Tunnel shelters in Dukuchhap

Hawley maps a different terrain The Nepal Scene: Chronicles of Elizabeth Hawley, a two-volume tome, should prove useful to anyone interested in reading about, in microscopic detail, the political events that took place in Nepal between 1998 and 2007

From Waste Picker to Goldsmith in Cambodia

Srey Mao, once a child waste picker living in the slums near Phnom Penh's landfill, changed her life after meeting Igino Brian, who had opened a goldsmith school in the city. With the support of the non-profit organization Ida Onlus, Brian's school taught street children the art of jewelry making. Srey Mao, now 27, learned the trade and moved out of the slums, and the school eventually became a home where students could live and become self-sufficient. The jewelry created by the students, often from brass recovered from bullets and mines from the Pol Pot regime, is sold in Italy through Ida Onlus. While the landfill and the harsh conditions persist for many, the school has provided a path to a better future for Srey Mao and others like her.

Nepal: Increase in Trafficking of Girls and Children

Following the April 25 earthquake in Nepal, the escape of over 200 criminals, including known child traffickers Sukhman Dong and Kaila BK, has raised concerns about the increase in trafficking of girls and children. Victims Gita Karki and Sarita Lama, who were previously trafficked to India, fear for their safety and that of others in the chaos post-earthquake. Shakti Samuha, an organization founded by trafficking survivors, has been instrumental in supporting the victims and advocating for increased awareness and surveillance in high-risk areas. The Nepalese government and NGOs are working to combat the trafficking, which is exacerbated by social consequences such as premature marriages and sexual abuse. Plan International warns of an expected rise in underage marriages due to the earthquake. Efforts are being made to address the humanitarian needs beyond the initial distribution of food, water, and shelter.

Nepal: The first mobile home is for Sabina and her family

Sabina Thakuri, a 21-year-old pregnant woman from Thuli Gaun, 20 kilometers from Kathmandu, Nepal, has received one of the first mobile home prototypes designed for the homeless following a devastating earthquake. The home, created by a Kathmandu steel company, is made of Colorbond steel sheets, plastic, and metal, and includes a sink, stove, and external mobile toilet. It can house a family of five and costs 50,000 Nepalese Rupees. The project, supported by private donations and Australian organizations AECA, KOI, and InterGlobal, aims to provide an affordable and effective solution for families to survive the upcoming monsoon season. Sabina's family, including her husband Dhan Bahadur, had been living in a makeshift tent after their brick house was partially destroyed by the earthquake. The new prefabricated home represents hope and a step towards normalcy for those who lost everything.

Nepal, Jessica Tradati, journalist of the Kathmandu Post: 'Everything is missing here. I stay to help'

Italian journalist Jessica Tradati, who collaborates with the Kathmandu Post, was in Nepal during the earthquake. She remains there to report on the unfolding events and to assist the local population. Silvia Balducci contacted her via Skype.

Everest Base Camp hit by protests as Sherpas demand better conditions

The article discusses the recent protests at Everest Base Camp by Sherpa guides demanding better working conditions and regulations from the Nepalese government. It highlights the essential role of Sherpas in Himalayan mountaineering since Nepal opened its summits for climbing in 1949. Sherpas, originally farmers and yak herders, have become indispensable to foreign climbers, providing expertise and assistance on expeditions. Despite their importance, Sherpas face a master-servant relationship, lack of proper training recognition, and inadequate compensation and insurance. The article features insights from veteran journalist Elizabeth Hawley, Norbu Pemba Sherpa of Wild Yaks Expeditions, and Nima Nuro Sherpa of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. It also touches on the financial aspects of trekking agencies and the government's earnings from expedition permits, contrasting it with the Sherpas' income and working conditions.

Will cobia be the fish of the future?

The article discusses the potential of cobia, a white fish farmed by Open Blue, to address the world's fish shortage. Brian O'Hanion, CEO of Open Blue, has been farming cobia in Panama since 2007 with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Cobia is versatile, rich in Omega-3s, and can be farmed year-round. The WWF warns that fish stocks may collapse by 2048 without changes in production techniques. O'Hanion is working to market cobia globally and promote sustainable fish farming. The fish was introduced to the UK market by Marin Farms in 2010 but faced challenges due to its unfamiliarity and cost. The article highlights the importance of long-term investment and marketing to establish cobia in the industry.