Asia Unites Against Poaching

Representatives from 13 Asian countries committed to immediate action to stamp out poaching at the conclusion of a four-day symposium hosted by the Nepal government in Kathmandu from February 2-6, 2015.

The Symposium: Towards Zero Poaching in Asia adopted five recommendations:

• Swift and decisive action to elevate the importance and effectiveness of antipoaching initiatives and cooperation among all relevant ministries, departments and agencies within their borders, while at the same time strengthening international cooperation in the face of this serious criminal activity.
• Adoption of the Zero Poaching Tool Kit and assessment of current antipoaching responses to determine improvements and close serious gaps.
• Increase and improve collaboration as a successful antipoaching response is critically dependant on effectively engaging a diverse number of shareholders
• Improve standards, training and support for rangers, other frontline staff and prosecutors.
• Commit to identifying a Zero Poaching national contact point to effectively coordinate transboundary efforts to stop poaching.

Tika Ram Adhikari, Director General of Nepal’s Department of Wildlife Conservation and Soil Conservation, said: “Nepal was proud to host this vital conversation in Asia because we recognize that poaching is robbing us of our wildlife wealth, which includes tigers, rhinos and elephants. We cannot allow wildlife crime to continue to wrap its tentacles deeper into the region. Our individual efforts may win us a few battles, but we can only win the war if Asia presents a united front to stop the poaching, end the trafficking and wipe out demand.”

Mike Baltzer, Leader, WWF Tigers Alive Initiative, said: “This is the beginning of the end for poaching across Asia. WWF is proud to have supported this landmark meeting and is committed to be part of the new determined movement for Zero Poaching in Asia.”

Nepal was the natural host for the symposium having achieved zero poaching for two years in the past four years. At the symposium, representatives from local communities, protected areas as well as enforcement agencies shared their lessons lea

At the closing ceremony, Nepal’s legendary Chitwan National Park (CNP) also became the first global site to be accredited as Conservation Assured Tiger Standard (CA|TS).Despite the threats that CNP faces, the protected area has seen an increasingly effective management and protection regime. This further demonstrates the commitment of Nepal towards zero poaching.

Thirteen Asian countries participated in the symposium: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Viet Nam, Malaysia, Russia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Lao PDR. Partner NGOs and other organisations included IUCN, TRAFFIC, CITES, UN Office on Drugs and Crime, US Department of Justice, SMART Partnership and Southern African Wildlife College.

WWF co-hosted the symposium with Global Tiger Forum, National Trust for Nature Conservation and the South Asian Wildlife Enforcement Network.

The symposium provides valuable direction on tackling poaching in advance of the Kasane Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade to be hosted by the Botswana government on 25th March 2015. This meeting follows the London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade hosted by the UK government in February 2014, where 41 governments committed to taking “decisive and urgent action….” through the agreed declaration.

A Set of Extraordinary Knives

Whether you are a professional-level home chef or just someone who likes to mess around in the kitchen, a proper knife is absolutely essential. In this post we will show you knives that are not just amazing for slicing, dicing, and julienne-ing but that look incredible while doing it. A great knife is the best way prepare food quickly and safely and its well worth the investment.

These nesting knives with hollow centers make storage easy while also offering sharp edges and comfortable handling.

These sleek black knives from France’s TB Groupe have laser-sculpted handles and extra sharp stainless steel blades. And they need sharpening only once every 25 years.

These chroma knives from F.A. Porsche are made from pure 301 steel. The single piece design makes for extra easy handling.

You’ll never ruin your cheese with these slick knives from designer Henri Mazelier.

Bring a pop of color to your meal prep with this 8-piece set from Kai.

There is nothing wrong with a little whimsy in the kitchen and this knife set definitely does the trick.

Another humorous option – get your chopping done and your frustrations out with “The Ex” Five Piece Knife Set.

A minimalist set of knives that combine clean design with great aesthetics.

This ceramic set keeps an edge and looks supercool doing it.

The grooves in these Japanese steel knives keep food from sticking to them when slicing.

You get substance and whole lot of style with these knives from design-conscious retailer West Elm.

The balancing act these knives perform proves that they handle well.

While certainly not the cheapest option, this set of Japanese knives may be among the prettiest.

Just as much artwork as kitchen accessory, these gorgeous cheese knives are sure to be a hit at any party.

This perfectly balanced option comes from designer Eric Berthes and it’s a thing of beauty.

By popping this knife into a transparent storage block you get to display its beauty even when you’re not using it.

This kitchen knife is just a designer’s concept at the moment, but what a beautiful concept it is.

Another concept, this one comes from designer Neil Davidson. The intricate handles here are particularly gorgeous.

These wooden knives are handmade in Japan and the amazing craftsmanship definitely shines through.

This design combines the chopping power of steel with the simple and beautiful color of a wood body.

The idea behind these amazing concept knives is that a great knife should be able to do more than slice and chop.

Another multi-purpose knife concept designed for F.O.R., this one lets you safely scoop up whatever you chop.

In another scooping option, the round handle might not be ideal for a lot of heavy chopping.

Matching hollow blade knives and forks make up this concept from designer Jeff Pinard.

The concept behind these Neolithic Knives is that we can cut more efficiently if we take a step back from modern technologies.

This minimalist concept from Robert Larsson offers a convex silhouette and contrasting shaft.

These concept kitchen knives were inspired by the story of the sword in the stone. A safety lock keeps them from falling into the wrong (tiny) hands.

Another safety storage concept, these knives can be locked into place. But more than that, the storage block actually sterilizes the knives as well.

These handmade knives from Mermelada Studio were inspired by the shapes and songs of birds.

Though not the most practical option, we had to include these intricate – and a little bit creepy – knives.

Source : home-designing[dot]com

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8 Luxury Bedrooms In Detail

Unless you yourself are part of the 1%, it's hard to not be at least a little curious about how those lucky people live. And perhaps nothing is quite so intriguing as where they might lay their heads down each night. The luxury bedrooms featured in this post are the height of indulgence from sumptuous bedding to glorious bedroom chandeliers, they offer us a glimpse into the world that always seems just out of reach.

The first bedroom here, designed by Mauritz Snyman, uses soft and soothing grays and silvers to create a sparkling, luxurious feel. From an ultramodern chandelier that dangles over the bed to a plush silvery gray carpet that practically begs for your bare feet, waking up in this bedroom would be like waking up inside a warm storm cloud.

While having more money might seem like a one way ticket to all the happiness you could handle, it doesn’t hurt to bring in some cheerful colors, too. This sharp sunny bedroom has plenty of that with splashes of citrus and lots of light.

The oversized tree graphic really gives this bedroom a focal point. Chocolatey brown bedding and walls are neutral but still rich while a stunning vanity and metal accents make this a modern Cinderella’s dream.

Of course, sometimes a stripped down design is what luxury is all about. This sleek and minimalist bedroom still speaks to luxury but it does so in a whisper. From simple white gauze curtains to a long and low bed there is nothing here that isn’t necessary. Except maybe the chandelier.

The luxury features don’t stop in this bedroom. Mounting the elevated bed platform is like climbing into a throne while an elegant, ornate vanity is also fit for royalty. The huge private bath is the only way to soak away a long day of luxury living.

This bedroom tends toward what most people might envision when they dream of luxury. Rick purple tapestries on every surface, a perfectly polished marble floor, and lots and lots of gold leaf.

On the other end of the spectrum is this simple bedroom that celebrates luxury in an entirely different way. With dark wood accents and a carefully organized storage system, this bedroom is what modern luxury is all about.

Finally, a fashion forward lady’s bedroom with space specifically for planning outfits is a creative luxury choice. The fantastic views and supersoft bedding are nice, too.

Source : home-designing[dot]com

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