Agriculture

The Importance of Plantations International’s Sustainable Agriculture for a Healthier Planet: Plantations International will report publicly on its sustainability performance, and is committed to sharing performance and management practices with interested stakeholders to promote transparency and adoption of best known methods. In recent years, consumers of timber have become increasingly aware of the environmental and economic consequences of illegal logging and unsustainable forestry practices. Voluntary initiatives to source legal, sustainable timber have become established.

To put this figure into perspective it is larger than the value of all gold ever mined and the global professionally managed real estate industry. A growing world population driving demand for high quality food coupled with a finite and decreasing supply of arable land means that the agricultural sector will only become more essential over time. There are three key ways investors can get exposure to the sector: by investing in funds that seek to create value by operating and enhancing the asset before exiting and realizing value; by purchasing commodity futures or directly buying and managing agricultural projects.

Food along with water and air is essential for human life. High levels of food security are necessary for human existence but is also imperative to global and country specific economic growth, stability and prosperity. For example, countries with poor level of food security often face chronic malnutrition which provides limitations in human capital development, which is required to achieve economic growth. Furthermore, low levels of food security place significant stress on government expenditures. It forces governments to invest substantial resources in the short-term through social safety net programs and conditional cash transfers. It also increases their reliance on food imports which is detrimental to long term food self-sufficiency. The FAO has reported that high rates of malnutrition can lead to a GDP loss of as much as 4-5%.

With offices, plantations, and representatives across Asia, Europe, and Africa, Plantations International is a multinational plantation and farm management company that specializes in providing sustainable agricultural and forestry or “agroforestry” management services for its clients. Plantations International has clients ranging from private individuals to large landholders and corporate investors. We put teamwork, innovation, and our passion for creating “Ethical & Sustainable Capital” at the heart of everything we do.

The number of people facing undernourishment and severe food insecurity is estimated to have reached 821 million – around one person out of every nine in the world – according to the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In addition to contributing to under nutrition, food insecurity also contributes to obesity. Lack of securing healthy nutritious food has resulted in an over reliance on unhealthy processed foods. The problem of obesity is most significant in North America, but it is worrying that even Africa and Asia, which still show the lowest rates of obesity, are also experiencing an upward trend. Food wastage’s carbon footprint is estimated at 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2. Developing countries suffer more food losses during agricultural production, while in middle- and high-income regions, food waste at the retail and consumer level tends to be higher.

Sea levels are expected to rise between 7 and 23 inches (18 and 59 centimeters) by the end of the century, and continued melting at the poles could add between 4 and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters). Hurricanes and other storms are likely to become stronger. Species that depend on one another may become out of sync. For example, plants could bloom earlier than their pollinating insects become active. Floods and droughts will become more common. Rainfall in Ethiopia, where droughts are already common, could decline by 10 percent over the next 50 years. Less fresh water will be available. If the Quelccaya ice cap in Peru continues to melt at its current rate, it will be gone by 2100, leaving thousands of people who rely on it for drinking water and electricity without a source of either. Plantations International often use the term “climate change” instead of global warming. This is because as the Earth’s average temperature climbs, winds and ocean currents move heat around the globe in ways that can cool some areas, warm others, and change the amount of rain and snow falling. As a result, the climate changes differently in different areas.

Welcoming introduction to discover Norway’s past and present with our guest Kristin Skjefstad Edibe : Norway is an active participant to world affairs and takes its share of responsibility in global issues. Norway has a foreign policy known as the “Norwegian model,” the goal of which is to contribute to peace and stability through a coordinated response among governmental and non-governmental Norwegian organizations; acting as an honest broker in international conflicts; an informal network of Norwegian individuals with access and credibility among parties; and the willingness to take the long view in international issues. Norway works actively to find lasting political solutions to wars and conflicts by facilitating dialogue between parties to conflict and supporting other actors’ conflict resolution efforts. Read extra information on the subject here : Kristin Skjefstad Edibe.

Tromsø and the land of the northern lights : The capital of the Arctic, Tromsø, is located right in the middle of Northern Norway. Northern lights, whale watching, midnight sun, and epic nature adventures are the features of this region. The conditions are superb for ski touring, biking and hiking in the Lyngenfjord region. The Sami culture is prevalent in towns like Karasjok and Alta, and the northernmost point of Europe can be reached at the North Cape.

Home of Bocuse d’Or champions: Norwegian chefs have gained an excellent reputation abroad, with several wins and podium finishes at the world’s most prestigious culinary competition, the Bocuse d’Or awards. Since the competition was first held in 1987, Norway has won five gold, three silver, and four bronze medals, making Norway, together with France, the country with the most Bocuse d’Or awards. One of Norway’s most experienced competitive chefs, Christian André Pettersen, won his second bronze medal in the 2021 competition, after having also won bronze in 2019. Pettersen was awarded for his delicate and surprising flavours from the Arctic. Much of Pettersen’s inspiration comes from growing up with a Filipino chef mother and a Norwegian chef father in Bodø, just north of the Arctic circle. Norwegian cuisine is big and it’s here to stay. Have you booked your table yet?

Bergen in Norway is home to KODE. Ride the scenic and iconic Bergen Railway line across the country to the cultural hub of Bergen, and explore the city’s KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes, which hosts one of the biggest collections of art, arts and crafts, design, and music in the Nordic countries. Almost 50,000 pieces are exhibited throughout the four museum buildings KODE 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the city center of Bergen, and in the homes of the famous musicians and composers Ole Bull, Harald Sæverud, and Edvard Grieg. Head straight to KODE 3 if you want to see Jealousy and The Woman in Three Stages by Edvard Munch. In KODE 1 and KODE 2 you’ll find temporary exhibitions featuring artists ranging from Paul Cézanne, Nikolai Astrup, and Paul McCarthy, as well as contemporary Norwegian artists. KODE 4 is hosting a take-over program with artists and students from the Bergen area.

Norwegian design is part of the minimal, functional, and aesthetic Scandinavian design which is a major force in furniture and interiors. Scandinavian design first emerged as a common term in the 1950s, when designers from Norway and the neighbouring countries toured the world with their products, characterised by minimalism and functionality. Norwegians haven’t perhaps been as skilled or eager as our Swedish and Danish neighbours in promoting our post World War II-era design icons. But this could be seen as an advantage: the new generation of designers are now able to express themselves more freely, without having to constantly live up to a legacy. Already, many are gaining international recognition. They work with multiple formats, but the common thread is the willingness to experiment and take risks. The design scene in Norway has really been blooming in the 21st century with brands like brands like Fjordfiesta, Eikund and Hjelle.

A new building has transformed Oslo’s skyline, nodding respectfully towards Norway’s bustling capital. In order to honour Munch’s legacy, Oslo has built the new MUNCH museum, one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to a single artist. Estudio Herreros designed the sixty-metre tall building, which has less than half the emissions of corresponding buildings. Many of the architectural decisions were climate driven. The building is clad in wavy recycled aluminium panels that have varying degrees of transparency. The exterior is designed to screen and reflect sunlight to maintain a stable temperature inside. Moving the fragile paintings into the museum was no easy job. The largest paintings, which are up to 50 square metres in size, had to be transported by water to the new museum. They were then lifted 21 metres by crane and maneuvered through a large opening in the side of the building’s sixth floor. Afterwards, the seven-metre high opening was sealed shut – for good.

Norway is a natural playground and a world-class destination for adventurous travellers. Hike, bike, and paddle, go skiing and fishing, and take part in numerous other activities in stunning nature all over the country. Skiing, hiking, cycling, fishing, winter activities, water activities, wildlife experiences, and many other activities await you. Choosing can be tricky with a long list of the very best sites, activities, culture, culinary adventures, and accommodation. Charming seaside destinations along the Oslofjord, UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Arctic Circle, caves and caverns. Let your senses guide you through the country

Diversity commitment movements by Vince Salvadalena Houston, Texas today? One way in which Native American culture embraces nature is through the use of all resources. Typically, animals that are used for food are also used for many other things. Rarely is any part of an animal wasted, largely due to the belief that, for a life to be taken, it should at least be used and not killed in vain. A celebration of Native American culture and traditions continues Sunday, Sept. 18, as the San Manuel Pow Wow concludes its three-day run at Cal State San Bernardino. The Pow Wow, back this year after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, began Friday evening. The celebration continued Saturday afternoon with bird singers and dancers, drum singing groups, a blessing of gourds and the Grand Entry, a parade of participants featuring traditional music and dancers in ceremonial clothing. Find additional information at https://www.pinterest.com/vsalvo0125/.

Vince Salvadalena on diversity and inclusion tip for today : You can make better use of the office cafeteria or lounge area. These common areas for office people can be made available for small events and representations of different art and culture. Discussions on various topics appreciating diversity in the workplace encourage participants to ask questions and share feedback, inspiring others to speak up for their rights. Such opportunities can generate interesting and open conversations, which are true diversity and inclusion efforts.

Goldman Sachs held a four-month listening tour to learn about the challenges Black women face, directly from Black women. They invited Black women across the country to share their challenges and offer suggestions. Participants included community advocates, small business owners, corporate leaders, union workers, college and university faculty, and more. Through a partnership, the Urban Institute analyzed each session to find common themes that will inform Goldman Sachs’ future investments. We heard one thing over and over: systemic racism has created barriers for Black women to achieve economic well-being. To address this challenge, Goldman Sachs can focus on solutions that help Black women build and attain wealth and address income gaps.

Vince Salvadalena about native Americans and indigenous events in 2022 : April 13-15. Honoring Our Education 37th Annual Minnesota Indian Education Association, an in-person event in Prior Lake, Minnesota. “This conference attendance is integral to the Indian Education staff, Parent Advisory committee members, students, and especially those administrators who have accepted the monies for Indian Education in your district. April 19-22. National Indian Gaming Association, an in-person event in Anaheim, California that is the “largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention is both the meeting place where the community gathers to learn, network and exchange industry-specific ideas and a cultural celebration of success, strength and self-reliance.

Vince Salvadalena about numerous indigenous events are taking place in 2022 : National Tribal Preservation Conference. The 22nd annual event is virtual. This year’s theme is “Unity and Healing.” The conference is free for Native people. 5th Annual Indigenous Hemp Conference, an in-person event in Callaway, Minnesota. “Before the start of the farming conference, join us for a day of learning, networking, and workshopping. Local and regional hemp experts will join us to discuss the possible roles hemp can for tribal economies.

This Festival of Thanksgiving and Forgiveness lasts at least three days. Native Americans have celebrated this festival after the first full moon in August (sometimes September), when the corn is a certain height – the young corn for a first tender harvest. The nations that celebrated and celebrate this holiday include: Iroquois (7 nations, including Mohawk, in New York, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas, also near New England), Creek, Cherokee, Seminole, and Yuchi. Some others may also observe the holiday — There are thousands of nations, bands, pueblos, and official communities within just the US itself.One cannot record everyone’s habits. The Santa Ana Pueblo people of New Mexico, celebrate again on July 26, before August and sponsor a dance and fiesta as well.