Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is home to impressive groups of gorillas who live on the, not easily cultivated, mountain slopes. These animals attract relatively wealthy tourists who become the focus of armed groups operating in the area. The armed groups not only kill animals and local people but often kidnap the tourists to ransom them for money. The latest event involves the seizing of two British tourists along with the killing of their guide (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44092592). The difficulty is that any extorted money is used to fuel further violence in the area. If, however, tourists were to entirely cease visiting the park, the gorillas would have no commercial value (making their continued conservation even less likely).
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
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Wooden Tops 17. Hazel
Hazel is used for woven baskets, fence 'hurdles' and walking sticks. The thinner sticks are used to support beans and other garden ...
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Greater spearwort ( Ranunculus lingua ) has been used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, skin conditions and digestive problems.
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Green buckwheat ( Fagopyrum tartaricum ) is also called 'Tartar buckwheat'. It's a domesticated food plant, producing kernels. ...
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Daily shots of my fully compostable Oyster mushroom pot, received for Christmas. Omelettes ahoy!
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