The restoration of Iraq's marshlands

Topic:

         

This article is about the restoration of a marshland area in Iraq.

         

       

Before reading:

          

General Knowledge:

• Can you find the country of Iraq on a map? What do you know about it?
• What is UNESCO, and what are its main mission
• What are the characteristics of 'marshland'?

           

Speculate:

• What are some reasons that natural areas might be destroyed? In other words, what are some of the causes (human or otherwise) of ecological destruction?

             

Click on the embedded link below to read the article, see photos, and listen to or download the audio file on the PRI website. Word count: 543

           

Iraq's marshlands, nearly destroyed under Saddam, are coming back

After reading:

          

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• In your own words, explain why it is important to preserve these marshlands. Look for hints in the article, and give as many reasons as you can.
• How might the new UNESCO World Heritage status affect the region? Make a list of possible consequences.
• Although previous Iraqi governments have actively caused the destruction of the marshlands, Azzam Alwash says that the current government has made a commitment to protect this area. What does this imply about the current government?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

          

Reflect and evaluate:

• Can you think of any traditions in your culture that have remained unchanged for a long period of time? Why do you think this tradition hasn't changed?
• Does your country have any sites with World Heritage status? What makes these places special? Have you been to visit any of them?
• Like the Iraqi marshlands, are there natural areas in your country that have been destroyed by humans? What were the effects of the destruction? How were people and animals affected by the destruction?
• Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic? Do you have any questions that weren't answered in the article?
• What vocabulary words were new to you in this article? Make a record of what you have learned.

           

Also in the news:

• Read about successful efforts in China to convert land back into forest. But this success, as it turns out, is a double-edged sword: What China's successful reforestation program means for the rest of the world

             

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Bhutan's model for managing stray dogs

Topic:

       

Dogs have an important role in the ecosystem of Bhutan. This article is about how the country is managing its population of strays.

       

      

Before reading:

        

General Knowledge:

• Can you find the country of Bhutan on a map? What do you know about it?
• What is a "stray" animal? How do these animals affect the areas where they live?
• What does it mean to spay or neuter an animal? What is the purpose of this?

       

Speculate:

• When the people of Bhutan tried removing all stray dogs from the streets, they noticed an unexpected negative consequence. What might that have been?

           

Click on the embedded link below to read the article, see photos, and listen to or download the audio file on the PRI website. Word count: 910

         

Bhutan carried out a nationwide program to spay and neuter its stray dogs

After reading:

       

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• What do you think about Bhutan's system of "community" pet ownership? Compare and contrast the way dogs are cared for in Bhutan with the way they are cared for in your culture.
• What effects might the Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release method have on Bhutan's economy? How about on tourism? What other outcomes do you predict?
• Explain the purpose of putting a notch in a dog's left ear after it has been spayed or neutered. Why is it important to be able to recognize whether a dog has been spayed/neutered?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

          

Reflect and evaluate:

• Twig Mowatt says, "Bhutanese people, who are largely Buddhist, believe that sentient beings should be cared for." Where you live, are there religious ideas or other beliefs that affect the way people interact with animals or the environment? Explain.
• Are there stray animals where you live? What kind? Do they have an important role in the ecosystem, like the dogs in Bhutan?
• Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic? Do you have any questions that weren't answered in the article?
• What vocabulary words were new to you in this article? Make a record of what you have learned.

        

Beyond the page:

• Find out more about Humane Society International, the organization that helped Bhutan establish its program. Then, look for information about Humane Society programs where you live.

           

Also in the news:

Read recent news about stray animals in other parts of the world

• India: Stray dogs, pigs a menace in Maharani Bagh
• Serbia: Call to Help! Belgrade activist sets up animal charity
• Turkey: Turkish children hide stray dogs from municipal police

           
           

Join the conversation: add your thoughts about this article in the comments section below. Like Lively Exchanges on Facebook, and don't forget to share this post with your friends!