Peatland Forests in South East Asia threatened by fires and illegal logging

Land-cover maps fire detection based on satellite imagery helped to evaluate the rates and spatial distribution of peatland deforestation in Southeast Asia from 1990 to 2010. The collected data are astonishing.

The proportion of forest cover in the peatlands of Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo decreased from 77% to 36%. After two decades of extensive deforestation (31000 km² ; 4.9% yr⁻¹) strongly associated with fire activity, Sumatra has been left with just 28% of its historical forested peatlands. 

Map source: http://www.aseanpeat.net/

 

 

 

If peatland deforestation is allowed to continue at current rates, the Southeast Asian peat swamp forests will disappear by around 2030. The destruction of these forests will have serious consequences for the local communities:

•  Scarsity of products and services which constitute the income of local communities

• And at global level, extinction of endemic species typical for the peat swamp forest of the region, 

•  Increase of carbon emissions.

Right to privacy and the recent Datagate scandal is changing the ways people use the net

Snowden's leaks on the use of mass surveillance programs, like PRISM, by U.S. and British governments , highlighted again the discussion on the balance between collective security and civil liberties . Some international legal instruments have been adopted to safeguard the fundamental rights to privacy and civil liberties. Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 10, 1948 states as follows:

 1. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks

 Also, the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) adopted by the United Nations in 1966 and entered into force on 23 March 1976 introduced the following purview in Article 17:

 1. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks on his honour and reputation. 
2. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Map on the state of ratification for the ICCPR

People is becoming more cautious on sharing information on the Internet. Details such as your search history, browsing habits, your physical location and your IP address are among the details that traditional and popular search engines like Google and Bing keep a record of. Therefore, more and more users are starting to use search engines which safeguard anonymity and privacy. Among these, search engines like  Ixquick ,and DuckDuckGo are lately registering  traffic increase around 50 %.
Why are instruments like Ixquick safer?

Protection of Privacy

 

User data are not stored in the search engines servers'

Ixquick as well DuckDuckGO don't record  IP addresses of users and track cookies, therefore there is literally no data about the user like in other search engines.

No Search leakage

when you do a search and then click on a link, your search terms are sent to that site you clicked on and your personal information are shared (search leakage).For example, when you search for something private, you are sharing that private search not only with your search engine, but also with all the sites that you clicked on (for that search).
In addition, when you visit any site, your computer automatically sends information about it to that site (including your User agent and IP address). This information can often be used to identify you directly.
So when you do that private search, not only can those other sites know your search terms, but they can also know that you searched it. It is this combination of available information about you that raises privacy concerns. Using
DuckDuckGo prevents search leakage by default. Visited sites will still know that you accessed them, but they will not know what search you entered beforehand.

 Encryption (HTTPS) by default. 

Encryption prevents snooping. Searches are encrypted, so others can't "tap" the Internet connection to snoop what you're searching for. This combination of not storing data together with using strong encryption for the connections is key in protecting your Privacy.

Profile of Rajiv Shah and introduction to USAID mandate and initiatives

Rajiv Shah (Detroit, 1973)
[1]

---

Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

•2010- present: Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). His action as USAID Administrator has focused mainly on the Haiti earthquake and Pakistan floods.
•2008-2010: Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist, U.S. Department of Agriculture.  He managed the Agricultural Research Service (including the National Agricultural Library), the Economic Research Service, the National Agricultural Statistical Service and the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service. He launched the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, a new scientific institute created to elevate and enhance the capacity of agricultural research to address sustainable food production around the world, climate change, bioenergy and human nutrition.
• 2001-2008:  Director of Agricultural Development in the Global Development Program, and Director of Strategic Opportunities at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He managed the Foundation’s $1.5 billion commitment to the Vaccine Fund.
•Shah co-founded multiple nonprofit organizations including Project Impact for South Asian Americans, a pioneering organization with a mission to inspire and sustain leadership and activism among young Americans.

Education

•    M.D. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine;
•    M.Sc. Health Economics, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania;
•    Graduate of the University of Michigan, attended London School of Economics.

Areas of interest and expertise



Agricultural development:

Sustainable food production;
Climate change;
Bioenergy;
Human nutrition;
Farmer productivity;
Market access;
Policy, statistics and advocacy (created the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa).

Public Health:

Vaccination campaign (International Finance Facility for Immunization to transform the global system of vaccine financing worked to secure donor commitments for over $5 billion for this facility )[2].
Right to healthcare

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

 
Established by President John F. Kennedy as the first U.S. foreign assistance organization with primary emphasis on long-range economic and social development assistance to foreign countries.
Established: 1961
Website: http://www.usaid.gov/

Development Objectives and Goals:

USAID works in agriculture, democracy & governance, economic growth, the environment, education, health, global partnerships, and humanitarian assistance in over 100 countries.

Agriculture
Farmers and livestock producers in every country are responsible for most of the supply of food that goes through grocery stores and markets in towns and cities. USAID works with all participants in agricultural development to support efforts to increase productivity.

Democracy & Governance
The idea of democracy is closely linked to the national identity of the United States. Expanding the global community of democracies is a key objective of U.S. foreign policy.

Economic Growth & Trade
Almost two-thirds of the world’s population lives on less than $2 per day. USAID economic growth and trade programs provide support both to government and private sector partners in lower-income countries to improve the levels of income their citizens enjoy.

Environment
USAID takes an integrated approach to natural resources management. Land and water must be managed skillfully so that they are able to maintain our basic ability to produce food for the nine billion people that the world is expected to have by 2050.

Education & Training
More than 900 million adults are not literate, primarily in developing countries. More than 125 million children who should be in school are not. USAID emphasizes programs of support for basic education and places a special emphasis on improving opportunities for girls, women and other underserved and disadvantaged populations.

Global Health
The USAID’s programs in global health represent the commitment and determination of the US government to prevent suffering, save lives, and create a brighter future for families in the developing world.

Global Partnerships
Since its inception, USAID has worked in cooperation with U.S. and international partners to improve conditions for people around the world. While these partnerships have long been key to USAID's success, this strategy has never been more important than now. USAID is committed to an approach that recognizes and incorporates the efforts of partnership and private giving, focusing on grassroots support, local ownership, sustainability, accountability, and--not least--passion and commitment.

Humanitarian Assistance
USAID is the U.S. Government agency that is responsible for directing the contributions to thousands of non-profit partners and international organizations. USAID ensures that all of this assistance is spent in the way that most effectively helps those who are in need.

	Program Area	FY 2011
1	3.1 - Health	5,589,663,711
2	5.1 - Protection, Assistance and Solutions	2,045,054,767
3	4.5 - Agriculture	1,013,194,362
4	2.2 - Good Governance	953,754,766
5	4.4 - Infrastructure	690,006,767
6	3.3 - Soc. & Econ Services & Protection for Vulnerable Populations	570,647,789
7	3.2 - Education	523,008,584
8	6.2 - Administration and Oversight	503,649,915
9	4.8 - Environment	493,207,985
10	1.6 - Conflict Mitigation and Reconciliation	421,749,900
11	4.3 - Financial Sector	340,434,876
12	4.1 - Macroeconomic Foundation for Growth	261,193,235
13	2.4 - Civil Society	260,750,780
14	4.6 - Private Sector Competitiveness	217,258,347
15	1.4 - Counter-Narcotics	212,079,000
16	2.1 - Rule of Law and Human Rights	189,265,830
17	2.3 - Political Competition and Consensus-Building	180,626,325
18	6.1 - Program Design and Learning	127,363,345
19	4.7 - Economic Opportunity	108,321,072
20	5.2 - Disaster Readiness	106,263,764
21	4.2 - Trade and Investment	91,687,245
22	1.1 - Counter-Terrorism	42,666,866
23	1.3 - Stabilization Operations and Security Sector Reform	29,427,713
24	1.2 - Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)	19,000,000
25	1.5 - Transnational Crime	10,961,625

Source: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/budget/money/

Partner Countries

USAID provides assistance in more than 100 countries across the world.
Africa
“Today, promise, potential and opportunity exist in Africa. The hope for the future is based on current experiences in many countries on the African continent”. A more prosperous, healthy and stable Africa is in America’s best interest, and contributes to U.S. efforts to foster world-wide economic growth and increased trade, and to combat transnational security threats.

Asia
USAID operates in 21 countries in Asia. In recent years, this vast and diverse region has experienced vibrant economic growth and significant advances in poverty reduction. Today, many countries in Asia are well on their way to becoming developed economies; others, meanwhile, struggle to provide basic services and opportunities to their citizens.

Afghanistan / Pakistan
Afghanistan and Pakistan, USAID's two largest assistance programs, reflect the United States' commitment to the region's long term stability and human progress. USAID's Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs brings together vast technical support, analysis and resources to enhance reconstruction and development.

Europe and Eurasia
The United States seeks cooperative relations with Europe and Eurasia (E&E) countries in fighting international terrorism, opening markets, and tackling cross-border issues such as the spread of HIV/AIDS and trafficking in persons. Regional stability in Southeast Europe and the Eurasia sub-regions remain one of the underlying principles of USAID engagement in this part of the world.

Latin America and the Caribbean
Over the past several years, the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, encompassing Central and South America and the Caribbean, has faced increasing development challenges that threaten the national security and economy of the United States. Contracting economic growth rates, extensive poverty, unemployment, skewed income distribution, crime and lawlessness, a thriving narcotics industry and a deteriorating natural resource base continue to undermine the stability of the region.

Middle East
USAID operates seven country programs and a regional program in the Middle East and North Africa. This region faces many challenges, including terrorism, instability, weak governance, high unemployment and poor education systems. USAID’s Middle East Bureau was created in March 2008 from the former Asia and Near East Bureau.

Top 20 Benefiting Countries for FY 2011

	Country	FY 2011
1	Afghanistan	1,438,596,449
2	Haiti	970,910,372
3	Kenya	498,728,751
4	Jordan	460,251,837
5	Pakistan	393,000,846
6	Tanzania	371,859,231
7	South Africa Republic	348,995,068
8	Nigeria	336,053,916
9	Democratic Republic of Congo	265,018,524
10	South Sudan	264,407,305
11	West Bank/Gaza	245,378,605
12	Iraq	242,860,393
13	Zambia	229,272,026
14	Uganda	221,891,934
15	Colombia	192,362,083
16	Israel	190,526,897
17	Indonesia	182,565,755
18	Ethiopia	182,143,079
19	Mozambique	175,572,408
20	Liberia	168,738,471

Source: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/budget/money/

        

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

President John F. Kennedy established the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). It was the first U.S. foreign assistance organization whose primary emphasis was on long-range economic and social development assistance to foreign countries. Though this new agency was born during a time of social, political and economic upheaval around the globe, USAID's origins were planted shortly after World War II ended in 1945.

Established: 1961

Website: http://www.usaid.gov/

  

Development Objectives and Goals:

USAID works in agriculture, democracy & governance, economic growth, the environment, education, health, global partnerships, and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all.

	Program Area	FY 2011
1	3.1 - Health	5,589,663,711
2	5.1 - Protection, Assistance and Solutions	2,045,054,767
3	4.5 - Agriculture	1,013,194,362
4	2.2 - Good Governance	953,754,766
5	4.4 - Infrastructure	690,006,767
6	3.3 - Soc. & Econ Services & Protection for Vulnerable Populations	570,647,789
7	3.2 - Education	523,008,584
8	6.2 - Administration and Oversight	503,649,915
9	4.8 - Environment	493,207,985
10	1.6 - Conflict Mitigation and Reconciliation	421,749,900
11	4.3 - Financial Sector	340,434,876
12	4.1 - Macroeconomic Foundation for Growth	261,193,235
13	2.4 - Civil Society	260,750,780
14	4.6 - Private Sector Competitiveness	217,258,347
15	1.4 - Counter-Narcotics	212,079,000
16	2.1 - Rule of Law and Human Rights	189,265,830
17	2.3 - Political Competition and Consensus-Building	180,626,325
18	6.1 - Program Design and Learning	127,363,345
19	4.7 - Economic Opportunity	108,321,072
20	5.2 - Disaster Readiness	106,263,764
21	4.2 - Trade and Investment	91,687,245
22	1.1 - Counter-Terrorism	42,666,866
23	1.3 - Stabilization Operations and Security Sector Reform	29,427,713
24	1.2 - Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)	19,000,000
25	1.5 - Transnational Crime	10,961,625

Source: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/budget/money/

Agriculture

Farmers and livestock producers in every country are responsible for most of the supply of food that goes through grocery stores and markets in towns and cities. USAID works with all participants in agricultural development to support efforts to increase productivity.

Democracy & Governance

The idea of democracy is closely linked to the national identity of the United States. Expanding the global community of democracies is a key objective of U.S. foreign policy.

 Economic Growth & Trade

Almost two-thirds of the world’s population lives on less than $2 per day. USAID economic growth and trade programs provide support both to government and private sector partners in lower-income countries to improve the levels of income their citizens enjoy.

Environment

USAID takes an integrated approach to natural resources management. Land and water must be managed skillfully so that they are able to maintain our basic ability to produce food for the nine billion people that the world is expected to have by 2050.

Education & Training

More than 900 million adults are not literate, primarily in developing countries. More than 125 million children who should be in school are not. USAID emphasizes programs of support for basic education and places a special emphasis on improving opportunities for girls, women and other underserved and disadvantaged populations.

 Global Health

The USAID’s programs in global health represent the commitment and determination of the US government to prevent suffering, save lives, and create a brighter future for families in the developing world.

Global Partnerships

Since its inception, USAID has worked in cooperation with U.S. and international partners to improve conditions for people around the world. While these partnerships have long been key to USAID's success, this strategy has never been more important than now. USAID is committed to an approach that recognizes and incorporates the efforts of partnership and private giving, focusing on grassroots support, local ownership, sustainability, accountability, and--not least--passion and commitment.

Humanitarian Assistance

USAID is the U.S. Government agency that is responsible for directing the contributions to thousands of non-profit partners and international organizations. USAID ensures that all of this assistance is spent in the way that most effectively helps those who are in need.

 Partner Countries

USAID provides assistance in more than 100 countries across the world.

  Sub-Saharan Africa

According to USAID:“Today, promise, potential and opportunity exist in Africa. The hope for the future is based on current experiences in many countries on the African continent”. A more prosperous, healthy and stable Africa is in America’s best interest, and contributes to U.S. efforts to foster world-wide economic growth and increased trade, and to combat transnational security threats.

 Asia

USAID operates in 21 countries in Asia. In recent years, this vast and diverse region has experienced vibrant economic growth and significant advances in poverty reduction. Today, many countries in Asia are well on their way to becoming developed economies; others, meanwhile, struggle to provide basic services and opportunities to their citizens.

Afghanistan / Pakistan

Afghanistan and Pakistan, USAID's two largest assistance programs, reflect the United States' commitment to the region's long term stability and human progress. USAID's Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs brings together vast technical support, analysis and resources to enhance reconstruction and development.

 Europe and Eurasia

The United States seeks cooperative relations with Europe and Eurasia (E&E) countries in fighting international terrorism, opening markets, and tackling cross-border issues such as the spread of HIV/AIDS and trafficking in persons. Regional stability in Southeast Europe and the Eurasia sub-regions remain one of the underlying principles of USAID engagement in this part of the world.

 Latin America and the Caribbean

Over the past several years, the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, encompassing Central and South America and the Caribbean, has faced increasing development challenges that threaten the national security and economy of the United States. Contracting economic growth rates, extensive poverty, unemployment, skewed income distribution, crime and lawlessness, a thriving narcotics industry and a deteriorating natural resource base continue to undermine the stability of the region.

Ø  Middle East

USAID operates seven country programs and a regional program in the Middle East and North Africa. This region faces many challenges, including terrorism, instability, weak governance, high unemployment and poor education systems. USAID’s Middle East Bureau was created in March 2008 from the former Asia and Near East Bureau.

 

 Top 20 Benefiting Countries for FY 2011

	Country	FY 2011
1	Afghanistan	1,438,596,449
2	Haiti	970,910,372
3	Kenya	498,728,751
4	Jordan	460,251,837
5	Pakistan	393,000,846
6	Tanzania	371,859,231
7	South Africa Republic	348,995,068
8	Nigeria	336,053,916
9	Democratic Republic of Congo	265,018,524
10	South Sudan	264,407,305
11	West Bank/Gaza	245,378,605
12	Iraq	242,860,393
13	Zambia	229,272,026
14	Uganda	221,891,934
15	Colombia	192,362,083
16	Israel	190,526,897
17	Indonesia	182,565,755
18	Ethiopia	182,143,079
19	Mozambique	175,572,408
20	Liberia	168,738,471

Source: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/budget/money/

---

[1] http://www.usaid.gov/about_usaid/bios/bio_rshah.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajiv_Shah

[2]World Health Organization estimates this initiative will save more than five million children's lives through the next decade.