Solomon Islanders Offer Solutions to Environmental Destruction

Conservation Story Blong Chivoko was made by the men and women of the remote coastal village of Chivoko (on the island of Choiseul)...whose tribal land is one of the last remaining intact and unlogged forests in the Solomon islands."

I love this video. The people discuss not only the problems logging has caused them, in terms of environmental and cultural destruction, but they offer solutions that may help others facing similar challenges.

The video itself beautiful to watch -- the people, the forests -- and to a linguist the Tok Pisin is fascinating.

A 4.4 earthquake rattled Fiji today, Monday, February 20, 2012 at 10:31 a.m. New York time (or Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 03:31 a.m. Fiji time) 217 kilometers or 134 miles East South East of Lambasa, Vanua Levu, Fiji.

Did you feel it? If so, please go here and tell the seismologists at the USGS (United States Geological Survey) what you experienced. Your input can help predict tsunamis and where the next earthquake will hit.  Your info might help save lives, now or during future quakes.  Thanks!

I will be bringing more on board later, but for now here's the first article about the new plant species found in Fiji. 


Here's the takeaway:

1. The species was found on the border of grassland and primary forest, highly vulnerable to bush fires.

2. Curators say they only managed to find one plant of this kind.

3. Commercial agricultural activities and uncontrolled bush fires are the main threats to this species.

4. A simple fire could destroy it (the remainder of this species) in a matter of minutes.

The Black Islands -- Spirit and War in Melanesia

Beautiful. Never heavy-handed, this says short pieces speaks volumes about dignity. Freedom fighters, soldiers, mercenaries, civilians, elders, children...all are respectfully depicted.

Election of Gordon Darcy Lilo as Solomon Islands PM (Articles Relating to the Election, That Is)

Check out these Canberra times articles of November 15th and November 16th for what you need to know about the election of Gordon Darcy Lilo as Prime Minster of the Solomon Islands.

Here are my takeaways:

1. "Australian officials have warned travellers to the Solomon Islands of possible unrest and disruptions after the Pacific island nation elected Gordon Darcy Lilo as Prime Minister."

2. "The Solomons has previously erupted in violence for political reasons, with parts of Honiara hit by arson and rioting following a 2006 election."

3. "The country is the third Pacific nation to experience political upheaval this week."

Nauru's got it's third leader in a week, due to corruption claims and a vote of no-confidence. In Papua New Guinea, orders came down for the arrest of the deputy prime minister and attorney-general on contempt charges, following their attempted ouster of the chief justice on charges of financial misconduct.

Oh, and here is an article from November 11th describing the run-up to the election.

Papuan Declaration and Violence: Two More Articles from Jakarta Globe

Two more articles on the violence following the Papuan declaration of independence from Indonesia.

Read:

Dozens Injured and 'Chaos' as Shots Ring Out.

Shots Fired in Response to Papuan Declaration of Independence?

Check out the headline from today's Jakarta Globe:  Indonesian Military Opens Fire Near Papuan Congress.

Want a nutshell? Basically:

"The report states that 'credible sources on the ground' have confirmed that at 3:30 p.m., soldiers opened fire on the gathering, held at a  field in Padang Bulan Abepura.

There are unconfirmed reports that at least one person has been killed and others injured.

The warning shots were fired in response to an alleged announcement by the Papuan Peoples’ Assembly (MRP) declaring the province’s independence from Indonesia...."