Friday, September 20, 2019
Refugee And Immigrant Children In Canada Social Work Essay
Refugee And Immigrant Children In Canada Social Work Essay Refugee and immigrant children and youth along with their families comprise the majority of Canadian society. Refugees and immigrants are the mosaic face of present day society. We as citizens have witnessed the process newcomers experience in order to receive their Canadian status. As we are aware of the possible complications that can arise both the Rossiter and Rossiter (2009) article along with Fantino and Colak (2001) article shed an interesting light on migration. These articles discuss how youth challenge these barriers to gain identity in the new society, how issues arise between their inner self and society and also how society can contribute to migration complications. The articles also review how society can be seen to have a positive impact to their experience during migration and adaptation. Both articles assume a similar theme when discussing the challenges/troubles these youth and children encounter during their acculturation period. Summary of articles:à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Diamonds in the Rough: Bridging gaps in support for at-risk immigrant and refugee youth summarized the troubles both within the individual and society that is creating a gap within the youth. The gap between individual and society is brought to point in this article as creating a behavior in the youth to engage in high-risk criminal behaviors. Rossiter and Rossiter (2009) focus on the risk and protective factors that are perceived by key stakeholders to influence at-risk immigrant youth who eventually become involved in crime, gangs and violence in Edmonton, Canada (Pg. 2).à Rossiter and Rossiter (2009) organize their article on the view of immigrant and refugee youth behavior by discussing immigrants and crime, bringing upon a theoretical background focused on Maslows theory and how Maslows Hierarchy of need provide insight as to how inner fulfillment discourages negative actions/thoughts/behaviors. à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Rossiter and Rossiter (2009) review a study that was conducted in order to attain a deeper perspective of the migrating youth into Canadian society; they discuss the risk factors both in the community setting and within the individual. These studies first discussed negative factors affecting the youth and positive factors assisting the youth to not fall into criminal behavior. Lastly, both authors discuss a solution that I would like to classify it in order to understand these gap and misinterpretation between a trouble both within and outside the youth. à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Rossiter and Rossiter (2009) state that youth who migrate to Canada with their family are faced with issues from back home, such as pre-migration violence and trauma were reported to be predisposing risk factors for youth involvement in violent and criminal activity in Canada: many youth from refugee camps have witnessed or experienced violence (e.g. rape, murder, and torture) and suffer from depression, nightmares, flashbacks and or disturbed sleep patterns (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p. 9). A youth arriving in a country that has already developed their own culture and unique mother of tongue can further create a bigger barrier for the youth in terms of acclimating to this new society, their new home. à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Social services representative discuss the complications of integration that can cause stress or anxiety-all their symptoms basically prevent them from learning and adapting (As cited by Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p.9). These youth experience pressure to fit in when it comes to the school system. They are encountered with peer pressure or alienation (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p.9) as association with antisocial peers, however, can lead to violent altercations and crime (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p.9). Education was one area where it was classified as a positive impact encouraging youth to act in a positive manner (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p.4).à Due to the alienation that youth experience due to the want of fitting in within their peers, criminal justice representative said education was seen as extremely important for immigrant and refugee youth: Not having [education] is whats creating the push in the other direction, and having it is what would save them (As cited by Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p. 13). Creating these barriers furthermore sets this youth to drop out and as a school is seen as a recruitment into drug-related crimes (Pg.10). While seeing the complications that the lack of education can cause we can acknowledge the importance of school and education towards the future of the youth. à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Rossiter and Rossiter (2009) discuss how youth first entering Canada with their families are seen to be lead by the government into subsidized housing (p.11) due to their lack of finances thus, these youth may not have the same economic standing as their peers. This makes the youth feel uncomfortable leading to the youth having to deal with an inner struggle between wants and needs (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p. 9). The authors made it clear that contributing factors such as: family support and stability, socio-economic status, physical and mental health, age of arrival, language proficiency, interpersonal skills social networks, personal resilience, employment opportunities and housing and neighborhood, among others (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p. 4) are seen as a pushing negative factor and also a helpful positive factor for the youth to get out of troubles in the criminal system. The authors prescribe mentorship and s chool activities to assist these youth out of the negative criminal behavior (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p. 13-14). They discuss how teachers are often unaware of the challenges faced by immigrant and refugee students, and the education system itself is ill prepared to meet their complex needs. Isolation and a lack of social support at school and in the wider community mean that immigrant and refugee youth may be left with few options, and antisocial peers involved in drugs, crime and gangs may be perceived as attractive alternatives (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p.16). Family and community support along with Maslows hierarchy of needs should be in place in order to assist these youth.à Families seen to be living in poverty are often unable to meet the physiological and safety needs of their children; at-risk youth who go to school without breakfast or lunch and live in subsidized housing may be especially vulnerable. Youth who lack close relationships to family, school and com munity or who suffer from feelings of inadequacy or failure are easy targets for gangs who promise to fulfill their needs for belonging and self-esteem. (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p.16). The authors review the negative and positive influences that contribute to the idea of where funding should be focused. The authors provide the reader with a qualitative research method to get a better understanding by talking to adults who experienced youth criminal activities due to the barriers put forth. It is also important to note that the authors touched upon the lack of statistical research that is brought forth to the public that shows if immigrant and refugee youth are the only ones big in numbers in the jail system. à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Refugee children in Canada: searching for an identity written by Fantino and Colak (2001) provide an overview of migration issues that arise and the troubles that these children are faced with pre and post arrival into Canada. Fantino and Colak (2001) discuss how the children migrating with their families bring with them issues that they face while coming to a new country as a refugee trauma from witnessing violent crimes, language difficulties, family disruption, and adjustment to a different culture-in addition to the challenges that accompany childhood and growing up (p. 587). Fantino and Colak (2001) draw comparison between immigrant children versus a refugee child. They both write how both classes deal with migration and endure the push-and-pull forces of home and school, which often work in opposite directions (p.589). As we are taught to believe that immigrants face less barriers due to their receipt of citizenship F antino and Colak do not fail to portray the similarities of both groups.à Both may encounter societys discrimination and racism, and developing a sense of identity-while trying to bridge generational and cultural gaps (Fantino and Colak 2001, p.589). Perhaps the greatest threat to these children is not the stress of belonging to two cultures but the stress of belonging to none (p.589.) If these children receive a sense of belonging this can open up and increase their self-esteem and further avoid future barriers and inner fights within the child. à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à One specific concentration that Fantino and Colak (2001) bring forth is the desire for children in the school setting to be accepted by their peer group, be seen as a dependent and a master by interpreting for their parents (Fantino and Colak, 2001, p.589) these factors can contribute to the sense of belonging discussed earlier. These children are in essence parentified as they face the pressure of interpreting for their parents (p. 589).à This pressure can have a dramatic effect on the child as they are given adult responsibility in settings they are not familiar with. Fantino and Colak (2001) wonder if children really do adapt better to society (p.591). They discuss the trouble of parents with the lack of communication they have with their children (p.590). Fantino and Colak refer to these refugee children as children without history (p. 594). Both authors bring forth ideas of the host country providing a positive act in order to make integration as a positive role for the child and family.à One key factor in determining success is the reception of newcomers by the host society (p.589). Task force on mental healthi issues affecting immigrants and refugees (1998) writes that settlement support services, schools, health and social services and the community at large play a crucial role in assisting and supporting children to adjust and integrate into Canadian society (As cited by Fantino and Colak, 2001, p. 589). Fantino and Colak (2001) believe that in order for successful integration we must not ignore the parents who might also be facing trauma prior to arrival. They state that their challenge is to meaningfully integrate their history with the present and future realities of Canada (Fantino and Colak, 2001, p.595) it is only until we as Canadians work as a team to provide a safe haven for newcomers where we can assist and cater to their needs to provide them with adequate housing and support systems. As Fantino and Colak discuss migration trouble pre and post migration both authors do not fail to give Canadians a role on easy adaptation and this sense of guidance makes the struggle of migration as a societal problem and not solely a problem just with the migrating child with their familyà à Analytic discussion: à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Both readings discuss the resolutions and the causes of what a child and youth experience as they migrate to a new country. The identified theme of the harm of migration to the individual at hand arises concerns and a deep look at why changes should be in place to assist the migrating newcomers. By looking deeply at the barriers/causes placed by society we will gain insight on understanding why. Both articles gather information by using a qualitative research method that asks children and adults who were deviant youth in the past about problems faced by both immigrant and refugee children and youth; both articles looked at the trouble faced within the individual and the trouble put on by society. Both articles answer questions of why and how these issues arise, both articles discuss solutions and the lack of statistics that would help to really understand the criminal system in regards to over population of immigrant and re fugees in the institution. As both articles take on such approaches to understanding migration and the effect it has on children regarding identity and youth portraying criminal behavior I will provide an analytic discussion in regard to the theme of troubles of migration faced by the immigrant and refugee child and youth. By discussing how the comparison of both articles both discussed the lack of identity the youth and child face, both articles discussed support systems, whether it was lacking or being seen as a great contributor for successful migration, education as a primary target for success in the individual and lastly community assistance that the host community must act upon. As all articles discuss the implication pre and post the childs and youths migration I still believe that further questions need to be asked in order to get a more holistic and complete view of migration difficulties and criminal behavior that the child and youth experience.à Who is a refugee or immigrant youth or child when they come to Canada? It is to this thought that we can look at the identity of these young adults and children being challenged when entering a new country such as Canada. We are taught through both articles that when an individual such as a youth and child enter Canada we must realize the issues they have faced at home that might of led them to migrate: trauma from witnessing violent crimes, language difficulties, family disruption, and adjustment to a different culture-in addition to the challenges that accompany childhood and growing up (Fantino and Colak, 2001, p. 587). When one reads such statements I cant help but ask why arent these individuals dealing with the issues back home? Could it be that the government can no longer be trusted? Why migrate? Is Canada being portrayed to other countries as a loving, welcoming country? If so, we must change this. Canada being classified as a harmonious country or not has issues of its own. We are dealing with employment difficulties, high taxes, and are still involved in a war where other cultures are still being seen as a threat. Are we setting up this migrating youth with unrealistic expectations of Canada? Is this our fault as Canadians that we are simply setting up a trap for this migrating victims to have a difficult life in Canada?à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à The issues back home which may have pushed their migration to Canada is not the only issue that these age groups experience. They also witness and experience issues in their new land, and this act should simply put the blame on us, on Canadians.à Support system in the school setting is seen to be lacked and to be a great contributor to be the line of helping the youth and child to avoid criminal behavior. The development of positive relationships with caring adults in the school setting, such as ESL or mainstream teachers, counselors and school resources officers, was also considered to be a protective factor. In some schools, member of ethno-cultural communities offer approved courses designed to help students develop identity and intercultural competence (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p. 14). à After school programs where the student can receive assistance in studies or being involved in recreational activities can provide an outlet for the student to develop an identity by taking interest in other activities and also assisting with developing relationship with other students or guides. This not only provides them with a family setting in the school atmosphere but also an family unit when parents struggle to understand the school setting or simply when parents do not have much involvement with their children due to work or emotional difficulties. Dedicated workers such as these are helping youth exit gangs, offering them opportunities for success and keeping others from becoming involved with drugs and crime (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p. 14) As this form of assistance provides the assistance of the host community it shows how we can contribute positively to the outcome of the future of the new generation. As this is so, we must be aware of the access these children a nd youth have to schooling. Funding is needed for better schooling not only for these newcomers but also for youth all around. In Canada the cost to incarcerate a youth for 1 year is approximately $100,000 (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p.3), and sending your child to school has no cost then leaves the question of why spend so much in incarcerating youth involved in criminal activity when such money can go into schooling where programs can arise from? As we should be addressing the crime taken in each community (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p. 3) we know that education can be seen as a way out for these youth to avoid them from falling into a trap of gang involvement and provide these children with a sense of identity and skills this is an investment that will not only help the migrating newcomer individual but where society would also benefit from. Derwing et al. (1999) and Watt and Roessingh (1994,2001) state that studies of school dropout rates of immigrant youth have indicated th at 46-74% of immigrant youth whose native language is not English fail to complete high school (As cited by Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p. 4) doesnt society see the need for funding?à Community assistance needs to be put in force in order for these youth and children to experience an easy adaptation to Canadian society. Communities provide a learning experience by comforting the individual and providing an exit from any future criminal activity that might come through the youths and childs life. These could be centralized in a love reception center, with ongoing follow-up and support in school and community setting (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p.17.) Providing these follow-ups with children, youth and their families will give these newcomers being a immigrant or refugee a voice and provide a further perspective of changes and improvements that could be more active. à Social services assistance: including language translation services; help in location permanent housing and accessing English language classes; a community orientation; referrals to health and social services; including professional counseling services; and other services as needed (Fantino and Col ak, 2001, p. 590). Such services can also be seen to benefit the family unit as a whole as it is helping all members of the family to access and be aware of the services provided by the host community, and can also be seen as a contributor in helping family bonds strengthening when migration can be viewed as a challenging phase for the family. Permanent housing should include specifications and be geographically located where criminal behavior is not the face of that community. Peer ambassador programmers that carefully match newcomers with more established immigrants from the same culture can also be very helpful (Fantino and Colak, 2001, p.590) If newcomers encounter other newcomers they will feel a sense of à hope as they will see that their present challenges were possible to be overcome; this will provide the recent newcomer with a sense that they can do it. We can make a change, so why in a country where 11.2% of the total population of 31 million identify themselves as members of a visible minority (Fantino and Colak 2001, p.588) are being faced with such troubles? In a country where employment is seen as hard to get regarding youth employment why are we not addressing this problem? We realize that the Canadian Baby Boomers are affecting work labor in the present society (Foot, 1998, 82) so how can we assist these youth to find a job when the baby boomers are occupying the majority of the labor market? Do we need more jobs specifically targeted to this population? Why are we still letting in refugee and immigrant families when we can barely assist those already in Canada? Why is Canada still setting up a trap for these newcomers? As I agree with the standings and arguments/solutions that both articles make, I do believe that more questions need to be asked, mostly questions regarding Canada and why Canada is still letting this happen. Heller (1995) along with Jiwani (2002) and Roberts (2002) state that ethnic minorities and those with English or French language difficulties, are disproportionately represented in the Canadian criminal justice system (as cited by Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p. 2) and Canadas lack of providing statistics related to race and ethnicity can further show that numbers need to be put into place in order to understand migration issues and complication. Without numbers can it be fair to say that Canada is contributing to the problem? Without numbers can Canada take a position and assist solely on word of mouth? Providing this overview can be frustrating to understand how to tackle such an issue of migration, but I do believe that in order for us to understand, numbers that are lacked in the prison system if minorities really do make up the population in the jail system needs to be placed. Rossiter and Rossiter state that such a study might increase discrimination towards these individuals (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p.3) but how can we help a group without knowing statistics? Since Rossiter and Rossiter tackles such a perspective it leaves the question if Fantino and Colak say that the host community must assist these newcomers due to the issues surrounding this population how can we assist youth as a community when we are unaware of youth involvement in criminal behavior for example? Without data, Canadians are left in the dark, and this must change.à We must make a change to recognize these newcomers diplomas (Rossiter and Rossiter, 2009, p.4.) and degrees to set them up for the work field in order for fairness and these barriers to fall down in favor of those newcomers. My approach to the solution of ending criminal behavior is to look at societal resolutions and also understand the change that needs to be placed. I believe that working with the individual and not for the individual will further assist these individuals on a personal identity level and guide them through the services that can help. Both articles bring upon an analytical overview of migration and the effects brought on by the host community and the services lacking these migrating youth and children. As we understand migration to have a negative effect on individuals we also must not rule out the good that migration can do, such as providing a safe haven for these newcomers from escaping from the harsh realities they faced back home. By communities gathering as a welcoming committee in order to provide the newcomers with a welcoming atmosphere the community must do more than accept the realities of just adapting to a mosaic country. We must work together to provide support for the ch ild, youth and their families. We must acknowledge the contributions that each youth and child carries within them and be culturally accepting. It can be instilled that the children are our future, and no matter what country these children and youth come from, all should be given a fair opportunity. à Ã
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Discuss Some Of The Main Ideas Essay -- essays research papers fc
Sigmund Freud considered himself a scientist whose intention was to find a physiological and materialist basis for his theories of the psyche. Freud revolutionised the way in which we think about ourselves. From its beginnings as a theory of neurosis, Freud founded and developed psychoanalysis into a general psychology, which became widely accepted as the predominant mode of discussing personality, behaviour and interpersonal relationships. Freud, who had been studying neuropathology, left Vienna in 1885 to continue his studies in Paris under the guidance of Jean Martin Charcot. This proved to be the turning point in his career, for Charcotââ¬â¢s work with patients classified as ââ¬Å"hystericsâ⬠introduced Freud to the possibility that psychological disorders might have their source in the mind rather than the brain. Charcotââ¬â¢s hypnotic experiments demonstrated the link between hysterical symptoms such as paralysis of a limb and hypnotic suggestions to cure the paralysis. Although Freud later abandoned his faith in hypnosis, hypnotic experiments taught Freud that mental processes that took place unconsciously could have a powerful effect on behaviour. It was Freud who drew our attention to the unconscious mind. If we liken the mind to an iceberg, the nine tenths below the surface is the unconscious in which there are many mental processes going on that we have little control of. Our conscious mind is above the surface; it is what we are fully aware of and contains our perception, thought and memory. Freud also spoke of the preconscious which might include material put out of our conscious mind but which may be retrievable. Freudian psychoanalytical theory states that there are three agencies of the human personality. Below the surface is our ââ¬Å"idâ⬠, these are our social and biological instincts such as hunger, thirst and self-preservation. The id seeks outlet in the pleasure principal with no regard to reality. It is our awareness of the outside world, our memory, perception and learning. The ââ¬Å"Egoâ⬠develops to harmonise the impulses of the id with the demands of reality. It is our awareness of the outside world, our memory, perception and learning. The ââ¬Å"super egoâ⬠develops later in varying degrees. It is like a conscience and brings in values and morals from parents and society and enables us to feel guilt. Freud grouped together ego and sexual instincts calling ... ...iar to most of us today. Psychoanalysis is a term that Freud coined in 1896. As a therapist he used mental rather than physical means to achieve behavioural or attitudinal change. One of Freudââ¬â¢s greatest achievements was his capacity to stimulate the creativity of others and his ideas have been developed by his many followers. Where Freud was perhaps wrong was in making psychosexual development so central that all other forms of social and emotional development were conceived as being derived from it. However, despite repeated criticism and attempted refutations of Freudââ¬â¢s work, his ideas remained powerful well after his death and the general way in which psychoanalysis and other forms of psychotherapy are conducted is still based on Freudââ¬â¢s procedure, and remains one of his most enduring legacies. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Storr Aà à à à à à à à à à 1996à à à à à ââ¬Å"Freudâ⬠à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Oxford University Press Stevens Rà à à à à 1994à à à à à ââ¬Å"Freud and Psychoanalysisâ⬠à à à à à Open University Press
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Communism :: essays papers
Communism This definition is right and is fully accurate, but it only demonstrates the theory of communism and doesn^t explain how it really worked. It doesn^t say that the theory never worked out, because it is impossible to make it work. I am going to tell some things about communism in USSR where my parents lived all their lives, but when I was born it was already dying out. So, mostly everything that I am going to tell is based on what my parents and grandparents told me about life in USSR. Communism suggests that everybody is equal in rights and economically. That meant that everybody would be paid the same for all kinds of jobs, so the janitor and doctor or lawyer would be paid the same amount of money for totally different jobs. That is obviously unfair and impossible. Since everybody was supposed to be equal, no one in the government could have too much power, and that is why they made took people who were elected from each area and these were supposed to be the government. They were supposed to make the decisions, elect all the other government officials and all the other very important things. That made the ordinary man think that the government is controlled by people just like him, with only high school education (some even without it), poor, being in politics for the first time in their lives. That is impossible. Such people can run no government. The most annoying thing is that almost no one noticed that, and if someone did, they were immediately terminated without any questions. There was a small group of people who controlled everything in the country. It was mostly the KGB and the General Secretary. Just look at the name they picked, it suggests that he not the most powerful man in the country; he is just a small general secretary. That^s all he is. How obviously stupid all this seems now. But at that time it was almost a religion, if one did not believe in it with all his/her heart he/she were terminated or sent to concentration camp where they either died or lived there for many years until all their doubts were beaten out of them. Jewish people were some of the people to who the government was the most unfair. They couldn^t get a good education, good job, anything good or well paid. There were only two ways: the army (or navy) or some pitiful civilian job, like a janitor, or some other dirty job with a salary, with which you can barely buy something Communism :: essays papers Communism This definition is right and is fully accurate, but it only demonstrates the theory of communism and doesn^t explain how it really worked. It doesn^t say that the theory never worked out, because it is impossible to make it work. I am going to tell some things about communism in USSR where my parents lived all their lives, but when I was born it was already dying out. So, mostly everything that I am going to tell is based on what my parents and grandparents told me about life in USSR. Communism suggests that everybody is equal in rights and economically. That meant that everybody would be paid the same for all kinds of jobs, so the janitor and doctor or lawyer would be paid the same amount of money for totally different jobs. That is obviously unfair and impossible. Since everybody was supposed to be equal, no one in the government could have too much power, and that is why they made took people who were elected from each area and these were supposed to be the government. They were supposed to make the decisions, elect all the other government officials and all the other very important things. That made the ordinary man think that the government is controlled by people just like him, with only high school education (some even without it), poor, being in politics for the first time in their lives. That is impossible. Such people can run no government. The most annoying thing is that almost no one noticed that, and if someone did, they were immediately terminated without any questions. There was a small group of people who controlled everything in the country. It was mostly the KGB and the General Secretary. Just look at the name they picked, it suggests that he not the most powerful man in the country; he is just a small general secretary. That^s all he is. How obviously stupid all this seems now. But at that time it was almost a religion, if one did not believe in it with all his/her heart he/she were terminated or sent to concentration camp where they either died or lived there for many years until all their doubts were beaten out of them. Jewish people were some of the people to who the government was the most unfair. They couldn^t get a good education, good job, anything good or well paid. There were only two ways: the army (or navy) or some pitiful civilian job, like a janitor, or some other dirty job with a salary, with which you can barely buy something
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Atomic Bombs :: essays research papers
An atomic bomb is a bomb in which the splitting of atomic nuclei results in an explosion of tremendous force and heat, accompanied by a blinding light. The destructive force of an atomic bomb is due to nearly instantaneous and uncontrolled successive fissions of uranium or plutonium atoms in a chain reaction, each fission releasing tremendous energy and also neutrons which produce the succeeding fission (The World Book Dictionary 129). In other words, these bombs are very powerful. This was demonstrated in 1940, when we dropped an Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima during World War II. This bomb left a crater, in the ground, that was over a half of a mile long. à à à à à One of the first instances that these bombs were used was called the Manhattan Project. The Manhattan Project was created by the United States government in 1942 to produce the first nuclear bomb. The official agency that produced the bomb was the Corps of Engineersââ¬â¢ Manhattan Engineer District, commanded by Major General Leslie R.Groves. He directed industrial and research activities at such sites as Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Los Alamos, New Mexico (The World Book Encyclopedia 141). Here they designed to bombs that were later called ââ¬Å"The Fat Manâ⬠and ââ¬Å"The Little Boyâ⬠. There was later a movie named after the two bombs that showed how they were made and the experiences that came with making them. A worker was killed during the final stages of the Manhattan Project when a critical assembly of fissile material was accidentally brought together by hand. This incident, which was dramatized in ââ¬Å"Fat Man and Little Boyâ⬠, pre-dated remote-control assembly of such components, but the hazards of manual assembly were known at the time (U.S. Nuclear Accidents, Internet). Only 9 months after that, a similar problem occurred which there were 8 people that got radiation exposure and 7 of them died because of it. In the past, there were very many nuclear accidents. One of these was in 1982. International Nutronics in Dover, New Jersey, which used radiation baths to purify gems, chemicals, food, and medical supplies, experienced an accident that completely contaminated the plant, forcing its closure. A pump malfunctioned, siphoning water from the baths onto the floor; the water eventually was drained into the sewer system of the heavily populated town of Dover. The NRC wasnââ¬â¢t informed of the accident until ten months later. In 1986, the company and one of its top executives were convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy and fraud.
Agricultural Marketing Information Systems in Africa Essay
DISCUSSIONS: 1. Briefly discuss an agricultural marketing information system using figure 4.1 as a guide. Agricultural marketing information system in the information system used in gathering, analyzing and disseminating information about prices and other information relevant to farmers, animal rearers, traders, processors and others involved in handling agricultural products. Market information systems play an important role in agro-industrialization and food supply chains. 2. How might the South African system be seen as an effort at increasing market accessibility and competitive advantage? The new system was designed to enable producers to best satisfy consumer demands, assist them in making deals with international brokers and distributors, and at the same time make a profit. In doing so, they had exposed agriculture to the vagaries and demands of the global system of trade. The policy had been designed to make it easier for producers to export a range of products, offer greater market access and at the same time encourage farmers to expand their operations. The marketing information system was an effort to increase market accessibility and gain competitive advantages at the international markets. 3. Assess the suitability of the Esoko system for Africa. Studies carried out to assess the impact of Esoko services revealed real improvements in farmer incomes due to services such as Esoko price alerts. This investment not only offers high social impact for small holder farmers, but in the longer-term, the platform has the potential to impact the information dissemination and overall efficiency of agricultural value chains in Sub-Saharan Africa. For instance, it help solve information asymmetry or shortcomings and integrates smallholder farmers into the formal value chain by providing a robust communications infrastructure that allows smallholder farmers to be reached quickly and served inexpensively through mobile phones, a medium that is everywhere and easy-to-use. The platform enables multiple stakeholders in the value chain to push critical information to small-holder farmers such as market prices, agronomic and training tips, while also providing the ability to survey farmers to understand their needs and desires. 4. Briefly discuss whether South Africa should have develop a system like Esoko rather than opting for a web-based solution. A web based solution is a complex answer to a problem that could simply addressed by solutions that could easily be grasp by the farmers and the producers as well. Given that according to studies only 17% of the South African population have accessed to the internet. We could not also deny that South Africa have a low literacy rate. This also imply that the use of computers and internet would not that easy as expected for the farmers. On the other hand, system like Esoko can be easily digested. It is a simple connection for the farmer and producers that could be easily spread through the continent. Only the need of a simple mobile phone and a subscription for the case of Esoko.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Global Village Essay
Abstract: The process of creating and sharing information with one another is called communication. The world is becoming a small-intersected community for the rapid changes in technology, expansion of multinational business or activities, transportation and immigration. The sustainability of global economy largely depends on the multinational business or other activities. Therefore, it is essential to communicate effectively among the people from different cultures, nations and groups. But cultural differences stand as barrier for effective communication. Informal understandings among the people, parties from different cultures make the base of effective communication. Proper intercultural communication is the way to make the overall communication more efficient and effective. The emerging use of social media networks also making base of effective intercultural communication. Interactions among different cultural people are making them more familiar to the other cultures and resulting common and shared cultural activities. It is also making the informal understanding among different cultural people. Intercultural communication is also making people much more communicative than previous. People are improving their communication skills, competences by the grace of intercultural communication. Intercultural communications has also impacts on the social, political and cultural values. People are sharing common cultures day by day and society also holding similar values gradually. The political issues are no more for a particular group as people from different places of the world reacting simultaneously. Every major political issue is becoming a global concern. Finally each and every type of communication form has impact on intercultural communication. Verbal, non-verbal, written, visual these all types of communication are influencing intercultural communication. Contents Abstract:2 Introduction:4 The importance of Intercultural Communication in the global view of the world:5 The role of social media such as, Facebook in Interculturalà Communication6 The impact of Intercultural communication on the Communication competence7 The effect of Intercultural Communication on social, political and cultural values8 The effect of various types of communication (verbal, non-verbal, written and visual) on Intercultural Communication9 Conclusion:10 References:11 Introduction: Today the world we live in is ââ¬Å"a global villageâ⬠where no nation, group or culture can remain anonymous (Samovar & Porter, 1991). One part of the world clearly impacts on the other part of the world. And the impact is growing day by day. By the blessings of the modern technology we can easily communicate with the people from anywhere, any nations any cultures of the world. So, if we do not know that particular cultures it may be a critical task to deal with the people. Intercultural communication is a form communication among different groups of people from different cultures of the world. It is also widely known as cross-cultural communication. Some people say that intercultural communication is only communications among the people from different nations. But some disagree and say, it encompasses broader area including inter-ethnic, inter-religious, and even inter-regional communication Even they include communication among individuals of different sexual orientations are as intercultural communication. This assignment encompasses the importance of intercultural communication and the impacts of social media on it. It also covers the impacts of intercultural communication on communication competences of an individual. The impacts on various social, cultural and political aspects are also described in this assignment. Finally, it has critical assessment of the impacts of different communication types like verbal nonverbal written or visual. The importance of Intercultural Communication in the global view of the world: Intercultural Communication has great importance in the global economy, culture and politics as well. Intercultural Communication is most essential for business purpose. When a company runs its business toà different parts of the world it is necessary important to have better understanding about the cultures of different targeting groups. They have to communicate to different segments of people like the suppliers, customers, workers from totally different cultures from the different part of the world. To increase the productivity intercultural communication is also important. As an example, an apparel company produces clothing. If their production plant is located in Europe, it will take very high cost for per unit of production. Then overall productivity will go down. If they have the factory in southern Asia then it can be produced more from the same cost of production as they have low workers cost. Furthermore, in a factory there may have different people from different cultures, if they have a good interactions among them, it will also increase the overall productivity. It opens the door of innovation by teamwork. We all know that, talents are scattered to each and every corner of the world. We also know that, no big outcome is come by a single effort. Each and every radical success so far, is brought by a team work. If the team comprises of talent people from different parts of the world, it would be the best to bring a good result. But the most important issue is that, good interactions and communications among them. Intercultural communication is also important to practice team work for better result. Immigration is another important issue largely depend on intercultural communication. People from the low income country, are selling their labour to the economically stronger county. Here, both parties are getting benefited, as the stronger country is getting low paid worker, where the workers are also getting work opportunity. But, here intercultural communication is also important. We also well concerned about the internet based business in the world. Freelancing is also an emerging issue by the grace of technology. People from one part of the world are getting their jobs done from an expert from a thousand kilometres away. This business is certainly brings a positive some game for the both worker and provider. Modern organizations are composed of diverse people and managers from different culture s to operate multinational business. Intercultural communication also fosters the management skill and leadership skills. Intercultural communication has also importance on global political issues. People are becoming a community with the concern of every trivial political issue. The role of social media such as, Facebook in Intercultural Communication There is a critical role of social media in intercultural communication. Facebook, twitter, MySpace are being used by billions of people across the world. They are interacting in same platform. They are becoming friend from one part of the world to another, from one culture to another culture. Moreover, any news and updates are spreading each and every part of the world just with in a second. These interactions are making a strong base of intercultural communication. As an example, people from china may have different cultural activities and festivals which are very unfamiliar to a person from Europe. But a Chinese is spreading his festivity through the facebook to t person of Europe. Therefore, the person of Europe is getting familiar with the festivals, norms and other cultural activities of the Chinese people. Same to the Chinese one he/she is also getting familiar to the cultures of Europe. Therefore, a strong base is being built by sharing those social media networks. People are getting familiar to the cultural activities to the different parts of the world and intercultural communication is getting improved day by day. People are participating all the cultural activities beyond their own borders and cultures. Moreover, these networks are opening window of interacting informally with one another. Therese informal communication is most important for the better understanding among the people. It helps to clarify all the cultural factors and give an inner insight about a totally different culture. These social media are also helping to communicate with all forms of communication like verbal, non-verbal, written and visual as they are giving opportunity of video conversation. Therefore a strong understanding is growing up and effective intercultural communication is built. The impact of Intercultural communication on the Communication competence Communication competence is the ability to interact well with others (Spitzberg, 1988).To maximize the achievement of communication and to generate adaptive communication performances by using knowledge of self, other, context a situational ability to set realistic and appropriate goals is needed. This ability is communication competence. (Friedrich 1994). Intercultural communication has great impact on the communicationà competences of an individual. These are describes as follows. Adaptability: Intercultural communication increases a personââ¬â¢s adaptability by opening new window of social experience, social confirmation, wit and social composure. Empathy: It also helps to increase the ability to demonstrate understanding and share emotional reactions to the situation. It creates the sense of helping each other, parallel emotions and cognitive understanding. Communication ability: It also to increase overall communication and interaction ability among the people. It also increases the flexibility, sensibility, tolerance among the people. It also makes the people to become more broad and open-minded. Interactions among different people increase the confidence in the mind and create sympathy and respect to the other cultural people as well. Therefore, this respect and make people more interactive and their competences of communication increases. People are getting motivated to work with the other cultural people more comfortably. Hence, their sense of interpersonal understanding is growing. People get concepts all informal issues of a culture and communication elements of a particular culture through intercultural communication. The effect of Intercultural Communication on social, political and cultural values Intercultural Communication has impacts on the social, political and cultural values of the people. If we see there is a social change for intercultural communication. The societies of each and different parts of the earth are becoming almost similar. Even in a nation, societies are trying to hold certain standards by following the other society. These are becoming only for the blessings of intercultural communication. Intercultural communication has also impact on the cultural values. As the people are getting familiar with the other cultures day by day it has impacts on his own culture. One example is described as follows. In Europe, Valentineââ¬â¢s Day is observed with a great festivity or New Year celebration is also observed in a great festivity. But by the grace of the modern world and most importantly for intermural communication these festivals are no more for Europe only. People from every part of the world, like Bangladesh is observing these festivals with a great festivity. So, it is clear that one culture is influencing to another culture and new cross-cultural activities are emerging. Popular festivals are no more for a group ofà people, people are appreciating cultural activities from different cultures and including to their culture and new cultures are emerging. Cultures are becoming global as well. Finally, the political aspects are also being influenced by the intercultural communications. World politicians are not only concerned about their country only; they have to think a lot about the other parts as well. It will be clear, if we see the very recent incident of Syria. The tragic incident, made an allegation across the world. This is now becoming very common scenario now. Any national incident is no more for a group of people only. It is a concern of the whole world. The world is reacting spontaneously and simultaneously. So, there are also some radical changes for intercultural communications. The effect of various types of communication (verbal, non-verbal, written and visual) on Intercultural Communication There are different forms of communication. People communicate verbally, non-verbally, in a written way or visually. These all type of communication has impacts on interpersonal communication. Few examples will make it clear. Firstly, ââ¬ËGood Morning / eveningââ¬â¢ are widely used in western culture. These greeting words are the part of their culture. But gradually it is growing global greetings. If we see social network page in a morning, this will be very clear. We can find lots of greetings form different cultural people of the world. What is their culture, their language do not matter actually. Even sometime words have different meaning in different languages, which may create complexity. But gradually these complexities are overcome by the grace of globalization and effective intercultural communication. Another example regarding non-verbal communication form will make the topic clearer. Thumbs up is sign of alright in particular culture but this sign has an opposite meaning in another culture. It is used as an insulting sign in particular cultural group. So, it may be problem when two persons are communicating non-verbally. But, now frequent and massive communications among different cultural groups of people are making these issues more clear. Gradually non- verbal communications are also growing with universal meaning. Similarly, in written communication, certain cultural people have some norms but while communicating to another cultural people it may create some noise. Massive intercultural communications are also reducing these problems. Visualà elements can also be a form of communication. Many pictures, colours have different meaning to different cultural groups of people. People are communicating with video conversation, sharing visual elements in social media in massive scales and these issues are also becoming identical. Conclusion: Message transmission is the main problem in intercultural communication. One person can easily encode or interpret the message from a person of similar culture as they have common values, beliefs and norms. But in cross cultural communication, messages can be encoded different way even sometimes can be interpreted with an opposite meaning. Effective intercultural communications are making these issues more issues and creating a good platform for a good communication base. And these are being built by the grace of modern technology, social media. Intercultural communication is also playing a vital role to the success of multinational organization. Practicing intercultural communication increases the communication competencies of an individual. He or she also gets motivated, confident and efficient than before while communicating proficiently to the co-workers from different cultures. All the forms of communication have also impacts on the intercultural communication. The global village will soon hold very similar culture, values and languages. Intercultural communications are making the base to make globe a borderless village. References: 1. Allwood, J., & Schroeder, R. (2000). Intercultural communication in a virtual environment. Intercultural Communication, 4, 1-15. 2. BeerE.Jennifer. (2003). High and Low Context. Communicating Across Cultures. Retrieved December 01, 2013, from http://www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html 3. Bomadan, (2010), Importance of Intercultural Communication Retrieved January 07, 2013, from http://www.studymode.com/join.php?redirectUrl=%2Fessays%2FImportance-Of-Intercultural-Communication-To-Ist-297367.html&from=essay 4. Castells, M. (2000). Materials for an exploratory theory of the network society. British Journal of Sociology. 5. Elisabeth Harper , (2013), Interactive, Social Media Retrieved January 02 from, http://www.omnistudio.com/category/interactive/
Sunday, September 15, 2019
The Decline in the Ecological Quality of the woodland, Heathland and Wetland Areas in the New Forest
The New Forest, a landscape enjoyed by many as a wonderful break from the bustle of city life, An abundance of species rich habitats, a place of solitude, as open space to be valued and conserved for both present and future generations. To many the New forest may seem an unchanging mosaic of forest, heath and wetland interlocked with small rural settlements whose traditional character seem almost timeless. However beneath this uniquely picturesque landscape lies an environment which is both complex and forever changing, a landscape which through history, has been heavily influenced by man and his activities. The precise role of man and the influence he is having upon the natural environment often creates a complex set of management issues. These issues embody not only concerns for the environment but often have economic implications for the wider community. The New Forest is a good example of this; it has many conflicting uses and hence requires management. Figure two displays this range of habitats. Habitat Area/ha Heathland/Acid Grassland 11740 Valley Mires and Wet Heaths 238 Unenclosed Deciduous Woodland 4049 Statutory Silvicultural Enclosures 8100 Unenclosable (open to exercise of common rights) 19028 Fig2: The proportions of different habitats It is the largest area of unsown vegetation in lowland Britain. Each habitat is affected differently by different uses, which in the past may have caused a decline in their ecological quality, it is both these uses and the management strategies associated with them that will be the focus of this article. History of Landuse and Management The forest became appointed to the crown as Royal Forest nine hundred years ago, it was used as a reservation for deer and domestic stock. This grazing and browsing limited the regeneration of trees and shrubs. It is currently under the management of the Forestry Commission as detailed in the Forestry and New Forest acts. The Forestry Commission is responsible for the ancient and ornamental woodlands and their timber enclosures this is refered to as the ââ¬ËCrown Land'. They are required to give priority to conservation of the forests traditional character. They practice forestry in the Silvicultural Enclosures and have a responsibility for managing the unenclosed forest. The New Forest Heritage area will be referred to as the ââ¬ËNew Forest'. The common land within the perambulation will be referred to as the ââ¬ËOpen Forest'. Privately owned and fenced lands will be refered to as ââ¬ËEnclosed lands'. Fig 1:Dockens area Fig 3: The New Forest Heritage Area Ten Verderers became responsible for management of communal animals depastured in open forest. They regulated the right of the common promoting the improvement of grazing for the commoners. However these days there are strict guidelines which commoners must adhere to, to try to ensure the retention and sometimes improvement of the landscape quality. In July 1994 the government recognised the New Forest as a unique area giving it similar protection as a national park. It also possesses other designations, it is a SSSI although this offers protection from development it offers little in the way of conservation. In 1996 the New Forest Committee published a management plan entitled ââ¬ËA strategy for the New Forest' its individual aims and strategies will be assessed throughout this article. The Committee represents the principal central and local government organisations in the forest who include Countryside Commission English Nature Forestry Commission Hampshire County Council New Forest District Council Verderers of the New Forest Salisbury District Council Test Valley Borough Council Wiltshire County Council (as Observers) Country Landowners' Association National Farmers' Union (as Observers) The development of a management strategy like The New Forest Strategy is important as it recognises the interests of all groups concerned, although the participation of so many organisations that often have conflicting interests may often make management difficult. Today most of the New Forest exists as a pastoral economy based on the exercise of common rights and grazing. The community of farmers made up of between three to four hundred commoners depend upon this for their livelihoods hence the combination of this and conservation makes management more difficult. It is thought that grazing has had a greater effect on vegetation than peat cutting and deforestation, indeed it is thought the landscape has evolved to its present state through the effects of grazing. In each area ecological quality is affected differently by a variety of different uses, so it will be necessary to assess the decline of each one in turn. Woodland Although there are both Silvicultural enclosures and ancient unenclosed deciduous woodland it is the later that possess the most nature conservation value. The silvicultural enclosures though contain approximately 40% of Oak and Beech some containing unmodified former pasture woodland. Because these enclosures have been less grazed than the unenclosed woodland contain many rare plants including bastard balm and the lungwort. These enclosures also contain large populations of predatory birds such as Buzzards and sparrow hawks. Fig 4: Native trees during flood Oak and Beech dominate the unenclosed deciduous woodland, Oaks being more dominant on heavier soils varying in proportion. Under this canopy Holly dominates along with maple and hawthorn. Older oaks contain the richest woodland lichen flora in Lowland Europe while insectivorous birds colonise decaying timber. This area is open to the exercise of common rights and has been for many years, indeed this habitat is Semi-natural, and exists as a Plagioclimax. There has been much research to determine whether this grazing of domestic stock has caused an ecological decline in these forests The animals can be very selective hence the less edible plants may become the most dominant. As a result much research has been undertaken to assess the effects of grazing on woodland. This is in many ways an attempt to determine the level of grazing necessary to prevent further damage to the environment and slow down any ecological decline associated with it. During 1960 Dr George Peterken established ââ¬ËThe age structure of the enclosed woodlands was related to fluctuations of large herbivores since at least the eighteenth century'. He also found that the most recent periods of regeneration of woodland were 1860-1910 and 1930-1945. The first of these followed the killing of most of the deer population after the order of the deer conservation act in 1851, while the second was due to a slow market and a corresponding reduction in stocks. This had a dramatic effect on the landscape and remains proof of the limiting effect of grazing both on woodland quality and area, as it followed the generation of new trees in adjacent areas. However nowadays commoning has been more intensive and there have been too many invertebrates to allow such natural regeneration. Clearly Herbivores influence species composition and age structure of woods so much so that in the New Forest today elm lime and hazel no longer make up the canopy of the majority of woodland. Research by Prof. Barber of Southampton Univ. has highlighted these reductions in diversity. His pollen diagrams show that elm and lime die out suddenly. He attributes this to them being felled and failing to regenerate. He has also documented a decline in hazel and its disappearance recently. Documentary evidence from 16th and 17th centuries shows hazel to be common. All of this evidence shows a slow increase in browse resistant holly, a decline in ecological quality, which can only be attributed to selective grazing. In comparing this to private forest of similar edaphic quality that has mainly been coppiced we find hazel still abundant along with a rich herb layer. This is in comparison to the sparse herb layer of the grazed area, which comprises of around a poor thirty species. The ungrazed area also contains many lichens and deadwood invertebrates, hence a wide variety and species richness. Management of Woodland The New Forest Committee in their Strategy for the New Forest recognises that ââ¬ËGrazing in open forest by sheep and cattle has a strong influence on the age regeneration and species type of the vegetation' They also recognise that the numbers and proportions of ponies to cattle have a significant effect on the ecology of the forest. It refers to ââ¬ËThe Lingworth Report' on grazing. It suggests that pony and cattle premium schemes and marking fees should be used as a mechanism for influencing numbers turned out. Recent research however has shown that social and cultural factors play a greater role in decision making. The report recognises that commoning is poor source of income for commoners and that restrictions on landuse and stock numbers may have profound effects on their livelihoods and the local economy. The Forestry commissions policy is ââ¬Ëto conserve woodland as an essential component of the traditional character of the forest'. Part of the ââ¬ËNew Forest review' recommends that ââ¬ËThe maximum feasible area of native area of broardleaved component should be grown on the longest feasible rotations, and the possibility of restoring some conifer plantations to broardleave should be investigated'. Such recommendations are encouraging for conservation however the actual implementation may be more difficult to put into practice, while the affects of any recent measures are too early to assess. Unfortunately it is difficult for the Forestry Commission to assess the extent of deterioration or have any control over development in the privately owned forests. This is identified in the ââ¬ËStrategy for the New Forest', it recognises ââ¬ËChanges in the design and siting of new planting, changes in management practices and species composition and loss of hedgerows all have important implications for the forest as a whole' Indeed comparison of the area today to that recorded in the New Forest by English Nature during 1994 shows a reduction in quality of the landscape. It identified 94 sites supporting ancient woodland amounting to 2330ha in privately owned areas. The Report identifies that 37% of ancient woodland from these areas has now been replanted with conifers. Heathlands These are the result of mans activities particularly burning over the last three thousand years and are hence regarded as Semi-natural. Heathlands similar to woodlands have been grazed throughout history. Some heaths were part of the commoning system these are outside the Crown lands and have been enclosed since the 19th Century. Some heath is unenclosed on higher ground. The fringes of the forest in the west have extensive heaths. The heaths inside the perambulation have become degraded through recreational use and gravel extraction, this has contributed to much fragmentation and a reduction in this habitat. Scrub encroachment has become a particular problem and has led to a reduction in bio-diversity through competition. Grazing by Ponies is believed to have led to the rapid decline in populations of Dwarf Gorse an important component of the heathland. The evidence is indicating that grassland is expanding while heathland contracts and this is leading to a decline in the ecological quality of the forest. It is thought and shown by observation that this is apparent where there is intensive grazing and trampling. In 1973 Dr Colin Tubbs showed that areas of heath that had been burnt failed to regenerate due to the grazing pressure. Heathlands support birds like the Dartford Warbler, which in the New Forest has been put under threat by grazing. In 1974 Colin Bibby conducted a national survey of Dartford Warbler populations he concluded that burning and heavy grazing had reduced the birds habitat namely the heathlands, and had hence he attributed a decline in populations of Dartford Warbler to this decline in habitat. It is thought by entomologists that insects particularly butterflies were more frequently sited during the 1930's. However this is difficult to place certainty on as much of the data is unreliable. They have found that species such as High Brown, Dark Green, Pearl Bordered and many other rare species, which were abundant, are now confined to local areas. During the 1930's there was less grazing, both this and the higher diversity and this can be said is proof of this ecological decline. Colin Tubbs has expressed concern over buzzard populations who rely on heathlands as their habitat. Competition with large vertebrates is causing them to decline through limiting the number of small ground vertebrates such as rabbits by over grazing. This is the underlying Hypothesis surrounding much of Colin Tubbs work in this area. He established in 1973 that there was a large fall in buzzard production with only one out of six pairs known to rear young since then the number of successful pairs has stayed below the levels during the 1960's. This followed a large fall in the number of small rodents counted in southern England during 1970. It is difficult to place much reliability on this data. The grazing by ponies continues to be intensive and remain so unless the Forestry Commission takes action. Actions such as the erecting of fences are of little use, as Ponies seem to have a remarkable ability to leap over fences. The Forestry Commission has had to dedicate time to the removal of Ponies and this can often be very costly. Management Of Heathlands The Heathlands are managed by the Forestry Commission, during 1986 the New Forest Review group recommended that some conifer or open woods should be returned to open heathland to reduce there decline, purely in the interests of conservation. The Forestry Commission has already started this holistic approach away from the economic needs of forestry to those of conservation. Many of the proposals outlined in the ââ¬ËStrategy for the New Forest' aims to: ââ¬Ëwork with landowners to conserve and extend heathland reinstating traditional management where possible' RA3.73b.8. This will be possibly hard to implement, as the economic needs of commoners may be difficult to overcome in the pursuit of conservation. This may only be possible through the adoption of joint marketing of Forest animals and produce to offset the financial implications of this proposal. This is outlined in section 4.1.6 of the report. The Forestry Commission is responsible for the management of the majority of these areas and there is a tendency for their economic implications to override those of conservation. Management also aims to: ââ¬ËRaise awareness of the ecological importance of heathland and encourage local support for its conservation' [RA3.7c]. This is important as raising awareness of the public can lead to involvement through voluntary organisations which can lead to a reduction in expenditure by government and an increase in the amount of positive management for conservation. Although this is hard to implement as it often involves some expensive form of interpretative media. All these policies aim to restore and recreate heathland, although the effects of these actions to the problems already discussed are not yet visible. Wetland's The New Forest possesses ninety valley mires of which there are only 120 in the whole of Europe, these have high conservation importance. Draining during the 1950's and 60's has lead to a reduction in the ecological quality of these environments. Restoration of these areas is important as some pockets contain unique flora and flora, an immense biological richness. They provide both grazing and water for forest animals. Rare species include slender cotton grass (Eriophorum gracile), bog orchid (Hammarabga paludose) which are very rare in Southern England. The Forestry Commission previously had a duty to drain many mires in an effort to fulfil the statutory obligations of ââ¬ËThe New Forest Act of 1949'. Unfortunately it is only recently that the importance of this habitat ecologically has become realised. It is now part of the ââ¬ËNew Forest special area of conservation' and is both a ââ¬ËRAMSAR' wetland and a ââ¬ËSSSI'. The most important Mires are located in the Crown lands. The wetlands also include many rivers and their floodplains, while there are historic water meadows and fifty ponds, these also posses high bio-diversity and require management. Many of the streams are rare due to there acid nature hence they support rare species. There has been a reduction in the ecological quality of these areas by modifying or straitening of the marine channels. Low levels in the Rivers and streams have been attributed to a lowering of the water table by boreholes and streams. Management of Wetlands In relation to rivers and streams, the ââ¬ËEnvironment Agency' has developed a ââ¬ËCatchment management plan' for the New Forest. Which is concerned with the future management of these areas. The recommended actions associated with this management I am unaware of. In relation to mires the Strategy aims to: ââ¬ËRestore and enhance damaged valley mires' [RA3.8b]0 This involves techniques to slow the flow of water restoring levels of water to how they were before drainage. This is achieved by installing small dams along small ditches in an attempt to drain the mire. It tries to mimic natural channel blocking; it is hoped that this will halt headwald erosion. Deep channels have developed in some places, which are a hazard to livestock and damaging to the mire. ââ¬ËThe Forestry Commission' has been aiming to infill these with local material to hope that they blend in with surrounding heathland vegetation. Again many of these important areas of conservation occur in the Crown land i.e.- Mires. In one of its recommended actions the Forestry Commission work with land managers and advise them in areas where conservation may not be the land managers highest priority. In Relation to this the strategy aims to: ââ¬ËIdentify wetland features important to the traditional character of the New Forest and work with landowners/land managers to secure their conservation.' [RA3.8a], see also RA3.3c0 It is clear now that the New possess a very complex range of management issues and that successful management will require great co-operation between all groups who have an interest for one reason or another in the New Forest.
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