People
Tay Lai Hock on Ground-up Initiative for Sustainable Living in Singapore
Tay Lai Hock founded the Ground Up Initiative (GUI), a non-profit organisation that aims to get Singapore urban dwellers to think sustainable living - by encouraging more people to dig into the earth! Abigail Kor puts her sunhat on as she enters the organic farm.
Lord Oxburgh on The Science and Politics of Climate Change
Lord Oxburgh - geologist, Fellow of the Royal Society, ex-Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK government, and president of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association - tells Jeremy Torr that it is only reasonable to help countries that burn coal and other carbon-based fuels to do them in a sensible way.
Olly Steeds of Discovery Channel's Solving History on Conservation and Relevance of History
Acclaimed journalist, explorer and daredevil - Olly Steeds is Discovery Channel's new face of adventure in the brand new series SOLVING HISTORY WITH OLLY STEEDS beginning 28 June 2010. Mallika Naguran tracks down Olly to find out what he thinks about conservation and the relevance of history at this day and time.
Places
Real-D Avatar: Indigenous Dongria Kondh Fight For Sacred Mt Niyamgiri Amidst Mining Exploitation
The Dongria Kondh are the indigenous tribe who live on and around Mt Niyamgiri, in the central Indian state of Orissa. But their lifestyle and dependence on forests are under threat, writes Sally Mathrick, as Vedanta Resources plans to establish an open cut mine on top of the mountain that the Dongria Kondh revere as god.
Restoring Hope in Survivors of Padang Earthquake through Music, Art and Dance
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The process of reclaiming lives, rebuilding homes and regaining a foothold in some form of normal existence is still in its early stages in Padang following an earthquake last year, observes Kayti Denham. However, there are a few outstanding individuals and organisations who are reaching out to the people in unique ways.
Quebec: Little France in North America
Three centuries of colonial conquests, a French, English and finally Quebec regime, are at the origins of the unusual architectural aspect of Quebec City, Henrylito D.Tacio finds out as he explores the land.
Planet
The ABC of Energy: Sources of Energy
Our primary source of energy is unquestionably the Sun. In fact, without the Sun, nothing that we have or are would exist today. We take a look at oil, gas, coal, hydroelectric, wind power, solar power, and so on. Part Three of a Gaia Discovery Energy Series based on "The Energy Trail – Where Is It Leading" by George H Croy, available at Amazon & other good book stores.
Rising Temperatures Threaten Food Security – Rice at Risk
Production of rice—the world’s most important crop for ensuring food security and addressing poverty—will be thwarted as temperatures increase in rice-growing areas with continued climate change, according to a new study by an international team of scientists.
Vietnam's Danang Adapts to Climate Change, From Boat Winches to Forest Restoration
In September, typhoon Ketsana brought the biggest floods in decades and in 2006 another powerful typhoon, Xangsane, devastated Danang. When funding was available for climate change adaptation, the fishermen knew what to ask for. Thin Lei Win reports.
Marine Life
Shark Fin Ban in Hawaii to Prevent Overfishing and Extinction of Sharks
Hawaii has become the first state in the United States to ban shark fins, reports Project Aware. Lawmakers hope the new law, the first of its kind in the United States, will help prevent overfishing and extinction of sharks harvested for their fins.
Sturgeon More Critically Endangered Than Any Other Species
Eighty five percent of sturgeon, valued for their precious roe, are at risk of extinction, making them the most threatened group of animals on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. The latest update of the Red List assessed the status of 18 species of sturgeon and found that all were threatened.
Popular tuna are over-fished, in danger of extinction
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Tuna is so well loved as ocean "meat" that it is driving fishermen crazy. With the disappearance of the bluefin tuna that once swam freely, the other tuna species are following suit - yellowfin, skipjack and bigeye. Henrylito D.Tacio reports on the fishery's devastating impact on tuna.
Adventures
Nudibranch Variety a Delight at Miri Dive Sites, Sarawak
Miri's 40 dive sites never cease to amaze, even with repeat divers, who are either residents or workers in the thriving oil and gas industry (complete with several oil rigs), or pleasure seekers that drive down from Brunei. Mallika Naguran gets wet to write this.
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Perhentian Islands Dive Sites, Malaysia
When you think of the idyllic picture of what a tropical island should look like, white beaches, palms and azure sea, that is the Perhentian Islands of West Malaysia. Two unspoiled islands, Perhentian Kecil (Small) and Perhentian Besar (Big) lie amidst exquisitely clear waters, discovers Karla Skada.
Timor Leste Offers Plenty in Coral Diversity and Macro Diving
The world's newest Asian independent country just north of Darwin - Timor Leste - is not just safe for eco-travels, it hosts among the world's best dive sites due to its protected nature, remoteness and deep channels. Mallika Naguran breathes in deeply as she is bowled over by Tasi Tolu, Dili Rock, and Dirt Track.
Festivals
Timor-Leste Marathon: A Leap for Communities, Peace and Hope
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President Jose Ramos-Horta envisions a brighter future for Timorese through a series of sporting and adventure-related events beginning with the Dili Marathon. But thought has to be given to their environment impacts, reports Mallika Naguran.
Rainforest World Music Festival 2010 To Feature 20 International Artistes
This year’s Rainforest World Music Festival will see 20 international bands performing at the foothills of the legendary Mount Santubong in Kuching, Sarawak from 9 to 11 July 2010. There will be workshops during the day conducted by the various artistes, hailed by Mallika Naguran as a highlight of the festival.
Singapore River Festival 2010 Celebrates History, Heritage with Aerial and Water Shows
Here's something new for river buffs, writes Mallika Naguran. The Singapore River Festival will put on nine nights of performances from 25 June to 3 July 2010 of breathtaking aerial and water spectacle, a dazzling bumboat parade, mobile live performances, an interactive art installation by the river, plus a wine and jazz festival.
Gaia Discovery is Asia's independent, not-for-profit magazine with readers from 100 countries daily.
