UP Ibalon Bicol: ecology

Showing posts with label ecology. Show all posts

Can a marathon save a dying river in Manila?

11/09/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

Many believed a marathon can save a dying river. About 21,000 runners participated in a run last Saturday, November 7, 2009 in Manila to demonstrate their awareness and support to revitalize the life of Pasig River---- an important waterway in the huge city.

Aside from a tributary for transport, the Pasig River is important in providing drainage of water during typhoons and inclement weather. In the last tropical storm, 85% of the city was submerged. People realized the importance of a clean and unobstructed waterway to avoid disastrous flooding over the metropolis.

Tons of garbage illegally dumped in Pasig river choked the waterway's vitality. The filthy water is murky--- heavy with silt and sediments. Plastic refuse, pieces of discarded household items, and toxic chemicals accumulated in the natural habitat of fish and animals in the area, destroying much the ecosystem.

Along its banks stood squatter shanties that impeded the river flow. Government authorities had long tried to offer solution to the problem of pollution by relocating illegal dwellers for years but without much success. Funding for clean-up, dredging, public cooperation by law-abiding and socially conscious citizens are part of saving a river. (Photo Credit: Zimrilim) =0=

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Labels: conservation, ecology, environment, marathon run, Pasig river, pollution, squatters, Totie Mesia

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes a plunge down Lake Baikal

8/02/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

Propping up his macho image, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, on board a deep water craft Mir-2 descended in the pristine recesses of Lake Baikal, the world’s largest and deepest fresh body of water. The lake carries a fifth of the world’s fresh water reserve.

On August 1, 2009, the former KGB operative had a view of the lake at about 4,600 feet below the surface bringing attention to his physical fitness and the need for environmental conservation.

In the largely undisturbed area of the lake floor are deposits of clathrate hydrate---which is a good source of natural gas. Russia is finding a way to economically extract methane fuel from these crystals. (Photo Credit: Mima11vladimir)

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Labels: ecology, environment, Laike Baikal, Prime MInister Vladimir Putin, Russia, Totie Mesia