Tuesday, November 24, 2009

“Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards Recognizes Rivers Fiji for ... - PR Newswire” plus 4 more

“Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards Recognizes Rivers Fiji for ... - PR Newswire” plus 4 more

Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards Recognizes Rivers Fiji for ... - PR Newswire

Posted: 24 Nov 2009 11:04 AM PST

ANGELS CAMP, Calif., Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Rivers Fiji, an O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) affiliate organization, has been highly commended in the "Preservation of Cultural Heritage" category at this year's Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards. Rivers Fiji, a whitewater rafting and multi-sport outfitter committed to sustainable tourism practices in the Fiji Islands, was selected as one of the top 35 companies out of more than 2000 nominations worldwide.

The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards are the most prestigious and competitive of their kind in the world. They are a collaboration of the online travel directory responsibletravel.com, UK media partners Telegraph Travel and Geographical Magazine and World Travel Market (WTM). WTM hosted the awards ceremony earlier this month. The central tenet of the awards is that all types of tourism can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people.

Rivers Fiji is the result of one of many O.A.R.S. Family of Companies' sustainable tourism endeavours. George and Pam Wendt founded O.A.R.S. in 1969 with a goal to help people of all ages and abilities enjoy "the best outdoor experience of their lives." This Northern California-based whitewater rafting and adventure travel outfitter is recognized as a leading environmental steward within the industry. O.A.R.S. was the first, and only, North American rafting outfitter to be 100% carbon neutral through the support of carbon offset projects that are inspected, verified and certified by independent third parties including Green-e, the Gold Standard, CDM, and the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance. Because of O.A.R.S.' eco-savvy reputation, they have been asked repeatedly to host education trips for congressional staffers, politicians and eco-celebrities. It is the 1998 founding of Rivers Fiji, however, that the company is most proud.

By supporting community development and environmental conservation, Rivers Fiji programs are not only "eco-friendly," they define eco-tourism. With the help of 9 mataqali (landowning groups), 2 villages, a logging company, and the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB), O.A.R.S. and Rivers Fiji successfully established the Upper Navua Conservation Area in 2000. This unique public-private partnership protects the pristine Upper Navua River Canyon from future logging or gravel extraction in a 10.5-mile conservation corridor. In return, Rivers Fiji compensates the NLTB and landowners through lease payments, user fees and employment opportunities.

Rivers Fiji believes that empowering local communities in this manner makes its programs successful. "We have created full-time employment for the local people," said George Wendt, President of the O.A.R.S. Family of Companies. "In fact, with the exception of our managing director, all of our employees are from the communities where we operate. Thus they have a real stake in the long-term sustainability of the places we visit and in Rivers Fiji as a sustainable tourism operation. Infractions by logging companies and plans for road development through the conservation area have been thwarted due to mataqali alerting Rivers Fiji management and local authorities."

Steve Markle, O.A.R.S. Marketing and Partnerships Director, stated from the awards ceremony in London, "Historically Fiji's tourism development has been focused on the coastal communities - with Fiji's interior populations receiving little benefit. Rivers Fiji, however, provides economic alternatives for people whose previous development options were limited to logging and resource extraction. We believe Rivers Fiji has helped broadened Fiji's overall perspective regarding the economic value of conservation as it relates to its people and ecosystems."

Dr. Harold Goodwin, Director, International Centre for Responsible Tourism and Chair of Judges said, "Working our way through this year's long lists, we were impressed by the willingness of so many organizations to take responsibility and to do what they can to help make better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit. Despite the economic difficulties being faced by the travel and tourism industry, responsible tourism continues to move ahead, and I'm continually impressed as more is achieved by more people. As judges we are all very aware of the great work that is being done by so many and our decisions are often very difficult and sometimes long debated."

Rivers Fiji's mission is to enhance visitors' and indigenous peoples' awareness of, and appreciation for the culture and environment by providing activities that promote conservation and preservation through socially responsible and environmentally sensitive interaction with the people, landscape and ecosystems that make the Fijian Highlands so distinct and unique.

Since 1969 O.A.R.S. has set the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking, hiking and multi-sport vacations, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world. O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes. For more information on O.A.R.S. eco-friendly adventures, including a free color catalog, call O.A.R.S. at 1-800-346-6277, email the company at info@oars.com or visit www.oars.com. 

   Contact:  Steve Markle 1-209-736-2407 ext. 716 info@riversfiji.com www.riversfiji.com

Website: http://www.riversfiji.com
Website: http://www.oars.com


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Iraqi refugees move to Mich. despite poor economy - WNDU

Posted: 22 Nov 2009 02:20 PM PST

The U.S. government resettled Iraqi refugee Mazen Alsaqa in Massachusetts in February.

Within a month, he had moved to Michigan.

Alsaqa didn't dislike Massachusetts, but he never thought about staying. The only place he wanted to live was the Detroit area, where he's closer to relatives.

Tens of thousands have fled Michigan's troubled economy in recent years. But Iraqi refugees continue to move there despite a U.S. government policy trying to limit refugee resettlement in the Detroit area.

Family ties and cultural support from the region's large Middle Eastern community appear no match for the U.S. effort to ease economic strains.

Experts say the "secondary migration" poses its own challenges but could be better for refugees' long-term adjustment.

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Obama hails U.S.-India ties at state dinner - WPTV

Posted: 24 Nov 2009 08:44 PM PST

WASHINGTON (AP) — Seeking firmer footing for U.S.-India relations, President Barack Obama tried Tuesday to calm India's fears about Asian rival China, salving bruised feelings in the world's largest democracy with an elaborate state visit and assurances of India's "rightful place as a global leader."

"The relationship between the United States and India will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century," Obama declared — twice — during a news conference with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The two appeared before reporters in the East Room after an elaborate morning welcome ceremony that was moved indoors by rain and about two hours of private talks in the Oval Office. The daylong White House extravaganza in India's honor was to be capped with the day's most buzz-worthy event: the first state dinner of Obama's presidency.

The black-tie party for more than 300, featuring a mostly vegetarian meal of curry prawns, aged basmati rice, eggplant salad, lentil soup, potato dumplings and other delicacies served under a giant tent on the South Lawn, was Washington's premier must-have invite. Menu, decor and attendance details — each designed to celebrate Indian culture and delight Indian guests — were kept tightly held until just hours before guests arrived in their finery.

In a dinner toast, Obama said, "We celebrate the great and growing partnership between the United States and India."

"Tonight under the stars, we celebrate the spirit that will sustain our partnership, the bonds of friendship between our people," the president told the large assemblage of political and cultural figures from both nations.

The Obamas sought to add their own flair to the evening, as they have with all their entertaining since they took over the White House in January. Marcus Samuelsson of the award-winning New York City restaurant Aquavit was brought in to help prepare the food alongside White House chefs and two Oscar-winners topped the entertainment lineup, American Jennifer Hudson of Dreamgirls and Indian A.R. Rahman of Slumdog Millionaire.

Lunch at the State Department was in high demand too, hosted for Singh by Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and attended by scores of lawmakers and others. "You're the hottest ticket in town," Biden said to the Indian leader.

From the playing of national anthems, to repeatedly glowing remarks, to the last dinner toast, there was one theme: India is top on the priority list for America.

With relations taking a bit of a backseat since their heyday under former President George W. Bush, it was a message Indians had wanted to hear even before Obama took a just-completed trip to Asia, where he bypassed an India stop and paid much homage to the rising global power of China.

India and China have a strong trade relationship, despite a disputed shared border. And talking of an enhanced role for China in Asian or global affairs — as Obama did repeatedly while in Shanghai and Beijing — raises hackles in India.

Obama also has lavished attention on Pakistan since taking office 10 months ago, hoping to boost Pakistani cooperation in the fight against al-Qaida and other extremists based along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistan and India are nuclear-armed rivals that have fought two wars since their 1947 independence from Britain, bitterly divided over the disputed Himalayan Kashmir region that they both claim.

The president refused to be drawn into the tense India-Pakistan relationship when quizzed about the effect of U.S. military aid to Pakistan by an Indian reporter.

Obama said "it is not the place" of the United States to try to resolve the conflicts from the outside. At the same time, he said America will do what it can to ensure both Pakistan and India feel secure and able to address the needs of their citizens.

One of Obama's first promises at Singh's side was to visit India next year.

He also touted India as a key partner on a range of crucial global issues. He used some of the same complimentary language he displayed while in China, only there he was looking to prod Beijing to do more with its new clout, while with Singh he was lauding what is already happening.

Obama said he and Singh agreed to "work even closer" on sharing information between law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Obama called the two nations "natural allies" on the topic.

"We both recognize that our core goal is to achieve peace and security for all peoples in the region, not just one country or the other," the president said.

Noting that the United States was India's largest trading partner, Obama said broadening trade ties would help create much needed jobs in the two countries, both wracked by economic recessions.

The two leaders glossed over a dispute about commitments to reduce the greenhouse gases blamed for global warming in advance of next month's 192-nation climate change summit in Copenhagen. Developing countries argue that rich countries produced most of the heat-trapping greenhouse gases on their march to development and therefore should bear the main burden of fixing the problem. Wealthy nations like the U.S. and Europe say all countries — including large polluters India and China — must agree to broad cuts in emissions.

Obama said they had moved "one step closer" by joining together in hopes for a successful outcome in Copenhagen, where leaders are no longer expected to reach a legally binding agreement but instead a political deal including emissions commitments and financing for developing countries. But neither Obama nor Singh gave evidence that either country had moved from their previous positions.

___

Associated Press writers Foster Klug and Robert Burns contributed to this report.

©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Housing plans come to fruition - Idaho Mountain Express

Posted: 24 Nov 2009 08:51 PM PST

Housing plans come to fruition

Northwood Place's total costs are estimated at about $9.4 million, with $6 million of that coming fr

By TREVON MILLIARD
Express Staff Writer

Okland Construction crews tore through the undisturbed soil at the open lot north of the Wood River Community YMCA in Ketchum last week, starting a yearlong project that will culminate in a five-building, 32-unit, affordable rental housing development.

To celebrate the occasion, Ketchum city staff and members of Ketchum's Community Development Corp. took copper-spaded shovels in hand on Monday for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the city-owned Northwood Place property.

Hard hats were a must, seeing that crews are already at work and have done a good deal of digging. Okland Area Manager Ben Petzinger said concrete would begin to be poured Wednesday.

Despite city officials' carrying out the groundbreaking after the fact, the ceremony was a chance for the CDC to present the city with a $939,000 check.

Ketchum is leasing the 0.84-acre Park and Ride lot to the CDC at a lease cost of $890,000 for 65 years. The CDC still owes the city about $200,000 in fees, which will be paid at completion.

The CDC is an entity born of the city, but it is not part of the city. In that respect, the private, nonprofit organization is not much different than the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau. According to the CDC's Web site, its goal is to work with other groups and political bodies to improve the overall culture and viability of Ketchum.

Affordable housing has become a dominant element of the effort to retain a working class.

Northwood Place will offer a dozen one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units for a total of 33,000 square feet.

CDC Executive Director Neil Morrow said respective monthly rent rates would be about $400, $800 and $1,070, but that varies depending on a renter's income. Morrow said the low-end rate for the one-bedroom units would be in the $300 range.

"We're hoping to not rent too many of those," he said. "We wouldn't make any money. But we'd be getting people into homes, and that's the point."

Northwood Place's total costs are estimated at about $9.4 million, with $6 million of that coming from construction. Morrow said the federal tax credits received in January should at least cover construction costs.

At the beginning of the year, these tax credits equated to $8.8 million. But the value has dropped to between $7 million and $8 million due to the suffering national economy's causing the tax-credit market to shrink. Morrow said the exact tax-credit value is still up in the air, but he's confident that it will remain in the $7 million to $8 million range.

Besides offering affordable apartments, Northwood Place will also provide a courtyard in the center of the complex complete with a community terrace and an indoor community room with a kitchen for functions. An unusual twist will be 3,000 square feet of roof space for solar collectors, said Dale Bates, member of the CDC Town Design Team.

Trevon Milliard: tmilliard@mtexpress.com

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Valley groups boosted by ICF grants - Idaho Mountain Express

Posted: 24 Nov 2009 08:51 PM PST

Valley groups boosted by ICF grants

Idaho Community Foundation awards more than $23,000 in Blaine County

By JASON KAUFFMAN
Express Staff Writer

Community groups in Blaine County fared well in a recent round of grants awarded by the Idaho Community Foundation.

The foundation announced in a news release Nov. 19 that it had awarded $218,832 to 118 organizations in southern Idaho. Of that, Blaine County organizations received more than $23,575.

The Blaine County grants are as follows:

· The Hunger Coalition: $3,375.

· Blaine County Recreation District: $5,000 to improve access by disabled people to the Aquatic Center.

· Caritas Chorale: $500 toward the research, writing and composition of Nez Perce stories and traditions.

· Company of Fools: $2,000.

· Emmanuel Episcopal Church: $1,800 to help restore four historic stained glass windows in Hailey's oldest church building.

· Hailey Police Department: $2,500 to purchase surveillance cameras for the skateboard park.

· National Alliance on Mental Illness: $2,400 to train two bilingual facilitators to co-launch, along with an English-language version, an English/Spanish 10-week, peer-to-peer class.

· Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation: $3,600, to pay the salaries of two coaches to provide after-school alpine skiing programs at Rotarun Ski Area for second- through fifth-grade students.

· Sun Valley Summer Symphony: $1,200 to buy teaching materials to update the school of music curriculum for music theory and music history.

· Trailing of the Sheep Cultural Heritage Center: $1,200 to contract with the Oinkari Basque Dancers and the Boise Highlanders for the 2010 Trailing of the Sheep Festival.

In all, the foundation received 236 applications requesting more than $1 million.

The Idaho Community Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization composed of more than 400 individual funds pooled together for efficient management. Since its inception in 1988, the foundation has made charitable distributions in all 44 counties in Idaho totaling more than $44 million.

Jason Kauffman: jkauffman@mtexpress.com

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