing for extreme weather events like heat waves, floods, and wildfires

Eliminating the Head Start program, ending preschool education for the children of low-income families

Putting a new tax on health insurance for millions of people who get insurance through their employer

Banning Medicare from negotiating for lower prescription drug costs and eliminating the $35 monthly cap on the price of insulin for seniors

Cutting Social Security benefits by raising the retirement age

Allowing employers to deny workers access to birth control

Laurie Garrett looked at the roughly 50 pages within Project 2025 that deal with Health and Human Services (HHS) and other health agencies, and summarized them on Twitter/X in a series of replies. I've shortened even more here:

HHS must "respect for the sacred rights of conscience" for Federal workers & healthcare providers and workers broadly who object to abortions, contraception, gender reassignment & other issues - ie. allow them to deny services based on religious beliefs

HHS should promote "stable and flourishing married families."

Require all welfare programs to "promote father involvement" – or terminate their funding for mothers and children.

Prioritize adoptions via faith-based organizations.

Redefine sex, eliminating all forms of gender "confusion" regarding identity and orientation.

Eliminate the Head Start program for children, entirely

Ban all funding of Planned Parenthood

Ban birth control services that are "egregious attacks on many Americans' religious & moral beliefs"

Deny pregnancy termination pills, "mail-order abortions."

Eliminate Office of Refugee Resettlement; move all refugee matters to the Department of Homeland Security

Healthcare should be "market-based"

Ban all mask and vaccine requirements.

Closely regulate the NIH w/citizen ethics panels, ensuring that no research involves fetal tissue, leads to development of new forms of Abortions or brings profits to the researchers.

Redirect the Office of Global Affairs to promoting "moral conscience" & full compliance w/the Mexico City policy

The CDC should have no role in medical policies.

"Because liberal states have now become sanctuaries for abortion tourism," HHS should use every available tool, including the cutting of funds, to ensure that every state reports exactly how many abortions take place within its borders, at what gestational age of the child, for what reason, the mother’s state of residence & by what method.

I'm still looking for a good short summary of the environmental horrors that Project 2025 would bring if it comes to fruition…

[blackmoonlightexpress]

About the mixed response in China & why I think TTEOTM will prevail in the end 💪

Saw the "Badly Received in China?" post earlier and thought to share a longer take on the situation in China, why are there so many antis, and my own predictions on its future.

First, a clarification, TTEOTM has been an massive hit in China. The data speaks for itself in every way you can measure commercial success: viewership, platform membership, app downloads, social media heat index, advertisements, merchandise sales, unintended tourism GDP contribution. The drama has shattered records and outperformed all the recent xianxias, which you'd never dare to expect for a drama with no dingliu (顶流) that airs exclusively in the dead April slot on a platform that's 3rd (sometimes 4th) amongst online streamers. (Some day I'll create a master post just on the stats.)

The only area it falls short on is critical response. It's not just the low Douban rating (opened at 6.x and now dropped to 5.6). The three Bs - Douban, Weibo, and Bilibili (which you can think of as China's IMDB, Twitter, and Youtube) were full of attacks against the show. This included trending topics on how the actors looked (LYX too thin, BL looking old/big/overshadowed by CDL, CDL 照骗 not looking as good as in photo) as well as allegations of plagiarism and drama behind the scenes between cast & crew members. A lot of people watched video edits that twisted the facts and had a poor impression of the drama and even left 1/2-star reviews on Douban without ever watching an episode. (This type of brainwashing is more effective than you'd think. I've been reading a lot of negative posts about the Little Mermaid movie and almost caught myself writing something negative about it without ever watching.)

As all of this unfolded, I kept asking myself, why all the smearing? Who is behind it? And why TTEOTM in particular?

A lot of what appears to be normal user activity is driven by water armies, marketing accounts, and "black" hot search ranking, all paid. This is all backed up by photo evidence captured by netizens. It comes down to commercial interests of rival platforms, productions, actors. This actually happens to every drama that is threatening in some way (almost a proof of success), but TTEOTM attracted more anti $$$. Why? For one, it's seen as the secret weapon that could elevate Youku's status as a 3rd/4th player to a close 2nd to rival and even at times overshadow Tencent. It's no coincidence that, Bilibili, which is owned by Tencent and has way more daily active users than Youku, has promoted hate videos and limited the traffic of fan videos - at some point not even recognizing the drama's Chinese title in search results. (Bilibili used to be a haven for LYX fans and a platform LYX has partnered with extensively. This flipped 180 degrees since he no longer has any unaired dramas with Tencent.)

TTEOTM is also a target for rival productions. It's got big name stars with solid acting reputation, one of the hottest IPs, and high anticipation from all the promotional materials - they've been super loud in letting everyone know that they have better costumes, special effects etc Meanwhile, there's a massive pipeline of unaired xianxia dramas that stick to the old formula and will likely feel dated after people have watched TTEOTM. People even started questioning how some productions with bigger rumored budgets ended up with cheaper-looking promotional materials, costumes, CGI (read: embezzling). So if you've invested in xianxia 101, you'd really want to discredit TTEOTM and stop people from watching it.

But there's also rival fandom jealousy, which is almost worse. Someone asked which fandom is behind it, I would say everyone. There are only so many "resources" to go around in the "entertainment winter" and it's a zero sum game. LYX and BL are both already big stars but still not at the top yet. They are big enough to threaten the dinglius, but not big enough to be accepted as having "made it" by other rising stars. E.g. Yang Mi, Yang Zi, Xiao Zhan receive a lot of hate too, but it's less realistic as a prospect to bring them down. In contrast, the smearing of Bai Lu actually kind of worked. (And I'm really talking about the fans. The actors probably leave it to their agencies/companies.)

Other fandoms are especially bitter in this case because TTEOTM really upset the status quo and commonly accepted truths in a way that kind of discredits everyone else. A lot of the below have been used by fans of dinglius as excuses for when a drama doesn't perform:

Youku is a rubbish platform and Youku exclusive web dramas will never have high viewership

It’s impossible for an actor to break out twice within the same genre

An actor can only develop a big dedicated fan base with CP marketing

Breakout hits are always unanticipated dramas that come out of nowhere

Autumn/Spring is a dead slot. Hits can only come out of the summer and winter holidays.

IMHO A lot of the intense hatred comes from long held beliefs being proven wrong. LYX has always been thought of someone who’s borderline A list and B list, yet the opening viewership of TTEOTM is like double that of dramas led by bigger stars. It would have been less threatening if it started low and slowly gained traction because the drama proved to be good. But the initial hype speaks to the market power of a LYX xianxia, so a lot of people wanted to see it fail and looked for faults everywhere.

Moreover, because TTEOTM had an explosive opening, it did not have enough time for word of mouth to develop before people started bashing it. If you look at Douban ratings, shows that fewer people watched tend to have better reviews because only fans bother to rate it. Starry Love and Back from the Brink, both harshly dismissed as flops by the industry, both have >7.0 on Douban. Meanwhile, people love to hate on a show that is receiving a lot of hype - suddenly they are held to completely different standards even if the budget is similar. Why are people more accepting of the rise of Dylan Wang and Esther Yu in LBFAD? In the end because the expectations were pretty low. They were able to build up a fan base while no one was watching.

Finally, TTEOTM does have lots of production problems, some of their own doing and others not their fault. Either way this left the drama less defensible in the face of scrutiny or tucao (吐槽) culture. The production is very ambitious and took risks, but did not deliver everywhere. It's got parts that look like a blockbuster film and parts that look like a B grade TV show. I personally did not like some of the editing, lighting, cinematography, color grading, special effects, makeup. AND this is precisely the type of production details Chinese viewers LOVE to fixate on. Meanwhile, compared to western viewers, they are more forgiving about things like mediocre acting, dubbing, slow pacing, repetitive tropes or storylines, uninteresting characters. (I think this has something to do with cultural differences around rewarding perfect execution over innovation/risk-taking, sum of the parts over parts that carry the sum.)

And then, there are creative choices that are daring and controversial. These are not problems per se - for every viewer that hates it, someone loves it because it's different. But this perhaps explain why its score has dropped further, even in non-Chinese platforms like MDL, even amongst fans of the show. For example... (spoilers ahead)

Opting for a bad/open ending, knowing that it'll upset some fans, but sticking to it because they feel that it protects the overall integrity of the story (no deus ex machina). Of course, most viewers prefer a happy ending. It would have been easy to just give people what they want. The screenwriter doesn't even have to come up with a new ending for god's sake! However, almost every xianxia that has come before has resurrected the lead character after the big climax. Viewers have been making fun of the cop out: What's the significance of life and death if everyone just reincarnates?

Packing lots of details in a fast-paced, highly complicated, non-linear plot, trusting viewers to be engaged enough to use their brain, rewatch, and discuss outside the show (a bit like Christopher Nolan films). The downside of this is that it's hard to edit out a scene. There's also high risk of viewers getting confused and complaining that the plot makes no sense. Even though most things do if you go several layers down, some rightly point out that they just want to be entertained and the drama should stand on its own.

Making this a male lead centric (大男主) drama, which is rare in the xianxia genre that more recently has targeted young women exclusively. The story shifts from focusing on LSS's mission to TTJ overcoming his fate, perhaps at the expense of the romance (a criticism I see a lot from viewers looking for a pure love story). However, for context, viewers in China (including CCTV itself) have been complaining that the xianxia genre has lost the "xia” (heroism). It's gone from Chinese Paladin, which is about ordinary people overcoming odds to become heroes, to stories that are just about pretty people, who happen to be gods, falling in love since the success of Eternal Love and Journey of the Flower. TTEOTM brings the focus back to "zero to hero" character development, so this is also a change that many welcome.

Allocating a crazy portion of budget and screentime to superhero fight sequences. I agree with all the critics who say these scenes don't add much to the story, the B roll looks better without CGI, and they could have kept other scenes instead. BUT guess which scenes I find myself rewatching and showing off to friends the most? Episodes 14, 15, 32. Because it is thrilling and glorious. Plus after enduring so many Marvel films over the years, I'm pleased to see a version that's genuinely Chinese (not some pan-Asian BS), rooted in our philosophy and martial arts tradition, featuring Chinese faces that have real kungfu training.

Going over the top on aesthetics - colorful costumes, hair accessories, and heavy makeup. A violent reaction against the simple pastel aesthetics that have dominated xianxias over the years. Of course, lots of people hated on the eyeliner and found the extravagant visuals distracting.

However, even with all its flaws, I'm glad it aired and did not wait for perfection. (A lot of May dramas did not go live last minute due to "technical problems" i.e. government censorship. These days, airing = success.) In addition, I predict that over time people will come to appreciate TTEOTM more. Here's why:

1) A lot of dramas now widely lauded as classics started out with poor ratings. Over time, the noise will die down and make way for what really matters - compelling acting and story. Empresses in the Palace (2011) opened with a Douban rating of 2.7 out of 10 (yes, this bad). Viewers didn't like the casting choice. They thought the actors looked bad. There were also issues with the costumes. Over time, its rating increased to 9.4. It's now a show rewatched so loyally that data analysts use its viewership to track market size. Similarly, a lot of the issues people have with TTEOTM are superficial. The things that matter most like acting are good, and even if you dislike the story and editing choices, it did manage to keep 70M people watching and engaged till the end, incl. people who don't watch a lot of TV or like this genre.

2) Moreover, when people look back or rewatch, they tend to focus on just the highlights, and TTEOTM is full of memorable scenes. There are also so many standout memes/gags (出圈梗) that will live in our cultural fabric forever. Fans on Douban were surveyed on who they would have chosen as the director instead and still overwhelming "rehired" Kuk Kok Leung. Biases aside, I think people realize that you could have a better executed drama overall - higher production value, greater consistency, more attention to detail, BUT you might also lose a lot of the things we loved. I don't know if another director would have allowed TTJ go full creepy/evil/weak in the first few episodes or filmed all the steamy love scenes without a modesty backlight. TTEOTM feels so different because it breaks ALL the rules (see above) that I'm not sure if dramas in the future will try to replicate. If they do, TTEOTM would have started a trend. If they don't, TTEOTM will remain the only option.

3) Only dramas that inspire passion will stand the test of time. There are plenty of dramas that score well but don't inspire passion - they will fade away over time. The TTEOTM fan community is intense - there's so much discussion and engagement everywhere. Its Douban group is the #3 most active ever (measured by # of comments). Its MDL page has 68K comments, highest of all aired CDrama. Its Douyin topic has close to 29B views, highest of all costume drama. (Interesting to note that TTEOTM has an excellent reputation on Douyin, the platform with the most active users and least amount of toxic fan activity.) Fans have spent >25M RMB on merchandise, an unprecedented amount - 3M RMB on a character that appears for <10 mins (OG Devil God). It's got to have done something right because this is way more buying power than the fans of LYX and BL combined. And in my N=1, I've not been this excited about a franchise since Game of Thrones and then Harry Potter.

Bottom line, you might have liked it, liked it with regrets, hated it... but if you're spending the time to read this post, all the way till the end, you've become a luna-tic (or 烬神病人)!

[redstonedust]

ive seen calls for eurovision boycotts because they still allow israel to compete, which i 100% agree with. but i notice a lot of the response tends to be ''lol why is israel even in eurovision theyre not in europe'' and. i feel like this completely misses the point??

i mean for one eurovision eligibility isnt about location, its about being in the european broadcasting union. technically any country surrounding the mediterranean can compete, but it's believed that a lot of the other eligible countries don't compete specifically because of israels presence (tho i believe only lebanon has directly confirmed this.) israel being in the contest is a solid sign of political support from the other competing countries and always has been.

also objectively its like. even if you don't watch the contest it is SO much more influential than you'd think? the last time israel hosted, they reported a boost in tourism and had an oppertunity to show off occupied areas in promotional material. they did this while fining performers for holding a palestininan flag during the finals. it really is 100% worth putting pressure on the EBU to drop them in the same way they dropped russia last year and i hope it finally works this time.

[yuzurujenn]

[2024.11.25] Weekly Toyo Keizai Nov issue: Commitment to Supporting Disaster-stricken Areas

The strong commitment to supporting disaster-stricken areas. Behind the scenes of charity events and visits to the affected regions, as shared by the people involved.

When it comes to a live performance featuring Yuzuru Hanyu, people from both urban and rural areas gather in large numbers. However, the 'Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Ice Show Challenge' held on September 15 this year was a streaming-only, nearly audience-free event. The skaters who participated were Yuzuru Hanyu, Takahito Mura, Akiko Suzuki, and Satoko Miyahara. Tickets were priced at 4,500 yen, which is not cheap, but over 10,000 tickets were sold. The proceeds were donated to Ishikawa Prefecture.

On social media, there were notable reports of ticket purchases from overseas. Although the service 'Lemino,' available only in Japan, was used for streaming and could not be accessed from abroad, many fans wanted to support the disaster-stricken area and expressed their solidarity with Hanyu.

The donation from the proceeds of the performance is expected to amount to several tens of millions of yen. "I want to do something that will help the people who were affected by the disaster in Noto." This wish of Hanyu's was the driving force behind the event, which was organized by TV Kanazawa. Keichi Sato, the managing director at TV Kanazawa, who oversaw the operation, said, "I’ve been in the television industry for a long time, but charity events of this scale are rare. I was truly surprised by the huge response and how many people tuned in."

The planning for the event began in May, and everything was done on trial and error. "Initially, we were thinking of holding an ice show with audience," said Sato. There had been ice shows in Kanazawa before, but those required laying ice in the arena, which involved substantial costs. It would be difficult to run the show in the black, and it could stray from the charity’s original purpose. At that time, the only ice-skating rink in the prefecture, the "Kenmin Sports Plaza" operated by an affiliated organization of Ishikawa Prefecture, emerged as a possible venue.

"It’s an old facility for practice, and it wouldn’t be suitable for a grand show. There were structural issues, and bringing many people to the site would be difficult. We were worried whether they would even be able to skate here, but they kindly agreed to it," said Sato. Although the rink is typically open in October, they persuaded the prefecture's officials to start preparing the ice two weeks in advance, allowing the performance to take place on September 15.

As discussions progressed about the type of charity event to host, the idea of a "no-audience, paid streaming" format emerged. TV Kanazawa used its expertise in television production to make the event possible. "With streaming, we can create a TV show-like experience. We should include something that shows Noto as it is right now," said Sato.

During the performance, live broadcasts connected the scenes from Noto and the skating rink, showcasing a performance by the local drum team "Wajima Wadaiko Toranosuke" and a calligraphy performance by the "Noto High School Calligraphy Club." The energy of the local younger generation, along with the warm interactions between the performers, strongly conveyed the significance of the event to the viewers.

For TV Kanazawa, which has about 80 employees, this performance was a major event, and more than half of the employees were involved in one way or another. "The performance was a challenge for us, too. I think TV Kanazawa grew a lot through this experience," said Sato.

Furthermore, at the suggestion of TV Kanazawa, it has been decided that Hanyu will cooperate with a tourism promotion project by Ishikawa Prefecture.

The Mission of the Survivor

In June of this year, ahead of the performance, Hanyu visited Wajima as part of his special message for the TV program "news every." on Nippon Television. This was also something Hanyu requested. The reporting team for "news every." which has long supported disaster-stricken areas, said, "Hanyu, who experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake in Sendai, seems to feel it is his mission as a survivor to convey the realities of the disaster areas and the importance of disaster prevention."

The Meaning of "A Gold Medal for the People" Back-to-back victories to support reconstruction efforts.

When visiting disaster-stricken areas, he takes his Olympic gold medals with him. "Even people who don’t know me will smile just by seeing the two gold medals. That’s the power of the Olympics," said Hanyu. Since his junior years, he had dreamed of winning Olympic gold, which he achieved at the age of 19. Then, in September at the age of 29, during a press interview after the charity performance, he revealed that one of the goals behind his Olympic consecutive victories was to start supporting the disaster-stricken areas. His childhood dream of competing in the Olympics changed after the Great East Japan Earthquake to a desire to 'win for the sake of reconstruction.' What kind of change took place in Hanyu's heart during that time?

"What was it... I’m thinking about it for the first time, but I don’t think it was such a complicated process," said Hanyu. The roots of his commitment to helping others began in 2004, when at the age of 10, he lost his home rink due to financial difficulties. A year later, following an appeal from Shizuka Arakawa, who won a gold medal at the Turin Olympics, the local government took action, and the rink was reopened. "Thanks to Arakawa, we were able to practice again," Hanyu recalled.

Wanting to be a source of strength for others

He realized the power of a gold medal. He wanted to win gold and use it to help others. For Hanyu, the gold medal was for others. "After the earthquake, the major purpose of my gold medals was to support reconstruction. It wasn’t a change, but more of a natural progression."

From a young age, Hanyu has had an innate desire to make people happy. "When I was little, I wanted to skate well like my sister and be praised. What made me happiest was seeing people smile when they watched me skate. The gold medal was an extension of that. So, when I think about it now, my desire to make people happy has always been the same. It seems that everything was connected. I understand it now."

However, there are moments when he cannot rely on the power of the medal. "If I’m skating for reconstruction support, it depends on me as I am now. As a single skater, I will give it my all."

At the performance, he focused on bringing out the charm of the local performers from the disaster-affected area. Photographer Toru Yaguchi, who followed Hanyu from practice to the performance as the official photographer, said, "Hanyu paid particular attention to adjusting his movements to match the local young taiko drummers during practice. I really felt that he valued the feelings of the local performers."

After the Sochi Olympics, a visit to Ishinomaki, a tsunami-hit area, seems to have become his formative experience in visiting disaster-stricken areas. Hanyu, who had initially been hesitant to visit, was warmly welcomed by the town. Not only the schools he visited, but also people on the street, called out to him, saying, 'You did a great job at the Olympics,' and 'We're rooting for you, Hanyu.' He was deeply moved by the warmth of the people, and at the same time, this experience made him realize that his gold medal could be a catalyst for bringing smiles to the disaster-hit areas. Since then, Hanyu has been actively suggesting to the press team, 'I want to go to Fukushima,' and 'I want to visit the areas affected by the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake.'

"Even amidst his busy schedule, Hanyu has always made time to support disaster-stricken areas I think that disaster recovery and disaster prevention has become another part of his life’s work," said the reporting team.

Events bearing the name "Yuzuru Hanyu" have also become a source of support for disaster-stricken areas. The 'Yuzuru Hanyu Exhibition,' sponsored by the Yomiuri Shimbun, has been held three times so far and has donated approximately 156.52 million yen from merchandise profits. Part of the donations have been set aside as a "Large-Scale Disaster Support Fund," which is used to provide financial support to affected local governments and other organizations in need. The current balance of the fund is said to be approximately 65.93 million yen.

Source: Weekly Toyo Keizai 2024/11/30 issue, pg 72-73 Info: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0DM558RM9 

[jowi8597]

Hi Jo, a question that always boggles my mind is, why does Yibo let the bjyx rumors grow this much. Why can't he or his team make an official statement that they don't have anything to do with XZ and his team. It will end all this nonsense once and for all

My dear Anon,

Thank you very much for your question and I apologize for the late reply. By the way, to all those who send me questions, I apologize in advance for the delay in responding and ask for your patience.

Returning to the question, I must admit that I have pondered this matter myself on numerous occasions, and I have a few theories I'd like to share. However, the most honest response I can offer is simply, "I don't know." The reality is that, as outsiders, we lack genuine insight into the complexities of what transpires behind the scenes. The world of celebrities is largely unfamiliar to most of us, and even though we might speculate about the unspoken rules that govern it, we will never truly understand all the nuances at play. What we observe may merely be a façade, a carefully crafted performance, and the motivations driving those actions will likely remain a mystery.

That said, I would like to share my perspective on this topic. I want to emphasize that this opinion is inherently subjective, yet it is grounded in information that is publicly accessible and easily verifiable.

1. Contract with Yuehua Entertainment

It’s important to keep in mind that Yibo has been tied to a contract with the parent company, Yuehua, for many years. The specific details of this contract remain unclear, particularly regarding how it governs aspects of his personal life and public image. However, it's evident that Yibo seldom discusses his personal life publicly; instead, those matters are typically addressed by the agency through official statements. This approach applies not only to defamation cases but also to dating rumors that circulate about him.

If this is indeed the case, such contractual clauses may grant the agency significant control over how Yibo presents his personal life, potentially shielding both him and the company from issues that may arise. While it appears that Yibo enjoys considerable freedom in selecting his projects, there seems to be an underlying tension between him and his boss, Du Hua. This friction was noticeably apparent during the recent Yuehua event. The roots of this conflict remain a matter of speculation. It may not stem from being forced into particular work, but rather revolve around personal matters, fan interactions, or perhaps other unspecified issues.

2. Publicity

What Yibo and Yuehua likely want to avoid is any official publicity regarding bjyx. Publicly addressing these rumors would inadvertently confirm their validity as dating rumors, which, in reality, they are not. Such acknowledgment would open the floodgates for public commentary and almost certainly propel the topic to trending status. While it's one thing to recognize bjyx as a fictional concept created by a small group of fans and simply ignore it, it's quite another to lend it credibility through official statements. No Chinese entertainment agency publicly addresses the existence of "ships," as doing so would be seen as trivial and unprofessional. Denying one rumor would necessitate denying others, which would be both absurd and inconsistent with the dignity of the artist and the agency.

It's also crucial to consider Yibo's strong reputation in China. He is viewed as a positive figure and actively participates in numerous promotional efforts for his country, including sports and tourism. Publicly acknowledging "ships," particularly those with homosexual connotations, could severely damage Yibo's reputation and image, jeopardizing his future ambassadorial roles and marketing contracts. It's unlikely that he and his agency would be willing to take such a risk.

3. The futility of opposition

The belief that an official statement opposing bjyx can "end it all" is overly optimistic. The behavior of so-called "tinhats," obsessive fans with conspiracy theories, suggests that even debunking a "ship" by the artists or their representatives won’t shake their convictions. Even the official relationships and children of the "shipped" artists did not deter the "tinhats" from fanatical actions related to their beliefs.

I often draw parallels between bjyx and the Larries (fans who obsessively ship two former One Direction members). Anyone familiar with the Larries knows that despite the artists' firm opposition, these fans persist, even going so far as to claim that one artist's partner and child are fake. It’s hard to imagine anything more disturbing.

A brief investigation reveals that Larries and bjyx operate under similar patterns; the modus operandi of these groups remains consistent.

In conclusion, even strong opposition to a ship might lead to no change at all, and if anything, it could worsen the situation.

4. The hate campaign

While it's true that some shippers might choose to depart from the fandom in response to outright opposition, it is equally likely that an even larger group will perceive this opposition as an affront to their beliefs and identity. Unfortunately, this isn't just idle speculation; we’ve seen similar attacks arise from the bjyx in the past. These incidents range from bjyx's hate comments during the dating rumors and the 88 incident in 2019 to aggressive actions against Yibo’s brands that openly rejected bjyx, culminating when Yibo removing "cql" (untamed) from his bio. This latter action sparked an avalanche of insults and threats directed towards him, including extreme threats to his personal safety. Because Yibo (diplomatically) opposes bjyx, he has become a target for vicious online and offline harassment.

Now, let’s consider the potential fallout if his opposition were to become completely open, official, and public. Such a stance would directly challenge the identity of the bjyx fandom, exposing an amount of deception and, for some, jeopardizing their financial interests. Many would feel betrayed, but rather than channeling their frustration towards the individuals responsible for the deception (namely, influential bjyx accounts and people connected to cql) they would likely redirect their anger towards Yibo himself.

Does Yibo need more haters? Absolutely not. Given that he has weathered previous attacks and is diligently working to bolster his career, he certainly doesn’t require another hate campaign arising from something so trivial.

In conclusion, if remaining silent can achieve the same or even a more favorable and safer outcome than outright denial, then choosing to ignore is certainly the wiser path.

5. Yibo denied bjyx in 2019

In this discussion, we find ourselves questioning why Yibo has not expressed clear opposition to bjyx at the moment. The underlying issue seems to be why he would need to reiterate this opposition once again. After all, during and after the broadcast of cql (untamed) in 2019, Yibo and his agency already addressed bjyx and rejected it.

In an interview promoting the show, when asked about the possibility of the on-screen couple being together in real life, Yibo firmly stated, "Impossible, impossible, really impossible." The impact of his words was heightened by the presence of his co-actor, who also denied the cp.

Shortly thereafter, Yuehua released an official statement confirming that "Wang Yibo is single," which should have put an end to any circulating rumors and speculations.

However, it did not happen. This brings us back to my earlier point about the futility of opposition. No amount of rejection, be it official, unofficial, explicit, or subtle, will sway those who are deeply invested in their beliefs. Thus, if a clear rejection now could jeopardize Yibo’s reputation and career, it might be wiser to maintain the current status quo.

I hope this lengthy explanation has comprehensively addressed your question, dear Anon. If not, please don't hesitate to reach out again.

[solarpunkbusiness]

An emerging socio-bioeconomy

The concept of socio-bioeconomy acknowledges the intricate ties between biodiversity and socio-cultural systems. It advocates for sustainable production chains, protects genetic heritage, values traditional community knowledge, stimulates job creation and income generation and positions itself as a strategy for climate change adaptation.

Applied to the Amazon context, the socio-bioeconomy approach presents a vast spectrum of opportunities for generating innovative products, all the while promoting sustainable economic growth and preserving biological, cultural and social diversity. This bioeconomy already exists, but it´s far from reaching its full capacity.

Key opportunities include:

• The development of nutrient-rich superfoods production, such as the products produced by Awi Superfood. This company turns natural ingredients, such as açaí, cupuaçu, camu-camu and nuts, into sorbets and ice creams.

• The manufacturing of natural rubber used in tyres, shoes and fashion, such as produced by VEJA shoes.

• Advanced scientific research on plant species for developing new health products. Ecoflora, for example, has developed a stable, natural blue colourant for the food, beverage and cosmetic industries.

• Sustainable tourism that showcases the region's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage could also thrive. Sumisawa is showing what can be done here.

• Beyond direct biodiversity use, technology-driven businesses have vast potential to enhance forest and bioeconomy competitiveness, with startups addressing the region's unique energy, water, logistics and fire management challenges. For example, Umgrauemeio, with its Pantera platform, provides integrated solutions for fire risk prevention, instant and early detection, fast response and impact analysis, helping to mitigate the devastating effects of mega-fires in various ecosystems.

source

[beardedmrbean]

Namibia elected its first woman president with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah winning last week’s presidential elections disputed by technical and logistical issues in the country.

The 72-year-old, the current vice-president of the country, won with 57 per cent of the vote, extending the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) party’s grip on power since independence from South Africa in 1990.

“The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,” Ms Nandi-Ndaitwah said after the final results were announced late on Tuesday.

Her victory defied predictions that she might be forced into a run-off after opposition parties rejected the results after polling had to be extended for three days in some parts of the country following technical and logistical problems.

Her closest rival Panduleni Itula, who got 26 per cent of the votes, had alleged electoral malpractice.

The polling was scheduled to conclude last Wednesday but had to be extended till Saturday in some parts after polling booths suffered shortages of ballot papers and other issues.

The opposition parties said the extension was illegal and boycotted the results announcement on Tuesday, saying that they will challenge the results in court.

Ms Nandi-Ndaitwah is known as a dedicated Swapo loyalist who joined the party at the age of 14 and was part of an underground independence movement against South African rule in Namibia in the 1970s which was responsible for the implementation of apartheid.

Her leadership in Swapo’s Youth League laid the foundation for her political rise, eventually earning her ministerial positions in foreign affairs, tourism, child welfare, and information.

She was promoted to vice president in February after president Hage Geingob died while in office and will become the fifth president of Namibia after independence.

Her victory as the first female president of Namibia adds her to the exclusive club with Tanzania’s president Samia Suluhu Hassan. She, however, took office through constitutional succession and not a popular vote.

"Swapo Wins. Netumbo Wins. Namibia Wins. Now Hard Work," the ruling party posted on its official account on social media site X.

Mr Itula, of the Independent Patriots for Change opposition party, won the second-largest number of seats in parliament behind Swapo.

The Independent Patriots for Change have led the criticism of the vote and pledged to lodge a challenge in court, calling the three-day extension for voting unconstitutional.

Swapo maintained a grip on power in Namibian politics for nearly three decades. However, its popularity came under question in the 2019 election when it lost its two-thirds majority, reducing its vote share to 56 per cent from 87 per cent.

It faced challenges of growing unemployment, allegations of corruption on high ranking officials of Swapo and high levels of inequality.

This year in May, South Africa’s African National Congress lost its majority in parliament for the first time since the end of apartheid. The Botswana Democratic Party was also booted out of power after ruling since independence from Britain in 1966.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Full List of Democrats Who Voted to Ban Mask Mandates - Published Oct 26, 2023

Republican Senator J.D. Vance received support from 10 Democrats as part of a successful amendment prohibiting the Department of Transportation from using any federal funds to enforce future mask mandates.

The amendment to the Senate minibus appropriations bill passed Wednesday by a 59-38 margin and prevents federal mask mandates on passenger airlines, commuter rail, rapid transit buses, and any other transportation program funded through the 2024 fiscal year.

These are the 10 Democrats who voted for the amendment: Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin); Michael Bennet (Colorado); Sherrod Brown (Ohio); Tim Kaine (Virginia); Mark Kelly (Arizona); Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota); Joe Manchin (West Virginia); Jacky Rosen (Nevada); Jean Shaheen (New Hampshire); and Jon Tester (Montana).

Three senators—Democrats John Fetterman (Pennsylvania) and Alex Padilla (California), and Republican Tim Scott (South Carolina—did not vote. Of the three independent senators, Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona) was the only one to vote in favor.

"This is a massive victory for personal freedom in this country," Vance said in a post-vote statement. "We saw countless abuses of authority throughout the COVID pandemic, and the American people were justifiably enraged by unscientific mask mandates.

"Today, the United States Senate took an emphatic step toward common sense and individual liberty. I'm proud of what we've accomplished here and look forward to continuing the fight."

"With the COVID pandemic behind us, the federal government doesn't need to be requiring masks for travel when that could hurt tourism and Nevada's economy," Rosen told Newsweek via email. "Anyone who chooses to wear a mask still has that option, but we've reached a point where a federal mask mandate is no longer necessary for travel."

In September, Vance, who represents Ohio, introduced the Freedom to Breathe Act—a bill intended to prevent the reimposition of federal mask mandates across the entire United States, in response to some businesses and colleges and universities reimposing mask mandates in the summer due to upticks in COVID-19 cases.

In September, the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio announced that all staff will be required to wear masks on the premises beginning September 25.

"This decision was made to promote the safety of our patients, families, visitors, and employees, based on evidence that masks are effective in reducing the spread of respiratory illness," the hospital said in a statement.

Read the rest and get a link to the original at the link above!

[globalwildlifefair]

Eco Tourism Companies In India | Eco Tourism Projects In India

Exploring Eco Tourism Companies and Projects in India

India, with its vast and diverse landscapes, is a treasure trove for nature lovers. The concept of eco-tourism has been gaining significant traction in recent years as travelers seek to explore the country’s natural beauty responsibly. Eco-tourism companies in India are at the forefront of this movement, offering sustainable travel experiences that emphasize conservation, community involvement, and cultural heritage. This blog delves into the top eco-tourism companies and projects in India, highlighting their contributions to sustainable travel and environmental stewardship.

Leading Eco Tourism Companies in India

1. Grassroutes Journeys: Grassroutes Journeys focuses on rural tourism, offering immersive experiences in various Indian villages. Their eco-friendly tours allow travelers to engage with local communities, participate in traditional activities, and learn about sustainable living practices. By promoting rural tourism, Grassroutes supports local economies and helps preserve cultural heritage.

2. Evolve Back: Formerly known as Orange County Resorts, Evolve Back offers luxurious eco-resorts in Coorg, Kabini, and Hampi. Their properties are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, using sustainable materials and practices. Evolve Back’s initiatives include rainwater harvesting, organic farming, and wildlife conservation, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

3. Spiti Ecosphere: Based in the Spiti Valley, Spiti Ecosphere combines adventure with eco-friendly tourism. They offer treks, cultural tours, and volunteering opportunities that focus on environmental conservation and community development. Spiti Ecosphere’s projects include solar energy initiatives, waste management programs, and promoting organic farming.

4. The Blue Yonder: The Blue Yonder offers responsible travel experiences across India, emphasizing cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. Their tours support local artisans, promote heritage conservation, and involve activities like river cleaning and tree planting. The Blue Yonder’s efforts contribute to sustainable development in the regions they operate.

Noteworthy Eco Tourism Projects in India

1. Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala: The Periyar Tiger Reserve is a prime example of successful eco-tourism in India. The reserve offers nature walks, bamboo rafting, and jungle patrols, allowing tourists to experience wildlife while contributing to conservation efforts. The involvement of local communities in these activities ensures that tourism benefits the region economically and socially.

2. Sunderbans Mangrove Forest, West Bengal: The Sunderbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Eco-tourism projects here focus on preserving the unique ecosystem and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Sustainable tourism activities include boat safaris, bird watching, and village tours, all designed to minimize environmental impact.

3. Sikkim Organic Mission: Sikkim has made significant strides in promoting organic farming and eco-tourism. The state’s eco-tourism projects encourage visitors to explore its pristine landscapes, engage in organic farming activities, and learn about sustainable practices. Sikkim’s commitment to organic agriculture and eco-friendly tourism has earned it global recognition.

4. Kaziranga National Park, Assam: Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its conservation efforts and eco-tourism initiatives. The park’s sustainable tourism practices include jeep safaris, elephant rides, and community-based tourism programs. These initiatives help protect the park’s biodiversity while providing economic opportunities for local communities.

Conclusion

Eco-Tourism Companies and Projects in India are paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible travel industry. By prioritizing environmental conservation, community involvement, and cultural preservation, these initiatives offer travelers unique experiences that benefit both nature and society. As more travelers embrace eco-tourism, the efforts of these companies and projects will play a crucial role in protecting India’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations. Whether you are an avid adventurer or a nature enthusiast, exploring India’s eco-tourism destinations promises a fulfilling and sustainable travel experience.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this press release from the Department of the Interior:

Today, the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce released a report outlining recommendations to enhance community-led economic development by creating jobs in the sustainable forest product sector and outdoor recreation while supporting healthy, resilient forests. This report was developed in response to climate change impacts, workforce and housing shortages, and barriers to intergovernmental coordination in rural forest-dependent communities and builds on President Biden’s Executive Order on Strengthening the Nation’s Forests, Communities, and Local Economies (E.O. 14072), which he signed on Earth Day 2022.  

The report’s release comes during Climate Week, as the Biden-Harris administration continues demonstrating its commitment to addressing the climate crisis. 

America’s forests provide millions of jobs and underpin local economies, particularly in rural communities. The Biden-Harris administration is mobilizing historic resources to help these forests and communities thrive. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and Great American Outdoors Act—in addition to annual appropriations—the Administration is providing historic funding for wildfire risk reduction, innovative forest products that create jobs, restoration and forest management to help our forests better withstand extreme weather events, outdoor recreation investments such as campgrounds, and research and development programs. The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management’s 21st Century Blueprint for Outdoor Recreation, USDA Forest Service’s Reimagine Recreation initiative and Department of Commerce’s U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program are also advancing public lands management and the outdoor recreation and tourism industries, for the benefit of current and future rural communities.  

Today’s report provides recommendations to further these efforts by encouraging greater collaboration among federal agencies to deliver the resources and services that rural, forest-dependent communities need and to foster economic resilience.

The report proposes fostering community resilience by better connecting communities with the many existing tools to navigate climate-based risks in a way that also builds sustainable economic development and healthy forest practices. In addition, coordination across the federal government and with partners can help communities tap into existing resources to pursue their economic development plans and address bottlenecks or barriers to delivering support.  

The report also emphasizes how forests benefit underserved communities, including Tribes, which are disproportionately affected by climate impacts. For example, the Interior Department and Forest Service's Equity Action Plans seeks to enhance Tribal co-stewardship and promote equitable access to cultural and recreational opportunities for all communities. 

[jordanianroyals]

6 October 2024: King Abdullah II, during a meeting with King Felipe VI of Spain, called on the international community to shoulder its full responsibility in stopping the Israeli war on Gaza and Lebanon.

During bilateral talks followed by expanded ones, attended by Crown Prince Hussein, His Majesty stressed the importance of reaching comprehensive calm, in order to end the violence and protect the security and stability of the region and the world.

At the beginning of the expanded talks, attended by Prince Feisal, the escort of honour to the Spain monarch, King Abdullah II expressed pride in the distinguished relations between the two countries, which extend over more than seven decades of close friendship and cooperation, praising Spain's leading role in strengthening the relationship between Jordan and its allies in Europe.

His Majesty said this partnership has contributed to building bridges of understanding between the region and Europe, expressing keenness to strengthen bilateral cooperation at various levels.

The King thanked Spain for its support for the National Water Conveyance Project and the Jordan Response Plan to the Syrian refugee crisis.

His Majesty praised Spain's courageous stance in supporting stability in the region and its role in dealing with regional challenges.

The talks also covered the importance of increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and ensuring its uninterrupted delivery.

King Abdullah II commanded Spain’s support for the two-state solution and its recognition of the State of Palestine, stressing that Jordan will continue to coordinate with Spain and the EU to restore stability in the region.

For his part, King Felipe VI of Spain highlighted the depth of the historical friendship between the two royal families and between Jordan and Spain, congratulating His Majesty on the 25th anniversary of his assumption of constitutional powers.

The Spanish monarch praised the Kingdom's reform efforts, led by King Abdullah II, expressing keenness to enhance cooperation in various sectors, especially economy, tourism and culture.

King Felipe VI stressed that that the twinning between Petra and Alhambra will enrich the deep friendship between the two countries, symbolising the close ties between them.

He also spoke about the challenges facing the region, expressing his country's support for Jordan in confronting them.

The talks were followed by an event attended by King Abdullah II and King Felipe VI to mark the signing of an agreement to develop a framework of co-operation and collaboration between the Petra Tourism Development Region Authority and the board of directors of the Alhambra Palace and the Generalife in Spain.

The agreement aims to exchange expertise and promote cultural initiatives that enhance knowledge of these sites and increase the number of tourists.

The event included the screening of a video and featured a live musical performance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, Jordan’s Ambassador to Spain Raghad Al Saqqa, and the accompanying Spanish delegation attended the talks.

[paramedicabroad]

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka lies a true natural wonder: the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the southwestern part of the island, is a sanctuary of unparalleled biodiversity and ecological significance. Join us on a journey deep into the heart of this enchanting forest, where every step reveals a new marvel of nature.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Sinharaja Forest Reserve and discover the magic of one of Sri Lanka's most precious natural treasures. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility amidst the beauty of the natural world, Sinharaja promises an experience that will leave you awestruck and inspired.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, boasting a stunning array of flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. From towering canopy trees to delicate ferns and vibrant orchids, the forest is a botanical paradise teeming with life. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to spot rare and endemic species, including the elusive Sri Lanka blue magpie and the vibrant red-faced malkoha.

Venture into the depths of Sinharaja and encounter a wealth of wildlife that calls this pristine forest home. Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic purple-faced langur, the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, and the vibrant jewel-like hues of endemic butterflies flitting among the trees. With luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the reclusive Sri Lankan elephant or the endemic green pit viper.

Step back in time as you wander through Sinharaja's ancient forests, where towering trees draped in moss and epiphytes create an otherworldly atmosphere. Take a moment to listen to the symphony of sounds that fills the air, from the rhythmic chirping of crickets to the haunting calls of endemic birds echoing through the canopy. Every corner of Sinharaja offers a glimpse into a world untouched by time.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is protected by law to ensure the preservation of its unique ecosystems for future generations. Conservation efforts aim to safeguard the forest's delicate balance while promoting sustainable tourism practices that minimize impact on the environment. Visitors are encouraged to explore the forest responsibly, leaving nothing but footprints and taking only memories.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and unparalleled biodiversity of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, where every moment offers a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world. Join us as we journey into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and uncover the secrets of one of Sri Lanka's most enchanting destinations.🌴🌳🇱🇰

[colonelrajyavardhanrathore]

Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024: Col Rajyavardhan Rathore

The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 commenced on December 9, 2024, in Jaipur, inaugurating a three-day event aimed at showcasing Rajasthan’s potential as a premier investment destination. The summit brings together global investors, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore opportunities across various sectors.

The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, held in Jaipur, has set the stage for Rajasthan’s emergence as a global investment powerhouse. With leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers converging to envision a brighter economic future, the summit reflects the state’s ambitions to lead in innovation and growth. Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore, a prominent voice in Rajasthan’s development, highlighted the transformative potential of this landmark event.

Rajasthan: A Land of Opportunities

Known for its rich heritage and cultural diversity, Rajasthan is now making significant strides in economic development. The state, with its abundant resources and strategic location, aims to attract global investors by showcasing its potential in various sectors.

Key Objectives of the Summit

1. Attracting Investments Across Sectors

The summit focuses on industries such as renewable energy, tourism, IT, startups, and agriculture, providing a platform for stakeholders to explore collaborations.

2. Promoting Sustainable Development

With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the summit aims to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, positioning Rajasthan as a leader in green energy.

3. Creating Employment Opportunities

By facilitating large-scale investments, the event is expected to generate thousands of jobs, particularly for Rajasthan’s youth.

Highlights of the Event

1. Inauguration by PM Narendra Modi

The summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized Rajasthan’s potential as a global investment destination and unveiled key development projects.

2. Col Rajyavardhan Rathore’s Visionary Leadership

Col Rathore played a pivotal role in organizing the summit, aligning it with the aspirations of Rajasthan’s people. In his address, he stated: “Rajasthan is ready to redefine its economic landscape. This summit is a testament to our resilience and readiness to lead.”

3. International Participation

Delegates from over 25 countries attended, bringing a global perspective to discussions and forging international partnerships.

4. Policy Announcements

The Rajasthan government unveiled investor-friendly policies, including tax incentives, streamlined approval processes, and infrastructure development plans.

Key Sectors in Focus

1. Renewable Energy

Rajasthan, with its abundant solar and wind resources, is a prime location for green energy projects. The summit highlighted initiatives to make the state a leader in renewable energy.

2. Tourism and Heritage

The event underscored Rajasthan’s potential as a global tourism hub, with investments aimed at upgrading infrastructure while preserving its cultural heritage.

3. Startups and IT

Encouraging innovation and technology, the summit showcased the state’s burgeoning startup ecosystem and plans for IT hubs.

4. Agro-Industries

The agricultural sector remains a cornerstone of Rajasthan’s economy, and the summit focused on modernizing agro-industries and boosting food processing.

Impact on Rajasthan’s Economy

Billions in Investment Commitments

The summit secured substantial investment pledges, set to drive economic growth and industrialization across the state.

Infrastructure Development

Key projects, including industrial parks and improved connectivity, were announced to enhance Rajasthan’s appeal to investors.

Job Creation and Skill Development

With new industries entering the state, a significant boost in employment opportunities is anticipated, along with initiatives to upskill the workforce.

Col Rajyavardhan Rathore: A Catalyst for Change

As a visionary leader, Col Rajyavardhan Rathore has been instrumental in Rajasthan’s development journey. His relentless efforts to attract investments and empower local communities have made him a key figure in the state’s transformation.

A Bright Future for Rajasthan

The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 marks a turning point in the state’s economic narrative. With strategic leadership from personalities like Col Rajyavardhan Rathore and support from the central government, Rajasthan is poised to achieve unprecedented growth and prosperity. The summit is not just an event but a milestone in Rajasthan’s journey toward global recognition as a leading investment hub.