Pakistan is an emerging middle power within the East Asia hemisphere quickly on the incline to becoming one of the world’s largest militaries and economic power in the East. However, for all its recent growth, a multitude of issues still plague the nation; terrorism, corruption, religious strife, illiteracy and poverty are all issues that remain, including the use of child soldiers in armed civil and religious conflict. Let’s take a look at the history of child soldiers in Pakistan and what steps the government has taken to eliminate and reduce the issue.
The Past
According to UNICEF, conflict parties around the world recruited more than 105,000 children between 2005 and 2005 and that number could be “much higher than reported.” It is hard to quantify just how responsible Pakistan is to these numbers due to the lack of statistics surrounding the subject, but that does not detract from its role in the involvement of child soldiering.
Pakistan struggles with the problem of active recruitment from factions and parties that are not associated with an official government. These militant groups work on cross-border recruitment strategies to bolster their ranks. The Taliban in Afghanistan forced recruitment through madrassas, Islamic seminary groups acting to radicalize the children. Similar situations arise in the bordering regions in Kashmir and Jammu, where party elders recruit teenagers and subject them to informal combat training. The elders push the envelope further as after combat training, they monitor the recruits at home to make sure that they are following the recruitment program.
In Pakistan, internal recruitment independent of outside parties was also going strong. The Mohajir Quami Movement (MQM) represents the Mohajir community in Pakistan but concurrently engages in periodic violence to resolve religious disputes. It is unknown how many numbered the ranks of MQM in the early 20th century, but the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers reported that a degree of their number did consist of underage soldiers.
Socioeconomic Realities
Forced recruitment is not the only underlying cause of the prevalence of child soldiers in Pakistan: many choose to enlist. The reasons vary according to political circumstances and geographical and socioeconomic realities and can explain voluntary recruitment. In 2018, 21.9% of people in Pakistan lived in poverty. Poverty was prevalent while economic opportunity was scarce and many children did not have viable options to support themselves. The onset of poverty and financial instability led many children to resort to becoming child soldiers as a way to escape the poverty of Pakistan.
To further the issue, an increased number of underage soldiers is a result of the legislation and constitution of Pakistan. Under Article 39 of the 1973 Pakistan Constitution, “the state shall enable people from all parts of Pakistan to participate in the Armed Forces of Pakistan.” The law of Pakistan meant that as long as one volunteered, they could serve, independent of a legal and required age. As the U.N. reported in Geneva in 1997, the legal age [was] between 17 and 22 for officers and between 16 and 25 for soldiers, according to the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers.
The constitutional mandate of 16 being the minimum age to serve in an official capacity paired with the active recruitment of militants through madrassas and grievance causes created a pipeline of child soldiers, however, in a more progressive turn, the government has slowly decreased the amount of child soldiers in Pakistan.
Government’s Initiatives
The Pakistani government is all too aware of their issues and has taken the first steps to overcome the issue of recruitment. Beginning with the problem of madrassas and radicalization of religion for terrorism, the Pakistani military announced it would bring more than 30,000 religious schools under government control in 2019. Many non-state armed groups used these schools to forcibly recruit children. By recognizing the issue of indoctrination at a young age from outside militants, the government is protecting the children and giving them an opportunity for education without the possibility of forced recruitment for armed conflict.
Other initiatives can help increase the education retention rate and act as a deterrent to becoming child soldiers voluntarily. There are multiple options for rehabilitating and inclusion besides forced participation in school. Programs like sports and recreation centers can keep kids engaged and able to experience childhood without the ramifications of militant group recruitment. Additionally, the Pakistani government can implement reintegration centers to destigmatize and de-radicalize former child soldiers. By addressing their issues, accepting them as part of society and taking steps towards integration, the rate of child soldiers will drop dramatically.
Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA)
In 2008, the U.S. federal government passed the Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA). This Act had one major goal: to combat the recruitment or use of children as soldiers by publicly identifying countries that engage in this practice. Since its inception, Pakistan has appeared on the CSPA list every year. However, in 2021, Pakistan, notably, was removed from the list, no longer being seen as a country that engages and participates in the practice of child soldiers. The justification waiver the President released upon the removal of Pakistan from the CSPA list relates as follows: maintaining “security assistance to Pakistan subject to the CSPA restriction supports critical U.S. objectives of promoting regional stability and counterterrorism in South Asia,” according to the Stimson Center.
Pakistan, a country once embroiled in political turmoil and radicalization has taken the first steps to legitimize itself. Taking the initiative to protect the education of children, increasing education rates and the protection of children shows that leadership is reforming the problems of the past. Children are no longer subjected to the active recruitment practices of internal militants and outside organizations. Stability within the region provided by the Pakistani military has created a wave of progression that is slowly eradicating the practice of child soldiers in Pakistan, serving as an example to other countries within the region and the globe.
– Luke Scroggins
Luke is based in Tolar, TX, USA and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Refugee Employment Programs in Jordan
Jordan Compact
This landmark deal, concluded in 2016 between Jordan and the international community, aims to create jobs for Jordanians and Syrian refugees. The Compact aims to spur economic growth that will eventually generate jobs through instruments such as preferential trade access and financial assistance. A World Bank study cited the role of the Compact in economic resilience and improving the livelihood of refugees and the communities hosting them.
Cash for Work Programs
Cash for Work programs by agencies like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Mercy Corps entail the short-term employment of refugees in sectors that include agriculture, construction and infrastructure development. Apart from offering a source of income to the refugees, the programs provide back-to-community development initiatives. The International Labor Organization (ILO) believes that cash-for-work programs have helped and they continue to have a huge impact on poverty alleviation and the promotion of social cohesion.
Vocational Training and Skill Development
Since skill development is an important factor in refugees’ employability, Jordan has taken steps to increase investments in vocational training programs. Programs such as the Vocational Training and Employment Services for Syrian Refugees within the Jordan Compact help provide refugees with market-relevant skills that will be relevant in their labor markets. According to a UNHCR study, vocational training facilitates integration and self-reliance for refugees.
Challenges and Opportunities
The challenges persist, even though the programs of Jordanian refugee employment are making some strides. Other main barriers to the integration of refugees relate to limited access to formal employment opportunities, legal restrictions on the employment of refugees and competition with hosts. The economic shock from COVID-19 will exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities, so sustained support and investment in refugee livelihoods will be crucial.
Employment programming for refugees in Jordan has been one of the most crucial steps toward meeting economic and social needs among displaced populations. These programs not only reduce the poverty burden among the refugees by providing access to employment but also socially integrate them into the Jordanian community. Continuous efforts in this regard will help overcome the prevailing challenges and ensure long-term refugee livelihoods.
– Honorine Lanka Perera
Photo: Flickr
Child Soldiers in Pakistan
The Past
According to UNICEF, conflict parties around the world recruited more than 105,000 children between 2005 and 2005 and that number could be “much higher than reported.” It is hard to quantify just how responsible Pakistan is to these numbers due to the lack of statistics surrounding the subject, but that does not detract from its role in the involvement of child soldiering.
Pakistan struggles with the problem of active recruitment from factions and parties that are not associated with an official government. These militant groups work on cross-border recruitment strategies to bolster their ranks. The Taliban in Afghanistan forced recruitment through madrassas, Islamic seminary groups acting to radicalize the children. Similar situations arise in the bordering regions in Kashmir and Jammu, where party elders recruit teenagers and subject them to informal combat training. The elders push the envelope further as after combat training, they monitor the recruits at home to make sure that they are following the recruitment program.
In Pakistan, internal recruitment independent of outside parties was also going strong. The Mohajir Quami Movement (MQM) represents the Mohajir community in Pakistan but concurrently engages in periodic violence to resolve religious disputes. It is unknown how many numbered the ranks of MQM in the early 20th century, but the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers reported that a degree of their number did consist of underage soldiers.
Socioeconomic Realities
Forced recruitment is not the only underlying cause of the prevalence of child soldiers in Pakistan: many choose to enlist. The reasons vary according to political circumstances and geographical and socioeconomic realities and can explain voluntary recruitment. In 2018, 21.9% of people in Pakistan lived in poverty. Poverty was prevalent while economic opportunity was scarce and many children did not have viable options to support themselves. The onset of poverty and financial instability led many children to resort to becoming child soldiers as a way to escape the poverty of Pakistan.
To further the issue, an increased number of underage soldiers is a result of the legislation and constitution of Pakistan. Under Article 39 of the 1973 Pakistan Constitution, “the state shall enable people from all parts of Pakistan to participate in the Armed Forces of Pakistan.” The law of Pakistan meant that as long as one volunteered, they could serve, independent of a legal and required age. As the U.N. reported in Geneva in 1997, the legal age [was] between 17 and 22 for officers and between 16 and 25 for soldiers, according to the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers.
The constitutional mandate of 16 being the minimum age to serve in an official capacity paired with the active recruitment of militants through madrassas and grievance causes created a pipeline of child soldiers, however, in a more progressive turn, the government has slowly decreased the amount of child soldiers in Pakistan.
Government’s Initiatives
The Pakistani government is all too aware of their issues and has taken the first steps to overcome the issue of recruitment. Beginning with the problem of madrassas and radicalization of religion for terrorism, the Pakistani military announced it would bring more than 30,000 religious schools under government control in 2019. Many non-state armed groups used these schools to forcibly recruit children. By recognizing the issue of indoctrination at a young age from outside militants, the government is protecting the children and giving them an opportunity for education without the possibility of forced recruitment for armed conflict.
Other initiatives can help increase the education retention rate and act as a deterrent to becoming child soldiers voluntarily. There are multiple options for rehabilitating and inclusion besides forced participation in school. Programs like sports and recreation centers can keep kids engaged and able to experience childhood without the ramifications of militant group recruitment. Additionally, the Pakistani government can implement reintegration centers to destigmatize and de-radicalize former child soldiers. By addressing their issues, accepting them as part of society and taking steps towards integration, the rate of child soldiers will drop dramatically.
Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA)
In 2008, the U.S. federal government passed the Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA). This Act had one major goal: to combat the recruitment or use of children as soldiers by publicly identifying countries that engage in this practice. Since its inception, Pakistan has appeared on the CSPA list every year. However, in 2021, Pakistan, notably, was removed from the list, no longer being seen as a country that engages and participates in the practice of child soldiers. The justification waiver the President released upon the removal of Pakistan from the CSPA list relates as follows: maintaining “security assistance to Pakistan subject to the CSPA restriction supports critical U.S. objectives of promoting regional stability and counterterrorism in South Asia,” according to the Stimson Center.
Pakistan, a country once embroiled in political turmoil and radicalization has taken the first steps to legitimize itself. Taking the initiative to protect the education of children, increasing education rates and the protection of children shows that leadership is reforming the problems of the past. Children are no longer subjected to the active recruitment practices of internal militants and outside organizations. Stability within the region provided by the Pakistani military has created a wave of progression that is slowly eradicating the practice of child soldiers in Pakistan, serving as an example to other countries within the region and the globe.
– Luke Scroggins
Photo: Flickr
MHPSS Program: Improving Mental Health in Turkmenistan
The Solution
The UNDP-DPPA Joint Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programme is working to combat the poor management and decline of mental health in Turkmenistan. This is being done with the creation of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Program for youth and women. The program focuses on equipping locals with the skillset and knowledge to perform preventative measures and provide psychosocial support to their peers. They have formed this program for mental health on four critical rules: the right to safety, the right to confidentiality, the right to self-determination and the right to be free of discrimination. This program should help women survivors of violence in addressing their mental health.
The Start-up
The UNDP-DPPA Joint Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programme is continuing working to combat the mental health crisis in Turkmenistan through its creation. With the program focused on equipping locals with the skillset and knowledge to perform preventative measures and provide psychosocial support to their peers they are pushing an acknowledgment of the mental health state in low/middle income countries.
The UNDP-DPPAS four pillars have allowed citizens of Turkmenistan to safely access health care, nutrition and shelter under the pillars for the rights to safety and confidentiality. MHPSS Program is safely combatting gender-based violence alongside UNFPA guidelines which has gained traction in at least three countries and already started to lead Turkmenistan to soon drop in the percentile of mental health numbers. The equipping of proper training on mental health intervention and prevention is a huge step for the protection against the violence and discrimination that is a leading cause for a mental health crisis for the women and youth in the country.
Changing the Status Quo
Highlighting their progress the program excelled and gained movement back in June 2023, when more than 200 frontline workers like police, academia employees, social services and more joined in on the training program. By equipping these frontline workers who are the first contact point for those suffering mental health crises the UNDP-DPPA are promoting a great deal of change for Turkmenistan’s women and youth. But, the program goes beyond this offering online training in three different languages for free. Hopefully, the program will lead to better medical and mental care for Turkmens. Turkmen, following the UNDP-DPPA program, are now receiving public sector loans from ADB that will strengthen their access to all things.
– Yeliz Turkdil
Photo: Flickr
Princeton’s Breakthrough Solar-Powered Water Purification Gel
New Water Purification Technology
The solar-powered gel, known as a hydrogel, features a sponge-like structure that absorbs dirty water and filters out harmful contaminants such as bacteria, oils, salts and microplastics. This hydrogel comprises polymers—long chains of molecules that repel pollutants from its surface. Structurally, the hydrogel’s internal threadlike molecules mimic the interconnected fibers of a loofah fruit, a common kitchen scrubbing sponge. It efficiently absorbs, filters and releases water, cleaning a gallon in less than 10 minutes.
Testing and Efficacy of the Gel
While previous water purification devices required significant energy, this solar-powered gel stands out as low-cost, accessible and efficient, relying solely on sunshine for power. The warmer the temperature, the faster the gel releases water, due to the weakening grip of the gel’s molecules. At temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius or higher, the gel can release more than 70% of the absorbed water in under 10 minutes. This sponge-like technology’s fibrous structure enables its remarkable filtration and absorption speed.
Xu and her research team tested the gel’s effectiveness by placing it in water contaminated with E. coli, a bacteria that can cause life-threatening illnesses. Upon removal from the tainted water, the solar-powered gel successfully repelled all bacteria.
Ongoing Development and Broader Implications
Researchers believe the low-cost and easy-to-use solar absorber gel could be implemented globally to aid poverty-stricken areas where access to clean water is unreliable. Dirty water causes over 1.5 million deaths annually. The Princeton team is continuing to develop household prototypes and believes the gel could also be beneficial in emergency situations.
The gel’s capacity to shrink in warmth and expand in cool temperatures could enhance robotics by enabling machines to move and conform in various ways. Additionally, this gel could dehydrate liquids like milk or orange juice, simplifying shipping processes and it could extract water from blood for simpler storage.
Researchers aim to develop and modify the design of the solar-powered gel, finding new ways to enhance the technology. “Through our work, we have been able to show that fundamental research may have a significant impact on society,” Guillomaitre stated. “Ideally, this technology could one day be used by anyone concerned about their water quality, regardless of where they live.”
Looking Forward
The development of solar-powered gel technology at Princeton University holds transformative potential for global water purification efforts. As this innovation progresses toward wider adoption, it promises to significantly improve access to clean water in underserved communities worldwide. The continued refinement and application of this technology could herald a new era of sustainability and health.
– Jacob Buckner
Photo: Unsplash
What Medical Aid in Impoverished Countries Should Provide
Health care professionals around the world grapple with a variety of challenges when delivering care in underprivileged areas, from resource scarcity to cultural barriers. This article explores what medical aid in impoverished countries should provide to be the most effective, ensuring that every intervention is not just a momentary relief but a step toward long-term health improvement.
Why Medical Care Assistance Matters
It is an unfortunate truth that poverty limits access to health care. As a result, people living in impoverished countries receive little or no quality health care to meet their needs if they do not have financial resources themselves.
That is where international aid comes into the picture. The essence of medical care assistance in impoverished nations is not just about treating illnesses but also about building a foundation for sustainable health care development. It is about giving communities the tools to nurture their health, education and independence.
Ultimately, effective medical aid should act as a catalyst for social and economic development. Below are the factors that contribute to this goal.
Knowledgeable, Flexible, Empathetic Staff
One of the cornerstones of impactful medical aid is the presence of staff who are well-versed in their medical expertise and adaptable to the unique challenges they face. These individuals must possess an innate sense of empathy, allowing them to connect with and understand the people they help. Their ability to adjust their methodologies in unfamiliar or resource-constrained environments is key to their success and the success of their missions.
High-Quality, Versatile Equipment
The effectiveness of medical interventions heavily relies on the availability of high-quality and versatile equipment. In settings where resources are limited, the ability to perform a wide range of treatments with a minimal set of tools can be the difference between life and death. To assist in this area, custom surgical instrument kits can improve efficiency and save money, helping medical aid groups provide excellent care with excellent tools.
Access to Backup
In the face of emergencies or unexpected challenges, having access to backup—whether it be additional supplies, personnel, or expertise—is crucial. This safety net ensures that medical teams can continue to provide care without interruption, safeguarding against the unpredictable nature of health care provision in underdeveloped regions.
Cultural Sensitivity
Lastly, understanding and respecting the cultural contexts in which health care is provided is imperative. Medical aid should seek to heal physical ailments in a manner that is culturally sensitive and respectful. Recognizing local customs, beliefs and norms is vital in creating a trusting relationship between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
What medical aid in impoverished countries should provide extends beyond mere immediate care. It encapsulates a holistic approach to health that includes knowledgeable and empathetic staff, high-quality versatile equipment, reliable backup resources, and the utmost cultural sensitivity. By adhering to these principles, health care professionals can make a profound and lasting impact on the well-being of underprivileged communities worldwide.
– Kelly Schoessling
Photo: Flickr
Poverty and Permaculture Design in Rwanda
Core Principles of Permaculture Design
In essence, permaculture is permanent agriculture or permanent culture. It encompasses principles and practices aimed at creating sustainable and self-reliant systems modeled after natural ecosystems. At the heart of permaculture design are three ethical principles: earth care, people care and fair sharing, which involves the sharing of surplus. These ethics underpin the application of various principles, which include:
Permaculture’s Role in Poverty Alleviation
In Rwanda, a large proportion of the population faces poverty and permaculture design principles are proving effective in addressing these ongoing challenges and fostering sustainable development. Regenerative agriculture practices, such as agroforestry and soil conservation techniques, show great potential for restoring degraded lands, enhancing soil fertility and boosting productivity. Recent statistics from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) indicate that smallholder farmers adopting permaculture techniques have seen crop yields increase by 30%, significantly improving food security and income generation.
Community Impact
Community gardening initiatives in Rwanda, driven by permaculture principles, are making strides in alleviating poverty and enhancing social cohesion. These ongoing initiatives enable communities to cultivate nutritious food while fostering collective decision-making, knowledge-sharing and skill-building. According to a report from the Rwanda Agriculture Board, food insecurity has decreased by 25% among households involved in these projects and dietary diversity has increased by 15%. This data underscores the effectiveness of permaculture-based interventions in boosting household resilience and well-being.
Employment Opportunities
Permaculture design creates employment opportunities for marginalized populations in Rwanda by focusing on environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration. Projects that rehabilitate degraded landscapes through tree planting, water harvesting and biodiversity conservation enhance ecosystem services such as water filtration, carbon sequestration and pollination. These services are vital for agricultural productivity and human livelihoods. According to Rwanda’s Environment Management Authority, permaculture-based initiatives have rehabilitated more than 500 hectares of degraded land, involving more than 10,000 rural households and reducing soil erosion by 40% in targeted areas.
The Future of Permaculture in Rwanda
Rwanda’s commitment to permaculture continues to promise sustainable development and poverty reduction. As more communities engage in these ecological and agricultural practices, the potential for improved livelihoods and environmental health grows. The future holds great promise for expanding permaculture’s impact, enhancing both the economy and the ecosystem in Rwanda.
– Honorine Lanka Perera
Photo: Flickr
Food Systems in Myanmar
Food Scarcity
Food scarcity is not new in Myanmar. Before the 2021 coup, 2.8 million people were considered food insecure in the country. In pre-pandemic Myanmar, the World Food Programme estimated that 4% of the country had poor food consumption, and an additional 21% were on the borderline. By April 2021, on the heels of the coup and economic slowdown, up to 3.4 million extra people were facing food insecurity.
There are several key factors driving food insecurity, as predicted by the World Food Programme in 2021:
Conflict and Food Systems in Myanmar
Since 2021, Myanmar has endured ongoing conflict, climate-related blows such as Cyclone Mocha, and unprecedented flooding in October 2023, alongside the political crisis, exacerbating pre-existing poverty. The UN Humanitarian Needs Overview in 2022 estimated that “14 out of 15 states and regions [were] within the critical threshold for acute malnutrition.”
In an April 2024 update from OCHA, food insecurity was underlined as a significant concern. Ongoing fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces and the Arakan Army combined with a deepening humanitarian crisis have caused soaring food prices and “limited market supplies in many locations.”
The UN and WFP have implemented crucial aid amid this increasing food insecurity crisis. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provided 4,700 vulnerable farming households with emergency assistance by April 2022. Additionally, The FOA trained 1759 households in Chaungzon township in agriculture practices and provided fertilizer.
Severe floods, economic turmoil and food insecurity impacted U Ohn Myint, a 65-year-old smallholder farmer in Kalawt Kanai village. With the help of the UN FAO, he bought medicine, a rice bag, and cooking oil to address his and his family’s immediate hunger needs. He was also able to restore his livelihood and hope.
Food Assistance
The World Food Programme continues efforts, providing monthly assistance to 360,000 people in border areas who have been displaced. For thousands of people, the WFP has also launched emergency food and nutrition programs in harder-to-reach locations like Kayah State, Shan State and Bago Region.
Despite the daunting challenges, international efforts offer hope for Myanmar’s food insecurity. Vulnerable communities receive vital aid through emergency assistance, training programs, and ongoing support. As seen through U Ohn Myint, livelihoods and renewed hope exemplify the impact of these efforts. While the road ahead remains challenging, these efforts demonstrate the power of solidarity and the effect of global action on complex humanitarian crises.
– Lydia Young
Photo: Flickr
The Impact of Mongolia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund
The Sovereign Wealth Fund
In May 2024, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai and the Central Bank of Mongolia passed a bill to enter Mongolia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund into legislation. The program allows profits from the mining industry, which accounts for around a third of the national annual budget, to contribute to three separate pots of funds: the future heritage fund, the development fund and the savings fund.
The savings fund is the most important for creating a more sustainable outlook for the economy. This initiative was formed in response to the main directions and aims established by the government in 2021 to combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic created a precarious job market and an even more precarious living situation for many residents.
Impact of the Fund
The Mongolian government has always been proactive in its efforts to fight poverty, but only now has its work resulted in problems being solved and, perhaps, eventually, resolved Erdenes Mongol LLC, which oversees government investment in mining enterprises, has taken advantage of its position as a country with one of the highest mineral resources per capita in the world and contributed to a promising program.
The money redistributed to the Mongolian central bank will be used to increase investment in health care, education and housing. The priority involves supporting the 10,000 families currently on the waiting list for the Housing Loan program, paving the way for greater financial equality in line with the United Nations (U.N.) 17 development goals.
The wealth fund is only in its early stages and will have more of a considerable impact with time. However, the Mongolian government could still take other routes to enhance its plans since mining resources are far from the only strength of the Mongolian economy. About 40% of employment comes from nomadic roles such as herding livestock, so using the money earned from exports in agriculture could further the benefits reaped by the wealth fund and lessen the burden on struggling civilian families.
Considering the initiative promises to improve prospects for many, Mongolia’s efforts could potentially lead neighboring countries like India and China to use a Robin Hood strategy. This strategy involves taking money from the most profitable areas of the economy and redistributing it to the most disadvantaged.
Final Remark
Mongolia needs to be prepared to adapt its plan to any future circumstances, as other countries may have different economic demands and leadership styles. Additionally, carbon emissions have a potentially detrimental impact on a large scale. Mongolia could solve one problem by contributing to another. However, its efforts so far have relied solely on using what the country already has and would have produced to address the obstacles to its ability to thrive.
There are debates over whether the fund justifies corruption and conglomeration. However, the long-term benefits of such an initiative could outweigh the short-term setbacks and eventually set Mongolia onto a more sustainable playing field.
– Lewis Eyre
Photo: Unsplash
How Ethnic Tourism In China Is Alleviating Poverty
The Hunan Province
Hunan is located in South Central China and falls in the middle of the Yangtze River. This province has various tourist destinations, including Fenghuang Ancient Town. The area features Miao architecture, such as stilted houses. It is also home to tourist boat tours. Other sites used as tourist attractions include the villages of Laojia and Zaogang.
Local revenue has skyrocketed due to the inception of ethnic tourism in China. This resulted in the formation of Ming City Tourism Corporation (MCTC), which helps to keep these tourist destinations open and thriving. MCTC has worked to reduce competition and increase profits. The company charges fees for tourists and gives a percentage back to the villages as an annual fee.
A portion of these fees are given back to residents periodically. Residents can make many due to MCTC hiring them to work as guides, cleaners, salespeople or actors. Some residents have also opened their shops to sell memorabilia to tourists. Each of these acts has helped numerous residents out of poverty. Tourism has greatly increased the number of jobs available, specifically in Fenghuang Ancient Town.
The Yunnan Province
The Yunnan Province is part of southwestern China and borders Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam at its southern tip. This province is one of the more diverse areas in China, both culturally and geographically. In Yunnan, the most popular tourist destination is Lijiang, one of the centers for silk production in ancient times.
Lijiang was one of the poorest areas in the Yunnan province before ethnic tourism in China began to have an impact locally. The Dayan Naxi Ancient Music Association is one of its main attractions, which is an orchestra that showcases old music, old musicians and old instruments. It is composed of teachers, farmers and other types of workers. The orchestra has developed a good annual revenue and has a regular large audience. It has played in larger cities and even countries overseas.
Socio-Economic Transformations in Lijiang
Ethnic tourism in China, particularly in Lijiang, revolves around experiencing the life of these ethnic communities. Tourists coming to this area are likely to visit Luoshui, one of the most popular villages, to participate in the local life of the Naxi and Moro people. These experiences include ceremonies, traditional infrastructure and the ability to partake in conversations with natives, both young and old. Since the establishment of these tourist areas, Luoshui has become one of the top 10 wealthiest villages in Lijiang.
There has been tremendous economic growth in Lijiang due to ethnic tourism. Data indicates that before the World Heritage induction, agriculture was the main source of income for residents in Lijiang, but even that was a small amount of income. After becoming part of the World Heritage List, Lijiang had a boost in its economy, with tourism becoming its biggest industry. This has helped the overall economy of the area and the income of residents.
The economy in the Yunnan Province has grown steadily and continues to grow, in part due to ethnic tourism in China. The lives of residents in these villages have also improved, not only financially but also socially. Public health has been made a priority and is being provided to the most rural areas. Providing social security to qualified individuals has also been implemented. Each of these improvements has stemmed from ethnic tourism in China.
Looking Forward
The expansion of ethnic tourism in China continues to drive significant socio-economic benefits for culturally rich yet previously impoverished regions. As communities like Fenghuang and Lijiang flourish, they set a precedent for sustainable development through cultural heritage. Ongoing investment in these areas is poised to further enhance local livelihoods and preserve unique cultural landscapes for future generations.
– Dorothy Howard
Photo: Flickr
Renewable Energy in Estonia Challenges Poverty
The latest Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Economic Survey reveals that double-digit inflation and labor shortages are slowing Estonia’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. However, according to OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, Russia’s involvement with Ukraine is heightening poverty challenges.
According to Epp Remmelg, an analyst at Estonia’s official statistics agency, “Close to 303,900 people lived at risk of poverty in 2022, which is nearly 3,000 more than in 2021. The at-risk-of-poverty rate reflects income inequality in a country.” The EU considers energy poverty a major challenge that needs to be addressed. The effects of the COVID-19 crisis and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 were followed by a surge in energy prices. Estonian households have been primarily affected by energy poverty.
Energy Poverty Support
In Estonia, citizens considered to be “vulnerable energy consumers” are identified by the Energy Sector Organization Act to be people living alone, a family whose monthly income has not exceeded the minimum wage for the past six months and/or have received “subsistence benefits once during the past six months. The following initiatives provide support for citizens who face the effects of poverty.
Clean Energy Transition
The International Energy Agency (IEA) policy review comes at a critical moment for Estonia, whose goal is to make a “clean energy” transition by replacing its 90% dependency on oil shale with renewable resources by 2030. Currently, Estonia is having success with biomass, heat pumps and onshore wind and solar as resources.
In 2022, it generated 2,606,549 megawatt-hours of energy from renewables. However, wind and sun are intermittent energies that need to be stored in large-scale energy storage devices. By storing energy, Estonia can avoid extremely high electricity prices.
Estonia Continues To Boost Renewables
Renewable energy production in Estonia now surpasses electricity generation from fossil fuels. “The good news is that homegrown renewables are putting Estonia within reach of its clean energy targets. “We’re aiming for a speedy uptake of renewable energy, especially wind and solar,” stated Kristi Klaas, Deputy Secretary General for Green Transition.
– Pam Fenton
Photo: Unsplash