| April 23 , 2008 |
| HIGHLIGHTS |
Clean & Green Singapore Youth Eco Concert 2008
Happening on 19 April, from 6am to 9pm at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, this live concert is organised with the environment in mind. To ensure that the event is carbon-neutral, tree saplings will be planted to off set carbon emissions and the public is also encouraged to use the recycling bins along Orchard Road. Local stars will also be making their special appearance at this event to share how a little eff ort can make a big
difference to our environment. |
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Bintan Triathlon 2008:
Pre-Race Report
The Bintan Triathlon is back for the 4th year running. This year, the event will be held at Nirwana Gardens, on the picturesque island of Bintan, Indonesia on the weekend of 24 to 25 May. This popular annual event attracts over 1000 participants from all over the world, and has gained the reputation of being one of the most atmospheric and professionally organised triathlon events in Asia. The two-day event consists of a number of races to get the whole family participating ñ Sprint Distance, Olympic Distance, Youth Distance (a new race) and the Kids and Fun Duo Challenge.
Highlights for 2008 include:
• Races for all ages and abilities
• Carnival-styled triathlon expo with food, entertainment and fun for all
• Festive Awards Dinner
• La Luna Beach Party with trendy cocktails and funky tunes
For more information, visit www.bintantriathlon.com or contact: info@bintantriathlon.com |
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Nepal Rhino Numbers Rises After Maoist Strife Cease
A recent survey carried out at the Chitwan National Park by rhino-experts, found 408 great one-horned rhinoceroses, up from 372 in 2005. These growing numbers of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros are a good indication of the eff ective anti-poaching measures practised in the forests that was once occupied by Maoist rebels. With the end of the decade-long Maoist insurgency in 2006, anti-poaching drives are being intensifi ed and an all-party committee has been formed to set up policies to discourage poachers. www.planetark.com |
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Water Supply Disrupted by Flood In Kazakhstan
Thousands were left without fresh water in Kazakhstan on 24 March, after a major fl ood cut off water supplies in the southwest of the Central Asian state. The Kazakh Emergencies Ministry reported that 10,000 people were aff ected after the fl ood destroyed a local sewage disposal system over the weekend.
Although spring fl ooding has been a recurring problem across Central Asia, an abrupt fl uctuation in temperatures following weeks of severe cold has exacerbated the problem this year. |
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Endangered Bears Seek Refuge In New Vietnam Centre
Vietnam has set up its first refuge for bears that have been rescued from farms where their bile is extracted for traditional medicinal use. The bears are now under the care and protection of the authorities and international wildlife veterinarians at the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre in Tam Dao National Park. The centre aims to take in 100 bears, with experts estimating more than 4,000 moon bears suff er from this plight in farms across the country, even though such a trade is considered illegal in Vietnam. |
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Sri Lanka War Strategy Spikes Wild Elephants Deaths
In view of Sri Lanka's long battle with the human-elephant confl ict, elephant deaths have shot up drastically. In an attempt by the Sri Lankan military to protect villages in the far north from the 25-year-long civil war between the government and the Tigers, shotguns and semi-automatic weapons have been handed to the farmers. However, recipients have turned these into lethal weapons against elephants who wander onto their crops and destroy their homes in search of food, causing a sharp rise in elephant deaths by 13 percent in 2007.
Although a law against killing elephants is implemented (a sentence of up to fi ve years in jail and a fi ne of up to 300,000 ruppees), it remains diffi cult to arrest culprits without a confession or evidence. www.planetark.com |
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Olympic Torch Begins Its Journey To Beijing
The Olympic torch was lit on 24 March in Olympia, Greece and was handed over to the fi rst runner of the Beijing 2008 Torch Relay. The torch will cover fi ve continents and stop over in 21 cities around the world before reaching China, where it will pass by over 100 places. On 8 August, the will enter the Olympic Stadium in Beijing during the Opening Ceremony to light the Olympic cauldron. Greek President Karolos Papoulias, the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Minos X. Kyriakou, the President of the Organising Committee for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Qi Liu and IOC President Jacques Rogge attended the ceremony. |
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Business For The Environment Global Summit 2008
This leading international conference will highlight some of the most urgent environmental challenges facing the world today and discuss business-driven solutions for mitigating and adapting to climate change. The agenda will cover topics like resource effi ciencies, renewable energies, new business models and climate strategies, presented by inspirational speakers with case studies and interactive workshop sessions. The summit will take place from 22 to 23 April at the Suntec City Convention Centre, Singapore. |
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Incredible India @ 60
Organised by India Tourism, this event, which took place from 4 to 7 April at the Plaza Singapura Atrium, showcased the diff erent facets of Indiaís growth, tourism products, art and culture. A host of activities and colourful cultural performances from diff erent parts of India were presented at the event, along with demonstrations and a display of special handicrafts by artisans from rural tourism sites. A photo exhibition and talk by ASIAN Geographic photographer John Arifi n was also included in the event. |
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