FW: [SacredEarth_NewsLetter] SACRED EARTH NEWSLETTER -Summer 2007

[Guest guest]

SACRED EARTH NEWSLETTER

 

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VOL.6 NO.2 Summer 2007

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Kat Morgenstern, Editor kmorgenstern

 

This Newsletter is distributed by subscription only. If you wish to

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Please follow this link to the articles on-line:

 

http://www.sacredearth.com/

 

Greetings

 

...and Happy Solstice everybody! In my neck of the woods it has been

feeling

like summer since April. With temperatures in the 90s and hardly any

rain...

And although everybody has been enjoying the wonderful early summer, there

is a tangible unease, as even the last person finally realizes that global

warming is here. Elsewhere there have been unseasonal and extremely heavy

floods, thunderstorms, or droughts. Everyday there are new reports about

scary consequences of climate change - bears coming out of the woods in

search of food, toxic algae blooming in overheated lakes, reefs dying,

fish

and crustaceans being washed up on the shores because their habitat has

become unlivable. All of a sudden people are becoming concerned, and even

industrialists and politicians are beginning to address the issue.

Unfortunately so far most of what is being proposed has the sour taste of

'too little, too late', - though, something may be better than nothing.

 

But while we wait for politicians and industries to do something, like

come

up with new ways to use old and easily available fuel sources (check this

out:

) and schemes that

encourage

energy efficiency, we can each do something in our own lives right now -

turn off lights when they are not in use, use energy efficient lightbulbs

and appliances, walk and cycle instead of taking the car, turn electronic

equipment off rather than keeping everything on standby, offset carbon

emissions through carbon neutral schemes, choose eco-friendly

destinations,

hotels and tour operators when you go on holiday - or go on a hiking,

biking

or canoeing trip. Check out http://www.ecotravelling.co.uk/home.html for

plenty more great eco-travel ideas or take a look at Sacred Earth Travel

for

our featured destinations and tours with some of the best responsible tour

operators in Central and South America. Summer is upon us - stay cool and

keep Gaia in mind while you enjoy this blissful time of the year.

 

Happy Summer Solstice

Kat Morgenstern, June 2007

 

Please send your feedback to: kmorgenstern

 

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Foraging Cattails

 

Some foragers get truly ecstatic when you whisper the word 'cattail' into

their ear. Their eyes glaze over and you'd better have some tissue handy

in

case they start drooling. I am not quite as enamoured with them, but I

admit

that they are a great all round (and all year round) foraging plant.

Indeed,

in times gone by, some hunter and gatherers relied on them as one of their

staple foods.

 

Cattail offers two great advantages: a) it is an extremely rich source of

starch and b) it is available throughout the year. Almost every part of

Cattail is edible or otherwise useful ...

 

Access the full article at

http://www.sacredearth.com/ethnobotany/foraging/cattail.php

 

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Foraging Rules

 

All that the earth is fragile and that we must not take from her beyond

what

she can sustain. Overharvesting, particularly due to commercial collection

of medicinal plants has brought many once plentiful blessings to the brink

of extinction. As 'plant people', we should adopt the attitude of green

guardianship for our mother earth, who so plentifully provides for us.

Full article at:

http://www.sacredearth.com

 

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To Bee or not to Bee

 

There has been much buzz on the internet and in the media in recent months

regarding a potentially catastrophic phenomenon - the mysterious

disappearance of honey bees. In the US beekeepers from 24 States have

reported unusually high losses of their colonies. But the phenomenon is

not

restricted to the US alone. Bees have also disappeared in parts of Europe

and the Middle East, although losses are less drastic. Scientists and

Beekeepers are confounded by the odd phenomenon, which despite concerted

efforts to grasp at possible clues, remains unexplained.

 

Full article at:

http://www.sacredearth.com/ethnobotany/conservation/bee.php

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TRAVEL FEATURE

 

Located in the northwest Amazon close to the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve,

which is noted for its outstanding biodiversity, Tahuayo Lodge offers one

of

the most flexible programs of any Amazonian Lodge. Instead of joining a

fixed itinerary, guests can choose from a wide range of options each day.

Each guest is assigned to a personal guide who helps to tailor an

itinerary

to your personal interests and set to your pace. Whether you want to focus

on birdwatching, or swim and listen to pink river dolphins, or whether you

want to learn about native culture in nearby communities, study medicinal

plants or view rare orchids...chances are, you won't get bored.

Read more at:

http://www.sacredearth.com

 

Full itinerary details at:

http://www.sacredearth-travel.com/features/tahuayo/tahuayo1.php

 

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Tahuayo River Amazon Conservation Center (TRARC)

New Opportunities for Teachers, Students and Tourists

In 2007 Tahuayo Lodge launched its new Tahuayo River Amazon Research

Center

(TRARC), a long-term conservation initiative undertaken in consultation

with

government offices in Iquitos (Loreto, Peru) and in collaboration with

Chicago's Rainforest Conservation Fund (RCF;

www.rainforestconservation.org), Yale University's School of Forestry and

Environmental Studies, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Chicago

Botanic Garden. Tahuayo River villages' Comite de Gestion approved the

TRARC

undertaking at its March 2007 meeting in return for the facility's sharing

of project findings with the region's indigenous villages.

 

Read more at: http://www.sacredearth-travel.com/features/tahuayo/TRARC.php

 

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Natural Cosmetics - Pretty as a Flower

 

Exactly when, where and how our human obsession with 'beauty' started is

hard to say. Fact is, it has been around for a very, very long time.

Remains

of ancient perfumes, potions and make up have been found in Egyptian tombs

and uses of beauty products in classical Greek and Roman times are well

documented. But even 'tribal societies' have a well established tradition

of

skin care and cosmetic uses, though they may be less apparent, when viewed

from our modern perspective.

 

In modern society the aim and purpose of using such products seem

primarily

to consist of making our appearance more attractive to the opposite sex.

In

ancient times however, people sought to make themselves more appealing to

beneficial Gods and spirits, or attempted to ward off nasty demons.

 

Access full article at:

http://www.sacredearth.com/ethnobotany/useful/cosmetics.php

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Plant Profile:

 

Aloe Vera

Although originating in the hot and arid climes of northern Africa, Aloe

Vera is no longer an exotic stranger to most of us. Not only do we see it

advertised as a common ingredient in a multitude of household products,

from

dishwashing liquid to latex gloves and even razors, but many of us have in

fact encountered the plant itself. Aloe Vera is a perennial succulent,

undemanding and not particularly eye-catching, vaguely resembling a small

version of the century plant that is such a common sight in the North

American Southwest.

 

As is often the case with so called 'miracle plants' their exaggerated

reputation actually discredits them. Aloe Vera is a truly wonderful plant

with no shortage of members for its fan club. It has a very long and well

established reputation as a healing plant, particularly for skin

conditions,

minor cuts and abrasions. The dried latex, which is not the same as the

gel,

but instead derives from the yellow juice contained in the pericyclic

tubules of the inner leaf is a well known laxative.

 

Despite the fact that Aloe has been in documented use for at least 3500

years, controversial and contradictory information about this plant

abounds.

The earliest reference to its use can be found in the famous Egyptian

Ebers

Papyrus, which dates back to 1500 BC and is widely regarded as one of the

earliest documents on what was to become the western Materia Medica.

 

Access the full article at:

http://www.sacredearth.com/ethnobotany/plantprofiles/aloe.php

 

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Noteworthies

 

DECLARATION ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' RIGHTS TO GENETIC RESOURCES AND

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE

DATE: 20 May 2007

Convened at the Sixth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on

Indigenous Issues May 14-25, 2007 New York, New York We, the undersigned

Indigenous peoples and organizations, having convened during the Sixth

Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, from

May

14-25, 2007, upon the traditional territory of the Onondaga Nation present

the following declaration regarding our rights to genetic resources and

indigenous knowledge:

 

For full Declaration see

http://lists.ipcb.org/listinfo.cgi/ipcb-net-ipcb.org

 

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'INSULTED' ANDEAN FARMERS PICK GM POTATO FIGHT WITH MULTINATIONAL SYNGENTA

A coalition of indigenous farmers in South America will today (12 January)

launch an international protest against the multinational corporation

Syngenta, claiming that its plans threaten their region's biodiversity,

culture and food sovereignty. In an open letter signed today by

representatives of 34 indigenous communities in Peru, the coalition says

Syngenta's claims that its patent for 'terminator technology' potatoes is

neither relevant nor applicable in the region are " deeply offensive " .

 

For full article see http://www.iied.org and http://www.andes.org.pe

 

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REVOKED!! Monsanto Monopoly Nixed in Munich but little joy in foiling soy

ploy at this late date

ETC Group News Release, 3 May 2007

Munich - The European Patent Office today put the brakes on Monsanto's

over-the-top corporate greed by revoking its species-wide patent on all

genetically modified soybeans (EP0301749) - a patent unprecedented in its

broad scope. ETC Group, an international civil society organization based

in

Canada, won its 13-year legal challenge against Monsanto's species-wide

soybean patent when an EPO appeal board ruled that the patent was not new

or

sufficient (i.e., the invention claimed was not sufficiently described for

a

skilled person to repeat it). The patent challenge was supported by

Greenpeace and " No Patents on Life! " Dr. Ricarda Steinbrecher of UK-based

EcoNexus also joined the opposition team in Munich as a scientific expert.

The patent was vigorously and formally opposed by Monsanto itself until

the

company purchased the original patent assignee (Agracetus) in 1996. The

technology related to the now-revoked patent has been used, along with

other

patents in the company's portfolio, to corner 90% of the world's GM

soybean

market.

 

For full press release please see:

http://www.etcgroup.org/en/materials/publications.html?pub_id=619

[For more information, see ETC Group News Release, " Monsanto's Soybean

Monopoly Challenged in Munich, " April 30, 2007

http://www.etcgroup.org/en/materials/publications.html?pub_id=616]

 

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Congo (Democratic Republic): Greenpeace spotlights rainforest damage

Source: Citizen, South Africa, 12 April 2007 The environmental group

Greenpeace called for urgent action on Wednesday to prevent illegal

logging

in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accusing

international companies there of " causing social chaos and wreaking

environmental havoc. " In a report which accused the World Bank of failing

to

stem the problem of illegal logging, Greenpeace said over 15 million

hectares (37 million acres) of rainforest had been granted to the logging

industry since a moratorium was agreed by the country's government in May

2002. The group's report, " Carving up the Congo " , also accused

international

logging companies of deception and intimidation to get timber. The

Democratic Republic of Congo has the second-largest primal tropical forest

in the world with 86 million hectares (212 million acres) of which 60

million (148 million) are potentially exploitable for logging. -Sapa-AFP

 

For full story, please see:

http://www.citizen.co.za/index/article.aspx?pDesc=36429,1,22

 

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Rainforest protection: New fund to conserve Congo Basin

Source: Belfast Telegraph, UK, 22 March 2007 Britain is to give ?50m

towards

helping to save the second-largest rainforest in the world, the Congo

Basin

in central Africa. In one of the Budget's most eye-catching and unusual

items, Mr Brown announced an ?800m Environmental Transformation Fund, to

help developing countries cope with environmental changes such as global

warming - and the Congo forest will be the recipient of its first major

grant.

 

For full story, please see: http://tinyurl.com/24xr4d

 

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Uganda: Poverty destroying forests, says Minister

Source: The Nation (Nairobi), 19 April 2007 While Uganda suffers violent

protests over plans to turn a big chunk of Mabira rainforest into sugar

cane

plantation, Ugandans are destroying eight times as much forest every year

due to poverty, a minister said yesterday. Minister of State for

Environment

Jesca Eriyo told agencies that rural poverty and population pressure on

increasingly scarce land and resources was devastating the east African

country's forest cover. " About 55,000 hectares of forest cover per annum

disappears, " she said. " That is a big challenge to us. " Last week, a

protest

against government plans to give at least 7,100 hectares (17,000 acres) or

nearly a third of Mabira Forest Reserve to the Indian-owned Mehta Group's

sugar estate turned violent, with three people being killed.

 

For full story, please see: http://allafrica.com/stories/200704180911.html

 

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Uganda Shelves Plan to Give Rainforest to Cane Farm

Source: Copyright 2007, Reuters, May 23, 2007, Byline: Tim Cocks

Uganda's cabinet has suspended a proposal to give away part of a

rainforest

to a sugarcane grower, the environment minister said on Tuesday, weeks

after

three people were killed in a protest against the plan. President Yoweri

Museveni has faced vocal opposition over the plan to raze 7,100 hectares

(17,540 acres) of Mabira Forest, a nature reserve since 1932, and give the

land to the privately- owned Mehta Group's sugar estate. " There is a

suspension until the committee reports back, " Mutagamba said. " It is an

extensive process -- it is not going to be finished in a week or a month. "

A protest to save Mabira last month turned violent, leaving three dead,

including an Indian man stoned to death by rioters. Mehta is owned by an

ethnic Indian family. Mutagamba said the lands ministry would draw up a

map

of land available to investors in Uganda for sectors such as coffee,

sugar,

manufacturing or tourism, to see if there was alternative land for Mehta's

sugar. Critics say razing part of Mabira would destroy a fragile

environment

-- drying up rainfall, threatening a watershed for streams that feed Lake

Victoria and removing a buffer against pollution of it from Uganda's two

biggest industrial towns. It also threatened species like rare monkeys and

the prized Tit Hylia bird -- found only in Mabira and surrounding forests.

 

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Stop WWF's Betrayal of the Earth's Last Ancient Forests

By Rainforest Portal, a project of Ecological Internet, Inc.

http://www.rainforestportal.org/ May 24, 2007

 

TAKE ACTION WWF is the world's largest ancient forest logging apologist;

actively promoting questionable " certified, sustainable " logging in

Guyana,

Russia and -- and may be the World's greatest threat facing endangered

ancient forests . For many years the international conservation group WWF

has supported Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification that

first-time

logging of ancient primary and old-growth forests is " sustainable " .

Millions

of hectares of intact, large rainforest ecosystems have been and are being

heavily industrially logged for the first time with WWF and FSC's stamp of

approval.

Take action now at: http://tinyurl.com/37qmea

 

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Boswellia serrata extract scores well in COX-2 comparison

Source: NutraIngredients-usa.com, France, 20 March 2007

Boswellia serrata extract performed as well as a selective COX-2 inhibitor

in a controlled clinical study to assess its effect on relieving

osteoarthritis pain, researchers report in the Journal of Indian

Pharmacology. Their positive findings give further backing to the efficacy

of the extract in addressing joint health - an area in which patients have

been casting about for natural alternatives to COX-2 inhibitors following

revelations about serious adverse events and subsequent withdrawals.

 

For full story, please see: http://tinyurl.com/3c66nx

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LAUNCH OF NEW JOURNAL - PHCOG REV.

Pharmacognosy Network Worldwide (www.phcog.Net) is delighted to announce

the

launch of its latest peer-reviewed title, Pharmacognosy Reviews [Phcog

rev.]

[ www.phcogrev.com] (ISSN 0973-7847), which will appear half-yearly from

June 2007, and features an acclaimed editorial board of international and

national experts. The journal promises to be uniquely medicinal

plants-focused, addressing the important challenges and advances in

Pharmacognosy. The journal has been developed to be available for free

online and it is managed at Editorial Office of Phcog Mag

www.phcog.net/phcogmag.

 

Phcog Rev. aims to publish original, peer-reviewed review articles in

areas

such as Pharmacology, Phyto-pharmacology, Marine Pharmacognosy,

Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. Phcog Rev. is free for both readers and

authors, edited and refereed online [via e-mail], and widely available

through Internet. We are actively seeking new, high-quality review

articles

for submission to the journal, and encourage researchers to consider

publishing with us. More information about the journal topics, its

editors,

and author instructions, are available at: www.phcogrev.com

 

CONTENTS OF FIRST ISSUE OF PHCOG REV. :

www.phcogrev.com/issue1/index.htm

 

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Medicinal plants in Botswana: Hoodia gordonii a rare medicinal hope

Source: Republic of Botswana, Botswana, 27 March 2007

TSHABONG - Some Bokspits residents call the plant seboka while others know

it as tlhokabotshwaro. Outsiders have named it Bushman's Hat, Queen of the

Namib, and many other names. Scientifically, however, the wild plant is

known as Hoodia gordonii and is reputed to have medicinal properties.

Found

in the Bokspits region, the plant is now being grown commercially to

benefit

the communities of southern Kgalagadi where it grows wild. Local Khoi San

communities, however, have long known about the special medicinal value of

the plant and have chewed the succulent stems of the plant to suppress

hunger.

 

For full story, please see: http://tinyurl.com/3y842x

 

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Moringa oleifera: NGO develops local plant for water purification in

Nigeria

Source: This Day (Lagos). 10 April 2007

A water filter that uses the local plant Moringa oleifera has been

developed

to help purify water for domestic use in several communities (both rural

and

urban) in the Niger-delta area of Nigeria. Moringa oleifera, which grows

widely in several parts of Nigeria, is known in Yoruba language as 'Ewe

ile'; gawara in Fulani; baga-ruwar maka in Hausa; while the Ibos call it

odudu oyibo. The plant filter, which was developed by the NGO Rural

African

Water Development Project (RAWDP) has a removal efficiency of 99.5 percent

for turbidity, 98 percent for suspended solids, 90 to 99 percent for

bacteria of 1 to 4 log units, and 100 percent for water hardness, claims

which are allegedly backed by a World Bank report.

 

For full story, please see: http://allafrica.com/stories/200704110281.html

 

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Ramps: Are ramps under threat? (WV, USA)

Source: AP in CFRC Weekly Summary 12 April 2007

Demand for ramps from celebrity chefs, avant-garde restaurateurs and avid

foodies has some experts worried for the future of the pungent wild leeks

grown in the hills of Appalachia. " [Ramps are] becoming harder to find in

many areas because they've become so popular and people frequent all the

festivals that are held in their honour, " said Jeanine Davis, an associate

professor of horticulture at North Carolina State University who focuses

on

specialty crops like ramps. Davis said the increase in popularity over the

years means that chic big-city eateries and their adventurous chefs are

vying for the bulbs but " very few people are producing these

commercially. "

The ramp plant takes three years to mature to the stage where it's edible,

and two more years before it begins bearing seed for reproduction.

 

For full story, please see:

http://www.forestrycenter.org/headlines.cfm?refid=98076

 

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Seabuckthorn: Synergistic Superfruit

Source: Press release, SBT Seabuckthorn International Inc., 16 April 2007

(in openPR)

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), named a 'superfruit' for its

robust

nutritional properties, is poised to outrun and outgun many other

functional

foods, and the health industry is standing up and taking notice. Dr Paul

Gross (www.berrydoctor.com) recently rated seabuckthorn second out of ten

potential 'superfruits', based upon four criteria including nutrient

density

and potential for disease impact. While Asia and Europe have used

seabuckthorn commercially for several decades, the industry is new in

North

America. The health and supplement industries are just starting to pay

attention (and draw attention) to this plant.

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Chuck Barton, VP Sales & Marketing

SBT Seabuckthorn International Inc

4154 Ponderosa Drive

Peachland, British Columbia, Canada

1-250-767-6100

sales

For full story, please see:

http://www.openpr.com/news/18456/Seabuckthorn-Synergistic-Superfruit.html

 

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Cosmetics au naturel - because they're worth a lot

Source: The Guardian, London, 12 April 2007 (in Taipei Times)

When L'Oreal, the world's largest cosmetic company, bought the Body Shop

little more than a year ago, industry observers reacted with shock as a

small, ethical brand was gobbled up by a huge multinational. They

represent

polar opposites of the US$197 billion global beauty industry. But a year

later it has become clear that the US$1.3 billion acquisition was the

start

of something new at L'Oreal - the group has taken a leaf out of Body

Shop's

book and has decided to go natural.

 

For full story, please see: http://tinyurl.com/2ttvup

 

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Unilever, the World's Largest Tea Company, Commits to Rainforest Alliance

Certification

May 25, 2007

Unilever, the world's largest tea company, has announced plans to source

its

entire tea supply sustainably, starting with the certification of its tea

producers in East Africa, to Rainforest Alliance standards. The news also

signals the Rainforest Alliance's move into certifying tea farms in

addition

to its long-established programs in coffee, cocoa, bananas and other

crops;

sustainable forestry, and tourism.

 

For full story please see:

http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/news.cfm?id=unilever

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Events

11-15 June 2007

 

Sharing Indigenous Wisdom: An International Dialogue on Sustainable

Development

Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA

 

Indigenous peoples all over the world are steadily confronted with outside

pressures of having both their land and cultures assimilated into the

dominant cultural context. There is currently an acute need to explore

successful models of sustainable development that allow for the

preservation

of indigenous lands, sovereignty and culture, while also allowing for the

integration of economic development, institutional capacity-building and

technological advancement.

 

This conference is designed to bring together scholars and practitioners

who

are committed to the concepts of sustainable development. This year the

conference will focus on the Natural Environment foundational element in

the

Menominee model of sustainable development.

For more information, see

http://www.sharingindigenouswisdom.org/default.asp

 

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June 22-24, 2007

 

8th International Herb Symposium

The 8th International Herb Symposium brings together some of the world's

most respected and honored herbal healers to share their wisdom, love, and

knowledge of the plant world. As our Earth Mother becomes smaller, the

need

for planetary healing and consciousness becomes even greater. Part of the

proceeds from the Symposium will be used to support the work of United

Plant

Savers, a non profit organization dedicated to preserving " At Risk " native

medicinal plants and to ensuring an abundant renewable supply of herbs

through organic cultivation.

http://www.sagemountain.com/

 

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June 24-30, 2007

 

Ethnobotany: Wild Plants as Medicines, Teas, and Foods

Steuban, ME, with Dr. James A. Duke

 

This seminar will provide a broad overview and introduction to the field

of

ethnobotany from a North American perspective, though species will also be

considered in a worldwide context. Practical uses of medicinal plants will

be the main focus, but edible plants, plants used as teas, and poisonous

plants will be covered as well.

Please visit the Humbolt Field Research Institute's web site for more

information: http://www.eaglehill.us/. Phone: 207-546-2821.

 

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June 27-28, 2007

 

The New Regulatory Framework for Herbal Medicinal Products

Vienna, Austria

Hear an exclusive interview with Peter De Smet Scientific Institute of

Dutch

Pharmacists. He will be speaking at the " Informa Life Scinences " The New

Regulatory Framework for Herbal Medicinal Products. If you would like to

find out more about Peter De Smet, visit our website for his exclusive

interview! http://www.iir-events.com/. for more information about the

event

phone:+44(0)20 7017 7481.

 

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July 14, 2007

 

United Plant Savers(UPS) presents " Planting the Future "

Williams, OR

A celebratory conference on the Cultivation, Preservation and Uses of

Native

Medicinal. Teachers included Cascade-Anderson Geller, Steven Frost, Robin

Dipasquale, N.D., Tori Hudson, N.D., Ed Smith, Deborah Frances, N.D.,

Mindy

Green, Richo Cech, Jonathan Treasure and others.

For more information call Betzy Phone: 802-479-9825

or visit Web Site http://www.unitedplantsavers.org/

or http://www.herb-pharm.com/

send email to plants/

 

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July 17 - 20, 2007

 

3rd International Congress on Traditional Medicine and Materia Medica

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

We welcome papers on traditional uses of medicinal plants, history of

medicine and botany, ethnopharmacological and ethnobotanical research from

all countries. Organized by: Inter- Islamic Network for Tropical Medicine;

Traditional Medicine and Materia Medicine Research Center S. Beheshti

Medical Science Univ; IRAN. For more information contact Malinda Abdullah

at

Email:malinda or visit Web site: http://www.ictmmm2007.org/

 

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July 20 - 22, 2007

 

A Weekend with Phyllis D. Light Join us in this weekend where lore and

legend meets cutting edge thought in the scientific workings of the

endocrine system. As a fourth generation herbalist, Phyllis's teachings

are

a rare blend of southern humor, stories and well grounded scientific

thought. She is a true herbalist in that she teaches us how to watch the

seasons and growth patterns in the plants around us. Her studies in

traditional herbalism began with lessons from her grandmother, whose

herbal

knowledge had its roots in her Cherokee/Creek heritage. This workshop is

suitable for all levels of interest.

http://www.sacredplanttraditions.com/phyllislight.html

 

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August 22 - 24, 2007

 

1st World Conference on Life Sciences and Traditional Medicines

2007 Dipoli Congress Centre, Espoo, Findland.

The purpose of this new series of world conference is to explore the

possibilities for new therapeutic strategies and product innovations from

convergence of life science and traditional medicines, present leading

edge

research applying new scientific methods to traditional herbal medicines,

and provide a forum for researchers to present ideas for new products to

the

industry and investors.

For more information and registration vist website:

http://www.bhbiotech-conference.com/ or email:tomi.heiskanen/

 

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Sept. 2-6, 2007

 

55th International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for

Medicinal

Plant Research

Graz, Austria

Scientific Topics: Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory active natural

products, Natural products with antimicrobial activity, Analysis and

biopharmacy of herbal medicinal products, and medicinal plants in animal

healthcare.

For more information visit Web site: http://www.ga2007.org/

 

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Sept. 5 - 8, 2007

 

Materia Medica-Linnaeus and Medicinal Products

Uppsala, Sweden

An international conference on drugs of natural origin in the honour of

Carl

Linnaeus.

For more information visit Web Site: http://www.lakemedelsakademin.se/

 

Sept. 7 - 9, 2007

 

Breitenbush Herbal Conference

Portland, OR

3 Days of workshops, demonstration, & herb walks, for advanced through

beginning herbalists, amidst the healing water and ancient forest of

Breitenbush. This year's teachers include: Cascade Anderson Geller, Paul

Bergner, Jane Bothewell, Howie Brounstein, Christopher Hobbs, Glen Nagel,

Michele Palazzo, Deb Soule, Jonathan Treasure and more.

For more information contact Phone: 503-236-2220 or visit Web site:

http://www.trilliumbotanicals.net/

 

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Sept. 3-7, 2007

 

International Conference on Poverty Reduction and Forests Tenure, Market

and

Policy Reforms

Bangkok, Thailand

 

The conference is being organized by RECOFTC, in collaboration with other

Rights and Resources Initiative partners, and many other organizations and

donors that are concerned for poverty and forest issues.

 

It is well established now that areas with high rates of poverty and

forest

areas often coincide. There is much interest in exploring ways of using

forest resources in ways that benefit the poor, while sustaining the

resource base. There is increasing evidence though that the potential of

forests to contribute to poverty reduction is only being partially

realized.

There is also growing recognition that this will continue to be the case

unless critical issues are addressed such as the need for greater tenure

security, market reform and other supportive changes in policy to improve

access to resources and markets by the poor.

 

This conference aims to support discussion and exchange on the critical

factors surrounding forests and poverty and current efforts to reduce

poverty through forest management and use. It will strengthen existing,

and

help build new, strategic networks of key stakeholders to advance tenure,

market and policy reforms in support of poverty reduction. Based on the

evidence and experiences shared at the conference, participants will be

invited to craft a common agenda of priorities to strengthen reforms for

poverty reduction and forests in Asia. Arrangements at the national and

regional level to support the implementation of the agenda will also be

considered.

 

Call for papers and posters

Papers are called from potential participants addressing the central theme

of the conference - the relationship between forests and poverty, and

particularly the role of forest resources, products and services in

poverty

reduction. The following themes and topics provide examples of the types

of

contributions that the conference organizers are looking for:

 

The Role of Forests in Poverty Reduction: Key Concepts and Issues

Lessons from Policies, Programs and Projects in Pro Poor Forestry

Emerging Opportunities and Threats for Pro Poor Forestry

For more information about how to submit abstracts, register for the

conference and other conference details see the conference website

http://conference.recoftc.org or contact conference

 

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Sept. 28-30, 2007

 

Southeast Women's Herbal Conference

 

http://www.redmoonherbs.com/womens_herbal_conference/index.php

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Oct. 19 - 21, 2007

 

Sacred Plant Medicine with Stephen Harrod Buhner

This introductory course has not been offered here in a number of years

and

it is a privilege to do so once again. This three day intensive will give

participants the skills needed to begin to explore tools for working with

themselves as well as herbs in the sacred language of plants. Through

Stephen's elegant prose, stories from experience and his profound way at

holding sacred space, this weekend is for all those wishing to deepen

their

relationship with Nature. This is powerful work for the powerful times we

are living in. We will be gifted Saturday night by a Pipe Ceremony as

well.

http://www.sacredplanttraditions.com/buhner.html

 

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Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2007

 

International Congress on A Global Vision of Forestry in the 21st Century

Toronto, Canada.

 

The congress discussions will be organized under the following 3 themes

and

8 sub-themes:

 

Global Challenges, Responsibilities and Leadership in Forestry: 1.1

Challenges and Responsibilities of Political Leadership and Governance

Structures 1.2 Challenges and Responsibilities of Constitutional, Legal

and

Policy Experts. 1.3 Challenges and Responsibilities of the Business

Community 1.4 Challenges and Responsibilities of Civil Society

Frontiers of Science and a Healthy and Diverse Forest Environment 2.1 The

Forest Environment, its Diversity and Productivity, and Scientific

Challenges 2.2 Human Health and the Forest

Cultures, Markets and Sustainable Societies 3.1 Markets and Sustainable

Societies 3.2 Culture, Ethics, and Sustainable Societies

For more information, please contact:

 

Prof. Shashi Kant

Chair - Organising Committee

Faculty of Forestry

University of Toronto

e-mail: shashi.kant

http://www.forestry.utoronto.ca/centennial/int_congress.htm

 

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Oct. 16-18, 2007

 

The Future of forests in Asia and the Pacific: outlook for 2020

Chiang Mai, Thailand

 

Recent and unprecedented economic and social change in the Asia-Pacific

region has significantly altered the way forests are regarded and used. It

is in acknowledgement of a new kind of society-forest dynamic in the

region

that the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission, in partnership with member

countries and other international organizations, is conducting the second

Asia-Pacific Forestry Sector Outlook Study (APFSOS II). This major

international conference is being organized to strengthen the consultative

and capacity-building processes of APFSOS II by bringing together diverse

stakeholders and expertise to provide broader perspectives on emerging

changes, probable scenarios and their implications for forests and

forestry

in the region.

 

The conference will provide opportunities to present selected voluntary

papers. Main discussion areas and subjects on which to present voluntary

papers will include:

 

Current situation of Asia-Pacific forests and forestry

Societal transition in Asia and the Pacific and probable scenarios for

forests and forestry

Impacts of globalization on forests and forestry in Asia and the Pacific

Challenges in balancing environmental, economic and social needs

Policy, institutional and technological adaptation for the 21st Century

Abstracts (about 250 words) of voluntary papers should be submitted not

later than 15 May 2007 and full papers should be submitted not later than

15

August 2007.

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Mr. Patrick Durst

Senior Forestry Officer

FAO Regional Officer for Asia and the Pacific

39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Email: patrick.durst

Tel: + 66 2 697 4139

Fax: + 66 2 697 4445

 

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Oct. 26-28, 2007

 

AMERICAN HERBALISTS GUILS SYMPOSIUM

Beyond the Basics, Beyond the Books: Clinical Botanical Medicine in Real

Life

 

Venue: Columbia Sheraton: Columbia, Maryland

Dates: preconference intensives on October 25

 

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November, 21-24 2007

 

3rd Global Summit on Medicinal and Aromatic plants

Chiang Mai, Thailand

 

Medicinal plants in many forms have been used since ancient times in

traditional medicine and for health care. Aromatic plants and their

products, particularly essential oils, are also becoming more important.

Traditional medicine is, at the present time, accepted as an alternative

for

or used in conjunction with the western medical practice in many

countries.

The 3rd Global Summit on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants is therefore being

organized to provide a forum for the scientists, researchers,

representatives from the medical and pharmaceutical industries as well as

traditional medicine to discuss, share the ideas, information and

experiences for future collaboration in the global development of

medicinal

and aromatic plant industries.

 

The theme of the Summit will be " Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Health

Care " with the emphasis on the following subtopics:

 

Cultivation and quality standardization

Sustainable role of medicinal and aromatic plants in health care

Safety and efficacy of phytomedicines and phytocosmetics

Isolation and characterization of bioactive substances from medicinal and

aromatic plants

Nanotechnology in pharmaceutical, phytocosmetics and natural products

For more information, including the call for paper and posters, please

contact:

 

Dr. Thaneeya Chetiyanukornkul, Secretariat

International Centre, UNISERV, Chiang Mai University

239 Huay Keaw Road, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand

Tel.: + (66-53) 94-2861, Fax: + (66-53) 94-2890

http://www.gosmap3-cmu.co.nr

 

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Please note that although all the references to edible and medicinal

herbs are tried and tested, their efficacy cannot be guaranteed.

Furthermore, different people react differently to various plants,

and adverse reactions cannot be excluded. Historical information

regarding poisonous plants is included for educational purposes only

and should not be tried out at home. Everybody uses herbs at their own

risk and thus must make themselves fully aware of their potential

power.

Any information given here is educational and should not replace a

visit to the doctor should this be necessary.

Neither Sacred Earth nor Kat Morgenstern accepts responsibility for

anybody's home experimentation.

 

Please note: This newsletter is now hosted at .

 

To send email to:

SacredEarth_NewsLetter-

 

To send email to:

Un: SacredEarth_NewsLetter-

 

Sacred Earth

Educational Forum and Networking Resource for Ethnobotany and Ecotravel

http://www.sacredearth.com

 

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