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Blog Giáp Văn: Hạ tầng tư duy và phát triển đất nước

2009-08-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Comment on Blog Giáp Văn: Hạ tầng tư duy và phát triển đất nước
Trước hết hêt sức hoan nghênh và cảm ơn anh Giáp Văn với những đầu tư tư duy giàu sáng tạo. Nhân anh đang bài viết về khái niệm hạ tầng tư duy, tôi xin có một số đóng góp ý kiến như sau.
Theo tôi hiểu, khái niệm "hạ tầng tư duy" được anh đưa ra với mong muốn tìm kiếm một thiết chế (institution) mới tạo điều kiện cho sự phát triển của tri thức phục vụ nhu cầu phát triển kinh tế-xã hội.Tôi thấy cần phải phân biệt giữa hai khái niệm tư duy (mentality) và tri thức (knowledge, thought).Tư duy bản thân nó mang đậm tính cá nhân, bao gồm trí lực và bối cảnh văn hóa-xã hội cá nhân sinh trưởng; trong khi tri thức là tập hợp của nhiều tư duy khác nhau trong suy nghĩ có thể của một cá nhân hoặc của một nhóm hay một cộng đồng các cá nhân. Tư duy được hình thành và phát triển trong cơ sở hạ tầng của nó là bộ óc thông qua quá trình tích lũy thông tin và hình thành năng lực phân tích và tổng hợp, chế biến thông tin trong đó thông tin chủ yếu xuất phát từ môi trường cá nhân sinh sống, học tập và làm việc; và như thế tư duy luôn thuộc về và được nhận biết bởi cá nhân sở hữu nó. Đối với tri thức được hình thành từ quá trình tương tác giữa nhiều tư duy khác nhau, và chỉ được nhận biệt trong mối tương quan giữa các tư duy của các cá nhân, nhóm hoặc cộng đồng (ở đây, luật bản quyền nhấn mạnh vào yếu tố chủ sở hữu của sản phẩm tri thức, intellectual rights, chứ không phải sản phẩm tư duy như anh nói tới trong phần về yếu tố cơ chế pháp lý hỗ trợ). Trong thực tế, chúng ta vẫn thường nói: một người có tư duy toán học, tư duy phản biện, lối nghĩ của một nhà nghiên cứu; và khi người đó hoàn thành một bài viết đưa ra trước cộng đồng (có thể là khoa học hoặc xã hội) thì mọi người nhắc tới bài viết đó là một sản phẩm tri thức của người đó đóng góp vào một hệ thống tri thức nhất định có liên quan, ví dụ như học thuyết tiến hóa, trường phái cấu trúc luận. Nói cách khác, “kiểu/lối tư duy” bản thân nó chỉ là tế bào hình thành nên [hệ thống] tri thức, và để có tư cách là một thiết chế thì chúng ta phải xem xét hạ tầng tri thức thay vì hạ tầng tư duy. Điều này cũng tương tự như việc xem xét gia đình với tư cách là một thiết chế cơ bản chứ không phải là mỗi thành viên của gia đình.Theo đó, tôi trong khi đồng ý với anh rằng “Đất nước chỉ trưởng thành khi có tư duy độc lập, phong phú và sáng tạo,” tôi thiết nghĩ cái chúng ta phải có không phải là “hạ tầng tư duy” mà là “hạ tầng tri thức” “vững chắc, lành mạnh, cởi mở và thông thoáng làm nền tảng” như anh khẳng định. Và chỉ với việc thay đổi khái niệm từ hạ tầng tư duy sang hạ tầng tri thức thì sáu yếu tố cầu thành mà anh đưa ra mới trở nên thực sự hợp lý với nội hàm của khái niệm “tư duy” và “tri thức”. Và cũng giống như khái niệm cơ sở hạ tầng, tôi thấy rằng tri thức với tư cách là một hệ thống ở cả cấp độ cá nhân và cộng đồng/quốc gia được cấu thành về cơ bản từ hai cấu phần: cấu phần tạo điều kiện cho việc sáng tạo hay sản sinh tư duy, và cấu phần tạo điều kiện cho việc phân bố và áp dụng sản phẩm tri thức.
Thứ hai, anh dẫn chứng đến "hạ tầng tư duy của dân tộc," được tôi hiểu là Việt nam, mặc dù anh không nêu tên trực tiếp, nhưng anh khẳng định “chúng ta” với tư cách cá nhân anh là một người Việt Nam. Điều cần bàn đến là cái được anh gọi là hạ tầng tư duy của dân tộc ta được anh nhận định “vốn đã manh mún, nghèo nàn và xập xệ lại ngày càng trở nên manh mún, nghèo nàn và xập xệ hơn… dẫn đến việc không tạo ra được … gì đáng kể trong tương quan so sánh với thế giới bên ngoài.” Trong khi đồng ý với việc phê phán những tồn tại gắn với các kiểu tư duy trì trệ của hệ thống tri thức trong nước, cá nhân tôi cho rằng nhận định này là phiến diện và khái quát hóa một cách thiên kiến. Vì sao? Vì cho dù chỉ là tư duy hay tri thức thì việc mặc cho cả một đất nước với 54 dân tộc có phong tục tập quán và lối sống khác nhau một bộ quần áo chung như vậy hiển nhiên là không hợp lý; vì cái được goi là “thế giới bên ngoài” không được làm sáng tỏ để hiểu được thế nào là “đáng kể”; vì “thế giới” nào cũng đều có nền tảng xã hội riêng của nó mà nếu nền tảng đó bị mất đi thì thế giới đó cũng không còn tồn tại; và vì mọi sự so sánh không dựa trên những biến số tương đương và độc lập thì đều trở nên khập khiễng và bao biện. Do đó, rất cần thiết tìm kiếm và phân biệt những “khung mẫu tư duy” tốt và xấu chẳng hạn như chuyên đề “Bàn về thói hư tật xấu của người Việt” trên báo Tiền phong, nhưng hơn thế cần phân tích làm rõ những cội rễ, cơ sở hình thành của chúng – tức là các yếu tố của hạ tầng tri thức; để rồi áp dụng, tăng cường và phổ biến những điều kiện mà dựa vào đó những lối tư duy tốt sẽ được hình thành và phát huy trong khi vẫn không quên cân nhắc tính tương hợp của các chính sách đó với những đặc thù văn hóa – xã hội của từng cộng đồng và người dân.
Mới hôm qua (10.08), báo Thanh niên lại tiếp tục đăng việc một người nông dân nghèo sáng chế thành công máy bơm nước bằng sức gió (http://www.thanhnien.com.vn/News/Pages/200933/20090810002500.aspx). Chỉ với thông tin hạn chế góp nhặt từ khi còn được đi học lúc bé cho tới khi đi làm công nhân hầm đèo Hải Vân, nhưng với niềm khát khao và lòng tự tin (mà riêng anh có trong khi những người xung quanh không hiểu lý do anh theo đuổi), người nông dân này đã tự mở đường và phát huy lối tư duy cho riêng mình, độc lập, sáng tạo và tự thích ứng cho sự phát triển của cá nhân và cộng đồng.
Có thể Việt Nam vẫn còn là một “đât nước vị thành niên” như anh nói, nhưng xã hội với sự phức tạp, phong phú và năng động vốn có của nó sẽ không khi nào “chỉ là tập hợp của những đứa trẻ to xác”. Và những khái niệm “nghèo hèn, lạc hâu” hay “hiện đại, tân tiến và phát triển bền vững” vẫn đang thay đổi nội hàm hàng ngày, tùy theo mục đích của những người đề xướng chúng; trong khi người dân vẫn đang tự thích ứng, học hỏi, sáng tạo trong “không gian tri thức” (knowledge space) ở khắp nơi.
Trên đây là một vài điều chia sẻ nhân dịp anh đang bài viết về hạ tầng tư duy, với tâm huyết gây dựng đất nước giàu đẹp, an bình. Rất mong cũng sẽ nhận được những chia sẻ từ anh và các độc giả khác trong môi trường tri thức hết sức thuận tiện và thân thiện này. Thân ái.

Most Child Soldiers in the world

2008-05-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

Burma’s junta criticized in Friends of Burma Festival

2008-05-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

On 20 May, at 15:00 to 22:00, thousands of people from different organizations, collectively calling themselves as "Friends of Burma" celebrated a fund raising festival for victims of Cyclone Nargis in Burma and talked about the future of those, at the Convention Center, Chiangmai University, Chiangmai, northern Thailand.

By Hseng Khio Fah

Win Min, Chiangmai based Burmese scholar, said, "The junta ignored the cyclone warning from the neighboring countries. Right now, over 2 million people were killed and over 200,000 people were homeless. They did not care about the people, they just care for power. For instance, during the Tsunami in Indonesia, Jarkarta allowed everyone to come without visa. Had they followed the Indonesian lead, people would not have died as many."
winminautiuecne
"They don’t' have enough capacity and equipment. That's why it was so difficult for them to handle it smoothly. They thought that they could handle everything. Right now, it has become the most serious catastrophe in our history."

"In contrast, when the Thai people faced Tsunami, they had temporary shelters to stay, they received preliminary aid from everywhere. But it was so difficult for people in Burma to receive aid," said Dr. Chayan Watthanphuti.

"Some people from my village say living in a Thai jail is better than living in our home town. I am sure that people from Burma may come to Thai as migrants. There is no food to eat, no space to stay and cultivate in Burma. How can they live? They just have to seek asylum to its neighboring countries, especially Thailand," said a woman from Shan State.

"On behalf of our people in Burma, I would like to ask all Thai people and all of my friends to have understanding on our people," she concluded.

Friends of Burma Festival was organized by civil society groups in Chiangmai, Regional Center for Sustainable Development (RCSD), artist friends in Chiangmai, Non Government Organization Coordination Committee for Development in northern Thailand, Northern Youth Development Workers Network, Kabfai Community Theater Group and friends from different organizations that are working on Burma issues in Chiangmai.

Thailand Raises Money for Cyclone Victims

2008-05-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Thai activists, public sector groups and the Buddhist community are raising funds for cyclone survivors in Burma.

Fund raising events are taking place in cities across Thailand, particularly in border provinces, often through the cooperation of Thai and Burmese monks and local residents, which include large numbers of Burmese refugees.

A fund raising display of simple relief supplies: iodine, powered milk, canned tomatoes, band-aids, hydrogen peroxide.
In addition, about 100 tons of donated relief supplies were transported from Mae Sot District to Myawaddy, Burma, on Wednesday in 10 Thai military trucks.

On Tuesday, a group of activists, artists and public sectors “Friends of Burma” staged a music festival and public forum at the Convention Center at Chiang Mai University to raise funds and awareness about human rights abuses and the needs of Cyclone Nargis survivors.

Win Min, a Burmese scholar based in Thailand, speaking at the forum, said the Burmese government failed to warn people adequately before the disaster and lacks the will and the means to help the survivors now.

“The Burmese military has never been trained to provide relief to the people. They’ve only been trained to shoot and kill,” he said.

Citizens and students of Chiang Mai, Thailand, view a display of information and photographs taken in the Irrawaddy delta.
Only a few countries in Asia have a military capable of handling disaster relief, he said, and experienced relief workers from Western countries are essential.

Nang Sripong, a representative of the Shan community in Chiang Mai, said the disaster will cause more migrants from Burma to flee poverty and enter Thailand.

“We ask the Thai people to understand the situation of the Burmese people and to provide donations to help the victims,” she said.

Preeda Kongpan, a Thai activist who worked with tsunami victims in Thailand in 2004, said, “The best thing we can do at the moment is donate and transport material to the survivors in small quantities with the cooperation of people inside Burma.”

On Wednesday, Noppadon Pattama, the Thai foreign minister, said Thailand will prepare Don Muang airport in Bangkok as an air transport base for United Nation aid shipments to Burma through the UN World Food Organization.

Friends of Burma

2008-05-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Friends of Burma

Music festival and public forum

For Nargis disaster relief in Burma

20 May 2008 from 3:00-10:00 PM

Convention center, Chiangmai University

Objectives

1) To raise fund for victims of the Nargis cyclone in Burma through effective and reliable local organizations

2) To build understanding and awareness about human rights abuses and the Nargis cyclone situations in Burma

3) To provide encouragement to both our friends from Burma and our friends who work on Burma issues in Thailand

4) To promote collaboration between Thai and international organizations working on Burma issues and civil society groups in Chiangmai

Activities

Part I 3.30-5.30 PM

Public forum on “Nargis cyclone: situations aid and drawing lesson learn from Tsunami in Thailand”

Speakers

- The Situation in Burma by Win Min, Chiangmai-based Burmese scholar

- Directions for short and long term aid: Experience from the Tsunami by Mr. Palakorn Wongkongkaew, Community Organization Development Institute (CODI)

- Situation analysis by Dr. Chayan Watthanphuti

Part II 6.00-10.00 PM

Fund raising concert “Friends of Burma”

- Painting auction by Thepsiri Suksopha and Thirayut Boonmii

- VCD “Salween Dams” by South East Asian River Network (SEARIN)

- “Song for Friends in Burma” by Thai and Burmese friends

Sunthree Wechanon, Bruke Kitawathana, Suwichanon, Sudsanan, Yenni & Took Brasserie, youth band from Burma

- Poem by Sanegdao Satthaman and Phaithoon Phomwichit

- Candle light mourning ceremony by Charm Tong

Part III Front area activities

Fund raising activities

- Photos by Saran Buunprasert, Thiraphap Lohitkun, Chirana Phitpreecha ect.

- Dolls by Udom Taephanit

- “Singing together” Street music

- Burmese food health and charity

- Fresh coffee from Luang Prabang cafe

- Donation box

Information and campaign

- Performance for Peace in Burma by Jakkrit Chimnok and Phadungsak Khotchasamrong

- Miss and Mr. Questions by youth from Burma

- Photos and information exhibitions about human rights and the Nagis cyclone in Burma

Friends

- Civil society groups in Chiangmai

- Regional Center for Sustainable Development (RCSD), Chiangmai University

- Friends from different organizations working on Burma issues in Chiangmai

- Artist friends from Burma and Thailand

- Non Government Organization Coordination Committee for Development in Northern Thailand

- Northern Young Development Workers Network

- Kabfai Community Theater Group

- South East Asia Rivers Network

- Youth Training for Development Project

- MAP Foundation

- Local Talk

- PNN News

- Community Forest Support Group

- Northern Development Foundation

- Sustainable Development Foundation

- Indigenous Peoples Network of Thailand

- Friends of Highland People

- Collaboration for Youth in the Mekong Region, Thai Volunteer Service (TVS)

MY Dream

2008-05-15T02:27:00.000-07:00

DHT LYRICS

"My Dream"

In my dreams there's a place without war
No more guns no more pain no more hurt
It's a world full of joy without sadness
People sing people dance with all happiness

[Chorus]
Take me to my dream
Love is everything
Where there is no war
And then children sing
Love is all around
It's the only thing
In a dream that must come true

In my dreams there's a place where it's clean
No more waste in the air and the sea
So this place will be pure and all healthy
You can live your life in heaven

[Chorus]

But I know it's just a dream
Will it ever change this life?
Hope one day it'll turn around
Into the place that I dream about

Take me to this dream
Love is everything
Where there is no war
And the children sing
Love is all around
It's the only thing
In a dream that must come true

[Thanks to Ramina (goincrzy22@yahoo.com) for these lyrics]
[Thanks to sara_sero@hotmail.com for correcting these lyrics]

[ www.azlyrics.com ]

the monasteries are the only source of shelter and food for Burma's poorest people

2008-05-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Provincial Coordinator with SAO SARY FOUNDATION_Kg. Speu based_Deadline: May 16, 2008

2008-05-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

SAO SARY FOUNDATION (SSF) is a nonprofit, nongovernment, nonpolitical, and impartial organization working to help poorest of the poor and vulnerable families in the Cambodia's poorest communities caring for their children and avoid them from all forms of violence, exploitations and abuse through Educational Sponsorship to the children whom living with those impoverished families and support to their parents to setup and expand various small businesses in their communities.
SSF is seeking a qualified student who studies Social Science or Computer Science or Business administration and management field to learn how to work with us for the position of Provincial Coordinator.
The successful applicant should have the following minimum qualifications and experience:
Verbal English written and spoken
At least two years study in related fields
Ability to supervise team work
Happy to work with and help poorest of the poor and vulnerable people to be a better aliveness
Ability to write and edit children and their families history and profile
Passed some skills or acquire knowledge on economic assessment especially individual and community economic assessment
Ability to meet deadlines and prepare monthly progress or narrative reports
Strong organization skills
Read more:
http://cambodiajobs.blogspot.com/2008/05/provincial-coordinator-with-sao-sary.html

Hundreds Die in Myanmar

2008-05-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

Youth ActionNet Global Fellowship Program

2008-04-29T01:46:00.000-07:00

Young Social Entrepreneurs Invited to Apply for YouthActionNet Global
Fellowship Program
Deadline: May 15, 2008
Young People working to bring about positive societal change in their communities are invited to apply for the YouthActionNet Global Fellows> Program. Each year, twenty exceptional young social entrepreneurs are selected as YouthActionNet Global Fellows. The year-long fellowship program provides opportunities in> skill-building, networking, and advocacy, including a seven-day, all-expenses paid, capacity-building retreat in Washington, D.C.; development of a customized learning plan based on individual leadership learning needs; networking with international and national aid agencies, NGOs, and corporate partners; peer-to- peer networking throughout the year; training in communications and media outreach; public relations technical assistance; and access to global advocacy platforms and media coverage as well as access to potential funding opportunities. The program is open to all young people between the ages of 18 and 29. Applicants should be founders of existing projects/organizations or leading a project within an organization. Proficiency in English is required; applications must be submitted in English. Applicants also must be available to attend the full retreat, November 1-8, 2008, in Washington, D.C. Visit the YouthActionNet Web site for complete program informa- tion and application procedures. RFP Link: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15012099/youthaction
For additional RFPs in Children and Youth, visit: http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_children.jhtml

Course on Sustainable Communities

2008-04-28T02:28:00.000-07:00

Helsinki University of Technology - UN-HABITAT - UNEP
in collaboration with
Asian Institute of Technology
Course on Sustainable Communities
Bridging the Gap between Research and Action
11th - 22nd August, 2008, BANGKOK, THAILAND
The Sustainable Communities Course gives practical examples and methods how to use city planning as a tool for sustainable development. Rapid and uncontrolled urbanization is one of the biggest development problems in the world. Sustainable urban planning can reduce the impacts on climate change by reducing the negative impact of transport, energy production and consumption as well as reduce major environmental issues facing cities such as natural disasters, floods, drought and air quality.
What to learn?
The course aims to bridge the knowledge gap between academia, local and central government in the field of sustainable urban planning. Course is structured to enhance communication, professional networking nationally and internationally and exchange of information between the participants and lecturers. The course is a combination of interactive learning techniques; keynote lectures, case study presentations, dialogue opportunities, field visits and workshops, providing improved understanding and capabilities on sustainable urban planning – know-why, know-what and know-how.
Who should apply?
Experienced individuals from academia, local and sub-national/central government and civil society with preferably experience in urban planning. Participants will preferably have a Masters or a Doctoral Degree. The course welcomes also experts in the fields of architecture, urban planning and engineering from universities and education centers from North and South.
Invited countries are: Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Mozambique, South Africa, Thailand, Cambodia, China (Yunnan province), Romania, Turkey and Finland. In addition there is a quota for participants from other countries.
The course language is English.
What for?
Local authorities will:
• Learn how to use tools, working methods and planning measures for developing sustainable community. • Improve understanding of the important input of civil society and participatory approaches. • Improve understanding of the importance of co-operating with researchers.
National authorities will:
• Improve understanding of local level issues and working methods and develop fruitful contacts nationally and internationally.
Researchers and civil society will:
• Improve understanding on how to contribute to local governance in providing professional analysis of current urban problems. • Have capabilities to present research outcomes in a user-friendly and pragmatic way.
Contact: Ulla.Heinonen@tkk.fi
More info: http://global.tkk.fi/Continuingeducation.html

The Announcement for Visiting Scholars and Small Research Grants, Year 2008-2009

2008-04-23T02:28:00.000-07:00

The Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD), Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University would like to inform you about the announcement for RCSD Visiting Scholar and Small Research Grants, Year 2008-2009. The fellowships aim to enhance capacity of human resources in the Mekong Region by using social sciences tools in exploring and understanding changes, relationships and complexity of issues such as transborder, resource management, ethnicity, cultural diversity, etc. in the context of regionalized development. It also aims to enhance understanding, information sharing and mutual learning regarding emerging issues of the Mekong Region, linked to a deeper and boarder conceptual understanding and analysis.

The Visiting Scholar Fellowships will be granted to academics, researchers, NGO workers from countries in the Mekong Region who would like to spend time in a dynamic multidisciplinary academic environment at RCSD for a period of three to six months. Fellows will be requested to write working papers based on their research projects and areas of their respective interests.

The Small Research Grants will provide the opportunity for interested people who are from both the academic and non-academic sectors such as a non-government organizations and media, etc to conduct research in the areas of social science and sustainable development focusing on the Mekong Region. Mid-career researchers, NGOs workers, development practitioners, and M.A and Ph.D. students who are pursuing their field research are eligible to applying for the research grants.

Both fellowships will be open to interested scholars, researchers, NGO workers, and media from countries in the Mekong Region whose citizenships were Thailand and neighboring countries in the Mekong Region namely; Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Southwest China only. RCSD will provide support which includes a monthly stipend, traveling costs, health insurance, books and supplies for the visiting scholars. As for Small Research Grants, the grant will also include monthly stipend, field research expenses and book and supplies.

Please find the announcement enclosed and an application form. It would be grateful if this information could be made available to the wider public and those who are interested applying for the fellowships. More information can be obtained by accessing our webpage: http://rcsd.soc.cmu.ac.th or contact us at rcsd@chiangmai.ac.th.

Internship in Thailand

2008-04-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

Thailand – Internships
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide network of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights. We are seeking to recruit Interns for the ICJ's Thailand Programme to be based in the Asia-Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok. The ICJ has a long history of offering young graduates or lawyers the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience in an organisation dedicated to the legal protection and promotion of human rights. The ICJ is offering three separate internships of six months each, based on a fixed-term agreement. Opportunities exist for both legal and non-legal internships. ICJ Interns become part of a team of junior support staff and their responsibilities are based on the intern's interests as well as the needs of the ICJ. All interns will be expected to undertake some administrative duties in addition to their substantive tasks. Interns are assigned a designated supervisor for the duration of their internship. Requirements Interns are generally expected to:be highly motivated and dedicated to the legal protection and promotion of human rights; aged between 22 - 28 years old at the commencement of their internship; hold a degree in law, international law, human rights law, international human rights law, or a related field;be able to work as part of a multicultural team and willing to apply themselves in a frequently pressurised environment; have spoken and written fluency in English and Thai. Conditions The intern will receive a fixed-term contract for up to 6 months;The ICJ is able to offer some financial remuneration. The intern will be responsible for all other expenses and costs incurred in undertaking the internship; and,All interns must hold valid working papers for Thailand. Applications If you are interested in one of the three internships with the ICJ's Bangkok office and fulfil the above requirements, please send a covering letter and CV/resume to "The Internship Coordinator" no later than:Internship 1: Period from 12 May to 11 November 2008 (6 months) - closing date of 19 April 2008;Internship 2: Period from 1 November to 31 March 2009 (6 months) - closing date of 30 September 2008;Internship 3: Period from 16 March to 15 September 2009 (6 months) - closing date of 31 January 2009.e-mail: soma@icj.org or International Commission of Jurists31 Phayathai Building (Room 918)Phayathai RoadRajatheviBangkok 10400

2008 Call for proposals for the Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility

2008-04-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

Please find below information for funding indigenous projects/activities from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Please get in touch directly with the Ms. Corpone, the Coordinator of the Fund for additional information and application.

********************The International Fund for Agricultural Development is inviting indigenous peoples' organizations and communities, and organizations that work with them, to apply for grants that fund micro projects and partnerships to promote the development of indigenous peoples and their unique cultural identity. Grants ranging from US$10,000 to US$30,000 will be awarded to applicants from IFAD's developing Member States through the Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility. You can find more information on application requirements and an application form at http://www.ifad.org/english/indigenous/grants/index.htm You can e-mail or mail your application to IFAD. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2008. IFAD will not accept applications after that date. E-mail your application to indigenouspeoples@ifad.org. Mail your application to: Antonella Cordone Coordinator for Indigenous and Tribal Issues Policy Division International Fund for Agricultural Development Via del Serafico, 107 00142 Rome Italy A board made up primarily of indigenous members will work with IFAD staff to consider the proposals and make recommendations.

4th Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands

2008-04-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

*Detailed information* http://www.globaloceans.org/globalconferences/2008/
> *CONFERENCE BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE*
> The 4th Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands will mobilize > high-level policy attention, topical working groups, analytical papers, and > other contributions to provide a review of progress achieved (or lack > thereof) in advancing ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean > management by 2010 at national and regional (transboundary) levels, and in > the 64% of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction, and on the allied goals > of reducing marine biodiversity loss by 2010 and of establishing networks of > marine protected areas by 2012 (goals adopted by the world's political > leaders at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development). These goals > are considered in the context of climate change, which, as indicated in the > 2007 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will > have profound effects on ecosystems and coastal populations around the > world. > [image: Vietnam] > The conference will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam. The second fastest-growing > economy in Asia, Vietnam has made significant strides in coastal and marine > management in recent years through the development of integrated coastal > management, marine protected areas, and a national ocean strategy. Vietnam > was recently chosen as the first "pilot" country in the UN's effort to unify > the work of its agencies at the national level through its "One UN" pilot > program, the result of the High-Level Panel on UN System-wide Coherence in > areas of Development, Humanitarian Assistance and the Environment (enhanced > UN coherence was also adopted as a goal of the world's political leaders at > the World Summit on Sustainable Development).
> The Global Conference is organized by the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, > and Islands, and by the Government of Vietnam, with the leadership of the > Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) - Fisheries, and with > leadership roles by a number of organizations. Key ocean-oriented > governments, nongovernmental organizations, and industry are being invited, > as well, to play a pivotal role in the organization of the Conference and > the dissemination of its outputs. The Global Forum Steering Committee, > responsible for organizing the conference, may be found at the end of this > announcement. [image: Palm Trees on Vietnam Coast]
> *CONFERENCE THEMES*
> The Conference will focus on three major themes related to achieving > ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean management at national > and regional levels, and in areas beyond national jurisdiction, as follows:
> *Theme 1. Achieving Ecosystem management and integrated coastal and ocean > management by 2010*
> 1. Cross-Cutting Issues > 2. Large Marine Ecosystems > 3. Marine Biodiversity and Networks of Marine Protected Areas > 4. Linking the Management of Freshwater, Oceans, and Coasts > 5. Fisheries and Aquaculture-Sustainability and Governance > 6. Enhancing Ocean Use Access Agreements in the Exclusive Economic > Zones (EEZs) of Developing Nations > 7. Maritime Transportation
> *Theme 2. Climate, Oceans, and Security: Addressing Impacts in Vulnerable > Ecosystems and in Vulnerable Coastal Communities, especially in Small Island > Developing States (SIDS) *
> 1. Cross-Cutting Issues– i) Vulnerable Communities (Adaptation, > Environmental Refugees, Public Health); ii) Vulnerable Ecosystems (Natural > Disasters, Sea Level Rise, Ocean Acidification, Ocean Warming) > 2. Small Island Developing States and the Mauritius Strategy
> *Theme 3. Addressing the Governance of Marine Ecosystems and Uses in Areas > Beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction*
> 1. Cross-Cutting Issues– i) Overall Governance Issues; ii) > Ecosystems and Uses (Marine Biodiversity, Fisheries, Bioprospecting, Deep > Seabed Mining, Tourism, Maritime Transportation)
> *Overarching, Cross-cutting Issues*
> 1. Capacity Development > 2. Marine Ecosystem Productivity/Services > 3. Indicators for Progress > 4. Compliance and Enforcement > 5. Public Education/Outreach/Media
> *CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS*
> Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands > Government of Vietnam (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, > national focal point) > Global Environment Facility > GEF International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network (IWLEARN) > Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO > Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy, University of Delaware > World Ocean Network > International Coastal and Ocean Organization > Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia > (PEMSEA) > The Nippon Foundation, Japan > U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration > Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Republic of Korea > Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia > Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada

Youth Solidarity Fund

2008-04-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Dear everyone,
Part of the initiative to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance after the WCAR 2001 is the Alliance of Civilizations (AoC). Established in 2005 at the initative of the Governments of Spain and Turkey, under the auspices of the United Nations, it aims to improve understanding and cooperative relations among nations and peoples across cultures and religions and, in the process, to help counter the forces that fuel polarization and extremism. Working in partnership with governments, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector, the Alliance is supporting a range of projects and initiatives aimed at building bridges among a diversity of cultures and communities. It is developing an online clearinghouse of best practices, materials and resources on cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation projects as well as a Rapid Response Media Mechanism to provide platforms for constructive debate and opinion during times of increased tensions around cross-cultural issues. AoC has a strong commitment on youth participation. It has set up a Youth Solidarity Fund which is detailed in this weblink: http://www.unaoc.org/content/view/93/128/lang,english
Below is the text of the webpage. Please get in touch directly with the Alliance Secretariat at AoC Secretariat for more information and for application. Take note that the deadline for application to the fund is April 30, 2008. Cheers, Bernice

Conflict Transformation Studies course

2008-04-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Colleagues in Peace work,

We are now taking applications for the 2008 - 2010 course - MA program in Applied Conflict Transformation Studies which starts in November 2008. If you would like to apply or know someone who would be suitable for this program please ask them to contact myself (emma@online.com.kh) or Vong Bopha, ACTS Course Administrator (acts@online.com.kh) for applications forms. Please see the brochure attached for more information. The deadline for applications is June 16, 2008.

Emma Leslie
DirectorCentre for Peace and Conflict Studies
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The 10th Asia Pacific Networking Group (APNG) Camp

2008-03-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

Fellowship Program
Overview:
The 10th Asia Pacific Next Generation (APNG) Camp is planned to be held on 11 - 15 August 2008 at the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand.
Theme: “APNG - ICT vision from, by and for Next Generation”
The APNG Camp is:
*
Where future Internet leaders in the AP Region meet together. *
Where AP Seniors and the Next Generation learn and work together. *
Where AP perspective of the Internet is shared and discussed.
Keeping the fact in our mind that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, APNG and its camp activities are not only empowering the Next Generation who has the power of developmental assets and an innovative and fresh point of view on Internet Technology but also bonding and strengthening relationship among senior leaders and the youth to share and discuss over perspectives of today’s Internet in Asia Pacific.
Our very FIRST camp was held in Bangkok in year 2002 and even since its inception, we had successfully organized nine camps in the past whereas the recent one was the 9th organized in Xi’an, China in conjunction with 24th APAN Meeting. Celebrating the 10th APNG Camp is an important milestone in APNG history and achievements.
The APNG Camp Committee now cordially invites qualified applicants to apply for fellowship funding to participate in 10th APNG Camp in Thailand.
Who can participate?
The APNG Camp Fellowship Program targets personnel from developing countries who are actively involved in Internet development, in any of the following roles:
* Young network architects/developers/engineers. * Young decision makers in government, educational, non-government, commercial, non-profit sectors related to Internet development. * Young on-line activists in (and not limited to) social science, business, environment, gender equivalence, entertainment, etc.
Award Package
1.
Fellowship for International Applicants
Fellowship package will cover camp registration fees, local accommodation and local transportations and (full/part of) the roundtrip cheapest economy airfare. Lunch, Refreshments and Dinner will be provided during camp period.
2.
Fellowship for Local Applicants
This is a special fellowship package to encourage participation from Thai youth who are interested/involved in Internet Technology Development. Local fellowship package will cover registration fees, local accommodation (fellows from outside greater Bangkok area only) and local transportation (train-fare/bus-fare). Lunch, Refreshments and Dinner will be provided during camp period.
The final grant size is determined according to final costs and available funding, of which successful applicants will be duly informed.
Eligibility:
The fellowship recipients will be selected based on:
1.
Residency in a developing country 2. Full-time student of a university or college (public or private), or 3. Employed by Internet-related company and in the age less than 35 years old 4. Willingness to return to APNG Camp as a presenter or trainer in future 5. Willingness to work with APNG Working Groups 6. Willingness and capability to present your country's culture/heritage/traditions/costume 7. Presentation materials and a 2-page paper submitted for APNG Camp “Call for Presentation”. The presentations/papers are expected to align with one of the following working groups (WG): 1. Internet Technologies WG 2. Internet Culture & Blog WG 3. Internet History Museum WG 4. Live-E & DUMBO WG 5. Natural Disaster Recovery Management and e- Health
Please refer CFP page for further details on working groups.
Applicants from any part of the world will be considered, however it is expected that the majority of fellows selected will be from Asia-Pacific region.
Applications will first be reviewed by APNG Camp Committee and APNG Fellowship Selection Committee will then select those who meet the above-mentioned selection criteria in their final decision. The 10th APNG Camp Fellowship Selection Committee is led by Mr. Tommy Matsumoto and constituted by APNG Steering Committee and APNG Camp Committee.

Schedule:
The following deadlines will apply to the APNG 10th Camp Fellowship Program:
* Public Announcement: 2 January 2008 * Applications Deadline: * 29 March 2008 (extended) * Selection Announcement: 15 April 2008
Application:
Please kindly fill the application in English in the following format:
* Name and affiliation: * Age: * Gender: * Nationality: * Contact email address: * Your qualifications and/or experience (Preferred in point form): * Why do you want to join APNG Camp and how would you like to contribute to the APNG Camp? (Limit to 500 words) * Key terms or topic of presentation: * Description of presentation (between 250 and 500 words): o Authors should aim for presentations of 15 to 20 minutes duration, including question time. * How you would present your countries ethnicity in 10th APNG (Do something really unique to represent your ethnicity).
Any inquiries about the Fellowship, please contact apng-sec@apng.org .
To apply, please submit your Application with full details to the APNG Camp Committee, by email to <camp-fp@apng.org>. Along with the application for fellowship, the applicant must also submit a 2-page paper as well as accompanying presentation material for speech opportunity in the APNG Camp. Refer to 'Call for Presentation' for details.
For more information at http://www.apng.org/

The ADB's annual meeting

2008-03-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

The ADB's annual meeting is coming up in a month and a half, 3-6 of May.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBSCRIPTION TO THE OFFICIAL EVENT IS *MARCH 15TH.*

We are working to coordinate logistics and programming, to maximize our collective advocacy impact. Please read the following information and kindly reply to questions we put forth together with the information about people coming to the event by next Wed *March 19st *the latest.
The most crucial information we need immediately is where participating groups are in their registration process for the official conference. If you plan to attend or you plan to invite people partners from the region and haven't secured an invitation to register, this needs to be done within the next week. If you need help please let us know.
The next urgency will be receiving visas, for our colleagues coming in from around the region. Again, we can assist in this process with a letter of invitation from partner groups, but we need an indication from you.
Please fill out and return our logistics questionnaire at your earliest convenience, for improved coordination.
As always, please communicate with us about your plans and how we can assist.
SECTIONS: 1. Advocacy Opportunities / Program 2. Logistics Update 3. Questionnaire 4. Calendar 5. Upcoming Call Schedule

*1. ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES / PROGRAM*
Core messaging around this meeting is still being discussed. This will continue to be sharpened in the coming weeks, prior to the event. The message has to come from the regional groups and try to find common themes with Spanish/ European groups. We also need to think of a rather simple media message/ hook.
*A) ADB Spaces:* Official events and unofficial events. We as usual will have a space within the premises of the annual meeting and we will also look for alternative events outside to have our own events. However during the annual meeting our press conferences should probably take place inside the meetings premises to maximize the presence of the press.
Meetings with the ADB officials: (YTD yet to be determined).
*B) Civil Society Spaces:* Outside of the official program, there will be YTD events organized by different groups. The EU coordinator is working on finding spaces for our events.
Ideas: workshops, panel discussion or debate between civil society and ADB officials on any number of topics, workshops, press conferences, mirror mobilization in dif.countries, etc.
*C) Media:* We need to form our media team and have an experienced point person in Europe / Asia.
Ideas for materials: Should we plan on producing a "daily civil society magazine? For this, we need your participation, even if you aren't going to be at the conference, contributions in the form of relevant articles would be appreciated. We will be in touch soon to solicit short articles and case studies from you to highlight our explicit concerns about the ADB and how they are operating in the region.
*2. ADB AGM LOGISTIC UPDATE*
*Registration:* If you are not registered, but would like to be, we need to know as soon as possible! The deadline to request accreditation is March 15th but it usually takes more than one step. If you need help please let us know.
*Visas:* Once you are registered and are requesting a visa, we can assist with letters of support for the Spanish. Embassy in your country. In some cases, people are asking for letters directly from the ADB, though the later it gets, the less feasible it will be to get those. Europe based NGO allies could also send such letters.
*Arrival:* The dates of the actual ADB meeting are Saturday May 3rd through Tuesday May 6th. However people *should arrive a day or two before to join the events of May 1st, International Labour day and for a strategy meeting on Friday May 2nd and a welcoming party, the Spanish way on the evening of the 2nd.*
*Housing:* The Forty-First Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank will be held from 3 to 6 May 2008 at the Institución Ferial de Madrid (IFEMA) <http://www.ifema.es/convenciones/default_i.html>in Madrid, Spain. Ideally, the NGO representatives should stay as close together as possible, which will facilitate activity planning and coordination. It is very likely that we will be staying in a hotel in Barajas, the same town than the airport is at. Its only 2 metro stops away from the ADB venue.
The name of the Hotel is IBIS Hotel, in Avenida General, 49, 28042 Madrid Phone number is (34) 91 301 09 99 and Fax (34) 305 73 50. The person we are talking to is Dominic Simon.
*Transportation:* The best way to get to the hotel is to take the metro, the stop is Barajas Metro Station which is 8 min.walk to the hotel. Alternatively if you send us your flight information we can arrange a shuttle to pick you up for 7 Euros per person. The cheapest way to get into town and to the ADB's venue is to take the metro which will cost you around 3 Euros. Buying a 10 trip pass upon arrival is probably your best bet. Keep in mind you need a 1 E supplement to get to and from the airport.
*Questions:* If you have further logistics questions, please direct them toward Paulina Novo, EU coordinator for the Forum { pn...@forum-adb.org } or Hemantha Withanage heman...@forum-adb.org
*3. QUESTIONNAIRE FOR PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS*
Who from your organization is planning to come? (Please include organization full name, title, cell phone number, and e-mail address and passport number and country that issues it)
What dates will they be in Spain? Date of arrival and date of departure
Do you/ they need accommodation? Do you/ they have any dietary, medical special needs?
What are you planning or would like to see regarding outside civil society programs or events?
Which project/policy advocacy you want to bring to the Madrid AGM? Whom you are planning to meet?
What short written materials you want to contribute for the NGO publications? These could be overall thematic critiques or specific problematic case studies.
Do you have someone who can participate on the Media Team? Are there any of your representatives you would like to serve as a CSO spokesperson?
Note: Those who are planning to attend should write to heman...@forum-adb.org or pn...@forum-adb.org on or before March , 2008
*4) CALENDAR* Note: this is preliminary and will be updated in the coming weeks, especially as civil society groups organize their events. Even the calendar of official events is still being set , we will need your feed back to know what events we want to organize.
For the full list of official events, please see: http://www.adb.org/AnnualMeeting/2008/program-events.asp
DAY UNOFFICIAL OFFICIAL Thursday May 1st Arrival of NGOs, participate on May 1st Spanish events (May be even a day before? We need to discuss) Participant registration Friday May 2nd Morning: Press briefing breakfast (YTD) Labour standards panel (?) Participant registration Friday May 2nd Daytime: NGOs arrive Evening: Spanish Happy hour / dinner- Don't miss it!
Friday, May 3rd (Day 1) Press conference Energy panel (?)- Greenpeace, Setem, others
Saturday, May 4th (Day 2) 4:30 Safeguard panel (?) 4:30 "Institutional Investors' Roundtable: Current Market Turmoil". Sunday, May 5th (Day 3) 4:30 Safeguard panel (?) 14:30 on "Economic Integration and Financial Market Stability Monday, May 6th (Day 4) -do-
Tuesday, May 7th (day 5) Morning: Closure of the events Afternoon: departure
* * *Other ideas on the table:*
- ADB members in Q&A with relevant ADB staff on audit/anticorruption, information disclosure, or the accountability mechanism - Energy round table: biofuels, extractives, hydro (Greenpeace, Setem, FoE (?), others) - Mirror events/ international day of action in Asia, demonstration at ADB venues in the region - Linking events to Alianza Continental events in Lima (Mid May) ; counter forum of Water in Zaragoza (April); - Invite people from Bank of the South/ Venezuela - Street Theater - Concert of famous leftist group/ singer in solidarity - Join the International Labour Day events (1st of May)
* * *5) CONFERENCE CALL SCHEDULED FOR March 18 or 19th. Please send your preference by Monday 17th.*
General Call: Point person: Paulina Novo, NGO Forum on ADB pn...@forum-adb.org
Media Working Group:. Point person: Romil Hernandez, ro...@forum-adb.org
--

OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2009

2008-03-19T21:23:00.001-07:00

Indigenous Fellowship Programme

The Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) was launched by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the context of the first International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples (1995/2004).
The aim of the programme is to give indigenous peoples the opportunity to gain knowledge on the UN system and mechanisms dealing with human rights in general and indigenous issues in particular so they can assist their organizations and communities in protecting and promoting the rights of their people. In its first decade, more than 100 indigenous men and women from 46 countries undertook the programme. They provided human rights training to many more in their communities.
The IFP is accessible in four different languages: English, French, Spanish and Russian. The programme -in its four linguistic versions- is held annually. Each language version has developed slightly differently and generally runs from 2 to 4 months. The selected candidates are entitled to a return flight ticket, living expenses and health insurance.
Who can apply?
1. The candidate must be indigenous (non-indigenous persons will not be taken into consideration, even if they have close links with indigenous communities and/or organizations).
2. Age should not be a limitation to participation in the programme, although preference should be given to candidates in the age-bracket 25-35 years.
3. Formal education should not be a limitation to participation in the IFP given the socio-economic barriers confronted by many indigenous peoples that limit access to formal educational institutions.
4. Candidates should agree to train other indigenous persons after the return to their respective communities/organizations.
5. The candidate should be proposed and his/her candidacy supported by his/her indigenous organization and/or community. It is desirable that the sponsoring organization has a firm constituency or membership and that it is representative.
6. The candidate should have a good working knowledge of the language, in which the programme is imparted.
Selection process
The selection of fellows reflects a gender and a regional balance. The general human rights situation in the respective regions/countries is also taken into consideration.
A pre-selection of 15 (first five preferences and 10 alternates) candidates is made by previous indigenous fellows. The final selection of successful candidates is undertaken by an advisory group composed of indigenous persons.
In view of the large number of applications, we regret to inform that only successful candidates will be contacted.
How to apply?
Fellowship applications will only be taken into consideration if they are fully completed. Both parts I and II must be signed and faxed or sent by regular post at the following address:
Indigenous Peoples and Minorities UnitOffice of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human RightsUNOG-OHCHRCH-1211 Geneva 10SwitzerlandTelefax number: (+41 22) 928 90 66
E-mailed applications will not be taken into consideration, unless both parts I and II are signed and scanned.
Application forms need to be accompanied by an official recommendation letter from the nominating indigenous organization or community.
Any questions pertaining to the Indigenous Fellowship Programme can be sent to the address mentioned above or E-mailed to: fellowship@ohchr.org

Tibet - support the Dalai Lama

2008-03-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hi,
I just signed an urgent petition calling on the Chinese government to respect human rights in Tibet and engage in meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama. This is really important, and I thought you might want to take action:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/tibet_end_the_violence/98.php/?cl_tf_sign=1

After nearly 50 years of Chinese rule, the Tibetans are sending out a global cry for change. But violence is spreading across Tibet and neighbouring regions, and the Chinese regime is right now considering a choice between increasing brutality or dialogue, that could determine the future of Tibet and China. We can affect this historic choice. China does care about its international reputation. Its economy is totally dependent on "Made in China" exports that we all buy, and it is keen to make the Olympics in Beijing this summer a celebration of a new China that is a respected world power. President Hu needs to hear that 'Brand China' and the Olympics can succeed only if he makes the right choice. But it will take an avalanche of global people power to get his attention. Click below to join me and sign a petition to President Hu calling for restraint in Tibet and dialogue with the Dalai Lama -- and tell absolutely everyone you can right away. The petition is organized by Avaaz, and they are urgently aiming to reach 1 million signatures to deliver directly to Chinese officials:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/tibet_end_the_violence/98.php/?cl_tf_sign=1

Thank you so much for your help!

Press release by Karenni Development Research Group

2008-03-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Press release by Karenni Development Research Group on March 14, 2008, International Day of Action for Rivers Land-mine injuries and forced labour precede Chinese investment in new Karenni hydropower project Eight villagers have been injured by landmines when forced by the Burma Army to clear land around the two Lawpita hydropower plants near Loikaw, as Chinese investors start construction of a third power plant in the area. The injuries occurred on December 11, 2007, when the commander of Burma Army Light Infantry Battalion 261 ordered hundreds of villagers from Noe Goe village tract to work in the land-mine infested area. According to research by KDRG, over 18,000 land mines have been laid by the Burma Army around the Lawpita power plants since they were constructed with Japanese bilateral aid decades ago. Human rights abuses such as these have stalled further Japanese aid to build the long-planned No. 3 Lawpita hydropower plant. However, residents of Loikaw have been told that Chinese investors are now preparing to build the new plant. In January 2008 local authorities began confiscating land in Daw Mu Kalah village near Loikaw and forcing villagers to clear the land and lay foundations for the construction of the plant, which will have an installed capacity of 84 megawatts. The No 1 and 2 Lawpita power stations have been producing 168 megawatts of electricity, mainly transmitted to Rangoon , Mandalay and other major cities in central Burma . Most of Karenni State receives no electricity at all, while the Karenni people continue to bear the impacts of the project. Land-mine fatalities have occurred repeatedly since the construction of the plants. On May 29, 2007, a 14-year-old girl from Lay Maing, Dee Mow Soe township died after stepping on a land mine while tending her cows near one of the power pylons. "The Lawpita hydropower projects have turned our farms into minefields. On this International Day of Action for Rivers, we urge China to consider the human costs of investing in such projects," said Moe Moe Aung of KDRG. Chinese and Thai companies are also planning five dams along the Salween River in Burma , which will permanently alter Southeast Asia 's longest undammed river and impact indigenous communities, including the Karenni.. Contact:Moe Moe AungPhone: 0899571867Email: kdrg05@yahoo.com For further information on the negative impacts of the Lawpita hydropower plants see the report "Dammed by Burma 's Generals" by KDRG on www.salweenwatch.org

Mekong ICT camp photo

2008-03-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

Mekong ICT camp at Pattaya

2008-03-11T02:36:00.000-07:00

Call for Participation - COP 9, Bonn Germany

2008-03-10T20:53:00.002-07:00

***Call for Participation* *** Please circulate widely.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS 18 March 2008.

The CBD Alliance supports "Southern" (from 'developing' countries and
countries with economies in transition) civil society representatives,
and Indigenous and local community participation in Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) and CBD-related meetings. We have
approximately six spaces (airfare, visa costs, per diem, hotel ) to
support participation in the following meetings:

1. Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
(COP-MOP 4) 12-16 May 2008, Bonn Germany
Please see http://www.cbd. int/doc/? meeting=MOP- 04 for full agenda
and documents. Issues to be discussed include (but not limited to):
Handling, transport, packaging and identification of living modified
organisms (Article 18)
Risk assessment and risk management (Articles 15 and 16).
Liability and redress (Article 27).
Subsidiary bodies (Article 30).
Monitoring and reporting (Article 33).
Assessment and review (Article 35).
Socio-economic considerations (paragraph 2, Article 26).
Public awareness and participation (paragraph 1, Article 23).
Options for implementation of the notification requirement under Article 8.

2. Ninth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on
Biological Diversity (COP 9) 19 - 30 May 2008, Bonn Germany.

Please see http://www.cbd. int/doc/? meeting=COP- 09 for full agenda
and all documents. Issues to be discussed include (but not limited
to):

Agricultural biodiversity.
Invasive alien species.
Forest biodiversity.
Incentive measures.
Ecosystem approach.
Progress in the implementation of the Strategic Plan and progress
towards the 2010 target.
Financial resources and the financial mechanism.
Access and benefit-sharing.
Article 8(j) and related provisions.
Biodiversity and climate change.
Biodiversity of dry and sub-humid lands.
Protected areas.
Biodiversity of inland waters.
Marine and coastal biodiversity.
Island biodiversity.
Global Taxonomy Initiative.
Liability and redress.
Guidance to the financial mechanism.

Please note: We have found that participants with some experience with
the issues are most effective at fora such as the Conference of the
Parties Please do not apply for this funding unless you have direct
experience with the issues to be discussed at these meetings (at
either local, national, or international levels). We also find that
those most successful participants have a plan for how they will
participate in these meetings: what issues they will press forward,
and how. Please familiarize yourself with the agenda and documents on
the secretariat websites noted above prior to applying.

If you are interested, please fill out the application below, also
available on www.cbdalliance. org. DO NOT SEND CVs/Resumes - FILL OUT
THE APPLICATION AND BE AS BRIEF AS POSSIBLE.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS 18 March 2008.
Applications received after this date will not be considered.

PLEASE EMAIL APPLICATIONS TO Swati Shresth (swatishresth@ gmail.com).
Please put "CBD Alliance Application" in the subject of your email.

Application Process:

The Advisory Board to the CBD Alliance is responsible for selecting
participants. This advisory board is regionally balanced civil society
and also has specific representation for Indigenous Peoples, Women,
and youth. The board has been openly nominated and supported through
the biodiv_civsoc listserve. Upon receiving applications, regional
advisory board members make recommendations to the full advisory
board, who is responsible for the final decision making. Please
contact Swati Shresth at swatishresth@ gmail.com for more information
on the advisory board and the process we use to select participants.
Or see www.cbdalliance. org for more information including the current
advisory board.

You will receive notification of the results by 31 March 2008. If
selected you are required to either accept or decline the support
within 3 days of receiving notice. Following this, selected
participants must follow the deadlines communicated by the coordinator
in order to facilitate prompt travel arrangements. Failure to comply
with these deadlines will result in a reallocation of funding to other
applicants.

Funding Disbursement:

For those selected, the Alliance prefers to reimburse participants
(individuals/ organizations) after the event upon receiving the
original receipts, signed invoices and the final report (see
application form for more information on the report). This is for
accounting purposes. However, exceptions can be made for candidates
requiring pre-financing (for airfare only, hotel and perdiems will be
paid at the meeting, all other expenses are reimbursed following
receipt of all receipts and reports).

About the CBD Alliance

The CBD Alliance is a loose network of activists, NGOs, local
community representatives and Indigenous Peoples representatives
advocating for improved and informed participation in Convention on
Biological Diversity processes - particularly the participation of
Southern NGOs, Indigenous Peoples and Community Based Organizations.
We currently moderate an email listserve of over 250 activists around
the CBD. See www.cbdalliance. org for more information. The Alliance
is currently hosted by Kalpavriksh, an environmental NGO Based in
Pune, India. See http://www.kalpavri ksh.org/ for more information.

Application Form

Please fill out the following application form. Please do not send CVs
or resumes.

I. Contact and Affiliation Details
Name:
Organizational Affiliation:
Address:
Email:

II. Meetings you would like to attend
Please note clearly the meetings you would like to attend (MOP 4 and/or COP 9).

III. Information about yourself
Please answer the following questions. Please be brief (less than 400
words in total). Successful candidates are generally those who have
clear, specific plans of what they hope to achieve at the meetings
beyond general 'learning'.

What is your experience with biodiversity issues (local, national,
regional, international) , in particular, we would like to know what
experience you have with issues being discussed at these meetings.
Please be specific. If you are applying for both meetings please
reference your experience with issues on both agendas.

Explain briefly why you want to participate in these meetings, and
what you hope to gain from participating. What issues do you hope to
bring forward, particularly in relation to the issues under
discussion? What groups will you work with, and how will you make the
views of your organization or community known?

Please outline any experience you have within international processes.

IV Participation in civil society strategy sessions and training session
All selected participants new to the CBD process, or relatively new,
are required to attend the inaugural Civil Society capacity building
day on 16 May 2008. This means arriving in Bonn on 15 May. In
addition, the Alliance, along with its partners, will be hosting
sessions on the weekend prior to COP 9 to allow for information
sharing, further capacity building and joint strategy building. All of
our supported participants are expected to participate in these
sessions. Please indicate if you will be able to attend these
sessions, which requires arriving one or two days before the official
secretariat meetings. Please answer Yes or No.

V Languages spoken
While we endeavor to make this process open, we struggle with
interpretation costs. Please list all languages you are able to work
in, so we can best anticipate and plan for your needs, if you should
be selected.

NOTE:
Each funded participant is required to write a brief, but analytical
report from the meeting outlining what happened, what was achieved,
and their participation. We also strongly encourage selected
applicants to contribute an article to the production of the ECO - the
civil society newsletter (please see www.cbdalliance. org). It is
expected that each selected participant will actively and fully
participate in the proceedings.
KINDLY CC YOUR APPLICATION TO ASIA INDIGENOUS PEOPLES PACT FOUNDATION
aipp@aippfoundation .org.
Mekong Alumni will collaborate to promote harmonious relationships
between Humans and the Environment.