Number of posts : 8665 Location : California Country Mood :
Subject: "Stop the Serengeti Highway" Tue Apr 19, 2011 11:52 am
Please sign this Petition and tell your friends about it. The lives of many animals are at stake. It amazes me how humanity can be so cruel, how greed can blind them...
It's the greatest threat in the Serengeti's history — the government of Tanzania has approved a major commercial highway across the Serengeti National Park, in the direct path of ancient wildlife migration routes. Such a highway would be devastating.
Thanks for sending it, carol. I will be signing it.
Vanesa.
flatbroke Man of Constant Sorrow
Number of posts : 2648 Mood :
Subject: Re: "Stop the Serengeti Highway" Wed Apr 20, 2011 6:24 am
Playing devil's advocate, it's one of the poorest nations in the world, with Kikwete being accused of funneling off money. He made efforts to keep people from voting, and even the actual voting is suspect.
So who would listen to the petition? It's doubtful even the people would care. World pressure? Most of these nations don't care since they get little or no help anyway, and would consider Western countries hypocrites since we have a modern infrastructure and they don't.
But I'll sign. Even if it does make me a hypocrite. Odds are, Pres. Kikwete will steal so much money there won't be enough left for a highway anyway.
Carol said "The lives of many animals are at stake. It amazes me how humanity can be so cruel, how greed can blind them". The US is an expert at both. That's what makes us hypocrites (the nation, not necessarily individuals). Ask any Native American.
Carol Adventure Seeker
Number of posts : 8665 Location : California Country Mood :
I agree with you Larry. I guess we can try. At least the world will know that there are some individuals who really care about those animals.
I don't really see it as being a hypocrite so much... well... at least I would like to THINK so. I mean... if we had a place like the Serengeti here in America... we would avoid building something that would put the lives of the animals in danger. Also... the Serengeti is something so precious, loved WORLDWIDE, I would be proud to have something like that in the country I lived at... so I don't understand why they would put that in jeopardy. It would damage Tanzania’s vital travel industry, destroy thousands of jobs, and end a heritage of protection in place since the country’s independence. There would also be intangible cultural costs due to the loss of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, damage to both the national heritage and image of the country.
Plus.... why do this when there is an ALTERNATE and better way? The website mentions an alternate route that would keep the Serengeti intact and would be better overall.
Carol Adventure Seeker
Number of posts : 8665 Location : California Country Mood :
Subject: Re: "Stop the Serengeti Highway" Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:58 am
We don't have a Serengeti, no. But buffalo and beaver were hunted to near extinction, as were coyotes, elk, deer and bears. They're not as majestic as Serengeti wildlife, but for our country, still important.
Now, if people could take the highway another route, that'd be great. But Kikwete is practically a dictator, and as poor as his country is, he'd build a highway wherever he sees fit and his people wouldn't say anything. They'd see a chance to make a few bucks to live. When you're starving, the majesticness (if that's a word) becomes secondary to food on the table.
It's a shame some of the most endangered species are on the poorest continent, but that's just the reality. It's almost ironic.
Maybe he'll cave to world pressure (which will be individuals, governments won't care), and take the alternate route, but history says he won't.
But, I'd still be surprised if it's ever built at all.
Carol Adventure Seeker
Number of posts : 8665 Location : California Country Mood :
Subject: Re: "Stop the Serengeti Highway" Sat Apr 23, 2011 7:54 pm
True Larry.
You know what's funny... Africa is the richest land in the globe but with the poorest people. Africa has places that is overflowing with liquid gold. They have gold, uranium, Titanium, Diamonds, Copper, a lot of valuable minerals. It's a continent that is endowed with a lot of fertile land and numerous unpolluted rivers and lakes, all of which wait with open arms, to be harnessed for agriculture, energy and recreation. Due to the good climate and hardworking populace, if only some modern agricultural techniques could be applied, the continent has the potential to feed the entire globe for many generations to come.
It's funny how events in one's life can change people's goals. I've always wanted to visit Hawaii, Japan, Italy, Spain and now Africa makes that list thanks to the discovery of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust who help orphaned elephants and rhinos in Nairobi Kenya. Fostering little Naipoki has made me want to learn more about the place she calls her home.
Anyway, we shall see what happens with this highway...