Today is World Day for Nature Conservation

 Today, July 28th is the World Day for Conservation of Nature, and since there is a lot of information about this day all over the internet, I will speak only what each of us as individuals and citizens can do to preserve the nature that surrounds us, for now, because if we continue with the call that progress, we will surround nature and not otherwise.

 Our day to day has a big impact on nature by our actions and they should be the first to be analyzed and self-criticism before we can make any kind of assessment on the actions of others. We all heard about recycling, better power management, better water management, but do we do our work? Or do we just wait for the newscast in order to see that measures have been taken to better manage these energies?

 Because regardless of what our governments do, everything starts and ends in each of us, because if measures were taken to better water management, it only has any effect if we, consumers, were careful with our own day to day use, whether in the shower or in the washing, watering the plants, maintenance of swimming pools, among other situations.

 When I say I would just give some advice to us people and citizens, these same counts were to be adopted by the same people who have positions of responsibility as the management of energy, water and waste management, as who many of us have gone through a garden of a hotel or a municipal garden and automatic irrigation system is turned on during a winter day in which it is raining, and unfortunately this situation goes up again and again for a year and another and another, thus increasing the consumption of drinking water to which each it is increasingly scarce throughout the world.

 I hope this day has the importance for what it is in and for each of us and that we can all think about our actions, so that we can fix what we can.

 Think that we call Mother Nature for some reason, because without it we, never ever existed

 Good Sunday to all

 Claudio Jardim 07/28/2013

Ecorkhotel a new concept in Évora

The ECORKHOTEL

More than a new hotel, this hotel is one sustainable energy hotel also, because the use of cork and also the use of other renewable energy projects makes this hotel whit an excellent level of environmental sustainability.

The Ecorkhotel, Évora Suites & SPA is the most recent hotel of 4 stars and higher in the municipality of Évora. This eco-hotel has an accommodation offer of 56 private suites with an area of about 70m2 each, surrounded by oaks, holm oaks and olive trees. With a modern and contemporary ambience inserted on the Montado do Alentejo, only five minutes from the center of Évora, World Heritage of Humanity since 1986, and at a distance of one hour drive from Lisbon. This hotel has the ideal conditions to escape the day-to-day, making a nice weekend getaway, a few days of the city whit the family or a quiet and restful stay in business.

Cork is a 100% natural, is the characteristic feature throughout the main hotel building, as well as the exterior surrounding landscape. The Ecorkhotel uses cork to the outer sheath of the main building, making it one of the few buildings in the world to have this use and the first in the area of ​​hospitality. The use of cork abroad, acts as thermal and acoustic insulation, allows for exceptional energy efficiency and a unique natural environment. The entire hotel was designed and built with maximum energy efficiency. Using geothermal heating it to the main building and pools. Solar panels for heating hot water hotel and indoor and outdoor pools.

The proposed architecture is authored by José Carlos Cruz (Architect)

A green and healthy holiday

 Want to have a green and healthy  vacation, so here I leave the top 10 cities to visit by bike, a way to meet great cities, which kicked off the construction of bike paths to reduce the specific impacts of car usage and even public transport.

 In Portugal we have some cities that have been focusing on bike paths as a access to the cities, these bike lanes can be seen on the website http://www.ciclovia.pt/  which gives us a good perspective of the cities that can meet this summer within our country using the bicycle as a primary means of transportation.


1.Amesterdão (Netherlands)
It is the main city in the world to ride. Every person riding a bicycle, and there is often congestion of two wheelers. An example for all cities.

2.Copenhaga (Denmark)
It is another of the most cited in regard to sustainable mobility. In Scandinavia, cycling is part of the local lifestyle, and there is no city that hit Copenhagen this sustainable lifestyle. More than 50% of the local community use the bike on a day-to-day.

3: Portland (United States)
It would not be unusual to see one American city on this list, but Portland can keep this ranking year after year. There are three famous B Portland beer (beer), and baristas bike (bicycle).

4.Paris (France)
Although not the first thing we remember when we think of bikes, the truth is that Paris has one of the bike sharing systems more impressive worldwide, Velib. And yes, cycling is part of Parisian culture.

5.are Francisco (United States)
The other American city this rank is known for sustainable mobility, since the electric buses. It is also one of the most beautiful cities of the United States.

6.Berlim (Germany)
In the German town, 13% of people riding every day. In some neighborhoods, this percentage rises to 25%. Is not Amsterdam or Copenhagen, but we are talking about different populations in terms of numbers.

7.Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
With 250 kilometers of bike paths, Rio de Janeiro is an ideal city for cycling - because congestion automobiles are a plague. Meanwhile, the good weather in Rio can be used to pedaling.

8.Barcelona (Spain)
Beach, mountain, metropolitan area ... and eclectic place to ride quietly. Barcelona is of the most comprehensive in the world, and bicycles are no exception.

9.Montreal (Canada)
The Canadian city has roads, streets and even separate tracks for bicycles. There are also close to 5,000 kilometers of bike paths, the call Route Verte.

10.Bogotá (Colombia)
CicloRuta The city is one of the most extensive in the world. How much of the population does not have access to cars, bicycles are an economical solution and welcomed by local citizens.

Rankings taken from: http://greensavers.sapo.pt/2013/07/24/as-10-melhores-cidades-para-visitar-de-bicicleta/%20on%2024/07/2013

If the UN court ordered Japan is willing to change whaling program

It's not all bad news from Asia since just last month I spoke about the case of the tourists who took pictures with a dolphin instead of trying to help him.

Japan has indicated that it is available to make some changes in its program of whaling, this may be an important step in the protection of several species are still hunted by Japanese.

Remember that in 1986 Japan signed a treaty committing itself to stop whaling, but quickly resumed hunting again, so a year later returned to conduct whaling under the guise of being for scientific purposes, which leaves this reason many questions in the world, in which Australia is one of the most against, because it was Australia who in 2010 filed a complaint at the International Court of Justice (judicial organ of the UN).
  Hopefully this time whaling for commercial purposes will be shutdown because an average of 1600 animals per year captured by Japan for sure that is not just scientific purposes as justified.
  You can see the news, speaking specifically of the countries that still do whaling and more specifically about Japan.

Madeira Natural Parks

Homeless people as guided tours operators

 Just this week I found myself with a friend and we talk about a little news that he had found in a national newspaper, but from little news it didnt had nothing because it´s a story with a great impact on the city and the lives of those that will play some roll in it and also a new opportunity of life.

  The city of Porto is about to have some new tour guides that will be nothing less than the homeless people who live in that city and which are linked to the project Welcome Home (http://www.welcomehome.pt/) the idea begin when of the association and the Catholic University, get together for a project.

  The course in "Hospitality and Tourism Experience" will be given by the Catholic University and will primarily aim to train people that alredy have a great knowledge of the city and can use that same knowledge as a way of reintegrating these citizens and way to make the city more attractive to be visited by tourist.

 3 routes will be created which tour guides trained at the University IRAM go, thus showing the tourists that the city has to offer.

  An excellent idea that should be used by other cities in order to reintegrate its citizens.

Problem about over fishing

Sustainable office is also economic!

 Around the world we have small, medium and large companies trying to cut costs in order to be able to control the global economic crisis which we live in for a few years, so a green output can be the solution to the costs of many of these companies.

I'll start by explaining to all of you what is a green office:

• It is an ecological space where we use recycled paper, where the best use of the new technologies available in the space can be able to a reduction of paper using digital files instead of copies which often have a reduced life;
• It is a space energetically controlled  where people concerns with energy costs and take into account during the day, such as at the end of the day, disconnecting all unnecessary equipment during break periods;
• It is a space where the separation of waste is taken into account, and the waste of water is controlled by the employees or automatic devices;
• It is also a space where the visual and audible and pollution caused by these environments is taken into account and indoor air quality also.

  The implementation of such measures is to create a more environmentally friendly  space, but also more economically viable space also, because if we think we can through small actions reduce the bills at the end of each month, we can be sure that any business man will be in favour of giving a small training about environmental education to is employees, and will also have a change in the attitudes of some of the work processes implemented in their companies.

  Small steps such as dual flush toilet, faucets with proximity sensor (or time controlled sensors), the use of LED lamps, luminaires use appropriate and clean often  also the use of energy-certified appliances, waste recycling, among many other small actions can reduce the bill later this month.

Claudio Jardim

USA reduce the use of chimpanzees in medical research

Whit new scientific methods and technologies the use these animals become unnecessary.

The National Institute of Health of the United States announced that will significantly reduce the use of chimpanzees in federal scientific research. "These animals share 99 percent of our DNA" and thats wy they, "deserve special treatment." In the coming years it will be well taken 310 of the 360 ​​individuals that the state owns. The 50 left over will be used only in very specific cases and if there is no alternative.

The decision of the NIH was already expected for some time due to numerous group pressures to protect the rights of animals and after the publication of a study by the Institute of Medicine advising that the  research with primates, should be reduce.

"These animals have already given us so much. The new scientific methods and technologies become unnecessary the use off primates. " Said the Director of the NIH, Francis Collins, at a press conference.

This decision "marks the beginning of an era of compassion for these animals. Any biomedical study with chimpanzees want be allowed, only under strict conditions and it will be reviewed by a committee of experts. "

Despite this change in direction, the NIH has not accepted all the recommendations Institute of Medicine, one of which is the existence of a living space of 93 square meters for each animal.

Is not yet defined where will the chimps  will be now released. The NIH reported that some of them will join the 150 that are at the National Shrine of the organization Chimp Haven in northwestern Louisiana. According to an Act of the U.S. Congress, the chimps that are translated into a wildlife refuge can not be used again for investigation.

Retrieved from: http://www.cienciahoje.pt/index.php?oid=58057&op=all on 01/01/2013

Environmental Activist, Tim DeChristopher

Obama addressing the threat of Climate Change

Take pictures with Dolphin and let him to die

 A group of tourists take some pictures with a dolphin on the beach in Sanya, Hainan province (China). So far so good, because many of us would like to have a photo with one of the most beautiful and amiable animals of our planet, the thing to consider in this situation is that the animal is found injured and eventually died without any help, this greats masters of photography that are above in the picture didnt find or try to find any help for the animal and let him to die with tail wound

  These attitudes must be condemned and have heavy hand in sentencing, in order to create some kind of example out off this.

http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/detalhe/noticias/internacional/mundo/turistas-posam-com-golfinho-e-deixam-no-morrer

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-06/18/content_16632939.htm

East Rennell declared World Heritage in danger

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 19 June 2013 (IUCN) – East Rennell in the Solomon Islands has been added to the List of World Heritage in Danger, following the advice of IUCN, the official World Heritage advisory body on nature. Lake Turkana National Parks in Kenya and Virgin Komi Forests in Russia were not added to the Danger List, against IUCN’s advice.

According to IUCN’s report, the ongoing logging on the western part of Rennell island – only 12 km from the World Heritage site –threatens major damage to the forest’s ecology. The introduction of invasive species by logging and container ships also constitutes a serious danger to endemic wildlife. Black Ship Rat (Rattus rattus) has already been observed on the western part of the island. IUCN has advised for an emergency action plan and the government of Solomon Islands has committed to deliver an urgent study on the impacts of logging on Rennell Island.

East Rennell, declared a World Heritage site in 1998, is the largest raised coral atoll in the world and its dense forest has a canopy averaging 20 metres in height. The World Heritage site makes up the south-eastern half of Rennell Island, the southernmost island in the Solomon Islands in the western Pacific.

The Virgin Komi Forests, Russia’s first natural site added to the World Heritage List in 1995, has not been inscribed on the ‘danger list’ by the World Heritage Committee, currently meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. IUCN had been recommending danger listing for the area since 2011, after a joint IUCN/World Heritage Centre mission identified plans for gold mining.

The World Heritage Committee decided also not to add Lake Turkana National Parks to the List of World Heritage in Danger, for second year in a row. The site is threatened by a dam construction on the Omo River in Ethiopia, which provides 80% of lake’s freshwater.

Last year, IUCN’s recommendation was overruled to allow more time for a monitoring mission to visit Ethiopia. Although necessary action was not taken as requested in 2012, both Kenya and Ethiopia expressed their willingness to address international concerns.

“Adding East Rennell to the list of World Heritage in Danger is a positive step in the face of major challenges to this site and IUCN sees it as a chance to marshal international support and join forces with the Solomons on a clear action plan to conserve the island’s unique values” says Peter Shadie, Deputy Head of IUCN’s delegation to the Committee.

With the inscription of East Rennell on the danger list, the total number of threatened natural World Heritage sites climbs to 18, almost 9% of all natural World Heritage sites.

This year’s Committee also discussed action required to prevent danger listing the Great Barrier Reef in 2014. An IUCN/World Heritage Centre report revealed that coastal development, port infrastructure and poor water quality pose serious threats to the reef ecosystem, its plants and species such as sea grass, the green turtle and the dugong. Australia was asked to increase its commitment to reef protection and the site will be re-examined by the Committee in 2014. 

For more information or to set up interviews, please contact:
Borjana Pervan, IUCN Media Relations Officer, m +41 79 857 4072, eborjana.pervan@iucn.org

Retrive from: http://www.iucn.org/?13166/East-Rennell-declared-World-Heritage-in-danger

Macaulay Library

The Macaulay Library is the world's largest archive of animal sounds. The archive includes more than 175,000 audio recordings covering 75 percent of the world's bird species, with an ever increasing numbers of insect, fish, frog, and mammal recordings as well. The more recently established video archive includes over 50,000 clips, representing over 3,500 species.

Visite the Libary in: http://macaulaylibrary.org/

Bank of genetic agroforestry

Vine cloned.

A farmer when thinking about the safety of their products, quickly turns to service an insurance company. And if you could also have a bank to save their species and reproduce them quickly needed? Already exists, to answer this question this bank was born within the University of Coimbra (UC).

Elisa and Monica Figueiredo Zuzarte, founders of QualityPlant - Research and Production in Plant Biotechnology, company spin-off UC, dedicated to culture in vitro (cloning techniques) national agroforestry species. It is intended to "preserve and propagate plants, a much faster and more efficient than conventional methods," says Elisa Figueiredo.
And by "cloning techniques" should not be generated "fears", Elisa Figueiredo explains that, for example, "in our garden we prune a rose bush and decided to plant a stakes. What we just did was cloning. We planted two genetically identical ". This is what, in a way, it makes the QualityPlant without genetic manipulation, ie, introduction of information from an individual's genes in another.

Farmers can provide the meristem of their species, ie the plant tissue with cells in vitro and allow the firm to ensure its continuity. "One of the features of this technique is that in a short time succeeded in producing a large number of plants, because they are conditioned to weather conditions. We artificially controlled conditions. The entire process is done under sterile conditions, ie no presence of bacteria, viruses. There are beings that can negatively influence plant ", detailing Elisa Figueiredo.

The interviewee also emphasizes that this process "not only ensures the production of high quality plant plants, but essentially ensures the reduction of production costs for nursery / farmers associated with the elimination of pests or diseases, and improves your productivity , valuing domestic and stimulating Portuguese economy more competitive products, also worldwide. "

Simultaneously, the two entrepreneurs will create a germplasm bank, designated GermplasmBank, ie go to the conservation of plant genetic heritage. This bank presents itself as a "life insurance" plants where producers can "keep" the germplasm of its most promising varieties, ensuring their preservation and future use. The reproduction of a species in bulk can occur within six months, unlike conventional techniques in which playback is time consuming.

Elisa and Monica have their incubation in the Pedro Nunes Institute in Coimbra, and are already devoted to species of vine and olive, "because they are the two agricultural sectors more competitive," but says Elisa, "the technique applies to any production. "

Retrieved from CiênciaHoje - http://www.cienciahoje.pt/index.php?oid=57925&op=all the 06/18/2013

Evaluation pioneer in Portugal shows positive impact on the environment

"Corticeira Amorim commissioned a study which includes the calculation and independent verification of their carbon footprint, according to ISO 14064, which shows that the company activity benefits the planet in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, sequestering more CO2 than that it emits. The calculation performed by PricewaterhouseCoopers to all Business Units (BU) Company, with independent verification by Deloitte concluded that the activity of Corticeira Amorim results in an annual carbon sequestration of more than 2 million tons of CO2, which exceeds more than 15 times the emissions of greenhouse gases from across the value chain.

According to Nuno Barroca, Amorim Corticeira administrator with responsibility for Sustainability, "The findings of this study position - unsurprisingly - the cork and its applications as excellent green alternatives to non-renewable materials, high-impact, present in many products and applications and Corticeira Amorim as a company that contributes positively to this challenge that the planet is global warming that results from the high concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. "
The cork oak, made possible by extracting the cork, the cork industry that leads the world Corticeira Amorim, plays a key role in carbon sequestration, estimating a capacity retention of CO2 by 14 million tons / year.
In this sense, the carbon footprint of Corticeira Amorim and its products have to be seen in a life cycle perspective, covering the entire value chain and hence impacts the amount of materials used in their processes.
As regards the cork and the company's activity, thus becomes imperative to consider the effect of the cork oak, made possible - in large part - by the action of Corticeira Amorim. Note that in 2011 the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) recognized that the impacts of the use of cork stoppers should be considered holistically, considering the effects of the cork oak.
In this context, reference was taken as the international standard-ISO 14064, considering the direct emissions of greenhouse gases that are controlled by the company - resulting from the activity of the UN - the indirect emissions of greenhouse gases not controlled by the company - related to the purchase of electricity - and other indirect GHG emissions resulting from the company's activity (upstream and downstream).
The calculation performed in all UN and considering the effect of sink mounted, it appears that the activity of Corticeira Amorim enables a kidnapping annual 2,028,415 ton CO2.
The total emissions of the value chain Corticeira Amorim thus represents less than 6.6% of the value of kidnapping. As regards the origin of the emissions are indirect emissions associated with the value chain that are more important (69%), followed by emissions associated with electricity consumption (27%) and fuel used in the activity (4%) .
Given the computations performed by PwC, thus results a footprint negative (-1.9 Mio Ton CO2), ie the activity of Corticeira Amorim also benefits the planet in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, sequestering more CO2 than that which emits .
The findings of the study can be found in the seventh Sustainability Report Corticeira Amorim, now released, the first company to be awarded level A, in accordance with the G3 guidelines of the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)."

Retrieved from http://www.sustentabilidade.amorim.com/iniciativas/noticias/Actividade-da-Corticeira-Amorim-viabiliza-sequestro-de-carbono-superior-a-2-milhoes-de-toneladas-de/182/  in 13.06.2013

 I've had the opportunity to visit one of the factories of the company and was surprised by environmental concerns taken by their officers, and especially with the use of biomass obtained by production waste to be reused for operation of boilers.
 This is a project in which we can associate a word like Sustainability.

World Environment Day

On June 5 is celebrated the World Environment Day. It is an event created by the United Nations to mark positive attitudes and actions of sustainability, protection and preservation of the environment and to warn the people and governments of the need to build a sustainable environment in order to recover from the mistakes made ​​in the past.

World Environment Day was established in 1972 and 5 June was chosen because this is the day that began the debate on the environment in the United Nations.

The issue presented to this year of 2013 will be Think.Eat.Save is a campaign about waste and food loss that encourages us to reduce our foodprint. According to the United Nations and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), every year 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted. This is equivalent to the same amount produced in all of sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, one in seven people in the world go to bed hungry and more than 20,000 children under 5 die every day from hunger.

That is why this campaign will make us think before wasting.

Ribeiro Frio - Balcões

Beginning in Ribeiro Frio, this little tour follows the Levada da Serra do Faial, giving access to the viewpoint of the Balcões.

 This little tour begins and ends in the regional road ER103 in Ribeiro Frio a total length of 3 km (split between 1.5 and 1.5 for one side to another side), with a duration of about 30-45 minutes (each way) . The course is made following the Levada da Ribeira do Faial which feeds the surrounding farmland and a hydraulic station.

 In this path we can see a great diversity of indigenous forest and some exotic species introduced too, so before performing the way it should be borne in mind the following species: Til Vinhático, Loureiro, Folhado, Uveira Serra, Urze vassouras, Urze Molar , Orquidea da Serra (which you can find two different colors), and may also find some wildlife species such as Tentilhão, Lavadeira, Melro Preto, Papinho, the Manta, the fiPombo Trocaz latter two are rarer species but can be spotted with some regularity.

 Upon arriving to the viewpoint will have a breathtaking view of the hydroelectric power plant Faja da Nogueira and will have a great view that in days open can see from the Porto da Cruz to Pico do Ariero.

  It should be some time in the gazebo because it is often flown by Mantas or Francelhos.

(FALCO Tinnunculus canariensis)

(Manta Buteo buteo buteo)

Faial beach

Situated in Ribeira do Faial this beach offers excellent conditions for whom there goes, it has access to an area of catering, showers, first aid and a large sunbathing area.
  For children have a playground area and a small children's pool which is situated in the solarium to provide greater security to those same children.
  For grownups area offers a wide variety of activities, from a karting track a few feet above the beach and also an area with a skating rink and a skateboard park, with other sporting activities.

Geologically this area is greatly appreciated by those who visit it, because it presents a large area prismatic disjunctions.












The Ribeira do Faial, gives the idea of geological activity that happened on the island.

The view of the coastline of the island is stunning, something we can keep forever in our memories.

Parcul NATURAL BUCEGI

Parcul NATURAL BUCEGI

In a presentation about Bucegi Natural Park, we heard about the various monuments and geological monuments, such as Bran Castle and Peles, also speaking on protected species such as the crow and the bear, and also about protected plantsin the area. This park has a total of 32663 hectares, with an altitude ranging between 600 and 2505 meters and has about 3500 species of flora and 3000 of fauna, many of them protected.

Despite various campaigns is amazing the amount of trash that we find in this mountains but that was supposedly left there by tourists. The illegal logging is also a problem, but the trash is the biggest problem because the park rangers have only a  administrative management and Romanian law says that it is the responsibility of the landowner to clean the same, which makes the hard to clean because some land is state and other private.

Note that this is an area classified as Natura2000 space, and is at risk of losing such a classification because of the trash that we find in the mountains. What is a shame because the mountains have a great potential to be used as a natural park and tourism.

The placement of bins is not made but the mountains due to the behavior of bears (subject to talk about later). Hear a project to special bins which was abandoned due to theft of the same, which led the government to withdraw financial support for the placement of bins.

It was talked about environmental education in schools focused Bucharest because large percentage of tourists visiting the mountains come from this major Romanian city, then we should focus on environmental education in these centers is one of the ways of fighting to have a good environmental management, but then comes another problem is that funding for such training. 

 Which I have noticed is that the government currently does very little for the parks, because the training would be mandatory and associated classes in biology, geology, geography and also using posters on environmental behavior in schools and local universities.

 Over the last week we had several presentations and discussions on various environmental issues and about which I will write soon, but I've noticed a lot of negativity on the part of the speakers, as is noted too that the support given either by private or even government are very tiny, which ultimately bring a negativity point of view to these speakers, and without being positive will be very difficult to start up projects.

 Man behavior impact of hiking trails and ski resorts, has been monitored through the vegetation index Bucegi plateau which lies at an altitude of 2000 meters with the highest point at 2505 meters altitude, and there roads hotels up to 2000 meters.

 This has caused the dwarf pine (Pinus mugo) has almost disappeared from this area, since many of them were removed to the opening of the ski slopes at the beginning of sec. XX, which has led to the plateau is being a big target erosion. Since 1947 appears the first chairlift transporting tourists to the plateau to carry ski in the winter and hiking in summer which has also led to a large increase in erosion linear, along the tracks, and increased waste together with hotels and restaurants installed there.