Thousands of hectares of potato and corn gone to waste: blame climate change says Peru Environment Ministry
Climate change causing crop failure in Peru. The nation’s Environment Ministry has reported that about 80,000 hectares of potatoes and 60,000 hectares of corn crops have been ruined due to climate change-related drought and degraded soil. It is estimated that the crops could have fed 11 million people in Peru. According to Peru’s National Resources Institute, water supplies are being affected by rapid melting of the nation’s glaciers because of the warming climate. Just last year, the Quilca Mountain snow cap completely disappeared, and in 2007 the Broggi Glacier, considered to be the largest tropical glacier chain, had also vanished completely.

Environment Ministry and National Resources Institute of Peru, we sincerely appreciate these reports that clearly depict the plight of both humans and the environment. Our prayers for the protection of the Peruvian people as we strive to return balance to the planet through our respect for the preciousness of all life.

At the videoconference of the October 2008 “Stop Global Warming: Act Now” seminar in Thailand, Supreme Master Ching Hai once again reminded us of the noble veg lifestyle as the essential way to curb global warming and restore our world.


 Afghanistan bets on peace with first national park
Afghanistan announces first national park. Band-e-Amir, as the conservation area in central Afghanistan is to be called, was proclaimed by Afghanistan's National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA) on Wednesday. Located in Bamiyan province, this popular tourist attraction from the 1970s is home to six amazingly picturesque deep blue lakes. Wetlands in the area provide a habitat for migrating birds and the rare Afghan snow finch. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) assisted with initial financial support to create the park, and the US-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) helped with wildlife surveys, boundary delineations, and park management plans.

Our congratulations Afghanistan for establishing the spectacular Band-e-Amir National Park, and thank you United States Agency for International Development and Wildlife Conservation Society for your generous contributions. May this be the initial step in preserving many more beautiful regions of splendid Afghanistan.

Kuwait American Foundation grants US Secretary of State 2009 Humanitarian Award
Kuwait’s “Act for Earth” Gala recognizes environmental excellence. The theme of this year’s 5th Kuwait-American Foundation gala benefit, held in Washington, DC was “Act for Earth.” The event raised US$1.8 million to be donated to US-based Conservation International for its work in protecting tropical forests, marine life and other essential biological diversity. The gala also honored both US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and renowned Hollywood actor and environmental advocate, Leonardo DiCaprio, for their efforts on behalf of the environment. Kuwait's Ambassador to Washington, Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, presented Secretary of State Clinton with the 2009 Humanitarian Award for her commitment to conservation, while Mr. DiCaprio was given the Environmental Award for his worldwide endeavors in defense of the Earth.

Our heartfelt applause, Secretary of State Clinton and Mr. Leo DiCaprio, for your well-deserved recognition. We are also thankful for the noble generosity and efforts of the Kuwait-American Foundation and Conservation International. May the shining lights of all illuminate humanity’s continued steps in caring for our precious planet.