Forestry is one of the key industries in Northern Ontario. Northern Ontario’s forest areas play an important role in providing livelihood to forestry communities all over the region. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, about 90% of the forest area in Ontario is publicly owned. Since aboriginal times, Northern Ontario has been dependant on forests for its livelihood and so has its social, economic, and cultural development. The twentieth century saw the development of sawmills, paper and pulp, logging, and other such industries in Northern Ontario. Today, the forest product industry, tourism, fishing and hunting, lumbering, and transportation contribute to the livelihood of more than 90,000 people all across Northern Ontario.

The forests sector industries ensure that they indulge in effective forest management. Since the livelihood of the region depends on the forest areas, effective measures are taken to ensure that the natural resources are sustainable and able to provide for the entire forestry community. High standards in terms of environmental protection and reforestation are provided to the precious natural resources. Apart from communities in Northern Ontario that are dependant on the forestry industry for their bread and butter, there are also communities in Southern Ontario that exist on the basis of the forestry sector, making using of products such as timber, paper, lumber, and so on. Thus, the forestry industry and community in Northern Ontario is playing a significant role in the economy and standard of living of other regions in Ontario as well.

However, the forestry communities of Northern Ontario have their own share of problems too. Although Northern Ontario has been blessed with abundant natural resources, and even though these sources are being used to generate power, they have not managed to alleviate the costs of power itself. The astronomical pricing of power is causing a loss of jobs and affecting the livelihood of the forestry communities. The government must ensure that power is produced at a price so that its supply can be carried out at a reasonable cost. Lack of an organization or a committee to regulate the forestry industry produce and ensure that adequate reforestation takes place is also a big problem faced by the forestry community in northern Ontario.

The signing of the Ontario Forest Accord in 1999 has been a breakthrough in terms of advancement for the forestry community in Northern Ontario. An effort has thus been made by the government, the forestry communities, and the environmental community to understand each others problems and come up with effective solutions together.

Author Resource:-> Explore the Greenstone region’s rich heritage of fur, gold, and forestry at interpretive sites in various communities or experience a traditional Pow Wow and learn of the ancient ways of the First Nations people.
http://www.greenstone.ca/

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Forestry Communities in Northern Ontario

A naturally-occurring hot springs settles on the bottom of the ocean floor, in a similar way as the Old Faithful spouts off every so often at Yosemite National Park in the U.S. In the same way, these black smokers on the ocean floor release gases that bubble up inside the ocean, far away from anyone’s view.

These structures are chimney-like and are made up of sulfur-bearing minerals or sulfides formed by the Earth’s crust. These sulfide minerals crystallize onto volcanic rocks where the hot mineral-rich water flows from the ground. Scuba divers often see these black smokers and become frightened upon first sight, yet if they are experienced and knowledgeable divers they know what to expect. These natural phenomenons are really quite beautiful to behold.

Black Smokers: A Fascinating Natural Occurence

When the water spouts out of this chimney-like shape it appears black in color because of it mixing with the cold ocean water. This is why it was given the name black smoker. The place where black smokers tend to occur is on top of sulfide mounds, which are piles of minerals which build up over time.

The size of these mounds can be as large as a tennis court or as small as a pool table. Sometimes, they are given names such as Garden of Eden, Snake Pit or Beehives. These black smokers occur along the midocean ridges and many different vents have been discovered around the Galapagos Islands in recent years. These deep-sea hydrothermal vents are located on ridges most often, but not exclusively.

There is ongoing research being conducted around ocean basins which can cause the black smokers to form. Expeditions go to collect samples and to run tests to find out exactly how and where these vents occur. Heat and chemical mass come from deep within the Earth and are transferred by these deep sea vents. Understanding this process is critical in trying to help our planet in many ways.

Vast ecosystems are supported upon these black smokers and are fascinating to explore and understand as well. The energy source is not from sunlight, as the smokers are on the bottom of the ocean floor and receive no light, thus it is important to study how life forms in this environment. Much can be gleaned from the studying life in the ocean depths for enhancing our own population and ecosystem on the Earth’s land.

Author Resource:-> For more information on black smokers covers visit http://www.SimplyBarbeque.com/ or http://SimplyBarbeque.blogspot.com/

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Naturally Occurring Black Smokers On The Ocean Floor

Fiscal paradise Monaco has led the small countries of the world in the campaign to heighten awareness of environmental issues since Prince Albert became Sovereign in 2005, and has launched a radical plan of its own to cut carbon emissions.

One of the first acts Prince Albert took when succeeding to the throne upon his father’s death was to sign the Kyoto Protocol.

Along with the USA and Australia, Monaco was one of the few countries not to sign up to the treaty intended to cut greenhouses gases.

Included in a campaign by Prince Albert to protect the environment has been an expedition to the Arctic to see for himself how global warming has begun to melt the glaciers, and shortly after his return he started a foundation to study rising sea levels and how to address what he sees as environmental challenges.

Monaco travel guide http://www.yourmonaco.com comment that given the Principality’s position in the Mediterranean, concern at rising sea levels should come as no surprise.

‘There are plans at an advanced stage to build an island off Monte Carlo, which will change the map of Monte Carlo, and the district of Fontvieille is largely reclaimed from the sea.’

The island is expected to be complete in ten years time, and will include the first new hotels in Monaco for some time.

Prince Albert recently spent time with fellow royal and campaigner for the environment Prince Charles.

‘Most notable of all’, comment YourMonaco, ‘Prince Albert chose a mansion in the Kalorama district of Washington D.C. to serve as Monaco’s U.S. Embassy – Monaco’s first independent embassy outside of Europe. Up to now it hasn’t been necessary for Monaco to have her own representation in the U.S. – France has always looked after Monaco’s interests. But it serves as a useful base for him to entertain politicans on Capitol Hill and get his environment message across. Expect to see more of Prince Albert in America in the coming months and years!’.

Monaco Hotels

With Prince Albert punching above Monaco’s weight abroad, he has been no less active at home to prove his green credentials, and a radical plan has been introduced to cut carbon emissions, and to reduce the number of cars on the streets of Monte Carlo.

The domestic campaign began with the Monaco Yacht Show 2005, held each September, with the event successfully becoming carbon neutral. To encourage the thousands who commute to Monaco every day from neighbouring France and Italy the railway station is one of the best in Europe, with frequent and reliable services.

‘For those who work in Monte Carlo and travel in from Nice and her surrounding villages five days a week, it’s both cheaper and quicker to take the train – the trains are modern and comfortable and it’s rare for seats not to be available even during the rush hour’, claim YourMonaco.com. ‘Once people are in Monaco the local transport service is equally quick and efficient. Virtually all routes are well planned and easy to understand, and the most you have to wait for a bus is ten minutes, often it’s just a couple of minutes – which isn’t exactly a hardship given the Monte Carlo weather!’

With many major companies and the Monaco banks also looking to see how they can improve their own environmental records the business community view the steps as prudent ones.

The routes are planned to incorporate tourist needs, with many passing by the Hotel de Paris in Casino Square and the Columbus in Fontvieille, two of the best known and popular hotels in Monaco. Fares have been reduced to one Euro, making public transport in Monaco among the lowest priced, comfortable and frequent in Europe.

With the overall aim to increase bus usage by 20 per cent, the Principality is also funding five new duplex trains with a thirty per cent increase in train services, and in an innovative attempt to persuade commuters to leave their cars at home will provide free electric cycles at car park schemes.

‘The one time of year you might see fast cars being encouraged is of course for the Monaco Grand Prix in May’, conclude YourMonaco, ‘But overall it’s Prince Albert who will be able to claim the winners rostrum among European leaders for the environment.’

Author Resource:-> Details of Monaco holidays , articles, and this year’s Monaco Grand Prix and other Monaco and Monte Carlo information is at yourmonaco.com

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Monte Carlo Shows Europe How To Go Green

On December 26, 2004 the Asian Tsunami hit the coastal regions of Southeast Asia. It was the result of the second largest and longest lasting underwater earthquake ever recorded, and has since been referred to as the single worst tsunami on record.

The earthquake that generated this tsunami reached a magnitude of 9.3 on the Richter scale and lasted for between 500 and 600 seconds. The wave caused by this quake did massive damage to parts of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, with crests reaching a maximum height of 100 feet.

The damage that resulted from this tsunami was extensive. Repairs to the area are ongoing, and are estimated to take five to ten years to complete. Widespread damage to local infrastructure, shortages of food and water, and the potential for disease create additional risks. 186,983 people where killed, and 14,100 where reported missing. A further 1,126,900 people were rendered homeless, requiring massive relief efforts to ensure that those that survived the tsunami did not suffer from other causes, resulting from the extensive damage created by the wave.

The social impact of this tsunami was significant as well. Tourism to the area was quashed: travelers no longer wanted to visit the Southeast Asian coasts. Local families where devastated; many lost the major income earners, and in some cases whole families where completely wiped out.

There was a massive economic impact as a result of this tsunami. The local infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and food supplies where totally destroyed or extensively damaged requiring much needed and very costly repairs. The coastal fishing communities lost laborers, as well as boats, traps and other gear. It was estimated that 66% of the total fishing fleet was wiped out. Shipping through the Malacca Straights was affected by changing depths, the drifting of shipping buoys, and the shifting or movement of old shipwrecks. Salt from the sea water contaminated local fresh water supplies and farm land, in some cases rendering it useless for what may become many years. Seven billion dollars in financial aid was pumped into the area by the international community. Even now tourism has only just begun to return to the region.

To think that something as simple as a very large wave could cause damage of such a magnitude is beyond what most people can begin to imagine. Most of us think little about the possible consequences that could ensue when Mother Nature decides to make a change. In this day and age, with our complex information systems, and huge data storage requirements it is easy to see why being prepared and taking every reasonable precaution makes economic sense, and is socially responsible.

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Tsunami Hits Coastal Communities Across Southeast Asia, Killing an Estimated 275,000 People

On July 30, 1997 a huge landslide rolled over the Thredbo Ski village in Australia causing massive damage and virtually burying the resort; cars, buildings, people and all! The loose earth, rock, and foliage swept down the slope and crashed into the Bimbadeen Lodge, a multi-level building, used to house guests. Eighteen people died as a direct result of the landslide, most were buried alive.

The landslide brought one thousand tones of earth, rock, trees and debris down the slope of the mountain cutting a four hundred meter wide swath. Rescue efforts where made even more difficult due to the occurrence of secondary minor landslides, and unstable soft earth.

The damage to the resort was devastating. Sheared water, gas, and oil lines had to be capped before rescue operations could even begin. It took 55 hours before any survivors could even be located. Many vehicles where destroyed by the flowing earth. The Carinya lodge was swept right off its foundations and hurled into the Bimbadeen Lodge. Both multi-floor buildings where completely crushed as a result of the landslide.

The social impact on the resort was substantial. Tourism to the resort dropped as a result of the landslide. Most people where afraid to return to the area. Many people suffered trauma from the event and still experience nightmares, and other such medical or psychological conditions.

The economic impact to the area was of course very significant. Business to the resort obviously came to a full stop. Millions of dollars had to be spent to repair and rebuild the facility and it took quite a long time to complete the repairs and reopen for business. Lost revenues from the closure and from the reduced level of tourism were enormous.

Landslides are not often considered to be significant issues in so far as natural disasters are concerned. They usually occur in more isolated areas and their effects are only felt by relatively small local populations. One must realize, however, that in the last one hundred and sixty five years over one hundred and fifty landslides have caused an estimated two hundred million dollars in damages. They have damaged hundreds of buildings, both homes and businesses, and destroyed roads, pipelines, crops, and disrupted local utilities. These same landslides have killed at least 73 people and injured many more. Obviously, such a landslide can cause economic loss and hardship for an operating business. Proper planning is essential to reduce the risks associated with any type of natural disaster.

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Huge Landslide Destroys Ski Resort

On August 18, 1955 hurricanes Connie and Diane passed through the Delaware valley area dropping over 8″ of rain. Rushing water swept through the valley carrying with it homes, bridges, and debris. With little warning the Delaware River flooded creating havoc as a result.

As the river swelled it became necessary to evacuate two camps located on Treasure Island and Pennington Island. Five hundred children from the camps had to be airlifted to safety. Fortunately there were no deaths associated with this disaster. Yet much damage to the local economy did result.

The flowing river lifted up and swept away the Byram-Point Bridge. Four homes located in Byram, where the water swelled to heights above the rooftops, were swept away. Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania was probably the worst hit region in the area. Hundreds of local residents where left homeless and over a thousand people needed the food and water delivered by the Red Cross after the waters finally receded. Even the Black Eddy post office was washed away.

Two hundred local families had to be evacuated. Local government health officials, worried that typhoid might become a problem, decided to inoculate all area residents at a significant cost. Many families were totally uprooted by the flood and left with nothing, even drinking water and food had to be brought in. Roads, where washed away and much of the local infrastructure had to be rebuilt.

The economy suffered a major blow. Probably one of the worst hit areas was in New Jersey. The local paper mill suffered damages in excess of one million dollars and was closed for over a month while it was being repaired.

In the Milford area damages were estimated at one hundred and thirty two thousand dollars and in Frenchtown the estimated damages where thought to be almost half a million dollars. Businesses had to be rebuilt. Local utilities had to be brought back online and many people had to wait to go back to work while their work places where repaired.

The loss of revenue and critical information and data was enormous, even in this “pre-digital” time.

Flooding in low-lying areas has been a problem for many years. In some cases even insurance companies have decided not to cover losses as a result of flooding, because living in a flood zone is a matter of personal choice. Despite the risks, companies need to be located in these low-lying areas either to service local populations or to access needed resources. The only answer is to be properly prepared.

Author Resource:-> You can never be too prepared when disaster strikes. Protect yourself from data loss with online” target=”_blank”>http://www.globaldatavault.com/online-backup-service.html”>online backup from Global Data Vault. Avoid downtime, revenue loss and angry customers with remote backup services from Global Data Vault.

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Delaware Valley Flood Results in Severe Damage

Hoodia is a genus in the plant family Apocynaceae, in the part of the family previously treated as a separate family Asclepiadaceae. They are stem succulents that can reach up to 1 m high and present exuberant flowers, often with flesh colour and strong smell.

Hoodias are protected plants, typical of the Namib Desert, ranging from Central Namibia to southern Angola, especially in plains and rocky areas. Common names include “Bushmans Hat” and “Queen of the Namib”.

The medicinal use of Hoodia is long known by the indigenous populations of Southern Africa, who use these plants for treating indigestion and small infections. Recently the pharmaceutical companies discovered that Hoodia extracts can be used to lower blood pressure and reduce the appetite.

This breakthrough research lead to such a demand for Hoodia plants, that a protected status was imposed in several countries like Namibia.

The native Bushmans name for this plant is Xshoba.

Hoodias are also grown as garden plants.

The Hoodia Plant

The cactus-like Hoodia Gordonii plant is native to the Kalahari desert region of Southern Africa.

Hoodia is a member of the Asclepiadoideae sub-family of the Apocynaceae family which is a genus of succulents plants that are related to cacti.

Succulents are plants that store water in their engorged fleshy roots, stems and leaves. a majority of Parenchyma tissue contributes to this storage of water which enables them to grow in harsh, dry environments.

There are 13 species of Hoodia, twelve of which are native to Southern Africa. The plant is seen as a small clump of upright stems having a palish green color. Hoodia are extremely difficult to grow and require a lot of attention and precise regulation of temperature, sunlight and water.

The various Hoodia species occur in rainfall areas in Namibia, Botswana, Angola, and other areas of Southern Africa. Although the genus Hoodia is somewhat common in Southern Africa, Hoodia Gordonii usually only occurs in South Africa and Namibia.

The San People

The hunter-gatherer San speaking tribal people of the Kalahari desert have long known about the appetite suppressing capabilities of the Hoodia Gordoni plant, and have used the stem to ward off the great hunger they would feel during hunting excursions across the desert.

It is widely held that these indigenous people have used the plant for over tweny five thousand years.

Andries Steenkamp, a spokesman for the indigenous San people spoke in an interview with ABC news: “I learned how to eat it from my forefathers. It is my food, my water and also a medicine for me. Steenkamp also spoke about the uses for the plant: “We San use the plant during hunting to fight off the pain of hunger and thirst.”

The discovery of Hoodia

It was not until the mid 1970s that commercial and scientific interest appeared for using Hoodia Gordonii cactus extract as an appetite suppressant.

Over the next thirty years, South Africa’s National Laboratory worked on isolating and identifying the active compound in Hoodia Gordonii that was responible for the appetite suppressant effects.

Scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Southern Africa applied for a patent in 1997 and in turn licensed the development and commercialization to a biotech firm in the United Kingdom, Phytopharm research. ( for more on the scientific study of Hoodia and information about its active compound ‘P57′, see our scientific research page here.

Since licensing the research to Phytopharm, who then in turn sold the licensing to Pzfizer, millions of dollars in research and multiple scientific studies have taken place confirming that the active compound in Hoodia Gordonii is extremely effective at relieving hunger.

This research solidifies the hundreds of years of anecdotal evidence regarding the unique qualities of the Hoodia plant.

The active compound that is responsible for the effects of Hoodia Gordonii on appetite has been named “P57″ by the pharmaceutical companies.

The molecule has a direct action on an area of the brain known as the hypothalamus, which regulates many functions of the body, including that of hunger and appetite. When you eat, the rise in your blood sugar is detected by this part of the brain, which then determines that you have eaten and in response release hormones that give the feeling of being “full”.

The Hoodia compound mimics the sugar glucose, so when taken as a supplement, your brain detects what it thinks is a rise in blood glucose and sends these same hormones, in effect tricking your body into thinking it has already eaten.

Hoodia Gordonii taken regularly as a diet supplement provides:

* a reduced interest in eating

* the ability to feel “full” much quicker than before

* a much greater period between meals

Hoodia does not cause the common side effects of most diet supplements, including the “stimulant effect”, which can consist

of nausea, jitteriness, and headache.

Hoodia Gordonii FACTS:

Hoodia is 100% All Natural

Caffeine, Ephedra and Stimulant FREE

Most effective known plant to drastically reduce appetite

No known side effects

Helps you lose weight naturally

Multiple scientific studies prove effectivness

Author Resource:-> Hoodia

– Enjoy information on the Hoodia plant. Explore the specialities of Hoodia.

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About the Hoodia Plant

There is a lot to be said for the new crop of environmental-friendly, retiring Baby Boomers that are refusing the canned retirement solutions that are out there aplenty. Many have had to live in the cities that created their employment…complete with smog and crime. Years have gone by, the kids have been protected as much as possible in gated communities and the day has finally dawned when it’s time to take a look at “what’s next.”

The idea of travel that so held the attention of their elders has less appeal to our Baby Boomers. Cruise ship horror stories and the risks that have become part of RVing have taken the shine off of what their parents were satisfied with. Also, many have traveled extensively in their work and have added expensive vacations to far away places with strange sounding names to the mix.

Freedom doesn’t even have the draw that it had for earlier generations. Many Baby Boomers have been connected with web-oriented businesses and have been able to work at home some of the time, following their own pace. This usually meant longer hours for most of them, but more personal freedom was involved.

As a result this new breed wants to get the heck out of Dodge and do some kind of physical work. That’s right, they don’t want to be taken care of or sit around the campfire, they want to address the challenges that correspond with their ideals.

Peace and quiet rate high on many Baby Boomers’ lists of priorities. Living more simply calls to them. “Off the grid” was not a phrase most of us were familiar with even ten years ago. If we had heard it, it would have been with fear and loathing that we would have considered living without being connected to a reliable power source. However, these up and coming retirees are often extremely interested in solar panels and battery banks. Conservation and personal independence rank high.

In addition, unique designs for homes that circumvent the need for central heating and air conditioning are coming to the fore. The strawbale house is a wonder in temperature economy. Thick walls of dry bales of straw are covered with a “skin”. The one I recently viewed was plastered with a mixture of adobe mud and cement. Contractors and architects are getting on the bandwagon as this trend spreads. Books and seminars on strawbale building are under heavy demand.

And then there are the Earth Ships. These are energy-efficient homes dug into hillsides and constructed with great care to offer shelter without messing with the environment. The one I visited looked amazingly cozy.

Our Baby Boomers want a new kind of challenge and most of them are extending it into organic gardening, another science that offers them simplicity and increased wellness. They want to grow what they eat to a great extent. There’s usually plenty of room to do this because they buy acreage not a lot. This movement toward healthy living isn’t carefree but that’s not what most of them are about. They are willing to work long and hard.

You will find, in their strange residences, battery-run, lap top computers! After all, email, like life, must go on! Boomers are making sure that the things that matter to them are included. It’s never been about denial. For lack of a better description, I would call their evolving ethic “creating a challenging simplicity.”

If you get a chance to read up on this movement and/or have an opportunity to visit someone who is immersed in it, don’t pass it up. Rome is being rebuilt, yet again.

Author Resource:-> Luise Volta’s life has included careers in nursing, teaching pre-school, interior design, Real Estate sales, insurance adjusting, and dairy herd testing. Visit for Home and Garden.

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Baby Boomers are Living Off The Grid, Using Alternative Energy, and Building Strawbale Houses

As I examine myself each morning in front of the mirror I continuously remind myself that in the bonsai world having short stubby limbs is considered to be desirable.

In fact, in the bonsai world I will only become more desirable as I age. The more wrinkles, gnarly growths and peculiarities I develop the more popular I will become. In fact the world may well be a better place if we all wore a set of bonsai goggles.

In much the same way that drinking a bottle of wine for some increases our perception of how attractive people are, bonsai goggles do the same. However the benefits manifest over a vastly wider spectrum of life than just your “love” life, at a fraction of the cost, and with greater health benefits.

When looking at yourself through your bonsai goggles your life will be transformed. No matter how old you are you’re still trendy. You become increasingly attractive to younger types who have embraced many elements of eastern culture.

You actually become good for the environment; providing a breath of fresh air for those around you. You become an exemplary water saver as you require only 1 cup of water per day to survive, and you provide people who live in small spaces with room to move whilst being stylish and easy on the eye.

Your husband or wife no longer drive you nuts, and you become that special companion that gets cared for daily . Just watch where you’re putting those branch pruners, however!

You are even given away as a gift and become that special companion to your partner’s friends no strings attached.

The most amazing thing about the world when viewed through bonsai goggles is that everyone finds a way to grow, to move forward, no matter what the circumstances might be. Nature has a habit of always finding a way. Bonsai trees will always grow no matter how inhibited it is by its surroundings.

Sometimes we forget that we already have all these elements within us. Luckily we now have bonsai goggles to remind us that we can grow and prosper no matter what our situation or surroundings may be.

With the use of bonsai goggles you will be able to view life positively and help you discover that the abundance and growth that nature displays are qualities that reside within us all.

Author Resource:-> Article is copyright © 2006 Ben Godfrey. Bonsai Goggles are available at Bonsai Goggles

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Do you Wear Bonsai Goggles ?

Longer, warmer summers and the environment have been much talked about subjects in royal circles since Prince Charles started to use his position to push it up the agenda.

Now a new royal has entered the debate, and Monaco’s Prince Albert recently joined Prince Charles at his innovative Poundbury village in Dorset.

The significance that it was Charles’ 58th birthday wasn’t overlooked by a Monaco travel guide, YourMonaco.com

‘Since Albert came to power he has made the environment his number one priority. And just as Prince Charles has become known for his views on everything from architecture to climate change, so has Prince Albert. Of course Albert’s position isn’t as important as Charles’ as future King of England, but where he can he tries to champion the environmental cause’.

In April 2006 Prince Albert made a trip to the North Pole to highlight the issue of global warming, and since then has taken part in other initiatives to try and push the environment up the political agenda of fellow world leaders, including involving Monaco more at the United Nations and for the first time calculating the tax haven’s GDP, which will allow Monaco to commit money towards developing countries.

‘As soon as he came to power he signed Monaco up to the Kyoto Protocol designed to cut the world’s greenhouse emissions’, add http://www.yourmonaco.com, ‘and he has established his own foundation to promote better understanding of the issues of the rise in sea levels and quality of water’.

With the threat of rising sea levels, it’s easy to see that Monaco could be affected as it sits on the shores of the Mediterranean. The world’s second smallest country, and the best known tax haven, Monaco has in the past increased her size by reclaiming land from the sea, resulting in area where the district of Fontvieille now stands, and one of the best known hotels in Monaco, the Columbus, is situated.

But there is a danger that by championing the environmental cause that Prince Albert could turn off his people before he turns off the warming of the planet.

‘Monaco is home to the world’s wealthy’, say the travel guide, ‘And it’s a place of fun. The Monaco Grand Prix, the casino and the fact that it’s the most sought after tax haven in Europe might not sit comfortably with heavy politics. Happily the environment is an issue that has moved from the fringe to mainstream, and is something that nearly everyone is concerned about. Luckily for Prince Albert he has identified himself with an issue that is just as important to the tax exiles and business people who bring their money to Monaco as it is to everyone else. In the past Prince Charles has been slightly ridiculed with his views on the environment and organic farming, but now with hindsight a lot of people think he was ahead of his time.’

Referring to Monaco’s tax haven status YourMonaco.com add ‘Prince Albert needs to be careful not to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Monaco is to start asking businesses in strict confidentiality for finance figures so Monaco can do more at the United Nations and on environmental issues. If he looks down from his palace and sees the wealth surrounding him he might be tempted to tap into it for environmental causes as he believes in it in such a genuine and sincere way. There have been press reports of some of his staff leaving, and if true it can only be hoped that it wasn’t over fiscal matters. From the European royal families on environment issues we would view Charles as the king, and hopefully Albert will be the prince!’

Monaco Weather Forecast

Prince Albert’s father, Prince Rainier, was Europe’s longest reigning Monarch until his death in April 2005. Known affectionately as the ‘builder prince’ he transformed Monaco into the world’s favourite tax haven and ensured the Monaco Grand Prix became one of the best known annual sporting events. The Principality Albert succeeded to was a country known throughout the world for money and glamour, and the Monte Carlo casino only added to its legendary status.

Albert has continued in his father’s footsteps with a plan to develop an island off Monte Carlo, and like his father with the reclaimed land in Fontvieille the map of Monaco will change again.

In keeping with his stance on the environment, it is thought that a successful bid to build the island will need to be seen to be environmentally friendly, with the possibility of lower rise buildings than some parts of Monaco have endured to create more living space.

Monte Carlo has long been associated with glamour, heightened throughout the world in 1956 when Prince Albert’s father married his mother, US actress Grace Kelly.

Speculation was rife earlier this year that Prince Albert would be announcing his own engagement to South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock.

‘Things have gone quiet recently on the Charlene front’, comment YourMonaco, ‘Monaco is all about glitz and glamour and perhaps a surprise announcement will be made soon. But it’s possible that Albert is more interested in environmental affairs than affairs of the heart’.

Monaco has been making the news recently as Monte Carlo real estate prices have escalated, and are on a level with London and New York.

Even the cheapest studios are edging towards the million Euro level according to Monaco property specialists Tribune Properties at http://www.monacoproperty.net

‘Increasing taxes elsewhere in Europe, especially in the UK, have seen inquiries increase significantly over the last twelve months,’ they say, ‘and it’s not the weather in Monte Carlo that’s drawing buyers, but the income tax free status of being a resident, and the security that goes with living in Monaco. There’s one policeman for every one hundred residents and has to be the safest country to live in Europe’.

This year’s Monaco Grand Prix, the possibility of a royal engagement and Prince Albert’s continuing campaign for the environment make the year ahead an exciting one for residents and visitors to Monaco alike.

Author Resource:-> Newspaper reviews, Monaco Grand Prix tickets , travel news, information about the Columbus Hotel Monaco and other Monaco and Monte Carlo information is at yourmonaco.com

Real estate in Monte Carlo information is available via monacoproperty.net

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Climate Change Gives Palace A Frosty Touch