An Indonesia-based conservation group said Thursday that Asian pulp and paper mills are so busy these days that many are resorting to illegal sources and implementing unsustainable policies.
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) said that cheap wood demand is growing internationally but especially in the heated Chinese economy.
Lenders often depend on pulp industry sources to determine the availability of cheap wood, the CIFOR report said. However, the reality is that at current rates the forecasted supply cannot be sustained without resorting to clear-cutting of forests and illegal practices.
Such practices can increase the incidence of flooding and mudslides, and endanger threatened species. Excessive logging also contributes to the now commonplace problem of unhealthy haze from forest fires in Southeast Asia.
Asia's forests under threat
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Thursday, May 11, 2006
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Indonesia sides with Iran on nuclear program
Iran got a big lift today when Indonesia's president stated that Iran had the right to pursue a peaceful nuclear energy program.
"Indonesia believes that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and all problems related to the Iranian nuclear program can be solved in a good manner and diplomatically by involving many parties in the international community," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said during a press conference.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with Indonesian Presidient Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at a Jakarta press conference on May 10. AP photo from Yahoo News.
Iran is a signator of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has stated repeatedly that its nuclear research program is for peaceful purposes and not intended to build weapons.
The U.S. claims that Iran will eventually use any nuclear technology to make nukes. Western defense strategists have long warned about the "Islamic bomb." Supposedly, Muslim countries would be more prepared to use these weapons and to distribute them to other Islamic countries and organizatons.
However, the one lone example that exists in the world today, Pakistan, has not followed through on any of these dire predictions. Pakistan first tested a nuclear device back in 1974. It was deemed able to produce its own weapons grade uranium back in 1985.
Since then, Pakistan has neither nuked anybody, or apparently passed on weapons technology to any other party.
"Indonesia believes that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and all problems related to the Iranian nuclear program can be solved in a good manner and diplomatically by involving many parties in the international community," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said during a press conference.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with Indonesian Presidient Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at a Jakarta press conference on May 10. AP photo from Yahoo News.
Iran is a signator of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has stated repeatedly that its nuclear research program is for peaceful purposes and not intended to build weapons.
The U.S. claims that Iran will eventually use any nuclear technology to make nukes. Western defense strategists have long warned about the "Islamic bomb." Supposedly, Muslim countries would be more prepared to use these weapons and to distribute them to other Islamic countries and organizatons.
However, the one lone example that exists in the world today, Pakistan, has not followed through on any of these dire predictions. Pakistan first tested a nuclear device back in 1974. It was deemed able to produce its own weapons grade uranium back in 1985.
Since then, Pakistan has neither nuked anybody, or apparently passed on weapons technology to any other party.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Japan's Triple Crown winner Deep Impact headed for Arc
Deep Impact, Japan's sensational Triple Crown winner last year, will run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France in October, according to his trainer Yasuo Ikee.
After winning the Emperor's Cup (Tenno-sho) in April, Deep Impact increased his earnings to nearly 900 million yen. The horse is the first Japanese Triple Crown winner in 11 years and the sixth overall.
Deep Impact after winning the Emperor's Cup (Tenno-sho) on April 30 at the Kyoto racetrack. AP photo from Yahoo News.
One of the world's most esteemed horse races, the Arc is a 2,400 meter Grade One turf contest.
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After winning the Emperor's Cup (Tenno-sho) in April, Deep Impact increased his earnings to nearly 900 million yen. The horse is the first Japanese Triple Crown winner in 11 years and the sixth overall.
Deep Impact after winning the Emperor's Cup (Tenno-sho) on April 30 at the Kyoto racetrack. AP photo from Yahoo News.
One of the world's most esteemed horse races, the Arc is a 2,400 meter Grade One turf contest.
Find all your travel information and booking needs at Travel Asia Pacific!
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