Loss of habitat, changing weather patterns, pollution and the booming illegal trade in wildlife are eroding the Earth of its precious biodiversity and disrupting the fragile balance of our ecosystems. Every year millions of hectares of forests are mowed down to make way for urban development or agriculture and this wanton destruction of habitat also results in the loss of wildlife, many of whom are literally on their last legs.
One such species that might not last the current decade is the rhinoceros, in particular, the Northern white rhino. The last surviving members of this species of rhino live in a reserve in Kenya. Despite global legislation, poachers continue to butcher rhinos, cutting out their horns and leaving them to die. The menace of poaching cannot be obliterated by legislation alone. It requires the full support of all sections of civil society to assist in conservation.
With this objective in mind, I adopted the youngest of the three rhinos in Kenya, a fifteen-year-old, called Fatu. Realising that my action, by itself, is insufficient, I reached out with a call for help to over 150 youth who attended my World Environment Day conference held on June 4.
I had seen these rhinos during my visit to Kenya in 2009, and I always wanted to help, but didn’t know how. When I started my work in environmental activism, I read a lot about wildlife conservation and I first adopted a turtle in 2012, called Nadia. The last couple of years have witnessed a tremendous increase in poaching and this has got me really worried.
The onus is on us to take action and mould the future the way we want it. Somebody has to show the way and, as a youth leader, I decided to do my bit and show the way forward. I hope many more young and passionate people will come forward and sponsor these amazing living creatures who add to the pristine beauty of our planet.
From Ms Kehkashan Basu
Dubai
Questions for US senate on gun control
The recent rejection by the US senate on plans to tighten gun control reeks of a polity infected with corruption, ignorance and disrespect for humanity (‘Different US president, but expect more shootings’, Gulf News, June 22). My questions to the US senate are: Will tightening gun control, tighten budgets available for the flashy US elections? Senator John Cornyn, what does Islam have to with gun control that Christianity and other faiths don’t? Why are the current gun control laws still based on centuries-old laws, which were enacted at a time when the US didn’t have armed forces to protect the public? A gun gives the owner licence to kill – right or wrong? If wrong, what are you doing to correct that? They are elected to run the country.
From Mr Ranjan Matthew
UAE
Friends forever
I have said this for months that Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have been social friends forever (‘Is Donald Trump a Manchurian Candidate?’, Gulf News, June 23)! He would build up the people to dislike his ways so the only alternative was to turn to the so-called lesser of two evils. But, is she really the lesser evil? The big powers at the top are the real string pullers. Clinton herself will be strung along, even as a President.
From Ms Maxene Dodds
UAE
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A special place
The UAE is a kind of special place where anyone can work and live (‘An opportunity to express love for UAE’, Gulf News, June 22). Great leaders, great people and a beautiful country. I love the UAE.
From Mr Neelofar Shahbaz
UAE
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Safe with opportunities
The UAE is one of the most secure countries in the world and there is huge opportunity for everyone. That’s why I love the UAE.
From Mr Binod Mahat
UAE
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Equality
I have three reasons to love the UAE. First, anybody with a small amount of money and an idea can start a business. Second, the law is equal for all. Lastly, the crime rate is very low and it’s a very safe country.
From Mr Aftab Khan Yusufzai
Dubai
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Planning to move back
I lived in Dubai and my daughter Aisha was born there. I am planning to move there once she has finished her university. I love it, and it’s only the summers with the heat and humidity that are tough.
From Ms Claudschi Beck
Vienna, Austria
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Controlling consumption at buffets
People who attend buffet meals, be it regular lunch, dinner or iftar, feel the urge to fill their plates as they want to take full value of the price of the buffet, which is usually very high (‘Food wastage is not acceptable in society’, Gulf News, June 21). A change in the price would help a lot to avoid this wastage. Apart from a basic price, the restaurants should charge according to the weight of the plates every time it is filled. This would give the customers the satisfaction that they are getting full value for their money as well as prevent them from filling the plates with more than what they need. This will also stop people who fill the plates out of greed.
From Ms Yousufa Mohammad
Abu Dhabi
Our fascination
There are always risks involved when handling animals (‘Amazon jaguar shot dead after Olympic torch ceremony’, Gulf News, June 23). They can be unpredictable, which is part of why we are fascinated by them.
From Ms Nelia Brummer
Pretoria, South Africa
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A really bad idea
I agree with the comments made in the report by the committee organising the Rio Olympics. They should not have brought the animal to the torch ceremony in the first place and chaining up a wild animal does not represent the spirit of the Olympics. They didn’t even go through the proper channels to make it legal for them to bring this magnificent creature to the event! Talk about a massive mistake. Not a good way to begin the festivities.
From Mr Kamden Louis
UAE
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A global problem
Syrian President Bashar Al Assad is causing global instability (‘US diplomats call for strikes against Assad’, Gulf News, June 18). Jordan and Lebanon are becoming overrun with refugees, as well as Europe. Take a look at Greece and the destruction of the country. It’s incredible. Al Assad should have been ousted from power a long time ago. He is now a global problem.
From Ms Nancy Decker
UAE
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Adjust work timings
The best solution to avoid feeling drowsy while driving and fasting is to adjust your timings (‘Pull over, if you are drowsy: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority tells motorists’, Gulf News, June 18). If you are prone to falling asleep while driving, have a good sleep after Fajr prayer and then go to work. Of course, this is considering you work in an office. Employees should try discussing this with their manager.
From Mr Khalid Khan
Dubai
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Prayers for the Nepalese
I know many Nepalese and they are so nice, humble and good people (‘Gurkhas to guards: Nepalis’ dangerous jobs’, Gulf News, June 22). From my experience, they are always punctual and give 100 per cent to duty. A lot of prayers for those who lost their lives in Afghanistan.
From Mr Suhail Khan
Dubai
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Unarmed targets
They can’t dare to fight with armed Gurkha soldiers, that’s why they are finding a soft target like security guards who are on the way to duty and without lethal arms. I hope the Afghan government will be successful in wiping out such terrorists.
From Mr Devin M.
UAE
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Keep a steady head
There is absolutely no doubt that India’s young bowler, Barinder Saran, had an unforgettable dream debut against the low-ranked Zimbabwe team. We sincerely hope that, unlike some of our earlier players like Irfan Pathan, he doesn’t go astray. He should have a steady head on his shoulders and try to improve his performance with both bat and ball to ensure a permanent place on the Indian team.
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
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