tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4144985366891560842024-02-21T13:25:26.502+01:00Letro's Journeythrough the woods and others.letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-29967091568467165102020-09-22T12:47:00.003+02:002020-09-22T12:51:39.145+02:00Letro: Internationals go Greifswald<p> This is just a copy paste of what is being reflected on the <a href="https://www.uni-greifswald.de/en/international/incoming/why-greifswald/internationals-go-greifswald/letro/">International go Greifswald web</a>, part contributed by myself. Just in case they update the web with those of new scholars;</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.uni-greifswald.de/storages/uni-greifswald/4_International/4.2_Outgoings/4.2.1_Hochschulaustausch/Internationals_go_Greifswald/Letro/Letro_frame.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="500" src="https://www.uni-greifswald.de/storages/uni-greifswald/4_International/4.2_Outgoings/4.2.1_Hochschulaustausch/Internationals_go_Greifswald/Letro/Letro_frame.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Studies in home country</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" />Forestry (B.Sc.), College of Forestry, Birsa Agricultural university, India (2012)</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Activity in Greifswald</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" />Master of Science Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation (LENC)</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Period</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" />August 2016 - September 2018</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Why did I come to Germany?</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><em style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"I wanted to enhance my professional knowledge in conservation, and that I aspired to achieve from a new environment. University of Greifswald bestowed me with the privilege and the new journey began. The wonderful experiences followed later. </em></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">After graduating with a B.Sc. Forestry degree from India, I was working as a conservationist at a national park in my country, Bhutan. As conservationists, we confront many challenges in safeguarding the pristine natural forests and protecting the wildlife in it. We have communities within the national parks and enabling a harmonious coexistence between people and nature is very important for us. Wildlife too need a freedom of movement and protected areas alone don’t serve the purpose. I felt that a landscape approach to conservation is the most viable solution to this. I felt an urgency to enhance my professional knowledge and I wanted to achieve it from a new environment. My quest for the ideal combo then began.</em></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">While there are many exciting courses and places worldwide, yet finance was a major constraint. For an aspirant from a developing country, it’s hard to manage even the daily subsistence in a developed country, let alone the huge course fees. But there are countries like Germany where no substantial fee are collected for pursuing university degrees if you are enthusiastic and competent. Moreover, there is DAAD, the largest German support organisation in the field of international academic co-operation. DAAD supports scholars from many developing nations to pursue higher education in Germany and I saw the hope to study in Germany.</em></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">More than glad, I found that Landscape Ecology & Nature Conservation (LENC) at the University of Greifswald have support from DAAD and lucky enough, I was among the few who got selected to pursue the course of my aspiration in a new place in 2016. I marked the first footprint of Bhutan in Greifswald. That was the journey and experiences followed later."</em></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What I liked the most in Greifswald</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I come from the countryside in Bhutan so I expected Greifswald would be a metro city, but reaching here, I found it small and beautiful. The ambience in Greifswald is very similar to where I come from so I got acclimatized to the place very easily. Without much hustles and bustles, and with serene environment, it’s a perfect place to live specially for studying the course like Landscape Ecology. The city is cycle friendly and cycle almost every day, and that’s the best thing we can do in Greifswald, because it is ecological friendly and good for our health.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What was difficult for me</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Language was a barrier for me. When I came to Germany, I was well aware that English is not the spoken language here so I was determined to learn German and exhibit it with pride. However, German language was too tough for me to learn because I was more focussed on the subjects of my study. I couldn’t learn German as aspired so in some situations, I really feel awkward not knowing how to get my things done. It is specially challenging when I have to visit the clinic or a doctor and when the doctor don’t speak English. But, I have German friends and they are so helpful, so I don’t have to worry much.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What I learned</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #e9eaeb; border: 0px; color: #5d5d5c; font-family: "Roboto Condensed", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Being in a new environment with multicultural interactions, I am enriched with memoirs of intercultural coexistence, which was further enhanced by programmes organized in the university such as intercultural exchanges, international day, Greifswald summer school etc. Besides the academic knowledge, one thing which we can learn in Greifswald is the coexistence of diverse cultures. I am glad to have friends from all major continents of the world. All I can take along is the good memories.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-12984417429832285822020-06-15T10:17:00.000+02:002020-07-20T10:18:07.505+02:00Spiritual Lakes of Jomolhari<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">In the vast remote mountains blessed by Guru Rinpoche, Jetsun Milarepa, Lama Drukpa Kuenley and Gyalwa Lorepa, are the two spiritual lakes. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">The turquoisetique Tsheringmai La-Tsho, the spiritual lake of Thseringma, the goddess of Wealth is located on the right side of the ridge facing down. The lake is situated at the base of Mount. Jomolhari (not from the tourist base camp), which also have numerous sacred sites, including the 12th century temple. It is believed that if environment around are defiled, natural catastrophes and destruction happen in the locality. People appease the deity by making milk and incense smoke offerings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">Facing down on the left is the, the La-tsho of Aum Jomo, the guardian deity of the Mount Jomolhari. Ulike the Tsheringma la-tsho bearing bright emerald blue colour with milkish stains, this spiritual lake bears greyish blue colour. The lake is situated o</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-size: 14px;">n the left base of, what legend had passed on, the golden pillars that holds the main submit of Mount Jomolhari.</span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-2869557700764153592020-06-12T10:08:00.000+02:002020-07-20T10:10:06.002+02:00Jomolhari Temple<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px;">The famous Jomolhari trek traverse along the Pa Chhu and pass by the Soe Gewog on later days before reaching the Jomolhari Base Camp. That is the most travelled route. However, if one diverts along the stream coming from the right after reaching the RBA outpost before reaching the settlements, it will lead nowhere but to a vast wilderness filled with sacred sites. Amongst many caves in which famous saints and masters meditated is the cave where Gyalwa </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px;">Lorepa has meditated and attained enlightenment. Gyalwa Lorepa is a 12-13th century Drukpa Master from Tibet and deciple of Tshangpa Gyarey, and also the founder of Tharpaling Temple in Bumthang, which later Longchenpa reined.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Just below the meditation cave, it is said that Lorepa himself built a small temple. Except for the important relics, the temple was believed to be washed away by flashflood but was later restored adjacent to the cave, and is still seen. The temple has a statue of Gyalwa Lorepa, a holy script gifted to Gyalwa Lorepa by Aum Jomo, a unique Kongbu, and set of bowls as main ancient relics. A statue of Goddess Tsheringma was also installed later. The temple which stands in solitary in wilderness is being catered by a local caretaker and a Zhung Dratshang appointed Lama. Local people sponsor the religious ceremonies.</span></span></span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-28288659798140354792020-05-31T09:53:00.000+02:002020-07-20T10:04:39.494+02:00Mount Jomolhari of Bhutan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Mount Jomolhari, rising at 7326 metres above sea level is one of the highest mountains in Bhutan. Jomolhari, also known as bride of Kanchenjunga marks the end of Kanchenjunga Mountain and is first amongst the series of mountains along the northern Bhutan. As majestic the mountains is, its base is spectacular and offer some of the best camping sites, pasture grounds, and pristine habitat for array of wild flora and fauna. It is also one of the ultimate sources of Pachhu, the river that drains the Paro valley.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaUuyA0DitT8lkjYIFY2vtMhYCU1umoXEwMWkypnNCSAVAoraTiBLBSKmuJxBl8tHDxWPPxd0yJTk0Ynci2YwaYmTfT1LakVD9WtgMkaSrTIXXdQhJXvgULfV1UgizoXq-cxr5I10EgM/s1600/_DSC0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaUuyA0DitT8lkjYIFY2vtMhYCU1umoXEwMWkypnNCSAVAoraTiBLBSKmuJxBl8tHDxWPPxd0yJTk0Ynci2YwaYmTfT1LakVD9WtgMkaSrTIXXdQhJXvgULfV1UgizoXq-cxr5I10EgM/s320/_DSC0204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-36127409265526329922019-01-10T05:32:00.001+01:002019-01-10T05:32:18.490+01:00Six Years in JSWNP: Leaving with sensational memoirs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the January of 2013, the sky over Thimphu valley was
adorned with magical clouds and passes of Dochula got wrapped with the first
snow fall of the year. It was a moment where people rejoiced in snow but I was
to take a long ride, crossing the passes of Dochula and Pelela, to land at
Tshangkha, officially joining the management of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National
Park as a civil servant. Referring back into my blogpost, it read that I had
quite boring days in the beginning without knowing what I should do in the
office, but my pace of exploring JSWNP gradually picked up and nothing really
seems to have left unexplored as years rolled on. January 2019 marks the
completion of my 6 years in JSWNP and out of blue, we had one of the chilliest
evenings and crystalline flakes have started falling, though it didn’t whiten
the ground. Today I am to finally part from JSWNP and it is coincidentally
auspicious that my joining JSWNP and leaving JSWNP had the heavens showing me
with white crystalline flakes, an angelic synchrony.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHp33uYrmPUHSWLis3Ot6IBzBHzRvoZLbFs_fXByevRKDVXrbTVNKjzwVGeUQPK9q02dwkaNW9vHn3GWV9-nbhH9_b3Rm8sZ-VxIv7Wl1Mw0xipHw-AfQhUGwmren1s6-8QipWyvlDg_E/s1600/49831798_2450463331649187_1373075442231148544_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHp33uYrmPUHSWLis3Ot6IBzBHzRvoZLbFs_fXByevRKDVXrbTVNKjzwVGeUQPK9q02dwkaNW9vHn3GWV9-nbhH9_b3Rm8sZ-VxIv7Wl1Mw0xipHw-AfQhUGwmren1s6-8QipWyvlDg_E/s320/49831798_2450463331649187_1373075442231148544_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last image from JSWNP</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Six glorious years in JSWNP! I can only feel that JSWNP has shaped
me into a better public servant owing to the exciting working environment, the
vast opportunities for professional development, and the wonderful support and
guidance from the management, though some odds are obviously inevitable. I
joined JSWNP at a time when Park Manager was the lone official with degree
higher than Bachelors and officials documentations concerning writing and
publication was lacking much behind. As the first Forestry Officer to assist
the park manager, I got ample opportunities to contribute towards conservation
works in JSWNP, of course, through many trials and errors. From updating the
much awaited Conservation Management Plan for the Park to framing project
proposals to implement the Management plan, transforming the tiring efforts of
frontline staffs into official documents to exploring every nook and cranny of
the park with much endurance, I feel I did I am supposed to do as a young officer.
Yet, all the feats that has been achieved were only possible due to the
collective effort of the colleagues and constant guidance from the Chief,
without which I could not have developed myself professionally to where I am
today, a civil servant with six years of full experience. Above all, I am glad
to have received my first promotion while I am still serving in JSWNP. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTzTKAzXl3FecrX1CAHG9GgiXBoZ58rBBqbWaelf3MWd46OxZJLvuYQZZvoRTri-gdqMxDbOssPGdg2f8cbcS0dlh-GAlyWeS9OTJnKgETlBQdS_awDOn2aUQ33f3LxO7xVkG6dvfdbM/s1600/IMG_8291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTzTKAzXl3FecrX1CAHG9GgiXBoZ58rBBqbWaelf3MWd46OxZJLvuYQZZvoRTri-gdqMxDbOssPGdg2f8cbcS0dlh-GAlyWeS9OTJnKgETlBQdS_awDOn2aUQ33f3LxO7xVkG6dvfdbM/s320/IMG_8291.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fellow awardees during my first Promotion</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I leave JSWNP today, I am not sure what good traces I am
leaving behind with, but I am definitely leaving with sensational memoirs.
Being the first office I served with, I will always have an emotional
attachment with the park itself and of course with the wonderful colleagues
that I have worked together here. Most of our friends are not only good human
beings but dedicated civil servants, whose continued service can lead JSWNP
further on the conservation ladder, making it the real conservation jewel in
the country. While good things are too numerous to jot down here, I leave JSWNP
with three messages;</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A message of gratitude: Words are not enough to
express my gratitude to the wonderful support given by my Chiefs and colleagues
I have worked together. I only feel that you all have shaped me into a better
civil servant, and whatever good traits that are developed in me, its because
of you all. Thank you from the core of my heart.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A message of apology and forgiveness: Having
worked together for long, in one way or the other, I would have hurt the
sentiment of many of my friends, mostly out of my ignorance, therefore, I
apologize for my wrongs and seek your forgiveness.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An urge to serve with humility and dedication:
Whatever we have attained today, be it professionally or personally, it is all
because we have a tag, “civil servant”. While many of our friends in JSWNP are
dedicated servants, I urge my friends to not become complacent in delivering
the services. Get constantly reminded of the messages that His Majesty the King
has conveyed, not to follow the 70:30 trap, be SMART (Sincerity, Mindfulness, Astuteness,
Resilience, and Timelessness) servants and have a sense of belonging and
accountability. We all have a have responsibility in Nation Building.</span></li>
</ol>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLXiRJewZtv4B5TQmQGVQodXrBtFnfiO_WTW9RBAVXKtdDnpOrcDfIlyn6g7O8zGhbuFY1NUq6ZXs5xc-xH0wEMeVB2uNd3SXqIPGD1dFm2qINC5JXgnpPOYGhy2e2N1Ygc_EXXIsM9M/s1600/IMG_8309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLXiRJewZtv4B5TQmQGVQodXrBtFnfiO_WTW9RBAVXKtdDnpOrcDfIlyn6g7O8zGhbuFY1NUq6ZXs5xc-xH0wEMeVB2uNd3SXqIPGD1dFm2qINC5JXgnpPOYGhy2e2N1Ygc_EXXIsM9M/s320/IMG_8309.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Family of JSWNP I lived with</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I bid farewell to JSWNP and join my new office at the
Nature Conservation Division, I am hopeful that great experiences that I have
acquired from JSWNP will remain a cornerstone for my future endeavours and I
look forward to contributing the best to whatever responsibilities I am handed
with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you and Tashi Delek<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Letro <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-67462877173343853182018-12-13T05:47:00.001+01:002019-03-26T04:58:41.637+01:00Biological Corridor No. 8 of Bhutan- A Corridor of Hope for the Tigers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The
biological corridors (BCs) of Bhutan are conservation area set aside to connect
one or more protected areas (PA) to facilitate wildlife movement. Eight in
numbers and covering 8.61 percent of the total land area of Bhutan, BCs were
first established in 1999, declared as a gift to the earth from people of
Bhutan. With BCs added to the protected area network, today more than 50
percent of the country falls under the network known as Bhutan Biological
Conservation Complex. Amongst other wildlife, the BCs are expected to enable
safe migratory route for the tigers (<i>Panthera tigris</i>) between various
protected areas in Bhutan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgjJFCpWInpUMkqz25OyTiG8H5Pml4jRNgmYrn18r6xXpOqypjaBr7Gg1zs3nra_Luzc0zqXTLIXEK23VffoKJYFKGtMqaKuMhWL2XkvwMTtMek3tpBN5aikfoIds0uxYuut9Bpk2nD4/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgjJFCpWInpUMkqz25OyTiG8H5Pml4jRNgmYrn18r6xXpOqypjaBr7Gg1zs3nra_Luzc0zqXTLIXEK23VffoKJYFKGtMqaKuMhWL2XkvwMTtMek3tpBN5aikfoIds0uxYuut9Bpk2nD4/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connecting Temperate Forests and Alpine Mountains- BC8 Landscape</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tiger
is an iconic and charismatic species in Bhutan, which has great conservation
significance both spiritually and scientifically. Spiritually, tigers are
deeply revered in Bhutan’s Buddhist society with them featuring in many myths
and legends such as the flying tigress of Taktshang (Tiger nest Monastry), the
third animal of Buddhist zodiac, the four most powerful animals (the other
three being Snow Lion, Garuda and Dragon which are all non-existent), etc.
Tiger’s therefore, connects myth with reality. Tiger masked dances are
portrayed during festivals, and are also beautifully painted on the walls of
the buildings. Therefore, people in general have basic knowledge about tiger
and have reverence towards it. On the ecological front, tiger is the largest
carnivore found throughout Bhutan and play an important role in maintaining a
viable ecosystem. Many conservation efforts are driven by tiger, thus serving
as an important flagship species for the Himalayan kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH4S8VZZb1YjXwFCf_u3t3SUiMPPm33kLar2OdjwTEuHFGhrlBcjDW30j1UKa0Zhg_pEHsz5StVbIbkuZwH3js0ZrA3y__tOhf31D19A4-9AX2P3skofIZKlCPvOHsRQ6a01iAZk2vYw/s1600/Study+area2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1123" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH4S8VZZb1YjXwFCf_u3t3SUiMPPm33kLar2OdjwTEuHFGhrlBcjDW30j1UKa0Zhg_pEHsz5StVbIbkuZwH3js0ZrA3y__tOhf31D19A4-9AX2P3skofIZKlCPvOHsRQ6a01iAZk2vYw/s400/Study+area2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Location of BC8 in Bhutan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">103
tigers were counted across Bhutan during the National Tiger Survey in 2015 but
density were higher in certain pockets of the country. The tiger rich protected
areas include Royal Manas National Park in the south and Jigme Singye Wangchuck
National Park in central Bhutan. Wangchuck Centennial National Park, the
largest protected area in northern Bhutan, on the other hand have fewer tiger number.
The Biological Corridor No. 8 (BC8), which connects JSWNP with WCNP is
therefore expected to help in enabling safe dispersal of tiger from the tiger
rich PAs in south to the northern PAs. With tigers recorded at elevations as
high as 4500 metres, WCNP despite most of its area being alpine region, have
potential to hold more tigers than it does today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Studies
reported prey abundance as a strong determinant for tiger occurrence so with a
goal to assess the structural connectivity of BC8, I conducted a field study
using remote camera traps in the BC8 in the spring of 2018. Occupancy modeling
was done for the primary prey species such as Sambar (<i>Rusa unicolor), </i>Wild
boar (<i>Sus scrofa</i>) and Barking deer (<i>Muntjac muntjiacus</i>) taking
into account various ecological and anthropogenic covariates. With one or the
other primary prey species recorded in 65 percent of the total camera stations,
the BC exhibited good occupancy of prey species. Species specific probability
of occurrence for all three primary prey species were over 50 percent.
Therefore, it is very likely that the existing pattern of prey occupancy will
attract tiger to move through the corridor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interestingly,
many of my camera traps also photo-captured tiger and upon careful examination
of the tiger images, two tiger individuals were positively identified based on
its unique stripping pattern. Predicted habitat use probability of tiger in BC8
from the study indicated possible habitat for the third tiger during the
season, though I could not ascertain the tiger captured from that habitat as a
unique individual as I could not obtain image of both the flanks of the tigers.
Thus, the study affirmed that BC8 is indispensable for tigers either and their
home range or for using as dispersal corridor. Also captured in the camera
traps were four other wild felid species (common leopard, clouded leopard,
Asiatic golden cat, marbled cat), Himalayan black bear, musk deer, serow,
goral, etc.., stressing the need to protect the landscape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On
the contrary, while the corridors were designed some decades ago, many people
are still oblivious about the existence of it in their locality, which is an
insult to the conservation practitioners. It only indicates the lack of
conservation awareness education among the indigenous peoples. It was also
disheartening to learn from the nomadic herders and agro pastoralists, how the
tigers were a nuisance for them with tiger killing many of their livestock. For
an instance, tiger killed 3 study yaks of Mr. Wangdi in a single season alone,
and social interaction among the herders shared similar stories. This gives a
clue that tigers are clearly fighting for their existence with dependency on
domestic prey. Tiger’s unusual behaviour contradicting the probability of prey
occupancy raises more question on what is wrong in the corridor and how to
rectify it? While it was sad to hear about their losses, yet it was appealing
to learn that there were no stories of retaliation in the region and people
still have reverence for the animal, which in itself builds hope for the
conservationist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Kcnk6w34a4M-ylHakfjkwa2HHQlIt_aKo2bqtT51lPfE7uZYlo6BQwl4SRhxTcDnPxdvGwESxaAQljVZG3Q60r81lMCKycjzh7MU5EOtg6s1G__4WLaXgYb4dMuFtjoRf0kzQo30prM/s1600/DSC_0504+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Kcnk6w34a4M-ylHakfjkwa2HHQlIt_aKo2bqtT51lPfE7uZYlo6BQwl4SRhxTcDnPxdvGwESxaAQljVZG3Q60r81lMCKycjzh7MU5EOtg6s1G__4WLaXgYb4dMuFtjoRf0kzQo30prM/s320/DSC_0504+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author during the field work (T-1 Location)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As
I accomplished the field work and looked into the results of my analysis, I
felt the urgency in the need to educate the local indigenous herders about the
concept of biological corridors to them and the crucial need for tiger
conservation considering the current global threats and its risk of extinction.
It is also equally vital to look into the depredation incidences and seek
innovative mitigation measures so that we can transform the local people as
partners of conservation. Tigers require large areas to establish their
territories and as tiger population increases in the protected areas like RMNP
and JSWNP, they will venture out. With the big cats dwindling in numbers across
their ranges worldwide, Bhutan’s network of protected areas are providing safe
haven for the species to thrive. Capturing tigers in the biological corridor
strengthens our conviction that BC8 is already exhibiting its functional
connectivity. With the concerned authorities looking seriously into social
issues and heightening SMART patrols and constant monitoring, the Biological
Corridor No. 8 will continue to remain a Corridor of Hope for Tigers and raises
hope for other others in the landscape. Bhutan can ensure that this magnificent
and fierce species does not blink out of existence.</span></div>
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<i style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 15.3333px;">Note: My research in the BC 8 was funded by the <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration-line: none;">National Geographic Societ</a>y, <a href="https://www.daad.de/en/">German Academic Exchange Programme (DAAD)</a>, with reassuring support from Department of Forests and Park Services (NCD and JSWNP).</i></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-5995752671375719712018-09-18T04:01:00.001+02:002018-09-18T04:01:13.458+02:00Graduation, an accomplishment for a continuous journey with added responsibility.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Exactly six years ago, in September 2012, I graduated from <a href="https://leythro-darlo.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-progressive-2012.html">Birsa Agricultural University</a>, Ranchi, India with a Bachelor's degree. While I was happy with a degree in hand then, my emotions were intense. I graduated in Forestry with a very good grade but I was anxious about where I will land. I was afraid if I would get a job because it was in that year that over a score of students with the degree in forestry specialization graduated, unlike the previous years where only a few did. Besides, I was also very anxious about if I could compete with the fellow graduates of that year as my date of graduation was lagging behind for writing the civil service examinations, through which we are tested to get a government job. As I recall my graduation day then, I have very vague memories of jubilation but with more worry and anxiousness. However, not only did I made in time to compete in the exams but also secured <a href="https://leythro-darlo.blogspot.com/2012/12/crossing-hurdles-bcse-2012-results.html">top positions in our category of examination</a> to get a job placement of my choice, for I believed, destiny is a matter of choices, not a matter of chances. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazmMhujcNIuIR5N-jvdaofkdYdXcWQAwZyX-EWMFLdadXNhaQX971yc9Uv17TSrlEJveZtwgC5KIUX0mA8fI6KY2lhlmEnfJnKOk9HVqXxO6NQnRwNpwiQYXzk7c_KVT26Q2Tte9qQc8/s1600/University.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazmMhujcNIuIR5N-jvdaofkdYdXcWQAwZyX-EWMFLdadXNhaQX971yc9Uv17TSrlEJveZtwgC5KIUX0mA8fI6KY2lhlmEnfJnKOk9HVqXxO6NQnRwNpwiQYXzk7c_KVT26Q2Tte9qQc8/s320/University.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two Universities I attended</td></tr>
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No sooner did I joined my career in conservation than I had the dream of pursuing my higher studies in the field of conservation. As soon as my obligation as per civil service rules were fulfilled, I aspired to pursue my Master's degree, and lucky enough, <a href="https://leythro-darlo.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-academic-journeys-seeing-hopes.html">I got selected in a master's programme of my interest and choice </a>right after the completion of three years obligatory service for pursuing higher studies. Master of Science in Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation at the University of Greifswald became my destiny of choice in August 2016. And exactly after six years since my graduation with Bachelor of Science degree from India, September 2018 marked yet another achievement in my life from Germany. I felt immense joy when I could successfully present my master thesis, the last hurdle in accomplishing a Master of Science degree in my programme, Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5d0aOA4VpEWMzQb5bjO0NezR3ccFiGc4GxjYmsZJcVrDrdVxbZEH6oNJivvieslkZmt8c2if-C9FIfcWDUTXhQ_b1RrT644Ug2K8KvbcJpx9HW_njoLeNLbCAbr1GDGUU1RRJj60Vuc/s1600/graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5d0aOA4VpEWMzQb5bjO0NezR3ccFiGc4GxjYmsZJcVrDrdVxbZEH6oNJivvieslkZmt8c2if-C9FIfcWDUTXhQ_b1RrT644Ug2K8KvbcJpx9HW_njoLeNLbCAbr1GDGUU1RRJj60Vuc/s320/graduation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Thesis Supervisor, Prof. Dr. Klaus Fischer and Course Coordinator Dr. Tiemo</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This time, it was totally a different feeling from what I went through in 2012 after graduation. Being a kid raised by single mother in a far-flung remote village, I was always able to set the best precedence to my fellow village kids. I may not be the best but what I gave was my best and my best effort always yielded satisfying results at the end. I am glad, I could achieve this and make my mother and siblings proud. I am humbled as I set a higher precedence record for my fellow younger village kids by becoming the first to attain a masters degree from our small hamlet of Darlo. I feel satisfied with the thesis I wrote as it addressed one pertinent gap in conservation in Bhutan; assessing the structural connectivity of a biological corridor for tiger movement between national parks in Bhutan, and more than glad that my peers in the department have now started following my suite in studying in Germany by availing the prestigious DAAD scholarship. And this time as a fresh graduate as I return home, I don't have to be anxious about my job placements as the Royal Government of Bhutan has securely reserved my place to take conservation actions forward with my enhanced professional knowledge. Therefore, this graduation brings in me a sense of jubilation, accomplishment, humbleness, with a deep sense of gratitude to many people who helped me fare the journey well, and of course with more responsibility.</span></div>
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Therefore, as I look forward to making significant contributions towards conservation of nature, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my teachers of the past and present, my professional mentors, and peers in conservation fraternity, my fellow colleagues at my previous workplace (Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park), my college mates who sailed along with me during the last 26 months, my old friends and and newly acquainted friends who praised me for the sake of my happiness and who criticized me with concerns for my weakness, and my parents and relatives, for their good wishes, concerns and continuous support. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjau4gdM4byp8ikuUQm8m32CtnGOvI3GSFrCMWITuIiATHSkPFWlEIlEMsWwEpMx6OVjVgZA7BQ7dPG-9MGGjT86RJ1Emy3k1zLedMuNhn80JOpemIDFLCU4f8ttStmqank6AdM_1w8JrU/s1600/My+Angels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjau4gdM4byp8ikuUQm8m32CtnGOvI3GSFrCMWITuIiATHSkPFWlEIlEMsWwEpMx6OVjVgZA7BQ7dPG-9MGGjT86RJ1Emy3k1zLedMuNhn80JOpemIDFLCU4f8ttStmqank6AdM_1w8JrU/s320/My+Angels.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three angels of my life, mom, sas, and my better half.</td></tr>
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Lastly, I am more than fortunate to have the continuous showering of love from two indispensable, indomitable ladies of my life, my dear mom who is gracefully aging with prayers for my betterment and success, and my dear sister who shouldered the responsibility of our father in keeping our mother hopeful and happy, and making immense sacrifices to enable her younger siblings stand on their own feet. I cannot be luckier than this, yet I asked more from my triple gem, for the third lady who would accompany me through my thicks and thins in the remaining journey of my life and finally, I am blessed as prayed. I feel complete with the unwavering support of my dear wife. It was since our first meet that I saw more positivity in my life, and with three angels in my life, I cannot be happier. I dedicate this special accomplishment of mine to three ladies of my life. </div>
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With blessing from almighty, may the journey ahead be successful.</div>
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Thank you,</div>
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Letro.</div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-78233636187448628702018-08-31T17:10:00.001+02:002018-08-31T17:11:10.199+02:00Structural Connectivity of BC in Bhutan, an Abstract<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOybvNSojFKx9TGnrdS2EB2qj2qL4pNOdcznE9l0wyzzh3GWLrduI2JTDUeVyT5VqPLwMZrYXaFgyqkzxRSrvxgDakKWl_tKch91-bYceDnbEXVxTrdUj_PBb2K8dCvnw3i6HgtuS4_BM/s1600/IMG_9388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOybvNSojFKx9TGnrdS2EB2qj2qL4pNOdcznE9l0wyzzh3GWLrduI2JTDUeVyT5VqPLwMZrYXaFgyqkzxRSrvxgDakKWl_tKch91-bYceDnbEXVxTrdUj_PBb2K8dCvnw3i6HgtuS4_BM/s320/IMG_9388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The ability of animals to move across complex landscapes is critical for maintaining viable populations in the landscape. For an apex predator like the tiger (<i>Panthera tigris</i>), which is territorial and requiring large home range, habitat connectivity through biological corridors is vital. In Bhutan, the landscape conservation approach for tiger was initiated since 1999 when biological corridors were first established. Yet, the status of connectivity is not widely known. This study assessed the structural connectivity of biological corridor number 8 (BC8) for the tiger movements between national parks considering the ecological and anthropogenic variables influencing tiger and its prey. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Camera trap datasets were used to assess the single-season occupancy of three principal prey species of tiger, sambar (<i>Rusa unicolor</i>), barking deer (<i>Muntiacus muntjak</i>), and wild boar (<i>Sus scrofa</i>), and to determine the habitat use probability of tiger. A questionnaire survey was administered to assess the current trends of human-tiger conflict, and people’s perception towards conservation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 36pt;">Barking deer had the highest occupancy estimate </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 36pt;">(ψ ± SE) 0.52 ± 0.09</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 36pt;">, followed by sambar </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 36pt;">(ψ ± SE) 0.49 ± 0.03 </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 36pt;">and wild boar </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 36pt;">(ψ ± SE) 0.45 ± 0.07. The influence of ecological and anthropogenic variables like elevation, aspect, slope, distance to river, and distance to settlement varied among the three prey species. Predicted occupancy map showed probable niche partitioning between species, thereby enabling better distribution of principal prey and thus the connectivity. Tiger habitat use probability was influenced positively by elevation and negatively by aspect and slope. Livestock predation was the prevailing human-tiger conflict in the area with tiger accounting 76.49% of the total kill in the past two years. Nomads were more vulnerable than agro-pastoralists, and livestock predation was higher during the winter. Over 80% of the respondents were not aware of biological corridors and over 30% perceived negative attitude towards tiger conservation and corridor management. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The structural connectivity maintained by ecological variables and prey species would enable tiger movements across the BC8, but human-tiger conflict needs to be mitigated, and people should be educated for conservation. Management of the BC8 by developing the management plan remains the most pressing need. </span></span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-51590044327714069582018-07-29T10:13:00.002+02:002019-03-26T05:00:05.734+01:00Biological Corridor and Communities in Bhutan, Connectivity at a crossroad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Neither too low into the tropical jungles, and nor too high touching the alpine mountains, but in between are the temperate hills adorned with cool broadleaved forests and mixed conifer trees. Neither a sacred sanctuary of wildlife with strict protections, nor an edge facing the adversity of multifarious modern development, but it is the landscape with purpose; of maintaining diversity, of sustaining community, and most indispensably, of securing connectivity. They are the biological corridors (BCs) of Bhutan, set aside to connect one or more protected areas (PA) and facilitate wildlife movement, first established in 1999, as a gift to the earth from people of Bhutan. Eight in numbers and covering 8.61% of Bhutan’s total area, the BCs together with the PAs today forms the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex (B2C2), expanding over 50% of the country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrnTKlg526r7JvNURwp4mcyetNYsu3Cjb7s3pDzcT0_bIxBdD1HOw0uO_9SdzjlTeIW8WnQVR-hynm0vy7OTB4UwpafnT89Cox7zrE7-3UDb-dKpq_1oES1DIc7VuUcovSvpoGIqq6Mg/s1600/IMG_9388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrnTKlg526r7JvNURwp4mcyetNYsu3Cjb7s3pDzcT0_bIxBdD1HOw0uO_9SdzjlTeIW8WnQVR-hynm0vy7OTB4UwpafnT89Cox7zrE7-3UDb-dKpq_1oES1DIc7VuUcovSvpoGIqq6Mg/s400/IMG_9388.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pristine Forests of Biological Corridor 8 connecting JSWNP to WCNP, as seen from Black Mountains of JSWNP</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While the BCs together with the PAs create a beautiful mosaic of a conservation area in Bhutan, little is known about the actual connectivity enabled by the BCs. Conservation funds increased manifolds in the PAs but the indispensable BCs remained neglected. Wildlife thrived in the protected sanctuaries but their status remains ambiguous in the BCs. Park community livelihood was diversified but little did we know that communities at the fringes of BCs were trying their best for the sympatric association with the wildlife around them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With an objective to assess the structural connectivity of BC for enabling tiger movement between the national parks, I embarked on a new conservation journey in the spring of 2018. My priority amongst the 8 BCs was for BC8 that is the often called the northern corridor, as it connects parks of central Bhutan like Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP) and Phrumsengla National Park with protected areas in the north viz, Jigme Dorji National Park, Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP), and Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. Further, I concentrated my work in the portion of BC8 that connects JSWNP with WCNP encompassing an area of 240 sq.km. JSWNP together with Royal Manas National Park (RMNP) was found to be home to around 27 tigers and are described as a potential source population for tigers. The tiger, despite having records of going as high as 4500 masl, the density is much lower in WCNP and its adjacent northern PAs. The sound management of BC8 is vital for population dispersal of tigers from RMNP and JSWNP to northern PAs. I, therefore, felt it’s vital that the structural connectivity is assessed soon, least we know the functional connectivity. Being a Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation graduate student, I felt the responsibility has befallen me, thus I took the determination to set out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t7i-mZEpMMMoytgdfjsDHA7DHtj4zmLCGOJpsbdTHRWym7KIgjMmyBqO9-GYwyT1fjSNoVG5L_DbZXMCB3AI4fvL1id6nPMDo_uku9zi9V6CUWRrL0xromAW7noguf_nEfpwiaSFDZY/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t7i-mZEpMMMoytgdfjsDHA7DHtj4zmLCGOJpsbdTHRWym7KIgjMmyBqO9-GYwyT1fjSNoVG5L_DbZXMCB3AI4fvL1id6nPMDo_uku9zi9V6CUWRrL0xromAW7noguf_nEfpwiaSFDZY/s400/DSC_0249.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late March 2018, researchers marching in snow in BC 8 (3800 masl)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Late March, yet the winter doesn’t seem to have passed the temperate forests of BC8. The first night we were out in the forests and the next morning, we found that we were shrouded under the thick blanket of snow. I was accompanied by two research assistants and two field guides who also served as porters, traversing the hills and meadows which were yet to sprout. In Bhutan, field survey works are strenuous with no access to roads and we have to always hire porters. As per my study design, I am required to cover the entire study area of 240 sq.km within a short duration of one month, to assess the landscape structure, prevalence of large carnivores like tiger and to ascertain the occurrence of ungulate species which are proxy of landscape structure for enabling migratory corridor for large carnivore like tiger. While I will scan the entire area for indirect wildlife evidence like pellets and droppings of sambar or deer and scats of tiger and other felids, I also took along a score of camera traps to be set up for remotely triggering to capture the real-time presence of the species. Besides, I also had to meet many yak herders from the communities in and around the BC to hear their stories on wildlife and to know their perception towards BC and conservation, as I learned that the designated BC 8 is indeed core winter grazing sites for the nomadic herders in Sephu, Wangdue Phodrang. From May until October for six months, the nomadic yak herders move to their summer pasture in alpine meadows of WCNP.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While the snow made environment serene, it wasn’t really a perfect moment for a wildlife surveyor. The forest trails were slippery and there was no hope to find wildlife evidence with snow layering the ground. So I led my team to a community of nomads to hear their stories of herding yaks and encountering tigers. Amongst the nomads was Mr. Wangdi, with whom I had an intense interaction. At the age of 53, Wangdi is at his best with the chores that revolve around his 60 plus yaks, together with his wife and daughter. His winter grazing site falls completely within the BC boundary but he is oblivious of it. Indeed, Wangdi does not have any clue about what biological corridor is. However, he knows a good deal about the tiger and other wildlife. Wangdi has been interacting with wildlife since his childhood days and definitely, he would be familiar with wildlife as he is with his yaks. Out of curiosity, I asked him how often he saw a tiger live but he seems to have not seen it once. “The big animal is an emanation of our local deities so it will be always difficult to see,” he said. The tiger kills, as per their traditional belief, was often attributed to some karmic misfortunes in the family because he says that tiger kills the yaks of a particular family despite all neighbors freely leaving their yaks in the same open forests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoQTh8ORYL-oQ4PVjvgd5JJKOmPtcPtPuV4MVZaAiR4bdbEeHBoM-1cdF32MJbDoJWEsjNahxkJ7xvlMfF-ikf9bx3I1FMYxNuqgK8gjAMwkGz9G8WcxTQqUktuWKn5HXM9EE2Jc1oR8/s1600/DSC_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoQTh8ORYL-oQ4PVjvgd5JJKOmPtcPtPuV4MVZaAiR4bdbEeHBoM-1cdF32MJbDoJWEsjNahxkJ7xvlMfF-ikf9bx3I1FMYxNuqgK8gjAMwkGz9G8WcxTQqUktuWKn5HXM9EE2Jc1oR8/s400/DSC_0408.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Huts of Mr. Wangdi in BC 8.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Besides the tiger, there are other predators as well in the region. The wild dogs in pack hunt down big yaks and common leopards often take away the young calves. The Himalayan black bear, on the other hand, snatches the kill from tigers, as narrated by Mr. Wangdi. The landscape with forest connectivity hardly disturbed, and with the prevalence of diverse large carnivores, humans and livestock foraying into it means only the inevitable incidents of predation. It is, however, not a new phenomenon but for millennia, our farmers and wildlife have fared well in mutual coexistence. The nomadic herders in the region traditionally practiced <i>Bon-Choe</i>, a religious practice of believing in spirits and local deities with many ridges, trees, and cliffs declared as the abode of the spirits and deities and revering them sacred. Such practice instilled positive affinity towards nature and wildlife by the herders. Today as the shamanistic practice dwindled, herders understand the deeper Buddhist values and they have general abhorrence towards killing, being considered great sin. These are the major determinants of herders’ positive attitude towards wildlife, which enabled the human-wildlife coexistence. But with changing times and in the face of increased depredation cases, the much-cherished ethic might face an abrupt end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chimmi, Wangdis daughter seen milking one of her Bjims.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Being a park official myself, I am aware of the efforts that conservationists put to build community stewardship towards the environment and make them conservation partners. I asked Wangdi if he was ever engaged in programmes developed by conservation agencies for the herders’ welfare but he looked awfully clueless. This was expected as the BCs received lesser priority for management as of now because of many constraints. Wangdi was quick to mention about an ad-hoc monetary compensation that he received for a number of yaks that he lost to tiger a few years ago. Wangdi feels that the tiger and other predators are increasing now with increased protection of wildlife. He lost three sturdy yaks to the tiger during the last winter, which accounts to an economic loss of around USD 1363 at the current market value. “It is a big loss for me and government is not consistent with monetary compensations,” says Wangdi, cautioning he might give up herding in the face of increased predation and better income opportunities. Monetary compensations, anyway were meagre in comparison to the losses that herders suffer. Once, a normal acceptable phenomenon, h</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">is traditional belief is now replaced with expectations, and his age-old tolerance may soon see the substitution by arrogance. After all, why would a nomad care about the endangered species when he receives no tangible benefits of conservation in his backyard?</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Wangdis yak succumbed to tiger injury in BC8, which was later feasted by bear and vultures.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">By virtue of being a conservationist and a government official, it became my responsibility to share with him about the challenges that we face in pursuing conservation. Bhutan’s picturesque landscapes and rich biodiversity attracts high-end tourists, the revenue from which is shared by entire Bhutanese in the form of social services like free healthcare and education. Large cats like tigers are under constant threat from habitat loss and poaching, with the world population not more than 3800 individuals. Bhutan’s is lucky to harbour 103 of them, the number that thrived because of the harmonious coexistence between nature and our people. For a country like Bhutan, losing the tigers would also mean losing our rich cultural values. Tiger is the only animal that connects myth with reality in our Buddhist society. On the other hand, conservation in Bhutan is mostly donor-driven, and it is important that we make use of the fund in innovative ways than delivering measly monetary compensations. Biological corridors are vital for connecting the protected areas, therefore like people in the parks that foster to conservation needs, communities by the BCs will also form the ultimate connecting links.</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAwocdyeCqQ11fgucHKzSmZDRBqRZ1o73rMF6-XotXA8y6GHxg85uqTd_LHVf_K2EELFva3VIWUf3sV9SknZsgjve1Muk1a7S12AbKC9V7gVweYFEALESedAGSftDb7MJAy0bChq325w/s1600/2018+05+08+00+08+41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAwocdyeCqQ11fgucHKzSmZDRBqRZ1o73rMF6-XotXA8y6GHxg85uqTd_LHVf_K2EELFva3VIWUf3sV9SknZsgjve1Muk1a7S12AbKC9V7gVweYFEALESedAGSftDb7MJAy0bChq325w/s400/2018+05+08+00+08+41.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stripe of BC 8 (May 2018)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The next three weeks, I continued with my field surveys and camera trap installation works, but recurring thoughts on the need to revive harmonious human-wildlife coexistence popped in my head. Neither do I want the landscape to be fragmented and tigers lost, nor do I want herders like Wangdi to suffer from predation and give up herding because sustaining both is a prerequisite of a vibrant connectivity. Will BC 8 serve as Corridor of Hope? </span></span><span style="background-color: #f5f6f5; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.3333px;"><i>Note: My research in the BC 8 was funded by the <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/">National Geographic Society</a> and <a href="https://www.daad.de/en/">German Academic Exchange Programme (DAAD),</a> with reassuring support from Department of Forests and Park Services (NCD and JSWNP).</i></span></span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-72658186168643380862018-07-01T01:34:00.001+02:002018-07-01T01:48:27.739+02:00Thank you, Your Majesty.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">We the people of Bhutan are lucky to be blessed with Bodhisattava kings, under whose rein our nation is progressing with unprecedented development and our people prospering with unlimited peace. His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, with utmost love and compassion, never sleeps but travels the nation, reaching to every corner of the country for the welfare of we citizens. Citizens are inspired to live a better life. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His Majesty in November 2017, with people of my village</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">However, for the people of my countryside, they are simply the most virtuous ones, with His Majesty visiting our village for two consecutive years. Last year in November, despite being totally exhausted, having just completed the most arduous </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">snowman's</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"> trekking route meeting the people of </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">far-flung</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"> villages, HM shared his precious time with the people of my village. How lucky my fellow villagers were. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His Majesty offers Prayers in Busa Wangdue Goenpa Lhakhang, June 2018.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Not even a year and this year (30/06/18), his majesty again visits our sacred Busa Wangdue Goenpa </span>lhakhang<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> and offered a statue of Terton Dorji Lingpa. The Goenpa was founded in the 17th century by Tashi Tenzin, the Heart Son of Terton Dorji Lingpa. With immense excitement, our villagers have gathered at the Goenpa to welcome His Majesty the King and have HMs audience. His Majesty granted Tokha to people of five </span>chewogs<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> of Sephu gewog, who </span>has<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> swarmed in hundreds. Sephubs are extremely lucky to have met His Majesty and heard his words of wisdom which are precious than gold, not once but twice. More than anything, we are blessed to have the Statue as main Nangten of the temple, to which our people can prostrate and pray </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">every time</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">, not only for our own virtues but for His Majestys good health and long life, reminiscing HMs visit. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7wdxAGMR9dur5QX9lY0Z4Pc7dIB5V7b0QoUTB-tOpbknVFvT-_fD4yTKG7niXB7qv_yX2lUSybujOr79dqdOy2qnhss8aVHkQRE9PSRocJdRpMgjcaKjYJenndcrXnX6rgXL158SWW8/s1600/Statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7wdxAGMR9dur5QX9lY0Z4Pc7dIB5V7b0QoUTB-tOpbknVFvT-_fD4yTKG7niXB7qv_yX2lUSybujOr79dqdOy2qnhss8aVHkQRE9PSRocJdRpMgjcaKjYJenndcrXnX6rgXL158SWW8/s320/Statue.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Statue of Terton Dorji Lingpa, offered by HM at Busa Wangdue Goenpa Lhakhang.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Yet again, the visit is taking place when HM is yet to take another </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">arduous</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> journey into the </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">mountains</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> to meet the fellow </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Highlanders</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">. As HM takes this </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">extremely</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> risky trek through the snow-clad rocky </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">mountains</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">, I pray for my </span>king's<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> safe journey. We will never forget HMs selfless service for our welfare and I pledge to serve </span>Tsa<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">-</span>wa<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">-sum with utmost dedication.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp5yZSr_M7s8OoTvj5-a1hSrM41qhAe2MMphreGxC3uEBTcBYx9tHp6VWziL_bvK_q7A1QsIkPXTxWMS1JGiu_ayQ2RcOG5EVwiSYtUg1Y9cmYgw2nMvykgEuhKW9L-qZeI65Xa4pelE/s1600/Goenpa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp5yZSr_M7s8OoTvj5-a1hSrM41qhAe2MMphreGxC3uEBTcBYx9tHp6VWziL_bvK_q7A1QsIkPXTxWMS1JGiu_ayQ2RcOG5EVwiSYtUg1Y9cmYgw2nMvykgEuhKW9L-qZeI65Xa4pelE/s320/Goenpa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busa Wandue Goenpa Lhakhang</td></tr>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-70090210839956941282018-03-12T00:43:00.002+01:002018-03-14T09:39:00.915+01:00Local Effort, Global Award, Prize for Future? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is always a moment of pride for me being a Bhutanese citizen when my country and my leaders are conferred with awards and accolades. While Bhutan is known worldwide mostly because of the developmental approach embracing sustainability in name of Gross National Happiness which have four pillars, Good governance, Sustainable socio-economic development, Preservation and promotion of culture, and Environmental Conservation, it is the progress in the fourth pillar that is often recognized and praised by the outside world. No doubt, Bhutan maintained centuries of self-imposed isolation with modern development commencing only in the 1960s when the first five-year plan was launched, so the Bhutanese younger generations have always inherited pristine and rich forest cover which are not infiltered for modern developmental greeds. Our successive kings have been so wise that when the country finally embraced modern development, a middle path approach was followed and natural resources are never compromised for the future generations. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZumekxv9o7rm7lkHED35MakaGRXGrT7E0ATfYWBOZtZe0y7aUUYHhj32BQCQSo1bX93Fn1xbOUf7TD4cyLd-g0SC3o1P3144DjMIUoTGhsck44Nfl-b2-OHzN0i2or350PMiI9r2xpZI/s1600/kw-040817-bhutan-in-autumn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="700" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZumekxv9o7rm7lkHED35MakaGRXGrT7E0ATfYWBOZtZe0y7aUUYHhj32BQCQSo1bX93Fn1xbOUf7TD4cyLd-g0SC3o1P3144DjMIUoTGhsck44Nfl-b2-OHzN0i2or350PMiI9r2xpZI/s320/kw-040817-bhutan-in-autumn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://traveltriangle.com/">Ashna Jawal</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pioneered by the Great Fourth, His majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, environmental conservation is taken very seriously in Bhutan with an entire article in the Constitution of Kingdom of Bhutan dedicated to environmental conservation, mandating 60% of the country to be kept under forests cover for all the time to come. Needless to say the awards won by His Majesty the Fourth King for he was a </span><a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/king-of-bhutan-receives-prestigious-getty-conservation-award" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Champion of Environmental Conservation in Bhutan</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> but in 2016, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchen Dasho Tshering Tobgay was amongst one of the honorary laureates of the prestigious </span><a href="http://www.kuenselonline.com/pm-honorary-laureate-for-german-sustainability-award/" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">German Sustainability Award</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> for promoting sustainability in Bhutan, indicating that Bhutanese political leaders are following the steps taken by our Monarchs in maintaining environmental sustainability. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fast forward, it is 2018 and yet again Bhutan perched on the top to receive the<a href="http://www.kuenselonline.com/bhutan-wins-earth-award/"> Earth Award at a ceremony in ITB</a> (International Tourism Bourse) in Berlin, Germany. The award was received by the Tourism Council of Bhutan as the award was initiated to recognize and appreciate sustainable tourist destinations. While Bhutan being a green destination is because of the government's commitment towards environmental conservation, yet again, it is the far-sighted visions of our great Monarchs who introduced High-value Low-volume tourism policy to provide quality services to the guests and reduce negative impacts of tourism influx, that has enabled a sustainable and well-regulated flow of tourists visiting Bhutan. Bhutanese are lucky to have visionary monarchs, who not only ease the lives of our people today but also ensures a safe and secure place for the future generations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our local efforts might be small at the global scale, but its impact on our living population is large. We should be humbled with the accolades and awards given by the world for the little efforts that we put but should be proud that it is reaching strong message to wider global scale. The awards also remind ourselves to be mindful of what we are actually planning and doing because, during each award session, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AebysxQaUs">our leaders give a lot of emphasis</a> on what we are doing in the forefront of conservation and sustainability. For a small nation with even smaller population, a well-planned development can have a lasting impact than taking blind shorter steps to obtain easy recognition and early benefit for obtaining political mileage. In the next half-century, it will be even more proud for our children to have few naturally flowing rivers without being dammed, protected areas well secured without roads crisscrossing multiple times, rural settings undisturbed but well furnished with basic amenities, towns well-built with a perfect blend of traditional and innovative designs, our roads meandering through the green woods without scars of degradation, and most importantly the generation than be benefited immensely from the tourists who visit Bhutan with genuine sense of belief that Happiness is a Place. It will be a beautiful prize for our future leaders and citizens that we are yet to come.</span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-12863695307133055552018-03-05T22:21:00.002+01:002018-03-06T14:19:04.141+01:00Experiencing the Real Cold of Germany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is my second winter in Germany and from the experience from last year, I was expecting the snow to fall by mid-February. However, we were experiencing an icy cold breeze, much colder than last year, but there was no sign of snowfall; the rivers and ponds were not frozen despite the cold. Rather it was drizzling when January came to an end, it was like spring has come. But I was wrong. The real European winter was not something which I experienced last year, but this year. The temperature plummeted below -5 degree Celsius most of the time and when I woke up in the morning on 27th February, to my pleasant surprise, there was a thick blanket of snow, and still falling. Little did I knew that it would continue for 3 consecutive days, to make the winter in Greifswald the coldest in recent years. One day I checked the temperature and it was negative 12 Degree Celcius during the day, something which I didn't experience even at the snow-clad mountain at the elevation of 4900 masl. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcs59TMoZ3ZB8lb6ag3VK0oB55o1CiP46FE58Xg0j7tmDTDZrH9k51zjq0dsotTTYGJuMMUhGH3o2UN8UXSvDuIcmbtQ-LTnif0S6Rtg7YA5Q0Yoq_oFzeeB4_iK24O6G-BVVMUd7ZPA/s1600/DSC_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcs59TMoZ3ZB8lb6ag3VK0oB55o1CiP46FE58Xg0j7tmDTDZrH9k51zjq0dsotTTYGJuMMUhGH3o2UN8UXSvDuIcmbtQ-LTnif0S6Rtg7YA5Q0Yoq_oFzeeB4_iK24O6G-BVVMUd7ZPA/s320/DSC_0591.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white carpet. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today is 5th March and despite not having snowfall for last 4 days, the footpaths are still remaining white. The spray of salty sands are hardly able to melt them but each passing night, it gets more frozen. The real cold of Germany is here. Even during the day, it gives such a chill through our spine while walking on the streets. If not of the insulated homes furnished with the continuous supply of heat, uninterrupted flow of water and undisturbed electricity, it will be real hellish cold here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is also reported that <a href="http://time.com/5176977/rome-snowfall-snow-video-drone/">Rome had snowfall after six years,</a> and in Brussels, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/26/beast-from-the-east-brings-snow-and-frosty-weather-across-europe">the homeless were detained </a>if they are not sheltered well to protect from sub-zero temperature. In England, <a href="https://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/irish-news/motorists-trapped-flights-and-trains-cancelled-as-snow-ramps-up-overnight-36657501.html">motorists were trapped, flights and trains cancelled as snow ramped up</a> and over 50 deaths were linked to the cold conditions sweeping along the continent. The weather nicknamed "beast from the east" has indeed hit the whole of Europe, bringing snow and strong winds with further chill factor. Probably this winter will remain one of the coldest winters that I will experience in my life. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0y9iLtB6SvK3b1KA8CpY7T4Vk6k-n2PfsbHMqMmgzmk9KjyeOyEviQlFj1qVbgV4sz8biIbL6n2QhIqST4gUsX36jzsOhtVK0mbEbpCD-O88VhkeuN-idZortbq_AUXhkF6w0hmuNgY/s1600/DSC_0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0y9iLtB6SvK3b1KA8CpY7T4Vk6k-n2PfsbHMqMmgzmk9KjyeOyEviQlFj1qVbgV4sz8biIbL6n2QhIqST4gUsX36jzsOhtVK0mbEbpCD-O88VhkeuN-idZortbq_AUXhkF6w0hmuNgY/s320/DSC_0680.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greifswald city covered in snow</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On, the contrary, it is reported that the North Pole is warmer than Europe at this stage and climate scientists attribute such situations to anthropogenic climate change. It was reported that <span style="background-color: white;">For the month of February, most of the inner <a href="https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/arctic-warmth-contrasts-europe-wide-chill">Arctic was more than 5°C warmer than the 2004-2013</a> average, which means there will be more melting of arctic ices than usual, thus disrupting the ecosystem in the north pole. It is also an indication that global warming has now eroded the poles and there is limited time to act to reverse it. In the case of Bhutan, rapid receding of snowline was often mentioned by the regular yak herders, and for this year, my parents at home are complaining that it didn't snow. The symptoms of climate change are now severe and once which people considered anomalies to not have regular snow are now getting normal. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice skating on the frozen pond. </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The pond near my hostel is also frozen and this indeed provided me with the chance to experience ice skating, something which I didn't experience last year. It was fun trying to balance on the skating shoe but it was painful to have numerous fall on the hardened ice. A good balancing power and concentrated composure is the key to successful skating, and I am glad I could get into that composure after few trials and errors. However, such an experience might be also my last experience since ice skating is not common in Bhutan, despite having Himalayas full of ice. On the other hand, with such erratic changes in weather pattern caused by global warming effects, irreversible climate change impacts won't let the younger generation in Europe have ice skating experiences on natural ice as we are doing today. With the human racing towards the global edge with greed, it calls for balance and composure to save our earth from anthropogenic climate change. The time is now to take urgent action against climate change and its impacts and meet Sustainable Development Goal 13. </span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-281482570103285252018-02-26T01:09:00.000+01:002018-03-01T13:17:37.666+01:00Youths United in Rome Conference to Halt Deforestation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An important international conference was held at the FAO Building in Rome last week (20-22/02/2018), <a href="http://www.cpfweb.org/93859/en/">"Working across Sectors to Halt Deforestation and Increase Forest Area - from Aspiration to Action"</a>. It is important in the sense that world's forests continue to shrink as human population increases and forest areas get converted into agriculture lands and other uses, with a deforestation rate such that in next 100 years, there will be no forest left on earth. Today the global forest area is 3,999.00 million hectares. Forests through its complex ecological system, on the other hand, provides a multitude of services like provisioning of food, fibre, fuel and fresh water; regulating the quality of air and extreme climates; supporting varied species habitats and maintaining genetic diversity; and of course a set of cultural services through recreation, aestheticism and spiritual experiences. Halting deforestation is the most pressing need of the planet of today. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When world is in unity, halting deforestation will be possible and forests cover will increase</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Through the continued efforts of the office bearers of <a href="http://www.ifsa.net/">International Forestry Students Association </a>(IFSA), it has been made possible for the youths to take part in this crucial conference and around 50 youth delegates were selected from all over to represent the voices of youths for halting deforestation, a common aspiration. By virtue of being a student in Europe, my age doesn't bar from myself considering the youth, and it was a wonderful privilege that I have been one of the few selected delegates to attend the conference. The coordinating team from IFSA has already planned such that youths will be engaged in a day-long training session to equip the youth participants both in person and via online for accelerating efforts to halt deforestation through discourses on what is causing it and what global actions need to be taken? It was also a platform where youths propose ideas and messages for High-Level UN Political Agenda. The aspiration is to ensure and built a moment that is intergenerational and cross-sectoral, and to make sure that our collective change brings together a cohesive planet and halt deforestation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The training that was divided into three parts was intense but enriching where the youths were not only given theoretical backgrounds on "Thinking Landscape" and "Gender in Resource Management" by the subject experts but also rigorously engaging us in the group works and exercises that yielded striking outcomes. There are conflicting interests among competing land uses, which is the main reason leading to alarming deforestation and hampering positive progress, therefore thinking landscape and acting landscape is one of the best solutions to resolve the conflicts. This can best be achieved through "Understanding the Landscape", "Engagement of Every Stakeholder", "Engaging the Institutions", "Creating Landscape Market Values" and "Effective Management" of the all these components, knowing that they are indispensable for each other in an intricate web. While understanding landscape approach is vital for halting deforestation, it is equally vital to mainstream gender equality in resolving the issues. We understand the need for gender equality but often fail to understand the full complexity of gender and its relevance to natural resource management. Through the role plays, we could demystify the gender complexity and could identify the asymmetries in power distribution across different societal actors, thus providing new insights, tools, and resources for accounting gender dimensions in halting deforestation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Furthermore, the youths also excepted ourselves as an important stakeholder in the effort towards hating deforestation so we got introduced to the important policies like UN Strategic Plan for Forests (UNSPF), to mobilize concrete actions and map out tangible implementation strategies and actions for such goals. This is being reiterated on the need to engage youths in important policy discussions and high-level conference so that they can reflect on the key discussions and share their ideas for possible action. As the conference progressed further, many youth delegates raised questions and sought clarification in most of the sessions and often vigours of youth in the form of shouting while applauding and letting the panels rise to shake with tunes in name of shaking coconut tree. This being observed by the highest level of delegates like ambassadors to UN FAO, they recognized the need to engage youth in such conferences in the future too. Moreover, the key messages for youths and by the youths from the present conference are also expected to be part of the final draft of the key messages of the conference, which will be presented at the 13th session of the UN Forum on Forests, this May. This is one big impact the unity of youth delegates have brought for actions towards halting deforestation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Besides, a smaller group of youth delegates too formed themselves into core team and tailored the entire session of the day in concise and digestible <a href="http://www.ifsa.net/shortcourse/">15-minute online discourse</a>, which the many aspiring youths who could not attend the conference in person can view it. I was not part of the core team, and work burden was lower for me. I am amazed at the energy and enthusiasm shown by the youth delegates and I felt that even at national level conferences, there is a need to engage youths and let them understand the processes of formulating high-level policy plans for the compelling social and ecological issues, after all, youths are not only the future leader but the general mass of the future world, who will face the consequences of today's plans and policies. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Rome conference in general is in pursuant towards fulfilling <span style="text-align: start;">Sustainable Development Goals 15, </span>Life<span style="text-align: start;"> on Land, target 15.2, which calls for halting deforestation by 2020 and the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-30 Global Forest Goal 1.1 that urges a reversal in loss of forest cover and increase forest area by 3% worldwide by 2030. I thank IFSA for accpeting my participation and sponsoring the trip. </span></span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-58089629382511796912018-02-17T22:22:00.000+01:002018-02-24T18:30:04.002+01:00Bhutan Radio collars her First Wild Tiger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Named, Tendrel Zangmo, meaning "auspicious omen"</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger collaring in process: (c) Kuensel</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a pleasant surprise from a conservation hero and tiger biologist Dr. Tshering Tempa who is leading the tiger radio-collaring programme in Bhutan, when the news of the first tiger being collared made the <a href="http://www.kuenselonline.com/bhutan-collars-tendrel-zangmo/">headline in National Newspaper</a> on the first day of the first months of Lunar Dog Year, Losar. A wonderful reason to celebrate the New Year and perhaps an "Auspicious Omen" for the future of tiger conservation in Bhutan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As per the new article, the tiger collared was a 3-year-old female, weighing 110 kgs and the team of foresters and Bhutanese biologists who made this major breakthrough in tiger conservation named her Tedndrel Zangmo, meaning "the auspicious omen". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The tiger (<i>Panthera tigris</i>) is one of the largest carnivores in the world, with its range restricted in but widely spread across Asia, from Turkey in the west to the eastern coast of Russia. There are eight traditionally accepted subspecies of tigers but three subspecies were eradicated as early as the 1980s. Today there is less than 3200 adult tigers in the wild, spread across 7% of their historical range. They remain as one of the most threatened carnivores in the world and the species is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Loss of habitat, habitat fragmentation and losing landscape connectivity, prey depletion, and poaching are generally recognized as key threats leading to the decline of tiger population. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgji9m0xU7H6AZjdu3LxGKmBMj5h6Te_CV_zRBt9TbIRWRAGmSryPyKCVezHx6WmdUnCSGVh_uhVe6d0yyzznqBYiWU_v0i82_Pg0mthQUEvzR0-4TBl3fdyQvPpSJMcU9oVqKVfqDKl6o/s1600/Mountain+Tiger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgji9m0xU7H6AZjdu3LxGKmBMj5h6Te_CV_zRBt9TbIRWRAGmSryPyKCVezHx6WmdUnCSGVh_uhVe6d0yyzznqBYiWU_v0i82_Pg0mthQUEvzR0-4TBl3fdyQvPpSJMcU9oVqKVfqDKl6o/s320/Mountain+Tiger.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger in Subalpine Mountains of Bhutan</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Panthera tigris tigris</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, the Bengal Tiger is the subspecies of tiger found in Indian sub-continent and neighboring states including Bhutan. While tiger population elsewhere are facing serious conservation threats, Bhutan's deep-rooted conservation ethos and reverence for tiger as one of the mystical creatures, have provided a safe haven for this animal to thrive. Conservation is further boasted through the visionary policies of our great Monarch with constitution mandating 60% forest cover for all the time to come, and designating over 50% of the country as protected areas and biological corridors. Through this conservation landscape, tigers roam between the country's subtropical jungles at an elevation less than 100 </span>metres<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> above sea level (masl) in Royal Manas National Park in the south to sub-alpine mountains as high as 4400 masl in Northern Wangchuck Centennial National Park. Therefore, Bhutan is the only tiger range country where Tiger and Snow Leopard habitat overlaps. Tiger is strictly protected under Scehdule I of the Forests and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan 1995, and people guilty of killing tiger are liable for a hefty fine of 1 million Ngultrum (15500.0 USD approx.). </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wwfbhutan.org.bt/?uNewsID=308170">High-Resolution Image of Wild Tiger in Bhutan</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the forefront, foresters of Bhutan guard the tigers through intensive antipoaching patrolling using SMART tools and nation embarked to count the tigers using camera trap technology in 2014 and completed the survey successfully in 2015, counted 103 adult tigers with a density of 0.23 tigers per 100 sq.km. This is one of the significant findings in Dr. Tempa's work for this Ph.D. programme, which showed to the world that Bhutan can play a significant role as tiger source sites, in global tiger recovery programme of doubling the tiger number in the world by 2022, from the baseline of 2010. Bhutan otherwise was not included in a popular tiger conservation approach of securing 6% of the total tiger habitat as tiger source sites. While such findings are vital for letting the global community know of Bhutan's tiger conservation efforts, for the Bhutanese conservationist and biologists, it is our solemn duty safeguard our natural heritage with rich biological diversity and pass down to our younger generations, as did by our forefather to us. Successfully collaring Tendrel Zangmo under the leadership of Dr. Thsering Tempa, our own tiger biologists and programme director of Regional Tiger and Cat Research Centre in Bhutan, is but a testimony that we as conservationists can move with the global pace in using modern technologies in conservation, and address the challenging issues. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger collaring team back in 2015, off to field.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The radio-collared tiger has a transmitter attached around its neck, which sends the Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates every hour and the data will be recorded by the receiver by the researcher at the station. The data thus obtained can be very beneficial in understanding the movement pattern of the tiger, the use of migratory corridors, actual home range, etc., which in turn will help in identifying conservation interventions including mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, and preventing g poaching incidents </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had the privilege of being in the core team of Tiger Radio Collaring Project when the <a href="http://www.uwice.gov.bt/read_fullnews.php?nid=201511121">maiden radio collar programme began in Royal Manas National Park in November 2015</a>. A team of dedicated foresters, also led by Dr. Tempa tried our best effort to capture one but without success. Perhaps the time was not right then so it is awe-inspiring to learn that it has been a success this time; a great milestone for now and a great opportunity ahead. Congratulations to the Team. For me, it's a wonderful opportunity to have worked with a great tiger biologist of my times at home and have constant guidance and support from him, Thank you Dr. Tshering Tempa.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/letro_darlo">Letro: Twitter</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>P.S: I made a tweet of the news report and amazed to see my tweet getting the biggest toll of retweets and likes by the enthusiastic conservationists and feline lovers from worldwide. The news seems to have simply awed them. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Link to Dr. Tshering Tempas Ph.D. Dissertation titled <a href="https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/10989">"The Ecology of Montane Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris) in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan</a>".</span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-8936105140946690042018-02-12T21:49:00.002+01:002018-02-13T11:08:15.301+01:00Destination Europe XI: Last trip of 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Much of Europe has been traveled and it was already the end of 2017. New Year was awaited but I wanted to make my probably last Europe trip before 2018 during the Christmas and New year Holidays. This I planned because 2018 will mark my last year at the University and I wanted to dedicate my time for successful completion of the University stuffs, most important one being the Master Thesis. Central Europe! I call it. Acclaimed to be most beautiful cities and much talked after by the travelers, I visited three cities. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">23. Vienna</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">: The capital city of Austria, which I am quite familiar with the name because many senior foresters graduated from a University in Vienna and also I have two of my forester friends studying there, learnt that the third friend was also not a stranger but a fellow blogger and an artist, with whom I occasionally converse. This is a plus point as I don't have to book hostels but to squeeze in their apartments and act like an important guest. I have informed my fellow foresters in Vienna about my travel plans and persuaded them to take a trip further with me as I have planned to visit the neighbouring cities too. 24th December, just before the Christmas I booked my travel and it was a tiring 15 hours journey in Bus from Greifswald to Vienna but worth a travel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">I was warmly received at the station by one of my friends Rinzin who is a brotherly elder and senior Forester. He escorted me to their home and reaching their place gave even a warmer sensation of being at home. Four of them, two foresters and two layers were residing in the same house and sharing their meals together like a happy family. Being the lone Bhutanese, occasionally I use to have a strong feeling of loneliness and fondly miss my home. That day, however, was special with a special Bhutanese dish, jokes, gossips, and lot of laughter. The following day happened to by the Winter Solstice and it was yet again a pleasant surprise to have porridge early in the morning and begin the beautiful day contended. Later, my hosts in Vienna took me on a city sightseeing, but more than the eagerness to see the wonderful Vien</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">na, I felt cozier talking with them and relaxing. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Hosts and me at Schönbrunn Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>24. Budapest:</b> I couldn't persuade them all but yes, two lawyer friends agreed to be my companion to the next destination, Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. Indeed my two forester friends had already visited the city the year before and moreover, our friend Dorji, the other senior Forester friend wasn't so well so it was logical for them to make yet another travel. Yet, I was glad that three of us were traveling together. Budapest is one of those cities often ranked in top 10 lists for travelers and I heard from many saying it is a must visit place. I am glad I made it there and more glad I was with like-minded friends, who weren't complaining of tiredness but so keen to keep the sightings counting. The accommodation was booked in a standard hostel we looked for Asian foods to have a nice feast, of course with a challenge because it was Christmas time and many restaurants were closed. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Surprisingly, we came across a group fo Bhutanese students who were also on a euro tour there, it made a big pleasant group for us. We were strangers but the value of being Bhutanese made close acquaintances so fast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had planned a night and two days in Budapest and to the chance to have a cruise by the famous river Danube in the evening, which provided us one of the most amazing night views of Budapest, with the glowing Parliament House in centre. Bubapest is so rich in History and it was amazing to learn that its parliament house is the third largest parliament building in the world, built in 19th century for millennium celebration. It glows majestically on the Bank of Danube, the river that begins from Black Forests in Germany, passes through 10 modern Europe countries and then ends in the Black sea. Budapest is indeed the term coined after congregating three cities there Buda and OldBuda on the right side and Pest on the left side of the river. There are countless attractions, many of which are bridges with their own significance and number of hot springs, experiencing of which requires more quality time. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chain Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parliament Building frnt view</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parliament building rear view with river Danude</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buda and river Danube as seen from Hill on Pest side</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught in Budapest</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">25: Prague: </b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After the trip to Budapest we returned to Vienna and there I spent two more days after which my return journey began with a halt at Prague, the capital of Czech Republic. It was very cold and my experience in Prague was brief. The past few days, I was </span>with<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> a good companion so the Prague moment was lonely and boring. It was considered one of the most beautiful cities but the cold took all the charm and I didn't find anything special there in Prague than the normal busy European streets. What a closing journey for 2017.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Presumably, it was the last trip but I can see lights on more journey as the journey will never end. </span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-55399171450293911782018-02-09T21:21:00.002+01:002018-02-09T21:21:19.314+01:00Passu Diary as Book<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Glad to have got an invitation for a great event at the corner in Thimphus heart but sadly I can't get to it. In little ways, I am part of some inspirational group of folks who not only writes but do amazing pieces of stuff. "Passu Diary, Journal of an Ordinary Bhutanese" was the sole inspiration that awakened the pen inside me to jot down the scripts; not the heart throbbing romances, nor the inspirational self help classics, neither the satirically comic bundle of poems, but free-flowing proses and verses with the simple journey of life as the muse. The journey that is mostly through woods but through others too. And the others are varied and fascinating in itself like that of the exhilarating journey through the woods. Yes, a blogger was born in me in 2010, inspired by "Passu Diary". </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The first post was titled "Threshold of my Future" but little did I knew that the future is always yet to come, meaning greater days are yet to come. Each passing day has its own stimulus and taste are always different. And with a lively taste bud, there is numerous flow of muses in our sphere, in the blogosphere, the reason I am a part of some inspiration group of folks, the bloggers. Bloggers are writers and writers are authors. Many bloggers friends have a book or two in their name and each day passing day a new book is coming and I can only feel myself at the Threshold of my Future. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Expressing my heartiest congratulation to Chaplop Passang Tshering for his debut book titled with his Blog name. </span></span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-56421728247203890712018-01-14T22:11:00.000+01:002018-01-14T22:15:04.405+01:00Destination Europe X: London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"To London and Paris, </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But to all Bhutans sacred heritages,</span></i></div>
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<i style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="text-align: center;"><i>I would take you on a pilgrimage."</i> </i></i></i><i></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A Bhutanese song resonates in my mind whenever I travel around. Not that I am taking my beloved one to wonderous places but because of some fate and fortune, I could make the travels. Studying in Europe is full of opportunities and choices; the opportunities to intricately blend with the rich culture, explore the most historic civilizations, tour the cities and contemplate on the wonderful architecture and clean environments, learn new languages, meet new friends and of course immerse in the pool of knowledge. The choice is all ours as visiting places even as a backpacker is not so cheap. Staying idle in the school and totally immersing in our academics would not only enhance my knowledge but also help save some penny but then won't I regret once I get back to my home for not having seen Europe? I decided to explore on. Having visited Paris the year before, in December 2017, I could visit London.</span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT8YqCHLDgsfM2I2RB7CC-LIgOefDI3sRtNufM9rccSRhQx7kAxVf5kPSbo65cPK3ai73xAapPiN7-bqgS-4I2Hc1jUaWjWEH7PaopQNsxks-TPc5E-YKfa1lOTEvFW8WvS33063eaKw/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT8YqCHLDgsfM2I2RB7CC-LIgOefDI3sRtNufM9rccSRhQx7kAxVf5kPSbo65cPK3ai73xAapPiN7-bqgS-4I2Hc1jUaWjWEH7PaopQNsxks-TPc5E-YKfa1lOTEvFW8WvS33063eaKw/s320/DSC_0248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Thames River and Tower Bridge</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>22. London: </b>Because London cant be traveled on Schengen visa, its difficult to obtain the UK visa without a valid reason. I am glad to have come across a wonderful course on conservation at Cambridge and more glad, I got an assistance from Friends of Bhutan in Germany to pay the course Fee, which gives me the ticket to visit the UK. Yet unfortunate, the Visa application center in Berlin was closed and had to travel to Dusseldorf, a city which is 8 hours by train from my place, making it costlier. The UK visit visa costs 170 Euro processing fee and 30 more to ship the passport after processing. Travel and a night logistics in Dusseldorf cost 100 so its already 300 Euro expense before I got my visa in hand. However, the airfare to London was cheap as I could book the tickets much earlier in Ryan airlines, which flew me in less than 40 Euros. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So 7th December 2017, my winter trip for 2017 started with the much-awaited travel to London. London, the capital city of UK is the most populous city and ranks 5th in the costliest city to live in Europe. Berlin, on the other hand, is ranked 38, no wonder how we are sustaining with a 750 Euro monthly stipend, and making numerous travels in between. Consumer price in Berlin is 18% lower than London. So, my embarking a 10 days journey to London and Cambridge will cost me a fortune as compared to my stay in Greifswald and visiting other cities in Europe. I flew from Shonefeld to Stansted and took a bus from Stansted to London which costs 10 pounds for the 1-hour journey. A three-hour journey in Germany costs only 11 Euros so I saw the aforementioned sharp contrast at first glance. Then followed the costs of city transports, hostels, and of course food. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I planned two days sightseeing trip in London before I move to Cambridge so I am glad to have visited all the major points of interests in the two days. It was also an awesome feeling to see the snow falling while I was in London, but later realized it badly disrupted the transport services as my bus to Cambridge from London was delayed by 3 hours. However, here are some of the beautiful glimpses fo London through my Lens.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJP3fmxAcfrayZisCPsrxF2a2NGa50feAYwqqPeQ_VPwvY-XMnXiws_uCME2EdGG0EvmSQKZsTHwDNT5FvL7r_sys4CdoTianfKkJTm3Dieo58KgMWVFQIO5Qde9199Z7v_xTVAu8-Ks/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJP3fmxAcfrayZisCPsrxF2a2NGa50feAYwqqPeQ_VPwvY-XMnXiws_uCME2EdGG0EvmSQKZsTHwDNT5FvL7r_sys4CdoTianfKkJTm3Dieo58KgMWVFQIO5Qde9199Z7v_xTVAu8-Ks/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREifbXHP36seoOihaXlMN30j4XzzWD06kefS8u4l2go3KtWbdn4kbETybIU-E4w0GslH-eC2T_rDY98xaZkSxb9BGjjlsPABwPam1n9AoahzZji0zwNaPG7PUlVEBDX7F9SMGIsZRX0Y/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREifbXHP36seoOihaXlMN30j4XzzWD06kefS8u4l2go3KtWbdn4kbETybIU-E4w0GslH-eC2T_rDY98xaZkSxb9BGjjlsPABwPam1n9AoahzZji0zwNaPG7PUlVEBDX7F9SMGIsZRX0Y/s320/DSC_0086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckingham Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvIjH5XmJnDr-z2nOJhf8NYRGYS_W7u4ATwqqclTDoHcwkYzSvgMJxIJ2-k96sv22R8aLeLEMR_plUVEr4FQvcuI_QJ9QwLLdIm9QU2eqOrwje5we9fErYOiQOBCveArkDtFAjB022XI/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvIjH5XmJnDr-z2nOJhf8NYRGYS_W7u4ATwqqclTDoHcwkYzSvgMJxIJ2-k96sv22R8aLeLEMR_plUVEr4FQvcuI_QJ9QwLLdIm9QU2eqOrwje5we9fErYOiQOBCveArkDtFAjB022XI/s320/DSC_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Guard Parade</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXYNdNpunJLiyjSFdif7npyw5ygc6PdVdN3Jfvb8oVphwKwgAtGbDDOCt13lNpzYCNgFT8O3V1c_rhXMSbfT-XoRr-LdO4vLgnlLMdfPND4-ILxK4AA2OkPEoh6vKrBjKccDiG4bFxUY/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXYNdNpunJLiyjSFdif7npyw5ygc6PdVdN3Jfvb8oVphwKwgAtGbDDOCt13lNpzYCNgFT8O3V1c_rhXMSbfT-XoRr-LdO4vLgnlLMdfPND4-ILxK4AA2OkPEoh6vKrBjKccDiG4bFxUY/s320/DSC_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Street and Buildings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2avPJ9xUdrYZTrT-qZ-14DmKH4oqDoeTtRZrvKKMxR3sWhMNF0mU452rL0qGvW5CjkujiTM7YAalBq7wiUymR7qNGhVk8E3L-YyF9obUx-3ZpCdEkDpgdvEFaYIkf4U9mGja4bqXrjA/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2avPJ9xUdrYZTrT-qZ-14DmKH4oqDoeTtRZrvKKMxR3sWhMNF0mU452rL0qGvW5CjkujiTM7YAalBq7wiUymR7qNGhVk8E3L-YyF9obUx-3ZpCdEkDpgdvEFaYIkf4U9mGja4bqXrjA/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trafalgar Square</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kfXeXFR40mlPBQ-45WNmsxKXrFy9a8gmz_HOaaoH-NJ9_RJ6_I4hU9hug14HciOjOjM8sNxGhPw_sf1RcIfLrZCNDyZxoeZYCol9JD6GvPLshZMdQ26sr3TUjVDlk4mKcFa9MRUHdUU/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kfXeXFR40mlPBQ-45WNmsxKXrFy9a8gmz_HOaaoH-NJ9_RJ6_I4hU9hug14HciOjOjM8sNxGhPw_sf1RcIfLrZCNDyZxoeZYCol9JD6GvPLshZMdQ26sr3TUjVDlk4mKcFa9MRUHdUU/s320/DSC_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palace of Westminster</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qsGLKwWw3QFebqHRrY7IC5T6jsHhQIAb3MGVZJvqq_o9CRuIGVOLrGlU2QPN62-dxWhKRATyqwMCxhc1QEQ82XY4jP_i51abbLLC2tpDnwaOFz6Y-04I3v2KmyqThVlJ6VtE39UkpHw/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qsGLKwWw3QFebqHRrY7IC5T6jsHhQIAb3MGVZJvqq_o9CRuIGVOLrGlU2QPN62-dxWhKRATyqwMCxhc1QEQ82XY4jP_i51abbLLC2tpDnwaOFz6Y-04I3v2KmyqThVlJ6VtE39UkpHw/s320/DSC_0165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westminster Abbey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86uJoZ7RJQLAOPk9WKot9Lg6qgoFQ4Ra7a6wKLx0XddONR5fRrRT0GhCehYaNW05KkUeswKyEseQE599vCsD8TJop8moPykr_vA_sp4Q0-bBEBTYfcRxSmlrOMIFWMNA0Vx7Eav_Wewo/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86uJoZ7RJQLAOPk9WKot9Lg6qgoFQ4Ra7a6wKLx0XddONR5fRrRT0GhCehYaNW05KkUeswKyEseQE599vCsD8TJop8moPykr_vA_sp4Q0-bBEBTYfcRxSmlrOMIFWMNA0Vx7Eav_Wewo/s320/DSC_0189.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Eye</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NXaAev6gm7ZLgC-EV-XTbiiE-TJARLkfgipMKdUiMM2_iFpWkez-8IT1KNyITuFfAtyMetwiCz7FtE3ygshO-ob8gQ75gO0I3qCvPv-dowAodmw10BmA5t7GsxIs2ImT9Gyu01Rn9vg/s1600/DSC_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NXaAev6gm7ZLgC-EV-XTbiiE-TJARLkfgipMKdUiMM2_iFpWkez-8IT1KNyITuFfAtyMetwiCz7FtE3ygshO-ob8gQ75gO0I3qCvPv-dowAodmw10BmA5t7GsxIs2ImT9Gyu01Rn9vg/s320/DSC_0355.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madame Tussauds </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRxj3GMa6asPWoc_gSKSvTa9SREVh7v4uOAbiW5vMM8Cq9M0-r_ruPyA5cHT56NjUbiUxJ6I77bbmE5dhd_KN2hhCa52pnhp55GQ09ieOSpTdRPZyFGvDpDntHVAkSdnV5JKWJ86XQFA/s1600/DSC_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRxj3GMa6asPWoc_gSKSvTa9SREVh7v4uOAbiW5vMM8Cq9M0-r_ruPyA5cHT56NjUbiUxJ6I77bbmE5dhd_KN2hhCa52pnhp55GQ09ieOSpTdRPZyFGvDpDntHVAkSdnV5JKWJ86XQFA/s320/DSC_0431.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kings College, Cambridge University</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVQuL95hrpPuUzGUs-Qy55z31TN1XgAdWjY4PaSbvrtZsCKPDJXgENLhBvM23On0mt6UJdlOMFz3XgATMKw9ZyQVEXxOca2CIvt9IeguPrW1CLj40-3HVLw0i8jbkX0owkQYl9pZ3uss/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVQuL95hrpPuUzGUs-Qy55z31TN1XgAdWjY4PaSbvrtZsCKPDJXgENLhBvM23On0mt6UJdlOMFz3XgATMKw9ZyQVEXxOca2CIvt9IeguPrW1CLj40-3HVLw0i8jbkX0owkQYl9pZ3uss/s320/DSC_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Cam</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Travellers Note:</b> If the interiors of the monuments are not visited, a majority of the place of interests can be covered in a single day provided you take an Oyster card for city transport. Oyster card costs 5 pounds and one can recharge it with 10-20 pounds and use the card in all public transport services. If not a single journey will cost nearly 5 Pounds and it is expensive. For a backpacker and solo traveler like me, I save lots of time and don't leave the sites unvisited. My trip to Cambridge is covered through the post on the training that I attended there. The last two images are from Cambridge. </span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-83800318894624587742018-01-06T20:14:00.002+01:002018-01-06T20:14:23.260+01:00A Promising Journey for 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The 2018 has kicked off and a week has already passed by. And if a new year resolution was set, it should be clear by now, whether we are in the right direction in achieving the goals of the year. I don't have resolutions as such for 2018 but as I look forward into 2018, there are lots I have to accomplish and it will definitely keep me busy most of the time. It is a peaceful beginning for 2018 for me and as I take up the further journey, I look forward a peaceful ride, but of course with challenges that will alter me into better form. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9WeJHP-ejYJATTfDrhqF0hyphenhyphen3Z0LrtDO_i1RleGXyOUPr9oQy-5ak4snRUswnOlwiyje8vTvmi9TuJqfxCOVSysGYxNsBOrZcgXOeVlB0TEb4MCL4asMV6NGX5gmtfAEFII6wFpjFM8Q/s1600/DSCN4997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9WeJHP-ejYJATTfDrhqF0hyphenhyphen3Z0LrtDO_i1RleGXyOUPr9oQy-5ak4snRUswnOlwiyje8vTvmi9TuJqfxCOVSysGYxNsBOrZcgXOeVlB0TEb4MCL4asMV6NGX5gmtfAEFII6wFpjFM8Q/s320/DSCN4997.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As u set into wilderness, appease the deities. <br />(Towards Black Mountains in 2015)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />This is my third semester of my M.Sc programme and I am quite relieved to have completed majority of the electives in the first two semesters. This leaves me with more time for completing a basic module and planning for my final semester, that is exclusively for Master Thesis Works. So basically I don't have to prepare for exams this semester but have to present my Research Internship Protocol, which is in line to my Master Thesis Works. I aspire to complete the presentation by end of this month or early February and leave some free time for myself to aptly plan my field work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being Landscape Ecology student, I wanted to do my thesis research on a title encompassing landscape conservation and I am glad to be doing on a title "Assessing structural connectivity of Biological Corridor for tiger movement between National Parks in Bhutan." With support from my mentors and professional guardians at home and my supervisor here in the University, I am glad to have secured the Early Career Grant from National Geographic Society, which puts me in a safer side without having to worry about research funding. But more than the fund, I am glad to be amongst the few NatGeo Explorers from Bhutan. Being DAAD scholar, I am also glad to have my proposal and travel plans accepted by DAAD and got the travel grant approved well in advance. I am already set to fly back to Bhutan by Mid march for the following three months. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, I see a switch in my travelling this year unlike in 2017 where I traveled extensively in Europe during my free times. 2018 will pull me back to wilderness and I am already excited, firstly because I have been away from home for over one and a half year and secondly, I am quite excited with my field work to have some interesting findings. Unlike my solo trips of 2017, my trips into wilderness for 2018 will require the support from various offices of the Department of Forests and Park Services, and I am being optimistic that right field colleagues would be in my wild expeditions to gather some good data for writing my thesis, and of course contributing little efforts towards conservation in Bhutan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Each year, I have been trying to attend one international conference for all the benefits that it gives. <a href="https://leythro-darlo.blogspot.de/2017/12/global-landscapes-forum-at-bonn.html">The Global Landscape Forum 2017</a> at Bonn was a gratifying experience and for 2018, I am trying to attend the <a href="https://www.geog.cam.ac.uk/events/worlddendro2018/">10th World Dendro Conference</a> in Thimphu. I have already planned such that I can attend in full and then return back to Germany and I really look forward it after tiring field days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That will leave me with limited time to complete the requirements of my Master Thesis as I plan to graduate by Mid September and safely land back home to rejoin my service at JSWNP. Hush! that's going to be a fast race but I will be glad because I would have achieved the Master of Science from University of Greifswald. And I hope that JSWNP welcomes me back in good spirit so that I can contribute to the great works that my colleagues are already doing, and may be add some extra impetus. But definitely, the future is going to be an opportunity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, 2018 is yet again going to be a remarkable year for Bhutan. We are progressing into the Third Parliamentary Elections and Bhutan will definitely have more talks on politics than ever. I am glad that I would be able to vote in person this time for both National Council and National Assembly elections and that in itself is a great responsibility for me. We would be probably having our NC elections in April and NA elections in September-October. This years NA elections seems to become more competitive based on the current flow of news on social media but I should be mindful in voting for a party that will best benefit the country with innovative current developments and long-term sustainable policies. My conscience should be able to judge the parties well and should vote intelligently. As a civil servant, we should remain apolitical but I feel civil servants should also raise their voices with regards to party politics for the betterment of the nation because Civil Service is the biggest pool with educated lots who, if not swayed by corrupt practices can think better for the country. Any way, who ever wins, I would be striving my efforts towards conservation until next election and further, as deemed necessary by the bound with RCSC. But any way conservation of nature is something every human should contribute in this anthropocentric era. It is a collective responsibility. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So 2018 looks promising and all I need now is to sail with the tide. </span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-77369497098561813182017-12-31T20:51:00.000+01:002017-12-31T20:51:03.222+01:00Thank you 2017; Happy New Year 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After numerous travels, I am glad to be finally back in Greifswald, a home away from home. 2017 has been unique phase of my life that it was a maiden year away from my mom. For that matter my social interactions were also limited and for my friends and relatives, my point of contact was always virtual. I am glad that 2017 have been spectacular without much agonies but filled with cherishing memories of merriment. I remain thankful to all my friends and relatives for their lo</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">vely unwavering supports. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2017 has been rewarding for the efforts I have put and I remain grateful to my professional guardians both at home and in the university for their trust and rendering their appealing recommendations. 2017 added more value to my professional expertise and I am glad to have invested in personal profiling with support from well wishers. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2017 is deep immersion into academics. Together with my LENC classmates, learning was always spontaneous with some doses of party and fun in between. Specially in a far away place without any fellow countrymen, my LENC mates are more than friends. Thank you all for being together always. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2017 is also a landmark in my travel diary with visit to numerous cities around Europe and with last leg of Euro tour completed with visit to my friends in Vienna, where moments of our togetherness were unusually great. I already miss the good company I had with them and will always remember their great hospitality and companionship. As 2017 comes to an end, I am glad to be at my home, safe and sound, warm and cosy, so thank you 2017 before I bid you farewell. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">2018 will be just another year but I see more challenges coming. Please be kind with me and every sentient beings.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> </span></div>
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HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2018.</div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-91935318640319467242017-12-24T00:01:00.000+01:002017-12-24T00:01:38.913+01:00Destination Europe IX: Trip to Poland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">21: Warsaw: </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My trip to Warsaw was in October 30th. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Unlike all my Euro tours, my trip to Warsaw was different in a sense that I was accompanied by my colleagues from the University. However the weather in Warsaw was bad. Bad to such an extent that there was a severe storm causing extensive disruption in railways and causing some deaths due to environmental misshapes. However we were lucky to have had a good glimpse of Warsaw old town during our second day. Some snaps taken at Warsaw.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good thing about Warsaw is that the city is very cheap. Be it in public transport services or in restaurants and hostels, the rates are very cheap as compared to Germany, which makes Poland an easy destination for travelers. Pierogi is considered a national dish of Poland so my friend ordered a plate of Fungi Pierogi, which basically is like dumpling or momo. It was a good experience to eat momo in a faraway place. I didnt knew but later came to learn that one of our friend was having her birthday, which gave us a good reason to have some toast of cake with happy birth day greetings. It wasn't so well prepared one though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was told by my other friends that city of Krakow is much beautiful than Warsaw but for me I am glad to have checked in the capital city of Poland. </span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-65336473869322758282017-12-23T23:06:00.003+01:002017-12-23T23:09:10.774+01:00Destination Europe VIII: Trip Italy Part II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>18. Florence:</b> The "cradle of renaissance" Florence is little more than 3 hours by bus from Padua, where I halted my last night after visiting the floating city of Venice. While in Florence, since I had only a half day, I make a random stroll through the city doing sightseeing. With limited time in hand, the best one can do is climb up to the Piazzale Michelangelo square and have a sizzling panoramic view of the city of Florence with its river Argo calmly flowing by its side. In the evening, since it is summer, days are long so its always fun to walk the streets, buy a beer and sit beneath the shades of the tall cathedral.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBK-UiHZpodcBuBfRLRrmb8ilVBN2uOWHaQFjBySR1X1FGseI_46uKAm-3tg_2eXBHtPXPZ_cw-e8GE-T-7eLSvJ07UnQL5FZ1oUBs9I7qmsQAAgByWvSa-ryPTpXuWhOlNVYLwQ2b6L8/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBK-UiHZpodcBuBfRLRrmb8ilVBN2uOWHaQFjBySR1X1FGseI_46uKAm-3tg_2eXBHtPXPZ_cw-e8GE-T-7eLSvJ07UnQL5FZ1oUBs9I7qmsQAAgByWvSa-ryPTpXuWhOlNVYLwQ2b6L8/s320/IMG_0854.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">View of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3SWbTl2Sdr6eCajKg-RybM4Ukvul7TIihq3jeLlMb7Ej8HEZjqo-DIB67PRg9mqTD5-seH4mTLJqc2xT59hXbh_NG6gNgHcmiVYwX0xVorEhn691JtxvyoDbgNwW8odzFLGp-XOQR8U/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3SWbTl2Sdr6eCajKg-RybM4Ukvul7TIihq3jeLlMb7Ej8HEZjqo-DIB67PRg9mqTD5-seH4mTLJqc2xT59hXbh_NG6gNgHcmiVYwX0xVorEhn691JtxvyoDbgNwW8odzFLGp-XOQR8U/s320/IMG_0836.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Florence and River Arno</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_podZe48kNa9DkxK7BYgBYkMmF9Ikn0PPDa00UzrCxzebtY6YgDERflFi9nGFXVbR1XbgBm7oC2IS3bvRYq1yaCu1NEQlKDcjMhVgvcWe8wnpqpL7TTKVawIU05QWfHc6asew269RiI/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_podZe48kNa9DkxK7BYgBYkMmF9Ikn0PPDa00UzrCxzebtY6YgDERflFi9nGFXVbR1XbgBm7oC2IS3bvRYq1yaCu1NEQlKDcjMhVgvcWe8wnpqpL7TTKVawIU05QWfHc6asew269RiI/s320/IMG_0769.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhU90ZJa6OFDbgzS6yjmQAiCadGn8jJAGmfr6qmyAcWQcVlqlRMwaiCyPVe5JjKqi2N3R5_Mx4Uq0GGMKaVNkNYNJ3h6oF_J_rIIspihu_19C0RjDTKRmcGyHdjhcfE3SQueqN1JLb74/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhU90ZJa6OFDbgzS6yjmQAiCadGn8jJAGmfr6qmyAcWQcVlqlRMwaiCyPVe5JjKqi2N3R5_Mx4Uq0GGMKaVNkNYNJ3h6oF_J_rIIspihu_19C0RjDTKRmcGyHdjhcfE3SQueqN1JLb74/s320/IMG_0781.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Z-d6Sz4aKYSIM1XG9VAmQ2cVTtKOjduH-sa7YKZscsKUR6rUms7DJvr9IbQrf_kXNCQ1Y3BaVJkb07AEcZrHa-2eAFbZnZ43gZ5Sy5iMI7ZjgBuFPPgdU0yKo4MHRfTBAR72dQJde_o/s1600/IMG_0879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Z-d6Sz4aKYSIM1XG9VAmQ2cVTtKOjduH-sa7YKZscsKUR6rUms7DJvr9IbQrf_kXNCQ1Y3BaVJkb07AEcZrHa-2eAFbZnZ43gZ5Sy5iMI7ZjgBuFPPgdU0yKo4MHRfTBAR72dQJde_o/s320/IMG_0879.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>19. Pisa:</b> The next day I moved to Pisa only to have a glimpse of the leaning tower of Pisa. Once recorded as one of the seven wonders of world, every body know that the tower of Pisa leans but only by visiting the site does one realize how breathtaking the tall leaning tower is like. There are two beautiful churches near by it so for people having deep faith in churches, there is more than leaning tower at Pisa.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Q9aXWrwevCUoy5VbPJ1OeCK1jGpnd1sJ5Eh1gdkmUfmr53WHoR2KWOQ1DD3UzDXHJuFj2mSdCjYfmqmD-byTWN4D2wgHsrvg9FzjfupL9BMhRq3ZUj5vjql35Hx3EEa0vk7mBrfCMzU/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Q9aXWrwevCUoy5VbPJ1OeCK1jGpnd1sJ5Eh1gdkmUfmr53WHoR2KWOQ1DD3UzDXHJuFj2mSdCjYfmqmD-byTWN4D2wgHsrvg9FzjfupL9BMhRq3ZUj5vjql35Hx3EEa0vk7mBrfCMzU/s320/IMG_0924.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Leaning tower with two nearby churches</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvF34HIP2rt3QgwRTBnzalaHnWK6WY6TJoun6vAS5zPiiEGbrZFJOSlU4rgSZAuDkhWwXkT-zr0UDmqKwyPKltLYDnZVfZo3xnG-f0bYMZfa_WELrKBih75wK8Omvc-CtovIcERrXcJU/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvF34HIP2rt3QgwRTBnzalaHnWK6WY6TJoun6vAS5zPiiEGbrZFJOSlU4rgSZAuDkhWwXkT-zr0UDmqKwyPKltLYDnZVfZo3xnG-f0bYMZfa_WELrKBih75wK8Omvc-CtovIcERrXcJU/s320/IMG_0920.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">57 m Tower leans with 3.99 degree</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGgsLm9dPRWrCYsR4TOcL0D4y5Z8nSVogTx8Ld45efO76kyjX1wk-69PIk0Kyt0VTEidzVkepvPwgi_Lr7d1W44lJwg2dsTMFkoEYafKDALwvPu55-0tFl8OisbykoYexbedgKAfEPtE/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGgsLm9dPRWrCYsR4TOcL0D4y5Z8nSVogTx8Ld45efO76kyjX1wk-69PIk0Kyt0VTEidzVkepvPwgi_Lr7d1W44lJwg2dsTMFkoEYafKDALwvPu55-0tFl8OisbykoYexbedgKAfEPtE/s320/IMG_0956.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs585HTXPrp_xh9WdfT9F7dhLoXbbLGpSKBz-TZueeCXVjVU43_XglJWsJmcGaOABXPVLHRKqnSmum0tESAjad9ZYrC0EpLyynSJJwHxl0kaxOm-N1Rn1w7sdrzOcaXggkFfsqj3TZId4/s1600/IMG_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs585HTXPrp_xh9WdfT9F7dhLoXbbLGpSKBz-TZueeCXVjVU43_XglJWsJmcGaOABXPVLHRKqnSmum0tESAjad9ZYrC0EpLyynSJJwHxl0kaxOm-N1Rn1w7sdrzOcaXggkFfsqj3TZId4/s320/IMG_0973.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>20: Rome:</b> I should have returned from Venice rather than spending more money in travelling to other cities of Italy. But the famous quotes like "Rome was not Built in a day" and "While in Rome, do as Romans do" and vague histories that I heard of the great Roman empire tempted me to travel further south. Rome, the capital city of Rome has nearly 3000 years history of globally influential arts, architecture and cultural display. I just had a one single day in Rome so I made a point to visit all the points of interests in Rome. But this time, I had keen interest in the ancient ruins of the Roman Empire so made a paid visit to the Roman Forum, and the great Roman Colosseum. Vatican city, the headquarters of Roman catholic church and the smallest country of the world lies within the Rome.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1S-x3qGgnGN2hLFHZJhOzlGL0L4Yfti1rrhbkZHYJWjF_yeKW5aCyrnKs9OpSDRr9DVbpUcjfUSY5avAI8LrL8nj3Y_m5HDK8HIzocQciynjPOCpyEkGoC46h5mlD35MkAsUbJ0BQUJw/s1600/IMG_1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1S-x3qGgnGN2hLFHZJhOzlGL0L4Yfti1rrhbkZHYJWjF_yeKW5aCyrnKs9OpSDRr9DVbpUcjfUSY5avAI8LrL8nj3Y_m5HDK8HIzocQciynjPOCpyEkGoC46h5mlD35MkAsUbJ0BQUJw/s320/IMG_1017.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Colosseum side view</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54OYbDrlQz7TaZXWDNwhVEI9ms-x9WY3JwWSrX__oIkudnAH5CVprzUoEbaY4thzUfVhY9acIERFTX2ec5dO5ZAfE82O1y0ewFMTbCbQjNGLeAnhJCXW_upFmDPdHkQEULNWVIqtG0kg/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54OYbDrlQz7TaZXWDNwhVEI9ms-x9WY3JwWSrX__oIkudnAH5CVprzUoEbaY4thzUfVhY9acIERFTX2ec5dO5ZAfE82O1y0ewFMTbCbQjNGLeAnhJCXW_upFmDPdHkQEULNWVIqtG0kg/s320/IMG_1024.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">The great Colosseum of Rome</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wxxbbvFfdWWrXPVevQtoOVoQAgszF698gErf4myJjXInHp9CjV9YVFu6QhGQiixO97LBhe-_7lcNASW7Wz8BffqaDscw8kL_yOTqNY9avBu93rym8jbu5fefmDrEhtHBlqxXvtuOnmg/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wxxbbvFfdWWrXPVevQtoOVoQAgszF698gErf4myJjXInHp9CjV9YVFu6QhGQiixO97LBhe-_7lcNASW7Wz8BffqaDscw8kL_yOTqNY9avBu93rym8jbu5fefmDrEhtHBlqxXvtuOnmg/s320/IMG_1031.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Ancient Rome in Ruins and Present Rome City</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKPjM40_RHiggESY7QENhrsFP2WJCHhNtw6lpXaZhfqVdDE9FWp3Akbt6MJfWR2bT4ggWM38Kp2LisRTkPRib0OT3IzjWck2QZy6PVh2_KZz_IF__GFzhW6Nu1pRTwfknTUbjq2qfeDo/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKPjM40_RHiggESY7QENhrsFP2WJCHhNtw6lpXaZhfqVdDE9FWp3Akbt6MJfWR2bT4ggWM38Kp2LisRTkPRib0OT3IzjWck2QZy6PVh2_KZz_IF__GFzhW6Nu1pRTwfknTUbjq2qfeDo/s320/IMG_1050.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Rome as seen from Roman Empire</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO4EqqXQvXLuMfBDmWYJc8yxh0DrCDr905We3ZFomhTMfxoNzyTyakw1uzwzN3s0jWEeZ55-3vroVcdzR6bj7sx0Tq8zRori2_2RV7-HIChdeA_SbSJbpacBOd5miSnvfCqRa94kFTxs/s1600/IMG_1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO4EqqXQvXLuMfBDmWYJc8yxh0DrCDr905We3ZFomhTMfxoNzyTyakw1uzwzN3s0jWEeZ55-3vroVcdzR6bj7sx0Tq8zRori2_2RV7-HIChdeA_SbSJbpacBOd5miSnvfCqRa94kFTxs/s320/IMG_1067.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Ruins of the Empire</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3M16nZG1IGGxDskBJRXBeiTY2N-ierfZ3ljvcRIhmOcDgYOp1Ri2e89sWMuTOuebqjYygUmshko9XUiogaRkfGl5KwnCtXoR-dRKzekkQYEJ3QlKwcfqtTiQDfK4fF_U-PXKH5c4C8g/s1600/IMG_1103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3M16nZG1IGGxDskBJRXBeiTY2N-ierfZ3ljvcRIhmOcDgYOp1Ri2e89sWMuTOuebqjYygUmshko9XUiogaRkfGl5KwnCtXoR-dRKzekkQYEJ3QlKwcfqtTiQDfK4fF_U-PXKH5c4C8g/s320/IMG_1103.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Inside Colosseum</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Near the Spanish Steps</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNby2CJp_fsTyClrze3lm7iKNsQf8HWLD2krKd_Sj22sr-oC79nXBrxouN-PjIKMcmwFSG7fs377z21Ac3KVi1JFD5IxT56NBKTHEjjVby0mHxyvPfBUuFb_f-4ARom6oiE2AXfX8zeyM/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNby2CJp_fsTyClrze3lm7iKNsQf8HWLD2krKd_Sj22sr-oC79nXBrxouN-PjIKMcmwFSG7fs377z21Ac3KVi1JFD5IxT56NBKTHEjjVby0mHxyvPfBUuFb_f-4ARom6oiE2AXfX8zeyM/s320/IMG_1179.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Vatican City Church. </span></td></tr>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-26870131465415711432017-12-22T23:12:00.001+01:002018-03-01T13:14:59.652+01:00Global Landscapes Forum at Bonn: A Gratifying Attendance <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">International forums and conferences are not only a great opportunity for the scientists and researchers to present their works but also an important platform for the students and general public who are keen to learn new things, discuss over the ideas and issues with experts and to establish network with like-minded people. I first attended an international congress in 2014 at home and it gave me all the reasons why I should attend more in the years to come. It was the </span><a href="http://www.ethnobiology.net/remembering-the-14th-ise-congress-in-bhutan/" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">14t<span style="background-color: white;">h </span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.ethnobiology.net/remembering-the-14th-ise-congress-in-bhutan/">International Society of Ethnobiology (ISE) congress</a> organized by Ugyen Wangchuck Institute of Conservation and Environment based in Bumthang and I had the privilege to participate in it taking an important role. I was co-leading pre-congress workshop for "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mountain Indigenous Peoples" and later had an oral presentation on Monpas during the congress, the proceeding of which is published in an <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/310463397_Monpa_the_early_settlers_of_Bhutan_in_Jigme_Singye_Wangchuck_National_Park_and_conservation_strategy">European online journal</a>. It was also a great opportunity for me to meet new people, make new friends, have lots of fun and most importantly, learn something new. Later on in 2016, I had a chance to attend <a href="http://tigers.panda.org/news/tiger-ministerial-conference/">Third Asian Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation</a> at Delhi, a reward to my field work in the field of tiger conservation in my own little ways. Each conference gives you some ideas to take back (many I forget), which I can later incorporate in my works. As such to attend on such forum is really a great privilege. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwolxdrhfkc1oLPI0wczzk6JqfA-xU5wQycckg8XzvNeqTO-78zDYhgY-fXsRDy1iJzTwjncbwthUzsk_yIXOcUlmioBE2Q3siwr2thUuQRbXuqzvrRFz7UcrHZxiv09Ow4grBpCTJ8iU/s1600/38276027385_fed93f5e74_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwolxdrhfkc1oLPI0wczzk6JqfA-xU5wQycckg8XzvNeqTO-78zDYhgY-fXsRDy1iJzTwjncbwthUzsk_yIXOcUlmioBE2Q3siwr2thUuQRbXuqzvrRFz7UcrHZxiv09Ow4grBpCTJ8iU/s320/38276027385_fed93f5e74_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">GLF2017Bonn Plenary in Session. source: GLF</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Global Landscapes Forum is in Bonn on 19-20th December 2018. I knew about this event quite a long time before when I was browsing for some Landscape related information being a Landscape Ecology student. I figured out that youths are planning to be part of the great even through </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/157971228125519/" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Youth in Landscape Initiatives</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and had already formed a facebook group. They were two steps ahead of me, but I am glad I raced behind them and got into the group. And later, 100 free tickets were offered for students for which we were required to submit our interests statement. I did my part and I was glad, I got a ticket, which took me to the city of Bonn through yet exciting travel story. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUxb6z93IwwyWAI-lidveHVdReWEKZTVmyI_p8mPCPt6vj13i3IfnohddsXRdc7yXH4jwNa_Oi0v7jVlqIgkjoBgnpiQCGZ2TLcKJU2Gx7bkWQiwoy-0inX5duvzUvI-vxY95f4jdopE/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUxb6z93IwwyWAI-lidveHVdReWEKZTVmyI_p8mPCPt6vj13i3IfnohddsXRdc7yXH4jwNa_Oi0v7jVlqIgkjoBgnpiQCGZ2TLcKJU2Gx7bkWQiwoy-0inX5duvzUvI-vxY95f4jdopE/s320/IMG_2746.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Me and my colleague from Greifswald Uni</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two days through the event, I should say it was one of the best memories of my stay in Germany (I wish the best of the best do come though). </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a platform from where positive vision of what the world's landscapes can look like if we work together, emitted its rays. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was hard for me to decide which discussion forum to attend as three major sessions and many other side events run parallel</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. Themes were varied, though they have tear down the fences of landscapes to connect to our backyards. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">All in all, I have the feeling that the event in Bonn had a deep discourse on sustainable landuse through landscape restoration. This is particularly pertinent considering the fact reported in <a href="http://www2.unccd.int/actions/global-land-outlook-glo">Global Land Outlook 2017</a> by UNCCD, that over 20% of the earths vegetated surfaces are persistently degrading in productivity. "Biodiversity loss and climate change further jeopardize the health and productivity of land. Over 1.3. billion people are trapped on degrading agricultural land." The report states. The discussion forums therefore had a good deliberation over various innovative ideas and plans to restore degraded landscapes with Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)</span><span style="background-color: white;"> actions and Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) prorgammes. Many of such programme are indeed already in action with success stories and current actions coming all the way from Indonesia and African nations. I am glad to have made several tweets taking some keynotes from the speakers. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Here are some of my key <a href="https://twitter.com/letro_darlo">tweets: </a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Productive forest Landscapes are essential for fulfilling basic needs of growing populations and providing global, national and local services: must be supplied like food." </span>#<span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://twitter.com/letro_darlo/status/943427097829179392">ITTO</a></span></blockquote>
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Small scale farmers are true essence of rural communities, and they are the backbone of humanity. We have to build sustainable future through Land Degradation Neutral actions." </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNCCD?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #088253; letter-spacing: 0.27px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#UNCCD</a> </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Sustainable landscapes are integral to achieving two goals of humanity: Ending poverty and Ensuring prosperity." </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GLFBonn2017?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #088253; letter-spacing: 0.27px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#GLFBonn2017</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThinkLandscapes?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #088253; letter-spacing: 0.27px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#ThinkLandscapes</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Landscape, the single stone that kill three birds: Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss and Pollution" </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GLFBonn2017?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #088253; letter-spacing: 0.27px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#GLFBonn2017</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThinkLandscapes?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #088253; letter-spacing: 0.27px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#ThinkLandscapes</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></blockquote>
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Man and biosphere can't be separated. That's all sustainability is about." </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GLFBonn2017?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #088253; letter-spacing: 0.27px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#GLFBonn2017</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThinkLandscape?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #088253; letter-spacing: 0.27px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#ThinkLandscape</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span> </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"The future of humankind is decided first and foremost at rural areas." </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ruralface?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #088253; letter-spacing: 0.27px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#Ruralface</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GLFBonn2017?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #088253; letter-spacing: 0.27px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#GLFBonn2017</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThinkLandscapes?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #088253; letter-spacing: 0.27px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#ThinkLandscapes</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span> </blockquote>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Calling for self consciousness rather prescribing people what has to be done, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk-MgC_efe8&t=111s">Sadhguru</a>, if had a power to change one thing, then he said, it is humans. "Other than human, everything is in perfect condition." He said. He had been "planting trees in people's mind for over six years before he started to transplant them on land, to increase the green cover in India", in his rally to clean the rivers in India. I was deeply intrigued by his visions and inspirations and more than anything, glad to hear his real voice directly into my ears. I am at the verge of losing</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> my youthfulness but was also amazed to see the energy and zeal in the youths of current era. They are innovative, informed, talented, enthusiastic to create</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> rally and start movements for making this world a better place, the true actions which I have seen and heard while in Bonn. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The event was attended in person by over 1000 person from 104 nations and probably I was the lone Bhutanese (since I didn't meet any Bhutanese during the event). But </span><a href="http://www.globallandscapesforum.org/" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Global Landscape Forum </a><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is going to be held for another couple of years in Bonn with strong partnership</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> between various organizations so there is only opportunity awaiting for those who are interested in attending</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> the great event. For me, it was enriching and gratifying attendance and I look forward to attend again. </span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-20600245531389032822017-12-16T01:25:00.000+01:002017-12-16T01:25:22.109+01:00Professional Training to Enhance Professionalism in Conservation.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Short-term professional training courses are vital not only for the agencies to enhance their efficacy but also for the personal growth of an individual professionally to become even more valued member of the team. Occasional participation of the employees in various need-based professional training will also prepare him/her for professional advancement within the agency, which helps tackle the issues arising within the agency. In Bhutan, we are lucky have our visionary monarchs who have provided unprecedented leadership to take the country forward. Within our civil service, we are more lucky to have this system of nurturing the employees by giving them opportunity to pursue numerous workshops and training both within and outside the country. Such need of professional development are recognized by His Majesty the King himself and gives more emphasis on individual professionalism and leadership as stated "What we need is not a leader to lead the masses - we need leadership of the self." Realizing the need to regularly update the professional knowledge of the individuals in the the complicated, globalized and sophisticated world, and to tackle the emerging challenges with innovative ideas and solutions, Bhutan are lucky to have institution such as <a href="http://www.rigss.bt/">Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies</a> established as envisioned by His Majesty the King, which now provide high quality education and discourses to our leaders at different stages. Therefore, there is no denying to the fact that professional development opportunities of varying degree is necessary for every individual in the agency. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWeWJ9LUy2_I2O1ds47P36buugpKJt-c2A4-0wOSY_9r7NmUVlkfVFBMUCbbw7K0D70hKWSbUfC0WQ0AI2oNl-obSUiJo5JU7UuDpEI74MqIjkEgR7PfRQ17rlm86W66yaMATmD5bWKQ/s1600/Durrell2017_GroupPhoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWeWJ9LUy2_I2O1ds47P36buugpKJt-c2A4-0wOSY_9r7NmUVlkfVFBMUCbbw7K0D70hKWSbUfC0WQ0AI2oNl-obSUiJo5JU7UuDpEI74MqIjkEgR7PfRQ17rlm86W66yaMATmD5bWKQ/s320/Durrell2017_GroupPhoto.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I first joined my professional career as Forestry Officer at JSWNP after my undergraduate studies, the first task assigned to me was take up managing the then existing conservation project. The professional knowledge that I obtained from the University were diverse but were mostly related to my field of study, that is Forestry. I doesn't have a vague idea of how project should be managed, its reporting protocols, the monitoring and evaluation and most importantly maintaining the much needed healthy relationship between donor and our agency. Constant guidance from the immediate leader is deemed necessary to get myself groomed and nurture into an effective employee. My boss, realizing the paramount role that I was playing in managing the conservation project, have given me the opportunity to enhance my professional knowledge in species conservation and monitoring at the Smithsonian Institutions in USA in my second year of service. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While initially I was only excited to go out and get better exposure, I instantly realized the investment that is being put in me, I could feel the heavy weight coming along with the opportunity. I was also given with the privilege to get myself trained in Tiger radio collaring process at a Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand by the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research, but unfortunately our implementation of the same failed back at home despite our rigorous and enthusiastic effort to radio collar tiger for a month in Royal jungle of Manas. Hon'ble Director General of the Department was also being farsighted enough to have young officers attend the dialogue of conservation when I was a part of delegation lead by HE the Agriculture and Forests Minister during the 3rd Asian Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation. Besides, I also availed many in country training and workshops within the short duration of three and half year service. Being an early career conservationist, the professional training were a strong impetus for me to perform better, and I have the contentment that I gave my best professional commitment, of course excepting certain degree of follies in my working nature. Personally, each training and certification were always a way to built up my resume and get myself advanced with more value addition. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today I am glad to have attended a professional training offered by the esteemed Durrell Conservation Academy, an institution that strives to save species from extinction. Since my first hands on job entailed dealing with conservation projects, I was very keen to attend this course and I am glad I could make to it. The course was designed to strengthen the project management and leadership skills of conservation and natural resource professionals. The five day training held at the much David Attenbough building of Cambridge Conservation Initiatives touched various aspects of personal leadership and management skills, team forming and team decision, project formulation, monitoring and evaluation, risk management and dealing with failures, and many more important aspects. It helped me look back into my past experiences for contemplation and incorporate the new lessons in my upcoming research projects. The course shows direction to early career conservationists for for managing and leading conservation projects. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was able to attend this training through the financial support rendered by <a href="http://www.bhutan-gesellschaft.de/">German Bhutan Himalaya Society</a> and I remain indebted to its members, who are more than <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Deutsche-Bhutan-Himalaya-Gesellschaft-eV-931073406943644/">Friends of Bhutan</a>. My special thanks are due to Mr. Reinherd Wolf, the President of the Society for facilitating with my proposition. I also thank the course instructors from Durrell and Fauna & Flora International for being so generous in sharing their expertise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Upcoming quality professional training can be found at (click on the links) <a href="https://smconservation.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-and-professional/upcoming-courses/">Smithsonian Institutions</a> and <a href="http://wildlife.durrell.org/courses/">Durrell Conservation Academy</a>.</span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-55090821248757764532017-12-15T01:09:00.000+01:002017-12-15T01:09:05.710+01:00Destination Europe VII: Trip Italy Part I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Italy is the much sought travel destination by tourists from all over the world. The deep cultural history like the Roman Empires, the wide array foods like pastas, the artistic beauty of art and architecture, the ambient natural beauty, the renowned scenes and plots in Shakespeare's plays, the friendly people and of course being not too expensive are the reasons cited by people visiting there. By the beginning of September, I was already a month in Stuttgart so I planned my next trip to Italy. I prefer travelling in Bus as it is much cheaper because most of the time I travel alone. Flix Bus is an inter city bus service from Germany, that have destination throughout Europe so it is very convenient to book and travel in that Green Bus. If we are travelling in group, we might be lucky enough to get group discounts in trains. Journey in train is much comfortable than in bus with more space. For the trip in Italy, because I planned to visit the major cities in Italy, I bought an InterFlix 5 city coupon for 99 Euros. By this, I can book five different journeys and it is advantageous when the cost of journey is over 20 Euro. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>15. Verona: </b>On 1st September, I traveled from Stuttgart towards Verona, the first Italian city that I ever visited. It was 8 hours night journey and single journey ticket would cost me at least 40 Euros. So, my Interflix coupon saved me 20 Euro in my first journey. It was night journey so all I knew was we have to climb up the hills to cross countryside of Austria before entering Italy. Early in the morning when I was wake, the bus has already entered the Italian boundary. The road was meandering through the valley alongside a river, with two steep ridges from either side. At one point it reminded me of my travelling along the Punatshang chhu roads, where we see steep rocky terrains on either side. But it was different that the road was smooth, the ridges were green and the bus swift unlike our Punatshang chhu roads where the roads are bumpy and dusty, the hills degraded due to excavation and river diverted for damming. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Reaching Verona, my sister who was then studying in Padua has come to Verona to guide and give me company. The weather was fine despite being summer, so in the next couple of hours we have walked through almost every nook and cranny, but mostly craving to see Romeo and Juleit's historical remains, though they were mere characters in the Shakespeare's famous play, and not a real Love Birds of the city. While many would still come searching for the veranda from where Juleit would wait for Romeos coming, Verona has much more to offer. A bustling city centre, remarkably well-preserved 1st century amphitheater, architecturally fascinating bridges over the river Adige and stunning view of the city from Casa di Giulietta. And of course not to miss Juleits home and her bronze statue in the court yard where hordes of people swarm in to rub her breast and take pictures. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>16. Padua: </b>My visit to Padua was by chance. Its an hour journey by train from Verona. As my sister studies there, it became apparent for me to halt by Padua. I don't have any idea about the place but had a vague memory of Padua from the Shakespeares play "The Taming of the Shrew" which I studied over a decade ago during my high school days. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> "I come to wive it wealthily in Padua;</i></span></div>
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<i>If wealthily, then happily in Padua"</i></div>
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-Shakespeare in "The Taming of the Shrew"</div>
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But after hearing from my sister, I came to learn that the University of Padua is perhaps one of the oldest universities in Europe founded in 1222. The oldest existing, and continually operating educational institution in the world is the <b>University of Karueein</b>, founded in 859 AD in Fez, Morocco. The <b>University of Bologna</b>, Italy, was founded in 1088 and is the oldest one in Europe. I also knew from my sister that it was from the University of Padua that the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elena_Cornaro_Piscopia">first lady</a> got her Ph.D in 1678. <span style="text-align: justify;">Padua is also known as city of science and culture and is an ideal place to trace the history and the achievements of mankind in the fields of science, technology, knowledge, and creativity. Great scientist Galileo has also served as lecturer at the University of Padua chairing mathematics department. </span></div>
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<b>17. Venice:</b> The Floating City or the City of Canals is a beautiful city most traveled by tourists. Together with my sister, we traveled from Padua in the morning and returned in the evening from Venice. Unlike the two cities of Verona and Padua, Venice becomes more expensive owing to the high demand of tourists. There are numerous Islands and to reach to one Island from another we have to travel by water taxi. I visited two Islands and aside from the unique travelling experience by water taxi, I didn't find it too exciting to be in Venice. </div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414498536689156084.post-34820601573994134362017-12-14T09:33:00.000+01:002017-12-14T09:33:52.502+01:00Destination Europe VI: Stepping into Switzerland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This summer, unlike the winter semester where there wasn't a single written exam, I had to write 5 exams, and complete two practical reports. The workload was quite heavy and I had to regularly be in the library to cover up the lessons taught during the lecture hours.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK8gCfWmMaxT507r-PhjQM8BiNS9QMxF8DDTsef_IqJQFPbZgnQ0NOuxDrZHNG3gyZBy22cBT9NVcD9dwQuwD-niP6mNtFmYpHDx2UwGfyQrVtib-b4qMzo5coLsiqYoZOe21Mpgt8i4/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK8gCfWmMaxT507r-PhjQM8BiNS9QMxF8DDTsef_IqJQFPbZgnQ0NOuxDrZHNG3gyZBy22cBT9NVcD9dwQuwD-niP6mNtFmYpHDx2UwGfyQrVtib-b4qMzo5coLsiqYoZOe21Mpgt8i4/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>13. Stuttgart: </b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fast forward, the exams for the summer semester were over and I planned to visit the city of Stuttgart in southern Germany to spent the vacation with one of my friends. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stuttgart, capital of Germany’s Baden-Württemberg state, is also known as a manufacturing hub due to the presence of numerous mechanical engineering </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">industries. Ideally, I spent the entire month of August in Stuttgart, trying to complete the practical reports and often engaging into some manual stuffs by the city. I also had a chance to meet one fellow Bhutanese friend who was in Stuttgart for quite sometime now. being in a faraway land, meeting fellow countrymen not only gives the sensation of joy but also brings us intimately close even though we have never met before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">While in the city I visited the </span><span style="background-color: white;">Mercedes-Benz museum there, which has an amazing display of the evolution of automobile in general and </span><span style="background-color: white;">Mercedes-Benz </span><span style="background-color: white;">brand and its associates</span><span style="background-color: white;"> in particular. Telling story through a series of display of vehicles of all type manufactured with age under its brand, t</span><span style="background-color: white;">he Museum celebrates the automobile invented by Carl Benz in 1886. The display </span><span style="background-color: white;">range from some of the oldest automobiles ever built to legendary racing cars and futuristic research vehicles. One interesting part of the display is that the evolution of the brand also relates to various historical events in the world like world wars, records of submitting Mount Everest to mention few. Besides the c</span><span style="background-color: white;">ity of Stuttgart also have a lots of </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">green-spaces, which wrap around its center, which are refreshing to visit to. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the random thoughts that I scribbled while in Stuttgart reads as follows;</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ལུས་ས་ཕྱོགས་ཐག་རིང་སྐོར་རུང་ར།།</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">སེམས་སྐྱིད་པའི་ཕ་ཡུལ་ཕྱོགས་སུ་གཡོ།།</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ཕྱི་རྒྱལ་སྤྱི་དཔལ་འབྱོར་རྒྱ་ཆེ་རུང་།།</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ནང་འབྲུག་ཡུལ་དགའ་བའི་འོད་ཟེར་ཆེ།།</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ལུས་ཨ་ཐང་ཆེ་བའི་འཛམ་གླིང་ནང་།།</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">སེམས་འབག་ཕེབས་སྐྱིད་པའི་འབྲུག་རང་མས།།</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ཉིནམ་ཟླཝ་དང་ལོ་ལུ་འགྱུར་ཚེ་སྨོ།།</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">རང་ཕ་ཡུལ་དྲན་འདི་སེམས་རེ་འཁྲུལ།།</span> </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">loosely translated as; </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>As my body traverse the distant places,</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">My mind drifts toward hamlet of peace. </span></i></span></div>
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The outside world, though economically vibrant,</div>
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The rays of happiness are brighter in Bhutan.</div>
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In materialistic world filled with fatigue and discontentment,</div>
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Bhutan remains the abode of eternal bliss.</div>
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Days pass into months and when year is felt like eons, </div>
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My heart aches in missing memories of home.</div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>14: Zurich: </b>Switzerland, a dreamland to many avid traveler is just near from Stuttgart. However knowing the fact that Switzerland is the most expensive city country in Europe, it is not quite wise to plan a lavish trip to see the beautiful hills and homes of Switzerland. However, for the sake of travelling to Switzerland, I planned a day trip to the city of Zurich, which is about 3 hours drive from Stuttgart. I took an early morning bus at 8 and reached Zurich by 11:00 AM and my return journey is planned at 6:00 PM ideally leaving me with 7 hours in Zurich. And being a loner, many couple of minutes are always wasted as I get myself lost amidst the crowds and finding the right direction. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the case of this trip, I thought Zurich would be hard to read but with the sights of interest loaded on my google map, I could explore the vibrancy of Zurich without too much haste. While Lake of Zurich appears like the center of attraction, a refreshing rest by the Rieter park offers some scintillating and panoramic view of the city by the river. For such short duration visit, it is not wise to visit the famous Beyer Clock and Watch Museum as queuing is time consuming. My short day trip however remains as a good memoir in my travel diary. </span></span></div>
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letrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335213836891074467noreply@blogger.com0