Ziwira November Issue 2015

November Issue 11 2015

W W W. Z I W I R A . C O M

BUILDING A GREEN FUTURE

SUSTAINABLE

ConsideRing a CaReeR in

Renewable

eneRgy? Dr. Salih N. Akour, of the University of Sharjah, sheds light on the importance of renewable energy education

ReCyCled plastiC bRiCk Roads +

ONE-ON-ONE WITH JAN D’SA:

ENVIRONMENTALIST, ARTIST & WRITER

leading enviRonMental Change in the Middle east Bee’ah has set a benchmark for rest of the world in environmental and waste management

Plus: There’s a new eco-beast in town, going by the name of Porsche 918 Spyder

CONTENTS

Building a green future

Ziwira november 2015

NEWS & EVENTS 10

Stay informed with the most important local

40

and international green news, to make headlines in the past month

LOCAL 14 6th Waste Management

Middle East Forum

An effort to achieve excellence through integrated and effective sustainable waste management practices

16 Eye on Earth UAE’s capital proudly hosted the 2nd Eye on Earth Summit from October 6-8, at the grand St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

19 MOEW Supports World

IEQ Forum

The World IEQ Forum focused on sharing knowledge on the policy and technology related advances in indoor environmental quality to ensure the health and well-being of the people

COVER STORY

INDUSTRY

FEATURE

20 LoadME Transforms Freight

24 Leading Environmental

Industry

LoadMe realizes the need for a more unified freight industry in Dubai, where truck loads are used to their full potential, reducing CO2 emissions

22 Aviation Industry Commits to

Sustainable Future

Major players sign open letter and sent a reminder to governments, calling for reduction in the industry’s carbon footprint

Change in the Middle East

Bee’ah has set a benchmark for rest of the world by adapting to international best practices in environmental and waste management

28 Detrimental Effects of

Mining on Fish Populations In our present age of industrialization, fish, like other marine species, have been dying out in mass numbers, due to over-fishing, climate change, and pollution from mining

www.ziwira.com

november Issue 11 2015

business

COVER STORY

30 Ford Conservation &

40 Considering a Career in

Environmental Grants

Renewable Energy?

Ford celebrates 15 years of helping commu-

Dr. Salih N. Akour, Associate Professor at the

nities with their environmental projects by

University of Sharjah, sheds light on the im-

expanding to include North African coun-

portance of renewable energy, and how the

tries

University is preparing a new generation of ecological thinkers by means of its Sustain-

32 Palm Lights, a Business

Based On Integrity

Palm Lights produces unique, eco-friendly candles made from palm wax. Founder, Bhawna Sehra shares her thoughts on business integrity

able and Renewable Energy Engineering Program

WORLD 44 Ancient Climate Change In Central China, scientists have discovered

35 Powering Yemen Dubai solar company assists Yemen amidst ongoing conflict and lack of infrastructure

REAL ESTATE 36 EGBC Releases Guidelines

centuries-old writing on the walls of a cave, that when pieced together, tell an intriguing tale of the impact of drought upon an ancient society.

46

for Retrofitting

These guidelines for retrofitting existing buildings could help you ‘green’ your next Real Estate project

32

GREEN PERSONALITY 46 Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh

PM, is Champion of the Earth

Her Excellency, Sheikh Hasina is the Prime Minister of one of the most disaster prone countries in the world and one of the worst affected by climate change www.ziwira.com

48

58

LIFESTYLE 48 Nourish Your Skin with

Aromatherapy

Nobody likes to age. However, there are many natural and organic ways to look younger and have a healthier skin

50 Ways to Cut Electricity

62

Consumption in the Dessert A cooling system is essential for those living in desert countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Find out how using local resources can make this more eco-friendly

BEAUTY 54 Organic Glow Beauty Lounge Enjoy a relaxing beauty treatment that is completely green and safe for both the body and the environment

FASHION 56 Art Nouveau Meets Ethical

Cosmetics

FOOD 62 Yummy… Camel Milk!

Creamy, delicious, wholesome and sustainable. Here’s why camel’s milk is referred to as ‘The Milk of Life’

66 Germany Emerges as

Prime Spot for Natural Foods Germany, known for its high living standards and thriving economy, now also has plans to ban GMO crops, and hosts one of the first successful zero-waste grocery stores.

LeSoie, a Belgium-based beauty company operating in Dubai, has combined the quirkiness of Art Nouveau, with organic, 100% halal products

58 Could this be the Most

HEALTH 70 The Hazards of Medical

Waste

Sustainable Shoe?

Medical waste is one of the biggest threats

Fashion trends are stubborn and difficult to al-

to metropolitan growth. As Dubai increas-

ter. But one brand has managed to usurp the

es its healthcare facilities, it must also find

established rules of play

safe ways to manage the waste

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november Issue 11 2015

INTERVIEW

ENTERTAINMENT

72 Jan D’Sa: Embodiment of

94 Book: Confessions of an

a Free Spirit

Eco-Sinner

It’s not often you meet someone as intriguing

Fred Pearce sets off on an epic journey of

as Jan D’Sa - writer, artist, environmentalist,

more than 20 countries to try and trace the

academic, and an avid traveler

origins of our clothing, computers, furniture and food, and the social and environmental

AUTO 76 Caught in the Spyder’s

Charm

There’s a new eco-beast in town, going by the name of Porsche 918 Spyder

conditions under which they were manufactured

95 Art Inspired by Climate

Change

Mary Iverson’s artwork has a subtle, but determined message about climate change

ECO-TECH 80 Recycled Plastic Brick Roads Plastic isn’t so fantastic, with trillions of pieces littering the oceans each year. A Dutch construction firm has unveiled plans to create new

76

brick roads made entirely from recycled plastic

82 Solar-Powered Classrooms

Connect Students to Technology

Computers are an essential part of our information age, yet many traditional schools lack adequate training, facilities and access to information technology. See how a new technology can change this

WILDLIFE 84 Orangutans: Orange People

of the Forest

TRAVEL 96 Time Hotel Group Time Hotel Group in Dubai recognizes that all associates and guests have an important role to play in protecting the environment for future generations, by achieving sound environmental practices across the entire operation

98 An Encounter with

Finland’s Top Predator Brown bears are considered a high priority in conservation and Finland remains one of

Like all of the Great Apes, orangutans are fac-

the ideal places to encounter these amaz-

ing extinction. We explore the current status

ing creatures in their natural habitat

of orangutans, and the threats they face in a modern world

88 Welcome Wildlife Home

100 Weekend Getaway in

Sri Lanka

Sometimes a bit of peace and tranquility is

Create a wildlife garden in your very own back-

all you need, to contrast your busy subur-

yard and do your bit for nature conservation

ban lifestyle www.ziwira.com

The Whale I read a story about a whale, We’ve never met, but we connect.

I am small in his world, but my problems seem grand.

I busy myself with work, travel, consuming Yet whales are dying at my hand.

My actions multiplied by a billion trillion, We each think we have no consequence But put together we are warming the oceans With our greenhouse gases and pollution Out there the whale swims in his enchanting ocean world Aloof from us all, unknowing of the plight we befall In his grandeur, he is suffering, how will he send us his message for help?

That beautiful leathery body, strong, majestic, created in magnificence He may be big, but in his eyes there is a soul Like me, like you, he has a life, and a purpose Which we may never understand I don’t know him, he doesn’t know me, But somewhere out there is a whale who is dying to live We’ve never met, but we connect.

UNKNOWN

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BuIldIng a green future

Publisher Ziwira

november Issue 11 2015

EDITORIAL Renewable Energy Generates Sustainable Careers

On one hand, when the world oil production is advancing toward a plateau, energy demand elevating to new heights and the fossil fuel industry is under rigorous scrutiny, one may be wary of the em-

Vice President / General Manager

ployment structure of the conventional energy industries, such as oil. IRENA recently estimated that

Peter Sorensen

renewable energy jobs reached 6.5 million in 2013. In decreasing order, the largest employers were

peter.sorensen@ziwira.com

China, Brazil, the United States, India, Germany, Spain and Bangladesh.

Editorial

With a contemporary focus on the well-being of the earth and the environment, there has been an

Saba Khan

upsurge of interest and a significant inflow of investment pouring into the energy projects. However,

saba.khan@ziwira.com

despite the fact that the renewable energy market is expanding, there exists a talent gap which

Nasreen Rasool

leads many companies to struggle to recruit skilled talent that they seek. To collaborate with such

nasreen.rasool@ziwira.com Zane Small zane.small@ziwira.com Imran Khan imran@ziwira.com Marketing Salman Tayyeb salman.tayyeb@ziwira.com +971 55 856 7890 Design Asif Habib asif.habib@ziwira.com Fahad Balabhai

organizations and to bridge the gap Dr. Salih Akour, an expert in sustainable and renewable energy systems, like the thermal energy, wind and solar, he now teaches it to an aspiring generation of innovative thinkers in the UAE. For our cover story this month we caught up with Dr. Salih, who spoke to us about the Sustainable & Renewable Energy Engineering Program available at the University of Sharjah (Page 40).

In our fashion section, we catch up with Mahmoud Zaki, Chief Financial Officer for LeSoie, an endearing Dubai and Belgium-based company which has combined the quirkiness of Art Nouveau, with organic, 100% halal products, ranging from an anti-aging serum, to spa products, to charismatic soaps.

Be sure to check out their beautiful range of products on page 56.

With the passion of making the emirate of Sharjah as the environmental capital of the Middle East, Bee’ah has set up a benchmark for rest of the world by adapting to international best practices in environmental and waste management. Building on the momentum that is rapidly growing in our homes, schools, municipalities and corporate work environments, Bee’ah is creating a green legacy for future generations. Read the full feature on page 24.

fahad@ziwira.com

Apart from these there are many more exciting stories; the green celebrity this month is Her Excel-

Head Office

Lights shares her thoughts about business integrity and her long search for eco-friendly candles,

Techno Hub Building, Office No. 161-162, PO Box No. 341171, Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE. USA Office Ziwira Inc. 445 Park Avenue 9th Floor New York City New York 10022

lency Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister, Bangladesh, in the business section Bhawna, Founder of Palm also, don’t miss the Organic Glow Beauty Lounge for an extraordinary green pampering (page 54).

The Auto section this month carries an interesting story about LoadMe, which is transforming the freight industry by reducing CO2 emissions. Turn to page 20 for inputs from Sebastian Stefan, founder of LoadMe. In addition, find out about the new eco-charmer in town -- the Posrche 918 Spyder.

Familiarize yourself with this incredibly beautiful feat of engineering, and become entangled in its web of environmental charm.

To catch up some tranquil moments from the busy suburban life, escape for a weekend to Sri Lanka’s Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge (page 100) also don’t miss our piece on medical waste (page 70).

I hope you enjoy reading this edition and as always we will be happy to hear from our readers.

Cheers!

United States of America Canada Office Ziwira Inc. Toronto, Canada

© Copyright 2015 Ziwira. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication can be reproduced in

parts, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in

any form or by any means without the prior written

permission of the publisher.

Saba Khan E D I T O R

@ZIWIRA

www.ziwira.com

news & events

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loCal news

inteRnational bReast CanCeR awaReness Month To mark October as International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a

pledge of contribution was made to Pink Caravan, the pan-UAE breast

cancer awareness initiative by the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP)

charitable society, to cover treatment costs of cancer patients. During October, 1 AED from the sale of each packet of Fam Cares products was donated to the charity. A cancer awareness campaign, running side by side during the entire month, also reached various varsities

across UAE. The Pink Caravan Ride to date has travelled over 940

km across the seven Emirates, with over 250 riders, 200 volunteers and 410 mobile medical clinics offering early breast cancer detection

abu dhabi hosts eCo-City woRld suMMit

examinations. The Pink Caravan Ride has also visited many schools,

The Eco-City World Summit (ECWS) officially

early detection of breast cancer.

National Exhibition Centre, is the longest running

delivering educational sessions and lectures about the importance of

launched on October 12 at the Abu Dhabi international conference series on sustainable cities. “The Eco-City – just like all cities – and just

4 sMaRt lighting & eneRgy suMMit th

like Expo 2020, is far more than bricks, mortar and

steel. It is an idea,” said Reem Al Hashimy, Minister

of State and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, during the opening ceremony. “When people become sufficiently excited about that idea, they move to that city. That has been true

– just as it is today – with Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”

The event also saw the launch of the National Blue Carbon Project report, marking the first national quantification of the UAE’s Blue Carbon stocks, The Annual Middle East Smart Lighting & Energy Summit has become

one of the most successful events running in the region attracting del-

egates from the entire GCC. The summit, to be held at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, from 23-24 November, will be attended by over 400 lo-

cal and international lighting professionals including municipality and public work officials, lighting designers, architects, engineers, consultants, developers, and public sector representatives.One of the main

pillars of sustainability and energy efficiency worldwide is lighting, with special focus on the ways in which lighting can be used efficiently.

Global forecasts for the total LED market predict an annual growth of 5 percent till 2016, and 3 percent thereafter until 2020. With the popu-

larity of LED lighting on the rise, the region is poised to experience tremendous growth. The summit will address challenges facing the industry, developments in smart technology, and upcoming projects.

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which will help guide decision-making in coastal ecosystem preservation and climate change mitigation. With an impressive line-up of speakers

including 17 ministers and government officials as speakers, 22 subject matter experts and up to a

dozen academia, the Summit covered: Building in Hot and Arid Climates - Challenges and

Innovation, Eco-Citizen and the Green Economy,

Biomimicry in Architecture and Urban Design,

The Local Vision – Leadership Panel, Education for Tomorrow’s Eco-citizens, Living Buildings, Structures and Materials; in addition to other key environmental sustainability topics.

november Issue 11 2015

2nd aRab FutuRe Cities suMMit Register for the 2nd Annual Arab Future Cities Summit, taking place at Sofitel Dubai the Palm Resort & Spa, from 2-3 November. Held under the patronage of the Government of Dubai, Dubai Municipality; the Middle East region’s foremost smart cities event returns

to Dubai, with expectations of over 350 senior executives, city and government officials, sustainability experts and smart city solution providers, united through a common aim of discussing the latest in smart city technology, developments, efficient resource manage-

ment, and innovation. The summit offers a platform brimming with opportunities to know

more about the extensive plans, technology, developments, projects, and strategies that will fuel Dubai’s growth engines towards achieving its 2020 goals.

duBai hOStS 2015 SuStainaBiLity fair Organized by the Dubai Chamber Centre for Responsible Business, in collaboration with Muse Dubai, on October 23, the Dubai

Garden Centre held the Sustainability Fair as part of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Fair took off with a bang, as attendees grooved to an enamoring performance by Dubai Drums. The Fair offered a unique platform for local and international businesses to display their eco-friendly, socially, or environmentally responsible brands.

Among the major attractions was ByeByeRascals which captured the attention of many. Speaking about the concept, Brand Ambassador Kelly Bullen spoke about its Jewelry made from Vietnam War era bombs by Laotian artisans. Another brand with a unique and

inspiring story was Enable, an organization which aims to create entrepreneurial skills for people with cognitive disabilities, offering a range of quality home & garden products assembled by well-trained special stars.

Through engaging activities and informative displays, attendees learned about CSR and Sustainability, examining how they can

incorporate it into their day-to-day life, designed to be interactive, fun, and family-oriented with different activities for adults and children.

Featuring 30-40 exhibitors, the Fair held several live activities like hand washing tutorials, recycling activities, fitness activities,

storytelling for children, gardening workshops, live music, healthy food, and stalls for different special needs centers to sell their products. Short films highlighted sustainability issues, showcased to raise awareness about sustainability challenges and solutions.

Overall, it was a wonderful day, proving that the people of Dubai truly care about the environment, and well-being of others.

sustainable Fashion disCussed at inteRnational textile FaiR During a special presentation session at the International Textile Fair, held

in Dubai from 11-12 October at the World Trade Centre, Ayesha Siddequa, Founder of Future Fashion, a sustainable fashion business platform for fashion driven environmental garments, shared her thoughts on the

sustainable fashion industry. “Fashion is the second largest polluting

industry after oil and gas,” she said. “It takes 2,700 liters of water to produce cotton enough for one t-shirt.” But Ayesha offered hope to the crowd of

delegates, stating: “56 percent of us are willing to pay a premium for ethically produced products. When people know the story, they care.” Ayesha is positive about the future of sustainable fashion in the UAE. “There are a lot of brands here using local designers and promoting the local economy. I’m trying to work with them. We have already started projects with the Sharjah

Fine Arts & Design University to create collections,” she said. Ayesha, with the support of Vox Cinemas, will be offering a free screening of the film The

True Cost next year, about the sustainable fashion industry, to help spread awareness, and inspire a new generation of sustainable fashionistas.

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news & events

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woRld news goveRnMent poliCy thReatens uk Renewable industRy jobs

inteRnational study outlines the deadly eFFeCts oF aiR pollution A new study has emerged indicating that air pollution is killing 3.3 million people a year worldwide, citing farming as a significant contributor to smog and soot deaths in industrial nations. The study, published in Nature, was conducted by

scientists from Germany, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, and Harvard University, calculating the most detailed estimates yet of the toll of air pollution and its causes. The study predicts that if trends don’t change, the yearly death toll could double to

about 6.6 million a year by 2050. Health statistics and computer models were used to determine that about three quarters of the deaths are from strokes and heart attacks, according to author Jos Lelieveld at the Max Planck Institute for After almost 1,000 redundancies on Oc-

Chemistry in Germany. “About 6 percent of all global deaths each year occur

was forced to call in administrators amid

most experts would have expected, say, 10 years ago,” said Jason West, Environ-

tober 7 at UK based Mark Group after it

prematurely due to exposure to ambient air pollution. This number is higher than

mounting financial losses, solar panel

mental Sciences Professor at University of North Carolina.

and insulation installers, Climate Ener-

gy have also folded into administration, blaming government policies. A range of

cuts have been made to wind, solar and

energy-efficiency subsidies – a proposed

un adopts new sustainable developMent goals

87 percent reduction in financial aid for householders installing solar panels. Ad-

ministrators claim Climate Energy said solar-subsidy cuts were a “contributory factor” in the company’s demise. “All job losses are regrettable and we sympathize

with those affected, but commercial deci-

sions are a matter for the company concerned,” said a spokesman from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

On a different note, Alasdair Cameron,

a Friends of the Earth campaigner said, “Government policy threatens over 20,000

UK solar jobs – with many more at risk of

other green sectors. It seems the Treasury is happier to give sky-high subsidies

to Chinese nuclear power than support

British solar.” According to The Guardian, Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the National Insulation Association, called for

urgent help from ministers to avoid further company closures, job cuts, and loss of confidence, saying, “While the government has outlined its intention to introduce

a new long-term policy framework for energy efficiency, the insulation industry is currently in a state of crisis.” www.ziwira.com

The United Nations General Assembly, consisting of 193 members, formally

adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on September 30, along with a set of bold new Global Goals. The new goals aim to build on the work of the

historic Millennium Development Goals which in 2000, rallied the world around a common 150-year agenda to tackle poverty. “The new agenda is a promise by leaders to all people everywhere,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, as

he opened the UN Sustainable Development Summit. “It is an agenda for people

to end poverty in all its forms – an agenda for the planet, our common home.”

The new framework, Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is composed of 17 goals and 169 targets to wipe out poverty, fight

inequality, and tackle climate change over the next 15 years. The Summit included exciting performances by UN Goodwill Ambassadors Shakira and Angelique Kidjo, as well as a screening of the film The Earth From Space.

november Issue 11 2015

shell Finally ditChes plans to dRill in alaska

new zealand announCes plans FoR keRMandeC oCean sanCtuaRy

Royal Dutch Shell has abandoned plans to drill for oil in the waters

of Alaska’s Chukchi Sea, for the “foreseeable future.” The announcement is the conclusion of their summer exploration, where results of drilling to a depth of 6,800 feet indicated oil and gas findings were

New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, announced at

sensitive to damage, and drilling comes at a high risk as the rough

area of the South Pacific (about the size of France) into

“not sufficient to warrant further exploration.” This is a region highly seas, freezing temperatures, and icy waters make for exceedingly difficult conditions. Royal Dutch Shell has explored for offshore oil in the Arctic for 7 years, spending an estimated $7 billion. In 2008 they

obtained the license to explore the Chukchi Sea, and in September

2012 began drilling two offshore Arctic wells. But plans were interrupted when they lost control of a drilling rig while towing it from Alas-

ka to Seattle for maintenance. “The world needs to stop expending resources trying to extract more fossil fuels from the most hostile and

remote places on the planet, and risking irreversible environmental damage at the same time,” said Brad Ack, Senior Vice President for Oceans.

the United Nations General Assembly, plans to turn an

a marine reserve. The Kermandec Ocean Sanctuary lies north of the mainland and includes a chain of islands

and underwater volcanoes. Fishing and mining will be banned in the area, which Key referred to as “one of the

most geographically and geologically diverse areas in the world.” The New Zealand Government is hoping to pass legislation to create the marine reserve next year.

“New Zealanders value our coasts and oceans, which are an important part of our culture, economy, and environment, and we are committed to managing them sustainably,” said Key in a statement.

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6th waste ManageMent Middle east FoRuM

inauguRated by head oF waste tReatMent, dubai MuniCipality.

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november Issue 11 2015

An effort to achieve excellence through integrated and effective sustainable waste management practices

W

aste management has constantly been

a

priority

for

municipal

bodies. To ensure that the waste

strategies for building an effective waste management framework.

management and public cleaning service

Sharing Dubai Municipality’s experience in

Dubai Municipality has been searching for

in

adopted in different countries for managing

Technical Support and Studies Section -

efforts to reduce the level of waste in the city

the delegates, speaking about the past

infrastructure is at par with the best on offer,

developing waste management sustainability

new technologies and system specifications

Mohammed, Dubai Municipality, Head of

waste. The municipal body has put in constant

Waste Management Department addressed

of Dubai.

challenges, current achievements, initiatives

Supported by the Dubai Municipality, the

of the most sustainable cities in the world.

6th Annual Waste Management Middle East Forum took place from

5-6 October, 2015

in accordance with the vision of the Dubai Municipality. The 6th edition witnessed the inauguration by Mr. Naji Al Radhi, Head of Waste Treatment, Dubai Municipality.

Striving

to

achieve

excellence

through

integrated and effective sustainable waste

management practices the forum was a huge success. Opening remarks were given by Dr. Udayan Banerji, Chariman of Tadweer and

Center for Waste Management Abu Dhabi.

A panel discussion was held to discuss the

the

Emirate

of

Dubai,

Imad

Juma

and future perspectives on making Dubai one Trying to accelerate waste reduction in the region, Dubai is in line to achieve its 98% waste diversion goals by 2030.

The forum held sessions on upcoming developments in the Waste to Energy sector

and developing a long term perspective towards recycling. Other than the local

bodies, the forum also featured international leading organisations sharing their strategies and experiences. Anja Schwetje from Federal Environment Agency, Germany delivered a

presentation on organic waste technology for onsite waste management.

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abu dhabi hosts inFluential gatheRing oF enviRonMentalists UAE’s capital proudly hosted the 2nd Eye on Earth Summit from October 6-8, at the grand St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. The Summit gathered highly influential environmentalists from the UN, Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency, Group on Earth Observations, and many more, amongst 650 delegates, to discuss ‘Informed Decisionmaking for Sustainable Development’.

eye on eaRth In true Emirati style, the 2nd Eye on Earth Summit was convened in a spectacular 1st class venue, providing an amiable destination for some of the world’s most influential environmentalists to address the issue of climate change and the need for international cooperation; as well as the role of governments, technology, the scientific community, and citizen participation in enhancing access to quality data about the state of the world’s resources.

Barriers, such as limited monitoring and data collection initiatives, lack of coordination among data providers, cost of accessing data sets, and the cost

of technology to process and use data, can result in inaccurate and ineffective decision making and policy implementation. Failure to overcome these barriers may result in the loss of valuable environmental assets and resources, particularly in emerging economies. www.ziwira.com

november Issue 11 2015 Therefore, concerned that scientists, policymakers, and private

UNEP, initiated the Eye on Earth process in 2011. The process

data and information as they set out to tackle challenges such as

of adequate technology to process and use data, which hinder

citizens must rely on limited and poorly presented environmental water scarcity, food security, and climate change, AGEDI (Abu

Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative), in partnership with

aimed to mitigate the paucity of environmental data and the lack sustainable development, particularly in developing countries.

2015 Summit The 2015 Eye on Earth Summit was inaugurated by His

Highness Sheikh Nayan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the board of trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable

and Humanitarian Foundation. Representing Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency (EAD), Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al

Risk Reduction, and in December the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) will, for the first time in over 20 years of

UN negotiations, aim to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate change.

Mubarak, Secretary-General, thanked the crowd of delegates

Steiner expressed his support for these initiations, but also his

coming together through a shared belief of concrete climate

with solutions to climate change, and that our ability to take

during her address speech at the opening ceremony, for

frustration for the fact that the world is impatient coming up

action, and the importance of shared information.

advantage of data is the only way to discover important loss of

“Global agreement this year on major intergovernmental

issues, to initiate change. Therefore, to Steiner, the Summit was

commitments on sustainable development has brought into

sharp focus the need for transparent, timely, and accurate data

biodiversity, temperature changes, and other important climate of great significance.

information on the state of the world’s resources,” she said.

“If good data drives better decisions, open data drives

role in sustainable development, and Eye on Earth will help to

challenges of a sustainable future for our planet and its people.

“These global agreements are creating a tipping point for the

better collaboration,” he said. “We will need both to meet the

accelerate this transition.”

When information and knowledge are made accessible to

everyone across the social spectrum,

informed choices and decisions can be made at all levels that support the goals of sustainable development.”

In order to progress with environmental issues, of

Steiner

delegates

to,

urged

the

crowd

“comprehend

our

perception of the earth as more than what you see when you look down the

road.” He encouraged the importance of global alliance, and shared data, in order

to better understand what the future will look like. “Every one of us can gain an understanding of our planet,” he said.

Throughout the Summit, there was a strong emphasis on ‘inclusion’ in the presentations – the need to include everyone, from all countries; whether indigenous, or small island nations, in order to gather clear and usable data; for example air quality statistics, and ocean pollution data.

Achim Steiner, Executive Director at UNEP, spoke highly of

the new UN Sustainable Development Goals, which were unanimously adopted by 193 states on September 17. In March, the UN also adopted the Sendai Framework for Disaster

Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak

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During a press conference, China was mentioned more than once, as controversy has often shrouded the country, for its lack of cooperation to provide essential environmental statistics.

However, Barbara Ryan, Secretariat Director at GEO (Group on

Earth Observations), was quick to defend the country, that will

reportedly spend at least 2 trillion yuan ($315 billion) to improve its power grid infrastructure over the 2015-2020 period.

Ryan further rallied the crowd of delegates to “unleash” the

power of earth observations. According to Ryan, sharing of

data is not only important for high-level organizations, but for all citizens, who can collectively contribute to measure changes in the earth and benefit us in terms of sustainability. GEO’s primary focus is to develop a Global Earth Observation System

of Systems (GEOSS) to enhance the ability of end-users to

discover and access Earth observation data and convert it to useable and useful information.

“The global reach and contributions of the major organizations that currently represent the Eye on Earth Summit Alliance will

bring significant momentum to the Eye on Earth movement as we work together in engaging more people in decision making

that will affect the health of the planet and all of its inhabitants,” said Barbara.

Since its founding in 2011, Eye on Earth has continued to grow and reach more people, making a greater positive impact. The

eight key initiatives of the Eye on Earth mission have brought together more than 500 scientists, government officials, academics, NGO’s, and ordinary citizens through projects focused on data, data analytics, and decision support systems to improve decision-making for sustainable development. www.ziwira.com

The better we understand how our fascinating environment is

interlinked, the more sustainably we can develop it, ensuring its prosperity for human beings and species alike. The 2nd

Eye on Earth Summit was a pleasant reminder to the global community of the importance of interconnectedness, honesty and openness of information, and also the progress that the

UAE has made in order to become a world-class, sustainable nation.

november Issue 11 2015

Moew oFFeRs its patRonage to the woRld ieQ FoRuM The World IEQ Forum organized by CPI industry focused on sharing knowledge on the policy-and technology-related advances and accomplishments in the environmental quality to ensure the health and well-being of the people Eng.

Fahad

Mohammad

healthcare, hospitality and

Saeed Hareb, Director of the

education

Air Quality Department at the

from

& Water (MOEW) delivered Keynote

Address

departments

at

critical

addressing

issues

consultants, contractors, FM

the

professionals,

to

testing

Indoor Environmental Quality

independent certification

solutions providers.

“As we spend over 90% of

“The World IEQ Forum is

our time indoors, good Indoor

a platform for multilateral

Environment Quality is critical

discussions

for the health and well-being in the UAE,’’ said Eng. Hareb.

and

laboratories and technology

in the region.

of citizens and residents alike

from

these sectors, developers,

Creek

related

across

including

representatives

6th of October at the Hyatt Heights

from

stakeholders,

held on the 5th and the Dubai

government

the GCC region and other

the conference which was

Regency

The

Forum received participation

UAE Ministry of Environment the

sectors.

on

critical

issues relating to preventive Eng. Fahad Mohammad Saeed Hareb

“The Ministry supports the

promotion for a strong IEQ regimen in built-environments across the UAE, as it falls in line with the UAE Green Growth Strategy, launched earlier this year. The World

IEQ Forum is a great opportunity to listen to the insights of various stakeholders and to draw lessons from their experiences.”

The Forum, produced by CPI Industry, the publishers of Climate Control Middle East magazine, held panel discussions relating to indoor air quality, thermal comfort, acoustics and vibration, in the contexts of the

and remedial measures to

overcome the threat posed by microbial and chemical

contamination in the built-environment and also the

dangers posed by noise and vibration,” said B Surendar, the Editorial Director and Associate Publisher of CPI

Industry. “In that context, the Ministry’s patronage is a massive boost to all stakeholders keen on protecting public health and well-being.”

Broadly speaking, the Forum aimed to address the need for driving IEQ-related implementation strategies and

solutions across the region, whilst retaining a balanced approach towards energy efficiency and economic

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industry

20

LoadMe transforms the freight industry by reducing CO2 emissions Empty truck loads is not an issue that immediately springs to mind when considering the environment. But Sebastian Stefan, founder of LoadMe, realized the need for a more unified freight industry in Dubai, where truck loads could be used to their full potential, reducing CO2 emissions. We caught up with Stefan, who opened up to us about his new venture.

Revolutionizing Freight

“This prize shows us once more that we are focusing our efforts

In early September, the Global Innovation Summit was held at

team’s motivation. They are proud to be a part of something

Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, where delegates gathered to appreciate the best of business innovation. During the Summit,

His Excellency Hazza Mohammed Falah Al Qahtani, Undersec-

in the right direction,” says Stefan. “It’s a huge boost for our big that will bring a great transformation in the transportation industry of the Middle East.”

retary of the Ministry of International Cooperation and Develop-

The organization has the potential to reduce traffic by 10 per-

The recipient of the prestigious award was Sebastian Stefan, a

tons in 2016 in the GCC region. How so? The basic concept of

ment, presented the award for Sustainability Innovation.

graduate engineer from Romania, for his distinctive business, LoadMe, the first and only online marketplace for transporters in the Middle East. The service combines the power of the inter-

net, GPS tracking, and smartphone apps to seamlessly connect load owners with available trucks in the area.

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cent in the UAE and CO2 emissions by a staggering 8 million LoadMe is to increase the load that trucks can take on board, to

essentially reduce the amount of trips that trucks need to take.

As of now, 50 percent of trucks travel without load and every

truck that is running empty on the streets is generating unnecessary pollution and traffic.

november Issue 11 2015 The concept comes at a crucial time in Dubai. The World Bank’s annual report on global environmental indicators, known as the

Little Green Data Book, was released in June, indicating that

the United Arab Emirates has the worst air pollution in the world, containing 80 micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter. That’s slightly higher than China, which is at 73 micrograms.

“LoadMe is fixing this issue by connecting all the transporters with a large pool of load owners, this way increasing the chance

of finding load for the return trip and reducing the backhauling empty phenomenon,” Stefan explained. “The environmental benefits of this concept boosted our motivation and pushed us

to develop the platform as fast as possible and make it scalable all over the Middle East.”

get to know loadMe The company can be traced back to 2014, when Stefan, one

of the three founders, was working as a Logistics Coordinator for General Motors in Romania. After founding a couple of

startups, in 2011 he moved to Dubai and started working for a

logistics company where he “discovered many challenges in a fast growing market.”

After extensive research, to his surprise, the Middle East was

the only place where load boards did not exist (online matching

systems that allow shippers and freight brokers to post loads).

He and a college friend, Sebastian Morar, decided to build the

first online marketplace for freight exchange in the Middle East, which last year received an investment from DP World through their accelerator called TURN8.

“The Middle East is one of the last territories where we don’t

have a freight exchange market, and though it is very advanced in some fields, efficiency is something that can definitely be im-

proved,” said Stefan, “this way reducing the pollution and the waste of resources. If we reach our targets and reduce the movement of empty trucks by 10 percent all over the GCC, this

platform making their transport more efficient,” said Stefan.

less every year, and all of this is done with a website and mobile

the environment. In transportation, when you are more efficient,

will impact the CO2 emissions by a staggering 8 million tons app.”

Stefan remains hopeful that other industries can reap the envi-

ronmental benefits of this technology because of its accessibility today.

Having discovered a niche market, other entrepreneurs must be curious as to how Stefan has attracted companies to come on board and use his website. The uniqueness of the concept in the region is what has propelled the company’s success.

“With our idea, we are creating new market opportunities and this is why 1,400 companies have already registered on the

“Most of the businessmen are also fathers and they care about not only do you reduce CO2 emissions, but you also make more

profit, so with our load matching platform, freight owners get

the best deals with no effort, and save money when shipping.

Transporters also have more return trips loaded and generate more income when transporting.”

LoadMe is a subscription based service. There are three types of users: Transporters, load owners, and brokers. Each type

can choose between one of four available packages. On average, the subscription fee is $100 per month and is billed once every six months. At this stage, their challenge is to reach the

masses in the GCC to generate the network effect, and to build an expanded professional network that will use their system, which will ultimately benefit the environment.

www.ziwira.com

industry

22

Aviation Industry Commits to Sustainable Future Major players sign open letter and send a reminder to governments, calling for reduction in the industry’s carbon footprint.

www.ziwira.com

november Issue 11 2015

A

s of last month, the global aviation industry has reaffirmed its commitment to its environment

goals, namely fuel efficiency improvement and reducing net carbon emissions. This was made

official at the ATAG (Air Transport Action Group) Global Aviation Summit held from 29-30

September in Geneva, Switzerland. ATAG brings together major players in the aviation sector including airlines, airports, manufacturers and service providers. André Borschberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Solar Impulse delivered the keynote address, entitled: “How to reach ambitious goals”.

At the meeting, 28 different organizations, including ATAG and IATA (The International Air Transport

Association) co-signed an open letter to governments calling for action that would help the industry to reduce its carbon footprint. This is in line with the three environmental goals of the aviation industry, which are:

1.5% fuel efficiency improvement per year up to 2020 Stabilizing net carbon emissions through carbon-neutral growth from 2020 Halving net carbon emissions by 2050, compared to 2005 levels Commitment to these goals was reaffirmed at the meeting, with the aim of responsibly managing

aviation’s impact on climate change. According to IATA, which represents 260 airlines and provides monthly data on air traffic monitoring, the industry is delivering on these commitments. A recent report states that since 2009, 600 million tons of CO2 have been avoided as a direct result of the industry’s

four-pillar strategy for improvements in technology, operations, infrastructure and the implementation of a global market-based measure. In 2013, airlines collectively asked governments for a mandatory global carbon offset program, which have undoubtedly also contributed to significant reductions.

“Offsetting is important because it is a legitimate means for the industry to achieve carbon neutral

growth. It makes sense for aviation, while it continues to take every step it can for itself, to encourage reductions in other business sectors where the scope for emissions cuts is greater,” said the CEO of IATA, Tony Tyler.

Speaking at the summit, Tyler highlighted the importance of teamwork and innovation in achieving the industry’s environmental goals now and in the future.

“Flying is a team effort. And that is equally true for reaching our sustainability goals. Innovation has been at the root of our technological and operational improvements. But above all it is the unity of the

aviation industry, jointly setting our three climate-change targets, and the four-pillar strategy to reach them, which has enabled us to make significant progress,” said Tyler.

The letter to governments was an attempt to execute air traffic management reform and policies that will accelerate the production of sustainable fuels, which industry leaders say is way overdue. In many

ways, the summit was a means of preparation for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) climate talks in December 2015, and the 39th Assembly of the International Civil

Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2016, where governments will hopefully agree on global market-based measures for aviation.

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feature

24

Leading

environmental change in the Middle East

by Imran Khan With a vision to make the emirate of Sharjah the environmental capital of the Middle East, Bee’ah has set a benchmark for rest of the world by adapting to international best practices in environmental and waste management. Building on the momentum that is rapidly growing in our homes, schools, municipalities and corporate work environments, Bee’ah is creating a green legacy for future generations.

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november Issue 11 2015

Bee’ah has recently bagged a five-year contract to introduce recycling logistics, create sustainability awareness amongst the tenants and residents, and to provide integrated waste management services to the prestigious landmark building, Burj Khalifa.

B

ee’ah – The Middle East’s leading integrated and award winning

At present UAE is one of the largest waste

provide sustainable solutions to the threat of the ever increasing

than 27 million tons of waste annually.

change, Bee’ah applies international best practices to help improve and

of effective waste management facilities in

resources. Considering the fast-track

solution

environmental and waste management company, is gearing up to

producers in the world, generating more

waste challenge in the UAE. Being at the forefront of leading environmental

These statistics highlight the importance

conserve the UAE’s valuable natural

the region and the need for a sustainable

developments in the UAE and the

environmental obligation.

recycling practices, Bee’ah is all set to

Bee’ah is confronting these challenges via

by the 2015 deadline in the Emirate of

Sultan Hamad Al Owais; the most prominent

country’s ambition to encourage the best

to

meet

the

growing

future

achieve the target of zero waste to landfill

several sustainable practices, says Salim

Sharjah.

of them is the Al Saj’ah Waste Management

Speaking volumes about the initiatives

established and all-encompassing Waste

Sultan

state-of-the-art

facility in Sharjah. The facility is a well-

and achievements of Bee’ah, Salim

Management

Financial Planning and Analysis gives

operates along high international standards.

Hamad

Al

Owais,

Manager-

us an insight of how Bee’ah stands out

in providing environmental services of

Salim Sultan Hamad Al Owais Manager- Financial Planning and Analysis

site

that

facilities

accommodates which

Bee’ah

Bee’ah’s successful endeavors have led to

the significant reduction of waste that goes

highest standards across the UAE. The

into landfill, diverting around 70% waste

for positive environmental change in the

arriving at landfills is decreasing rapidly.

UAE has been at the forefront of initiatives

from landfills, so that the volume of waste

region with the cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai

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feature

26

waste ManageMent ConsultanCy seRviCes Salim Sultan Hamad Al Owais explains that Bee’ah also provides

Waste Management consultancy services to the various industrial and commercial sectors of the UAE. The services

bee’ah sChool oF enviRonMent (bsoe)

include advisory services on recycling, treatment and disposal

solutions. Bee’ah also develops strategic waste management plans for key industries to reduce the waste generation in their facilities. Waste audits are also conducted periodically and

include sampling, analysis, and characterization of waste. All above services help the clients to minimize the environmental impacts of their business units and minimize the waste disposal bills.

The Emirate of Sharjah is the cultural capital of the UAE

and as such Bee’ah has developed the Bee’ah School of

tandeeF CoMMeRCial waste ColleCtion and publiC Cleansing

Environment (BSOE); Education for a Greener Generation, in partnership with the Sharjah Education Zone, which was launched on the 6th of October 2010, offering outstanding

free of charge environmentally-focused programs, aimed to

Another exceptional service that Bee’ah offers is Tandeef

help children understand their environmental responsibility.

together with Sharjah Municipality to collect all the waste in

than 300 schools across the Emirate of Sharjah, educating

modern fleet of eco-friendly vehicles and equipment, Tandeef

representing a 70% increase since 2010, further highlighting

effective, environmentally sound and technically reliable solid

goals.

Commercial Waste Collection and Public Cleansing by working

To date, the BSOE initiative has gained access to more

the Emirate of Sharjah and to keep its cities clean. Using a

more than 200,000 students (from nursery to grade 12)

is specifically focused on delivering a comprehensive, cost

the continued success of Bee’ah in achieving educational

waste collection and city beautification system.

awaReness pRogRaMs 1. Door-to-door

awareness

sessions,

providing

the

residents with a recycling awareness kit which includes

leaflets in different languages (English, Arabic, Telugu,

Malayalam, Hindi, Urdu) explaining the benefits, methods and procedures for recycling.

2. Periodical audits after providing the color-coded recycling bins to see how people actually segregate the waste.

3. An outreach initiative, the ‘myBee’ah’ website, which includes a blog, to bring together environmental advocates and leaders, to interactively engage in shaping a greener future for the region.

4. Introduction of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) to be placed in many locations in and around Sharjah city as

an awareness initiative to create interest in an interactive manner.

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The waste collected from each school is weighed and

the results are published on a monthly basis. The highest collectors of recyclables in different categories are awarded for their efforts. The competition, now in its second year, has

witnessed

a

record-breaking

engagement

from

schools, students and staff members, further incorporating environmental awareness into the heart of youths.

feature

28

Detrimental mining & its effect on fish populations Mining has provided us with an extensive range of minerals for hundreds of years. Just look at your gold jewelry – at some stage that gold was dug up and reshaped for your indulgence. But the mining industry has encountered controversy from environmentalists, who, according to an academic study, have discovered the harsh effects of mining on fish populations in the US.

SAVE OUR FISH Fish are one of the most ancient and reliable sources of food for

more, the American Heart Association recommends eating fish

marine creatures as a delicious meal, high in nutrients. But in

fortunately, if trends continue, impending generations could be

our present age of industrialization, fish, like other marine spe-

cies, have been dying out in mass numbers, due to over-fishing, climate change, and pollution (including the effects of mining).

According to the BBC, fish catches in the tropics are expected to decline by a further 40 percent by 2050, and yet some 400

million people in Africa and Southeast Asia rely on fish as their main source of protein and minerals. With climate change ex-

pected to impact agricultural production, people are going to rely more than ever on fish for their nutritional needs.

Health experts worldwide consider fish as a highly beneficial source of food. Fish is low in fat, and filled with omega-3 fatty

acids, bursting with vitamins such as D and B2. Fish is also rich in calcium and phosphorus, and is a great source of minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. What’s

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at least two times per week as part of a healthy diet. But unfacing a future without fish as a source of nutritious food.

“

Mines have a much stronger influence on fish than has been assumed. It’s important, when considering the location of a new mine, to not just look local, but look way downstream.

“

humans. For thousands of years, people have relied upon the

Wesley Daniel, Research Associate at Michigan State University.

november Issue 11 2015

Supporting Evidence In order to enjoy all of the wonderful health benefits of fish, we have to ensure the sustained survival of aquatic ecosystems.

Unfortunately, it seems we haven’t. The mining industry, just

fish populations downstream from the mining operations from where it occurs.

one of a number of contributors harming our marine life, af-

The study, titled: Temporal changes in taxonomic and func-

soning is the first one, and risks are higher when contaminants

taintop mining, is another way of explaining how USGC scien-

fects aquatic biodiversity through different ways. Direct poi-

tional diversity of fish assemblages downstream from moun-

are mobile in the sediment.

tists looked into how well fish populations are doing in streams

Those who enjoy a quiet weekend getaway at their favorite

downriver from mountaintop mining sites.

fishing spot might have noticed that the sport is drying up.

From 2010 to 2011, co-authors Chambers and Hitt collected

iel, a research associate at Michigan State University, studied

Virginia, including the Upper Mudd River, the Left Fork of the

tions in the United States. Daniel and his colleagues from the

were downriver from mining sites.

Focusing on this issue and the depletion of fish, Wesley Dan-

samples from the Guyandotte River Basin in southern West

the way landscape and land use affect water and fish popula-

Mudd, Big Ugly Creek, and Laurel Creek. All of these streams

university developed an algorithm capable of crunching the

mountains of data that tell the connected stories of the United States’ streams and rivers.

The algorithm allowed the team to take a long look at how extensive the effects of mines around rivers can be. The team

discovered that mines cause “regional stress” to rivers, and cited the example of pollutants from a mine in a headwater stream in Kentucky disrupting the breeding of bass in Tennessee River. The study explains that while large rivers can often

dilute the damage caused by a mine, the small streams that feed into a watershed are much more fragile.

“The quality of headwater streams will determine quality of riv-

ers,” says Daniel. “The condition of small streams that flow

into large rivers will affect downstream fish communities. Everything is cumulative – again and again we can see that the

effects of one mine can be associated with altered fish communities.”

Mining occurs in every state in the US, for a variety of resources, such as coal, precious metals, pebbles, sand, and salt. This disrupts the surrounding environment, according to Daniel, as it can add sediment and chemicals to rivers, alter

Results from the study concluded that there were fewer fish

compact soil – all of which alter fish habitats.

cies. They also concluded that mountaintop mining creates

“We’ve been surprised that even a single mine in headwaters

flows. The process of breaking big rocks into smaller ones

the flow of streams, lead to fewer forests in headwaters, and

might influence larger rivers miles downstream,” says Daniel.

“Mines have a much stronger influence on fish than has been assumed. It’s important, when considering the location of a new mine, to not just look local, but look way downstream.”

Another study, conducted in 2014 by the United States Geological Survey, concluded that mountaintop removal mining (a form of surface mining that involves the mining of the sum-

mit or summit ridge of a mountain) has an adverse effect on

downstream from the mining sites and half the number of spe-

many changes to the landscape, including the way water releases more minerals and chemicals so the water below

contains higher concentrations of selenium, a non-toxic nutrient that can be harmful when consumed in large quantity as it reduces fish’s ability to reproduce.

“West Virginia right now is blessed with abundant water,” said Chambers. “If we’re going to continue to have readily available abundant water, we need to understand the processes that affect its quality very broadly.”

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Business

30

FoRd ConseRvation and enviRonMental gRants CelebRates

15 yearS

Program assists communities with environmental projects, now expands to include North African countries.

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T

he Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants this year celebrates 15 years of helping

communities with their environmental projects. A total of

US$100,000 has been allocated to environmental grants in the 15th edition of this program. The winners of the grants will be

november Issue 11 2015 causes, Ford is thrilled to be part of a process that can help people make significant differences in their communities,” he said.

In the past 15 years, the Ford Grants have supported

announced in the first quarter of 2016.

projects throughout the Middle East that conserve the regions

Till now, the grants have benefitted grassroots environmental

and other awareness building initiatives. The program has

projects in Middle East countries including, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and more. But

now, for the first time, the grants will be extended to Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The program welcomes both individuals and non-profit organizations.

This latest expansion to North Africa is indicative that these countries are being recognized as key markets on the global scale in terms of sustainable development goals. Furthermore, the Ford Motor Company has also opened a new regional sales office in Casablanca and a purchasing office in Tangier.

biodiversity, as well as recycling programs, green building collectively granted nearly USD $1.4 million across 176 different

projects in the region since the year 2000. It has by far been one of the largest CSR initiatives of its kind in the region, dedicated to environmental preservation and empowering communities.

Support has poured in from various governmental and non-

governmental environmental authorities from around the Middle East, including the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Emirates Wildlife Society, The Arab Forum for Environment & Development (AFED) and UNESCO Doha.

For those who missed out the previous year’s Ford Conservation

Winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges

of the 15th anniversary, an e-book will be launched to showcase

environmental organisations. The judges look for initiatives that

A representative of the prestigious program commented: “We

maximising available resources, and a reputation for meeting

and Environmental Grants program, this year, in the celebration

consisting

all the previous winners who have helped environmental causes.

demonstrate a well-defined sense of purpose, a commitment to

are proud to have reached this important milestone in the history

objectives and delivering planned programmes and services.

of the Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental

Grants in the region. Over the years, 176 projects promoted environmental awareness and conserved natural resources in various parts of the GCC, Levant, Iraq and Yemen. From teaching students how to properly conserve water or recycle waste to protecting endangered species and natural habitat, the Ford Grants proudly pledge to continue our advocacy for many more years to come,” said Kalyana Sivagnanam, Vice

President, Marketing Sales & Service, Ford Middle East & Africa “As today’s generation gives greater attention to environmental

of

academics

and

leaders

from

regional

Ford’s history in the Middle East goes back to more than

60 years, with the company now operating more than 155

facilities in the region and employing more than 7000 people, most of whom are Arab nationals. The company has a strong

sustainability blue print both on a national and global scale.

Some of the areas of concern include water usage, reducing waste to landfill, CO2 emissions, and fuel efficient engines.

On the whole, they have taken a scientific approach towards

greening their products and reducing greenhouse gases.

The Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants is just one manifestation of these greater sustainability goals.

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Business

32

Bhawna Sehra

Palm Lights founder shares her thoughts on business integrity Bhawna Sehra’s search for an eco-friendly candle lasted a long time. Every candle she ever encountered falsely claimed to be 100% organic or natural. To end her doubts and address the issue herself, she created her own Dubai-based business, Palm Lights, producing unique, eco-friendly candles made from palm wax. Bhawna shared her thoughts with us on business integrity. www.ziwira.com

november Issue 11 2015

Addressing a loophole After

months

of

research,

Bhawna

Sehra

successfully produced her first batch of hand-

poured candles made from palm wax, bringing

her company Palm Lights to life. The candles are produced in small batches, and all candles are unique due to a special crystalline surface finish.

Individually, the candles take about 10-12 hours to

make and a couple of days to cure. Handmade to perfection!

“

Although paraffin candles are the most widely produced candles in the world, I searched for a truly ecofriendly alternative.

“

Bhawna Sehra

www.ziwira.com

Business

34 There are of course a number of advantages associated with

using natural products, whether it’s health, price, or environment.

What exactly can Palm Lights customers expect? First and foremost, Bhawna’s products provide excellent value for money

as they last twice as long as regular paraffin candles. Palm wax

is a hard, smooth wax with a high melting temperature, therefore the candles retain their shape even during harsh summers of Dubai.

“Other features of the candles like the natural crystalline finish,

aromatherapy health benefits, strong fragrance, bright and soot-free flame, toxic-free, 100% bio-degradable vegan wax, and unique scents personalized to customers’ wishes, make up for an all-round pleasant buying experience,” says Bhawna,

also mentioning the fact that Palm Lights is the sole producer

of certified sustainable crystalline palm wax in the GCC region, Bhawna’s business goal was to establish a company that not

only catered to her customer’s needs, but also to their health and environment. The brand is quite specialized, and she points

out that it is difficult to convince people to spend their money

on something ‘eco’ against a cheaper option from a department

store. But Bhawna assured us it’s not really the price factor that she has issues with.

“It’s actually the lack of awareness among the masses about

truly eco-friendly choices,” she says. “Many people don’t know the perils of toxic and unsustainable ingredients used in regular candles.”

These ingredients she mentions, can be found in both expensive

candles purchased from reputed home stores, as well as in the cheaper options from department stores. Bhawna implores the need to read labels carefully today, providing examples of particularly nasty ingredients to watch out for.

“Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum, and is unhealthy for your lungs,” she explaines. “Soy wax is produced from soybean oil, but uses hexane, chlorine, and boric acid in the manufacturing process.”

She further explained that 95 percent of the chemicals used in

synthetic fragrances, are derived from petroleum and include

benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and many other known toxins and synthesizers capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, and allergic reactions.

Bhawna is fully aware that honesty is the best policy when it comes to ingredients.

“Once the buyer is educated of the responsibly sourced ingredients of my candles, they don’t mind paying a bit more

for quality and health,” she says. “All said and done, it’s the functional performance of the candles and its powerful mood altering properties which speak volumes.”

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which adds to the products’ exclusivity and charm.

Bhawna and her naturalist beliefs have been a strong selling point for her company, by deciding not to use any petroleum-

based products in the candles, or fragrance oils. While speaking about these issues, she mentioned a favorite quote of hers:

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

This quote is her guiding light. Bhawna consciously created a product with no nasties after months of research and experiments.

Only

ethical,

sustainable,

planet-friendly

ingredients were chosen to create a pleasurable, healthy and safe product for her customers.

“I decided not to use paraffin wax because it’s a petroleum-

based product that has been bleached then texturized with acrolyn, which is a known carcinogenic,” she says. “Although paraffin candles are the most widely produced candles in the world, I searched for a truly eco-friendly alternative.”

Bhawna similarly avoids the use of fragrance oils, which are

synthetically produced from the concoctions of chemicals,

designed to mimic natural fragrances. They release microscopic particles, many of which are carcinogenic. People are also unaware that coconut, strawberry, melon, mango, cantaloupe, and pomegranate for example, are synthetic fragrances, containing phthalates, making them potentially harmful to health and environment.

“At Palm Lights, I fragrance my candles with 100% pure essential oils,” says Bhawna. “Essential oils are extracted from

the aromatic essences of certain plants, trees, fruits, flowers,

herbs, and spices, traditionally used in aromatherapy. Though pure essential oils are rare and expensive, they blend well in palm wax and thus the aroma lasts till the very end.”

november Issue 11 2015

Not so controversial?

The looming argument that had to be brought up, was the controversial use of palm oil, which has caught a lot of slack

because of deforestation issues. Organizations such as the Union

of Concerned Scientists call upon companies that use palm oil to adopt strong deforestation-free sourcing policies, because palm

oil is used in thousands of products, and is supposedly a driver of deforestation, because palm oil companies clear rainforest areas to establish their plantations.

But Bhawna makes a strong case against the argument, and justifies her reasons for using the product. Palm oil uses very little water,

is GMO-free, and pest resistant. She informed us that with an average yield of 4.02 tons of oil per hectare, palm oil is ten times

more productive than soybean, eight times more productive than sunflower, and six times more productive than rapeseed. In other words, you can grow enormous volumes of it with relatively little land.

The palm oil industry accounts for 5-6 percent of Malaysia’s total GDP, and is an essential livelihood for millions of people in the

tropical countries of the world. 50 percent of packages or processed foodstuffs contain palm oil or its derivatives. Evidently a lot of people rely on the industry for their livelihood, therefore Bhawna puts up an extremist view of boycotting palm oil as a “bizarre notion”.

“I believe I can make a change by supporting these regulating organizations in my own little way,” she says. “These organizations

issue moratorium on the clearing of new forests, encourage sustainable plantations, certify existing areas of cultivation, formulate

ways to increase the yield, protect orangutans, and follow fair trade practices.” For example, RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm

Oil), ISPO (Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil), and MOPI (Malaysian Oil Palm Industry). This convinced Bahwna to use RSPO certified palm wax for her candles.

While she doesn’t deny that non-regulated plantations have

contributed to deforestation in the past, Bhawna believes that the positive aspect surrounding the issue today is that consumer awareness is putting pressure on growers to support sustainability.

“There’s a bright and sustainable future ahead,” she says. “Nestle,

IKEA, Unilever, and Carrefour are among the many giants who have announced a total conversion to sustainable palm oil in their products

Dubai’s solarpowered products comforting conflict-stricken Yemen Lack of infrastructure due to ongoing war and conflict has compelled Yemen to switch to solar-

powered products imported from Dubai. Yemen is becoming a big market for a company in Dubai that

sells solar-powered products, accounting for more

than half of California Land General Trading’s sales.

California Land sells lamps and fans powered by solar energy which are cost effective and easy to use.

Ishrat Ali, owner of California Land set up the business four years ago after his wife told him that

solar lamps were being used in India. “I went to see her cousin’s lamp and it hit me,” he said. The first

item to be carried in the store was a solar lamp, which also included an electrical outlet to charge devices such as mobile phones. Four years ago the

price was Dh350, but as costs for solar technology have declined, the price of the lamp has fallen to Dh210 today.

However, the most popular item among Yemeni

customers is the solar-powered fan. California Land orders about 1,800 fans a year in two shipments.

Like the solar lamp, the price of a solar fan has

fallen from US$45 to $35. If the fan is charged for between eight and 10 hours, it can run for at least 6 - 7 hours.

While California Land registered a spike in Yemeni

customers amid increased conflict in the country, others are using renewable energy to help refugees.

There were about 20 million refugees globally at the

end of last year, and data from the United Nations’ refugee agency shows that 1 million Syrians can be added to that count since January.

As Dubai is growing as a champion for renewable energy in the Middle East, war-stricken countries like Yemen see Dubai as a great support to meet their energy requirements amid the political and economic turmoil.

by the end of 2015.”

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real estate

36

teChniCal guidelines FoR RetRoFitting existing buildings We caught up with Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC), to discuss their recent publication: Technical Guidelines for Retrofitting Existing Buildings. See what he has to say, and how these guidelines could help you ‘green’ your next Real Estate project.

adapting to new Regulations

public sector health, safety and general welfare;

The UAE is in a constant state of flux. A relatively new

Adopting new regulations can often leave citizens

country on a global scale, the UAE is therefore rapidly

emerging as one of the world’s most energy efficient countries – especially in the run up to Expo 2020 to be held in Dubai.

On March 1, 2014, Dubai Municipality implemented

new Green Building Regulations to be mandatory for all private developments. The regulations were issued

to initiate change in a nation with a rather large carbon footprint relative to its size – aiming to reduce the consumption of energy, water and materials; improve

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and enhance the planning, design, construction and operation of buildings.

confused and unable to keep up. Governments are responsible for the extensive task of informing people

of new regulations – but sometimes the message isn’t clear enough or doesn’t get through to people.

In response to this, EGBC drafted a set of guidelines for

companies or individuals looking to build a new property as per the new green standards. The organization issued a press release in June, introducing guidelines

that, “highlight current processes, technologies and best practices for greening existing buildings.”

november Issue 11 2015

The Technical Guidelines Emirates Green Building Council is an independent forum which aims to conserve the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices.

The Technical Guidelines for Retrofitting Existing

Buildings compiled and written by EGBC volunteers, members and stakeholders, were endorsed by the Ministry of Public Works and the Dubai Supreme Council

of Energy. The new publication further complements the Emirates Green Building Council’s Energy Efficiency

Program launched in 2014, which consists of a database that serves as a catalyst for all interested players.

In the new Technical Guidelines publication, each

chapter is comprised of subchapters which provide readers a choice of specific processes they can be implemented to enhance their building’s performance, save money, and prevent further pollution of the environment; from Energy Management Systems, to

Water Management, to Air Quality, Materials, Waste, and Innovation/Management.

Man behind the Guidelines Saeed Al Abbar shared his perspective of the guidelines and what they represent. Why do existing buildings in the UAE need retrofitting? And what caused such a huge project to be implemented?

According to Al Abbar, the majority of buildings in the UAE

were built before green regulations and standards were implemented. “This necessitates the need for retrofitting,” he said, “to make them more efficient and to be aligned with the government’s vision to promote a green economy for sustainable development.”

Saeed believes that the focus on retrofitting is also led by

the nation’s Vision 21. “In Dubai, it is a key part of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy, which aims to reduce energy

demand and complements the Dubai Plan 2021 to establish the city as smart and sustainable, where environmental elements are clean and healthy,” he said.

He mentioned a report by UNEP that identifies built

environments as the main cause for carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emission to the tune of over 40 percent.

“Implementing green building standards in existing buildings will, therefore, contribute to minimising the carbon footprint of the nation,” another key priority of the government.

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real estate

38

He further mentioned the financial benefits, as the energy and water efficiency measures in retrofitted buildings are significant and bring long-term value to developers and

owners. According to estimates, in Dubai alone, there are 120,000 buildings of which 30,000 have been identified as having high energy saving potential.

“Retrofitting has gained strong support from the industry,

the public, and all concerned stakeholders,” said Saeed.

“By instituting an accreditation scheme through Etihad ESCO, the Dubai Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau (RSB) has also strengthened rapport with the private sector, and

EGBC Chairman and contributors to the Guidelines at the launch event in June (2015) - Conrad Hotel, Dubai.

RealistiC standaRds?

practices

With so much hype surrounding the issue of greenbuilding

efficient measures, individual households can make

to have a perspective from an industry professional like

involved.

continues to build confidence among all stakeholders.”

standards being introduced in the UAE, it’s interesting

Saeed Al Abbar. The pressing question people want to know is quite simple: Are these standards realistic?

“Of course,” he said, “and it is important that we set high, yet realistic standards.”

enhances

operational

and

economic

efficiencies. By retrofitting and implementing energy significant savings, which may depend on the systems

“Reports point to savings of over 25 percent on monthly

bills due to ‘green measures’ adopted by the users,” said Al Abbar.

The Guidelines created by EGBC essentially assist

He explained how Estidama and Dubai regulations set

industry professionals who follow the new standard

relevant results and be an active player to mitigate the

people struggle with. What difficulties are involved with

standards that are necessary for the region to achieve

regulations, but there will always be particulars that

impacts of climate change.

the regulations?

“They are ambitious but achievable in view of the current

“As a prevalent norm in the industry, shifting to a new

of the government and all stakeholders.”

In implementing the new guidelines, the key challenge is

Is there potential to save money from building in a

for the stakeholder and the benefits from retrofitting.

is money to be made, more people will be optimistic

“Some may also lack technical knowledge in executing

environmental issues.

lack of financial resources, or simply, lack of information.

“The potential to save money is high, and the payback

whether in Abu Dhabi (Estidama) or Dubai (Green

Al Abbar. “The long-run benefits of the retrofitting far

for sufficient time now.”

retrofitting that increase initial operational costs are often

Thanks to networking and Focus Day initiatives organized

state of technology, research, and the concerted efforts

‘green way’? Because it only seems natural that if there about the regulations, despite the way they feel about

time on the original investment can be short,” said

outweigh initial costs. Technology systems used in

approach calls for greater awareness,” Saeed explained. ensuring awareness about what energy efficiency means

retrofitting,” he said, “while others might be challenged for In the UAE, however, the standards and regulations,

Buildings Regulations & Specifications), have been live

misunderstood as expensive.”

by EGBC, industry professionals are informed of the

He explained how these investments actually can lead

government is also at the forefront of underlining its green

to huge profits in the long-run as adapting sustainable

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importance of retrofitting and energy efficiency. The vision.

cover story

40

Considering a career in

renewable energy?

Dr. Salih N. Akour, Associate Professor at the University of Sharjah, speaks on the importance of renewable energy, and how he is preparing a new generation of ecological thinkers by means of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering Program.

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november Issue 11 2015

Dr. Salih N. Akour

The Eco Expert The importance of sustainability is growing steadily as our changing climate continues

to highlight the ultimately destructive result of burning fossil fuels for energy. It’s proven to be difficult for the world to change its ways,

with so many companies clinging to fossil fuels as their primary source of income.

The only way to bring about change, is to

educate the impending generation about the

importance of sustainable and renewable energy solutions, in order to save our world from devastating climate change.

Dr. Salih is an eco-expert, with a B.Sc. and M.Sc. Honors from Jordan University of

Science and Technology, and a PHD in Mechanical Systems from the University of Central Florida. His engineering expertise

provided him with a wide bandwidth of mechanical systems knowledge. He learnt how to integrate them, how to get them

to work together, and how to make them work efficiently. He became familiar with sustainable and renewable energy systems,

like thermal energy, wind, and solar, most of

which have mechanical sources. Now, he teaches it to an aspiring generation.

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cover story

42 Sharjah university

Sustainable & Renewable Energy Program

Dr. Salih’s involvement in the Sustainability and

Renewable

Energy

Engineering

Program at the University of Sharjah, was inspired by what he witnessed within his

home, Jordan, a poor country in terms of energy. Many countries in the Middle East,

will have a profoundly positive effect on the

whole area, especially since the University

of Sharjah attracts students from all over the Middle East.

excluding the Gulf region (rich in fossil

Many

produce enough energy.

Engineering

Thankfully, natural energy does exist, and

competitions. During the past year, the

fuels), do not have extensive means to

is growing, according to Akour. Wind and solar are types of energy that are abundant, and have great potential in the Middle East.

This presents an opportunity to invest in

terms of education and economy in these sectors. The only improvement that is needed, which has progressed in countries in Europe, is generating it. Transportation will be taken care of by the grid itself.

students

Sustainable

who

have

taken

Program

have

developed

and

Renewable

the

Energy

brilliant ideas, and participated in many University of Sharjah has had more than

20 teams from the College of Engineering compete in competitions, and seven of them

have come from the Renewable Energy Program. They have proven themselves in the market and educational competitions.

In terms of skills that students can expect to obtain from taking the course, Dr. Salih

“Initially, I was part of the Engineering

primarily focuses on the main source of

faculty assigned in the Renewable Energy

power, and also wind. In the UAE, wind

Program. As far as I know, there are only

if you travel to the likes of Ras-Al-Khaimah

Faculty, then I moved here to be the first

energy that is available in the region: Solar

Program. I am one of the establishers of the

isn’t as strong as in other Gulf States, but

five similar programs worldwide.”

or Fujairah, the heights of the mountainous

Dr. Salih started off with students in their

energy because of higher altitudes.

first year, and has recently graduated his

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Middle East. Introduction of the program

ranges are able to produce more wind

first group – a tremendous achievement.

“I’m currently working with a group of

Masdar Institute for research in renewable

Salih. “One of them is an air-born-wind-

in the UAE. Feedback about students from

which can capture more wind as it rises

the professor, a means of ensuring that

speed increases. For example, if we have

needs of the region.

maybe after 100 meters you will have it 5

The program he teaches is unique in the

which you can have a functioning turbine.”

Some of his students have been hired by

students for senior design projects,” says

energy, and some of them join the market

turbine concept, a flying wind-turbine,

institutions like Masdar is constructive for

in altitude. As you rise in altitude, the wind

the skills he is teaching fit the market and

it at a range of three meters per second,

meters per second, which is the minimum

november Issue 11 2015 This presents an opportunity for different regions to use wind turbines that are being flown by balloons. Inside it will be the wind

turbine, and as it rises, more wind energy can be produced. It energy, by trying different methods and approaches.

FutuRe pRospeCts The class takes scientific trips to gather practical knowledge. For example, in the past, students have gone to the Masdar power-

plant, weather stations around the country, and also electrical power-plants. As a part of their curriculum, students are also required to complete a 6-8 week training period where they spend time working for a company in their respective field.

“We just graduated our first group of students,” says Akour.

“Some of our graduates are seeking opportunities at Masdar,

“

If you build a skillful person with a wide bandwidth of thinking, you will find amazing ideas.

“

shows how a bit of ingenuity can solve the problem of low-speed

Dr. Salih N. Akour

and some have already received scholarships. There is also a

program at the University of Jordan where some of our students are applying to.”

Students can also pursue careers at the Municipalities around

the UAE, which according to Akour, are steadily creating departments specifically for sustainable and renewable energy.

Some of his students have even assisted in the creation of these

new sectors, as they are trained in how to extract energy from different sources, contribute to green building design, and help with energy auditing and analysis.

“I encourage sustainable designs in my classes, and projects that are efficiently designed to last longer, using less energy,

even if it means increasing the initial price of the investment,” says Salih. “In the long run it will save us resources. We should not be selfish and look out for the future generations. If you build

a skillful person with a wide bandwidth of thinking, you will find amazing ideas.”

The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering Program is one of very few qualifications available to students today

to familiarize with a combination of business practicality and ecological awareness.

Another qualification that exists in Dubai is the Smart City

Professional Diploma at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

The diploma specializes in developing skills in various areas

of Smart Cities, such as security and safety, transportation, communication, energy, water and environment, economic services, infrastructure, and urban planning.

Opportunities to excel in sustainability expertise are certainly

out there, and steadily increasing as climate change awareness grows, and young people recognize it as an important issue.

The sooner the impending generation adapts to the need for a sustainable world, the sooner they will be able to stabilize it.

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world

44

anCient CliMate Change what betteR way to undeRstand ouR pResent CiRCuMstanCe? In Central China, scientists have discovered centuries-old writing on the walls of a cave, that when pieced together, tell an intriguing tale of the impact of drought upon an ancient society. To understand our present environment and climate change issues, and better predict future trends, it is important to analyze past records of environmental change, which can provide long-term context for changes in the Earth’s system.

CliMate evidenCe

CliMate FoCus: China

Ancient records in Earth’s system are described by scientists

as palaeo-data, where palaeo means past. This means that they can be either historical records (since written records began) or from before this, in pre-history (in other words, further back in geological time).

This historical paleo-data can include anything from ancient observations, such as an ancient diary entry documenting a flood event, to weather station data collected yesterday. For

example, a great deal of our current knowledge about the famous Mt. Vesuvius eruption in 79AD was derived from a written account by Pliny the Younger, of Ancient Rome.

Even though these ancient sources are often fragmentary, or

According to Science Daily, China as a nation is “replete with

based on the viewpoint of an individual supposed witness,

the rise and fall of dynasties,” however, amidst this history,

history. Technology now allows us to collect more detailed

have been the last straw for some of them: A weakening of the

they aid scientists in piecing together past events in Earth’s

researchers have identified a natural phenomenon that may

and continuous data, such as the weather data collected by

summer Asian Monsoons.

eruption.

A weakening in the monsoons, accompanied by the fall of

In paleo-environmental studies, it is important to use dating

Researchers from the University of Minnesota and Lanzhou

fossil under investigation. This can be done using a range of

work surrounded climate records preserved in the layers of

dating; cosmogenic dating; or luminescence dating. These

Cave in Gansu Province, China.

radioactive isotopes that are found within rocks, sand grains,

The moisture-laden winds bring rain necessary for cultivating

the UK’s Met Office, or the monitoring of volcanoes before an

three dynasties, could be lessening precipitation in China.

techniques to get an exact age of the landform/deposit/

University in China recorded the information in Science. Their

methods which include: Radiocarbon dating; uranium-series

stone in a 118-millimeter-long stalagmite found in Wanxiang

techniques involve measuring the levels of naturally occurring or biological material.

rice. But when the monsoon is weak, the rain will stall farther

The methods are meticulously conducted, and thus, time-

China of summer rains. Lack of rain then contributes to social

Only by dating climatic changes as accurately or precisely

Science Daily. The researchers discovered that periods of

Earth’s climate changes over time, to better understand what

Tang, Yuan and Ming dynasties, which are commonly known

south and east, depriving northern and western parts of

consuming, but all the same very important and useful.

upheaval and the eventual fall of dynasties, according to

as possible, can we fully understand the ways in which the

weak summer monsoons coincided with the last years of the

we are currently facing.

to have experienced times of unrest.

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november Issue 11 2015 The ample summer monsoon rains may have contributed to the rapid expansion of rice cultivation from southern

China to the midsection of the country. During the Northern Song Dynasty, rice first became China’s main staple crop, and China’s population doubled.

“The waxing and waning of summer monsoon rains are just one piece of the puzzle of changing climate and culture

around the world,” said Larry Edwards, geologist at the University of Minnesota and a co-author of the paper.

The 2km-long Dayu Cave is located on the southern slope

of the Qinling Mountains. Climate in the surrounding area

is reportedly dominated by the summer monsoon; about 70 percent of the year’s rain falls during a few months.

Cutting open the cave formations called speleothems reveals a series of layers – a record of their yearly growth.

“Summer monsoon winds originate in the Indian Ocean

The team of researchers removed sections of speleothems,

of the paper and a scientist at the University of Minnesota.

elements within. Climate change and moisture levels

northwest into China.”

oxygen and carbon isotope ratios correspond with lower

and sweep into China,” said Hai Cheng, another co-author

including stalagmites, to analyze the isotopes and

“When the summer monsoon is stronger, it pushes farther

affect the concentrations of various elements, and higher

By measuring amounts of uranium and thorium elements

rainfall levels.

throughout the stalagmite, they were able to determine the

The findings were intriguing, to say the least. The team

of two forms of oxygen in the stalagmite (formed over

strongly correlated to periods of drought. According

a measure of summer monsoon strength – to those dates.

cross-referenced with the inscriptions on the walls. The

date each layer was formed. By analyzing the “signatures”

found that concentrations of certain elements were

1,810 years), they could then match amounts of rainfall –

to IFL Science, Dayu Cave’s chemical profile was then

inscriptions describe the impacts of several drought

events that occurred between 1520 and 1920 – which is when locals went to the cave to retrieve water and to pray

FuRtheR evidenCe

for rain.

“In addition to the obvious impact of droughts, they

have also been linked to the downfall of cultures – where people don’t have enough water, hardship is inevitable, and conflict arises,” said author Sebastian Breitenbach of Cambridge. “In the past decade, records found in caves

and lakes have shown a possible link between climate change and the demise of several Chinese dynasties during the last 1,800 years, such as the Tang, Yuan and Ming dynasties.”

One of the inscriptions, dating back to 1528 reads:

“Drought occurred in the 7th year of the Emperor Jiajing period, Ming Dynasty. Gui Jiang and Sishan Jiang came

to Da’an town to acknowledge the Dragon Lake inside in Dayu Cave.” Reportedly, this particular drought led to widespread starvation and even cannibalism.

With findings published in Scientific Reports, researchers

recently pieced together a story written on a centuries-old Central Chinese cave wall.

“These are examples of things like human remains, tools and pottery being found in caves, but it’s exceptional

The significance of these findings is staggering. It offers us a glimpse into the lives of others who have suffered

at the hands of an unpredictable climate. It enables us to better understand trends in climate change, to further predict climate events to come.

to find something like these dated inscriptions,” said

Liangcheng Tan, lead author from the Institute of Earth Environment at the Chinese Academy of Science.

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green personality

46

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is Champion of the Earth With a profound passion for building Bangladesh into a more progressive and developed nation through her highly ambitious political achievements, she has left no stone unturned in bringing the country into spotlight by bagging the highest environmental honor from the United Nations for her noteworthy accomplishments.

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november Issue 11 2015

H

er Excellency, Sheikh Hasina is the Prime Minister of

Bangladesh, one of the most disaster prone countries in the world and one of the worst affected by climate

change. She was recently honored with the United Nations

Champions of the Earth Award for bolstering her country’s initiatives in addressing climate change.

Serving as Prime Minister in one of the world’s most populated countries, 159 million to be precise, cannot be easy. What

adds more is that Bangladesh has a catastrophic history of cyclones, droughts, floods and other natural disasters, which

have been more intense in recent years. Sheikh Hasina has

supported investment in climate change rather than denying it, and making the most of the scant resources in this poorly developed country, she has improved the country’s economic and social development.

Not only has she taken this stance personally, but has also

convinced other leading policy makers in the Bangladesh government to place climate change at the core of their

the Champions of the Earth award this year will draw attention to Bangladesh’s efforts, which reveals that we can make a

difference, and encourage developed nations to bring their resources to bear on the greatest challenge of our time,” she said.

It was under Sheikh Hasina’s guidance that the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan of 2009 was

formulated. With this, Bangladesh became the first developing country to develop and implement such a plan. The country’s forests have also increased by over 10%, thanks to Sheikh Hasina’s forest policy initiatives, which were prioritized in the

constitution along with wetlands and wildlife. They now can act as a natural barrier against natural disasters. The country has also built four million solar homes in off-grid areas.

“For my country, Bangladesh, the goal of combatting climate

change and its impacts is crucial, as we are on the frontline of this global threat,” she said in a Blog for the Huffington Post.

development agenda. This has led to legislature which includes

“This can create millions of environmental refugees, even

budget has been dedicated to climate change adaptation. This

greenhouse-gas emissions is negligible. And the situation will

waterborne diseases caused by flooding, community training

about Hasina is that she does not have that victim mindset

that are also climate-friendly. As a result of her vision, current

believes in preparing Bangladesh to fight its own battles, rather

ecological preservation and 6 to 7 percent of the country’s

though Bangladesh’s contribution to climate change in terms of

has involved putting in place policies and facilities to deal with

worsen without urgent action,” she said. One remarkable quality

and even adopting more sustainable agriculture technologies

displayed by so many other developing countries. She strongly

and future generations will be able to cope better with the risks

than waiting for rest of the world to save them.

associated with climate change and possibly even reverse some of its impacts in Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina is the daughter of the founding of father of

“All of our activities have been targeted toward adaptation to

environmental changes with a view to protecting human lives from floods and hurricanes, and protecting the environment

Bangladesh, Bangabandhu

from

She assumed the position of

and

Sheikh

Mujibur

Rahman.

Prime Minister for the third time in January last year.

Apart from Champions of the Earth, there are many other

accolades

to

her

name, such as UNESCO’s Houphouet-Boigny

Peace

Prize 1998, the Pearl S Buck Award 1999, FAO’s CERES Medal,

and

the

Indira

Gandhi Peace Award 2009.

by

pollution

rapid

caused

urbanization

unsustainable

industrialization,” she said.

According Watkins,

to

Robert

UN

Resident

Coordinator in Bangladesh, it’s

2050 in

be

estimated one

in

7

that

Bangladesh

displaced

climate

due

change.

to

He

Government of Bangladesh for

Program honoring me with

a priority of the country.”

Environment

will

said, “I congratulate the

“I hope that the United Nations

by

people

being

proactive

in

tackling climate change as

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lifestyle

48

heat puMps and solaR aiR Conditioning Can Cut eleCtRiCity Costs A cooling system is undoubtedly essential for those living in desert countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. During summer months, temperatures soar, and people flock to air conditioned rooms to cool off. But energy consumption is too high in the GCC, and therefore, an alternative to typical air conditioning is needed. Why not try a heat pump?

ReduCed eneRgy ConsuMption Gulf News reports that UAE residents consume 8,271 kilograms

of oil equivalent energy (kgoe) per annum – a startling statistic – but still lower than neighbors Qatar (12,799 kgoe) and Kuwait (12,204 kgoe). In comparison, the per capita consumption in

the United Kingdom and United States are around 4-7 thousand kgoe. Being the world’s seventh highest energy producer, with

proven oil reserves of 97.8 billion barrels, the UAE has become indulgent as a country, calling for an immediate change.

In Abu Dhabi alone, air conditioning contributes to almost 70 percent of the city’s electricity consumption. Fair enough, the

UAE is situated in a hot desert, with very high temperatures during the summer months; however, the use of air conditioners

to cool a home is not the only option, when other technology exists which is much more efficient, practical, and eco-friendly.

Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioners. Like a refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity

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to move heat from a cool space to a warm space, making the cool space cooler, and the warm space warmer. Because heat

pumps transfer heat rather than generating it, they provide equivalent space conditioning at as little as one quarter of the cost of operating conventional heating or cooling appliances.

Air-source heat pumps have emerged as the most common

type of heat pumps, transferring heat from outside-to-inside, and vice versa. If you heat or cool with electricity, a heat pump

can trim the amount of electricity by as much as 30-40 percent.

High-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify much better than

standard central air conditioners, resulting in minimal energy usage and more cooling comfort during hot summers.

A great option for the hot GCC region, is a new type of heat pump for residential systems, called an absorption heat pump,

or otherwise known as a gas-fired heat pump. Absorption heat pumps use heat as their energy source (which we have in

abundance in the UAE), and can be driven with a wide variety of heat sources. Visit www.energy.gov for more information on

heat pumps and energy efficient home solutions provided by the United States Department of Energy.

november Issue 11 2015

Solar Air Conditioning But don’t give up on the air conditioning concept just yet. As you

know, the best renewable energy source is our sun, and there are

numerous options available to avail it for improving our lives. One of

them is solar air conditioners which use this revolutionary technology.

The only downside is that the initial cost of these new air conditioners is relatively high, but down the line, utilizing the reasonably untapped

solar market saves costs. The solar unit does not require direct sunlight to work (a definite upside), and significantly reduces your carbon

footprint. When you purchase a solar air conditioner, it’s installed for you by highly-trained specialists, according to one supplier, Eco

Smart. With the installation, you can leave your air conditioner running which keeps your house fresh and always at the perfect temperature, without worrying about an exorbitant energy bill and carbon footprint.

The units are also ideal for cooling or heating applications when

power from the utility grid is either not available, unreliable, or where

power is a problem. The high efficiency system is also useful for nonsolar applications like telecommunications or data center equipment cooling, where 48 volt DC power is the industry standard. The world is

undoubtedly facing an acute shortage of natural resources, therefore, solar energy stands out as an exceptional option for you to keep your

household cool during the harsh hot summers, without the guilt of a huge electricity bill.

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lifestyle

50

Nourish your skin with aromatherapy Discover this ancient healing art with modern day benefits

E

very human face has a story to tell. With invasive cosmetic procedures becoming more popular these days, more people are likely to erase some pages of their

life’s story and rewrite them with surgery. Nobody likes to age. However, there

are many natural and organic ways to look younger and have a healthier skin.

The essential oils used in aromatherapy are very powerful extracts obtained from the distillation of aromatic plants (flowers, roots, leaves, and bark), which have been used

for centuries for their powerful therapeutic properties. Historically, essential oils were used in Egypt by the pharaohs for their healing and beautifying properties.

Unlike harmful skin creams, essential oils have the ability to give a boost to your skin

by activating the renewal of new cells (which slows down with aging). According to Valerie Ann Worwood in The Fragrant Mind, “One of the most effective ways of taking

essential oils into the body is through percutaneous absorption – through the skin.”

Not only do they penetrate the skin, but essential oils applied topically enter deep into

the body fairly quickly – a good reason to buy the best quality essential oil. According

to Victoria Edwards, author of The Aromatherapy Companion, “In as little as 5 to 20 minutes an essential oil, applied topically, makes its way into the bloodstream, is carried to the lungs, and is exhaled with the breath.... As the essential oil travels through the body systems, tissues and organs benefit from its healing action.”

Essential oils like frankincense, cistus, lavender and carrot seed have powerful

rejuvenating properties. Peppermint, cistus, cypress, and fennel have toning properties. Many are natural antioxidants that will help fight the negative effects of excessive sun exposure (carrot), as well as pollution and stress (sweet marjoram).

Essential oils extracted from citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit have a natural exfoliate effect, gently peeling off the dead layers of skin that make it look dry, thick and older. This dead skin also prevents active ingredients from penetrating. The

essential oils can be used in a cream (only at night time though), or as a treatment lotion before a night cream is applied for an extended period of time (more than a month).

They are an easy, safe and natural alternative against the harmful skin products which gains popularity due to glamorous marketing campaigns.

Victoria Edwards likes to use citrus essential oils in astringents and toners after cleansing the face: “They invigorate the complexion, remove any traces of soap, close up the pores, and quickly restore the skin’s protective acid mantle.

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november Issue 11 2015

Here’s one of Victoria’s favorite recipes for a brisk toning formula: 10 drops lemon essential oil 1-1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar 4 ounces distilled water Combine all ingredients in a dark glass bottle. Shake well. To use: Apply to face and neck after cleansing.

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lifestyle

52

Some essential oils have a balancing effect. Their anti-bacterial

properties neutralize the harmful bacteria responsible for breakouts and acne. This is why a drop of lavender, lemon or

tea tree oil in a cleansing mild toner, or straight on the infected area, is particularly effective for congested skins. Remember,

for those who have oily skins and don’t want to apply extra oil on their skin, essential oils are absolutely not oily. In fact, plant extracts will evaporate if the bottle is left open.

Many skin conditions can be improved with the use of aromatherapy. Among others, helichrysum and cypress are efficient in the case of reddened skin due to broken capillaries;

German chamomile and helichrysum cool down rosacea.

Ylang ylang, geranium and neroli nourish and balance dry skins. Lavender and rosemary are great antiseptics and work as astringents for oily skins. Other conditions such as dilated

pores, dark spots, dry and sagging skins, also benefit from the topical use of essential oils.

When you have determined what your skin needs, it is easy to use essential oils at home. You can add a couple of drops to

your natural cream or cleanser, mix them with some jojoba oil (all skin types), apricot kernel or avocado oil (dry skin types), and massage the blend into your skin for a special nourishing

treatment or add them to a clay mask for a refined, balancing or deeper cleansing.

According to Edwards, “Facial oils soothe and nourish the delicate skin of the face. They seal the skin, helping it retain

precious moisture and providing protection from surface contaminants.”

Here’s Victoria’s recipe for a lotion that alleviates sensitive or inflamed skin:

2 drops chamomile essential oil 2 drops neroli essential oil 7 drops sandalwood essential oil 5 drops bois de rose essential oil 30 ml (1 ounce) hazelnut or almond oil

Combine all ingredients in a small dark glass bottle and shake

to mix. To use: after cleansing and toning, place a few drops in

the palms of your hands and massage lightly over your entire face. (Note: Inflamed skin is often caused by consumption of

foods that create “toxic heat” in the body. As these foods are digested in the intestines, the “heat” rises and settles in the

face. “Heat-producing” foods include red meat, shellfish, spicy foods, alcohol, and allergenic foods.)

For aging skin, aromatherapy facials can support cellular

regeneration. The natural phytohormones that occur in essential oils such as geranium, rose, clary sage and fennel can even help the skin with the side effects of menopause.

Always remember that essential oils are powerful, that you only need a couple of drops and that some (like lemon, fennel or clary sage) can be irritating if not properly used. Also make sure

that you are using only therapeutic grade essential oils, and preferably organic ones.

When you use aromatherapy for your skin, this is taking care of yourself in a healthy way, not just putting something on your

face to cover imperfections or to plump the skin temporarily.

Aromatherapy does its magic deep down and starts showing results after a couple of months of regular natural skincare.

To give you an idea of how powerful and concentrated essential oils can be, after distillation one tonne of fresh plant material only produces the following yields – 30 to 80 grams of essential oil of Damascus Rose; 150 to 200 grams of neroli, melissa or

camomile; 1 to 3 kilograms of lemon, thyme or geranium; 20 kilograms of eucalyptus or cypress.

This explains the high cost of some essential oils and why only one or two drops are needed. www.ziwira.com

Beauty

54

oRganiC glow beauty lounge The Organic Glow Beauty Lounge is an eco-friendly ladies’ spa in the UAE that promises the ultimate

green pampering experience in the most ethical confines. The Organic Glow Beauty Lounge is

proudly the UAE’s first completely green ladies salon, committed to providing customers with safe organic

treatments at an affordable price. Guests can enjoy

a relaxing beauty treatment that is completely green and safe for both the body and the environment, from

the

toxic-free

and

cruelty-free

organic

products to the eco-friendly interiors. It’s 100% guilt-free indulgence, just what every girl dreams of!

With all there is to offer at the Organic Glow Beauty

Lounge, the absolute cherry on top is that it’s so much more than just an ordinary beauty salon. It

goes far beyond surface appearances and strives to increase awareness amongst women about the

dangers of harsh chemicals and promotes ethical, holistic beauty. The services include organic sugaring, natural hair treatments, ammonia-free hair dying, fruit facials, freshly-blended body scrubs

that use no preservatives, earth-safe nail treatments and more.

It’s all about looking and feeling

great, with maximum kindness to Mother Earth.

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november Issue 11 2015

below aRe soMe oF the goRgeous pRoduCts you Can expeCt to Find at the spa.

Bio Sculpture Gel is a flexible yet durable nail polish that can be easily removed in 15 minutes by soaking in water. Paraben and odor free. 5-Star safety rating.

Human + Kind family remedy cream.

Made from 100% natural organic ingredients & can be used for acne, eczema, insect bites and any other skin irritations.

Sugar Pro, organic sugar based hair removal wax that leaves a smooth finish, without harming the skin. Includes cane sugar, lemon juice, chamomile tea and essential oils.

Snails water-based nail polish for kids.

Safe, hypoallergenic and biodegradable.

Human + Kind 3-inone body oil. Can be used for face, body and hair.

Made with soya, jojoba, wheat germ and sunflower oil.

Bamboo Smooth AntiHumidity Hair Spray from Alterna.

Freshly blended Green Glow scrubs are made at the spa.

You can even request your own favorite ingredients!

Bamboo Shine, nourishing ecocertified leave-in hair cream for all day sleek look.

Alterna natural hair care products made with bamboo extract, organic Kendi oil and Argan oil. Range includes Anti-Breakage Thermal Spray, Kendi Dry Oil Mist, Bamboo UV+ color protection and hydration mask plus more.

www.ziwira.com

fashion

56

lesoie CoMbines aRt nouveau with ethiCal CosMetiCs Belgium was one of the centers of Art Nouveau (New Art) during the time after World War II - a movement to protest the grim realities at the time. LeSoie, a Belgium-based company operating in Dubai, has combined the quirkiness of Art Nouveau, with organic, 100% halal products, ranging from an anti-aging serum, to spa products, to charismatic soaps. We caught up with its Chief Financial Officer in Dubai, Mahmoud Zaki.

“beyond ModeRn CosMetiCs”

Mahmoud Zaki, Chief Financial Officer at LeSoie.

LeSoie is a company that appreciates the finer things in life; from art, to skincare. Art Nouveau is very much incorporated into their product range; especially the amazing variety of over 400 soaps handmade from natural and organic ingredients, available in all different shapes, sizes, and designs.

Besides creating an artistic appeal, LeSoie claims to be

“inspired by nature”. Zaki, when asked about the influence

The LeSoie product range is not only meant to be gentle for the

behind the creation of the brand, mentioned the strong Belgium

tasteful design, with a wide range of pastel colors created to

claim to be natural, but ignore the facts of what it truly means

body, but also functional and beautiful. Delicate, curvy lines,

influence, and the fact that many cosmetics companies unfairly

look beautiful and feel good, all the while sustaining an ethical

to be natural and organic. Furthermore, they often deceive

appeal.

consumers by trying to ‘appear’ natural.

During the 19th century, there was a construction revolution,

“Natural and organic doesn’t have to be ugly!” Zaki said,

called Victor Horta was the brain behind the unique packaging

LeSoie product range. “We have attempted to combine the

word meaning ‘silk’.

people say ‘wow!’”

from which the LeSoie brand drew inspiration. A designer

clearly passionate about the distinctive presentation of the

and concepts. Even the name ‘LeSoie’ comes from the Belgium

two together. Any natural product should stand out and make

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november Issue 11 2015 After proudly showcasing some incredible soap designs

(including a UAE flag design for National Day, and a cupcake design that looked good enough to eat), Zaki explained more

about the natural side of the brand. He mentioned one of his competitors who are selling soaps and claiming to be natural by packaging their products very conservatively, adhering to the

belief that anything natural has to be plain and boring. LeSoie

To counter the issue of unfavorable ageing, LeSoie has

developed a new product which they call Revivor de Soie.

Essentially, it’s an instantaneous natural anti-wrinkle treatment,

to soothe the signs of ageing. It is also supposed to prevent the mimic of lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet from getting deeper, without any age restrictions.

attempted to break this mold.

“The idea came from our most common complaint from females,

“We were inspired by them to create something similar, but more

Zaki explained. “It isn’t just an issue for elderly anymore, but

attractive,” said Zaki. “We want our customers to experience the

beauty of the product, and enjoy it – enticing them – to create a full experience.”

Clearly many products today claim to be natural when they are

not, which is an issue that resonates with Zaki, and the brand

that he represents. LeSoie stands out in many ways. Firstly, their products are cruelty free and not tested on animals.

However, not all of LeSoie’s products are ‘natural’ as such, but are considered to be ‘organic’. Organic meaning, 95% of

the effective ingredients are sourced organically. A specific

product, for example camel milk, was a marketing test before

that due to work stress, their faces show early signs of ageing,” also for the young. Firstly, our treatment delivers quick results and is extremely effective and convenient. Secondly, it’s safe to

use in any quantity because it is organic – even though it looks like a pharmaceutical product.”

The main ingredient, according to Zaki, is green tea, a wellknown antioxidant product, which helps the skin to reduce the

ageing process. “The great thing about it is that it refills the

collagen that is missing in the deepest layers of the skin,” said Zaki. “The product cannot prevent ageing (impossible), but it can certainly reduce it and delay the process.”

the company began operating in the GCC.

“We discovered that the most common skin issue for women in this region is due to high humidity, which dries the skin,” Zaki

aCtive ingRedients

explained. “We brainstormed a source for a remedy ingredient

which we could obtain from the native environment, so that customers would be familiar with it and relate to it. Camel milk

HYALURONIC ACID:

– if you check out the effectiveness of it – has a very high fat

Well-known as the best natural moisturizing factor.

effective product for skin.”

It can improve the nutrient supply, and attract

The marketing strategy worked well for the Middle East, because

skin smoothness, suppleness, and elasticity. Given

percentage, more than most moisturizers, making it a very

if you try to sell camel milk product in New York, for example, it

probably wouldn’t be as effective. In the GCC, people are more familiar with camels, and are more likely to trust and respond to the product.

The most appealing aspect of the LeSoie brand, is its adherence to being 100% halal. “It’s all about where you as a company

want to position yourself and appear to the public,” said Zaki.

“We as a company protect and advocate for animal rights.

We have to give our customers something safe, effective, and something that they will not regret purchasing. At the end of the day, sourcing ethically is profitable for us.”

Moisturizing effect is the best function in cosmetics.

moisture to the skin and hold moisture, to preserve its high molecular weight, hyaluronic acid maintains an optimum level of hydration.

GLYCERIN: Controls Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL).

Regulates the balance between the hydration state of

the skin and the relative humidity of the surrounding air.

DISTARCH PHOSPHATE: Enhanced efficiency of active ingredients. When this emulsion is applied to the skin, the emulsion breaks

and water evaporates, but the active ingredients

RevivoR de soie

entrapped in the distarch phosphate are gradually released to the skin over a prolonged period. Distarch

Facial and other skin expressions are made by strong muscle

Phosphate ‘locks in’ moisture absorbed from the

forehead lines, crow’s feet, and vertical lines between the eyes.

is released over a long period, providing moisture to

contractions. Over time, these create skin wrinkles such as

water phase of formulation. When applied, this water

Even dehydration of the skin, and the loss of elasticity of the

the skin throughout the day.

skin by ageing is an important factor that cause wrinkles.

www.ziwira.com

fashion

58

Could this be the most

sustainable shoe?

The sneaker game is tough for new brands competing against the likes of Nike and Adidas. Trends are stubborn and difficult to alter. But one brand, Veja, has managed to usurp the established rules of play, doing it without trading on its ethical conscience or its ecological credentials, all the while turning a profit for ten years.

www.ziwira.com

november Issue 11 2015

The Changing Market

They have worked with several rubber tappers in the Amazon

Sneaker label Veja, established in 2004, has managed to

shoes. This process, called FDL (Folha Desfumada Liquida –

remain relevant amongst a tough crowd of conventional labels, because of its unique and praiseworthy business model, which is undoubtedly responsible for its success.

Their latest release, a new marble version of their low cut

Esplar silhouette, combined with the launch of their leather

hybrid B-Mesh material (made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottle fibers) is proof of their stable position in the market, and continued drive for innovation.

“Influencing the debate is not our primary goal. We simply want to set an example,” says Sebastian Kopp and Francois Morillion, the two French founders who launched Veja 10 years ago. They chose the word ‘veja’, which is a literal translation

Rainforest, for the wild rubber latex used in the soles of Veja Liquid Smoked Sheet) allows the rubber tappers to transform

latex into rubber sheets, without any industrial intermediary processes.

Since the 60’s, the increasing use of petroleum based synthetic rubber has drastically reduced the price for natural rubber.

The inhabitants of the forest have thus moved from practicing rubber tapping to more profitable activities such as cattle-

raising and wood extraction which both involve land-clearing.

As a consequence, soils are no longer protected by the cover

of vegetation and are subject to an accelerated erosion rate and desertification.

Since 2007, Veja has been working with Bia Saldanha, the Brazilian Green Party co-founder and environmental activist,

who provides technical support for the rubber tappers and coordinates the rubber supply chain.

Veja has also been working with ADEC (Associação de

Desenvolvimento Educacional e Cultural), an association of

organic cotton growers located in Tauá, northeast Brazil, for the past seven years. The producers of the association pool their harvests in the same warehouse, and by working together,the transformation costs is minimized. Working directly, ADEC has

allowed Veja to establish a seamless, human-based model that avoids middlemen and ensures that reasonable profits go directly to the producers themselves.

To complete their full-circle of sustainable production, Veja only

uses eco-tanned leather with vegetable extract such as Acacia.

Unlike modern tanning procedures (based on of the Brazilian-Portuguese word for ‘look’, because they

chose to look “beyond the sneakers, and look to how they are made.” The founders explain the possibility of turning the

world inside out, to start something where everybody earns a decent income, from the organic cotton producers, to the distribution outlets.

The Veja Business Model Veja is actively transforming the fashion industry, addressing

the core problems of unsustainable business practice.

The brand is founded on an ethical footing at every stage

of business – from sourcing and the production cycle, right through to packaging, distribution, and even the energy as

the company’s French headquarters is using cooperative

green energy (ENERCOOP), as opposed to EDF, the French national nuclear supplier.

chromium and other heavy metals), leather that is ecologically tanned decreases pollution in water surrounding the tannery

plant. Chromium allows for quick tanning, but lingers in the environment and pollutes water supplies.

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fashion

60

2

Reflecting on the past ten years of operation, both Morillion and Kopp agree that the ability to continue working with the same

WOMENS

small, independent Brazilian producers when they first started back in 2004 is their greatest achievement.

“There were a few guys at the beginning, but the success of the

project motivated even more farmers to join the organic farming team,” says Motillion. For now, they are simply pleased that they have created a uniquely sustainable fashion product that has

lasted the distance, and greatly appreciate the continued support they receive from brand admirers.

“

1

“

1. Esplar Leather Extra

Sebastian Kopp and Francois Morillion -Veja founders

3. Volley Black Black –

“Influencing the debate is not our primary goal. We simply want to set an example.”

White – 99.00 € 2. Holiday Low Top

3

Suede Leopard Burgundy – 109.00 €

89.00 €

2

MENS

1 1. Esplar 3 Locks White – 110.00 €

3

2. Holiday Low Top Suede B-Mesh Silver Nautico Burgundy –

Visit Veja’s online store, www.veja-store.com, to browse their latest collection and to read about their project in more detail.

www.ziwira.com

3. 109.00 € Taua Black White – 69.00 €

food

62

Yummy…

Camel Milk!

Creamy, delicious, wholesome and sustainable.

Here’s why camel’s milk is referred to as ‘The Milk of Life’.

www.ziwira.com

C

november Issue 11 2015

amel milk has been popular in the Middle East and

North African regions for centuries, but has only recently been popular among the masses. Its health

benefits are slowly catching on and here in the UAE it’s

Health Benefits

enjoyed by both locals and expats who love to indulge in

Contains more calcium than other milks.

title “The Milk of Life”, which is quite apt. But apart from the

Low levels of lactose, so it’s a good alternative for people with allergies.

a healthy lifestyle. In one research paper, it was given the health aspect, camel milk is also a more eco-friendly choice

than most other types of milk available in the market. Here’s what you need to know.

Camel milk can actually be a greener alternative to cow’s milk

Antimicrobial properties, good for auto-immune diseases.

in this part of the world. Bovine farming requires a lot of water

Camel milk Laban is an excellent probiotic.

the other hand, utilizes a native species that is well-adapted

Camel milk is three times higher in vitamin C than cow’s milk and 10 times higher in iron.

and even electricity to power sprinklers. Camel farming, on to arid regions, able to eat salty desert plants. By using locally sourced camel milk, we also drastically reduce our

carbon footprint, compared to importing branded cow’s milk from other countries.

High vitamin C levels boost collagen, so it’s good for anti-ageing.

Camel milk is a rich source of protein. The proteins found

Can boost the immune system.

in camel milk are either completely absent in cow’s milk or

found in very small quantity. Even camel milk fat is healthier than its bovine contenders and its cholesterol is lower. It’s 50% lower in saturated fats than cow’s milk.

The Taste Of course, taste is one of the overriding factors. Camel’s milk definitely has a distinct taste, and some find it to be more

salty than normal milk. But for the most part, it’s still milk, and has that undeniably smooth, milky taste!

Has an insulin effect, and is good for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Contains natural anti-biotics, which means the milk can stay fresh for longer.

Anti-inflammatory effect that can prevent colon cancer.

Avoid the dangers of growth hormones usually found in non-organic cow’s milk.

While it may not be scientifically linked to the treatment of autism, it has been known to reduce the symptoms thereof.

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food

64

nutty roasted Chicken breast with Camel milk sauce

RECIPES Camel milk Coconut Flour Waes

Ingredients: Ingredients:

1 cup of Raisins 1 tbsp ground Cinnamon

For the sauce:

1 tbsp Raw Camel Milk

2 Cups Camel Milk, 1/4 cup rice flour, 2 tbsp. Ghee, Himalaya rock salt/pepper, Pinch of cayenne pepper

1/4 cup Coconut Flour

For the nutty chicken:

1/4 tsp ground Nutmeg

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, 4oz mixed nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds), 1 small free range egg, Himalaya rock salt/pepper

4 Pastured Eggs

1/4 tsp Baking Soda

Instructions: method: Grind the nuts in a blender, add the egg and combine.

Melt the ghee in a stockpot, add the flour and mix well.

Allow to cook for 1 minute on low heat.

While stirring, add the Camel Milk. When you have a sauce, season with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook on low heat for another minute and keep warm.

In a medium-sized blending dish, mix all ingredients with a hand blender.

Set waffle maker to medium high.

Waffles are ready when they can be easily separated from the waffle iron. This usually takes 3-5 minutes.

Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper and cover with the nut/egg mix.

For the topping, heat coconut oil in a non-stick skillet on medium high temperature.

Heat a slightly greased skillet on medium heat. When the skillet is hot add the

Cut banana and add to skillet.

chicken breast, raw side down. Fry without moving for 3 minutes.

Transfer the pan to a pre-heated 375 F oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breast.

Place a chicken breast on a plate, apply the Camel Milk sauce and serve the dish with a salad.

Source: desertfarms.com www.ziwira.com

Singe banana cuts until tan and firm on the lowest part, then flip.

Add pecans to skillet and daintily toast with the singed banana cuts.

Drizzle your topping over the waffles, serve warm and enjoy!

food

66

BACK TO THE BASICS

www.ziwira.com

november Issue 11 2015

Germany has emerged as a prime spot for natural food Germany, known for its high living standards and thriving economy, has added another amiable category to its list of successful endeavors. Not only has Germany announced plans to ban GMO crops, but also hosts one of the first successful zero-waste grocery stores.

Naturalizing Deutschland Germany has maintained a high-profile reputation throughout the years, making an aspirational comeback from its dark days of World War II. 2015 in particular

has been a challenging year for Germany, essentially orchestrating the re-establishment of thousands of Syrian refugees seeking asylum in the progressive country.

But Germany has also made strides in the environmental arena. In August, German Agriculture Minister, Christian Schmidt, informed German states of his

intention to use a new EU law, passed in March, to ban the use of genetically

modified crops (GMO). This followed Scotland’s announcement earlier in the year to ban GMO crops, to protect their clean, green status.

The German announcement, according to Sustainable Pulse, was supported

by Professor Carlo Leifert, Professor of Ecological Agriculture at Newcastle

University, who strongly believes that the Scottish Government’s ban on GMO crops was the right move.

“There are likely to be significant commercial benefits from Scotland being clearly recognized as a GMO-free region,” he said.

In an attempt to create greater transparency for consumers, Germany also plans to introduce a new “non-GM” label for food that has not been geneti-

cally modified. Deputy Agriculture Minister Gert Lindem says the non-GM label will apply not only to non-GM crops, but to eggs, meat, and milk from animals raised on non-GM feed.

“The new labeling will give consumers the choice to buy dairy products from animals that have not been fed with genetically modified plants,” said Gerd Billen from the Federation of German Consumer Organizations.

Germany’s love for nature is certainly one of the most important motivations in

their energy revolution, as nearly 80 percent of Germans view themselves as

environmentalists, and the environment is always on top of the political agenda.

But going GM-free isn’t the only food-related initiative on German minds. Freedom from big food brands, whose integrity is often called into question, has been addressed by a unique grocery store concept cooked up in Berlin.

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food

68

geRMany’s FiRst zeRo-waste gRoCeRy stoRe

Meet Sara Wolf and Milena Glimbovski, the quirky founders

of

Original

Unverpakt,

a

Berlin-based

supermarket, where customers are invited to bring along

their personal containers, which are labeled by the store, to fill with wholesome, un-marketed food.

As a customer, when you reach the till, the weight of your container is subtracted, and you pay only for the

net weight of your groceries. The container labels are

designed to survive a few washings, so you can go back and skip the label process for a while.

Sara and Milena felt the need for more products and services that deal with sustainability. They recognized

a hike in demand for natural products in Germany, and a demand for alternatives to the lavish handling of resources.

“Here, the customer only takes what they need,” said Sara and Milena, ahead of the launch of their Berlin-

Kreuzberg store. “We’d like to offer an alternative way of shopping – one where we offer everything you need but

you won’t find hundreds of different types of body lotion or olive oil.”

The ambitious duo used crowd funding to run the store and decided to challenge the traditional shopping

experience. Original Unverpakt’s overall mission, is to stop contributing to waste that is caused by food packaging, by selling groceries in a sustainable manner.

Three studies conducted in 2013 found that 12 million tons of food waste is accumulated annually amounting to

£19 billion a year. This figure isn’t only swelling landfills, www.ziwira.com

but also contributes to 20 million tons of Germany’s

greenhouse gas emissions annually. The same study states that 75 percent of this waste could have been easily sidestepped with more efficient infrastructure.

november Issue 11 2015 Thankfully, you won’t find any paper or plastic bags at Original

Unverpakt. The contemporary grocery store creates zero waste by allowing customers to purchase the exact amount

needed, reducing waste in their homes. The store doesn’t supply any products under popular brand names; instead, they carry mostly organic products. Shelves are stocked using

a bulk bin system with an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Even shampoo and milk are dispensed from refillable containers.

Some have argued that opening unpackaged stores in

neighborhoods with a high proportion of upwardly mobile

“If you are trying to counter the modern way of ready-toassemble food, then you have an uphill climb,” says Catherine Conway, founder of London-based Unpackaged, a similar

concept. She refers to the somewhat depressing way modern

society operates, where a ready-made microwave meal in a plastic box is zapped of its original goodness and pleasurable aspects, and treated as fuel.

“It’s nothing to do with the products you have on offer, it’s more

to do with the psychology of marketing and being sold the idea of time saving ways of eating,” she added.

“

“

Here, the customer only takes what they need.

hipsters, out-prices the poorer, local communities. But Original Unverpakt says “it would like to offer this new way of shopping

to a broad range of customers” including those on smaller budgets.

Food waste campaigner, Tristram Stuart, wholeheartedly supports Original Unverpakt, and all the other similar establishments who have cottoned onto the ethical consumer.

“The food and packaging industry has undergone a strategic rebranding campaign, and now argues that you can reduce food waste by how it’s packaged. So you get pots of cubed-up mango instead of an actual mango,” he explains. “We then buy

supermarket branded reusable shopping bags which we hang in our hallways which turn our homes into billboards for these

places. It’s a distraction from the real issue which is turning nature into cash to satisfy unnecessary consumer desires.”

Sara Wolf and Milena Glimbovski, Founders of Original Unverpakt.

Sara Wolf and Milena Glimbovski

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health

70

The Hazards of

M

Medical Waste

edical waste is one of the biggest threats to metropolitan growth. In order to cope with the swelling population of Dubai and the influx of visitors, the city

has had to improve its healthcare facilities. As a result, there has

also been an increase in medical waste which requires proper management and careful disposal. Anything to the contrary can have extremely hazardous consequences to the environment

set up environmental conditions and treatment effectiveness

criteria for a sustainable treatment technology that can facilitate the generation of medical waste for at least ten years by modeling the projection of waste increases in relation to other factors such as population growth.”

He added that hospital waste is globally classified as hazardous

and public health.

waste, toxic and even more harmful to human health due

Eng. Rashed Karkain of the Dubai Municipality has done

concentration that could result in transmission of infectious

deep research on the subject and agrees that it is indeed a

serious issue. He has been working at Dubai Municipality for

to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in sufficient diseases.

16 years in the Environment Department, Waste Management

According to the Dubai Statistics Center, in 2011, the quantity

Plant Department. Much of his responsibility over the years has

2010. Last year, a total of 238 metric tons of pharmaceutical

and Public Health Protection.

treated, the total amount of waste generated is much higher,

“I was also heading the committee in which we carried out

published by Karkain around 5 years ago, he mentioned that

Department and now heads the Jebel Ali Sewage Treatment

of hazardous waste treated had increased by 21.8 percent from

been sustainable Environmental Services and Environmental

waste was treated in Dubai. And this is just the amount that was

a thorough study on quantity and quality of Medical Waste

generation in the Emirate of Dubai,” he said. “We accordingly www.ziwira.com

but of course, not all of it is disposed of correctly. In a report total medical waste was expected to reach 4000 tons by 2017, but now he says that figure is likely to be much higher.

november Issue 11 2015 From a waste treatment perspective, Karkain admits that the

capacity of the treatment versus the quantity of waste being

generated that may challenge the effectiveness and efficiency

of the treatment. Dubai Municipality continuously carries out Research and Studies to ensure that tomorrow’s Environmental Services needs are in place today.

According to Karkain, expired medicines are classified as

“Pharmaceutical Waste”, which is different to “Medical Waste”.

However, in the Emirate of Dubai, Pharmaceutical Waste is also considered hazardous and is dealt within engineered or lined Medical waste is generated from hospitals, clinics and other

landfills via a controlled permitting system. He says the brunt of

hazardous. Anyone handling this waste is at risk of diseases

disposed of at household level is very small in comparison. In

result in the release of dangerous substances such as radio

and it is then the supplier’s responsibility to dispose of the waste

similar premises. This can be potentially infectious and

the problem is at the supplier level, as the quantity of medicines

being transmitted. Mishandling and improper disposal can

fact, pharmacies send unused medicines back to the supplier,

isotopes, viruses and harmful gases, which put the health and

safely. It’s definitely a problem that needs careful management,

safety of the public in jeopardy.

but it’s not always easy.

According to Karkain, the Dubai Municipality acts as a monitoring

“Internationally best practices and best available technologies

and Government Hospitals. Since 2001, all of the medical waste

be enhanced to fit the model that best suits the Emirate of Dubai

body, monitoring waste generation and management in Private

are always studied and considered, and in certain cases may

generated in Dubai has been treated and disposed of at the

from all perspectives,” he said.

Jebel Ali Medical Waste Treatment Facility.

“Dubai Municipality, as part of its continuous Research and Development and as a proactive measure towards Sustainable Development, focusing on Environmental and Public Health

protection, has proper legislations, standards and procedures in place to ensure proper management of medical waste at

the source. This includes color-coded bags for different types

of waste from different sources within the healthcare service providers, standards for vehicles that are used for the safe

transportation of medical waste as well as a state-of-art medical

waste incinerator with double bag filtration system to prevent any emissions of dioxin and other harmful pollutants into

Eng. Rashed Karkain

ambient air,” said Karkain.

Everyone has a role to play As someone who has been studying the problem and

medical and pharmaceutical waste. For example, even the

pursuing a PhD, Karkain’s insight into medical and

countries.

its potential solutions for so many years, and currently pharmaceutical waste in the city of Dubai is highly valued.

packaging of certain medicines are biodegradable in some

He anticipates that “Green Supply Chain Management”

At consumer level, it certainly helps to be aware of the

the effective and efficient management of Medical and

collecting in landfills and seeping hazardous chemicals

as well as continuous improvement of environmentally-

think twice before buying medicines in bulk and discarding

is really picking up globally, whereby everyone in the circle

expired medicines from customers and will dispose of them

is the next big thing for Dubai that could aim to address

copious amounts of medical and pharmaceutical waste

Pharmaceutical Waste from the perspective of minimization

into the earth and atmosphere. It’s enough to make us

friendly treatment and disposals. He says this is a trend that

them casually. Some pharmacies will actually accept

of stakeholders can have a role to play in the reduction of

accordingly. Check in your area if this service is offered.

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interview

72

Jan D’Sa Embodiment of a Free Spirit

By Nasreen Rasool

It’s not often that you get to meet someone as intriguing as Jan D’Sa - writer, artist, environmentalist, academic, and an avid traveler. Owner of a creative mind, and a vibrant spirit, she creates a genuine connection with mother earth. I was privileged to learn her story.

This is the abbreviated version!

Q: Brief me about your background. How is it that you

Vinci is a famous example of a multi-potentialite: He was not

studied medicine and ended up being an artist?

only a painter, sculptor and writer, he was also a scientist in

I studied to become a molecular biologist and wanted to do

astronomer), a historian and an inventor. I thrive on experimenting

a PhD in a field of forensic medicine. Now, I run a medical communications business out of Dubai. I have always been creative, right from my childhood. I am, what they call, a

multi-potentialite. Though I’m not in favor of labels, it helps to explain why I seem to have so many passions. Leonardo da

www.ziwira.com

many forms (mathematician, engineer, anatomist, botanist, and with different forms of writing, different arts and handcrafting

techniques and sometimes coming up with my own. It’s like there is an inventor within me, wanting to experiment at the altar of life as opposed to being in the science lab.

november Issue 11 2015

Caption: Some of Jan’s art, crafts and nature photography My mother is an artist and my maternal grandmother used

When I returned to Abu Dhabi, where I grew up, there were

in academics and the arts. The travelling wanderlust and

the water and electricity sector, which was as near as I could

to crochet beautiful jewelry. So it was natural for me to excel the love for nature, photography and videography came from

my father. I still remember the stack of National Geographic magazines lying at home. There was a cover photo of an old man, whose rugged face was covered with what I am guessing are the monarch butterflies. From that day, I

hardly any jobs in my field in those days, so I took a job in get to a technical field. I combined my technical and creative

skills to create communications and marketing concepts for business reports and marketing collateral. To this day, I love using my technical mindset in the creative fields.

wanted to travel the world, stay in nature, meet people from

From there I moved to an international environment firm in

culture in song and dance. But then there was the other part

campaigns, made a difference to my life and I am sure it

all cultures, photograph and paint, and be a part of their

Dubai. The work we did in schools through our environmental

of me that loved the future and technology.

impacted the students too. Since then, the responsibility I

Q: You worked in an environmental engineering company

grew stronger.

had towards environment, from an individual perspective,

before. Tell us about that.

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Q: When did you start TravelArtsLife? What was the

to emphasize Taiwan’s way of being environmentally friendly,

inspiration behind the blog?

preserving their beautiful and diverse eco-system through

The main inspiration came from the need to continuously yield

painting, I crushed egg shells along with the Assam tea leaves

to creative self-expression for the purpose of growing as a person. Couple that with my love for nature, a need for social change, my belief in sustainability and minimalism as well as

making a difference through arts for wellness…well you know

national parks and eco-farms. So for the mountain area of the

that I’d bought from Taiwan, I grounded them together and used them on the mountain.

The other way I bring nature into my art is through sculpting on

where the story is going now!

cufflinks. For example, when I was in the UK, on the way from St.

When I left the corporate world, I discovered blogging and

rape oil plants growing in the midst of the green. Besides taking

started TravelArtsLife four years ago. I was doing it more for myself than anyone else. It was an incredible way of self-

exploration, meeting new people, trying out new ideas and

seeing where it takes me. It was more of a therapeutic way of recording my surplus amount of words. Plus I loved taking photography, creating artwork, experimenting with new forms of art and writing.

Albans to Heartwood forest, I spotted a beautiful sea of yellow photographs, I also felt the need to sculpt a series of cufflinks

based on those colors. I also realized that I was able to capture insects and their mannerisms through photography, as if they and I had an ongoing conversation. They were my models.

Q: Why has Taiwan affected you so much?

Good question. I would say Taiwan woke me up. Taiwan

In time, I started to create products that were travel inspired.

awakened in me that calling to nature, to environment, to

I’ve now taken them online so that people can order their mugs

wellness and social change. It’s like it woke up some of my old

to manufacture a surplus amount of products, so I chose the

come in ways that I’ve never dreamt of!

Whether art or doodles. They were received well at exhibitions.

expression in the arts, and to using the arts as a vital tool for

with my designs or things like cushion covers etc. I didn’t want

dreams and then from then onwards, I’m alive, and opportunities

online route. That way, I avoided wastage of products.

Inspired by travel and nature, I don’t see how one cannot be creative while being in the presence of beautiful mountains and

sea. I discover the best poetry and music and even ideas in the face of nature. The inspiration behind the blog may continue to

Q: Not many photographers would choose flowers or

insects as their subjects. Why do you like this kind of photography?

In fact, just the other day I was looking at photos that I took in

change or ebb and flow, like a river.

2010 in Cambridge and I realized that some of the flower photos

Q: Why do you doodle with your left hand?

deep gratitude of having the chance to stand in the midst of

I was told by someone to try drawing with my non dominant

in some parts of the world. When I’m in nature, I feel totally alive

hand (which happens to be my left hand). I believe it overrides the perfectionist talk going on inside one’s head about not being

good enough, not wise enough, and not perfect enough. And I found it as another tool of mindfully meditating as it kept me in

the moment. When I did life science and botanical illustrations,

there was a need to be perfect while drawing an algae, or

even a crocodile or an alligator. You had to make sure that the

were absolutely stunning. By looking at them, I got filled with

the nature world, considering how nature is fast disappearing and grounded. I feel my lungs bursting with the pure oxygen of

joy. And then when I’m taking photos there is something about that stillness, and that focus itself becomes a mindful meditation.

Q: Do you live by a particular philosophy and can you share it with us?

illustration showed the difference between the crocodile and

It’s about living simply. Live from the heart. Awaken your

That’s why, perhaps, I don’t like to draw things that require such

because no one is going to get them for you. Dance to your

I’ve found that the mistakes I make in the doodles are patterns

that fear, even sing that fear (sometimes I sing out loud with

alligator, the prawn or the shrimp. And the same with plants.

authentic voice, step forth in boldness to achieve your dreams,

perfection. I prefer to draw what I see and what my heart says.

fears, paint that fear, write down that fear and a story around

in themselves.

lyrics of my own), because that’s the best way to feel your fear and move past it. It’s only a shadow after all.

Q: How do you bring your love for nature into your art?

As nature and environment friendly issues are really close to my heart, I make sure wherever I can recycle material or upcycle them I will. So for example, for the Taiwan inspired artwork called Secret Passages to the Blue Jade Mountain, I wanted www.ziwira.com

Follow Jan’s Pinterest board:

or see her blog:

MedicalHealthWellbeing

www.travelartslife.com

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Caught in the Spyder’s charm There’s a new eco-beast in town, going by the name of Porsche 918 Spyder.

Familiarize yourself with this incredibly beautiful feat of engineering, and become entangled in its web of environmental charm.

Porsche 918 Spyder Porsche has never failed to produce some of the sexiest models

throughout history. The 918 Spyder is of course, no exception.

With its stunning design, truly brilliant performance, and surprising efficiency, the Spyder, like the BMW i8, introduced the world to the idea of a hybrid hyper-car. Styled in the vein of the Carerra GT

supercar, the 918 Spyder draws on the best of Porsche’s heritage, complementing the past, present, and future. A low-slung stance

wrapped in smooth, flowing curves gives the Spyder an organic look, while at the same time speaking of its performance potential

through muscular fenders and snarling air inlets. It’s clean, it’s elegant, and enviable on the road.

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november Issue 11 2015

But Porsche, like most other supercar brands, have built an

horsepower, helping it hit those super speeds. This engineering

what makes the Porsche 918 Spyder different from the rest, is

circuit in Germany: 6 minutes, 57 seconds - pretty exceptional

unfavorable reputation for producing gas-guzzlers. However, that while managing the top speed of 210mph, it also manages an economic 94 miles to the gallon. That essentially makes the

marvel set a new track record on the famous Nurburging race for a hybrid vehicle.

Spyder more economic than the car with one of the greenest

There are five driving modes through the steering wheel

the gallon.

Lap. E-power uses strictly electricity to power the car, with a

The Spyder manages the fuel economy, thanks to a new hybrid

in this limited mode, the Spyder can hit the speed up to 93mph,

reputations: The Toyota Prius, which can manage 72.4 miles to

system where two electric motors generate power alongside the vehicle’s 4.6-liter V8 engine, which generates around 570

controls: E-power, Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Race Hybrid, and Hot range of about 18 miles from its 6.8-killowatt-hour battery. Even and accelerate to 62mph in near 7 seconds.

horsepower. The electric motors boost this up to a total of 770

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78

The Hybrid and Sport Hybrid modes each provide a degree

of mixed propulsion, with economy and sportiness in a progressively more aggressive balance. Race Hybrid mode

pushes both the electric drive system and the V8-engine to maximum capacity, yielding impressive performance.

However, for maximum velocity, Hot Lap mode takes the Spyder to the extreme, eliminating the recharge cycle on the battery to put the most power possible to the wheels (only advisable for short periods).

According to The Car Connection, steering is crisp,

though not as communicative as the rear-drive-only cars in the Porsche lineup, and the movement of the chassis is communicated perfectly to the driver through the seat.

“Controls are weighed just as you would want for each driving mode, a more remarkable feat when you consider the braking system of the 918 Spyder is an energy recovery system as well as traditional hydraulic brakes,”

says Nelson Ireson from The Car Connection. “Unlike

many sporty hybrids, the brake pedal feel is consistent and predictable. That’s something you truly appreciate when negotiating a track at speeds well over 150mph.”

Currently holding the production car lap record of the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with 1:29:89, the Porsche 918 Spyder hasn’t failed to impress both motorists and

environmental activists alike in terms of speed, energy efficiency, and physical appeal. The brilliant combination of a sports car combined with the ability to reduce emissions is a sure sign of what we can expect from the future. www.ziwira.com

Spyder 918 specifications: Combination of a compact and potent 4.6-liter V8 engine rated at 608 horsepower with a hybrid electric drive system that brings total output to 887 horsepower and 940 pound-feet of torque.

6.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivers an all-electric range of 19km under EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) five-cycle tests.

Top speed of around 340kmh (210mph).

Weighs at 3,715 pounds in standard trim, or as little as 3,616 pounds with the optional Weissach trim package (sports car skirting). A carbon fiber reinforced polymer primary structure and extensive use of aluminum and composites throughout the vehicle help the Spyder keep its weight low, which in turn leads to lesser emissions.

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Get ready to ride on recycled plastic brick roads Plastic isn’t so fantastic. In fact, it is now believed that there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris throughout the ocean. Shoppers worldwide are using approximately 500 billion single-use plastic bags per year. To end this madness, Dutch construction firm VolkerWessels unveiled plans to create new brick roads made entirely from recycled plastic.

Pictures: VolkerWessels

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november Issue 11 2015

The need to transform

the plastic can withstand temperatures between -40oC and

Innovation is sourced from the need to solve a problem. Our over

damage. Furthermore, the company claims that the plastic

(furniture, storage boxes, utility items etc.) has accounted to this

ground, such as swampy or sandy soil.

creatures perish every year from plastic entanglement. If you tie

“Plastic offers all kinds of advantages compared to current

used every year, they would circumnavigate the globe 4,200

said Rolf Mars, Director of VolkerWessels’ roads subdivision,

dependence on plastic for packaging and almost everything serious issue. According to Ocean Crusaders, 100,000 marine

80oC, and that the road is resistant to corrosion and weather bricks will be ideal for roads that stretch over structurally poor

together the approximately 500 billion single-use plastic bags

road construction, both in laying the roads, and maintenance,”

times.

KWS Infra. As far as Mars is concerned, the project has huge

To understand the idea behind VolkerWessels innovation, you

quiet surfaces. “As far as I know, we’re the first in the world to

potential for future development, such as heated roads or ultra-

also need to understand the detrimental impact of concrete

try this.”

of the two largest producers of CO2, creating up to 5 percent

According to IFL Science, the prefabricated roads would

percent is from the chemical process and 50 percent from

site, and then slotted into place, hence the nickname “Lego

of structural concrete (for example creating roads) is estimated

roads which would hopefully reduce the amount of time for road

which is used to create our roads. The concrete industry is one

of the worldwide manmade emissions of this gas, of which 50

reportedly be made in a factory, transported to the installation

burning fuel. The CO2 produced for the manufacture of 1 ton

Road”. Ideally, the concept would reduce construction time on

at 410 kg/m3.

blockades during road construction, which can cause traffic

Lego Roads

“It’s still an idea on paper at the moment,” Mars explains.

To deter these detrimental issues, VolkerWessels plans to use

sure it’s safe in wet and slippery conditions, and so on. We’re

jams.

recycled plastic to build roads, which will solve the problem of plastic waste, along with the need for concrete roads.

The

city

of

Rotterdam

“The next stage is to build it and test it in a laboratory to make

looking for partners who want to collaborate on a pilot, as well

as manufacturers in the plastics industry – we’re thinking of the recycling sector, universities, and other knowledge institutions.”

in

the

Netherlands has teamed up with

VolkerWessels to create prototype

plastic brick roads. It’s a great concept, however, the plastic roads have a long journey ahead before

we can see drivers using them. But there is hope. The Netherlands is a haven for recycling, as one of the few European countries to recycle more

than half of its waste, according to the European Environment Agency.

The plan that VolkerWessels has

cooked up, involves sourcing plastic

waste from the sea and grinding it into a coarse aggregate. The resulting substance could then be

melted and molded into road-form, with spaces through the middle to

make way for pipes and electrical cables typically run under roadways.

The plastic roads would also need to be strong enough to support hundreds, if not thousands of cars a day, which raises the issue of structural integrity. Nonetheless, it’s still a very promising concept, and the VolkerWessels website claims that

The project is certainly ambitious, and it may be years before we find out if the pre-fabricated plastic is road-worthy and can realistically replace traditional tar and asphalt roads. The design is an interesting shift in building, as engineers are no longer only thinking about how to lay roads quickly, but also

how to pull them up quickly if needed– which in the case of “Lego Roads”, would be a lot easier to do than it is now.

For all the doubt that surrounds this idea, if there’s anywhere in the world that such a project will succeed, it’s Rotterdam.

The city is very innovative, and has embraced the concept wholeheartedly. It fits well within the city’s sustainability policy, and support has risen for a pilot project.

“We’re very positive towards the developments around the plastic road,” said Jaap Peters, from the Rotterdam City Council’s Engineering Bureau. “Rotterdam is a city that is open to experiments and innovative adaptions in practice. We have a ‘street lab’ available where innovations like this can be tested.”

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Solar-powered classrooms connect students to technology Computers are an essential part of our information age, yet many traditional schools, particularly in Africa, lack adequate training, facilities, and access to information technology. Mike Rosenberg, CEO of UK-based Aleutia, has developed a sustainable way for African students to access efficient ICT by means of solar-powered classrooms.

Bridging the Education Gap It’s estimated that 30-50 percent of the African

population is under the age of 15. According to Develop Africa, students who wish to acquire technology skills needed for many jobs have no access to resources

and are compelled to pay for additional training in ‘computer schools’ at predatory prices. These are tremendous barriers for those who can barely make

ends meet. Is it fair that African students’ education must suffer because of lack of infrastructure?

Technology is surely and steadily becoming a mainstay in the private and public sector, and most

decent paying jobs require proficiency in computers

and basic office applications. Many job applications are

accepted electronically and require that the

applicant have an email address. These stipulations have the effects of ‘raising the bar’ and making even entry-level positions inaccessible to many Africans.

Therefore, in order to ensure that all children, whether rich or poor, can get a quality, technology influenced

education, Aleutia has introduced a solar-container-

classroom concept, to transform education in the developing world. It’s essentially a cost effective solution that enables ICT labs to be scalable.

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november Issue 11 2015 “Countries that we work with, from Sierra Leone, to Uganda, want ICT labs, but it’s not as simple as just dropping in

computers and expecting transformation,” says Rosenberg.

“First, there’s the immediate lack of power, and if there is grid power, it’s unreliable.”

The Solution Fast-forward to one of his latest projects, Rosenberg told Gizmag that the initial idea for his solar-powered classroom

concept was to retrofit or adapt old shipping containers, but that altogether required a different approach.

“The problem we discovered was that the local supply of containers was very cheap, but typically rusty, so retrofitting

and adapting them was expensive,” Rosenberg explained.

“Transport costs for a flatbed truck are very high, and costs

are even higher for a crane, which is required to lower the containers onto a foundation. So we pivoted.”

With help from the University of Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and architects Aleutia specializes in providing education and healthcare solutions to developing countries and began working on the

‘Solar Classroom in a Box’ concept back in 2013. Rosenberg

founded Aleutia Computers after volunteering to set up a computer classroom for street children and was faced with the

from Nairobi, Aleutia was able to develop a structure that is

insulated, low-cost, easily transportable, and scalable. Each classroom is made from local materials, such as cinder blocks and corrugated tin roof, with a light gauge steel frame, and solar panels.

challenge of failed, expensive to run second hand desktops.

“Because of the challenges of dust, heat, and unreliable power,

released its first product: A fan-less, energy efficient computer.

inroads into education. Aleutia saw this as an opportunity to

principle of exceptionally low power consumption.

but would continue to do so reliably over an extended period,”

The cost of power crippled the project. So a year later, Aleutia

providing access to ICT is a challenging task to make sensible

Everything since then has followed the same design and

provide fit for purpose ICT hardware that would not just work,

But creating a solar-classroom concept didn’t come without a

Rosenberg said.

range of challenges. Firstly, Aleutia had to tackle unsuitable

“Our machines have been designed to work even at critical

expensive process. Solar is also difficult to install, as the angle

hardware in rural and remote areas. African governments that

maintenance, and cabling is expensive. The standard solar

their children need access to ICT to be able to compete in any

making them inefficient to manage a classroom in 2.5 meters.

future, giving them the same access ultimately gives that

existing infrastructure, and retrofitting is a complicated and

levels because we know how challenging it could be to support

of the panels must be correct, batteries need ventilation and

we work with have the same goal essentially. They know that

containers used by Samsung and DELL are very narrow,

marketplace globally. Frankly, with kids being any country’s country the opportunity to be competitive and enable growth.”

With 240 solar-classrooms in total to be deployed, Kenya

was the 8th Sub-Saharan African nation to receive them; individually costing $10,000 for the structure itself, and $10,000 for equipment. In total, each classroom has 10 computers

for students, and one for a teacher. Aleutia introduced T1 computers in the classroom, which are fan-less (economical),

loaded with an offline English language version of Wikipedia.

Mike Rosenberg

It’s an incredible achievement for a man with a vision of a more interconnected, sustainable Africa.

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wildlife

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november Issue 11 2015

Threats, captivity, and overall wellbeing of

orangutans

Of the five Great Apes (humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and bonobos), orangutans are the only Great Ape exclusive to the Southeast Asia region - native to Borneo, Malaysia, and Sumatra, Indonesia.

Like all of the Great Apes (excluding humans), orangutans are facing extinction. We explore the current status of orangutans, and the threats they face in a modern world.

Intelligent Beings Orangutans are beautiful wild mammals characterized by their long faces, lanky limbs, kind eyes, and reddish-brown hair, instead of the brown or

black hair typical of chimpanzees and gorillas. Dominant adult males have distinctive cheek pads called “flanges” and produce long calls that attract females (and also intimidate rivals).

Orangutans are, according to the Center for Great Apes, the largest arboreal (tree dwelling) animal in the world, reaching heights up to four to five feet, and

weights of 125 to 235 pounds or more. The name “orangutan” is derived from

the Malay and Indonesian word orang meaning “person” and hutah meaning

“forest”. Thus, orangutans are known as “person of the forest”. A fitting title for creatures that resemble us in many ways.

Of all the Great Apes, orangutans are the most solitary. Any human contact with them should be recognized as a privilege. Both species of orangutan

can be found in mountainous and lowland swampy areas, spending majority of their day feeding, resting, and travelling.

Ancestral links are very much visible when compared to humans, for instance, orangutans are the most intelligent of the primate species. They use a variety

of sophisticated tools (like us), and construct elaborate sleeping nests from branches and foliage.

In Atlanta Zoo, touch-screen computers were setup for orangutans to play

games. Scientists hope that data collected about orangutans will help researchers to learn about socializing patterns, such as whether the apes learn behaviors through trial and error or by mimicry, and point to new conservation strategies.

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A 2008 study of two orangutans at the Leipzig Zoo showed that orangutans can use “calculated reciprocity�, which involves weighing the costs and benefits of gift exchanges and keeping track of these over time – making orangutans the first nonhuman

species to do so. This proves that orangutans are highly intelligent and creative creatures. There is still so much to be learnt from them.

Unfortunately, both orangutan species are considered

to be endangered, with the Sumatran orangutan

considered critically endangered. You guessed it, human activity is to blame, causing severe declines in

the populations and ranges of both species. Current

threats to orangutan populations include poaching, habitat destruction, and the illegal pet trade. www.ziwira.com

november Issue 11 2015

thReats & ResuRgenCe In June (2015), The Star reported that orangutans in Borneo were making a comeback. According to the article, ten years ago, a forest in central Sabah was almost empty of its original orangutan dwellers. The trees that once dotted

the Ulu Segama-Malua forest range had been wiped off by logging, leaving the area bare, with only a few small trees.

According to WWF-Malaysia, slowly, orangutans have been returning to the

area, thanks to WWF planting trees in an area a quarter the size of Petaling Jaya.

“After so many years of logging, Sabah’s forests had become badly degraded,” said Dr. Dionysus Sharma, WWF-Malaysia Chief Executive. “The quality of

forest wasn’t good enough to support the orangutan. Now we’re seeing nests in areas where there were none.”

Only about 53,000 to 60,000 orangutans exist in Borneo, which was once home

to 300,000 in 1990. Illegal logging has pushed the population of orangutans to

the brink of extinction. After nearly a decade of replanting, WWF had led the state government to turn 2,400 hectares of the jungle into a Class One forest

reserve, meaning it cannot be logged. The forest was given a new name, Bukit Piton Forest Reserve.

To the southwest in Sumatra, orangutans haven’t had it any easier. According to the Orangutan Sumatran Society, Indonesia has one of the highest rates of

deforestation in the world. Sumatra alone, has lost almost half of its forests in the last 25 years.

The Leuser Ecosystem, a 2.6 million hectare expanse of forest spanning the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra, is one of the world’s most important

biodiversity hotspots. In 2004, it was designated as a UNESCO Tropical Rainforest Heritage Site. Unfortunately, it has since been placed on the list of World Heritage in Danger, due to the never-ending threats it faces.

The ecosystem incorporates the Gunung Leuser National park, and is the last

stronghold for the Sumatran orangutan. Their home is being felled and turned into palm oil plantations on a massive scale. Palm oil is used for a vast amount of products like baked goods, confectionery, shampoo, cosmetics, cleaning agents, washing detergents, and toothpaste.

Logging continues, even within national parks, and road networks divide the remaining forests into isolated fragments. Conflict between humans and orangutans has now even spread to farmlands, as orangutans raid crops in

90%

of the global supply for palm oil comes from Indonesia and Malaysia.

search of enough food to survive. The expansion of farmlands and the building of new roads tears open the forest, only making it easier for hunters and poachers to capture orangutans and other protected wildlife.

Orangutans are currently protected by legislation dating from 1931, which prohibits the owning, killing, or capture of the species. But the illegal trade in

orangutans continues to decimate remaining wild populations, often linked to logging and clear cutting for unsustainable plantations. In severe cases, most

often mother orangutans are killed in order to capture her infant. It is estimated that for every orangutan orphan that is sold, 6-8 orangutans die in the process of capture and transport. Is this the sort of world we want to live in?

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wildlife

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november Issue 11 2015

welCoMe

wildliFe hoMe Create a wildlife garden in your very own backyard and do your bit for nature conservation.

W

hen you think of wildlife, the images that

capture your imagination are big, meateating

safari

animals,

endangered

rhino’s, zebras and giraffes. Of course, no one would ever wish to invite them anywhere near

our homes, as the environment is simply not conducive to what they are built for. However, it’s

easy to forget that wildlife also consists of the little guys – the insects such as bees and butterflies,

birds, and even plant life. This kind of wildlife, we

can bring close to home, as long as their basic living requirements are met.

The wonderful thing about wildlife is just that, it’s

wild, free to roam, disappear, explore and then

return. By starting your very own wildlife garden, you can attract all sorts of different species of insects, birds and plants that exist in the wild as they move in and out of your area. Create an outdoor space that will be welcoming to those

beautiful creatures of the earth and delight in observing them as they settle on your porch for a drink of water before taking off again.

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heRe is how you Can Make a wildliFeFRiendly gaRden

pRovide Food

supply Clean wateR

Food is the best way to attract wildlife, as they are natural

Living creatures in the wild need clean water

surprised by a beautiful rare bird that stops by to peck on

This could include natural features such as

pots on your balcony to provide the greenery, nectar, pollen,

wetlands; or man-made features such as bird

on to survive. Try planting some milkweed to help the monarch

ponds or rain gardens.

hunters, always on the lookout for a treat. You may just be

sources for drinking, bathing and reproduction.

a berry. Plant native shrubs and trees in your garden or in

ponds, lakes, rivers, springs, oceans and

berries, seeds and nuts that many species of wildlife depend

baths, puddling areas for butterflies, installed

butterflies, who depend on this plant for survival. Both milkweed and monarch butterflies are endangered species.

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november Issue 11 2015

pRovide shelteR

gaRden sustainably

Wildlife require shelter for safety from

It requires an all-round healthy habitat

You could make your own, or plant native

appropriate food sources and clean water,

use dead trees as shelter for insects,

harmful chemicals. When planning your

aware that this shelter will probably also

sustainable gardening with the use of

insects can raise their young ones.

use of chemical pesticides.

people, predators and harsh weather.

for wildlife to thrive. This not only means

vegetation, shrubs and thickets or even

but also an environment that is free from

birds and fragile plants or flowers. Be

wildlife garden, remember to practice

be used as a place where the birds or

native plants, water conservation, and zero

DID YOU KNOW? Ladybugs can be used as a natural pesticide

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wildlife

92

Some indigenous species in the UAE that you may just spot in your Citrine Wagtail wildlife garden

Black-headed bunting

Gladiolus Italicus

Arabian Primrose

Arabian Babbler

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Desert White Butterfly of North Africa and Asia

entertainMent

94

book Review ConFessions oF an eCo-sinneR – by FRed peaRCe

F

red Pearce sets off on an epic journey of more than

In Confessions of an Eco-Sinner, Pearce surveys his home

comes from. This book takes you on his journey to

other things, the Tanzanians who grow and harvest his

20 countries to try and find out where all our stuff

discover the source of everything in our daily lives. He

traces the origins of clothing, computers, furniture, the food we eat and the social and environmental conditions under which they were manufactured.

Pearce reveals the hidden worlds that sustain a Western

lifestyle, but he does so in a way that is non-threatening – by blaming himself. He examines the sources of everything in his own life, as an ordinary citizen, who just happens to be like the rest of us, an “eco-sinner”.

and then launches on a global tour to track down, among

fair-trade coffee (which isn’t as fair as one might hope), the Central American plantations that grow his daily banana

(a treat that may disappear forever), the women in the

Bangladeshi sweatshops who sew his jeans, the Chinese factory cities where the world’s computers are made, and the African afterlife for old cell phones. The book turns out to be a fascinating portrait, at times even hopeful, of the

effects the world’s more than 6 billion inhabitants who are

living and consuming on our planet. Pearce also happens to be a veteran science journalist, so you know you are in for a good read!

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november Issue 11 2015

art

Flooded cities depicted in climate change-inspired artwork

Mary Iverson’s artwork has a subtle, but determined message about climate change. The Seattle-based painter and public artist, has been addressing environmental issues in her work since 2009, gradually creating pieces that are compelling and carry an inspirational message.

“

I’m not a neutral observer, but I am an observer before I’m an activist, in a way. I’m observing that these things are in discord, and then I’m

“

presenting that, and then just leaving it to the viewer to figure out what’s going on.

Mary Iverson “I was noticing the discrepancy between my interest in

environmental activism, and then my paintings, which were of container ships and containers and are a reflection of the growth of our economies and populations, so I had trouble reconciling my heart with my imagery in my work,” said Iverson in an interview with Grist.

After spending a lot of time in ports painting containers and crates, Iverson received an offer from Stevedoring Services of

America to do an art project for them. She was given access to get up-close-and-personal with the Seattle shipping industry, meeting electricians, stevedores, and other professionals who were able to provide her with information she needed for the art

Inspiration Iverson’s artwork is abstract, and to some, might not scream

“climate change”, but the message is certainly there. The

inspiration for her pieces came from following the shipping industry in Seattle, and witnessing its growth. She personally conducted research on the impact of the industry on the natural world, majorly focusing on climate change, and the effects of sea level rise.

In a series of paintings which she started in 2013, Iverson

explores what rising sea levels would look like in some of our major cities. She depicts floods in these cities, with all of the buildings, shipping containers, and cargo from ships in the water, like a post-apocalyptic vision.

project.

She realized that it wasn’t very authentic to just be painting containers without communicating what she was learning about the industry. So, to spread her personal message of

environmentalism, she incorporated her images of containers with stunning natural scenery, mashing them together to depict

an abstract world which depicts our clear contribution to global destruction.

“I started working it through with larger paintings, and visiting

sites that I wanted to do paintings of. I went to Yosemite National Park, Olympic National Park, Rainier National Park, and got

imagery for the natural settings, these pristine settings that we

protect, and then I drew my shipping industry imagery into that setting,” Iverson said.

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96

Time Hotel Group Time Hotel Group in Dubai recognizes that all associates and guests have an important role to play in protecting the environment for future generations, by achieving sound environmental practices across the entire operation. Through collaboration with suppliers, business partners, local authorities and associates and environmental consultants, the hotel is striving to achieve environmental excellence

S

peaking volumes about the green initiatives of Time Hotel, Eddie Ignatius, Corporate Director of Innovation

& Quality gives an insight of the various measures

adopted by the hotel to achieve its sustainability goals.

Slow Food Initiative Time Hotels has launched a sustainability-focused drive with

the introduction of the Slow Food Initiative. An international movement founded by professional gourmet Carlo Petrini in

1986, slow food supporters are committed to sourcing and using food that is produced and prepared as per local culinary tradition, and using high quality locally sourced ingredients.

According to Eddie, Time’s team is working in partnership with the Slow Food Dubai Chefs Alliance to promote the benefits www.ziwira.com

of this culinary direction across the hotel’s restaurants and banqueting facilities.

“We will also make sure that all our recipes are pre-approved

by Slow Food Dubai, who have trained our chefs as part of the initiative, and that we demonstrate our commitment to our diners by featuring the Slow Food seal of approval on specific menu dishes,” Eddie said.

Time Hotels’ pro-sustainability meetings packages also

include re-usable centerpieces, which are scheduled during daytime hours to maximize on natural sunlight, and feature

filtered water dispensers and eco-friendly fair trade coffee.

In addition, the hotel has recently offset 326 tons of carbon emissions by contributing AED 37, 000 (US $1007) towards African Environmental Initiatives.

november Issue 11 2015

sustainability & ReCyCling MeasuRes

Speaking about the energy and water conservation methods, Eddie explains how closing curtains while rooms are not used preserve the cool

temperature and less energy is required in air-conditioning. LED lights are installed across the hotel to save power. The hotel has motion sensor

detectors to activate lighting (hallway, parking and staircase) in order

to save energy. Aircosaver is added into the air-conditioning system to

preserve the chilled air after turning off the AC. Water saver devices are loaded in the sinks to reduce the flow of water when the tap is on.

The hotel ensures the proper segregation of different wastes and

everything is efficiently used. “We recycle cartons, paper, printer cartridge toners, espresso capsules in order to reduce the amount of waste generated by the hotel,” Eddie added.

Healthy portion policy is followed across all menus to offer the guest a full

portion or half to avoid food wastage, glass water bottles are used against

the plastic ones, buffet food items are shared with the staff cafeteria to

limit the waste of food, and transportation efficiency is ensured with the use of larger busses to have more staff transported at one time to reduce carbon emissions.

Aligning with the sustainability goals of the hotel, Eddie spoke about taking

sustainability into consideration at the time of product purchasing and during day to day operations, while simultaneously meeting the needs of customers. “In accordance with The Green Globe Initiative which Time

Hotels are part of, we buy fresh products on daily bases to maintain a

quality caliber. Slow Food practice ensures achieving sustainable goals with quality cooking and healthy produce,” Eddie added.

Eddie Ignatius, Corporate Director of Innovation & Quality

sustainability awaReness There are several ways in which the hotel promotes sustainability through awareness and education.

The hotel organizes a Sustainability Tour for

the guests to educate them about the various sustainability and recycling measures by taking

them to the recycling facilities where they can

witness segregation of waste and use of laundry water for irrigation, as opposed to wasting it into the drains.

Environmental Sustainability Questionnaire is part

of the guest survey in which guests are asked to suggest any sustainable initiative that they think will be helpful in promoting sustainability, in a way engaging them for a better and greener world.

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98

an enCounteR with

Finland’s top pRedatoR Brown bears (Ursus arctos) have captured the imagination of folk in the far northern regions for centuries. Some of the largest living carnivores, brown bears have fallen prey to hunting and other conflicts with human activities. While their numbers are stable, brown bears are considered a high priority in conservation.

Finland remains one of the ideal places to encounter these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.

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november Issue 11 2015

Nature’s Mightiest

Bear watching with Finnature

Finland sits on the far eastern region of northern Europe, neighboring Russia.

The vast, cold province with widespread

forests is a home to brown bears –

formidable animals that can weigh up to 300 kilograms, preying on deer or elk

(moose). Bears hold a revered mythical

status in Finnish folklore. Sacred rituals

used to be held when bears were hunted.

But times have changed, and brown bears are now protected by Finland.

Human expansion into the bear’s natural habitat, as well as instances where

brown bears are considered nuisances, as reported by WWF, has been a root

cause for protecting these species.

Logging, mining, road construction,

and other development – coupled with

Finnature is one of the foremost Finnish organizations which provides a chance to

encounter brown bears. According to their website, watching and photographing

bears in Finland is very much possible. The company advises to plan your holiday during the middle of April to the beginning of June, when the bears have just awoken

from their winter sleep. The best time to spot these phenomenal creatures lasts from

the beginning of July to the middle of August, when feeding points are replenished with plenty of bears to watch and photograph.

Finnature organizes bear watching and photography tour packages to two alternate sites in the region on the Russian border. These tours usually last for 3-4 days, with the first night usually at the lodgings. The tours offer transport to the observation site from Oulu, Kajaani, or Kuusamo, and also an expert guide, good food, and comfortable lodging.

human attempts to prevent brown bears’

interference with things like livestock, crops, water supplies, and even garbage bins – all impact brown bear existence.

Martinselkonen Nature Reserve

Finland’s vast forests are home to an

estimated 1,500 brown bears. Without reinforcements from behind the Russian border, Finnish bears would long since

have been hunted to extinction. Though they are known to roam anywhere in mainland

Finland,

bears

commonly

avoid human contact.

But on bear-watching trips run between April and September in several regions

in Finland’s Wild East, sightings are almost guaranteed. There is no absolute

Situated in the Suomussalmi Municipality in the vicinity of the Russian border, Martinselkonen Nature Reserve is about 300 kilometers from Oulu and 100 kilometers

from Kuusamo. For over ten years, bears have come to the site to feed, where on

the best nights, 15-20 individual bears have visited. A typical tour consists of a 1.5

kilometer walk to the destination through a beautiful maze of forest rich with wildlife.

There are two cabins available at Martinselkonen situated in Scotch Pine forest. Bunk beds are provided for a fun night of camping, with several photography sites.

guarantee, as wild animals are essentially

unpredictable, and travelers should plan

to spend at least a couple of nights out in the woods to experience an encounter.

Kuhomo

As terrifying as they might be (just like

Kuhomo is also located near to the Russian border – 300 kilometers from Oulu and

undeniably endearing about these huge

patrol station, with a capacity to accommodate about 19 people (2- 4 people/room)

the night out in the forest watching a

meters by car. There is also a strong possibility to encounter wolverines and wolves.

unforgettable experience for any nature-

boggy depression. The cabin windows offer excellent views, situated at a good height.

any mighty predator), there is something

200 kilometers from Kuusamo. Food and lodgings are at a refurbished former border

furry creatures of the north. Spending

in 6 rooms. Witnessing bears requires a 1.2 kilometer walk, approachable within 200

real life teddy bears’ picnic would be an

The main viewing cabin is located on a shallow slope and the feeding point itself in a

lover. So what are you waiting for?

There are openings for camera lenses below the height of the viewing windows.

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100

november Issue 11 2015

Treat your inner-eco-adventurer to a weekend getaway in

Sri Lanka

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102

Sometimes a bit of peace and tranquility is all you need, to contrast your busy suburban lifestyle. In central Sri Lanka, just a 54 minute drive from Kandy, lies the perfect place to relax and enjoy Mother Nature in all her glory. Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge combines luscious gardens, with healthy cuisine, and an awesome sense of social responsibility.

Time to Escape Busy schedules demand so much attention that some people

never stop, and this can be detrimental to our physical and mental health, productivity, and even relationships. Therefore, it goes without saying, that a chance to unwind will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine.

Living in the UAE definitely has its advantages. For one, we are conveniently located reasonably central to Asia, Africa,

and Europe; which provides us with a wealth of amazing travel opportunities, if we only dare to take the time. Getting

away from your house puts a stop to constant reminders

of the chores that need to be done, and escaping from the office every now and again protects workers from burning out, enabling them to be more creative and productive on their return.

Stress is not all in the mind. It can have devastating effects on

the body if not given the needed attention. Feeling stressed

over a long period of time can not only leave you feeling irritable and on edge, but can also raise your blood pressure and put you at risk of stroke and heart disease. This is where a relaxing weekend getaway steps in. Leave your troubles

behind, as you arrive in beautiful Sri Lanka for the weekend, sparring as little as 5 hours flying time from Dubai to Colombo.

Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge Sri Lanka lies near the equator, providing temperate, tropical weather – a nice contrast from the oppressive summer heat of the UAE. If you arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s urban hub,

it’s about a 4 hour drive from Colombo to Kandy, and then

to the lodge. Sri Lanka’s tropical scenery will not disappoint; relaxation and peace-of-mind is a given in the country famous for its laidback, friendly population.

Nestled on a picturesque tea plantation, on the Knuckles

Mountain Range, 1,000 meters above sea level, Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge treats travelers to spectacular views, top class facilities, and friendly service. Picture this: Waking up to

the sounds of birds chirping outside your room, then opening the front door to one of the most spectacular views imaginable.

From your window, you will witness majestic mountain ranges, lush green valleys and tea plantations, crystal clear streams, and even the occasional deer or giant squirrel. It might pay to take a deep breath, and pinch yourself, to prove you’re not dreaming. www.ziwira.com

november Issue 11 2015

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travel diaries

104 “The nicest hotel we have ever been to!” said Angela and Mario, guests of the lodge from

Switzerland. “Beautiful people carried about us

whenever we needed them. We will definitely come back again and will recommend this

place to everyone coming to Sri Lanka. The

fruit plate in the morning looked like a painting, and dinner was first class.”

Speaking of delicious food, the lodge hosts

a magnificent organic garden, with respect to the naturalist needs of the guests. There

is a special garden for fruits, vegetables, and herbs, grown organically by staff and professional

gardeners.

No

synthesized

pesticides or fertilizers are used; instead,

organic pesticides (Neem extract), and natural methods of pest control and organic fertilizers are used to produce healthy harvest.

Over 60 percent of the vegetables and herbs used in the lodge kitchen are

harvested from the garden, with careful supervision from the Executive Chef. The lodge maintains a year-round harvest of carrots, chili varieties, green vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, gotukola, and many more. Fruits harvested include

pineapples, avocados, papaya, guava, strawberries, black berries, mangos, locuts, and citrus fruits.

The Executive Chef adopts food preparation methods in native medicine called

Ayurveda, passed down through his family. He is careful to select only the best parts of vegetables and fruits during the prime of their maturity in order to prepare

an excellent dish. Healthy meal preparation is a prime focus in using Ayurvedic

recipes and methods and have been given due recognition in the lodge kitchen.

The Chef does his best to serve his guests as much organic produce as possible.

The organic garden is also used as a place for eco-experiments and knowledge dissemination. The lodge has established a demonstration model of a micro-

home garden suitable for estate line-rooms, which was developed collectively by the extension department of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, lodge staff, and the lodges’ social responsibility advisor. Already, there are

around 6 micro-home gardens established by the line house dwellers (in the neighborhood community) as a result of the knowledge dissemination through the demonstration model.

In addition to organic splendor, guests are also welcome to take part in the Community Tourism Programs conducted by the lodge, aiming to promote and share cultural resources between local community members and the

guests, reaching for mutual understanding and social

wellbeing. 10 percent of the profits of the Community

Tourism Program go to a common fund, which directly benefits the Child Empowerment and the Environmental

Conservation Projects of the lodge. If you’re looking for an idyllic relaxing weekend getaway, with more than just luxury and indulgence, Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge could be the perfect place for you. www.ziwira.com