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Where The Buffalo Roam
This week, heartbeat is delivered with
an example of community in action.
 Last
Friday, we attended an ESF (English Schools Foundation) conference
on the environment organized by
Ark Eden at the
Hong Kong Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai. Hong Kong's newest
tourist attraction provides education on the vital role of wetlands
on planet earth and it was built under the eco-tourism banner to
"compensate for the loss of natural habitats due to urban
development." The hi-tec multimedia terminals, presentations and
simulator ride are some of the coolest we have ever seen. The
building itself is a showcase for the latest environmental
technology.
Our only criticism is that, in a part of
he world where natural wetlands abound, the Wetland Park is a
"constructed wetland." The theme park is entirely fabricated,
complete with constructed rocks, drainage systems and planted
nature. At a cost of HK$518 million, the project does nothing to
actually protect our wetlands.
We thought this might be a good time to share a
natural wetland with our readers, so we took some photos
around Pui O on the south side of Lantau Island. We were surprised
(well, not really) and more than a little disappointed at
what we discovered. After all, Hong Kong is one big construction
site and nature can be reconstructed for tourists - so, why bother
to conserve the original when it can be copied? We think its more
cost-effective in the long run to protect real natural spaces for
residents and visitors to relax and breathe.
Local residents of South Lantau have
come together to protect, conserve and promote actual sustainable
development - the real thing, not a copy. Following public concern
about buffalo culling, the
Lantau Buffalo Association, with the support of the
Living Islands Movement, have agreed to work with the
AFCD (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department) to
take a bovine census of Lantau Island this Saturday. Volunteers will
work in teams, documenting the age, gender, general health and
unique characteristics of each cow and buffalo on the island.
Records will be complete with dated digital photos of each animal --
along with a name, if the volunteers are feeling particularly
creative. Public support will ensure that the AFCD doesn't just use
the data to easily identify and locate the animals for future kills.
We've decided to set aside our cynicism
for just a moment and support this cause. We'll be at
Treasure Island all day, supporting the team at headquarters. It
will be fun to spend the day working with people who share our love
nature in every neighbourhood in our global village.
What natural community do you support ?
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"You will never find time for anything. If
you want the time, you must make it.
Charles Buxton
what's on ?
Borrett Road Market, Clear The Air Meeting, Zen
Counseling Goal-Setting Workshop, Flowing into your Yoga Practice,
Natural Products Expo Asia 2007 ...
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community
Who owns Hong Kong's skyline? Views on development
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Climate Petition to be presented at G8 summit ...
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Who owns Hong Kong’s skyline ?
Views on local development issues
To give an idea of how Hong Kong’s power
structure works, and the interlocking relationship between its power
brokers, government agencies and oligarchs, we group together a series
of stories Asia Sentinel has carried over the last year. We include the
experience of the residents of one redeveloped area to give an
indication of the harm done to the quality of life when government
agencies exercise their power virtually unchecked and without seeking
public input. To get a fuller picture, click on the link below.
Let's turn the heat up even higher. Can you
help us get to 333,333 voices for change--the biggest global climate
petition ever--before the summit decision? One last push, together, to
avert a planetary catastrophe.
Click here to read the articles
John Berthelsen, Editor, Asia Sentinel
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Climate Climax
Voices will be presented at G8 negotiations
Our campaign against global warming is on
fire! World leaders meet at the G8+5 summit this week--and they're
listening to us. Friday morning, we banged boxes of 265,000 names down
on the top German negotiator's table in Berlin. Taken aback, he promised
to bring our voice into the negotiations, and said he'd track how fast
our petition grows. On Saturday, with another 10,000 signatures
overnight, we marched at the head of the climate march in Rostock, with
tens of thousands peacefully demanding urgent action. Now we're in touch
with top officials from France, the UK and Brazil, all following our
campaign as they decide on a strong stand.
Let's turn the heat up even higher. Can you
help us get to 333,333 voices for change--the biggest global climate
petition ever--before the summit decision? One last push, together, to
avert a planetary catastrophe.
Click here
to sign the petition [ http://www.avaaz.org/en/climate_g8 ]
Ricken, Ben, Hannah, Galit, Iain, and the
Avaaz team
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Personal, social and business connections ...
naturally.
Our website, weekly email newsletter, local
service directory and events provide options for members and guests.
Information is designed to make it easy for you to explore the natural
options available in every decision you make. We provide social
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offering natural products and services. The first step is to take your first
step.
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