With superhuman Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt holding sway, are there ANY limits to what the human body can achieve?
It was not that long ago that the 10-second barrier was thought to be unbreakable; now people are starting to ask if anyone could run 100 metres in nine seconds? Or even less?
Put bluntly, no human is ever going to run 100m in five seconds, or a marathon in 90 minutes - not without some serious genetic or prosthetic modification.
The top speed of an elite human male sprinter is a shade under 30mph, and the limits of our skeletal and musculature systems probably mean that 40mph is unlikely to be achieved.
Such feats are (probably) beyond what the human body can do - but that still leaves some way for the records to fall.
So how incredible is Usian Bolt's 100 metres achievement? One way of looking at it is to consider how long it normally takes to knock a tenth of a second off the 100m record.
On Oct 14, 1968, Jim Hines ran 9.95sec in the Mexico City Olympics (the first sub-10-second time).
From that day on, it took 28 years for this record to come down by the same amount that Bolt has now cut his own world record.
In fact, the story of the past 33 (when electronic timers meant hundredth-second increments could be measured) is of sprint records falling by 0.01 or 0.02 and never, up to now, more than 0.05 seconds at a time.
So Bolt's leap is truly extraordinary.
As is the performance of modern sprinters in general. In the 40s, 10.2 seconds was a world-class 100m time - nowadays this wouldn't get you into a major athletics final.
There are several reasons why athletes get faster and stronger.
First, equipment. The shoes worn by today's sprinters, for example, are custom-made, featherweight,
computer-designed marvels, a world away from the crude spiked shoes worn by top athletes a generation ago.
Running tracks are grippier and unyielding, meaning that less energy is wasted. Such things make little difference over the longer distances, but have a disproportionate effect in the sprints.
On the human side, it is training which has undoubtedly accounted for much of the improvements in sports as disparate as track athletics, swimming and tennis.
In the 60s, training was a relatively ad hoc, amateurish affair compared to the professional, scientific precision of today.
Bolt, a determined and intelligent professional, will monitor - and have monitored - every single aspect of his physiology and diet.
Training runs and weights sessions are being formulated using the latest advances in sports medicine.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Taking sprinting to new heights certainty
Bolt has now run the 100 metres in 9.58 and the 200 metres in 19.19, world records beyond the imagination of everyone. The man, who stands 6-foot-5, has been leaving short sprinters in his dust for the last two years.
How does the Jamaican's huge frame help him run so fast, and why haven’t there been more tall sprinters?
He's easy to spot on the track, Goliath-ing over his human-scale opponents. The starting blocks cramp his frame. As he kneels for the gun, his rump rises high above his competitors.
Once the race starts, he looks like a high-schooler who lied about his age to win the blue riband event. Bolt takes 40 to 41 strides in a 100-metre race. Others take up many more, some more than 50.
If Bolt's long legs give him such an edge, why haven't there been more tall sprinters?
Traditionally, height has been seen as a detriment to sprinting. The formula for speed is stride length times stride rate.
If the longest legs always won the race, then Yao Ming would have the world record in the 100, and lions wouldn't eat giraffes.
Gangly guys, the thinking has always gone, don't win short races because they can't master the smooth form required to generate rapid leg turnover.
Sprinters are supposed to be compact and muscular: think Ben Johnson or Ato Boldon.
Big guys have physics working against them. This simply means, it’s hard to produce enough power to overcome the drag of a big body.
A Journal of Sports Science and Medicine study, which may now need to be rewritten, found that world champion sprinters ranged between 5-foot-9 at the low end to 6-foot-3 at the absolute max.
Unlike distance runners, sprinters do need to be big and strong enough to generate explosive speed. That's why 5-foot-9 has traditionally been the minimum height, whereas the elite distance runner Haile Gebrselassie is a mere 5-foot-3.
That range covers all the recent gold medalists, from Maurice Greene to Linford Christie. But not Usain Bolt.
Yet in the 100 metres, the tall guy ran away from his classically designed competitors, winning by such a wide margin and lowered the mark to a science-fiction-y 9.36 seconds Bolt is a hybrid never before seen in track and field: a spidery giant whose legs generate the propulsive power of a cannonball-thighed running back.
So will the starting blocks at future championships be filled by giants? Probably not.
One reason we've never seen such a tall sprinter is that athletes who combine height and coordination usually go out for more glamorous, high-paying sports.
Jamaicans regard sprinters the way the French regard wine: as a leading export, and a source of national identity.
Asafa Powell, who held the world record before Bolt, owns six cars and has been awarded the country's Order of Distinction.
America's Tyson Gay, by contrast, is less well-known than pretty much every NBA benchwarmer.
While Bolt's amazing feat likely won't inspire the next generation of Kobe Bryants to exchange their hightops for track spikes, he will undoubtedly be an inspiration to his fellow countrymen.
Bolt has confessed that his first love was cricket, but his victory in the 100 made him a hero in a way the bat and ball never could have.
He could be a one-off athletic freak, defying Newtonian physics, or the prototype for a new breed of bigger, faster sprinters.
We may just find out in years to come if long-legged Jamaicans drop their cricket bats and head for the track.
How does the Jamaican's huge frame help him run so fast, and why haven’t there been more tall sprinters?
He's easy to spot on the track, Goliath-ing over his human-scale opponents. The starting blocks cramp his frame. As he kneels for the gun, his rump rises high above his competitors.
Once the race starts, he looks like a high-schooler who lied about his age to win the blue riband event. Bolt takes 40 to 41 strides in a 100-metre race. Others take up many more, some more than 50.
If Bolt's long legs give him such an edge, why haven't there been more tall sprinters?
Traditionally, height has been seen as a detriment to sprinting. The formula for speed is stride length times stride rate.
If the longest legs always won the race, then Yao Ming would have the world record in the 100, and lions wouldn't eat giraffes.
Gangly guys, the thinking has always gone, don't win short races because they can't master the smooth form required to generate rapid leg turnover.
Sprinters are supposed to be compact and muscular: think Ben Johnson or Ato Boldon.
Big guys have physics working against them. This simply means, it’s hard to produce enough power to overcome the drag of a big body.
A Journal of Sports Science and Medicine study, which may now need to be rewritten, found that world champion sprinters ranged between 5-foot-9 at the low end to 6-foot-3 at the absolute max.
Unlike distance runners, sprinters do need to be big and strong enough to generate explosive speed. That's why 5-foot-9 has traditionally been the minimum height, whereas the elite distance runner Haile Gebrselassie is a mere 5-foot-3.
That range covers all the recent gold medalists, from Maurice Greene to Linford Christie. But not Usain Bolt.
Yet in the 100 metres, the tall guy ran away from his classically designed competitors, winning by such a wide margin and lowered the mark to a science-fiction-y 9.36 seconds Bolt is a hybrid never before seen in track and field: a spidery giant whose legs generate the propulsive power of a cannonball-thighed running back.
So will the starting blocks at future championships be filled by giants? Probably not.
One reason we've never seen such a tall sprinter is that athletes who combine height and coordination usually go out for more glamorous, high-paying sports.
Jamaicans regard sprinters the way the French regard wine: as a leading export, and a source of national identity.
Asafa Powell, who held the world record before Bolt, owns six cars and has been awarded the country's Order of Distinction.
America's Tyson Gay, by contrast, is less well-known than pretty much every NBA benchwarmer.
While Bolt's amazing feat likely won't inspire the next generation of Kobe Bryants to exchange their hightops for track spikes, he will undoubtedly be an inspiration to his fellow countrymen.
Bolt has confessed that his first love was cricket, but his victory in the 100 made him a hero in a way the bat and ball never could have.
He could be a one-off athletic freak, defying Newtonian physics, or the prototype for a new breed of bigger, faster sprinters.
We may just find out in years to come if long-legged Jamaicans drop their cricket bats and head for the track.
Tiny ‘engines’ with top endurance
FOR decades, the “Flying Finns” were the world's best in distance running, their wins multiplying in tandem with their growing nationalist tradition of success (a situation replicated in the javelin).
The Finnish were eventually eclipsed by the great Anglo tradition in running, led in the 1980s by Sebastian Coe, Steve Cram and Steve Ovett.
By the last decade of the 20th century, as the door of opportunity opened to less developed nations, the centre of gravity shifted dramatically and decisively toward North and East Africa.
According to some, that cycle of history itself suggests that no population has a lock on distance running success.
Surely, they say, Kenyan dominance will eventually fade, much as it did for the Finns and Brits, and the trend will shift once again to another nation?
Not so fast. To flesh out this debate, it's instructive to put Kenya under a microscope.
This small East African country, with a population of less than 30 million, is home to the greatest per capita concentration of raw athletic talent in the history of the world.
Despite the enormous success of Kenyan runners in the past two decades, running remains a relative afterthought in this football-crazed nation.
Yet, while Kenyans and other East Africans sweep upwards of 60 per cent of the world's distance running events, they are among the world's worst football players — and sprinters.
In the sprints, after an intense decade-long national recruitment and training effort, the best Kenyan time ever in the 100m (10.28 sec) ranks somewhere near 5,000th on the all-time list.
East Africans have a very distinct genetically endowed body type and physiology. Kenyans are ectomorphs, short and slender, with huge natural lung capacity and a preponderance of slow-twitch muscles, the vital energy system for endurance sports.
It's a perfect biomechanical package for distance running, but a disaster for sports — like sprinting and football — that require anaerobic bursts of speed.
While Kenyans and other East Africans hold more than 60 per cent of the world's top endurance times, athletes of West African ancestry, including most North American, British and Caribbean blacks, are among the world's worst distance runners.
The ectomorphic body type so common among East Africans is not very common in whites and is almost non-existent in those with roots in West Africa.
They tend to have small and efficient lungs, muscular 'mesomorphic' lower bodies, and a high proportion
of fast-twitch muscle fibres which contribute to explosive speed.
The Finnish were eventually eclipsed by the great Anglo tradition in running, led in the 1980s by Sebastian Coe, Steve Cram and Steve Ovett.
By the last decade of the 20th century, as the door of opportunity opened to less developed nations, the centre of gravity shifted dramatically and decisively toward North and East Africa.
According to some, that cycle of history itself suggests that no population has a lock on distance running success.
Surely, they say, Kenyan dominance will eventually fade, much as it did for the Finns and Brits, and the trend will shift once again to another nation?
Not so fast. To flesh out this debate, it's instructive to put Kenya under a microscope.
This small East African country, with a population of less than 30 million, is home to the greatest per capita concentration of raw athletic talent in the history of the world.
Despite the enormous success of Kenyan runners in the past two decades, running remains a relative afterthought in this football-crazed nation.
Yet, while Kenyans and other East Africans sweep upwards of 60 per cent of the world's distance running events, they are among the world's worst football players — and sprinters.
In the sprints, after an intense decade-long national recruitment and training effort, the best Kenyan time ever in the 100m (10.28 sec) ranks somewhere near 5,000th on the all-time list.
East Africans have a very distinct genetically endowed body type and physiology. Kenyans are ectomorphs, short and slender, with huge natural lung capacity and a preponderance of slow-twitch muscles, the vital energy system for endurance sports.
It's a perfect biomechanical package for distance running, but a disaster for sports — like sprinting and football — that require anaerobic bursts of speed.
While Kenyans and other East Africans hold more than 60 per cent of the world's top endurance times, athletes of West African ancestry, including most North American, British and Caribbean blacks, are among the world's worst distance runners.
The ectomorphic body type so common among East Africans is not very common in whites and is almost non-existent in those with roots in West Africa.
They tend to have small and efficient lungs, muscular 'mesomorphic' lower bodies, and a high proportion
of fast-twitch muscle fibres which contribute to explosive speed.
Black Diamonds SHINE
NO one will ever run as fast as a cheetah or dive as deep as a whale, but the achievements of elite athletes will continue to astonish us.
But what is more astounding is that every running record from the 100 metres to the marathon is held by an athlete of African ancestry.
However fastidious it makes some commentators to talk about this, there is absolutely no doubt that race - or more accurately ethnicity - is a huge factor in the world of elite athletics.
It is amazing that not one single white man has ever run 100m in under 10 seconds.
For nearly half a century, every men's sprint record has been held by blacks and it is a racing certainty that no non-black will win a major 100m or 200m title or set a record in these events again.
The last white sprinter to win Olympic Gold was the Briton Alan Wells, in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, which the Americans had boycotted.
Wells's time - 10.25 seconds - was the slowest winning time since 1956. But it isn't Usain Bolt's skin colour that is important; it is where precisely his ancestors originated.
All the world's fastest men are not only black, but are almost always ultimately of West African origin: meaning actual West Africans, Americans (who may be the descendents of slaves from that part of Africa), Caribbeans
or black Britons.
William Aiken, a Jamaican doctor, has stated that the fact Jamaicans in particular excel at sprinting is a legacy of them being descended from the ‘fittest of the fit slaves'.
This is a theory espoused by superhuman Usian Bolt himself in a BBC interview, when he said: "I think over the years what makes Jamaica different is because of slavery really ... the genes are really strong."
Probably more important is that West Africans have certain physiological advantages. One theory is that they are more likely than most ethnic groups to possess a high percentage of 'fast twitch' muscle fibres in their bodies - the reasons for which have been lost in the mists of evolutionary time.
These fibres allow an explosion of power, enabling muscles to convert sugars in the blood into movement in the shortest possible time.
Preliminary findings of genetic data suggest that 70 per cent of Jamaicans have the "strong" form of the ACTN3 gene - which produces a protein in their fast-twitch muscle fibres that has been linked to increased sprinting performance.
Similarly, for so many marathon winners to have come from the same sliver of highland East Africa cannot be down to chance alone.
The people of the highlands of Ethiopia and Kenya are often tall, slim and have a large lung capacity.
Hence, it is not altogether surprising that this population produces a lot of good long-distance runners (although they are not gifted sprinters).
There is another reason people are getting faster - the growth in human population. Simply, with more and more people alive, the chances of a record being broken increase all the time as the pool of talent increases.
And as time goes on, the chances increase of ‘outliers' popping up - people who are simply in a different league to everyone else in their discipline.
Last year, a Stanford University specialist in animal locomotion, Mark Denny, published a study in The Journal Of Experimental Biology in which he compared the running performance of humans and that of two other species - dogs and horses (which, like us, also take part in races).
He found that speeds among the top racing greyhounds and equine thoroughbreds plateaued in the 40s through to the 70s, whereas human males continued to get faster, possibly as a simple result of population increase.
He believes that male sprint performance will level off at about 9.48 seconds.
Runners of West African descent - which include Jamaicans as well as most African-Americans - seem to be built for speed. In 2004, they held all but five of the 500 best times in the 100-metre dash.
Interestingly, we may already have seen female sprinters start to plateau. The current world record of 10.49 was set by Florence Griffith-Joyner of the US back in 1988.
Long-distance records probably have some way to fall. The two-hour barrier in the marathon has become the 21st-century equivalent of the old four-minute mile.
Currently the record stands at two hours three minutes and 59 seconds, set by Ethiopian, Haile Gebrselassie in Berlin last year.
In percentage terms, that last four minutes or so represent far less of a barrier than Bolt's demolition of his own 100m (9.58s) and 200m (19.19s) records at Berlin 2009.
But what is more astounding is that every running record from the 100 metres to the marathon is held by an athlete of African ancestry.
However fastidious it makes some commentators to talk about this, there is absolutely no doubt that race - or more accurately ethnicity - is a huge factor in the world of elite athletics.
It is amazing that not one single white man has ever run 100m in under 10 seconds.
For nearly half a century, every men's sprint record has been held by blacks and it is a racing certainty that no non-black will win a major 100m or 200m title or set a record in these events again.
The last white sprinter to win Olympic Gold was the Briton Alan Wells, in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, which the Americans had boycotted.
Wells's time - 10.25 seconds - was the slowest winning time since 1956. But it isn't Usain Bolt's skin colour that is important; it is where precisely his ancestors originated.
All the world's fastest men are not only black, but are almost always ultimately of West African origin: meaning actual West Africans, Americans (who may be the descendents of slaves from that part of Africa), Caribbeans
or black Britons.
William Aiken, a Jamaican doctor, has stated that the fact Jamaicans in particular excel at sprinting is a legacy of them being descended from the ‘fittest of the fit slaves'.
This is a theory espoused by superhuman Usian Bolt himself in a BBC interview, when he said: "I think over the years what makes Jamaica different is because of slavery really ... the genes are really strong."
Probably more important is that West Africans have certain physiological advantages. One theory is that they are more likely than most ethnic groups to possess a high percentage of 'fast twitch' muscle fibres in their bodies - the reasons for which have been lost in the mists of evolutionary time.
These fibres allow an explosion of power, enabling muscles to convert sugars in the blood into movement in the shortest possible time.
Preliminary findings of genetic data suggest that 70 per cent of Jamaicans have the "strong" form of the ACTN3 gene - which produces a protein in their fast-twitch muscle fibres that has been linked to increased sprinting performance.
Similarly, for so many marathon winners to have come from the same sliver of highland East Africa cannot be down to chance alone.
The people of the highlands of Ethiopia and Kenya are often tall, slim and have a large lung capacity.
Hence, it is not altogether surprising that this population produces a lot of good long-distance runners (although they are not gifted sprinters).
There is another reason people are getting faster - the growth in human population. Simply, with more and more people alive, the chances of a record being broken increase all the time as the pool of talent increases.
And as time goes on, the chances increase of ‘outliers' popping up - people who are simply in a different league to everyone else in their discipline.
Last year, a Stanford University specialist in animal locomotion, Mark Denny, published a study in The Journal Of Experimental Biology in which he compared the running performance of humans and that of two other species - dogs and horses (which, like us, also take part in races).
He found that speeds among the top racing greyhounds and equine thoroughbreds plateaued in the 40s through to the 70s, whereas human males continued to get faster, possibly as a simple result of population increase.
He believes that male sprint performance will level off at about 9.48 seconds.
Runners of West African descent - which include Jamaicans as well as most African-Americans - seem to be built for speed. In 2004, they held all but five of the 500 best times in the 100-metre dash.
Interestingly, we may already have seen female sprinters start to plateau. The current world record of 10.49 was set by Florence Griffith-Joyner of the US back in 1988.
Long-distance records probably have some way to fall. The two-hour barrier in the marathon has become the 21st-century equivalent of the old four-minute mile.
Currently the record stands at two hours three minutes and 59 seconds, set by Ethiopian, Haile Gebrselassie in Berlin last year.
In percentage terms, that last four minutes or so represent far less of a barrier than Bolt's demolition of his own 100m (9.58s) and 200m (19.19s) records at Berlin 2009.
Amazing food fest
It was a food fest of amazing proportions, the bi-annual Food and Hotel Malaysia show (FHM) and Culinaire 2009 last week was a success.
With thousands of trade visitors milling in and out over the four days to check out the latest in food, beverage and everything else in between as well as 868 participants competing their hearts out in the culinaire competition happening at the same time, the buzz and excitement was nothing short of exhilarating.
Starting off the journey in the exhibitor’s halls, the smell of food pretty much paved the way. From freshly baked bread to sizzling wagyu beef, it was a diet’s worst enemy.
A total 650 participants, both local and international, food and wares of every kind imaginable were on display. Taking part in the fair were big players like Boncafe, Lucky Frozen and Pastry Pro.
After travelling the halls together with the trade visitors, it was time to pop into Hall Five, where the prestigious Culinaire was held.
Stepping into the said hall Centre was a little like stepping into a wonderland, it was a burst of colourful sculptures, appetizers and table settings.
Culinaire
MAGNIFICENT: Colourful sculptures on display
There were makeshift kitchens set up where the hot cooking was held as well as a bartending competition taking place on stage right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle.
The inaugural Culinaire Malaysia was held in 1993 alongside the FHM exhibition and ever since then, the bi-annual event has been held in conjunction with FHM and can be said to be a major highlight not only in the show but in the industry.
“This is our 9th successive event and over the years, Culinaire Malaysia has progressed rapidly into the biggest culinary event in the region. Our prime objective is to set a higher benchmark on the culinary standard in the Malaysian hospitality industry and to recognise and motivate individual chefs who excel in their field of culinary art that matches world standards,” said Cheah Swee Hee, organising chairman, Culinaire Malaysia 2009.
Taking home top honours this year was Westin Hotel’s Hamdan Ahmad who was crowned Most Outstanding
Chef, while venue host Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre swiped the Most Outstanding Team award as well as Most Outstanding F&B Personnel.
Most Outstanding Apprentice went to Kho Woe Cheng of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur; Most Outstanding Pastry Chef to M.Kumaran of Hotel Istana and Most Outstanding Artist was awarded to Norammar Md Masri from One World Hotel, just to name a few.
“Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) as the main organising body wishes to incite more young Malaysians to look at the hospitality industry as a professional career.
We aim to create and instill interest among the Gen Y to pursue the skills at the highest standards. It is only through events such as Culinaire Malaysia that we are able to showcase the skills and artistic talents of our professionals and further enhance the quality of service in our hospitality industry,” said MAH president Datuk Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin.
All in all, Culinaire 2009 proved to be an exciting presentation of what our local talents are able to achieve. And speaking for all those present, we are now awaiting the next one with bated breath.
With thousands of trade visitors milling in and out over the four days to check out the latest in food, beverage and everything else in between as well as 868 participants competing their hearts out in the culinaire competition happening at the same time, the buzz and excitement was nothing short of exhilarating.
Starting off the journey in the exhibitor’s halls, the smell of food pretty much paved the way. From freshly baked bread to sizzling wagyu beef, it was a diet’s worst enemy.
A total 650 participants, both local and international, food and wares of every kind imaginable were on display. Taking part in the fair were big players like Boncafe, Lucky Frozen and Pastry Pro.
After travelling the halls together with the trade visitors, it was time to pop into Hall Five, where the prestigious Culinaire was held.
Stepping into the said hall Centre was a little like stepping into a wonderland, it was a burst of colourful sculptures, appetizers and table settings.
Culinaire
MAGNIFICENT: Colourful sculptures on display
There were makeshift kitchens set up where the hot cooking was held as well as a bartending competition taking place on stage right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle.
The inaugural Culinaire Malaysia was held in 1993 alongside the FHM exhibition and ever since then, the bi-annual event has been held in conjunction with FHM and can be said to be a major highlight not only in the show but in the industry.
“This is our 9th successive event and over the years, Culinaire Malaysia has progressed rapidly into the biggest culinary event in the region. Our prime objective is to set a higher benchmark on the culinary standard in the Malaysian hospitality industry and to recognise and motivate individual chefs who excel in their field of culinary art that matches world standards,” said Cheah Swee Hee, organising chairman, Culinaire Malaysia 2009.
Taking home top honours this year was Westin Hotel’s Hamdan Ahmad who was crowned Most Outstanding
Chef, while venue host Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre swiped the Most Outstanding Team award as well as Most Outstanding F&B Personnel.
Most Outstanding Apprentice went to Kho Woe Cheng of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur; Most Outstanding Pastry Chef to M.Kumaran of Hotel Istana and Most Outstanding Artist was awarded to Norammar Md Masri from One World Hotel, just to name a few.
“Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) as the main organising body wishes to incite more young Malaysians to look at the hospitality industry as a professional career.
We aim to create and instill interest among the Gen Y to pursue the skills at the highest standards. It is only through events such as Culinaire Malaysia that we are able to showcase the skills and artistic talents of our professionals and further enhance the quality of service in our hospitality industry,” said MAH president Datuk Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin.
All in all, Culinaire 2009 proved to be an exciting presentation of what our local talents are able to achieve. And speaking for all those present, we are now awaiting the next one with bated breath.
EATS: Breakfast haven in Petaling Jayaa
Looking for an interesting dining experience or a place to take a visitor who wants to explore Malaysian cuisine?
Raju has a relatively large seating capacity that caters to customers who want to dine inside the restaurant or under the shade of the trees.
This famous restaurant is well known throughout Petaling Jaya for their banana leaf rice and roti canai.
Typically, there would be a morning crowd that gathers here for a hearty breakfast after a walk around the forest reserve at Gasing Hills (much less guilt indulging in a heavy meal after a long walk).
The restaurant itself is situated right next to La Salle school, so at certain times of the day you will find a mix of the working class and students patronising the establishment.
Once you sit down, the waiters will take your orders and place a banana leaf in front of you, ready to be filled with food.
Raju serves curry dishes, breads such as roti canai and tosai as well as other traditional Indian snacks like vadai (a savoury snack from South India that looks somewhat similar to doughnuts is made from flour, lentil and potato).
In the afternoon, Raju serves banana leaf rice, and like most other banana leaf rice places, you get an assortment of deep fried foods to accompany the standard vegetables, papadum and other condiments.
Breaking fast with a feast
In light of Ramadan, many people will be looking for a place to partake in a meaningful breaking of fast with their loved ones. In conjunction with this, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa is promoting their range of flavours from now until Sept 14.
At the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa’s Sun & Surf Cafe, the Ramadan Buffet is available from 6pm till 10pm nightly at RM92 per adult and RM46 per child.
A 35 per cent discount is also offered to patrons of Sun & Surf Cafe and Atrium Cafe from now to Aug 27 and from Sept 16 to 19 respectively. Start by quenching your thirst with sweet beverages such as air tebu and air bandung. There is a widespread buffet where you can find traditional favourites, including lemang, ayam goreng berempah, nasi ulam, laksa Johor and many others.
To finish off the meal, there is a sweet ending with an assortment of desserts such as kuih and local fruits.
With almost 300 traditional delicacies on offer at sundown, there is definitely plenty to choose from.
Raju has a relatively large seating capacity that caters to customers who want to dine inside the restaurant or under the shade of the trees.
This famous restaurant is well known throughout Petaling Jaya for their banana leaf rice and roti canai.
Typically, there would be a morning crowd that gathers here for a hearty breakfast after a walk around the forest reserve at Gasing Hills (much less guilt indulging in a heavy meal after a long walk).
The restaurant itself is situated right next to La Salle school, so at certain times of the day you will find a mix of the working class and students patronising the establishment.
Once you sit down, the waiters will take your orders and place a banana leaf in front of you, ready to be filled with food.
Raju serves curry dishes, breads such as roti canai and tosai as well as other traditional Indian snacks like vadai (a savoury snack from South India that looks somewhat similar to doughnuts is made from flour, lentil and potato).
In the afternoon, Raju serves banana leaf rice, and like most other banana leaf rice places, you get an assortment of deep fried foods to accompany the standard vegetables, papadum and other condiments.
Breaking fast with a feast
In light of Ramadan, many people will be looking for a place to partake in a meaningful breaking of fast with their loved ones. In conjunction with this, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa is promoting their range of flavours from now until Sept 14.
At the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa’s Sun & Surf Cafe, the Ramadan Buffet is available from 6pm till 10pm nightly at RM92 per adult and RM46 per child.
A 35 per cent discount is also offered to patrons of Sun & Surf Cafe and Atrium Cafe from now to Aug 27 and from Sept 16 to 19 respectively. Start by quenching your thirst with sweet beverages such as air tebu and air bandung. There is a widespread buffet where you can find traditional favourites, including lemang, ayam goreng berempah, nasi ulam, laksa Johor and many others.
To finish off the meal, there is a sweet ending with an assortment of desserts such as kuih and local fruits.
With almost 300 traditional delicacies on offer at sundown, there is definitely plenty to choose from.
More choices for travellers
TRAVELLING trends are changing and our local aviation industry has picked up on the changes.
Yesterday, KL International Airport (KLIA) and Malaysia Airports Bhd (MAB) launched the first phase of the Next Generation Hub, a web portal called www.flyklia.com, which provides an itinerary builder that integrates all airlines' schedules and fare, including full service carriers and low-cost carriers.
Through this web portal, travellers are able to choose the lowest fare and the quickest route to a destination.
“We may not be the first to offer such services to travellers but we are the most updated,” said MAB managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad.
He added that this portal also serves to facilitate people to use Kuala Lumpur as a transit point. In the past, such information was possible but required much more work and hassle. With one website to find the connections, travellers can save time.
The flight planner on the portal, which is free, searches more than 660 airlines worldwide for the best flights and connections available. The search results include links to airlines and other travel portals where travellers can book flights directly.
“The portal empowers the traveller with tools to build unique itineraries. At a touch of a button, travellers may choose to arrive at their destination on full-service carriers and depart on a low-cost carrier. Such combinations would not show up on a regular booking engine.”
Moreover, the website is easy to navigate, said Bashir.
With the launch of the website, Malaysia Airports is also excited to introduce the new “KLIA Next Generation Hub — The new way to the world” branding to convey a new way of doing things for both passengers and airlines.
As for what phase two of the plan will be, Bashir said it will be announced when the time comes.
Yesterday, KL International Airport (KLIA) and Malaysia Airports Bhd (MAB) launched the first phase of the Next Generation Hub, a web portal called www.flyklia.com, which provides an itinerary builder that integrates all airlines' schedules and fare, including full service carriers and low-cost carriers.
Through this web portal, travellers are able to choose the lowest fare and the quickest route to a destination.
“We may not be the first to offer such services to travellers but we are the most updated,” said MAB managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad.
He added that this portal also serves to facilitate people to use Kuala Lumpur as a transit point. In the past, such information was possible but required much more work and hassle. With one website to find the connections, travellers can save time.
The flight planner on the portal, which is free, searches more than 660 airlines worldwide for the best flights and connections available. The search results include links to airlines and other travel portals where travellers can book flights directly.
“The portal empowers the traveller with tools to build unique itineraries. At a touch of a button, travellers may choose to arrive at their destination on full-service carriers and depart on a low-cost carrier. Such combinations would not show up on a regular booking engine.”
Moreover, the website is easy to navigate, said Bashir.
With the launch of the website, Malaysia Airports is also excited to introduce the new “KLIA Next Generation Hub — The new way to the world” branding to convey a new way of doing things for both passengers and airlines.
As for what phase two of the plan will be, Bashir said it will be announced when the time comes.
The best way to manage WHCT
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You are here : Home | | Skypark takes the stress out of flying
Skypark takes the stress out of flying
Submitted by amir azree on Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
* Lifestyle
* Skypark
Ng Suzhen
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 09:20:00
Skypark
LIVELY: Skypark Subang Terminal sets out to be different from other airports
SKYPARK Subang Terminal will stand out from other airports as it injects some lifestyle into the hustle and bustle of rushing to board flights.
“There are two types of people who take flights. One are those who are constantly in a rush. All they need is a business centre to check some emails and they would be on their way. Another type, are those who enjoy a more leisurely time looking around. This is where this terminal offers more than just a place to accommodate flights, we provide a variety of lifestyle choices,” said Subang Skypark Sdn Bhd executive director Tan Sri Ravindran Menon.
These lifestyle choices include restaurants, shops and entertainment like a live jazz band in the evenings. The airport’s interior architecture gives prominence to spaciousness and has wide walkways.
Skypark
ATTRACTION: Live jazz band in the evenings
The terminal has franchise food and beverage outlets such as Starbucks, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee and 1901 Hotdogs. There will soon be a wine bar and a fine dining area.
The Skypark is already operational with some 10 per cent of finishing work left. It can accommodate about 60 flights a day, comprising local and regional arrivals and departures.
It is home to Berjaya Air and Firefly, and both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia which also operate ticketing offices there.
The 150,000 square-foot terminal is expected to handle 2.5 million passengers by the end of this year.
Private aviation facilities
BESIDES servicing domestic and regional flights, Skypark Subang Terminal’s dedicated private aviation terminal is now fully operational with a runway capable of accommodating a 747 jetliner.
It will serve as the country’s gateway for inbound and outbound corporate and private jets.
Dubbed the Skypark Fixed Based Operations Malaysia, there are plans to use 30 acres of land for hanger facilities to house privatelyowned aircraft.
Private jet travellers will have a bundle of facilities to enjoy. There is a lounge for travellers and a VVIP room for those who want some private rest and relaxation.
Conference rooms are available for business meetings. The airport also has rest areas for pilots and crew members who can enjoy the use of a gym, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms to freshen up and prepare themselves for what might be a long flight ahead.
Originally known as the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport Subang Terminal 3, and built in 1993 to cater to Malaysian Airlines’ domestic flights, the airport was subsequently used by private aviation companies when commercial airline operations moved to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang.
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You are here : Home | | Skypark takes the stress out of flying
Skypark takes the stress out of flying
Submitted by amir azree on Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
* Lifestyle
* Skypark
Ng Suzhen
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 09:20:00
Skypark
LIVELY: Skypark Subang Terminal sets out to be different from other airports
SKYPARK Subang Terminal will stand out from other airports as it injects some lifestyle into the hustle and bustle of rushing to board flights.
“There are two types of people who take flights. One are those who are constantly in a rush. All they need is a business centre to check some emails and they would be on their way. Another type, are those who enjoy a more leisurely time looking around. This is where this terminal offers more than just a place to accommodate flights, we provide a variety of lifestyle choices,” said Subang Skypark Sdn Bhd executive director Tan Sri Ravindran Menon.
These lifestyle choices include restaurants, shops and entertainment like a live jazz band in the evenings. The airport’s interior architecture gives prominence to spaciousness and has wide walkways.
Skypark
ATTRACTION: Live jazz band in the evenings
The terminal has franchise food and beverage outlets such as Starbucks, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee and 1901 Hotdogs. There will soon be a wine bar and a fine dining area.
The Skypark is already operational with some 10 per cent of finishing work left. It can accommodate about 60 flights a day, comprising local and regional arrivals and departures.
It is home to Berjaya Air and Firefly, and both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia which also operate ticketing offices there.
The 150,000 square-foot terminal is expected to handle 2.5 million passengers by the end of this year.
Private aviation facilities
BESIDES servicing domestic and regional flights, Skypark Subang Terminal’s dedicated private aviation terminal is now fully operational with a runway capable of accommodating a 747 jetliner.
It will serve as the country’s gateway for inbound and outbound corporate and private jets.
Dubbed the Skypark Fixed Based Operations Malaysia, there are plans to use 30 acres of land for hanger facilities to house privatelyowned aircraft.
Private jet travellers will have a bundle of facilities to enjoy. There is a lounge for travellers and a VVIP room for those who want some private rest and relaxation.
Conference rooms are available for business meetings. The airport also has rest areas for pilots and crew members who can enjoy the use of a gym, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms to freshen up and prepare themselves for what might be a long flight ahead.
Originally known as the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport Subang Terminal 3, and built in 1993 to cater to Malaysian Airlines’ domestic flights, the airport was subsequently used by private aviation companies when commercial airline operations moved to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang.
EATS: A little slice of Japan
FEUDAL Japan, bamboo trees, tatami mats and wooden huts. These words in a sentence would not usually be associated with any parts of Malaysia - until now. Situated in the heart of the Golden Triangle, Fukuya Japanese Restaurant takes you away from the fast paced city and drops you in an environment of calmness and tranquility.
The restaurant is actually an old bungalow, converted into a restaurant. It has a mini bamboo forest lining the cobbled pathway and also around the grounds. Visitors have the option of a private room (minimum of four people) or to dine inside the main restaurant area, where they can watch as the chefs prepare sushi and sashimi dishes.
Must-trys include their fresh sashimi platter, grilled scallop, grilled eel and their various soups. But perhaps the best way (and least known) is to call up the restaurant ahead of time, make a booking for your party and tell them your budget per person (suggested minimum four pax at RM88) and ask the chef to come up with a custom menu for that night.
A bottle of ice-cold sake to accompany your meal and a scoop of green tea or sesame ice cream to finish off the night is strongly recommended.
Designer food
West 57th Street Cafe
ZANG Toi, the designer to such stars as Ivana Trump and Fergie is known around the world for his couture designs and flashy outfits.
But the Malaysian designer does more than just create one-of-a-kind outfits – he’s created a one-of-a-kind café
as well.
Named after the road where the design house is located in New York, West 57th Street Café, better known as Zang Toi Café, is tucked away in a corner of Parkson department store, Pavilion shopping mall.
Zang’s Fruity Ice Tea Punch is one of the specialties of the house, filled with refreshing ice lemon tea with bits of lemon and orange peel for that extra tangy flavour together with lime and mint. So good you want to bottle it and take it home to share.
A favourite of many diners is the large portions of the Hainanese Chicken Chop, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, served with a special Hainanese sauce.
Top the meal off with a scoop of ice cream and Zang Toi’s Chocolate Banana Cake, drizzled in hot chocolate sauce and you’ll be one step closer to being a celebrity. All else failing, you can buy some bling and just pretend.
The restaurant is actually an old bungalow, converted into a restaurant. It has a mini bamboo forest lining the cobbled pathway and also around the grounds. Visitors have the option of a private room (minimum of four people) or to dine inside the main restaurant area, where they can watch as the chefs prepare sushi and sashimi dishes.
Must-trys include their fresh sashimi platter, grilled scallop, grilled eel and their various soups. But perhaps the best way (and least known) is to call up the restaurant ahead of time, make a booking for your party and tell them your budget per person (suggested minimum four pax at RM88) and ask the chef to come up with a custom menu for that night.
A bottle of ice-cold sake to accompany your meal and a scoop of green tea or sesame ice cream to finish off the night is strongly recommended.
Designer food
West 57th Street Cafe
ZANG Toi, the designer to such stars as Ivana Trump and Fergie is known around the world for his couture designs and flashy outfits.
But the Malaysian designer does more than just create one-of-a-kind outfits – he’s created a one-of-a-kind café
as well.
Named after the road where the design house is located in New York, West 57th Street Café, better known as Zang Toi Café, is tucked away in a corner of Parkson department store, Pavilion shopping mall.
Zang’s Fruity Ice Tea Punch is one of the specialties of the house, filled with refreshing ice lemon tea with bits of lemon and orange peel for that extra tangy flavour together with lime and mint. So good you want to bottle it and take it home to share.
A favourite of many diners is the large portions of the Hainanese Chicken Chop, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, served with a special Hainanese sauce.
Top the meal off with a scoop of ice cream and Zang Toi’s Chocolate Banana Cake, drizzled in hot chocolate sauce and you’ll be one step closer to being a celebrity. All else failing, you can buy some bling and just pretend.
Heart to Heart: Get to know your BP readings
Last week mine was 120/80 and today it is 130/90. You will immediately recognise these sets of numbers as my blood pressure readings. But how much do you really know about them?
There are two phases in a cardiac cycle — the pumping phase or systole, when the heart pumps blood out of the heart into the circulation, and the relaxation phase or diastole, when the empty heart gets refilled with blood.
Blood pressure readings are represented by two numbers, one on top of another as in a fraction. The top number is called systolic blood pressure and represents the maximum force exerted by the heart against the blood vessels during the heart’s pumping phase and the bottom number, which in turn is the diastolic blood pressure, the resting pressure during the heart’s relaxation phase.
In a normal situation, our blood pressure level is dependent on a few factors such as body activity (higher when active) and emotion (higher when angry or upset). Therefore, blood pressure readings are rarely the same each time you take it. Although the blood pressure varies, the human body functions well at a certain level — less than 140/90 mmHg. If the blood pressure persistently exceeds this value, complications such as heart attack, stroke and kidney disease can arise.
When the heart contracts, it pushes a large amount of blood forward to the arteries. Like an elastic band, the arteries are supposed to expand to accept the blood and prevent the pressure within from rising.
The formation of arteriosclerotic plaques in the arteries from various factors such as high cholesterol and smoking stiffens them and prevents them from expanding when the heart contracts. This causes the blood pressure to increase.
The stiffer the arteries, the higher the blood pressure rises. It thus becomes a vicious circle — high blood pressure continues to cause plaque buildup, which narrows the arteries and increases blood pressure
further.
As a person ages, there will be a greater chance of these stiffening factors being present. The blood pressure, therefore, appears to rise with age. This led to the simple formula of person’s normal systolic blood pressure is “100 plus the age”. For instance, if you are 60 years of age, you are apparently allowed to have a systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg. However, this idea of age-adjusted blood pressure targets has long been discarded.
The current consensus on the management of hypertension from countries all over the world including Malaysia states that blood pressure should be maintained below 140/90 mmHg throughout one’s lifetime. Above this level, early therapy is essential to protect against organ damage.
Regarding which is worse — systolic or diastolic hypertension, a question I am often asked, my short answer is — both are bad. However, there have been a number of trials comparing the two and they have shown that the systolic blood pressure is more important than the diastolic blood pressure in estimating the risk for heart attacks and strokes, especially in the elderly. In a trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2003, almost 8,000 people participated in a survey from 1976 to 1992.
It was found that rising systolic blood pressure was the clearest indicator for increased risk of death compared to increased diastolic blood pressure easurements. For all intents and purposes, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures are important and should always be kept in the normal range.
Dr Haizal Haron Kamar
Consultant Cardiologist
Tropicana Medical Centre
There are two phases in a cardiac cycle — the pumping phase or systole, when the heart pumps blood out of the heart into the circulation, and the relaxation phase or diastole, when the empty heart gets refilled with blood.
Blood pressure readings are represented by two numbers, one on top of another as in a fraction. The top number is called systolic blood pressure and represents the maximum force exerted by the heart against the blood vessels during the heart’s pumping phase and the bottom number, which in turn is the diastolic blood pressure, the resting pressure during the heart’s relaxation phase.
In a normal situation, our blood pressure level is dependent on a few factors such as body activity (higher when active) and emotion (higher when angry or upset). Therefore, blood pressure readings are rarely the same each time you take it. Although the blood pressure varies, the human body functions well at a certain level — less than 140/90 mmHg. If the blood pressure persistently exceeds this value, complications such as heart attack, stroke and kidney disease can arise.
When the heart contracts, it pushes a large amount of blood forward to the arteries. Like an elastic band, the arteries are supposed to expand to accept the blood and prevent the pressure within from rising.
The formation of arteriosclerotic plaques in the arteries from various factors such as high cholesterol and smoking stiffens them and prevents them from expanding when the heart contracts. This causes the blood pressure to increase.
The stiffer the arteries, the higher the blood pressure rises. It thus becomes a vicious circle — high blood pressure continues to cause plaque buildup, which narrows the arteries and increases blood pressure
further.
As a person ages, there will be a greater chance of these stiffening factors being present. The blood pressure, therefore, appears to rise with age. This led to the simple formula of person’s normal systolic blood pressure is “100 plus the age”. For instance, if you are 60 years of age, you are apparently allowed to have a systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg. However, this idea of age-adjusted blood pressure targets has long been discarded.
The current consensus on the management of hypertension from countries all over the world including Malaysia states that blood pressure should be maintained below 140/90 mmHg throughout one’s lifetime. Above this level, early therapy is essential to protect against organ damage.
Regarding which is worse — systolic or diastolic hypertension, a question I am often asked, my short answer is — both are bad. However, there have been a number of trials comparing the two and they have shown that the systolic blood pressure is more important than the diastolic blood pressure in estimating the risk for heart attacks and strokes, especially in the elderly. In a trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2003, almost 8,000 people participated in a survey from 1976 to 1992.
It was found that rising systolic blood pressure was the clearest indicator for increased risk of death compared to increased diastolic blood pressure easurements. For all intents and purposes, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures are important and should always be kept in the normal range.
Dr Haizal Haron Kamar
Consultant Cardiologist
Tropicana Medical Centre
Holiday Villa celebrates 22-year anniversary
IT has been 22 years since Holiday Villa first opened its doors, and they are making quite an effort to celebrate it with guests. For one, Holiday Villa is giving away a Toyota Vios 1.5E (automatic transmission).
They are also rewarding 22 lucky guests at Holiday Villa every month, with a three-days two-nights stay for two at a suite or villa with breakfast and dinner provided.
This includes Holiday Villa London, Tuan Chau Island Holiday Villa Halong Bay, Holliday Villa Bali, Holiday Villa Sanya Hainan, Holiday Villa Langkawi and Holiday Villa Cherating.
That’s right. You can win a stay in London, Bali, China, Vietnam or just plain old marvelous Malaysia, just by either staying or dining at Holliday Villa outlets. There is also a special rate of US$22 (RM77.66) per person for a twin-sharing room, made available for 10 months.
Holiday Villa is an international brand based in Malaysia, founded in 1987 by Alangka-Suka Hotels & Resorts Berhad, a subsidiary of public-listed, Advance Synergy Berhad. Their very first hotel/resort was the one in Cherating, which is still popular today.
The contest started on Aug 1 and will run until May 31, 2010.Guests who either stay or dine at the hotel can fill up an entry form and submit it at the reception counter to be eligible to win the car, or any of the other prizes up for grabs.
They are also rewarding 22 lucky guests at Holiday Villa every month, with a three-days two-nights stay for two at a suite or villa with breakfast and dinner provided.
This includes Holiday Villa London, Tuan Chau Island Holiday Villa Halong Bay, Holliday Villa Bali, Holiday Villa Sanya Hainan, Holiday Villa Langkawi and Holiday Villa Cherating.
That’s right. You can win a stay in London, Bali, China, Vietnam or just plain old marvelous Malaysia, just by either staying or dining at Holliday Villa outlets. There is also a special rate of US$22 (RM77.66) per person for a twin-sharing room, made available for 10 months.
Holiday Villa is an international brand based in Malaysia, founded in 1987 by Alangka-Suka Hotels & Resorts Berhad, a subsidiary of public-listed, Advance Synergy Berhad. Their very first hotel/resort was the one in Cherating, which is still popular today.
The contest started on Aug 1 and will run until May 31, 2010.Guests who either stay or dine at the hotel can fill up an entry form and submit it at the reception counter to be eligible to win the car, or any of the other prizes up for grabs.
EATS: Twisted sushi for all to bite
EVEN if you are not a sushi fan, you have to pay a visit to the chic Tokyo G restaurant, formerly known as Sushigroove.
The restaurant offers ingenious twists to the classic Japanese food, with its signature G-Rolls.With over 30 different assortments of G-Rolls priced from RM6.90 onwards, it is possible for just anyone to enjoy fusion Japanese food.
‘Fusion Dragon’ is a must-try. Shaped like a dragon, the roll is made up of smoked beef and mango (made all the more flavourful with salmon), a touch of local cili padi and my favourite – crunchy bits of tempura flakes.
Other yummy must-trys are ‘Chameleon Roll’, a unique roll consists of Tamago wrapped with kyuri, topped with slices of smoked salmon and avocado; ‘Smoked Salmon Roll’, a delicious crab salad rolled with tempura flakes and smoked salmon, and topped with Teriyaki sauce; ‘Philadelphia Beef Roll’, made up of minced chicken and onions wrapped in grilled beef, topped with tempura flakes and served with mayo and chili sauce; and ‘Hattori Hanzo Roll’, which is chicken katsu with a touch of cream cheese in spicy sauce.These are simply divine.
Chameleon Roll
Besides sushi, my personal recommendation is the pasta. Try out the ‘Bangkok G’ pasta. The spicy sauce will tickle your taste buds and the dish is completed when topped with prawns and squids – absolutely to die for! the car, or any of the other prizes up for grabs.
Another hot pick is the ‘Creamy Mussels’ or ‘G Carbonara’, which has a hint of sesame taste to the cream sauce – simply fabulous! As for desserts, get your tongue twisted with, get this, wasabi or sesame ice cream.
You’d be pleasantly surprised with its delicate taste. You’ll never know how far you’ll go with sushi until you try it. Tokyo G outlets are located in One Utama and Sunway Pyramid.
Family-friendly Pattaya
Pattaya has a reputation for being a red light district, but it has wholesome attractions too.
Long a city associated with neon-lit streets, go-go bars and sex for sale, Pattaya is a city with a, urm, reputation.
I made a recent trip to see just how much of this reputation is deserved and what it is about the city that lures Thai families on weekends. Surely it can’t be the go-go bars?
The awe-inspiring Sanctuary of Truth.
The coastal city is a two-hour bus trip from Bangkok. The adventure starts even before one arrives in town, for just on the outskirts is a must-see stopover — the Pattaya Floating Market.
Much smaller than its counterpart in Bangkok, this floating market is nonetheless a fun experience. Wooden pathways snake around standing retail structures, and there is a large variety of food and snacks on offer. There is no entry fee but if you choose to take the boat-ride, it’s 200 baht (RM18) per boat, with a maximum of four people on board.
Seaside monolith
From the charming, we ventured upon something awe-inspiring — the Sanctuary of Truth, a temple-like building constructed entirely out of wood. It greeted us out of the surrounding greenery as if it were an apparition out of an Indiana Jones movie.
The owner started building this wooden structure in 1981, intending it to be a memorial to peace, tolerance and respect among mankind. The Buddhist-inspired building is so large that even though work on it is not complete yet, its sheer size already boggles the mind.
The building stands 100m high at the centre and is equally wide. It is held up by gargantuan columns and boasts chiselled images with painstaking detail all around. The Sanctuary of Truth is so spectacular that one does not deem it inappropriate to compare it to the Taj Mahal.
Authentic Thai cuisine is served outside in the park in which the sanctuary is located. The surrounding greenery made for a great lunch experience. Entry fees are 500 baht (RM56) per person, and well worth it.
The Nongnooch Tropical Botanical Garden and Resort
Staying in Pattaya
Pattaya looks larger than our own Petaling Jaya but with huge hotels lining its coastal road, known as Beach Road. All kinds of accommodation can be found here, from the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya to the more family-friendly Holiday Inn.
I stayed at the newly-opened Zign Hotel, one of the many designer hotels here. It provides easy access to Beach Road while allowing for some peace away from the hubbub. The rooms are comfortable and stylish in an almost quirky way (no carpeting, bright colours).
I enjoyed the large pool despite the fact that the hotel has its own stretch of beach.
Pattaya can get quite crowded in the middle of the year and towards year-end, with lots of tourists jostling for space with the city slickers from Bangkok. Booking ahead for accommodation is recommended. In terms of shopping, there’s plenty on offer — from touristy trinkets to designer boutiques.
The next day I ventured to the city’s famous botanical park, the Nongnooch Tropical Botanical Garden and Resort. The experience began with an animal-petting experience, starting with parrots and orang utan, and proceeding to — gasp — an adult tiger! The oversized feline is kept in chains, of course, and one has to pose for pictures in the correct position to avoid being targeted as prey!
A cultural show, with Thai costumes and musical accompaniment, followed. An hour later, we were in another compound enjoying a hilarious elephant acrobatic performance. Yes, you read right. It was a huge thrill to all the children and foreign families, as the Thai elephants performed highly skilled feats, from scoring goals to throwing darts!
People were invited to feed the adorable giants, but watch out, you might get dragged into the arena for an impromptu performance!
After lunch, we spent a good hour taking an electric cart ride around the sprawling gardens. It seemed to us that no expense had been spared in procuring the flora and fauna of the gardens, particularly the large reserve set aside for orchids.
The orchid is, after all, Thailand’s national flower. Entry fees are a little steep at about 700 baht (RM78) per person.
For a bit of night-time sightseeing, a walk down Beach Road can be an enjoyable experience. One can do a bit of shopping or try a Thai massage at affordable rates. A seafood dinner is not to be missed, either. Unfortunately, not much is available late at night except for risque drag shows.
Those with a faint heart will not want to venture into the infamous Walking Street with its go-go bars are. All kinds of interesting characters abound here and, yes, the garish neon signs are indeed everywhere. It’s all very fascinating, but the place is not exactly family-friendly.
We spent the last day travelling southeast. The sleepy sea-side town of Rayong beckoned, and just beyond, the booming island of Koh Samet, playground for backpackers and the affluent alike. Getting to Koh Samet takes no more than 90 minutes from Pattaya, and is a viable option for weekend excursions.
Then again, one has plenty to do in Pattaya itself.
Keep your money for the various entry fees and the buffets, and leave the rest for souvenir shopping. And with all the walking that the trip entails, don’t forget a good foot massage before dinner for the family. They’ll thank you for it.
Getting there
Buses to Pattaya depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal daily. Journey time is two hours and costs around 117 baht (RM13). Taxis are available but you’d have to cough up 1,110 baht (RM125). Buses also depart from Suvarnabhumi airport, with a journey time of 90 minutes and a fare of 105 baht (RM12).
Long a city associated with neon-lit streets, go-go bars and sex for sale, Pattaya is a city with a, urm, reputation.
I made a recent trip to see just how much of this reputation is deserved and what it is about the city that lures Thai families on weekends. Surely it can’t be the go-go bars?
The awe-inspiring Sanctuary of Truth.
The coastal city is a two-hour bus trip from Bangkok. The adventure starts even before one arrives in town, for just on the outskirts is a must-see stopover — the Pattaya Floating Market.
Much smaller than its counterpart in Bangkok, this floating market is nonetheless a fun experience. Wooden pathways snake around standing retail structures, and there is a large variety of food and snacks on offer. There is no entry fee but if you choose to take the boat-ride, it’s 200 baht (RM18) per boat, with a maximum of four people on board.
Seaside monolith
From the charming, we ventured upon something awe-inspiring — the Sanctuary of Truth, a temple-like building constructed entirely out of wood. It greeted us out of the surrounding greenery as if it were an apparition out of an Indiana Jones movie.
The owner started building this wooden structure in 1981, intending it to be a memorial to peace, tolerance and respect among mankind. The Buddhist-inspired building is so large that even though work on it is not complete yet, its sheer size already boggles the mind.
The building stands 100m high at the centre and is equally wide. It is held up by gargantuan columns and boasts chiselled images with painstaking detail all around. The Sanctuary of Truth is so spectacular that one does not deem it inappropriate to compare it to the Taj Mahal.
Authentic Thai cuisine is served outside in the park in which the sanctuary is located. The surrounding greenery made for a great lunch experience. Entry fees are 500 baht (RM56) per person, and well worth it.
The Nongnooch Tropical Botanical Garden and Resort
Staying in Pattaya
Pattaya looks larger than our own Petaling Jaya but with huge hotels lining its coastal road, known as Beach Road. All kinds of accommodation can be found here, from the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya to the more family-friendly Holiday Inn.
I stayed at the newly-opened Zign Hotel, one of the many designer hotels here. It provides easy access to Beach Road while allowing for some peace away from the hubbub. The rooms are comfortable and stylish in an almost quirky way (no carpeting, bright colours).
I enjoyed the large pool despite the fact that the hotel has its own stretch of beach.
Pattaya can get quite crowded in the middle of the year and towards year-end, with lots of tourists jostling for space with the city slickers from Bangkok. Booking ahead for accommodation is recommended. In terms of shopping, there’s plenty on offer — from touristy trinkets to designer boutiques.
The next day I ventured to the city’s famous botanical park, the Nongnooch Tropical Botanical Garden and Resort. The experience began with an animal-petting experience, starting with parrots and orang utan, and proceeding to — gasp — an adult tiger! The oversized feline is kept in chains, of course, and one has to pose for pictures in the correct position to avoid being targeted as prey!
A cultural show, with Thai costumes and musical accompaniment, followed. An hour later, we were in another compound enjoying a hilarious elephant acrobatic performance. Yes, you read right. It was a huge thrill to all the children and foreign families, as the Thai elephants performed highly skilled feats, from scoring goals to throwing darts!
People were invited to feed the adorable giants, but watch out, you might get dragged into the arena for an impromptu performance!
After lunch, we spent a good hour taking an electric cart ride around the sprawling gardens. It seemed to us that no expense had been spared in procuring the flora and fauna of the gardens, particularly the large reserve set aside for orchids.
The orchid is, after all, Thailand’s national flower. Entry fees are a little steep at about 700 baht (RM78) per person.
For a bit of night-time sightseeing, a walk down Beach Road can be an enjoyable experience. One can do a bit of shopping or try a Thai massage at affordable rates. A seafood dinner is not to be missed, either. Unfortunately, not much is available late at night except for risque drag shows.
Those with a faint heart will not want to venture into the infamous Walking Street with its go-go bars are. All kinds of interesting characters abound here and, yes, the garish neon signs are indeed everywhere. It’s all very fascinating, but the place is not exactly family-friendly.
We spent the last day travelling southeast. The sleepy sea-side town of Rayong beckoned, and just beyond, the booming island of Koh Samet, playground for backpackers and the affluent alike. Getting to Koh Samet takes no more than 90 minutes from Pattaya, and is a viable option for weekend excursions.
Then again, one has plenty to do in Pattaya itself.
Keep your money for the various entry fees and the buffets, and leave the rest for souvenir shopping. And with all the walking that the trip entails, don’t forget a good foot massage before dinner for the family. They’ll thank you for it.
Getting there
Buses to Pattaya depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal daily. Journey time is two hours and costs around 117 baht (RM13). Taxis are available but you’d have to cough up 1,110 baht (RM125). Buses also depart from Suvarnabhumi airport, with a journey time of 90 minutes and a fare of 105 baht (RM12).
Priority stops
Think the SPCA for cats, and you will understand the concept of Amsterdam’s Poezenboot. However, what makes it unique is that the cats of Poezenboot actually live in a houseboat.
Imagine, a cat sanctuary that floats!
Poezenboot, which means “puss in boat” in Dutch, is docked along Singel canal, a stone’s throw away from the city’s bustling central station. Having learned of it from the Lonely Planet guidebook, I wanted to visit it in 2005 but something got in the way during the trip.
So this time, I put it in my priority list — it was to be my first stop during a self-guided tour around the city. The cat sanctuary was not difficult to find because it had a little cat figurine on the roof as if to welcome all visitors.
The Poezenboot is a houseboat for stray cats. - NG SU ANN
I even met the boat’s feline ambassador, Rebel. The cat in an orange coat was so lovable and friendly that she slept on my lap as I was having my lunch on a bench beside the boat.
Although I am more a dog lover than a cat person, Rebel stole my heart. I learnt that although she had an owner, she would bring strays to the houseboat as if she were recommending a good hotel to weary travellers.
According to the facility’s website (www.poezenboot.nl), Poezenboot was the brainchild of Henriette van Weelde who once found a feline family sheltering under a tree opposite her house on a canal. She decided to take them in and soon, more strays joined them. Dubbed the cat lady, van Weelde was also approached by people who would bring her unwanted cats.
However, when there was no space left for the cats, she found the solution to be right outside her front door. If people could live in the houseboats which lined the canals, why not cats? And so came the idea to buy one for them.
Obama elephants on sale to raise money for charity. - NG SU ANN
According to Poezenboot’s oldest volunteer Gordon Catanya, 78, the founder bought a houseboat for 70 to 80 guilders. After her death several years ago, a foundation took over the running of Poezenboot, which depends solely on donations. It can accommodate 15 cats and welcomes visitors from all over the world.
It was heartening to see people dropping in to play with the cats and donate generously to the cause.
My next stop was the city’s infamous Red Light District. I had been warned against taking photos of the scantily clad women behind the neon-lit windows or risk having my camera thrown into the canal.
So, when I spotted an empty window, I thought it was harmless to take a few shots. However, I nearly dropped my camera when a prostitute suddenly appeared behind the glass and started banging the window furiously. I gave an apologetic gesture, clutched my camera and turned on my heels.
She was bigger than I was, and I feared that it would be me and not just my camera that would end up in the canal!
After this close shave, I ventured around the notorious neighbourhood with my camera safely kept out of sight in my jacket. It’s ironic that several prostitutes, clad in lacy underwear, even ply their trade in the shadow of Amsterdam’s oldest church, the Oude Kerk.
Some of the girls smiled and beckoned the men who paused for a second while others looked shell-shocked and expressionless (perhaps as a result of curious tourists ogling at them like some circus attraction).
Amsterdam has clearly succeeded like no other city in becoming a modern metropolis without losing the nostalgic air of a historic city. My voyage of discovery through Amsterdam did not cost me much as I had set out to accomplish it on foot.
It’s easy for visitors to get lost within the narrow streets that crisscross its maze of canals. However, I managed to find my way around with an increasingly wrinkled Google map printout. I could feel the pulsating beat of life and rhythm of this overgrown village, as the bicycles whisked past and crowded trams honked at junctions.
At certain public corners, you can see multi-coloured statues of elephants. I learnt that their presence was in conjunction with the Elephant Parade effort. The people organising it aimed to auction off 100 art elephant figurines on Nov 12 in aid of the Elephant Family, the largest Asian elephant charity in the world.
Flea markets are also abundant in Amsterdam. Although Albert Cuypt has the biggest one, the Waterlooplein flea market has become world famous (a Dutch friend said this was because it was easier to pronounce). I went to both, as well as the Bloemenmarkt, Singel’s floating flower market and had a grand time at all three.
The cannabis starter kit piqued my interest at the flower market while I tried a cannabis lolly at Waterlooplein.
I found an affinity with this city with its “live and let live” atmosphere, but cycling can be a hair-raising experience. I was told that if you forget to lock your bike, it would be stolen within 30 seconds. Many of the bikes are the old-fashioned type, whereby you have to back-pedal to stop. However, the Dutch pride themselves as being “born on a bicycle”, and weaving through traffic seems to be second nature to them.
Within the city is the Begijnhof, a diamond-shaped cobblestone courtyard of 17th century buildings. It was built to house Catholic lay sisters, but today the quaint dwellings have become home to unmarried retired women who appreciate having their peaceful garden treated respectfully by visitors.
The picturesque houses, cast iron lampposts and unexpected air of serenity make it hard to think that the place was just steps away from Amsterdam’s busiest shopping street, Kalverstraat.
This long pedestrian mall is lined with hordes of shops offering anything from bargain CDs to branded goods. My feet were sore by the time I had walked up and down the entire length of the street, but it was worth every painful step.
I capped off the day by paying my regular homage to the pretty Dam Square in front of the Koninklijk Palace (Royal Palace). The square used to be Amsterdam’s main market square. Nowadays, it is described as “the heart of the Netherlands” and has the National Monument as its focal point.
This 22m high obelisk was erected after World War II to mark the liberation of the city from German occupation. Its chained figures represent war victims and the inscription reads: “Never again”.
As usual, there were buskers hoping to make a quick Euro around the square. This time, I spotted Batman and Spiderman too. From a close call at the Red Light District to close encounters with comicbook heroes, I had a blast on my day out in town.
Imagine, a cat sanctuary that floats!
Poezenboot, which means “puss in boat” in Dutch, is docked along Singel canal, a stone’s throw away from the city’s bustling central station. Having learned of it from the Lonely Planet guidebook, I wanted to visit it in 2005 but something got in the way during the trip.
So this time, I put it in my priority list — it was to be my first stop during a self-guided tour around the city. The cat sanctuary was not difficult to find because it had a little cat figurine on the roof as if to welcome all visitors.
The Poezenboot is a houseboat for stray cats. - NG SU ANN
I even met the boat’s feline ambassador, Rebel. The cat in an orange coat was so lovable and friendly that she slept on my lap as I was having my lunch on a bench beside the boat.
Although I am more a dog lover than a cat person, Rebel stole my heart. I learnt that although she had an owner, she would bring strays to the houseboat as if she were recommending a good hotel to weary travellers.
According to the facility’s website (www.poezenboot.nl), Poezenboot was the brainchild of Henriette van Weelde who once found a feline family sheltering under a tree opposite her house on a canal. She decided to take them in and soon, more strays joined them. Dubbed the cat lady, van Weelde was also approached by people who would bring her unwanted cats.
However, when there was no space left for the cats, she found the solution to be right outside her front door. If people could live in the houseboats which lined the canals, why not cats? And so came the idea to buy one for them.
Obama elephants on sale to raise money for charity. - NG SU ANN
According to Poezenboot’s oldest volunteer Gordon Catanya, 78, the founder bought a houseboat for 70 to 80 guilders. After her death several years ago, a foundation took over the running of Poezenboot, which depends solely on donations. It can accommodate 15 cats and welcomes visitors from all over the world.
It was heartening to see people dropping in to play with the cats and donate generously to the cause.
My next stop was the city’s infamous Red Light District. I had been warned against taking photos of the scantily clad women behind the neon-lit windows or risk having my camera thrown into the canal.
So, when I spotted an empty window, I thought it was harmless to take a few shots. However, I nearly dropped my camera when a prostitute suddenly appeared behind the glass and started banging the window furiously. I gave an apologetic gesture, clutched my camera and turned on my heels.
She was bigger than I was, and I feared that it would be me and not just my camera that would end up in the canal!
After this close shave, I ventured around the notorious neighbourhood with my camera safely kept out of sight in my jacket. It’s ironic that several prostitutes, clad in lacy underwear, even ply their trade in the shadow of Amsterdam’s oldest church, the Oude Kerk.
Some of the girls smiled and beckoned the men who paused for a second while others looked shell-shocked and expressionless (perhaps as a result of curious tourists ogling at them like some circus attraction).
Amsterdam has clearly succeeded like no other city in becoming a modern metropolis without losing the nostalgic air of a historic city. My voyage of discovery through Amsterdam did not cost me much as I had set out to accomplish it on foot.
It’s easy for visitors to get lost within the narrow streets that crisscross its maze of canals. However, I managed to find my way around with an increasingly wrinkled Google map printout. I could feel the pulsating beat of life and rhythm of this overgrown village, as the bicycles whisked past and crowded trams honked at junctions.
At certain public corners, you can see multi-coloured statues of elephants. I learnt that their presence was in conjunction with the Elephant Parade effort. The people organising it aimed to auction off 100 art elephant figurines on Nov 12 in aid of the Elephant Family, the largest Asian elephant charity in the world.
Flea markets are also abundant in Amsterdam. Although Albert Cuypt has the biggest one, the Waterlooplein flea market has become world famous (a Dutch friend said this was because it was easier to pronounce). I went to both, as well as the Bloemenmarkt, Singel’s floating flower market and had a grand time at all three.
The cannabis starter kit piqued my interest at the flower market while I tried a cannabis lolly at Waterlooplein.
I found an affinity with this city with its “live and let live” atmosphere, but cycling can be a hair-raising experience. I was told that if you forget to lock your bike, it would be stolen within 30 seconds. Many of the bikes are the old-fashioned type, whereby you have to back-pedal to stop. However, the Dutch pride themselves as being “born on a bicycle”, and weaving through traffic seems to be second nature to them.
Within the city is the Begijnhof, a diamond-shaped cobblestone courtyard of 17th century buildings. It was built to house Catholic lay sisters, but today the quaint dwellings have become home to unmarried retired women who appreciate having their peaceful garden treated respectfully by visitors.
The picturesque houses, cast iron lampposts and unexpected air of serenity make it hard to think that the place was just steps away from Amsterdam’s busiest shopping street, Kalverstraat.
This long pedestrian mall is lined with hordes of shops offering anything from bargain CDs to branded goods. My feet were sore by the time I had walked up and down the entire length of the street, but it was worth every painful step.
I capped off the day by paying my regular homage to the pretty Dam Square in front of the Koninklijk Palace (Royal Palace). The square used to be Amsterdam’s main market square. Nowadays, it is described as “the heart of the Netherlands” and has the National Monument as its focal point.
This 22m high obelisk was erected after World War II to mark the liberation of the city from German occupation. Its chained figures represent war victims and the inscription reads: “Never again”.
As usual, there were buskers hoping to make a quick Euro around the square. This time, I spotted Batman and Spiderman too. From a close call at the Red Light District to close encounters with comicbook heroes, I had a blast on my day out in town.
Miniature marvels
Imagine walking through the Netherlands in a single hour. I managed to accomplish this incredible feat but, of course, the buildings I strode past were miniature versions of the real thing.
These included such famous Dutch icons as the Dom Tower in Utrecht, the Peace Palace in The Hague and Amsterdam’s Magna Plaza and Schipol Airport. I felt like Gulliver stomping around in the land of Lilliput.
My visit to the lovely theme park of Madurodam in The Hague was fascinating. Here, they have painstakingly created dollhouse-sized replicas using synthetic materials. The miniatures are precisely 25 times smaller than the originals.
Delf pottery
Madurodam is the Netherland’s smallest “town”, covering 18,000sq m and boasting 66,000 “inhabitants”. I saw a mini train chugging into a tunnel, a plane circling an airport terminal and a boat making its way through a pond in different sections of the park.
It is enlightening to see how the Dutch have put their world under a microscope. Visitors from all ages can have their share of fun at this endearing spot. For children, there are oodles to learn about, such as architecture and history, while the adults cannot help but marvel at the intricacies of the wee structures.
Madurodam is also a war memorial which opened in 1952 to commemorate war hero and resistance fighter George Maduro. He died in 1945 in the Dachau concentration camp. His parents financed the miniature town and donate the profits to charity.
Posing in a clog outside a clog shop.
This was the final stop in my nine-hour tour around the scenic spots of the country. Costing ‚57 (about RM285), the bus I came in earlier had brought us to Zaanse Shaanse, a windmill museum where we also learnt about the cheese-making process. According to our guide, only 945 out of 10,000 windmills had survived. The rest had fallen by the wayside due to technology and progress.
Our next stop was the tourist haven of Volendam. Although this was my second visit here, the little shops lining the pier with their boats and yachts still held their charm. However, if crowds and shops stocked with souvenirs are not your cup of tea, then give the place a miss.
Amidst this lively atmosphere, the village is a riot of colours, shapes and sizes. Here, we took an express boat to Marken, where we got an insight into the art of making clogs.
Zaanse Shaanse, a windmill museum.
A local told us that clogs had been handmade from the 1500s until the early 1900s when the human touch was overtaken by machines. The afternoon saw us visiting the town of Delf which is world-famous for its distinctive blue-and-white pottery.
We were allowed to peer behind the scenes during our tour around a factory. I was tempted to buy one of the exquisite works of art here but the hefty price tag made me turn on my heels before I got lulled by the beauty that surrounded me.
Call it a case of sour grapes if you wish, but I don’t think the Delfware would have survived my journey back to Malaysia in one piece anyway.
Getting there
Malaysia Airlines flies directly from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam (www.amsterdamtourist. nl).
WHEN TO GO Between May and September.
WHAT TO BRING Cap, body lotion, comfortable walking shoes and disposable raincoat.
COMMUNICATION Most locals there can converse in English.
These included such famous Dutch icons as the Dom Tower in Utrecht, the Peace Palace in The Hague and Amsterdam’s Magna Plaza and Schipol Airport. I felt like Gulliver stomping around in the land of Lilliput.
My visit to the lovely theme park of Madurodam in The Hague was fascinating. Here, they have painstakingly created dollhouse-sized replicas using synthetic materials. The miniatures are precisely 25 times smaller than the originals.
Delf pottery
Madurodam is the Netherland’s smallest “town”, covering 18,000sq m and boasting 66,000 “inhabitants”. I saw a mini train chugging into a tunnel, a plane circling an airport terminal and a boat making its way through a pond in different sections of the park.
It is enlightening to see how the Dutch have put their world under a microscope. Visitors from all ages can have their share of fun at this endearing spot. For children, there are oodles to learn about, such as architecture and history, while the adults cannot help but marvel at the intricacies of the wee structures.
Madurodam is also a war memorial which opened in 1952 to commemorate war hero and resistance fighter George Maduro. He died in 1945 in the Dachau concentration camp. His parents financed the miniature town and donate the profits to charity.
Posing in a clog outside a clog shop.
This was the final stop in my nine-hour tour around the scenic spots of the country. Costing ‚57 (about RM285), the bus I came in earlier had brought us to Zaanse Shaanse, a windmill museum where we also learnt about the cheese-making process. According to our guide, only 945 out of 10,000 windmills had survived. The rest had fallen by the wayside due to technology and progress.
Our next stop was the tourist haven of Volendam. Although this was my second visit here, the little shops lining the pier with their boats and yachts still held their charm. However, if crowds and shops stocked with souvenirs are not your cup of tea, then give the place a miss.
Amidst this lively atmosphere, the village is a riot of colours, shapes and sizes. Here, we took an express boat to Marken, where we got an insight into the art of making clogs.
Zaanse Shaanse, a windmill museum.
A local told us that clogs had been handmade from the 1500s until the early 1900s when the human touch was overtaken by machines. The afternoon saw us visiting the town of Delf which is world-famous for its distinctive blue-and-white pottery.
We were allowed to peer behind the scenes during our tour around a factory. I was tempted to buy one of the exquisite works of art here but the hefty price tag made me turn on my heels before I got lulled by the beauty that surrounded me.
Call it a case of sour grapes if you wish, but I don’t think the Delfware would have survived my journey back to Malaysia in one piece anyway.
Getting there
Malaysia Airlines flies directly from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam (www.amsterdamtourist. nl).
WHEN TO GO Between May and September.
WHAT TO BRING Cap, body lotion, comfortable walking shoes and disposable raincoat.
COMMUNICATION Most locals there can converse in English.
Entering a fairy realm
Amsterdam’s canals may be better known, but it is nowhere near as picturesque as Giethoorn’s.
I took the road less travelled (by most foreign tourists, that is) and it led me to one of the Netherlands’ best-kept secrets — Giethoorn. Enid Blyton’s tales of picture-perfect scenes came to life when I visited this tiny patch of rustic joy in the east of the country.
About 90 minutes’ drive away from Amsterdam, Giethoorn is one of the most enchanting and timeless villages I have ever visited.
Interesting garden sculptures in Giethoorn.
Dubbed the Venice of Netherlands, it houses 7.5km of canals. A sprinkling of storybook cottages, complete with thatched roofs and trimmed gardens, line the canals. If a fairy realm really existed, then I imagine this would be its capital.
Connecting the cottages on opposite banks are 50 bridges that make you sigh with contentment just to gaze at them. Just like in Venice, many of Giethoorn’s houses were built on tiny islands and are only connected by wooden bridges.
I can imagine how this little corner of Holland has filled the canvas of many artists and inspired poets to get busy with their quills.
The village’s name is equally intriguing. According to www.worldisround.com, Giethoorn was founded around 1230 when fugitives from the Mediterranean settled here. They found a lot of horns of wild goats, probably victims of the big flood of St Elisabeth in 1170, and so they called the settlement Geytenhorn (horn of goats).
Getting around in a boat.
Later, it became Geythorn, and now it’s called Giethoorn. (I prefer the first two because I still have trouble pronouncing the last one. I think my Dutch friends have quite given up on me.)
This unassuming place attracts mainly local visitors. My friends said they had visited it when they were children and were pleasantly surprised to discover that nothing much had changed in the village. What I loved most about it was the well-preserved tranquillity, which is absent in many village-turned-tourist sites where commercialisation reigned supreme.
We strolled along the canals, although there were rental boats for those who preferred to discover the village the traditional way. The villagers were very friendly. They greeted everyone even as they cycled by.
We had poffertjes (bite-sized traditional Dutch pancakes sprinkled with icing sugar and eaten with melted butter) for lunch at one of the small cafés. A short drive away was another quaint town called Staphorst. It seems to be bigger than Giethoorn and has a main road running across it. Green window shutters and matching doors are characteristic of houses here.
I found it amazing how trusting the folk were. In front of some of the houses were tables of fresh produce and a coin box for people to drop the money for their purchase.
Poffertjes for lunch.
I was thinking that the criminal-minded could just cart off the coin box but the villagers had found the solution — the coin boxes were screwed to the table. Trust has its limit.
In one of the houses, we bought fresh cow’s milk. The rosy-cheeked seller was dressed in traditional Dutch attire complete with the famous wooden clogs. I was told that this was not an uncommon sight as many residents still believed in the old ways.
Coaxed by my friends, I drank a bit of the milk expecting the worse, but it was actually good, and I lived to tell about my day out in the Dutch country.
I took the road less travelled (by most foreign tourists, that is) and it led me to one of the Netherlands’ best-kept secrets — Giethoorn. Enid Blyton’s tales of picture-perfect scenes came to life when I visited this tiny patch of rustic joy in the east of the country.
About 90 minutes’ drive away from Amsterdam, Giethoorn is one of the most enchanting and timeless villages I have ever visited.
Interesting garden sculptures in Giethoorn.
Dubbed the Venice of Netherlands, it houses 7.5km of canals. A sprinkling of storybook cottages, complete with thatched roofs and trimmed gardens, line the canals. If a fairy realm really existed, then I imagine this would be its capital.
Connecting the cottages on opposite banks are 50 bridges that make you sigh with contentment just to gaze at them. Just like in Venice, many of Giethoorn’s houses were built on tiny islands and are only connected by wooden bridges.
I can imagine how this little corner of Holland has filled the canvas of many artists and inspired poets to get busy with their quills.
The village’s name is equally intriguing. According to www.worldisround.com, Giethoorn was founded around 1230 when fugitives from the Mediterranean settled here. They found a lot of horns of wild goats, probably victims of the big flood of St Elisabeth in 1170, and so they called the settlement Geytenhorn (horn of goats).
Getting around in a boat.
Later, it became Geythorn, and now it’s called Giethoorn. (I prefer the first two because I still have trouble pronouncing the last one. I think my Dutch friends have quite given up on me.)
This unassuming place attracts mainly local visitors. My friends said they had visited it when they were children and were pleasantly surprised to discover that nothing much had changed in the village. What I loved most about it was the well-preserved tranquillity, which is absent in many village-turned-tourist sites where commercialisation reigned supreme.
We strolled along the canals, although there were rental boats for those who preferred to discover the village the traditional way. The villagers were very friendly. They greeted everyone even as they cycled by.
We had poffertjes (bite-sized traditional Dutch pancakes sprinkled with icing sugar and eaten with melted butter) for lunch at one of the small cafés. A short drive away was another quaint town called Staphorst. It seems to be bigger than Giethoorn and has a main road running across it. Green window shutters and matching doors are characteristic of houses here.
I found it amazing how trusting the folk were. In front of some of the houses were tables of fresh produce and a coin box for people to drop the money for their purchase.
Poffertjes for lunch.
I was thinking that the criminal-minded could just cart off the coin box but the villagers had found the solution — the coin boxes were screwed to the table. Trust has its limit.
In one of the houses, we bought fresh cow’s milk. The rosy-cheeked seller was dressed in traditional Dutch attire complete with the famous wooden clogs. I was told that this was not an uncommon sight as many residents still believed in the old ways.
Coaxed by my friends, I drank a bit of the milk expecting the worse, but it was actually good, and I lived to tell about my day out in the Dutch country.
Going up Tabur
Here are some safety tips for first-time hikers:
>Always go with someone who knows the trail well, and never hike alone. Visitors’ movements are not monitored in Tabur, unlike in state or national parks. In the doctors’ case, their badly decomposed bodies were only found three days later, when one of their cars was spotted near the trailhead.
>If you’re scared of heights, you should give Tabur a miss. A friend of mine with acrophobia was scared stiff during our hike in Tabur. It spoilt her outing.
>Start out early. Not only could you catch an amazing sunrise, you can avoid the scorching sun due to lack of shade on the exposed ridge.
An experienced hiker lending a hand to another climber. — AGNES TAN >Dehydration or fatigue causes disorientation. It’s easy to stumble or lose your footing when you’re groggy. Keep yourself hydrated and get in shape. Tabur is not the place to build your stamina due to its rugged terrain. Use flat, easy trails or the gym instead.
>Bring some energy bars or snacks. You never know how long you may end up on the trail, especially if someone in your group is unfit or gets hurt.
>Bring along your mobile phone. In the past, lost hikers have managed to call the police from their mobile phones.
>Avoid hiking after nightfall. You might step into a “bottomless” pit or get hopelessly stranded. In 2003, 13 hikers out of a group of 20 went missing while trying to get down the hill at dusk. They were rescued eight hours later.
>Missing hikers are not uncommon in Tabur. Try not to stray off the path unless you’re GPS-equipped or highly experienced.
>It’s prudent to register your name at the Melawati Police Station — Tel: (03) 4108 1222 — before your hike. It’ll help speed up rescue operations or evacuation should the need arise.
Ill-fated hill
Popular for its breathtaking views and easy access, Selangor’s Bukit Tabur has, however, been in the news for the wrong reasons. 
The gorgeous view of the Klang Gates reservoir from Bukit Tabur 
Steep sections that require the aid of a rope. — JOEL CHAN/ The Star & AGNES TAN
Where in the Klang Valley can you clamber up a peak at sunrise, enjoy jaw-dropping views of forest-cloaked reservoirs and still make it home in time for brunch?
Little wonder, then, that Bukit Tabur, the spiny quartz ridge hill in northwest Kuala Lumpur — is usually thronged by hikers during the weekend. Forming the backdrop for Taman Melawati, Tabur is part of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, the longest and oldest quartz ridge in the world, say geologists. It’s also home to the serow (mountain goat), more than 30 frog species and five endemic plant species.
But Tabur has been racking up some bad press lately.
The gorgeous view of the Klang Gates reservoir from Bukit Tabur Two weeks ago, a 51-year-old man slipped and tumbled down some 30m. Thanks to bushes that cushioned his fall, he got away with just light injuries. In March, two medical specialists, both experienced trekkers, plunged to their death from about 200m high.
In October 2008, a college student plummeted from about 100m but cheated death because the trees broke her fall. She suffered a deep gash on her forehead, cracked ribs and a punctured lung.
There were two fatalities in 2000 and 2004 and there have been countless accidents, mostly unreported, in the past nine years.
Here’s the thing: Tabur is a relatively easy hill to climb for the fit and experienced hiker. What sets it apart from other popular trails in the Klang Valley like Gunung Nuang and Gasing Hill is its rugged terrain.
Its razor-shaped rocks are unforgiving. There are stretches of the trail where you need to claw your way up or inch your way down vertical drops. Or, totter precariously on pencil-slim ridges.
All it takes is a minor slip and you could tumble like a rag doll into the ravine. Still, hikers like Eric Ng Yoke Foo and his friends hit the Tabur trails regularly.
“It’s the refreshing air and beautiful views from above,” explains Ng, 60, about the draw of Tabur. He first trained here for his Mt Kinabalu climb in 2005. Since he lives in nearby Taman Permata, he’s up on the hill three times a week.
Steep sections that require the aid of a rope. — JOEL CHAN/ The Star & AGNES TAN “The two rope sections on Tabur are where most accidents happen,” says Ng.
Due to his grasp of the area, the police and the rescue squad sometimes rope him in for search-and-rescue operations.
“Trekkers should take extra precaution at these sections. You need a firm footing, strength to hoist yourself up and whatever happens, never let go of the rope! Please go with someone who’s familiar with the trail,” advises Ng.
Appalled by the reckless and idiotic behaviour of some hikers, Agnes Tan, another Tabur regular, started a blog (bukittabur.blogspot.com) to promote safety on Tabur in early 2009.
“Some youngsters, wanting to impress their friends, walk to the edge of the cliff to show their bravery,” says Tan, 50, a semi-retired businesswoman. She hikes in Tabur one to three times a week.
“Once I met a group of college kids who hadn’t slept for days due to exams. They climbed Tabur to celebrate the end of their semester. But these sleep-deprived youths fall into the high-risk group (most likely to get into an accident),” she adds.
Tan and her hiking friends cobbled together some useful tips — like photo illustrations with step-by-step instructions on how to tackle the challenging stretches and the proper footwear for Tabur. Her blog also keeps track of accidents and the latest news on Tabur.
“We just want to share information about our experience and what we’ve encountered,” says Tan.
“Hopefully, it can help others practise safe trekking.”
Home Automation Applications
Eliminating the need to concentrate on repetitive mundane household tasks leaves more time for a life of leisure; at least in theory. In practice, home automation helps to add a feeling of security at home, eliminates the need to think about making temperature adjustments, handles turning lights on and off and generally makes all those little details go away. In the cynic's eye, they only go away to be replaced by the bigger problem of having to reboot an entire house running on Windows, but that's an article for another time. Here we look at the basic features available in an automated home.
Softphone VoIP
While the VoIP services competing directly with traditional phone companies offer optional add-ons for connecting via a software phone, they tend to discourage this and often add additional fees for the convenience. A number of services offer software based phones available for calling PC-to-PC, PC-to-phone and PC-to-PDA. These services are similar to instant messaging clients in that you manage your list of contacts through a buddy list. Depending on which add-on features you opt for, the buddy list extends to anyone with a traditional phone number. A massive number of niche companies offer software VoIP solutions, with Gizmo and Skype being the two most likely standards.
Skype
Skype is currently the 800-pound gorilla in the softphone business. With compatible clients for Mac, PC and Pocket PC, access to broadband is the primary limiting factor in placing a Skype call. Computer-to-computer calls are free, with additional fees for placing calls to landline and cellular phones. Voicemail currently costs extra. A headset or microphone and speaker combination is required for communication, which makes this a little clunky for replacing the traditional phone, although several decent USB phones offer a reasonable alternative. A new beta service is working toward the concept of traditional telephone numbers linked to a Skype account. Network call quality varies greatly with latency issues worse than what's familiar to cell phone callers and echo that can be hard to troubleshoot. A massive user base makes this an interesting option for free international calling. Skype's biggest disadvantage is incompatibility with other software VoIP services.
Gizmo Project
Gizmo Project is setup on a user account configuration similar to Skype. Two key features differentiate Gizmo from Skype. Voicemail for Gizmo Project is free. A second cool feature is compatibility with any SIP-capable phone network. That second one is a little confusing, because there's no common list of SIP networks. Many of the smaller softphone projects are SIP compatible, like most of the users of an app called Firefly. A growing number of universities also support SIP to campus phone calling, which makes it possible to call the desk or room of someone on campus from your computer. Gizmo also supports traditional POTS hardware using a variety of compatible SIP phone units including the D-Link line of VoIP hardware. CallOut, the Gizmo feature to call traditional phone numbers costs 1.8 cents per minute in the US, with rates under 5 cents per minute in most other countries. CallIn provides a phone number tied to your Gizmo account for a monthly fee. Built in call recording makes this a potentially interesting tool for podcasting. A mapping feature shows you a rough geographic location for the person you are calling.
Lingo
Lingo offers a full complement of telco standard features, like call waiting, call forwarding and voicemail. Similar to Vonage, Lingo works with specific hardware designed for compatibility with the Lingo network. Currently, it's difficult to find Lingo compatible hardware in retail outlets, instead requiring you to wait for shipment from the company on service activation. Lingo is possibly the most comprehensive VoIP service for international calling, with unlimited calling to the U.S., Canada and most of Western Europe (as defined in their terms of service). In addition to the base phone number for $19.99 monthly, an International number in selected countries is available for $10 per month.
VoicePulse
VoicePulse is the most expensive of the VoIP telephone networks to setup, with a number of one time fees during the setup process for things like the hardware adapter and various initial setup options. Monthly pricing is comparable at $24.99 for the unlimited plan including free long distance, a traditional 10-digit phone number and access to common features. The added expense comes with additional flexibility, like the option to purchase a phone adapter capable of supporting traditional POTS service and VoIP if you're not ready to completely cut the telco cord. Voicemail is available via dialing an access code or email. For the uber-geek, VoicePulse offers an option to point the phone number(s) you lease from them at your own telephone routing server.
VoIP Telephone Services
VoIP telephone services are designed with a user experience similar to traditional POTS (plain old telephone service) phone networks. These services rely on custom network hardware or adapters for traditional phone hardware to supplant the phone network as call originator and terminator. For a monthly fee, VoIP phone services provide a phone number, unlimited long distance within the United States and most of the features typically offered by POTS services. Like traditional phone companies, VoIP services support 10-digit dialing, 7-digit dialing within your local area code and country code assisted dialing.
Vonage
Vonage is currently the most well known VoIP telephone company, with a massive marketing campaign in the U.S. and hardware integration with Linksys networking gear. The service is priced at $24.99 per month, including unlimited long distance in the United States and Canada. Service is available to Canada, Mexico, parts of the United Kingdom and the United States. A Web interface configures features like voicemail, caller ID, *69 and call forwarding. Voicemail is optionally routed to an email inbox, eliminating the need to dial in for messages. Hardware adapters for Vonage service are often available for $9.99 after rebate through CompUSA and Best Buy, making it affordable to integrate with existing phone hardware in your house. Because phone service is connected through this hardware, it can go on the road with you allowing your home phone to ring from anywhere you have access to broadband. One negative to Vonage is an additional charge for using their software phone interface.
Voice over IP
Voice over IP (VoIP) is person-to-person voice communication over broadband Internet connections. VoIP is available in a variety of formats, including software interfaces requiring a microphone and speakers connected to a PC or Mac, proprietary hardware solutions, and hardware capable of adapting traditional phone equipment to a VoIP network.
High-Speed Internet Options
Broadband penetration in the U.S. is widely reported as being more than 50% of all users. Connections come in several flavors, depending on which type of provider you use. The pay television services for satellite and cable offer high-speed access. Telephone companies offer several levels of DSL connection options. Cellular companies now open their networks to data connection options. Or you can bypass all the traditional carriers and sign up for WiFi services in many locations. Deciding which option is right for your needs is a combination of picking from services available in your area, as well as determining your basic connection needs
Online Video Subscription Services
Two years ago, I went a full year without cable, instead relying on legal Internet services to provide me the video I craved. It wasn't easy and at the time, and it certainly wasn't better than cable. If some of the services available today were available then, I might never have re-subscribed. The world of subscription video choices is still somewhat lacking, but we're starting to see a viable set of alternatives to the traditional video distribution model of set top box and coaxial cable (of course, you still need that cable for the Internet pipe).
Notebook Computer Audio
For people who travel and people who want a computer they can easily move around the house, a laptop is often the ideal solution from a convenience and productivity standpoint. Cramming all the PC features into a small package results in a series of tradeoffs because there simply isn't room to have all of the great features we've come to expect from a desktop computer. Even the so-called desktop replacements, with large widescreen displays, Hyper-Threaded P4 processors, and large hard drives are compromising in areas where the user experience for multimedia tends to suffer. The most obvious corner-cutting savings is the audio experience. The speakers are never powerful enough to accurately recreate sound and the sound cards tend to be barebones solutions with a headphone jack, line in, and microphone at best. There are several ways to make your audio experience better and still maintain portable convenience.
Virtual Dressing Room
Eyemagnet has developed a Virtual Dressing Room for the Hallensteins menswear chain which is transformed to a single panel that reflects the user. The users can just use simple arm and hand gestures to ‘try on’ any dresses for a trial in the store, they can take a snap of any selected outfit and have it sent to their mobile phone. Watch here the Virtual Dressing Room Presentation and core concept of this digital technology.
Saturday, 10 October 2009
Scientific Facts on Agriculture & Development
10.3 Environment
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Environmental sustainability
AKST systems are needed that enhance sustainability while ecological provisioning of agricultural systems. Options include improving nutrient, energy, water and land use efficiency; improving the understanding of soil-plant-water dynamics; increasing farm diversification; supporting agroecological systems, and enhancing biodiversity conservation and use at both field and landscape scales; promoting the sustainable management of livestock, forest and fisheries; improving understanding of the agroecological functioning of mosaics of crop production areas and natural habitats; countering the effects of agriculture on climate change and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture.
Policy options include ending subsidies that encourage unsustainable practices and using market and other mechanisms to regulate and generate rewards for agro/environmental services, for better NRM [Natural Resource Management] and enhanced environmental quality. Examples include incentives to promote IPM [Integrated pest management] and environmentally resilient germplasm management, payments to farmers and local communities for ecosystem services, facilitating and providing incentives for alternative markets such as green products, certification for sustainable forest and fisheries practices and organic agriculture and the strengthening of local markets. Long-term land and water use rights/tenure, risk reduction measures (safety nets, credit, insurance, etc.) and profitability of recommended technologies are prerequisites for adoption of sustainable practices. Common pool resource regimes and modes of governance that emphasize participatory and democratic approaches are needed.
Investment opportunities in AKST that could improve sustainability and reduce negative environmental effects include resource conservation technologies; improved techniques for organic and low-input systems; a wide range of breeding techniques for temperature and pest tolerance; research on relationship of agricultural ecosystem services and human well-being; economic and non-economic valuations of ecosystem services; increasing water use efficiency and reducing water pollution; biocontrols of current and emerging pests and pathogens; biological substitutes for agrochemicals; and reducing the dependency of the agricultural sector on fossil fuels.
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Environmental sustainability
AKST systems are needed that enhance sustainability while ecological provisioning of agricultural systems. Options include improving nutrient, energy, water and land use efficiency; improving the understanding of soil-plant-water dynamics; increasing farm diversification; supporting agroecological systems, and enhancing biodiversity conservation and use at both field and landscape scales; promoting the sustainable management of livestock, forest and fisheries; improving understanding of the agroecological functioning of mosaics of crop production areas and natural habitats; countering the effects of agriculture on climate change and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture.
Policy options include ending subsidies that encourage unsustainable practices and using market and other mechanisms to regulate and generate rewards for agro/environmental services, for better NRM [Natural Resource Management] and enhanced environmental quality. Examples include incentives to promote IPM [Integrated pest management] and environmentally resilient germplasm management, payments to farmers and local communities for ecosystem services, facilitating and providing incentives for alternative markets such as green products, certification for sustainable forest and fisheries practices and organic agriculture and the strengthening of local markets. Long-term land and water use rights/tenure, risk reduction measures (safety nets, credit, insurance, etc.) and profitability of recommended technologies are prerequisites for adoption of sustainable practices. Common pool resource regimes and modes of governance that emphasize participatory and democratic approaches are needed.
Investment opportunities in AKST that could improve sustainability and reduce negative environmental effects include resource conservation technologies; improved techniques for organic and low-input systems; a wide range of breeding techniques for temperature and pest tolerance; research on relationship of agricultural ecosystem services and human well-being; economic and non-economic valuations of ecosystem services; increasing water use efficiency and reducing water pollution; biocontrols of current and emerging pests and pathogens; biological substitutes for agrochemicals; and reducing the dependency of the agricultural sector on fossil fuels.
Scientific Facts on Agriculture & Development
0.4 Health and Nutrition
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Human health and nutrition
Inter-linkages between health, nutrition, agriculture, and ASKT affect the ability of individuals, communities, and nations to reach sustainability goals. These inter-linkages exist within the context of multiple stressors that affect population health. A broad and integrated approach is needed to identify appropriate use of AKST to increase food security and safety, decrease the incidence and prevalence of a range of infectious (including emerging and re-emerging diseases such as malaria, avian influenza, HIV/AIDS and others) and chronic diseases, and decrease occupational exposures, injuries and deaths. Robust agricultural, public health, and veterinary detection, surveillance, monitoring, and response systems can help identify the true burden of ill health and cost-effective, health-promoting strategies and measures. Addition investments are needed to maintain and improve current systems and regulations.
* Increasing foodsecurity can be facilitated by promoting policies and programs to diversify diets and improve micronutrient intake; and developing and deploying existing and new technologies for the production, processing, preservation, and distribution of food.
* Increasing food safety can be facilitated by effective, coordinated, and proactive national and international food safety systems to ensure animal, plant, and human health, such as investments in adequate infrastructure, public health and veterinary capacity, legislative frameworks for identification and control of biological and chemical hazards; and farmer- scientist partnerships for the identification, monitoring and evaluation of risks.
* The burden of infectious disease can be decreased by strengthening coordination between and the capacity of agricultural, veterinary, and public health systems, integrating multi-sectoral policies and programs across the food chain to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and developing and deploying new AKST to identify, monitor, control, and treat diseases.
* The burden of chronic disease can be decreased by policies that explicitly recognize the importance of improving human health and nutrition, including regulation of food product formulation through legislation, international agreements and regulations for food labeling and health claims, and creation of incentives for the production and consumption of health- promoting foods.
* Occupational health can be improved by development and enforcement of health and safety regulations (including child labor laws and pesticide regulations), enforcement of cross- border issues such as illegal use of toxic agrochemicals, and conducting health risk assessments that make explicit the tradeoffs between maximizing livelihood benefits, the environment, and improving health.
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Human health and nutrition
Inter-linkages between health, nutrition, agriculture, and ASKT affect the ability of individuals, communities, and nations to reach sustainability goals. These inter-linkages exist within the context of multiple stressors that affect population health. A broad and integrated approach is needed to identify appropriate use of AKST to increase food security and safety, decrease the incidence and prevalence of a range of infectious (including emerging and re-emerging diseases such as malaria, avian influenza, HIV/AIDS and others) and chronic diseases, and decrease occupational exposures, injuries and deaths. Robust agricultural, public health, and veterinary detection, surveillance, monitoring, and response systems can help identify the true burden of ill health and cost-effective, health-promoting strategies and measures. Addition investments are needed to maintain and improve current systems and regulations.
* Increasing foodsecurity can be facilitated by promoting policies and programs to diversify diets and improve micronutrient intake; and developing and deploying existing and new technologies for the production, processing, preservation, and distribution of food.
* Increasing food safety can be facilitated by effective, coordinated, and proactive national and international food safety systems to ensure animal, plant, and human health, such as investments in adequate infrastructure, public health and veterinary capacity, legislative frameworks for identification and control of biological and chemical hazards; and farmer- scientist partnerships for the identification, monitoring and evaluation of risks.
* The burden of infectious disease can be decreased by strengthening coordination between and the capacity of agricultural, veterinary, and public health systems, integrating multi-sectoral policies and programs across the food chain to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and developing and deploying new AKST to identify, monitor, control, and treat diseases.
* The burden of chronic disease can be decreased by policies that explicitly recognize the importance of improving human health and nutrition, including regulation of food product formulation through legislation, international agreements and regulations for food labeling and health claims, and creation of incentives for the production and consumption of health- promoting foods.
* Occupational health can be improved by development and enforcement of health and safety regulations (including child labor laws and pesticide regulations), enforcement of cross- border issues such as illegal use of toxic agrochemicals, and conducting health risk assessments that make explicit the tradeoffs between maximizing livelihood benefits, the environment, and improving health.
Scientific Facts on Agriculture & Development
0.5 Equity and Investments
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
10.5.1 Equity
For AKST to contribute to greater equity, investments are required for the development of context-specific technologies, and expanded access of farmers and other rural people to occupational, non-formal and formal education. An environment in which formal science and technology and local and traditional knowledge are seen as part of an integral AKST system can increase equitable access to technologies to a broad range of producers and natural resource managers. Incentives in science, universities and research organizations are needed to foster different kinds of AKST partnerships. Key options include equitable access to and use of natural resources (particularly land and water), systems of incentives and rewards for multifunctionality, including ecosystem services, and responding to the vulnerability of farming and farm worker communities. Reform of the governance of AKST and related organizations is also important for the crucial role they can play in improving community-level scientific literacy, decentralization of technological opportunities, and the integration of farmer concerns in research priority setting and the design of farmer services. Improving equity requires synergy among various development actors, including farmers, rural laborers, banks, civil society organizations, commercial companies, and public agencies. Stakeholder involvement is also crucial in decisions about IPR, infrastructure, tariffs, and the internalization of social and environmental costs. New modes of governance to develop innovative local networks and decentralized government, focusing on small-scale producers and the urban poor (urban agriculture; direct links between urban consumers and rural producers) will help create and strengthen synergistic and complementary capacities.
Preferential investments in equitable development (e.g., literacy, education and training) that contribute to reducing ethnic, gender, and other inequities would advance development goals. Measurements of returns to investments require indices that give more information than GDP, and that are sensitive to environmental and equity gains. The use of inequality indices for screening AKST investments and monitoring outcomes strengthens accountability. The Gini- coefficient could, for example, become a public criterion for policy assessment, in addition to the more conventional measures of growth, inflation and environment.
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
10.5.2 Investments
Achieving development and sustainability goals would entail increased funds and more diverse funding mechanisms for agricultural research and development and associated knowledge systems, such as:
* Public investments in global, regional, national and local public goods; food security and safety, climate change and sustainability. More efficient use of increasingly scarce land, water and biological resources requires investment in research and development of legal and management capabilities.
* Public investments in agricultural knowledge systems to promote interactive knowledge networks (farmers, scientists, industry and actors in other knowledge areas); improved access to ICT; ecological, evolutionary, food, nutrition, social and complex systems’ sciences; effective interdisciplinarity; capacity in core agricultural sciences; and improving life-long learning opportunities along the food system.
* Public-private partnerships for improved commercialization of applied knowledge and technologies and joint funding of AKST, where market risks are high and where options for widespread utilization of knowledge exist.
* Adequate incentives and rewards to encourage private and civil society investments in AKST contributing to development and sustainability goals.
In many developing countries, it may be necessary to complement these investments with increased and more targeted investments in rural infrastructure, education and health.
In the face of new global challenges, there is an urgent need to strengthen, restructure and possibly establish new intergovernmental, independent science and evidence-based networks to address such issues as climate forecasting for agricultural production; human health risks from emerging diseases; reorganization of livelihoods in response to changes in agricultural systems (population movements); food security; and global forestry resources.
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
10.5.1 Equity
For AKST to contribute to greater equity, investments are required for the development of context-specific technologies, and expanded access of farmers and other rural people to occupational, non-formal and formal education. An environment in which formal science and technology and local and traditional knowledge are seen as part of an integral AKST system can increase equitable access to technologies to a broad range of producers and natural resource managers. Incentives in science, universities and research organizations are needed to foster different kinds of AKST partnerships. Key options include equitable access to and use of natural resources (particularly land and water), systems of incentives and rewards for multifunctionality, including ecosystem services, and responding to the vulnerability of farming and farm worker communities. Reform of the governance of AKST and related organizations is also important for the crucial role they can play in improving community-level scientific literacy, decentralization of technological opportunities, and the integration of farmer concerns in research priority setting and the design of farmer services. Improving equity requires synergy among various development actors, including farmers, rural laborers, banks, civil society organizations, commercial companies, and public agencies. Stakeholder involvement is also crucial in decisions about IPR, infrastructure, tariffs, and the internalization of social and environmental costs. New modes of governance to develop innovative local networks and decentralized government, focusing on small-scale producers and the urban poor (urban agriculture; direct links between urban consumers and rural producers) will help create and strengthen synergistic and complementary capacities.
Preferential investments in equitable development (e.g., literacy, education and training) that contribute to reducing ethnic, gender, and other inequities would advance development goals. Measurements of returns to investments require indices that give more information than GDP, and that are sensitive to environmental and equity gains. The use of inequality indices for screening AKST investments and monitoring outcomes strengthens accountability. The Gini- coefficient could, for example, become a public criterion for policy assessment, in addition to the more conventional measures of growth, inflation and environment.
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
10.5.2 Investments
Achieving development and sustainability goals would entail increased funds and more diverse funding mechanisms for agricultural research and development and associated knowledge systems, such as:
* Public investments in global, regional, national and local public goods; food security and safety, climate change and sustainability. More efficient use of increasingly scarce land, water and biological resources requires investment in research and development of legal and management capabilities.
* Public investments in agricultural knowledge systems to promote interactive knowledge networks (farmers, scientists, industry and actors in other knowledge areas); improved access to ICT; ecological, evolutionary, food, nutrition, social and complex systems’ sciences; effective interdisciplinarity; capacity in core agricultural sciences; and improving life-long learning opportunities along the food system.
* Public-private partnerships for improved commercialization of applied knowledge and technologies and joint funding of AKST, where market risks are high and where options for widespread utilization of knowledge exist.
* Adequate incentives and rewards to encourage private and civil society investments in AKST contributing to development and sustainability goals.
In many developing countries, it may be necessary to complement these investments with increased and more targeted investments in rural infrastructure, education and health.
In the face of new global challenges, there is an urgent need to strengthen, restructure and possibly establish new intergovernmental, independent science and evidence-based networks to address such issues as climate forecasting for agricultural production; human health risks from emerging diseases; reorganization of livelihoods in response to changes in agricultural systems (population movements); food security; and global forestry resources.
Scientific Facts on Agriculture & Development
10. What are the options for action?
* 10.1 Poverty and livelihoods
* 10.2 Food security
* 10.3 Environment
* 10.4 Health and Nutrition
* 10.5 Equity and Investments
10.1 Poverty and livelihoods
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Agricultural sustainability means maintaining productivity while protecting the natural resource base
© Alicia Jo McMahan
10.1.1 Options for Action
Successfully meeting development and sustainability goals and responding to new priorities and changing circumstances would require a fundamental shift in AKST [Agricultural Knowledge Science and Technology], including science, technology, policies, institutions, capacity development and investment. Such a shift would recognize and give increased importance to the multifunctionality of agriculture, accounting for the complexity of agricultural systems within diverse social and ecological contexts. It would require new institutional and organizational arrangements to promote an integrated approach to the development and deployment of AKST. It would also recognize farming communities, farm households, and farmers as producers and managers of ecosystems. This shift may call for changing the incentive systems for all actors along the value chain to internalize as many externalities as possible. In terms of development and sustainability goals, these policies and institutional changes should be directed primarily at those who have been served least by previous AKST approaches, i.e., resource-poor farmers, women and ethnic minorities. 1 Such development would depend also on the extent to which small-scale farmers can find gainful off- farm employment and help fuel general economic growth. Large and middle-size farmers continue to be important and high pay-off targets of AKST, especially in the area of sustainable land use and food systems.
It will be important to assess the potential environmental, health and social impacts of any technology, and to implement the appropriate regulatory frameworks. AKST can contribute to radically improving food security and enhancing the social and economic performance of agricultural systems as a basis for sustainable rural and community livelihoods and wider economic development. It can help to rehabilitate degraded land, reduce environmental and health risks associated with food production and consumption, and sustainably increase production.
Success would require increased public and private investment in AKST, the development of supporting policies and institutions, revalorization of traditional and local knowledge, and an interdisciplinary, holistic and systems-based approach to knowledge production and sharing. Success also depends on the extent to which international developments and events drive the priority given to development and sustainability goals and the extent to which requisite funding and qualified staff are available.
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
10.1.2 Poverty and livelihoods
Important options for enhancing rural livelihoods include increasing access by small-scale farmers to land and economic resources and to remunerative local urban and export markets; and increasing local value added and value captured by small-scale farmers and rural laborers. A powerful tool for meeting development and sustainability goals resides in empowering farmers to innovatively manage soils, water, biological resources, pests, disease vectors, genetic diversity, and conserve natural resources in a culturally appropriate manner. Combining farmers’ and external knowledge would require new partnerships among farmers, scientists and other stakeholders.
Policy options for improving livelihoods include access to microcredit and other financial services; legal frameworks that ensure access and tenure to resources and land; recourse to fair conflict resolution; and progressive evolution and proactive engagement in IPR [Intellectual Property Rights] regimes and related instruments 2 . Developments are needed that build trust and that value farmer knowledge, agricultural and natural biodiversity; farmer-managed medicinal plants, local seed systems and common pool resource management regimes. Each of these options, when implemented locally, depends on regional and nationally based mechanisms to ensure accountability. The suite of options to increase domestic farm gate prices for small-scale farmers includes fiscal and competition policies; improved access to AKST; novel business approaches; and enhanced political power.
* 10.1 Poverty and livelihoods
* 10.2 Food security
* 10.3 Environment
* 10.4 Health and Nutrition
* 10.5 Equity and Investments
10.1 Poverty and livelihoods
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Agricultural sustainability means maintaining productivity while protecting the natural resource base
© Alicia Jo McMahan
10.1.1 Options for Action
Successfully meeting development and sustainability goals and responding to new priorities and changing circumstances would require a fundamental shift in AKST [Agricultural Knowledge Science and Technology], including science, technology, policies, institutions, capacity development and investment. Such a shift would recognize and give increased importance to the multifunctionality of agriculture, accounting for the complexity of agricultural systems within diverse social and ecological contexts. It would require new institutional and organizational arrangements to promote an integrated approach to the development and deployment of AKST. It would also recognize farming communities, farm households, and farmers as producers and managers of ecosystems. This shift may call for changing the incentive systems for all actors along the value chain to internalize as many externalities as possible. In terms of development and sustainability goals, these policies and institutional changes should be directed primarily at those who have been served least by previous AKST approaches, i.e., resource-poor farmers, women and ethnic minorities. 1 Such development would depend also on the extent to which small-scale farmers can find gainful off- farm employment and help fuel general economic growth. Large and middle-size farmers continue to be important and high pay-off targets of AKST, especially in the area of sustainable land use and food systems.
It will be important to assess the potential environmental, health and social impacts of any technology, and to implement the appropriate regulatory frameworks. AKST can contribute to radically improving food security and enhancing the social and economic performance of agricultural systems as a basis for sustainable rural and community livelihoods and wider economic development. It can help to rehabilitate degraded land, reduce environmental and health risks associated with food production and consumption, and sustainably increase production.
Success would require increased public and private investment in AKST, the development of supporting policies and institutions, revalorization of traditional and local knowledge, and an interdisciplinary, holistic and systems-based approach to knowledge production and sharing. Success also depends on the extent to which international developments and events drive the priority given to development and sustainability goals and the extent to which requisite funding and qualified staff are available.
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
10.1.2 Poverty and livelihoods
Important options for enhancing rural livelihoods include increasing access by small-scale farmers to land and economic resources and to remunerative local urban and export markets; and increasing local value added and value captured by small-scale farmers and rural laborers. A powerful tool for meeting development and sustainability goals resides in empowering farmers to innovatively manage soils, water, biological resources, pests, disease vectors, genetic diversity, and conserve natural resources in a culturally appropriate manner. Combining farmers’ and external knowledge would require new partnerships among farmers, scientists and other stakeholders.
Policy options for improving livelihoods include access to microcredit and other financial services; legal frameworks that ensure access and tenure to resources and land; recourse to fair conflict resolution; and progressive evolution and proactive engagement in IPR [Intellectual Property Rights] regimes and related instruments 2 . Developments are needed that build trust and that value farmer knowledge, agricultural and natural biodiversity; farmer-managed medicinal plants, local seed systems and common pool resource management regimes. Each of these options, when implemented locally, depends on regional and nationally based mechanisms to ensure accountability. The suite of options to increase domestic farm gate prices for small-scale farmers includes fiscal and competition policies; improved access to AKST; novel business approaches; and enhanced political power.
Scientific Facts on Agriculture & Development
10.2 Food security
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Food security
Food security [is] a situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. (FAO, The State of Food Insecurity 2001).
Food sovereignty is defined as the right of peoples and sovereign states to democratically determine their own agricultural and food policies. 3
Food security strategies require a combination of AKST approaches, including the development of food stock management, effective market intelligence and early warning, monitoring, and distribution systems. Production measures create the conditions for food security, but they need to be looked at in conjunction with people’s access to food (through own production, exchange and public entitlements) and their ability to absorb nutrients consumed (through adequate access to water and sanitation, adequate nutrition and nutritional information) in order to fully achieve food security.
AKST can increase sustainable agricultural production by expanding use of local and formal AKST to develop and deploy suitable cultivars adaptable to site-specific conditions; improving access to resources; improving soil, water and nutrient management and conservation; pre- and postharvest pest management; and increasing small-scale farm diversification. Policy options for addressing food security include developing high-value and under-utilized crops in rain fed areas; increasing the full range of agricultural exports and imports, including organic and fair trade products; reducing transaction costs for small-scale producers; strengthening local markets; food safety nets; promoting agro-insurance; and improving food safety and quality. Price shocks and extreme weather events call for a global system of monitoring and intervention for the timely prediction of major food shortages and price-induced hunger.
AKST can increase sustainable agricultural production by expanding use of local and formal AKST to develop and deploy suitable cultivars adaptable to site-specific conditions; improving access to resources; improving soil, water and nutrient management and conservation; pre- and postharvest pest management; and increasing small-scale farm diversification. Policy options for addressing food security include developing high-value and under-utilized crops in rain fed areas; increasing the full range of agricultural exports and imports, including organic and fair trade products; reducing transaction costs for small-scale producers; strengthening local markets; food safety nets; promoting agro-insurance; and improving food safety and quality. Price shocks and extreme weather events call for a global system of monitoring and intervention for the timely prediction of major food shortages and price-induced hunger.
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Food security
Food security [is] a situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. (FAO, The State of Food Insecurity 2001).
Food sovereignty is defined as the right of peoples and sovereign states to democratically determine their own agricultural and food policies. 3
Food security strategies require a combination of AKST approaches, including the development of food stock management, effective market intelligence and early warning, monitoring, and distribution systems. Production measures create the conditions for food security, but they need to be looked at in conjunction with people’s access to food (through own production, exchange and public entitlements) and their ability to absorb nutrients consumed (through adequate access to water and sanitation, adequate nutrition and nutritional information) in order to fully achieve food security.
AKST can increase sustainable agricultural production by expanding use of local and formal AKST to develop and deploy suitable cultivars adaptable to site-specific conditions; improving access to resources; improving soil, water and nutrient management and conservation; pre- and postharvest pest management; and increasing small-scale farm diversification. Policy options for addressing food security include developing high-value and under-utilized crops in rain fed areas; increasing the full range of agricultural exports and imports, including organic and fair trade products; reducing transaction costs for small-scale producers; strengthening local markets; food safety nets; promoting agro-insurance; and improving food safety and quality. Price shocks and extreme weather events call for a global system of monitoring and intervention for the timely prediction of major food shortages and price-induced hunger.
AKST can increase sustainable agricultural production by expanding use of local and formal AKST to develop and deploy suitable cultivars adaptable to site-specific conditions; improving access to resources; improving soil, water and nutrient management and conservation; pre- and postharvest pest management; and increasing small-scale farm diversification. Policy options for addressing food security include developing high-value and under-utilized crops in rain fed areas; increasing the full range of agricultural exports and imports, including organic and fair trade products; reducing transaction costs for small-scale producers; strengthening local markets; food safety nets; promoting agro-insurance; and improving food safety and quality. Price shocks and extreme weather events call for a global system of monitoring and intervention for the timely prediction of major food shortages and price-induced hunger.
Scientific Facts on Agriculture & Development
9. What is the role of women in agriculture and development?
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Counting women's labor
Counting women's labor
Women in agriculture in selected African countries
Figure SR-WA3. Women in agriculture in selected African countries
Women in agriculture
Gender, that is socially constructed relations between men and women, is an organizing element of existing farming systems worldwide and a determining factor of ongoing agricultural restructuring. Current trends in agricultural market liberalization and in the reorganization of farm work, as well as the rise of environmental and sustainability concerns are redefining the links between gender and development. The proportion of women in agricultural production and postharvest activities ranges from 20 to 70%; their involvement is increasing in many developing countries, particularly with the development of export-oriented irrigated farming, which is associated with a growing demand for female labor, including migrant workers.
Whereas these dynamics have in some ways brought benefits, in general, the largest proportion of rural women worldwide continues to face deteriorating health and work conditions, limited access to education and control over natural resources, insecure employment and low income. This situation is due to a variety of factors, including the growing competition on agricultural markets which increases the demand for flexible and cheap labor, growing pressure on and conflicts over natural resources, the diminishing support by governments for small-scale farms and the reallocation of economic resources in favor of large agroenterprises. Other factors include increasing exposure to risks related to natural disasters and environmental changes, worsening access to water, increasing occupational and health risks.
Despite progress made in national and international policies since the first world conference on women in 1975, urgent action is still necessary to implement gender and social equity in AKST [Agricultural Knowledge Science and Technology] policies and practices if we are to better address gender issues as integral to development processes. Such action includes strengthening the capacity of public institutions and NGOs to improve the knowledge of women’s changing forms of involvement in farm and other activities in AKST. It also requires giving priority to women’s access to education, information, science and technology, and extension services to enable improving women’s access, ownership and control of economic and natural resources. To ensure such access, ownership and control legal measures, appropriate credit schemes, support for women’s income generating activities and the reinforcement of women’s organizations and networks are needed. This, in turn, depends on strengthening women’s ability to benefit from market-based opportunities by institutions and policies giving explicit priority to women farmer groups in value chains.
A number of other changes will strengthen women’s contributions to agricultural production and sustainability. These include support for public services and investment in rural areas in order to improve women’s living and working conditions; giving priority to technological development policies targeting rural and farm women’s needs and recognizing their knowledge, skills and experience in the production of food and the conservation of biodiversity; and assessing the negative effects and risks of farming practices and technology, including pesticides on women’s health, and taking measures to reduce use and exposure. Finally, if we are to better recognize women as integral to sustainable development, it is critical to ensure gender balance in AKST decision-making at all levels and provide mechanisms to hold AKST organizations accountable for progress in the above areas.
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Counting women's labor
Counting women's labor
Women in agriculture in selected African countries
Figure SR-WA3. Women in agriculture in selected African countries
Women in agriculture
Gender, that is socially constructed relations between men and women, is an organizing element of existing farming systems worldwide and a determining factor of ongoing agricultural restructuring. Current trends in agricultural market liberalization and in the reorganization of farm work, as well as the rise of environmental and sustainability concerns are redefining the links between gender and development. The proportion of women in agricultural production and postharvest activities ranges from 20 to 70%; their involvement is increasing in many developing countries, particularly with the development of export-oriented irrigated farming, which is associated with a growing demand for female labor, including migrant workers.
Whereas these dynamics have in some ways brought benefits, in general, the largest proportion of rural women worldwide continues to face deteriorating health and work conditions, limited access to education and control over natural resources, insecure employment and low income. This situation is due to a variety of factors, including the growing competition on agricultural markets which increases the demand for flexible and cheap labor, growing pressure on and conflicts over natural resources, the diminishing support by governments for small-scale farms and the reallocation of economic resources in favor of large agroenterprises. Other factors include increasing exposure to risks related to natural disasters and environmental changes, worsening access to water, increasing occupational and health risks.
Despite progress made in national and international policies since the first world conference on women in 1975, urgent action is still necessary to implement gender and social equity in AKST [Agricultural Knowledge Science and Technology] policies and practices if we are to better address gender issues as integral to development processes. Such action includes strengthening the capacity of public institutions and NGOs to improve the knowledge of women’s changing forms of involvement in farm and other activities in AKST. It also requires giving priority to women’s access to education, information, science and technology, and extension services to enable improving women’s access, ownership and control of economic and natural resources. To ensure such access, ownership and control legal measures, appropriate credit schemes, support for women’s income generating activities and the reinforcement of women’s organizations and networks are needed. This, in turn, depends on strengthening women’s ability to benefit from market-based opportunities by institutions and policies giving explicit priority to women farmer groups in value chains.
A number of other changes will strengthen women’s contributions to agricultural production and sustainability. These include support for public services and investment in rural areas in order to improve women’s living and working conditions; giving priority to technological development policies targeting rural and farm women’s needs and recognizing their knowledge, skills and experience in the production of food and the conservation of biodiversity; and assessing the negative effects and risks of farming practices and technology, including pesticides on women’s health, and taking measures to reduce use and exposure. Finally, if we are to better recognize women as integral to sustainable development, it is critical to ensure gender balance in AKST decision-making at all levels and provide mechanisms to hold AKST organizations accountable for progress in the above areas.
Scientific Facts on Agriculture & Development
8. Can traditional knowldedge contribute to agriculture?
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Traditional and local knowledge and community-based innovation
Once AKST [Agricultural Knowledge Science and Technology] is directed simultaneously toward production, profitability, ecosystem services and food systems that are site-specific and evolving, then formal, traditional and local knowledge need to be integrated. Traditional and local knowledge constitutes an extensive realm of accumulated practical knowledge and knowledge-generating capacity that is needed if sustainability and development goals are to be reached. The traditional knowledge, identities and practices of indigenous and local communities are recognized under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity as embodying ways of life relevant for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; and by others as generated by the purposeful interaction of material and non-material worlds embedded in place-based cultures and identities. Local knowledge refers to capacities and activities that exist among rural people in all parts of the world.
Traditional and local knowledge is dynamic; it may sometimes fail but also has had well-documented, extensive, positive impacts. Participatory collaboration in knowledge generation, technology development and innovation has been shown to add value to science-based technology development, for instance in Farmer-Researcher groups in the Andes, in Participatory Plant Breeding, the domestication of wild and semi-wild tree species and in soil and water management.
Options for action with proven contribution to achieving sustainability and development goals include collaboration in the conservation, development and use of local and traditional biological materials; incentives for and development of capacity among scientists and formal research organizations to work with local and indigenous people and their organizations; a higher profile in scientific education for indigenous and local knowledge as well as for professional and community-based archiving and assessment of such knowledge and practices. The role of modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in achieving effective collaboration is critical to evolving culturally appropriate integration and merits larger investments and support.
Effective collaboration and integration would be supported by international intellectual property and other regimes that allow more scope for dealing effectively with situations involving traditional knowledge, genetic resources and community-based innovations. Examples of misappropriation of indigenous and local people’s knowledge and community-based innovations indicate a need for sharing of information about existing national sui generis and regulatory frameworks.
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Traditional and local knowledge and community-based innovation
Once AKST [Agricultural Knowledge Science and Technology] is directed simultaneously toward production, profitability, ecosystem services and food systems that are site-specific and evolving, then formal, traditional and local knowledge need to be integrated. Traditional and local knowledge constitutes an extensive realm of accumulated practical knowledge and knowledge-generating capacity that is needed if sustainability and development goals are to be reached. The traditional knowledge, identities and practices of indigenous and local communities are recognized under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity as embodying ways of life relevant for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; and by others as generated by the purposeful interaction of material and non-material worlds embedded in place-based cultures and identities. Local knowledge refers to capacities and activities that exist among rural people in all parts of the world.
Traditional and local knowledge is dynamic; it may sometimes fail but also has had well-documented, extensive, positive impacts. Participatory collaboration in knowledge generation, technology development and innovation has been shown to add value to science-based technology development, for instance in Farmer-Researcher groups in the Andes, in Participatory Plant Breeding, the domestication of wild and semi-wild tree species and in soil and water management.
Options for action with proven contribution to achieving sustainability and development goals include collaboration in the conservation, development and use of local and traditional biological materials; incentives for and development of capacity among scientists and formal research organizations to work with local and indigenous people and their organizations; a higher profile in scientific education for indigenous and local knowledge as well as for professional and community-based archiving and assessment of such knowledge and practices. The role of modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in achieving effective collaboration is critical to evolving culturally appropriate integration and merits larger investments and support.
Effective collaboration and integration would be supported by international intellectual property and other regimes that allow more scope for dealing effectively with situations involving traditional knowledge, genetic resources and community-based innovations. Examples of misappropriation of indigenous and local people’s knowledge and community-based innovations indicate a need for sharing of information about existing national sui generis and regulatory frameworks.
Scientific Facts on Agriculture & Development
6. How can agriculture make better use of natural resources?
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Natural resources need to be used sustainably
Natural resources need to be used sustainably
© Millennium Assessment
Natural resource management
6.1 Natural resources, especially those of soil, water, plant and animal diversity, vegetation cover, renewable energy sources, climate, and ecosystem services are fundamental for the structure and function of agricultural systems and for social and environmental sustainability, in support of life on earth. Historically the path of global agricultural development has been narrowly focused on increased productivity rather than on a more holistic integration of NRM [Natural Resource Management] with food and nutritional security. A holistic, or systems-oriented approach, is preferable because it can address the difficult issues associated with the complexity of food and other production systems in different ecologies, locations and cultures.
Global cereal & meat production and fertilizer use
Figure SR-NRM4. Global cereal & meat production and fertilizer use (1960 - 2000)
AKST [Agricultural Knowledge Science and Technology] to resolve NRM exploitation issues, such as the mitigation of soil fertility through synthetic inputs and natural processes, is often available and well understood. Nevertheless, the resolution of natural resource challenges will demand new and creative approaches by stakeholders with diverse backgrounds, skills and priorities. Capabilities for working together at multiple scales and across different social and physical environments are not well developed. For example, there have been few opportunities for two-way learning between farmers and researchers or policy makers. Consequently farmers and civil society members have seldom been involved in shaping natural resource management policy. Community-based partnerships with the private sector, now in their early stages of development, represent a new and promising way forward.
The following high priority NRM options for action are proposed:
* 6.2 Use existing AKST to identify and address some of the underlying causes of declining productivity embedded in natural resource mismanagement, and develop new AKST based on multidisciplinary approaches for a better understanding of the complexity in NRM. Part of this process will involve the cost-effective monitoring of trends in the utilization of natural resource capital.
* 6.3 Strengthen human resources in the support of natural capital through increased investment (research, training and education, partnerships, policy) in promoting the awareness of the societal costs of degradation and value of ecosystems services.
* 6.4 Promote research “centers of AKST-NRM excellence” to facilitate less exploitative NRM and better strategies for resource resilience, protection and renewal through innovative two-way learning processes in research and development, monitoring and policy formulation.
* 6.5 Create an enabling environment for building NRM capacity and increasing understanding of NRM among stakeholders and their organizations in order to shape NRM policy in partnership with public and private sectors.
* 6.6 Develop networks of AKST practitioners (farmer organizations, NGOs, government, private sector) to facilitate long-term natural resource management to enhance benefits from natural resources for the collective good.
* 6.7 Connect globalization and localization pathways that link locally generated NRM knowledge and innovations to public and private AKST.
6.8 When AKST is developed and used creatively with active participation among various stakeholders across multiple scales, the misuse of natural capital can be reversed and the judicious use and renewal of water bodies, soils, biodiversity, ecosystems services, fossil fuels and atmospheric quality ensured for future generations.
The Executive Summary of the IAASTD Synthesis Report states:
Natural resources need to be used sustainably
Natural resources need to be used sustainably
© Millennium Assessment
Natural resource management
6.1 Natural resources, especially those of soil, water, plant and animal diversity, vegetation cover, renewable energy sources, climate, and ecosystem services are fundamental for the structure and function of agricultural systems and for social and environmental sustainability, in support of life on earth. Historically the path of global agricultural development has been narrowly focused on increased productivity rather than on a more holistic integration of NRM [Natural Resource Management] with food and nutritional security. A holistic, or systems-oriented approach, is preferable because it can address the difficult issues associated with the complexity of food and other production systems in different ecologies, locations and cultures.
Global cereal & meat production and fertilizer use
Figure SR-NRM4. Global cereal & meat production and fertilizer use (1960 - 2000)
AKST [Agricultural Knowledge Science and Technology] to resolve NRM exploitation issues, such as the mitigation of soil fertility through synthetic inputs and natural processes, is often available and well understood. Nevertheless, the resolution of natural resource challenges will demand new and creative approaches by stakeholders with diverse backgrounds, skills and priorities. Capabilities for working together at multiple scales and across different social and physical environments are not well developed. For example, there have been few opportunities for two-way learning between farmers and researchers or policy makers. Consequently farmers and civil society members have seldom been involved in shaping natural resource management policy. Community-based partnerships with the private sector, now in their early stages of development, represent a new and promising way forward.
The following high priority NRM options for action are proposed:
* 6.2 Use existing AKST to identify and address some of the underlying causes of declining productivity embedded in natural resource mismanagement, and develop new AKST based on multidisciplinary approaches for a better understanding of the complexity in NRM. Part of this process will involve the cost-effective monitoring of trends in the utilization of natural resource capital.
* 6.3 Strengthen human resources in the support of natural capital through increased investment (research, training and education, partnerships, policy) in promoting the awareness of the societal costs of degradation and value of ecosystems services.
* 6.4 Promote research “centers of AKST-NRM excellence” to facilitate less exploitative NRM and better strategies for resource resilience, protection and renewal through innovative two-way learning processes in research and development, monitoring and policy formulation.
* 6.5 Create an enabling environment for building NRM capacity and increasing understanding of NRM among stakeholders and their organizations in order to shape NRM policy in partnership with public and private sectors.
* 6.6 Develop networks of AKST practitioners (farmer organizations, NGOs, government, private sector) to facilitate long-term natural resource management to enhance benefits from natural resources for the collective good.
* 6.7 Connect globalization and localization pathways that link locally generated NRM knowledge and innovations to public and private AKST.
6.8 When AKST is developed and used creatively with active participation among various stakeholders across multiple scales, the misuse of natural capital can be reversed and the judicious use and renewal of water bodies, soils, biodiversity, ecosystems services, fossil fuels and atmospheric quality ensured for future generations.
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