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The Spring 2009 issue of JPIC Report now available March 18th, 2009
The Spring issue of JPIC Report is now available, with hyperlinks to email addresses and websites mentioned in the text. (Download PDF)
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Tea Estate Expansion Threatens Bangladeshi Khasi People and Forest March 15th, 2009
In early January 2009, the Zhimai Tea Estate Authority cut-down a number of trees in the Pan-zoom of Zhimai. Thousands of trees have been demarcated to be felled and construction of labor-quarters has begun in an expansion of the tea garden. This activity threatens displacement of the indigenous Khasi people of Zhimai Punji, and directly interferes with their livelihood, which depends on the betel plant which grows on tall trees. Apart from the destruction of the land & livelihood of the Khasi, the tree felling severely affects the bio-diversity, and overall environment of the hills & forest of Sylhet Division, Bangladesh.
Fr. Joseph Gomes, OMI has been working with the Khasi people and APRA (Adibashi Poribesh Roskhya Andolon), the movement administered by BAPA, a national Bangladeshi environmental organization, for the protection & conservation of Bangladeshi forests.
Read report on the forest destruction (Download PDF)
Darrell Rupiper, OMI – Requiescat in Pace February 12th, 2009
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved friend and colleague in the work for justice, Fr. Darrell Rupiper, omi. Darrell was a tireless advocate for the poor and passionate about preserving the integrity of God’s creation. In recent years, he led countless of individuals to a greater connection with God and nature through his Eco-Mission workshops. Memories of his consistent good humor and kindness will remain with us as we carry on in his absence. He passed away on February 10th.
“The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man’s heart away from nature becomes hard; he knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans too.” -Chief Luther Standing Bear
Foreclosure Prevention and Job Stimulus Plans Presented to Rep. Howard Berman of California February 4th, 2009
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate staff three parishes in the Los Angeles area. They are active supporters and participants in an effort to address the acute challenges facing homeowners and others hit by the severe economic downturn in their area.
Two proposals to stem foreclosures and stimulate job training were presented recently to the area’s Congressional representative, Howard Berman, a senior democrat in Congress. Presentation took place on January 25 at an assembly of more than 500 people from churches, synagogues and unions in San Fernando CA.
One LA Job Training Plan (PDF)
Belem to Davos: “Another World is Possible” January 28th, 2009
The 2009 World Social Forum (WSF) has started in Belem, Brazil where thousands of people have gathered to discuss, develop strategies and act together against exploitative neo-liberalism and globalization. The WSF, which started in 2001, is an open forum for civil society and non governmental organizations to share experiences, network and formulate advocacy alternatives.
The World Social Forum offers an alternative platform to the policies and proposals of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland which starts at the same time (Jan 29 and 30). Here, by invitation only, world political and international business leaders meet to discuss the global economy. The World Economic Forum is organized under the slogan, “Shaping the Post-Crisis World”
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