Natural Resource Issues Liberia

Africa: Food Versus Biofuels Debate Continues

2010-12-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

Article from IPS:

Africa: Food Versus Biofuels Debate Continues
Mantoe Phakathi
2 December 2010

"We're going to Cancún no better off than we were in Copenhagen," said Thuli Makama, the director of Friends of the Earth Swaziland, as she prepared to leave for the climate negotiations in Mexico.

Makama is worried about one particular proposal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions: biofuels. She feels industrialised countries are promoting the production and use of biofuels to fulfill their energy needs, but this will leave more people in the developing world without food.
"We face the danger of growing food for the machines instead of our stomachs," Makama told IPS. Swaziland faces serious shortages of food, with 170,000 of it's million-strong population in need of food aid this year.

Makama and Friends of the Earth campaigned hard against a project to establish biofuels production from jatropha in Swaziland.

A UK-based company called D1 Oils signed contracts with the farmers to grow jatropha for them. An initial agreement with the government planned to put 20,000 hectares into biofuels production, possibly expanding to 50,000. The company website states that there are millions of hectares of marginal land in developing countries that cannot effectively be used to grow food.
"Much of this land is suitable for growing energy crops such as jatropha," says the company, which planned to establish its operations in drought-stricken areas of Swaziland.

FoEI spoke to many of the farmers involved with the project. One of these, Sam Dube, told the environmental campaign group he had devoted all three of his fields to the energy crop, where previously he was growing food on two of his plots, and cotton for a cash income in the third.
He faced a three-year wait while his jatropha matured and he could begin to make a profit.
He could be in trouble. D1 Oils pulled out of the project before it properly took off because, according to the company's CEO in Swaziland, Gaetan Ning, the Swazi government was unwilling to support the project with necessary legislation.

"They wanted us to do a national strategy on biofuels, yet it's not our job to do this but government's," said Ning. After spending more than $8 million over five years cultivating this crop on private farms, the company called it a day.

"We had hired 500 people to work on these farms and we had to retrench them," said Ning.
Gcina Dladla, spokesperson for the Swaziland Environment Authority, said it was a pity that D1 Oils abandoned the project after being asked to do the Strategic Environmental Assessment.
"We wanted to ascertain factually the impact of jatropha on food security, quality of the soil in response to the outcry by civil society organisations," said Dladla.

Prudent, but environmental consultant Rex Brown, who was working with D1 on the jatropha project, argues that food insecurity cannot be blamed on biofuels. The reasons why people in Swaziland and elsewhere go hungry may include inadequate food policies, food availability, market forces, distribution and logistics and suitable climates.

"What is often critical is a person's ability to pay for his food," said Brown. Cultivating jatropha on marginal land in arid Swaziland, he argues, could provide a steady income for rural people either as farm labour or growers in their own right.

Brown says the jatropha-based biofuels project D1 Oils proposed had the added benefit of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon.

"The role of agriculture, and tree crops in particular, in mitigating climate change revolves around the capacity of the plant to store carbon for extended periods of time," said Brown.
Defending biofuels against charges that widescale cultivation will displace farmers and food crops, Brown said it was a case of criticise one, criticise all.

"Rubber, cotton, cocoa, sisal, for example, are crops grown on large plantations globally," said Brown. "Using the argument put forward by biofuel opponents, we should also question the food security of these crops."

No doubt Elfrieda Pschorn-Strauss, from GRAIN, an international NGO that supports biodiverse, community-based food systems, would question the role played by plantation farming of any type.

Pschorn-Strauss says that biofuels - which GRAIN prefers to call agro-fuels - have already displaced farmers from their land, negatively affected food production and caused the destruction of forest.

"So many promises of agro-fuels like jatropha have not materialised," she said.
She does not want to see biofuels gain wider acceptance as part of a mitigation strategy negotiated in Cancún.

"[The industry] has managed to develop mechanisms and agreements that will allow them to legitimately exploit the environment and people for financial gain," said Pschorn-Strauss.
The answer may lie somewhere between the opposing positions. Researcher David Tilman, from the University of Minnesota in the United States, was the lead author of a paper that outlined the potential bases of sustainable and responsible biofuels production.

To gain the maximum carbon emissions reductions over fossil fuels while conserving forest cover and biodiversity, biofuel feedstock should come from municipal and industrial waste, residues from crops and sustainably harvested wood, and from perennial plants grown on degraded land - already abandoned from agricultural use.

Copyright © 2010 Inter Press Service. All rights reserved.

###

Talk, talk, talk.....

At the turn of the millennium Countries (mostly European) and corporations have been cued up to take Africa's arable land and water wherever they can. THE ONLY REASON THE DEBATE CONTINUES IS THAT THE EUROS HAVE NOT THE RESULT THEY WANTED.

Come on now! What do WE want?

NEARLY 4 years ago, the FAO banner read, "Combustion Or Consumption? Balancing Food And Biofuel Production." The consequences of large-scale bioenergy production for worldwide food security and biodiversity, takes on new meaning when it is the developing countries providing the biomass. Alexander Maller, Head of FAO's Natural Resources Management and Environment Department, said "While there is legitimate concern among some groups that bioenergy could compromise food security and cause environmental damage, it can also be an important tool for improving the well-being of rural people if governments take into account environmental and food security concerns." Is it only me, or does that sound like the ghost of old colonials.

And the debate continues??????

"Rome is burning it's own crops," is not a phrase we are likely to hear as long as they can conveniently shift the biomass burden to those who have the weakest voice and the most to loose.

EarlyBird

A Railroad Is Not Just A Rail And A Road

2010-11-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

Just concluded a visit from his eminence, Guinea's interim Prime Minister Jean Marie Dore.
Here is the story in the Observer:
http://www.liberianobserver.com/node/8885

We are pleased about the good relations and the discussions. But people let's think about this...

To move four billion tons of high-grade iron ore through Liberia is no small thing. The proposed railroad option is what cooks this soup! All other options for Guinea are far, far inferior.

As we have been saying for years Liberia needs to wake up to the economic development opportunities. GROWTH WITHOUT DEVELOPMENT should never happen again. From the top of Mount Nimba to the Port of Buchanan will be a fantastic number of chances to taste this soup. A Railroad is not just a Railroad. It requires a long term commitment for operation and maintenance. That means support for bridges, rails, roads, and equipment. This will be jobs, housing, schools and infrastructure development.

Are the people of Nimba and Bassa going to be left with dry rice toped with the red dust of Guinea or are we going to enjoy the soup!

Anthropogenicagent

Simba Energy - "Onshore" Reconnaissance

2010-11-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

News Story from Proactiveinvestors just in: "Simba Energy finds itself surrounded by the lions of oil and gas exploration"

http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/22668/simba-energy-finds-itself-surrounded-by-the-lions-of-oil-and-gas-exploration-22668.html

They have acquired the Liberia’s first onshore reconnaissance licence – a 1,366 square kilometre area close to the airport in the capital Monrovia.

BUT WHAT DOES "ONSHORE" MEAN????

Their exploration project will take them into the most fragile environment possible. The target is the mangroves!

Oil and Mangroves do not mix!see: http://mangroveactionproject.org/issues/petroleum/oil-mangroves-do-not-mix

THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS.... WOULD THEY ALLOW THIS IN THEIR HOME OF CANADA?

ANSWER: NO!

###
Anthropogenicagent

Foreign mining companies - bullying?

2010-10-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned....

World briefs (excerpt)
Saturday Star (SA)
October 30, 2010 Edition 1

Mines accused of bullying

TARKWA, Ghana: Foreign mining companies in gold-rich Ghana are accused of regularly seizing people's land, polluting the environment and violently suppressing critics. A report by the Human Rights Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law said the mining firms in Ghana's west took land from farmers without compensation. Officials in Ghana could not be reached for comment.

This website is ACAP-enabled © 1999 - 2010 Star & Independent Online (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reliance on the information this site contains is at your own risk. Please read our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.

###

EarlyBird

The Guinea Deal

2010-10-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

More rumblings across the boarder... News from The Africa Report

All part of the master plan (Guinea)
The Africa Report
Written by Honoré Banda in Conakry Wednesday, 27 October 2010 13:16

Guinea is one of the world’s leading producers of bauxite, and its government plans to make it the biggest producer of iron ore. In the final days of President Lansana Conté in December 2008, the regime announced it had revoked 50% of the rights to Rio Tinto’s huge iron ore concession at Simandou and transferred them to Israeli diamond magnate Benny Steinmetz, a friend of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Officials had warned Rio Tinto six months earlier that it had held Simandou for too long without developing it, a breach of the mining code.

The key official behind this more muscular approach is mines minister Mahmoud Thiam. A former banker with Merrill Lynch and UBS, Thiam was asked to return to his native Guinea to take over the mining portfolio after the palace coup in December 2008 that brought Captain Moussa Dadis Camara to power. A canny and well-connected operator, Thiam carries a US passport and contributed to President Barack Obama’s election campaign.

Thiam has masterminded deals with companies from Israel, Brazil, Australia and China to expand iron and bauxite production. Sometimes the new alliances work as a political insurance policy: In October 2009, the military junta signed an infrastructure and minerals deal worth $7bn with China International Fund just days after soldiers killed 150 demonstrators at an opposition rally which triggered calls for international sanctions.

In June, Thiam brought in Brazil’s mining giant Vale to take a 51% stake in a venture with Steinmetz for $2.5bn. That suddenly made the Steinmetz project look serious and added to pressure on Rio. Under a special deal, the Steinmetz-Vale consortium would be able to use a railway on the Liberia side of the border to transport their ore but Rio would have to part-finance a multi-billion-dollar railway project in Guinea. In June, the Conakry junta told Rio that if it did not accept the transfer of 50% of Simandou to Steinmetz and Vale, it risked losing the remaining 50% of the concession. The following month, Rio strengthened its agreement to invest in Simandou by partnering with Beijing’s Chinalco. Rio’s engineers have also started assessing railway routes through the mountainous interior.

According to a message sent by Thiam to a friend in August, he wanted the Steinmetz, Bellzone and Rio Tinto-Chinalco deal resolved before the final round of elections in September when the military is due to hand power back to civilians. "Then I can go home," he said.

This article was first published in the October-November 2010 edition of The Africa Report. The Africa Report; TheAfricaReport.com. All rights reserved.

EarlyBird

Sarpo National Park Cleared of Illegal Miners and Poachers

2010-10-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS!

The Analyst (Monrovia)
Liberia: Sarpo National Park Cleared

8 October 2010

Sinoe County Superintendent J. Milton Teahjay has announced that his administration has cleared the Sarpo National Park of more than 20,000 illegal miners and poachers, thanks to the enormous support he said he got from President Sirleaf, international partners, and his colleagues in River Gee and Grand Gedeh counties.

The some in the group that had occupied the park, he disclosed, have been digging large holes indiscriminately in the forest in search of diamond and gold as others killed and poached endangered species of animals, while the rest ripped off rare flowers and tree species carefully selected and planted by horticulturists for research and tourist attraction.

“So going in the park was to preserve the park for research purposes by universities all over the world in agriculture, forestry, fishery, animal raring and all kinds of things. Secondly, when we get to that point of preserving that park and creating an environment in which tourists can go in there to see the animal species that will be a major center of tourists’ attraction in Liberia and perhaps the biggest in the sub- region,” the Sinoe boss said.

The Sarpo National Park, the largest national conservation zone in the country, borders River Gee, Grand Gedeh, and Sinoe counties, about 85% of the Park being in Sinoe.

The illegal miners and poachers had swarmed and occupied the national park dating back to the takeover of the region by the rebel MODEL faction in 2003.

They have since defied efforts by the government and international conservationists to get them out in order to protect endangered species until recently when Superintendent Teahjay booted them out “without firing a bullet”.

Many had thought that clearing of the park of armed felons would have resulted into a firefight, something the superintendent said did not become necessary because the illegal miners and poachers simply complied with his ultimatum to leave the area within a given period.
The former MICAT Deputy Boss, who lavished praises on President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for affording him the opportunity to serve his people, said he was grateful to the president, the citizens of Sinoe, his colleagues in the region and donors for the smooth completion of the exercise.

“The Sarpo National Park has been 100% cleared now, without firing a bullet and it is important to state that here. Those who were occupying the park were given a timetable to vacate the park to avoid government forces going in there and having military confrontation with them,” Mr. Teahjay said.

Besides the Liberian government, the authorities of River Gee and Grand Gedeh counties, the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the Fauna & Flora International (FFI), the International Conservation Union (ICU), and the ICUMU have contributed immensely to the success, Superintendent Teahjay told The Analyst in an interview this week.

He did not say what roles the county authorities and each of the organizations have played in getting the illegal miners out, but he said what was now important was for the government to barricade the park to prevent the illegal miners and poachers from reoccupying it.

President Sirleaf recently mandated Superintendent Teahjay to clear the Sarpo National Park of illegal miners in preparation for its rehabilitation.

“Now that we have achieved the goal she gave us, we need to now go to her and give our own practical recommendations as to how we can preserve what we have achieved,” he said.

He said he was planning recommending to the President the deployment of a unit of the security forces to work with FDA to keep illegal miners out of the park as removing them once they reoccupied the park would require unnecessary expenditure as well as be time consuming.

“The only way to achieve that objective is for the national security forces to go in there, get posted for a while for the next few months while the FDA is trying to prepare its rangers to take over from the national security forces,” Mr. Teahjay said, noting that a delay would be create a difficult situation.

He said the clearing of the park was one of three major assignments the President gave him upon his induction as Superintendent of Sinoe County in November 2009.

The other two were the clearing of the Sinoe Rubber Corporation (SRC) plantations of illegal tappers, which ended with the intervention of armed guards of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) of the Liberian National Police (LNP), and the gem-rich Government Camp.

Unlike the park and the SRC situation, which required the forced removal of illegal occupants, he said he was successful in getting the Government Camp miners to upgrade their operational licenses from 23% to 92%.

He did not say what the increased percentage point meant for government revenue generation in the region or in terms of illegal cross-border trade, which UN says has become an emerging problem in Liberia as border security improved in the region, but he said he was satisfied that the miners were operating legally.

Meantime the Sinoe County Superintendent has disclosed that some of the yellow machines the county has ordered for road and bridge construction have arrived in the country.

He said the caterpillar machine was still en route and would take few more months to arrive in the country because it was being shipped on a separate vessel because of its size.

“The equipments are being bought and they are currently in Monrovia and you can go on the 13th Street and those machines are there on display, except for the caterpillar that is still on the way coming,” he said.

He said the presence of the equipment, which would be transported to Sinoe when road condition improved, settled the suspicion that he had withdrawn US $250,000.00 from the Sinoe Development Fund to construct a private mansion.

“Even if the people of Sinoe County were stupid, they will not allow me to go and withdraw US $250,000.00, where do I get that kind of trick from to do it? So, the equipments are here and they are on display now for verification. But I am disappointed that while we are trying to put Sinoe County on the right path in terms of development, there are those who are still bent on destroying Sinoe County,” he said.

The Sinoe boss, who graded himself “A” for achieving presidential assignments on time, said his administration has reconciled the people of Sinoe to the extent that there was no distinction between Sarpos, Krus, Jelapoans, and Americo-Liberians.

“Sinoe County now is reconciled, everybody in the country is now considered to be Sinoans and not tribal elements,” he claimed, grateful to the youth and student population of the county for supporting his administration in its endeavor to undertake meaningful development.

“I also want to assure them that the scholarship scheme which was mismanaged many years ago before I became superintendent of Sinoe County is back on course,” he declared.

Meanwhile the former United People’s Party (UPP) presidential hopeful said his only political ambition now is to serve the people of Sinoe County as superintendent.

He then disclosed plans by President Sirleaf, in collaboration with the Governance Reform Commission (GRC), to submit a bill to parliament calling for the election of county superintendents.

“If that bill passes the House, it will be a good thing to try to serve my people if they want me to serve them. Any other thing beyond the superintendent position is possible, but I want to keep my card to my chest at this point,” Mr. Teahjay said.

Copyright © 2010 The Analyst. All rights reserved.

###

EarlyBird

Putu Development - Grand Gedah Association in the Americas register Disappointment

2010-09-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

GGAA Disappointed With Gedeh Mountain Concession Agreement

(Letter published in the Liberian Journal)

(Sep 13, 2010)
[photo: Jeremiah Garwo Sokan, Sr. Secretary General, GGAA]

The National Administration of Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas learned this past week that the Putu Mountain (Gedeh Mountain) concession agreement presented to the Liberian legislature few days ago was passed by the august body and is now enacted into law.

We the citizens of Grand Gedeh County are disappointed in the manner in which the Government of Liberia handled the entire process:

1) Government of Liberia failed to include a representation from the Grand Gedeh County on the committee responsible for the drafting the Putu Ore Mining Concession Agreement and inform the people at least about key provisions.

2) The draft concession agreement was kept as a secret from the people of Grand Gedeh County by the Committee-in-Charge and the Government of Liberia. Drafting a document that would affect the lives and livelihood of people residing in the areas of mining should not have been kept as secret until it passes into law. This practice is unfair and overlooked the opinions of the citizens of the region.

3) Government of Liberia blended the deliberations on this critical agreement with the complex debate of the 2010 Annual National Budget of the Republic of Liberia. As a result, the 150-page, plus document (the Putu Mountain Concession Agreement) was rushed down the throats of the people of Grand Gedeh County without them knowing the content.

In this 21st century, a participatory leadership style is the bedrock to good governance. It is incomprehensible that such aspect of civil service will elude our leadership on critical issues that will affect the lives and livelihood of people who live in the areas of the mining activities.

Signed:

Jeremiah Garwo Sokan, Sr.
National Secretary General, GGAA

Tel: 484- 948-9484, e-mail: jsokansr7@msn.com

Editor's Note: GGAA press release.

© Copyright 2008 The Liberian Journal - All Rights reserved.

Women Researchers Recognised

2010-08-27T08:44:00.001-07:00

Anthropogenicagent says: What is good for rural women will be good for natural resource managemnt.

Of course this is slightly off topic... But it is news too good not to share:

East African Business Week (Kampala)

Africa: Sixty Women Researchers Recognised
Joseph Olanyo
23 August 2010

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kampala, Uganda — A passion fruit pathologist, a catfish breeder, and a pigeon pea researcher are among the 60 outstanding women agricultural scientists from 10 African countries who received a fellowship from African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).

The fellowship will help these top researchers strengthen their research and leadership skills, and enhance their contributions to poverty alleviation and food security across the continent.

"Today we debunked the myth that qualified African women researchers 'aren't out there'-an excuse that's often used to justify why women are not hired or promoted equitably within agricultural research institutions, universities, and corporations," said Vicki Wilde, AWARD Director in a statement sent to East African Business Week.

"We've proven that top-notch female scientists do exist in significant numbers and, equally important, they are conducting critical food security research that is desperately needed to feed future generations. We are recognizing and supporting these women today with an AWARD Fellowship."

Dr. Ruth Amata, a senior research officer at the Kenyan Agricultural Research Institute, is one of this year's 60 fellowship winners. "I am so excited about this great opportunity," said Amata.

"My main goal is to help rural women farmers to improve production of their food crops, including sweet potato and cassava, through disease management. This fellowship will help me link up with and learn from other women scientists who are making an impact, and to develop the leadership skills I need."

Amata was selected from 784 applicants representing 54 institutions in 10 countries; she joins 120 AWARD Fellows currently in the program. In total, 1,681 female scientists from 450 institutions have applied for the prestigious fellowships since AWARD began in 2008. AWARD Fellows benefit from a two-year program focused on mentoring partnerships, science skills, and leadership development.

The fellowships are awarded on the basis of intellectual merit, leadership capacity, and the potential of the scientist's research to improve the daily lives of smallholder farmers, especially women.

"Agriculture is key to economic growth in Africa," said Haven Ley, Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which supports AWARD through a grant to the CGIAR's Gender & Diversity Program.

"AWARD is changing agricultural research and development to better respond to the needs and challenges of women producers on the continent."

AWARD addresses many of the barriers, including a lack of role models and mentors, which prevent African women from playing a more active role in agricultural research and from considering a career in agricultural science.

Recent research conducted in 15 African countries by AWARD and Agricultural Science and

Technology Indicators (ASTI) shows that between 2000 and 2008, the number of African women professionals employed in the agricultural sciences grew by 8 percent per year, while the number of African men grew by 2 percent per year.

However, women still represent less than one quarter of AWARD is a professional development program that strengthens the research and leadership skills of African women in agricultural science, empowering them to contribute more effectively to poverty alleviation and food security in sub-Saharan Africa.

"AWARD offers two-year fellowships focused on mentoring partnerships, science skills, and leadership development. African women working in agricultural research and development from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia who have completed a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in selected disciplines are eligible," the statement further said.

A project of the CGIAR's Gender & Diversity Program, AWARD is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID.

Copyright © 2010 East African Business Week. All rights reserved.

ICUN list - Mount Nimba Nature Reserve

2010-08-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

NEWS from the Daily Independent:

Africa Tops List of Endangered World Heritage Sites
Daily Independent (Lagos)

4 August 2010

African heritages comprise 11 out of the 16 listed endangered world heritage sites by the world heritage committee.

At the recently concluded world heritage annual meeting in Brazil, the list of endangered heritages include rainforests of the Atsinanana - Madagascar, Everglades National Park (USA), Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (Central African Republic), Comoé National Park (Cote d'Ivoire), Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (Cote d'Ivoire/ Guinée), Virunga National Park (DRC), Kahuzi-Biega National Park(DRC), Garamba National Park (DRC), Salonga National Park(DRC), Okapi Wildlife Reserve(DRC), Simien National Park( Ethiopia) , Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves(Niger), Niokolo-Koba National Park( Senegal), Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (India), Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (Belize) and Los Katíos National Park (Colombia).

According to a press release by IUCN media relations officer, Pia Drzewinski, the World Heritage Committee decided to remove the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) from the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger, despite IUCNÂ´s recommendation to the contrary.

It noted that the Rainforests of Atsinanana are critically important to the survival of Madagascar's unique biodiversity. Over 80 percent of species there are endemic and include rare and threatened lemurs. But since the 2009 political crisis, illegal logging of precious woods has drastically increased and lemur poaching for bush meat, previously unheard of in Madagascar, is developing at a worrying rate, with a reduction in population density of 30 to 75 percent observed in some places.

"The ongoing illegal logging of precious woods in parts of Madagascar is of serious concern and is having serious impacts on endangered lemurs," says Tim Badman, Head of World Heritage at IUCN. "In adding this site to the Danger List, we are calling for international action to halt illegal logging and to also ensure that no illegally logged precious woods from Madagascar enter national markets."

The Everglades National Park, a sanctuary for birds and reptiles and home to 20 rare, endangered and threatened species, has been added to the Danger List upon request by the USA. It had previously been on this List from 1993 until 2007 because of the large amount of water diverted from the Park to nearby cities, which dried out the wetland habitats and caused a 90 percent drop in the population of wetland birds.

"We commend the USA's request to re-inscribe the site on the danger list, and its plans for major infrastructure overhaul to restore the Everglade's fragile wetland ecosystem," says Mariam Kenza Ali, IUCN World Heritage Conservation Officer "It reflects the role of the World Heritage Convention in supporting restoration efforts for the wetland habitats."

The Galapagos Islands, which have been called a unique "living museum and showcase of evolution" were inscribed on the Danger List in 2007 because of threats posed by invasive species, unbridled tourism and overfishing.

"IUCNÂ´s recommendation for the Galapagos was that it should not be removed from the Danger List as there is work still to be done," says Tim Badman, Head of IUCNÂ´s World Heritage Programme. "But we recognize the major efforts of the Ecuadorian government to rectify the situation there."

Copyright © 2010 Daily Independent. All rights reserved.

Chinafrica (29) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2010-06-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

We felt that this coming Article from Time was useful, this is definitely not for commercial distribution.

China's New Continent
Time
By Alex Perry / Kinshasa, Cape Town and Lusaka Monday, Jul. 05, 2010

If you want to see what's wrong with Africa, take a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The size of Western Europe, with almost no paved roads, Congo is the sucking vortex where Africa's heart should be. Independent Congo gave the world Mobutu Sese Seko, who for 32 years impoverished his people while traveling the world in a chartered Concorde. His death in 1997 ushered in a civil war that killed 5.4 million people and unleashed a hurricane of rape on tens of thousands more. Today AIDS and malaria are epidemic. Congo, then, is not a place you'd normally associate with a yuppie.

Tell that to Mathis Xu, 26, a manager at a Chinese state construction company I met last year. As a languages student in Beijing, Xu took French to be different - and different is what he got. In April 2008, he was picked to translate for the Congolese government and the state-owned China Railway Engineering Corp. (CREC) in negotiations over a $9 billion deal. CREC and others would build thousands of kilometers of roads and railways, 32 hospitals, 145 health centers and two universities, an investment of $6 billion in the kind of infrastructure Congo desperately needs. As part payment, China would receive $3 billion in concessions to mine the copper and cobalt essential to its growing industries. When the deal was struck that month, Xu found himself posted to Kinshasa as CREC's liaison with the government. "We will transform this city," he exclaimed, watching CREC's giant road builders level a hillside in Kinshasa next to the Congo River. "It will be fantastic!"

As more than 300 political figures, business leaders and champions of civil society gather in Cape Town for a Global Forum sponsored by TIME and our corporate cousins at FORTUNE and CNN, China's role in Africa will be a key part of their discussions. Notwithstanding the Great Recession, many observers think the African economy is poised for great things. Fueled by a commodities boom, the continent's output grew by 5% to 7% in both 2007 and '08 and even managed 2% growth in 2009. China is not the only nation that has noticed the opportunities in Africa, but it is the one that has taken them most seriously, in ways that may change not just the region's economic landscape but its political one too.

The ambition, speed and scale of Chinese involvement in Africa is extraordinary. According to Chris Alden, author of China in Africa, two-way trade stood at $10 billion in 2000. By 2006, it was $55 billion, and in 2009 it hit $90 billion, making China Africa's single largest trading partner, supplanting the U.S., which did $86 billion in trade with Africa in 2009. Today the Chinese are pumping oil from Sudan to Angola, logging from Liberia to Gabon, mining from Zambia to Ghana and farming from Kenya to Zimbabwe. Chinese contractors are building roads from Equatorial Guinea to Ethiopia, dams from the Congo to the Nile, and hospitals and schools, sports stadiums and presidential palaces across the continent. They are buying too. Acquisitions range from a $5.5 billion stake in South Africa's Standard Bank to a $14 million investment in a mobile-phone company in Somalia.
(See one of the most ambitious public-works programs in China.)

Beijing insists it is a partner in Africa's development, delivering investment and gaining a new market for its products and new access to resources. Western businesses say China is on a resource grab. They worry that it is playing unfairly, undercutting them by paying low wages and skirting standards on safety, the environment and human rights, and coordinating commerce, assistance and diplomacy in ways impossible, not to say illegal, in the West. The truth is somewhere in between. To the extent that China is using Africa as an experiment - to try out ideas of how it might be in the world - its African adventure is worthy of close study. To do that, we must answer two questions: How is China changing Africa? And how is Africa changing China?

Let's go back to Kinshasa. Congo's got problems. The Western way of helping has been with aid - multilateral, bilateral or through self-funding religious groups and NGOs. To stem the fighting in the east, Congo has a 21,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping force - MONUC - the biggest in the world. These efforts have had mixed success. The war hasn't ended, and the world's loans to Congo have helped fuel corruption. Little has been done to address Congo's infrastructure deficit. Coordinating aid among so many groups and nations remains difficult.

Enter China. Beijing doesn't do gifts; it does deals. In Congo, China's infrastructure-for-mines deal irked the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Fund argued that Congo's guarantee to China that it would recoup at least $3 billion in minerals was an IOU on Congo's national assets and therefore a new debt. That fell afoul of debt-write-off conditions, which require that the debtor take on no new loans. "If the Congolese take the Chinese deal," said a Western official familiar with the negotiations in mid-2009, "they will not get any more [Western] support." A standoff ensued. An earlier deal, in 2007 with Angola, also outraged the IMF. It had been negotiating a new loan with Angola for years, with carefully calibrated conditions to block corruption and alleviate poverty. By paying Luanda $5 billion in return for oil concessions and infrastructure contracts, China effectively made the IMF redundant. Diplomats across Africa like to say the continent offers space for everyone. But what's happening in Angola and Congo is a new scramble for Africa. Xu, the translator, has no doubt that he is engaged in an intense rivalry. "Not everybody is pleased to see us here, that's for sure. But we are not going to lose."

For all the heat, even IMF officials admit that the Chinese model for African development has some advantages. First, it's quick. Loan talks with multilateral agencies take years. The China-Angola discussions took weeks. "With the West, there are studies, analyses and bureaucracy," says the Western official. "The Chinese just ask what the government wants, and they don't question or comment or judge. They just do it." China also works as visibly as it does quickly. Drive across almost any African country today and you'll find Chinese engineers by the side of the road, sleeves rolled up, overseeing work crews. IMF officials in suits crunching numbers inside air-conditioned compounds just don't have the same kind of dash. "What we do is always in the shade," complains an IMF staffer in Africa. "Macroeconomic stability - what is that? You can't show it on camera."

Apart from aid, the Asian model of development is looking increasingly attractive. African governments look at Western economic instability over the past two years and find a better model in Asia's extraordinary growth. Special economic zones, one of the engines of China's growth for two decades, are popping up across the continent. But what really distinguishes Chinese businesspeople from their Western rivals in Africa is how risk-happy they seem. Barely a month goes by without the announcement of a new billion-dollar investment in one of the world's least stable countries. The latest? A stunning $23 billion deal in May to rebuild Nigeria's oil-refining capacity. For Chinese businesses, backing by a rich state that packages aid with commerce and has an extended time horizon cuts risk significantly. Chinese ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo Wu Zexian elaborates on this new model of development assistance. "Before, African countries never profited from their resources. Now they help them build infrastructure. Other countries say, This country has a lot of problems. We say, This country has huge potential." The key is long-term vision. "Yes, there is a risk," says Wu. "But in 50 years, we will still be here. So will Congo and the mines. Short term: sure, problems. Long term: not much risk."

So how is Africa changing China? In 2005, 49 workers died in an accident at a Chinese mining-explosives factory in Chambishi, Zambia. Populist opposition leader Michael Sata accused the government of selling out the country to Beijing, a stance that earned him wide support in the 2006 and '08 elections. His views on China are colorful and expressed in terms that many Chinese would find deeply offensive. "In every part of Zambia, the Chinaman is there, packed eight to a room," he says at his office in Lusaka. "What the Chinaman is doing, nobody knows."

Zambia is just one country in Africa where China's presence has provoked criticism. In South Africa, China found itself rebutting warnings from former President Thabo Mbeki about a new "colonial relationship." In Ethiopia, in April 2007, China had to take sides in a separatist conflict when Ogaden National Liberation Front rebels killed 74 workers, nine of whom were Chinese, at a Chinese oil-field installation. The same year, a Chinese engineer was killed in an attack on a stone-material plant in Mombasa, Kenya, and Chinese oil workers have been kidnapped by rebels in Nigeria. Chinese migrants fought pitched battles with Algerians in the capital, Algiers, last year.

So China is trying to explain itself. Chinese bankers, academics and diplomats now take star turns at economic summits across the continent. "There is a mistrust of China," says Wu. "We have to speak to be understood." China has done more than just speak. It has also, in some cases, abandoned its long-standing policy of noninterference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. Liu Guijin, China's special representative to Africa and its top diplomat on the continent, calls himself a "political troubleshooter" and says he spends a lot of time in Sudan mediating the conflict in Darfur. That sounds like a definite departure. "Perhaps we are having a flexible interpretation of noninterference," Liu replies with a laugh. After an earlier reluctance, China is now the fourth largest contributor of troops to peacekeeping operations: its soldiers are on the ground in Liberia, Sudan and Congo as part of U.N. operations there.

One man's flexibility can be another's willingness to do deals with anyone. But China is becoming more sensitive to that criticism too. In Zimbabwe, China is often accused of helping keep Robert Mugabe in power. Not so, contends a senior member of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), who says China went to "huge lengths" to ensure that MDC Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, not Mugabe, got credit for a new $950 million loan in July 2009.

Mirroring the changes taking place in China itself, China's relationship with Africa is "changing and maturing month by month as both parties better understand each other," says Geoffrey White, CEO of the trans-African conglomerate Lonrho. It was that spirit that persuaded China to drop details in its Congo deal that the IMF found so objectionable, as well as cut the infrastructure part of the deal from $6 billion to $3 billion. Liu says that while China and the West have "different priorities, different approaches and different ways of doing things, we need China and [the West] to make efforts to align their interests and policies."

There are limits to how far China will go. It will continue to pursue warm relations with all African countries, whether they are democracies or dictatorships, partly because each African country represents a potential vote against Taiwan's efforts to gain diplomatic recognition. China's commitment to nonintervention also remains strong; it has, for example, not supported the International Criminal Court in its attempts to prosecute Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for war crimes.

For all the tangled tale of aid, investment and diplomacy, what China has really brought to Africa is a change in the way that the rest of the world thinks of the continent. China has helped transform the idea of Africa from a destination for charity to a place for business. In 2006, for the first time, flows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Africa were greater than those of aid - $48 billion of FDI compared to $40 billion of aid, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. And the numbers keep growing. In 2008, according to the U.N. trade body UNCTAD, FDI hit $88 billion. "Trade, not aid" is the new mantra of influential African leaders like Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

China's largesse, whatever the explanations for its arrival in Africa, has left a mark. As the representative of the Zambian Mineworkers Union at the Chambishi complex where 49 workers died, Mwinbe Stanslas, 45, might be expected to sound a note of caution about China's expansion. He does not. "I've worked for the British, the Americans, a Jew and the Swiss," he says. "They all closed. The way the Chinese are investing, they're not leaving. My boy will get a job in this mine, and his boy after him. China is taking over. And I tell you, it's a blessing."

© 2010 Time Inc. All rights reserved

Extractive Inustries - Potential Oportunities

2010-05-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Penelope Chester writing for the UN Dispatch got this right...

Extracting Benefits From The Natural Resource Industry
UN Dispatch
Penelope Chester - May 24, 2010 - 9:25 am

Development

Mining giants haven't failed to take note of opportunities in West Africa. The Financial Times reports that six major mining groups are planning on spending billions of dollars in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone in a bid to profit from the region's rich resources, particularly iron ore.

In Guinea, for example, Vale - a Brazilian company, the world's largest iron ore mining firm - bought a $2.5-billion majority stake in BSG Resources (Guinea). In addition to the cash value of the deal for the Guinean government, Vale's indispensable infrastructure investments to move minerals from mine to port will also be significant. Plans include the renovation of 410 miles of railway between the two countries, and the construction of a $1-billion port in Didia, a town in southeastern Liberia. Infrastructure investments will total between $5 billion to $8 billion by 2020.

The recent deal by Vale underscores the West African region's increasing appeal for mining companies, who - for better or worse - are well-equipped to work in politically and economically unstable countries. Recent trends in corporate social responsibility are slowly paving the way toward greater transparency and social accountability. This includes the creation of international regulations and standards for the natural resource industry, like the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, or theGlobal Reporting Initiative. For publicly-traded mining companies, whose shareholders are becoming increasingly more aware of the human and environmental costs, a real shift is beginning to occur in tems of how a company works with the communities in which they operate.

The natural resource industry can be as much of a bane as it is a boon in developing countries, and there is plenty of evidence showing just how corrupting of a force the industry can be in places with poor governance. That said, mining can also bring about significant economic gains – if the revenues generated are reinvested properly. Furthermore, mining companies often come into remote areas and communities where they generate employment and demand for services. Companies who are leading in social responsibility take it one step further, and partner with governments and development organizations to ensure that sustainable investments are made in infrastructure, health and educational facilities, helping to support local businesses.

In Tanzania, for example, Canadian gold mining giant Barrick is partnering with USAID and EngenderHealth, an international reproductive health organization, to fund and implement the Lake Zone Initiative, aiming to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis and improve the availability and quality of health services for underserved populations in the Lake Zone region (home to nine million residents in Tanzania).
The key to having these new investments in West Africa truly benefit the local population is to ensure that the investments correspond to local development priorities. New infrastructure such as railways and ports should benefit the people of Liberia and Guinea as much as it facilitates a company's operations. Vale, for example, intends to reconstruct a railway line for passenger use in Guinea. If a company plans to spend significan amounts of money on infrastructure or health care (building hospitals, for example), they should be doing so in coordination and partnership with local authorities.

Countries like Liberia and Guinea can catalyze potential development opportunities by creating a regulatory environment that attracts foreign mining companies. They can also help secure positive outcomes for their populations. Liberia, for example, has launched the Liberian EITI, an initiative meant to ensure proper and transparent management of forestry revenues.

At a time when foreign aid and development assistance budgets are under tremendous pressure, there is a real opportunity for governments and local populations to leverage the additional revenues and ancillary investments that come from natural resource companies operating in their countries.

Image: Derelict iron mine facility in Bong County, Liberia (Penelope Chester)

UN Dispatch

link: http://www.undispatch.com/node/9906

ALERT - Possible Oil Exploration of Liberia's Mangroves

2010-05-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

In the news:

Simba Energy Raises Additional Funds As Investors Warm To Its Liberian Exploration Project
Minesite
May 19, 2010

These may be uncertain times but it seems there is still a market appetite for wildcatting in new energy frontiers. Canada’s Simba Energy, which is hoping to find black gold in the untested mangrove swamps of Liberia in West Africa, recently announced a near doubling of a non-brokered private placement launched in April.

Originally the company, which is listed in Toronto and Frankfurt, planned to raise C$1 million through a private placement of up to 14,285,715 units - comprising one common share and one transferable share purchase warrant to buy another common share within two years at a price of C$0.15 per share - priced at C$0.07 per unit. Now the company has increased the private placement to 28 million units to raise C$1.96 million, with the proceeds used to fund general working capital. This...

© 2009 Minesite

###

Liberia, Not so fast!

Mangroves are the wetland communities found in the intertidal zone of estuaries.
It is important that we look after these areas and protect them. Not only because they are vital to the continued health of many of our fish stocks but also because we have a moral and social responsibility to look after our environment and to leave it in a healthy condition for future generations.

Oil activity in mangroves causes a series of environmental impacts:

interruption of fresh water flow to the trees;
alteration in the flow of sea water both toward and within the forests, altering the drainage patterns and causing changes in vegetation and soils and a general instability in the area;
deforestation, caused by construction of infrastructure such as: drilling platforms, camps, wells, access roads, heliports, refineries, pipelines etc;
well drilling completely destroys the surrounding area, and alters the natural hydrology of the mangrove;
changes in the soils can provoke alterations in the pH of the soil and water, leading to a chronic deterioration in the quality of the mangroves;
discharging of solid wastes can destroy the mangrove forest by asphyxiation of the pneumatophors or by the formation of a barrier to the ebb and flow of water;
dumping of liquid wastes (formation water) produces negative impacts on the animal life of the mangrove.

The recovery of the mangroves after such impacts can take 10 to 20 years, even if no new spills occur.

Damage the Mangroves and say goodby to recreational and commercial fisheries.

Damage the Mangroves and say goodby to feeding and breeding areas for many species of fish and crustaceans that support an abundance and diversity of birdlife.

Damage the Mangroves and say goodby to important physical protection of the coast from erosion and storms (as if our problems are not big enough already).

Damage the Mangroves and say goodby to biologically productive natural systems contributing organic matter to estuaries.

Damage the Mangroves and say goodby to filter of sediments and other substances that may accumulate from land runoff.

There have been international calls for moratoriums on oil exploration in the mangroves, including the Oilwatch Declaration to the 7th Conference to the Parties (COP) to the Ramsar Convention (San José, Costa Rica, 10-18 May 1999)

The EarlyBird Foundation calls for:

The stoppage of any new oil exploration in mangrove zones.

The avoidance of mangrove zone in the planning of oil and gas pipeline routes.

The integration into the RAMSAR Convention of all mangrove zones which are at risk or under pressure from oil activity, with the objective of preserving their integrity.

An inventory under the Convention, of tropical mangrove zones which have already suffered some intervention, in order to begin their immediate restoration.

A socio-environmental impact study of all oil activities in mangrove zones to be carried out under the auspices of the Convention. The study should cost the impacts of oil activity and their restoration, and establish responsibilities. The results of this study to be made legally binding for RAMSAR member countries.

Efforts to be made by the Secretariat of the RAMSAR Convention to integrate those countries, which while not members are confronting problems with, or threats of, oil extraction activities in their mangrove zones.

Oil and Mangroves do not mix!
see: http://mangroveactionproject.org/issues/petroleum/oil-mangroves-do-not-mix

SAPO Photos

2010-05-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

Check out Glenna Gordon's photos

Sapo National Park, some nice shots of a beautiful rainforest.

here:

http://www.scarlettlion.com/2010/05/sapo-national-park.html

Enjoy.
Anthropogenicagent

Job - Construction Superintendent - Railroad

2010-05-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

Construction Superintendent - Railroad
http://www.careerstructure.com/JobSeeking/Construction-Superintendent---Railroad_job47429335

Location:
Liberia jobs
Salary:
$10k USD per month + Package
Date posted:
14/05/2010 15:40
Sector:
Oil / Gas / Power jobs
Job role:
Site manager jobs
Job type:
Permanent jobs
Company:
The Highfield Company
Contact:
Toby Ball
Ref:
CareerStructure/TJ-CM-Liberia
Job ID:
47429335

My client is one of the world’s leading civil engineering and project management companies. Having extensive knowledge in the international construction arena they currently focus on a variety of projects including; Oil, Gas, Building, Petrochemical, civil works, rail and infrastructure.

They have recently started work on a major railroad revitalisation project in Liberia, Western Africa. The project itself requires a senior rail superintendent who has extensive experience in the construction and rehabilitation of rail projects, ideally in the mining sectors.

You will also have an in depth understanding Africa and working on major civils projects in the region. Liberia is classed as a hardship location and you will need to be able to drive projects forward and get local staff working together.

This role is available for an immediate start and offers a rotation of 70 days on 15 days off. On top of this you will be supplied with a comprehensive package as well.

For more information please contact Toby Ball on 0044 2380 554 334 or toby@thehighfieldcompany.com

###

Interesting, EarlyBird

Chinafrica (28) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2010-05-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

ET China Defends Activities in Africa
Wall Street Journal
MAY 12, 2010, 9:43 A.M.

By J.R. WU
BEIJING - China Vice Commerce Minister Fu Ziying pushed back against Western criticism over China's activities in Africa, describing Chinese investment as "more market-driven" and defending Beijing's stance on recent flare-ups.

Economic activity in Africa has surged in recent years with Beijing becoming an important investor, creditor and donor for many African nations. But with the rise of China's financial influence on the continent, concerns persist that Beijing is preying on the continent's resources to feed the Chinese economy, contributing little significant improvement to African livelihoods.

Amid such criticism and as China asserts that its presence in Africa is increasingly being shaped by nongovernment actors, Beijing has put in place some mechanisms to deal with issues surrounding its investment and trade on the resource-rich continent...

Read on... link:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704247904575240021751743004.html?mod=WSJ_latestheadlines

###

Chinafrica (27) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2010-04-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS:

Africa Confidential (London)
Africa: CADF Expands Africa Network: The State Investment Fund is Launching Chinese Companies Into Overseas Markets Where they Pick Up Assets Abandoned by Western and African Companies

22 April 2010

analysis

The China-Africa Development Fund’s expansion plans moved a step forward with the opening of a new branch in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 30 March. The office will pursue greater cooperation with the African Union, also headquartered in the city. CADF’s chief representative in Ethiopia is Wang Yong, who was Managing Director of CADF’s Eastern Africa Investment Department in Beijing.

The Fund opened its first overseas branch in Johannesburg, South Africa, in March 2009, giving it a listening post in the continent’s largest economy. A third office is planned for Zambia. CADF executives have scoured the continent for investment opportunities. But while the Fund had more than 100 projects under study in 2008, no more than 20 deals have been signed since then.

In March, CADF Chairman Zhao Jianping met officials from the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, the Economic Commission on Africa, the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank to discuss areas of potential cooperation. The AU and the CADF agreed to work out a memorandum of understanding that could lead to joint projects in the tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and telecommunications sectors.

The CADF, originally promised at the November 2006 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, is now the go-to financier for troubled Chinese companies and for manufacturing firms seeking to set up operations in Africa. The Fund was then launched in June 2007 with an initial US$1 billion from the China Development Bank (CDB) and is expected to reach $5 bn. within the next few years.

The CDB is controlled by the State Council, China’s highest decision-making body, and the CADF is treated with the secrecy expected from top-level institutions. CADF executives have been especially careful about information security after a hacking incident led to someone accessing ‘sensitive’ information. People are now wary of information leaks. When contacted byAfrica-Asia Confidential about agricultural company Hua Lien’s CADF-backed plans for ethanol production in Benin, a spokesman for the Fund replied that it was a ‘high security’ project.

CADF officials say that by the end of 2009, the Fund had invested nearly $700 million in over 30 projects, leading to a total investment of about $3 bn. by Chinese enterprises. The aim of the Fund is to ‘support and expand the investment of Chinese enterprises in Africa and promote mutual benefit of China and Africa and beyond,’ according to a spokesman in Beijing.

As a start-up in the financing business, the CADF has shown quick progress, but not always as quick as had been expected. CADF executives announced in 2009 that they would use up the initial $1 bn. two years ahead of schedule and would seek a cash injection of another $2 bn. While the first tranche had been supplied by the CDB, the CADF said that it would have to diversify its sources and seek funding from other Chinese financial bodies. The original target for the arrival of the new cash was the end of 2009, but it has not materialised.

Few of the projects chosen by the CADF lead to quick results. Shenzhen Energy’s 500 megawatt thermal power project in Ghana was one of the first to be signed by the Fund in 2008, but it is still not operational. The Chinese side blames its Ghanaian partners, who were charged with finding a reliable gas supply. The now-functioning West African Gas Pipeline brings natural gas to Ghana from the Niger Delta, which could solve supply problems.

A CADF source mentioned other ‘headaches’ like the China Union iron ore deal in Liberia. The source said that the CADF’s involvement has been problematic because of ‘conflicts of interest’ rather than financial issues. Since it won the $2.6 bn. bid to rehabilitate the Bong Mine iron ore project and build associated infrastructure, the small, Henan-based China Union has been unable to raise the necessary finance or begin work on the ground (AAC Vol 3 No 2). Dealing with billions of dollars and state and private companies seeking to expand their activities in Africa, the CADF has a politically sensitive task. It stepped in to save China Union, but sold off a majority stake to a state-owned mining house for a fraction of the cost.

The Fund typically invests in a joint venture with a Chinese company that wants to do business in Africa. It can only take a minority stake in such ventures, leaving the controlling stake to the Chinese companies which manage the projects. The CADF claims to have no strict guidelines on the industries and countries it targets. It says that it focuses instead on investments that can ‘improve the living standard of African people and promote the economic development of Africa’. However, it gives priority to agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and natural resources.

Though it came as part of a package of measures to boost relations and development in Africa, China has promoted the Fund as being different from the aid and loans previously made to Africa, which were criticised in the West for failing to take governance into account. The CADF says that it distinguishes itself from economic aid to Africa because it is not allocated by nation but independently operated and based on market economy principles.

According to a spokesperson, the Fund selects projects for investment according to market conditions and potential for long-term returns. Investment decisions follow policies set by the board of directors. Investments can range from $5 to $50 mn. per project, though they currently tend to be less than $25 mn. In April 2009, CADF legal advisor Mark Fung said that the Fund would begin to make larger and more active investments when it had gained a sufficient level of experience and expertise in Africa.

CADF projects are also supposed to take into account environmental and social responsibility. A CADF source says that it must have a regard for ‘ethnic customs and conventions and conform to local labour protection and environmental protection standards. The CADF prepares social and environmental assessment requirements for investment projects according to international practices.’

The Fund was aimed at pushing Chinese presence in Africa up another gear, enabling its partner companies to invest in higher-risk projects. ‘Because this is an equity investment the risk is held by the Fund, and the company does not have to find a guarantor, which it would do if it went to the bank,’ Chief Executive Chi Jianxin said after the Fund’s launch. In addition, companies are under no pressure to generate immediate profits. ‘We think we will stay in a project for 5-8 years but if some need a bit longer we can do that,’ said Chi. However, partnering up is not easy. Most companies fail because they cannot produce the required documentation.

African embassy officials in Beijing and Chinese companies agree that CADF’s due diligence process is stringent. ‘The Chinese company should have industrial advantages, investment experience and contacts,’ says Amanda Zhao from Camaco, the joint venture established by tractor maker YTO and the CADF. This was the case for YTO, which had four subsidiaries in Africa before signing an agreement with the CADF last year. ‘We’re already an international company with operations on every continent. But we needed more funds to expand,’ said Zhao.

For some companies, the easier access to Africa and high-level backing is more important than the financial support CADF offers. Angel Yeast, a Chinese company, said last November that it plans to build a $51 mn. plant in Egypt. The CADF is only investing $2 mn. in the plant. ‘It will be easier to achieve the project. They can give us support in obtaining government permits,’ said one of the firm’s sales managers.

YTO’s Zhao sees similar benefits. The Fund, she says, ‘creates positive conditions and provides opportunities for Camaco, with its experience of investment in Africa. YTO group needs a partner to enhance its reputation and market share. The CADF can provide consulting and financial advice.’ The CADF draws on CDB’s ‘profound’ experience in investing through its ‘Going Global’ initiative. Still, getting the CADF to agree to a 45% stake in the RMB250 mn. ($36.6 mn.) Camaco venture took almost two years, Zhao says.

The process may be even more difficult for African companies. Under its mission guidelines, the CADF can also directly invest in African projects involving international financial institutions or African companies in joint ventures. One African ambassador in Beijing told AAC that many companies are not able to put together valid feasibility assessments. So far, only Chinese companies have received CADF investments.

CADF’s regulations allow it to invest in offshore projects that have operations in Africa, though none have been pursued yet. CADF officials have shown an interest in using Seychelles’s financial system for offshore banking. In September 2009, Mauritius’s Finance Minister Rama Sithanen said that the government had begun discussions with the Fund to use the island as an offshore destination through which to invest in Africa.

The Fund’s managers spend a lot of time meeting African companies. ‘When we’re in Africa, we meet local companies. We’ll go back to China to find the leading companies working in the same areas to partner with the African ones,’ said a CADF manager. ‘Sometimes we go to countries simply because we haven’t been there yet and we have to find some projects. Other times we go there because we have Chinese partners who want to invest in Africa.’ In the last three years, CADF executives have prospected in Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius,Mozambique, Sudan and Zimbabwe.

Last year, CADF Managing Director Zhou Chao announced that the Fund would begin to push companies to build infrastructure through joint ventures with governments. Public-private partnerships could help overcome an obstacle to disbursing funds in Africa: the lack of detailed government plans for infrastructure projects.

Copyright © 2010 Africa Confidential. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)

BHP/ArcelorMittal Alliance????

2010-04-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings people.

Three months have passed and still we await the emergence of the BHP, ArcelorMittal alliance

Remember it was mid January when steel giant ArcelorMittal and miner BHP Billiton began discussing combining their iron ore interests in Liberia and Guinea, creating a platform for a West African iron ore business.

After a flurry of excitement - nothing.

Yet it is potentially one of the biggest deals ever for Liberia. At stake is ArcelorMittal's 70 per cent interest in five Liberian leases and rights to upgrade Liberia's Yekepa-Buchanan railway and Panamax port. BHP retains 43.5 per cent interest in Guinea's Euronimba, which owns 95 per cent of the Nimba project, including exploration leases at Dieke and Nimba North, as well as the miner's four Liberian leases.

Has anyone out there heard anything?

Anthropogenicagent

EARS for the Masses - Liberia Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (LEITI)

2010-03-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

Local NGO on LEITI’s Awareness in Nimba
Publication Date: March 22, 2010 - 8:56pm
Updated: March 22, 2010 - 8:56pm
News Section:Community News

Mr. Aaron L. Dayee: ‘It is EARS for the Masses’ own way of helping to achieve LEITI’s effort’
By: Joaquin Sendolo
A local non-governmental organization, Effective Activities for the Restoration of Stability for the Masses (EARS for the Masses), has begun a massive awareness campaign in towns and villages in Nimba on the activities of the Liberia Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (LEITI).

LEITI is a non-governmental organization that is responsible for informing citizens of Liberia how much government receives from revenue generation and what they should benefit from their resources.

According to EARS for the Masses Executive Director Aaron Dayee, the decision to sensitize the locals on the activities of LEITI was due to the fact that LEITI’s presence had not fully been felt among people in the county.

Mr. Dayee, who walked into the offices of the Daily Observer last week, said it was important for citizens to be sensitized so that they would not feel that their resources were being freely taken away by some people without any benefit accruing to them (the citizens).

He said as an advocacy group that has been actively engaged in speaking for the voiceless, they as members see a need to create awareness so that people will know their rights and entitlement in terms of the available resources they have.

Mr. Dayee said because of the significance of LEITI to the Liberian populace, his outfit took the initiative to carry on the sensitization program.

He disclosed that they were carrying on the sensitization through sporting activities, quizzes among students and cultural exhibitions.

Mr. Dayee said his organization was in close partnership with the Foundation for International Dignity (FIND) and the Women in Peace-building Network (WIPNET) in the pre-awareness campaign for LEITI.

He added that after the awareness campaign, LEITI itself will be moving to the county to begin workshops with the locals in towns and villages to fully acquaint them with its activities as being done in other areas.

Copyright Liberian Observer - All Rights Reserved. This article cannot be re-published without the expressed, written consent of the Liberian Observer. Please contact us for more information or to request publishing permission.

Liberia: Just two of 22 candidate countries

2010-03-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

Liberia will not be left behind in the twenty-first century, see the story below.

Transparency program results 'dismal'

March. 9, 2010
ArticlePhotosListenComments

ShareWASHINGTON, March 9 (UPI) -- Participation has been "dismal" in an international program designed to show how nations profit from oil, gas and mining, human rights activists said.

Just two of 22 candidate countries met Tuesday's deadline to fulfill basic requirements for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Human Rights Watch said in a release.

Azerbaijan and Liberia met the filing deadline while Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe were among the countries that did not.

The lack of participation raises serious doubts about the commitment to disclose revenues, said Arvind Ganesan, a spokesman for Human Rights Watch.

"It's easy for governments to sign up for the initiative and claim they are open about the money they earn from lucrative natural resources," Ganesan said. "But the proof is in whether they actually do what they promised, and so far the results have been dismal."

The initiative, supported by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, was created to help combat corruption and mismanagement in energy-rich countries.

© 2010 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

Vacancy In The Public Service Project Coordinator-Ministry Of Fisheries And Marine Resources

2010-02-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

VACANCY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE
PROJECT COORDINATOR-MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND

MARINE RESOURCES

Applications are invited from Citizens of Sierra Leone for appointment to the posts listed below subject to the following conditions in every case:

(a) Canvassing of members of the Commission by or on behalf of candidates will result in the candidate’s application being immediately rejected.

(b) Persons who have been dismissed from Government Service or have been convicted of a crime will not be considered.

(c) Applicants are reminded to read and comply with the instructions at page one of the application Form P.S.C. Form 8.

(d) Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

PROJECT COORDINATOR-Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources

1. JOB DATA

BACKGROUND

The West Africa Regional Fisheries Program is a World Bank funded project that is coordinated by the regional coordination Unit at the Sub Regional Fisheries Commission Office in Dakar, Senegal. The initial phase of the project will focus on four countries, that is Sierra Leone, Senegal, Liberia and Cape Verde. The objective of the project is to increase the ‘wealth’ generated from sustainable exploitation of the fish resources in these countries through fostering good governance for sustainable management of the fisheries, combating illegal fishing activities and adding economic value to the fisheries. The ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources wishes to recruit a National Project Coordinator for the investments of the West Africa Regional Fisheries Programme in Sierra Leone.

Job title: - Project Coordinator

Job Grade: - Grade 11

MDA: - Fisheries and Marine Resources

Location:- Freetown

Reports to:- Director Fisheries/National Steering Committee

Supervise:- Professional Staff of the Unit

2. JOB PURPOPSE:

· To coordinate all activities and investments of the West Africa Regional Fisheries Programme (WARFP) in Sierra Leone for and on behalf of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

· To strengthen the capacity of the country to govern and manage targeted fisheries, reduce illegal fishing and increase value added locally to fish products.

3. MAIN DUTIES/TASKS:

a. To prepare Annual work Progammes, updated budget, update procurement plan and update Monitoring and Evaluation plan for approval by the Director of Fisheries of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and subsequently the National Steering Committee, and then upon approval transmit these documents to the Regional Coordination Unit at the Sub- Regional Fisheries Commission by November 15th each year;

b. To coordinate and ensure the timely preparation and implementation of the institution capacity building measures. i.e. prepare training plans and implement training of staff;

c. To initiate and coordinate community mobilisation and beneficiaries i.e. training plans, field activities, community support, training of beneficiaries etc.;

d. To carry out project disbursement, accounting and financial management, fully accountable and in a transparent manner;

e. To supervise all procurement transactions as well as the selection of contractors, suppliers and service providers, in the line with World Bank rules and regulations;.

f. To prepare quarterly an annual report to be approved by the Director, before submitting them to the Regional Coordination Unit at the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission and the Project Steering Committee;

g. To coordinate and work with relevant Ministries, Department, Agencies, Community Based Organizations, Local government authorities and institutions, international agencies, non governmental organizations ect. in order to ensure full stockholders participation for effective and efficient implementation of planned project activities;

h. To organize quarterly meetings of the National Steering Committee, prepare and facilitate these committee meetings, to ensure that the committee is fully briefed on project activities,;

i. To coordinate activities of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and introduce and implement the concept of territorial rights in fisheries (turfs);

j. To participate in all projects reviews;

k. To implement the WARFP in Sierra Leone applying appropriate administrative, financial and technical management methods with due diligence and efficacy;

l. Performs other duties within the scope and intent of the job, as may be assigned from time to time.

4. JOB SPECIFICATION:

(i) Education:

A Minimum of a Masters Degree in Fisheries Science from a recognized University.

(ii) Experience:

A minimum of 5 years, of relevant working experience in fisheries policy, fisheries development and fisheries management, preferably in Sierra Leone.

(iii) Others:

- Work experience in local capacity building and cooperation with local government and NGOs, especially in fishing communities is highly desirable.

- Experience in project implementation and familiarization with co-management concept in fisheries management

5. Competencies:

(i) Technical:

- Ability to deal with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and donor agencies.

- Ability to prepare budget estimates, strategic plans and procurement plans.

- Ability to supervise and develop subordinate staff.

- Ability to facilitate trainings and seminars

- Reports writing skills

- Computer literate in MS Word ms Excel and MS Access

(ii)Managerial:

- Ability to plan the annual work progamme of the unit.

- Ability to control the budget and resources

- Ability to submit periodic reports to government

- Ability to build, manage and work in team.

(iii) Personality:

- Be firm and fair

- Analytical and broad-minded in orientation

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; and demonstrated enthusiasm to deliver results.

6. Key Deliverables:

- Project documents (Intermediate Outcome Indicators) and budgets.

- Strategic Action and work plan

- Periodic reports

7. Duration: Initially one (1) year and subject to renewal based upon satisfactory performance.

Application forms are obtainable from the Secretary, Public Service Commission, Freetown or from the Sierra Leone High Commission 41 Eagle Street, WIR 1LF Holborn London or from the Sierra Leone Embassy 1701, 19th Street N.W., Washington D.C. 2009, U.S.A. or any of the Sierra Leone Embassies and High Commissions abroad. Completed applications should reach the Secretary, Public Service Commission, Gloucester Street, Freetown not later than 4th March, and 2010.

© Copyright by Awareness Times Newspaper in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

###
Best of Luck
Anthropogenicagent

ArcelorMittal and BHP Billiton Deal: What Commitment?

2010-02-18T10:22:00.000-08:00

Here we go again just as it was 4 years ago; the announcement of the big deal, then nothing. It all goes underground. If the people of Nimba and Bassa could reach down that hole and grab that porcupine they might ask for a little transparency.

The Nimba and Bassa Communities care very deeply about natural resources, the wildlife and environment. They are entitled to some portion of the benefits resulting from the extractive endeavors that are about to take place on a scale we have never seen before.

ArcelorMittal and BHP Billiton and their sub-contractors must conduct their activities in a manner that recognizes the needs of society and the needs for economic prosperity, national security and a healthy environment. They must commit on paper to integrating social, environmental, and economic principles in the mining operations from exploration through development, operation, reclamation, closure and post closure activities, and in operations associated with preparing our products for further use.

There should be real and tangible targets for development. We should never go down the road of growth without development. It is never too late for public debate. Let Nimba and Bassa Counties be the model for the future development of Liberia as a whole.

If the Nimba and Bassa Communities for a moment could put their ear to the ground, here is what they will be listening for:

Assurance of transparency. the citizens must in someway be part of all decisions that directly or indirectly affect their lives, environment and natural resources.

A well-balanced revenue sharing agreement must be made between the Liberian government and these counties.

Money set aside for the control, management and remediation of potential pollution as well as wildlife dislocation.

Reforestation project must cover all areas affected.

Infrastructure improvements and maintenance provisions, roads, bridges, pipe-born water built to state of the art standards.

Hospitals built by Old LAMCO in these counties should be revitalized to meet the needs of the local people with provisions for employment of Liberian staff and capacity building.

In all hiring, Liberians should be given first priority not only for labor-intensive jobs for but also managerial positions within the company. Competitive wages must be paid to the local people.

The Vocational Training Center in Yekepa should be revived to train more local technicians to enable them to gain employment locally.

Liberia's great heritage of natural resources has been handed to us by our ancestors, but we must not forget, at the same time we are only borrowing from our children. A sustainable future is the prize. We are listening........

EarlyBird

Chinafrica (26) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2010-02-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

FOUND IN THE NEWS:

Debate: Africa and China: Is their relationship good or bad for the continent?
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 10:47 katende Bob Roberts

China is increasingly investing in Uganda. Recently, its oil company, Cnooc, agreed to buy a stake in Uganda’s oil fields. Today, distinguished academicians discuss whether the continued involvement of China in Africa is good or bad for the continent. Calestous Juma, Professor of the Practice of International Development, The Belfer Center, Harvard, argues that "China's rising demand for Africa's natural resources helped to re-establish Africa as a source of valuable commodities for the global market. But it also helped to focus Africa's political attention on why the continent still remains poor" while Prof. George Ayittey, a distinguished Economist, American University argues that: "China's increased engagement with Africa has impeded the continent's halting steps towards democratic accountability and better governance. African countries receiving Chinese aid have little incentive to improve governance."

Calestous Juma says: China's involvement in Africa has become a highly emotive debate in international diplomacy. The intensity has been fuelled by the sheer scale of its operation. In November 2009 China pledged to offer African countries $10 billion in low-interest loans over the next three years, set up a $1 billion loan facility for small and medium-size firms, and to forgive debt on some interest-free loans. The pledge is nearly 10% of the total trade between the two blocs.

The suddenness with which the details have come to the fore and general lack of transparency in the relationships have helped to fuel suspicion over its role in Africa. The concerned have been compounded by its close association with African regimes that have been singled out for human rights violation.

There is no doubt that China's involvement in Africa is driven by its long-term economic objectives, especially in regard to demand for natural resources and export opportunities.

But despite these concerns, China's involvement in Africa is welcome for a variety of psychological and pragmatic reasons.

The end of the cold war marked a dramatic reduction of interest in Europe and Africa. This shift was also associated with declines in demand for Africa's basic exports. For example, Africa's share in the European Union's foreign trade has fallen 3.2% to about 1.3% between 1989 and 2009. The bulk of the decline occurred in historic partners of Africa like the UK and France. This shift dealt a major blow to Africa's self-esteem.

China's rising demand for Africa's natural resources helped to re-establish Africa as a source of valuable commodities for the global market. But it also helped to focus Africa's political attention on why, despite its vast resources, the continent still remains poor. This has recently been captured by Malawi's president, Bingu wa Mutharika, who recently told the African Union, "Africa is not a poor continent; but the people of Africa are poor."

Growing trade relations between the two regions have forced Africa to start reflecting more deeply about its own economic future. The growing presence of China in Africa has played a key role in inspiring a re-examination of Africa's economic prospects.

Which brings me to the next important benefit: China's is an important role model for Africa. There is a lot Africa can learn from the West or how to solve many of its economic challenges. But these lessons are buried in the archives of economic history.

China's phenomenal economic growth serves as a source of inspiration for much of Africa. It gives the countries renewed hope that they too can start to grow out of poverty and become important players on the global scene.

There are a few key lessons that China is offering Africa today. First, China's large domestic market has served as a major stimulus for economic growth and innovation. It has played a key role in helping to attract foreign direct investment. African countries are currently focused on promoting regional integration to expand their internal markets.

Second, China's economic rapid economic growth also offers specific lessons that Africa is learning from. For example, China has in recent decades made massive investments in infrastructure as a foundation for economic renewal. Africa is benefiting from this in two ways. First, it is learning from China about the importance of infrastructure. Second, China is providing infrastructure support to Africa.

It is instructive that most Western countries have for decades shied away from support infrastructure and higher technical training in Africa, two areas that are vital for economic growth. China's involvement in Africa has helped to restore these two important factors in economic discourse.

Third, China's economic transformation has been associated with increased investment in science, technology, engineering and math. African leaders, operating mostly under the auspices of the African Union, are starting to focus on higher technical education practical measures. African presidents, for example, have consistently chosen innovation-oriented topics as themes for their annual summits.

China has not only increased its admission of African students in its universities, but it is also focused on strengthening the continent's scientific infrastructure. More recently, China launched a postdoctoral programme for Africans. The candidates will understudy China's science parks, but each will also return home with scientific equipment worth $22,000. No other country in the world has offered such support to African scientists and engineers.

In February 2010, China launched the China-Africa Economic and Technology Cooperation Committee of the China Economic and Social Council aimed at helping Africa to learn from China's development experiences. Speaking at the launch ceremony in Beijing, Ghana's ambassador to China, Helen Mamle Kofi, said the country's economics provide Africa with an "example to follow in terms of economic, financial, social, technological and cultural integration".

Finally, China is also offering Africa additional ways to approach the linkages between economic growth and governance. Over the last two decades Africa has experimented with multi-party democracy. The assumption was that Western-style democracy was a prerequisite for Africa's economic growth. But the evidence is inconclusive. Democracy fosters growth just as much as growth enables growth. But none of it happens automatically; it takes concerted collective effort.

There are also negative lessons that Africa should be aware of as it learns from China. China's rapid economic growth has come with immeasurable environmental costs. Africa would be better served to adopt low-carbon growth strategies for its economic transformation. This may also be an area of common interest between Africa, China and the rest of the industrialised. In fact, China's own investments in clean technologies provide additional lessons for Africa on the feasibility of adopting low-carbon economic strategies.

The involvement of China in Africa should therefore provide new opportunities for the Western industrialised countries to engage with Africa on new terms that recognise Africa's aspirations. Indeed, countries such as the UK are responding to the challenge by seeking to build new relations with African countries, especially through regional integration bodies. Such smart responses are likely to benefit all the parties involved.

These are issues that go beyond access to natural resources and markets; they are the centre of global security and stability. China's involvement in Africa would add more to global security if it can set the stage for new global relations guided by greater international understanding rather than crass competition.

To echo the words of Denis Tull at the German Institute for International Security Affairs in Berlin: "Only ill-informed observers would see Africa's embrace of China as a zero sum game."

George Ayitteh says: To feed the voracious appetite of its economic machine galloping at a dizzying 9% clip, China has been trolling for resources in Africa. It has spent billions of dollars securing drilling rights in Angola, Nigeria, Sudan and Angola; has exploration or extraction deals with Chad, Gabon, Mauritania, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Ethiopia; and has invested in the copper industry in Zambia and Congo as well as buying timber in Gabon, Cameroon, Mozambique, Equatorial Guinea and Liberia. Across Africa, Chinese companies are muscling out Western and other foreign companies, winning contracts to pave highways, build hydroelectric dams, upgrade ports, lay railway tracks and build pipelines.

China's engagement with Africa should be a boon. Its overall trade with Africa rose from $10.6 billion in 2000 to $75.5 billion in 2008, propelling Africa's growth rate to 5.8% in 2008, its best performance since 1974. China is now Africa's second-largest trading partner after the United States, importing a third of its crude oil from Africa. Further, Africa needs the investment, in particular, to rebuild its decrepit infrastructure. A November 2009 World Bank Report states: "The poor state of infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa-its electricity, water, roads and information and communications technology (ICT)-cuts national economic growth by two percentage points every year and reduces productivity by as much as 40 percent." To close the infrastructure gap, an annual spending of $93 billion would be required. Thus, Chinese investment in Africa's infrastructure should be most welcome. But China's engagement is increasingly being seen as odious, predatory and brutish. The initial enthusiasm that greeted Chinese investments in Africa has now cooled.

"There is mounting objection to China's deepening forays into Africa" said News Africa (March 2007). The former president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, warned against allowing China's push for raw materials to become a "new form of neo-colonialist adventure" with African raw materials exchanged for shoddy manufactured imports and little attention to developing an impoverished continent.

In the 1980s, human rights groups pushed Western companies to maintain certain ethical standards when doing business in Africa. An African American pastor, Leon H. Sullivan, developed the Sullivan principles for Western companies doing business in apartheid South Africa. Similar campaigns were mounted against Western oil companies in Sudan on account of the genocide in Darfur. In addition, the 1975 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits US companies from paying bribes to foreign government officials. By contrast, Chinese companies operate with no such moral scruples or ethical constraints in Africa.

China deals with just about any rogue and unsavoury regime in Africa. It supplies jet fighters, military vehicles and guns to Zimbabwe, Sudan, Ethiopia and other repressive governments. At the UN, China has used its veto power to block sanctions against tyrannical regimes in Sudan and Zimbabwe.

The nature of China's contracts is most objectionable. They are secured through outright bribery by building presidential palaces (Namibia, Sudan and Zimbabwe) and sports stadiums (Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea). Namibian prosecutors are investigating allegations of bribery and kickbacks on government contracts with China to supply Namibia with scanners at security checkpoints. Nuctech, the Beijing-based manufacturer and headed until 2008 by the son of Hu Jintao, China's president, is accused of paying $4.2 million in kickbacks to a Namibian front company (New York Times, July 31st 2009, p. A4). Another investigation involves a Chinese contract to build a key railroad link.

Most alarming, the deals are opaque and on barter terms dictated by China. For example, in exchange for oil exploration slots, China will rebuild Nigeria's dilapidated railway system. But China will supply nearly all the equipment and technical personnel at prices determined by itself. There is no protection against overcharging or cost overruns. As with other projects in Africa, China will supply most of the workers. The potential for exploitation and plunder of Africa's resources is enormous in such contracts, leading irate African commentators to denounce what they see as "chopsticks mercantilism". With chopsticks dexterity, China can pick off mineral dumplings with relish in Africa, all to its advantage.

Further, China's engagement has devastated local industries in Lesotho, Nigeria and Zambia. In Nigeria, the influx of Chinese products has destroyed Kano's manufacturing sector. In 1982, 500 factories churned out textile products in Kano, but fewer than 100 remain operational today, most at far less than full capacity. In South Africa, the textile union says some 100,000 jobs have been lost as Chinese synthetic fabrics replace cotton prints in street markets across Africa.

Angry Africans are sounding off. In 2007, South Africa's unions threatened to boycott anyone selling Chinese products. In April 2007, nine Chinese workers were killed in an attack by armed men on an oil field in eastern Ethiopia. In Nigeria, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has vowed to expel all Chinese workers in the area.

Anti-Chinese sentiments even became a campaign issue in Zambia's September 2006 presidential election because of workplace accidents, poor working conditions and below-minimum wage pay at Chinese-run copper mines. More than 50 Zambian workers died in a 2005 mine explosion. The opposition leader, Michael Sata, called the Chinese profiteers, not investors, in a country where unemployment is about 50% and more than 73% of people live in poverty. "Chinese investment has not added any value to the people of Zambia," he charged (Washington Post, 25 September 25th 2006, p. A16).

More troubling, China's increased engagement with Africa has impeded the continent's halting steps towards democratic accountability and better governance. The West has made its aid conditional on progress on these fronts. But since China attaches no such conditions, African countries receiving Chinese aid have little incentive to improve governance. Indeed in 2003, when the IMF suspended $2 billion in aid to Angola, citing rampant corruption, China came to the rescue with a $2 billion oil deal.

The claim that China's intentions in Africa are noble is fatuous. Its real intentions are well known: to elbow out all foreign companies and gain access to Africa's resources at cheap prices; canvas for African votes at the UN in its quest for global hegemony; isolate Taiwan; and seek new markets for Chinese manufactures as European markets become saturated with Chinese goods. Less well known is its quest for African land to dump its surplus population. As a condition for Chinese aid, African states must accept large numbers of Chinese experts and workers as part of their investment packages. Chinese communes are springing up across Africa. In Namibia, the number of Chinese expatriates has reached 40,000, with 100,000 in Zambia and 120,000 in Nigeria. China even has a secret plan, called the ChongqingExperiment, to resettle 12m of its farmers in Africa.

As Rene N'Guetta Kouassi, the head of the African Union's economic affairs department, warned: "Africa must not jump blindly from one type of neo-colonialism into Chinese-style neo-colonialism" (AFP, September 30th 2009).

You can check more on the debate about Africa-China relations. http://www.economist.com/debate/days/view/465

ArcelorMittal X BHP Billiton = Railroad to the Atlantic

2010-01-19T17:30:00.000-08:00

In the Story below keep in mind BHP is finally getting what it has been waiting for years (we will follow with the history later this week) to acquire. The question is do the people of Liberia get a fair share?!

EarlyBird

BHP, Arcelor in alliance talks over West Africa
Andrea Hotter
The Australian
January 20, 2010 12:00AM

STEEL giant ArcelorMittal and miner BHP Billiton are discussing combining their iron ore interests in Liberia and Guinea, creating a platform for a West African iron ore business.

The assets include BHP's 43.5 per cent interest in Guinea's Euronimba, which owns 95 per cent of the Nimba project, including exploration leases at Dieke and Nimba North, as well as the miner's four Liberian leases.

Also at stake is ArcelorMittal's 70 per cent interest in five Liberian leases and rights to upgrade Liberia's Yekepa-Buchanan railway and Panamax port.

Talks to combine the assets were expected to take several months, and the companies were seeking the support of the west African governments, BHP said.

"At this stage it is premature to comment on the nature of the overall investment. We are at early stage of reviewing the opportunities and development options," a BHP spokeswoman said.

Mining companies have had a rough ride in Guinea since the death of longtime dictator Lansana Conte in December 2008.

Junta chief Captain Moussa Dadis Camara seized power but the self-appointed president's behaviour became increasingly autocratic.

Holding negotiations with international mining companies live on national television, he threatened to close mines and confiscate projects.

The country now has an interim leader, General Sekouba Konate, after Dadis fled following an assassination attempt.

Dow Jones Newswires

Eco-Tourism Job

2010-01-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

Robertsport Community Works is looking for an Eco-Tourism and Ecology intern
to develop, formalize and promote rainforest walks in the coastal rainforest
around Robertsport. A full job description is posted online at
http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Internship/147344-203.

Thanks for sending this around. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Best,
Elie Losleben
Director of Programs
Robertsport Community Works
077-339-647

The Trouble Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI)

2010-01-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

At EarlyBird we are disturbed by the recent developments at Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County. The wanton destruction of the nursery. It may have been and accident or as the article below suggests something more. Let's call it ignorance. I spent some time at Suakoko in the mid-1980's. The research was world class and community outreach was outstanding.

We hope and pray things get back on track and soon!

JCD

--=*=--

Biting the Hand that Feeds
Liberian Observer (http://www.liberianobserver.com)
By Anonymous
Created Jan 8 2010 - 4:45am

One of the important pillars upon which this government is constructing its Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) is by increasing production in the supply of homegrown crops heavily relied upon for daily consumption and subsistence in Liberia.

This policy is designed to increase production in the agricultural sector. Where successful, increased production will be followed by the building of adequate storage facilities, a marketing strategy and improved road conditions to facilitate rapid farm-to-market activities.

At the end of last year, the President was asked about accomplishments made in her government by her various ministries that had directly improved the lives of the people.

The President readily referred to the strides made in the agricultural sector. There were bumper crops of rice, cassava and of other food groups on which the population depends largely for consumption and for revenue generation.

It goes without saying that apart from rice, the population largely relies upon cassava. In its versatility, it can be boiled and eaten with a variety of sauces, or pounded to make fufu and dumboy. Because of our dependence on cassava as one of the staple foods of the nation, a project designed to promote the cassava industry is being carried out at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County.

Several varieties of high yielding cassava in an area spanning 16 acres had been planted. The plan was to distribute the sticks to farmers for planting.

Mysteriously, or shall we say, mischievously, elements in Gbarnga torched the area and destroyed the nursery. Fingers are pointing to subsistence farmers, who use the slash-and-burn method to clear their farmlands.

Authorities at CARI and in Gbarnga need to establish a no-go area where squatters cannot enter; those caught within the no-go area should be held for criminal trespass.

The farmers and community dwellers in those areas bordering CARI should be made mindful that the activities of CARI are intended to improve farmers’ agriculture pursuits, and that therefore, they should be cooperating with the effort - not destroying it. Perhaps it has now become imperative for local governments to monitor and or control slash-and-burn operations.

Community dwellers must be conscious that they too have a responsibility to embrace government efforts and promote programs that are intended to make them stand on their own feet.

Any action that is counter-productive to government’s development efforts and programs is akin to biting the hand that feeds you. A continuation is interpreted as sabotage.

In carrying out its programs, government seeks community and individual cooperation in order to meet the common goal of improving life and raising standard which is the expectation of all Liberians.

Copyright Liberian Observer - All Rights Reserved. This article cannot be re-published without the expressed, written consent of the Liberian Observer. Please contact us for more information or to request publishing permission.
Editorial
Copyright 2009 | Liberian Observer Online | www.LiberianObserver.com

###

Anouncement - All Africa Energy Summit in Accra

2009-11-25T09:01:00.000-08:00

Key Ministers to Address The All Africa Energy Summit in Accra
By Bernadette Chin
Press Release

NEW: Ghana Tourist Villas offers an unforgettable holiday and business experience in Accra.
Key Energy Ministers, senior industry executives and energy officials will gather at the All Africa Energy Summit 2009, to be held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana from 7 - 8 December 2009.

Hon Dr Kwabena Donkor, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Ghana will officiate at the opening of the Summit on 7 December. Also addressing this summit are Hon Prof Ogunlade Davidson, Minister of Energy of Sierra Leone and Hon Dr Eugene Shannon, Minister of Energy, Mines & Land of Liberia.

The panel of distinguished speakers also include:
· E. Labode Akinosho, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director, Oando Exploration & Production Ltd, Oando Plc

· Galib Virani, Head of Aquisitions,Afren Plc

· Harriet Wereko-Brobby, General Manager, West Africa Gas Pipeline Company

· Angelina Mornah Domakyaareh, Director,Legal Services/Board Secretary, Volta River Authority

· Luis Paquete A Teixeira, Director General, National Petroleum Agency, Sao Tome-Principe

· Theo Sackey, Energy Finance Specialist, Africa Finance Corporation

· Alexandre Vial, Director,Enercap, France
· Frank Mugisha, Principal Geophysicist/Seismic, Petroleum Exploration & Production Department, Uganda

· and more

Focusing on new opportunities in the emerging Africa, this Summit will gather international business leaders and industry professionals to provide in-depth market knowledge and latest industry updates, plus discuss key developments in Africa's prospective energy sector.

With oil and gas reserves depleting in regions outside Africa, there is no lack of new energy projects being developed in the continent, such as the current interest in Jubileeand new discoveries off Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea-Conakry, Cote d'Ivoire and Sao Tome-Principe.

Discussion will also centre on the potential of Ghana as the hub for West Africa. Professional networking sessions will be held for delegates to forge meaningful partnerships and build significant business leads with investors, stakeholders, potential collaborators as well as the who's who of the energy, oil and gas industry.

This summit is organised by Magenta Global Pte Ltd, in collaboration with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and endorsed by the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Ghana. Summit supporters include the Association of Ghana Industries, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Summit Sponsors include Afren, Oando, Dewey & LeBouef and Vanco.

Summit registrations will be closing on 3 December.

MAGENTAL GLOBAL PTE LTD, SINGAPORE
26 November 2009

Contact Details:

Magenta Global Pte Ltd
CONTACT PERSON: Ms Bernadette Chin
EMAIL: bernadette.chin@magenta-global.com.sg
TEL: +65 6391 2555
FAX: +65 6392 3592

Ghana Investment Promotion Centre
Contact Persons: Edem Seshie
Email: eseshie@gipcghana.com
Tel: +233 21 521238 to 242
Fax: +233 21 506205

INFORMATION SHEET

Magenta Global is a premier independent business media company that provides pragmatic and relevant information to government and business executives and professionals worldwide.

The organization provides the opportunity to share thought-provoking insights, exchange ideas on the latest industry trends and technological developments with thought leaders and business peers information to government & business executives and professionals worldwide.

Source: Bernadette Chin
Modernghana.com

Chinafrica (25) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2009-11-08T07:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday, 08 Nov 2009
List of Chinese oil and mineral deals in Africa
Sunday, 08 Nov 2009
Reuters reported that China has become a major investor in African energy and mineral resources which it needs to feed its booming economy.

Here are some of the assets Chinese firms have bought or are trying to purchase and deals reached in Africa in recent years:

1. August 2009 -- State-owned oil firm China National Offshore Oil Corporation confirmed it was bidding for Kosmos Energy stakes in the Jubilee oilfield offshore Ghana, which could be worth between USD 3 billion to USD 5 billion.

2. July 2009 -- CNOOC and Sinopec Group, parent of Sinopec Corp agreed to purchase a stake in an oil block offshore Angola from Marathon Oil for USD 1.3 billion. Angolan state firm Sonangol later exercised a pre-emption right, blocking the Chinese purchase.

3. June 2009 -- Sinopec Group bought Swiss oil explorer Addax Petroleum Corp for USD 7.2 billion, gaining access to high-potential oil blocks in West Africa and Iraq.

4. June 2009 -- State-owned Nonferrous Metal Mining Corp pledges to invest USD 400 million in Zambia Luanshya Copper Mines after formally taking over running the mines.

5. April 2009 -- China granted Niger a USD 95 million preferential loan for the SOMINA uranium mining operation, a joint venture between China National Uranium Corporation and the Niger government. Their mine is due to come on line in 2010.

6. January 2009 -- China Union signed a USD 2.6 billion contract to develop Liberia Bong iron ore deposits, estimated at 300 million tonnes of low-grade ore. The first iron ore pellets are expected in mid 2010.

7. June 2008 -- Top Chinese oil and gas firm CNPC struck a USD 5 billion deal with Niger government to pump oil from the Agadem block within three years and lay a 2,000 kilometers pipeline to export it. CNPC also said it would build 20,000 barrels per day oil refinery, Niger's first.

8. June 2006 -- Sinopec Group acquired some offshore blocks in Angola for about USD 1 billion.

9. April 2006 -- CNOOC bought a stake in a Nigerian deepwater oil field for USD 2.7 billion.

10. July 2005 -- China and Nigeria signed an USD 800 million crude oil sale deal between Petrochina International and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to supply 30,000 barrels of crude oil per day to China.

11. December 2004 -- Sinopec and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company agree to drill for oil in the Niger delta.

12. October 2004 -- Sinopec secured a 50% interest shared with state firm Sonangol in Angola's Block 18.

13. July 2004 -- Algeria grants three exploration blocks to China top two oil groups CNPC and Sinopec in a licensing round.

14. Jan to Feb 2004 -- Total Gabon signed a contract with China Sinopec to sell Gabonese crude oil to China.

15. Before 2004 -- CNPC had a 40% interest in Sudan 300,000 barrels per day Unity fields in the south. It also had a large share in the Melut Basin fields.

(Sourced from Reuters)

Liberia's Biggest Ever Mining Concession Agreement

2009-11-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

IN THE NEWS

Chinese mining firm to begin operations in Liberia soon
African Press Agency
15:35:44

APA-Monrovia (Liberia) The Chinese company, China Union, which earlier this year signed a US$2.5 billion mining concession agreement with the government of Liberia has assured the Liberian people that it would still go ahead with its operations in the country, despite the global financial crisis that has slowed down the company’s operations.

Presidential Press secretary Cyrus Badio told reporters Tuesday that China Union assured that it would begin full-scale operations shortly, now that there are positive indications that it is overcoming the negative effects of the global financial crisis.

Addressing reporters on the China Union and Arcelor Mittal Concession agreements, Badio admitted that the effect of the economic meltdown to some extent affected the company’s operations.

He however added the Chinese company has informed the Liberian government that it has begun to overcome the effects of the global financial meltdown.

Following the signing of the multi-billion dollar mineral agreement with the Liberian government, China Union began dragging its feet in executing the terms of the agreement, including delays in paying a US$45 million signature fee to the Liberian government.

Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Zhou Yuxiao admitted that the company was dragging its feet because it was adversely affected by the global financial crisis.

TSS/ad/APA
2009-11-04

###

Chinafrica (24) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2009-11-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

Story... PRC contemplating political action to protect assets...

[Photo: The bauxite factory of Guinea's largest mining firm, Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee (CBG), at Kamsar, a town north of the capital Conakry. Photo AFP]

Business interests force China to political action in Africa
Published: 3 November 2009 17:30 | Changed: 3 November 2009 17:35
It is becoming increasingly difficult for China to stay politically neutral in Africa as its economic interests grow.
By Pauline Bax and Mark Schenkel

As night falls over Conakry, the capital of Guinea, the street lights only come on in the neighbourhood of Manquepas (which translated means ‘no lack’). In the other neighbourhoods, children do their homework by the candlelight of a petroleum lamp. Night watchmen read the Koran in the light from the sign for a petrol station. Grocers light their shop fronts with a neon light fed by a battery.

But in future, say the Chinese, everything will be different. The whole capital of Guinea will have electricity. Taxi drivers will no longer have to take six passengers at once in their rickety Peugeots, the capital will have a metro system. There will be flood control dams, new government offices, a fleet of passenger aircraft. Guinea will finally become modern, or so the Chinese promise. In exchange for that, all it has to do is supply raw materials like bauxite, oil and iron ore to China.

China is saving the developing countries, according even to the military junta in power in Guinea. On 9 October the Guinean minister of mining, Mohamed Thiam, announced the junta is on the verge of signing a treaty with China. It involves an investment plan worth 7 billion US dollars – one of the largest raw materials deals in Africa.

Shortly before the news was announced, soldiers in the African country shot dead 157 demonstrators. Foreign criticism of this massacre and the threats of sanctions that followed put the military rulers under such pressure that the treaty was used in order to show the population that Guinea has no need for the West whatsoever.

But the situation in Guinea is precarious. Observers say that ethnic tensions between factions in the military could result in a war that will also have serious consequences for neighbouring countries like Sierra Leone and Liberia.

A more honest partner

The instability in Guinea shows that it is becoming increasingly difficult for China to maintain its traditional policy of political and diplomatic non-intervention in Africa, says Mohamed Jalloh on the telephone from Dakar, Senegal. He is an analyst there for the Brussels-based think-tank International Crisis Group. China has invested so much in Africa in the past years that it can no longer avoid taking a more active diplomatic role, says Jalloh. “Not because China is suddenly more concerned about human rights or democracy, but out of enlightened self-interest. China benefits from a minimum level of stability in Africa, in order to secure the raw materials required for its rapidly growing economy.”

The Chinese presence in Africa extends beyond the recent hunt for raw materials. In the1960s the communist regime presented itself as a leader of the developing countries from the idea that Africa and China were similar and had the same opponents. Beijing extended no-interest loans and provided economic aid to about twenty African countries, including Guinea. Unlike the West, it refrained from direct political interference however.

Many Africans feel that China is a more honest partner than the rich countries, which they feel are simply meddlesome. “I think it would be a good thing if African countries could do business with China on the basis of equality," says Baffour Ankomah, editor-in-chief of the weekly New African. “After years of Western involvement, Africa is now like a woman being pursued by two suitors. It can now itself choose which of the two men makes her happiest.”

But according to Western governments and human rights organisations, China can no longer stand aloof from corruption, election fraud and repression in those African countries where it has its foot in the door. The US Department of State said in a reaction to the negotiations between China and Guinea it was concerned. “We think it is important to be alert to human rights in countries with which you do business,” said a spokesperson.

Chinese UN peace-keepers in Sudan

At the same time China is realising that stability is important for securing its economic interests. “Everything seems to indicate that China is less ready to take risks,” wrote analyst Philippe de Pontet in the weekly African Business. “Chinese companies have not yet withdrawn from unstable countries, but they have clearly taken a more reticent attitude.”

The unrest in Guinea also threatens a neighbouring country like Liberia – where China invested 2.6 billion dollars this year in iron ore mines, the largest foreign investment in Liberia’s history.

The most prominent change to China’s Africa policy of the past years took place in Sudan. For years human rights activists have condemned Beijing for supplying arms to the regime in Khartoum, which is held responsible for the genocide in Darfur. Sudan supplies oil to China. In 2007, Beijing voted in favour of a peace-keeping mission in Darfur led by the United Nations and the African Union, a move that surprised many. China even sent UN peace-keepers. The new approach reportedly was entirely due to the Olympic Games in Beijing. China was in danger of reputation damage when celebrities like American actress Mia Farrow dubbed the games the ‘Genocide Olympics’.

Critics see the sending of peace-keepers as a small sacrifice in order to be able to continue China’s policy in Sudan. Beijing still supports African countries in their opposition to the international arrest warrant for Sudanese president Bashir. But according to Jalloh of the Crisis Group, the Sudan case shows that China more often feels compelled to take on responsibility. “It is a start.”

Observers take a similar view of China’s military involvement elsewhere in Africa. Beijing sends an estimated sixteen hundred peace-keepers – more than four other permanent members of the UN Security Council. Only a few dozen US peace-keepers operate throughout Africa. Good for China’s reputation and an exercise for the People’s Liberation Army, or good for stability in Africa? Both, perhaps. Just like the three Chinese frigates that fight piracy off the coast of Somalia.

Behind the scenes

These days Chinese ambassadors from Liberia to South Africa encourage their fellow countrymen to learn the local language, in order to prevent tensions with local workers. In Zambia local mine workers have already rebelled against the tough Chinese working conditions and against being elbowed out by Chinese labourers. In an interview with the Financial Times last year the ambassador to South Africa tried to soften the impression that China is keeping Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe in power. “We are not happy with what is happening in Zimbabwe,” said Zhong Jianhua. He felt that the Western condemnation of Mugabe only had an "adverse" effect however.

Critics say this is all for show. Behind the scenes the negotiations on economic cooperation are simply going ahead.

In Guinea the Chinese government explicitly denied involvement in the controversial raw materials deal. Huo Zhengde, ambassador in Conakry, told French radio station RFI a week and a half ago that Beijing does not play a role “in any way whatsoever.” According to the magazine Africa Confidential, there was concern when Guinea suddenly publicly announced the negotiations that had been secret until then. China feared a diplomatic situation like that which arose earlier concerning Sudan, the magazine writes.

Ambassador Zhengde stressed that the talks with the junta are being held by the China Investment Fund (CIF) from Hong Kong – a private company. This is true on paper, but in practice it emerges that the CIF is intertwined with the Chinese government in many aspects. China often uses these kinds of constructions, whereby Beijing can deny that it is involved in controversial deals but in fact remains in control.

Jalloh wonders how long China can maintain this aloof approach. “If Guinea collapses, China will once again have to participate in a UN mission to secure its investments in the country.” Ankomah of the New African finds the Western concern about China’s political indifference hypocritical. Moreover he hopes that China will be less neutral than it seems. “Beijing now has interests in Guinea. Who knows, behind the scenes China might even persuade the junta to reform.”

###

Copenhagen Countdown - 1 Month

2009-11-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

Cold
Cold
Copenhagen
Carbon Sequestration
Expectation
Frustration
Obliteration

We repeat our concern:

http://liberianature.blogspot.com/2009/09/copenhagen-grab.html

Anthropogenicagent

Raping of Liberia’s minerals?

2009-10-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

People,

We seem to be on a bumpy road, with ups and downs coming at us fast. We are in a good news bad news cycle with regard to natural resources. We cannot vouch for the veracity of the report (below) from Southern Times Africa, but it is quite serious.

American Mining Associates has been in the news for years. Is there anyone out there that can corroborate this stuff?

Thanks.
Anthropogenicagent

------------------------------

Raping of Liberia’s minerals
Southern Times Africa
Oct 29, 2009

The raping, observers say, is ignoring recent announcement by the Sirleaf Administration that all inherited concessionaire agreements and rights were suspended for review.

According to them the raping was going on at the time the United Nations, EU, and other members of the donor community are adamant that they would contribute to efforts to jumpstart the Liberian economy only if Liberia showed indications that it has control over the exploration and exploitation of its mineral and forest resources and that the revenue generated from such economic activities would benefit the majority of Liberia's impoverished population.

Perhaps it is in realisation of where the international community and the Sirleaf Administration stand on the issue of mineral tapping versus appropriate legislation that prompted the locals in the Kungbor District to express outrage, this week, at the wild abandon with which local certificate-brandishing miners and the American Mining Associates (AMA) were ravaging and ripping diamonds and other hard currency earners with no regards for the welfare of operation areas.

Mohammed Swaray, a local community development chairman, is outraged over an alleged illicit diamond mining operations of the American Mining Associates (AMA) in Kungbor District in Gbarpolu County.

Like Mohammed, several citizens of the district are also not happy about the AMA activities. The citizens said it is preposterous that AMA continues to carry out mining activities in their district while the United Nations' ban on diamond and timber industries is still in force.

According to them, AMA was indiscriminately and illicitly exploiting the diamond deposits in the region especially near Kungbor, a town along Liberia's border with Sierra Leone.

Each day, they told our reporter, gigantic earthmoving and mineral washing equipments belonging to AMA were seen gulping precious gems from the land without reference to them or regard for their welfare. "What is perplexing about the massive digging of the diamond here is that Government is not doing anything to arrest the illicit mining," a youthful resident in Kungbor told The Analyst.

"In fact, it is a matter of time before AMA begins razing some villages that prospectors believe are sitting on diamonds. There are threats by the company to relocate villages forcibly so that it can have access to what it claims to be gems upon which the villages are situated," said Sarnor Kollie who called himself 'concerned citizen'.

What was angering most citizens, according to Kollie, was that individuals claiming to be agents of the Ministry of Lands and Mines were aiding and abetting the raping of the gems without bothering to explain to the locals what was happening and how they would benefit in keeping with the new political and economic dispensation that the Sirleaf Administration has been preaching.

The residents specifically accused Charles Dagoseh, Director for Mines, and James Konuwa, Assistant Minister for Mines of the Ministry of Lands Mines and Energy of aiding and abetting the AMA exploits.

Town Chief Vaniba Sheriff told The Analyst during a day-long investigative tour conducted by The Analyst over the weekend that AMA headed by Gene Bryge and a Lebanese, Alieyou Ussuf, and his Liberian wife Muna Ussef are involved in illicit mining, an act the chief described as a violation to the UN security sanction on diamonds.

Chief Vaniba said they are operating in the Liberian forest with the alleged approval of Dagoseh and Konuwa, officials of the ministry. "The only thing that is hurting me is that AMA claims it has bought the entire town and therefore request that citizens vacate or be expelled,"

the chief said. "Where does this American company expect us to move to? Is it serious for us to leave the town of our forefathers and be displaced in our own county?

Government needs to come out with an investigation and a solution in this serious matter. If the Government feels that sanctions hovering over the country are not important, we the citizens matter." He said despite the illicit mining activities in the county, the AMA has refused to help the locals improve their livelihood by employing them.

According to him, the management instead has chosen to employ Sierra Leonean, Malians, and Mauritanians. Mr. Sheriff said on several occasions the citizens attempted to disrupt the operation of illicit mining in the county but that Messrs Dargoseh and Konuwa, upon receiving the information about the citizens' plans, immediately dispatched personnel of the Liberian National Police to provide security for the AMA operation.

"Mr. Journalist, go and see the sophisticated mining equipment that AMA is using to mine diamonds in the district despite the fact that Liberia is under UN diamond sanctions," the chief said. "We want the president to know about the illicit mining activities in this district. Go and see the open holes they dug and left behind and see how many more they dig daily and think what will happen when this continues for the next five to ten years."

Indicating that AMA was not doing anything in the interest of citizens despite the exploitation, he said the company failed to construct the drinking well it promised residents two years ago.

He said without doing anything to address the failure to make good its promise to the residents, employees of AMA were, without remorse of conscience, drawing drinking water from a hand-pump installed by German Argo, an international non-governmental organization operating in the area. According him, residents of the district have realized too late and at their disadvantage that AMA was using the well promise as a cover to conduct mineral exploration in the area. He said haven't noticed that no diamonds were at the location marked for the hand pump AMA began the damaging of gravesites in search of diamonds. "They even dug up the recreation center built for our children," he said.

Raymond Kpoto, Chairman of the Kungbor District Youth Association, said the operations of AMA were intended to endanger the assistance the international community promised to provide for the Sirleaf Administration, adding, "My county will be seen as a defiant society amongst the comity of nations." The AMA claimed to have built bridges, schools, markets, shelters of the locals, offices of immigration, but nothing has been done in the district, he said.

"The AMA alleged that they have purchased the entire clan from the Lands and Mines Ministry. Because of that, they put their security forces on the alert to arrest and detain anyone caught mining in the area.

Sometime their security people are assisted by some officers of National Police who are acting on the directive of assistant minister-designate James Konuwa," said one resident.

He said the AMA security guards, headed by one Eric Doe III, were wearing army uniforms and carrying handcuffs. According to some residents who spoke with our reporter, security guards of AMA were in the habit of ill-treating and intimidating those who dare mine diamond or challenge their right to mine in the area. "I am not in support of the AMA operation. They came here before the war, but they failed to do something positive for this district," said Kungbor District Development Chairman Mohammed Swaray. He added, "We expect any company besides the AMA to engage in development initiative that will help the county. In fact nobody or company is suppose to mines because Liberia is right now under sanction on diamonds." Some illicit miners in the area, according to the residents, are Abdul Kamara a Sierra Leonean who said he is operating on the license of his boss, Bakasa Jarbie, a Malian.

The AMA Manager, Gene Bryge, has meanwhile denied allegation that his company was mining diamond in the district. He however confirmed allegations that the AMA security guards were arresting 'illegal miners' and claimed to have invested million of dollars in the development program of the county without saying in what he invested the money.

Ministers Dagosi and Konowa, when asked for comment, referred our reporter to the minister proper. "We can not talk now until the minister gives us the authority to speak" they told our reporter. Investigation continues.

© 2009 Southern Times Africa

###

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative - First in Forestry

2009-10-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

Just in from "Star Radio"... This is huge!

Liberia named number one EITI compliant country in Africa
Written by Sebe Giddings
Thursday, 15 October 2009

Liberia has been named the first Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Compliant Country on the continent of Africa.

Liberia was elected Wednesday during the 10th meeting of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Chairman of the EITI Board Dr. Peter Eigen announced the board’s decision following a review of Liberia’s validation report.

The EITI board congratulated the government of Liberia and all stakeholders for the Country’s progress in implementing the EITI in Liberia.

Liberia is the first Country to have included the forestry sector in its reporting.

According to Dr. Eigen, Liberia has also undertaken extensive dissemination work by building community engagement in the EITI process.

He said Liberia’s success in reaching the EITI Compliance demonstrates what governments, companies and civil society can achieve by working together.

Liberia is also the leading EITI implementing country world wide and the second country to have completed validation.

Azerbaijan is the only other country in the world to complete validation.

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative is a coalition of governments, companies, civil society groups, investors and international organizations that set a global standard for transparency in the extractive sector.

###

EarlyBird

Chinafrica (23) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2009-09-27T18:22:00.001-07:00

China, Africa ever closer 60 years on
The Southern Times (So. Africa)
Sunday, September 27, 2009

By Ma Guihua

In 1956, seven years after New China was founded, Egypt became the first country in Africa to recognize China and forge diplomatic relations with the young People's Republic. Now, 53 years on, as China is celebrating its 60th anniversary, China has befriended 47 of the 53 countries on the continent.

What is more, in an ever more globalized world, the traditional brotherhood between China and African countries in the yesteryears have been updated to a "strategic" partnership, with richer connotations.

This new partnership, formulated by Chinese President Hu Jintao in 2006 at the peak of the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation when 48 heads of African countries met in Beijing for their largest gathering, spells out the principles to bring China, the world's largest developing country, and Africa, the largest continental concentration of developing countries, together as the two sides see more common interests in the new era.

The strategic partnership secured in the political document of Beijing Declaration highlights equality and mutual trust in political affairs, mutual benefit and win-win solution in economic cooperation, and cultural interaction to promote mutual understanding and friendship, in a bid to push for a more harmonious international order.

As Hu Jintao said at the opening ceremony of the Beijing summit, the new China-Africa strategic partnership is not only called for by the increasing China-Africa cooperation, but also a necessity for world peace and development.

Ever since China's reform and opening up in 1978, huge productivity has been unleashed in China, which has sustained a two-digit growth rate for well over the last decade. The economic boom powered by a market economy with Chinese characteristics has lifted over 230 million rural Chinese out of poverty, making the country the first in the world to accomplish the UN Millennium Goal for poverty reduction.

While savoring the fruits of its own growth, China has never forgotten its obligations to the African brothers, thanks largely to their support, China resumed its legal seat at the United Nations in 1971.

Over the past 50 odd years, China has offered aid to 53 African countries with about 800 projects, constructing over 2,000-kilometer of railroad, 3,000-kilometer of highway, sending medical teams that amounted to 15,000 person times, treating some 240 million patients.

The projects, to the tune of 6 billion U.S. dollars and with no strings attached, sometimes were carried out when China itself was suffering economic difficulties.

Five years since the inauguration of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation, China had again relieved 31 African countries of 10.9 billion yuan (1.36 billion U.S. dollars) worth of debt.

China "feels indebted to" the African people, said Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to Egypt in 2006. "We should never remember the benefits we have offered nor forget the favor received," Wen added, quoting an old Chinese proverb.

China's economic success has been great inspiration to Africa, a continent slowly recovering from the ravage of war and famine with a growing rate at around 5% in the past years, higher than the world average.

"As Africans demonstrate renewed resolve to address the challenges confronting their continent, they can benefit greatly from the experience of their friends in China, who have had such success in sustaining growth and reducing poverty," said Kofi Annan, then UN Secretary General on the occasion of the Beijing summit.

He hailed the grand gathering in Beijing "a historic opportunity for China and Africa to build on these shared ideals, and to advanced South-South cooperation."

In 2006, China pledged to increase its aid to Africa by one fold in 2009 and endeavored to bring bilateral trade to 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2010.

Three years on, despite the global financial crisis, China has kept its promises. In 2008, bilateral trade rose to 108 billion U.S. dollars, almost doubling the figure in 2006. Nearly half of the African countries have expanded their exports to China by over 50 percent.

China-Africa Development Fund is in operation; debt relief is half way through; zero-tariff for 454 types of commodities are on the way; work on the Africa Union Center has started; the first trade and economic zone, malaria prevention and treatment center, and an agricultural demonstration center are all ready for work.

Since 1980s, China has shifted its aid to Africa from simple relief through goods and cash, dubbed "blood transfusion", to development-oriented relief such as training, technology and knowledge transfer, to focus more on capacity building, which is essential to Africans developing Africa.

As an emerging economy, China is increasingly aware of its obligation to the international community. China was the first country to clearly propose and promote the three-party mechanism on Darfur. It is also the first country beyond Africa to send peacekeeping forces to the Darfur region in Sudan.

As a responsible power, China has given its full support to United Nations missions in Africa, sending so far more than 800 peacekeeping troops to war-torn countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia.

However, China's increasing involvement in Africa plus its principle of non-interference into the political affairs of African countries is sometimes viewed in a different light, certain western critics even called it "neo-colonialism".

Bill Durodie, associate fellow with the Royal Institute of International Affairs, United Kingdom, said in 2008 at a conference in London that China's trade and investment in Africa benefits not only Africans, but the Europeans and the United States as well.

"African countries that have been growing at 5-6 percent for a decade need new roads, power stations, hospitals, schools and manufactured goods,' he said, adding "Unlike others in the region, the Chinese have a reputation for paying promptly and well."

According to Durodie, Western countries' criticizing on China's new role and impact on Africa is a sign of the Western imagination's inability to view Africans as capable of dealing with their own problems and the West's obsession with viewing China as malign.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, also noted in his a speech at the 2006 Beijing summit: "We hold that the establishment of a new type of strategic partnership is both the shared desire and independent choice of China and Africa, serves our common interests, and will help enhance solidarity, mutual support and assistance and unity of the developing countries and contribute to durable peace and harmonious development in the world."

Indeed, the new China-Africa strategic partnership will carry the two sides far into the future and, for all to see. —, China Features.

Community Rights Law, Best for the nation?

2009-09-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

Just last week, the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate to pass into law the Community Rights Law.

Montserrado Representative Thomas Fallah told Star Radio the Community Rights Law was in the best interest of the nation. The Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee welcomed the decision of the House and said it was long overdue.

IS IT?

Of course the law gives the "Communities" the rights to manage the forest. In turn the Community generates income from investment of the forest. This is then, in theory leads to better forest management.

If you believe this, leave a comment (but read the article below first)

At a time when Europeans are lining up for our forest resources keep in mind that the Community Rights Law provides a means of consolidating blocks of land making it much more useful to large foreign agro concerns.

[STORY]

Rice Farmers May Be Evicted By New Biofuel Companies (Tanzania)
Mike Mande
28 September 2009

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nairobi — Tanzania farmers in key arable areas face eviction by multinational corporations out to cultivate agrofuel products.

More than 5,000 rice farmers from various parts of the country could be affected.

This will trigger an environmental and humanitarian crisis as displaced villagers are left without land to grow food crops.

A new report made available to The EastAfrican last week by an international environmental group warns that Tanzania's water sources, so critical to food production, will also be diverted to fuel production, increasing conflicts over access to water.

The report was compiled by a local environmental group, the Environmental, Human Rights Care and Gender Organisation (Envirocare) Tanzania, and an international organisation, the Impact of Jatropha Trade in Tanzania.

It says the government has few qualms about evicting farmers from their only means of livelihood, even if this sparks civil conflict.

According to the report, the government wants to fast-track agrofuel initiatives and switch vast areas of land to sugarcane, palm oil and jatropha production, pushing out locals to poorer lands.

"The most fertile lands, with best access to water, are being targetted, even though they are already used for food production by small-scale farmers," said the report.

Abdallah Mkindi, environmental officer of Envirocare Tanzania, said that the country plans to place extensive areas under biofuel cultivation, including sugar plantations in the Wami River Basin, displacing small-scale rice farmers.

Mr Mkindi said that with the country routinely depending on imported food aid, owing to frequent drought, producing fuel for export instead of food for locals will deepen poverty and food insecurity in the years to come.

He said more than 1,000 rice farmers in Wami Basin, Coast region, a vast area in the alluvial flood and delta plain of the Wami River and its distributaries, and another 1,000 rice farmers in Ruipa, Mtwara region, will be displaced to pave the way for cane growing.

"The Usangu plains, another area identified for potential sugarcane production, have already seen the government's willingness to accommodate large investors at the expense of small-scale farmers," he said.

In Usangu district in Mbeya region, more than 1,000 rice farmers were recently displaced from their land to make way for a large plantation. The plantation has cut off the surrounding communities' access to the river, leading to disputes over water.

According to Mr Mkindi, several international investors are looking at fertile areas with good rainfall and access to rivers, particularly for sugarcane and palm oil cultivation.

The targetted areas include Ruipa, Ikongo, Mahurungu-Mtwara, Usangu plains, Malagarasi, Kilosa, Babati and Hanang in Tanzania.

But analysts have pointed out the discrepancy between the government's stated aim of using biofuels to bring energy to the rural poor, and the policy of evicting them from their land.

Currently, there is no biofuel policy, nor any legislation to govern its direction and production in Tanzania.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, a Biofuels Task Force was established in April 2006 to develop the sector and push for legislation to stimulate the use of biofuels. This followed a study on "Liquid Biofuels for Transportation in Tanzania."

A Swedish firm has been provided with 400,000 hectares of land to turn into sugar plantation at Wami River in Coast region, while more than 8,000 hectares of land in Kigoma region have been provided to a Malaysian and Indonesian firm for a proposed palm oil biodiesel project.

"Oil palms require major investment, and the trees can live for 30 years or more. Farmers entering into contracts to plant and grow palm trees may be forced to sign away use of their land for many decades," warned Mr Mkindi.

The firms that are in the final stages of cultivating biofuel include D1 Oils Tanzania Ltd, a local subsidiary of the UK company D1 Oils.

It plans to use outgrowers and to have biodiesel processing stations in every district in Tanzania.

A German investor, Prokon, has begun a 10,000 hectare jatropha outgrower programme in Mpanda district in southwest Tanzania.

Diligent Energy Systems, a Dutch company with branches in Tanzania and Colombia, has began cultivation of jatropha in Babati, Engaruka, Chalinze, Pangani and Singida and large-scale cultivation in Handeni district of Tanga region.

The report also mentions a UK-based international firm, Sun Biofuels, which has acquired 18,000 hectares of land in Lindi region to cultivate jatropha.

"Farmers who currently grow cassava, rice and maize will be encouraged to abandon food crops and instead grow jatropha," noted Mr Mkindi in the report.

Mr Mkindi said that, in addition, a US-UK group, a Malaysian group and a US-based venture fund are currently exploring more than 100,000 hectares for palm oil production.

To attract more investors, the government of Tanzania has analysed many fertile regions with good access to water, where farmers are already growing food.

Stephen Wasira, Minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Co-operatives, said various regions of Tanzania were facing food shortages and about 970,000 people were in need of aid.

Hence the government has to make arrangements to distribute about 50,000 tonnes of food to the affected areas by September this year.

Mr Wasira said the government is cautioning farmers on food shortages and appealing for more concerted efforts to ensure delivery of at least one million tonnes of grain to avert starvation.

The food deficiency resulted from last year's insufficient cereal harvests, whereby 5.2 million tonnes were collected as opposed to the projected national demand of 6 million tonnes for the 2009/2010 crop season.

The National Food Reserve Authority had stockpiled over 107,269 tonnes of cereals required for 2009/2010, but by June this year the stock had declined to 89,842 tonnes.

The Tanzania Investment Centre has set up a land bank of 2.5 million hectares identified as suitable for agrofuel investment.

Where use of local resources is perceived as unproductive, land may be classified as idle or underutilised. It could, therefore, be made available to prospective investors, despite its economic, social and cultural functions.

While investment promotion agencies may help bring underutilised land into production, doing so creates the risk of dispossession.

A British firm that has taken over a 9,000-hectare area for jatropha cultivation in Kisarawe district, in which more than 11 villages have given out their land, wants farmers to abandon food crops.

According to the report, the villagers have been compensated for mango and cashewnut trees on the land without regard to the market price of the land.

"The farmers have not been made fully aware of issues such as the genuine value of their land and the consequences of giving it up," said the report.

The Holland based agrofuel firm Bioshape, a subsidiary of Bioshape Holdings, Holland, has applied to acquire about 81,000 hectares of land from the four villages of Mavuji, Liwiti, Migeregere and Nainwoke in Kilwa district, Lindi region.

But land officials say they have processed the purchase of only 34,736 hectares.

According to Mr Mkindi, the firm is in the process of paying $250,000 to the District Council, with the funds to be shared between the District Council (60 per cent) and the local communities (40 per cent).

"If they were to acquire the total 81,000 hectares they would pay $1.023 million. Bioshape is planning to use 60 per cent of the total land in plantation batches of 200ha plots and to maintain a 40 per cent buffer zone of natural vegetation, animal free zones, hills and wetlands, as well as thick forest," said Mr Mkindi.

Copyright © 2009 The East African. All rights reserved.

###

ArcelorMittal in the News

2009-09-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Mittal dismisses pollution claims in South Africa

By CELEAN JACOBSON, Associated Press Writer Celean Jacobson, Associated Press Writer
September 26
VANDERBIJLPARK, South Africa - Strike Matsepe used his life savings to buy a small plot of land near the country's biggest steel mill, hoping it would become a thriving farm in his old age. Now, weathered and sick, the 80 year old has had to abandon his dream - the land and ground water are so polluted his cattle have died and crops failed.

On Friday, ArcelorMittal SA, the world's largest steel marker, dismissed allegations of severe environmental damage and unethical business practices at the mill. In 2002, the company took over the 67-year-old plant that residents and environmental groups say has polluted their lives.
Company officials acknowledge there is air and water pollution but say that emissions comply with legislation and that clean-up operations are under way. They also say there are regular meetings with communities to address their concerns.

Nearly 500 families used to live on the farmlands known as Steel Valley, opposite the mill's mountainous waste dump. Only four families, including Matsepe's, continue to hold onto land.
A series of legal challenges and out-of-court settlements have resulted in buyouts of farms, and many people have moved away.

"This is a David and Goliath story," sociologist Jacklyn Cock said. "This is about the power of the corporation. ArcelorMittal has had an impact not only on air and water quality but people have lost their livelihoods and lives."
Matsepe, who bought the farm in 1992, has refused efforts by the steel mill to buy his land. He wants the polluters brought to justice and for him to be adequately compensated.

"If I die now, my wife will get nothing because my pension is gone and my cattle. Everything I worked for is gone now, and my children will get nothing of the labor of my hands," Matsepe said.

The 5,683 acre (2,300 hectare) Vanderbijlpark plant is situated in the country's industrial heartland about 45 miles (70 kilometers) south of Johannesburg. Smoke billows from its chimney stacks and fine black dust blows from the dump.

Environmental experts say ground water has been contaminated by toxins that cause disease and birth defects. The company has also faced charges of price-fixing, and a case relating to market collusion is pending.

Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal is the target of a global campaign by environmental groups to ensure European multinationals are liable for the social and environmental impacts of their subsidiaries.

On Thursday about 20 former residents of the valley gathered in a makeshift shed on Matsepe's property to recount their experiences to a group of international journalists and environmental activists.

They spoke about how animals were born deformed and how tea would foam when they poured milk into it. Clothes would be bleached of their colors after washing; tins of food and even metal window frames would rust away.

"My oldest daughter has three different kinds of cancer. All my children are sick, and what is really frightening is that my grandchildren are also sick. This is from, I believe, where we stayed," said Joey Cock, 71.

At a later meeting, former employers spoke of terrible burns and injuries, and unresolved compensation and pension claims. Some have been retrenched and face eviction from their homes. Others stay without water or electricity in rundown hostels owned by the company.
Many spoke of intimidation and said they felt used - like a "tool."

The company denies it has neglected its employers and says many improvements have been made - and more are planned - to reduce pollution.

On a tour of the site Friday, reporters were shown where old dams storing effluent water and other waste disposal sites are being rehabilitated at a cost of about $57 million. There also are plans to cap the slag heap and cover it with soil.

ArcelorMittal's chief executive, Nku Nyembezi-Heita, was quick to distance the company from any damage caused by activities of the mill before the new management took over. She acknowledged that Steel Valley is an emotional issue but said there are no immediate plans to rehabilitate the land.

"Where we have caused harm, our duty is to take responsibility," she said.
Observers charge that the government is reluctant to take action against the powerful multinational. The company's owner, Lakshmi Mittal, the world's third richest person, sits on a special presidential economic advisory committee.
___

Large Scale Hydro vs. Decentralized Renewables

2009-09-25T11:11:00.001-07:00

I have been meaning to get this out. I have been incredibly busy. While the focus of the study is East Africa, there are elements here that should be very familiar to Liberians. I remember a small hydro-project in Lofa (near Yandahon I believe) years ago. The potential in our rural areas is vast. Enjoy, food for thought, yum. Anthropogenicagent.

New study: Large Scale Hydro vs. Decentralized Renewables
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:39:07 -0400 (EDT) http://www.hbfha.com/web/index-248.html
August 18, 2009
స్టడీ
Energy Security and Adaptation to Climate Change in East Africa and the Horn of Africa: Large Scale Hydropower vs. Decentralized Renewables

Recurrent droughts - thought to be linked to climate change - feature among the key challenges that face the economies of the East Africa and Horn of Africa region. They have serious negative impacts on the region's power sector. Drought-induced reduction in electricity generation from hydropower has become a persistent feature in the region's power sector. The adverse impacts of what is thought to be climate change-related? power crises have had far-reaching and devastating impacts on both the power sectors and the economies of the countries within the East and Horn of Africa region. These impacts are expected to become even stronger in the next years; hence their consequences are likely to become ever more serious as well. As a result, during power crises, the most common response option from governments in the East and Horn of Africa region has been to procure very high cost emergency thermal electricity to meet the shortfall in power supply.

As was witnessed in Uganda between 2004 and 2006, the reduction in water levels at Lake Victoria resulted in reduction in hydro-power generation by 50 MW and this led to the adjustment of the GDP growth rate from 6.2% to 4.9%. The country had to turn to costly thermal generators to ease the supply deficit. During this period, electricity supply was more intermittent than usual, and the price of electricity increased.

In Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia, drought-related power shortages and their impacts were similar to Uganda.

Tanzania announced a major power load-shedding that has adversely affected industrial and commercial sectors. In Kenya, the drought that occurred between 1999 and 2002 drastically affected the hydro power generation and in the year 2000, hydropower generation was reduced by 25% capacity. The resultant cumulative loss was variously estimated to be about 1-1.5% of the total GDP.

Kenya's GDP is equivalent to US$ 29.5 Billion; the estimated loss during the aforementioned drought induced power crisis was about 1.45% of GDP. This translates to US$ 442 million lost which could have been used to install 295 MW of new renewable power capacity (assuming a MW installed costs US$ I.5 million per MW).
That is almost three times the installed emergency power capacity from diesel and it is twice the loss of hydro power during drought periods. If Kenya had invested the US$442 million in renewable power option the crisis could have been largely avoided.

Governments and electricity utility companies within the East and Horn of Africa region need to adopt more robust, resilient and well thought out response options for addressing drought induced power crises. A key response option is the adoption of mature renewable energy technologies that provide multiple benefits. Renewables are ideal candidates for development as complements to hydropower generation. Renewable energy options such as geothermal, small hydro, biomass cogeneration and wind are attractive since the resources are widely available in the region. These options are not only environmentally friendly but also provide additional developmental benefits such as job creation and reduction of oil import bills.

In light of the drought related problems facing the power sector in the East and Horn of Africa region, and the environmental, commercial and social benefits of the aforementioned renewable energy options, this study calls for an urgent implementation of renewable energy options in the East and Horn of Africa region. The development of renewables can protect the region?s power from what is thought to be climate change induced drought that affects its hydroelectric power generation. It is worth noting that, although large-scale hydro is a renewable energy, it is likely to be more vulnerable to the impacts of drought than decentralized approaches.

In addition, there are additional benefits of investing in renewable energy as a precautionary measure to the drought that affects the power sector in the region. These benefits include;
(i) Greater energy security through wider use of locally available and more secure renewable energy resources such as geothermal, small hydro, biomass cogeneration and wind. Some of these renewables are available even during periods of drought.
(ii) Higher job creation potential of renewables.
(iii) Poverty reduction benefits of renewables. This is particularly true of small-scale renewables that are made locally and operate on the basis of solar, thermal or animate power that can be used by local communities for income generation activities.
(iv) Rural development benefits of renewables. As the bulk of renewable resources are found in rural areas, investment in renewables would result in increased rural development.

To better illustrate the potential benefits of renewables, a new report provides examples of two specific renewable options with a track record of offering viable and sound alternatives to hydropower generation. These technologies are cogeneration and geothermal power.
As earlier mentioned, over the last couple decades, there have been severe droughts that affected hydropower generation in all East and Horn of Africa countries from the late 1990s to date. However, countries using renewables to diversify sources of electricity generation appear to survive the impacts of severe droughts better than those that rely almost exclusively on hydropower for electricity generation.

For example, in comparison to Uganda and Ethiopia, Kenya appears to be more resilient to drought induced power generation shortfalls. This is largely due to the fact that Kenya has a higher level of diversification of its electricity generation sources mainly through the promotion and use renewable energy such as geothermal, biomass based cogeneration and to a lesser extent, wind energy. As a result, Kenya's electricity supply is more secure in comparison to the neighboring countries.

An important renewable that has contributed to the resilience and adaptation of Kenya's energy sector to drought-induced power generation shortfalls is geothermal energy. Just over 10% of the Kenya?s electricity generation is from geothermal energy. During the recent droughts in the country, geothermal energy played a critical role as it continued to operate at nearly 100% availability when many of the hydropower stations in the country were crippled by the dry spell.

Mauritius provides a very good example of a highly successful use of cogeneration to limit investment in oil fired thermal generation, thereby limiting a country?s exposure high cost of oil imports, especially for electricity generation. Mauritius currently meets over 20 per cent of its electricity demand using bagasse from the sugar industry. Over the 10-year period (1993-2002), the installed capacity of the sugar industry located power plants increased from 43 MW to 242 MW with the concurrent increase in electricity exported to the grid. In the early years i.e. in 1996, 119 GWh of electricity from bagasse based cogeneration was exported to the national grid. This was achieved through investment mostly by private sugar mills implementing cogeneration technology with their own private funds. By the year 2002, co-generated electricity increased significantly with investment in more efficient bagasse-to-electricity processes and in a greater number of units, so much so that the electricity exported to the grid from bagasse increased to 300 GWh and the total electricity exported from the sugar industry rose to 746 GWh in 2002, representing about 43.5% of the total electricity exported to the grid for the island.

It can therefore be argued that renewable energy systems offer diversification in energy supply, thus strengthening energy security by broadening national energy generation portfolios. Countries with diversified energy generation sources are better off compared to those which heavily depend on centralized large-scale hydro or conventional thermal plants that use imported petroleum fuels which have a degree of uncertainty in supply and cost.

Based on the study's findings, the following are some of the key recommendations that will assist the fast tracking of renewables based power in the East and Horn of Africa:

Institution of attractive and pre-determined feed-in tariffs and standard Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for co-generated power: A standard PPA can limit market uncertainty, which stands in the way of substantial investment in renewables in the region. A PPA, linked to a pre-determined standard-offer or feed-in tariff, from the national utility to purchase all energy produced by renewable energy plants can African power sector.

Innovative Financing: Innovative financing schemes should be developed by financial institutions in collaboration with project developers. Interaction between financiers and project developers could help bridge the knowledge gap on both sides ? financiers would gain a better understanding of renewables while project developers would have a better appreciation of pre-requisites for raising financing for renewable energy investments. Bundling of smaller/medium sized projects would help them access funds that have minimum investment caps, and lower the upfront cost of financing.

African countries can tap into the various international and regional initiatives that can provide funding for renewable energy investments. These initiatives include: the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Kyoto Protocol?s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). One drawback of the CDM, however, is its high transaction costs and specialized skills requirements that have tended to limit the participation of African countries and experts to date.

Innovative Revenue-Sharing Mechanisms: One way of ensuring support for the development of renewables is by instituting appropriate revenue- sharing mechanisms. The benefits of renewables such as biomass cogeneration should trickle down to the small-scale farmer involved in growing the feedstock. A model revenue sharing mechanism has been implemented in Mauritius, where proceeds from the sale of cogenerated electricity are shared equitably among the key stakeholders - including the small-scale farmers who provide sugar cane to the factories. Similar revenue sharing mechanisms can be used as incentives for local participation in developing geothermal resources and other renewables, and are useful for building local support for scaled-up renewables development.

Energy, Environment and Development Network for Africa (AFREPREN/FWD):Large Scale Hydropower, Renewable Energy and Adaptation to Climate Change: Climate Change and Energy Security in East and Horn of Africa.Nairobi. 2009. ISBN 9966-918-23-XDownload the complete publication (105 p., 2.32 MB, PDF)
###

The COPENHAGEN GRAB

2009-09-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

EarlyBird Foundation - 6 Sep 2009
Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD), 15th Conference of the Parties (COP) in Copenhagen this December.

Now that carbon dioxide is a pollutant watch out!

Our eyes should be wide open and focused. Clearly the prosperous North is to blame for the bulk of the carbon dioxide emissions, especially from its industries into the atmosphere that have destroyed the ozone layer, fuelling global warming. Over the last centuries Africa has been a convenient relief valve for the North. Alternatively our land has been a dump or a reservoir of natural resources. Now Africa, ravaged by poverty, deserves a clean environment, free from exploitation and pollution.

But whereas the developed countries are equipped to cope with the impacts of climate change, our continent is not, therefore we may shoulder the heavier burden. This burden seems to be compounded by the actions of Europe. Here climate change leads to prolonged droughts that create hunger, while the North is known for its heavily subsidized farming, ruining the markets for African commodities.

With the upcoming Copenhagen Conference we are about to feel the big squeeze. On one side the industrial might of China and others moving in. On the other side, self righteous Europeans of the World Agroforestry Centre exclaiming, "African farmers will play a major part in the solution of climate change mitigation". (Let's assume for the moment the humans can affect mitigation.) On one hand old style empire builders with designs on the wealth of African nations; on the other hand, new age CO2lonialism. As an additional insult, the hasty calculations of the new carbon sequestration schemes are likely overestimated because protecting, or planting forests in one region may be displaced by deforestation in other regions. And we all know that civil unrest can very quickly lead to a rush on natural resources. Could it be that the Europeans are banking on Africa's misery? It would not be the first time.

What have you done to prepare for the COPENHAGEN GRAB. Remember these people are leading with statements like, "agroforestry [In Africa] can very well turn out to be a cheap alternative compared to other options in the west." International organizations are aligning to have their way with Africa. Our leaders, the Conference of African Heads of State and Goverment on Climate Change have been preparing as well, they met in Addis Ababa on August 24, and resolved that: "A REDD-Plus mechanism should be designed in such a way as to accommodate different national circumstances and respective capabilities." This is a start, but it may be nothing more than a license to exploit.

Shall we continue to delude ourselves into thinking that this ends with the sweet promises and cute schemes such as Cadbury's carbon-label on their chocolate; after all it is the end consumer who pays extra. right?

Anthropogenicagent.

Congo Town lagoon - Olive Ridley Turtle

2009-09-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
[stock photo Greenpeace]

EPA and Save My Future teamed up to save a 70 puonder at the Congo Town lagoon.

Mr. Nyenkan, EPA’s Acting Executive Director, said a recent survey conducted by Save My Future Foundation showed that five of the world’s six species of turtles are found in Liberia.

The Acting EPA boss the turtle was caught by some fishermen in a Green Fishing Net and brought to shore.

This is the second time that a sea turtle is redeemed and repatriated to its natural habitat by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Job well done. And children if you find turtle eggs leave them to grow up.

EarlyBird

Firestone Pollution Tours

2009-08-10T08:18:00.001-07:00

Thanks to The Inquirer Online (article below)

Committee On Firestone Pollution Tours Several Villages
‎Aug 10, 2009‎
Morrison O.G. Sayon

Firestone crew on the field

The Inter-Agency Pollution Investigation Team constituted by the Government of Liberia to probe into reports of an alleged pollution by Firestone Company has completed a two-day visit to the alleged affected villages. The team which is being headed by Mr. Thomas Romeo Quioh, Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Planning & Economic Affairs toured six villages in Harbel, Margibi County that are said to have been affected by the alleged pollution by Firestone .

The visit is the first phase of the committee’s work and comprised of members of the Community Interactive Forum which is intended to solicit views from those alleged to have been affected by what the Management of Firestone termed as processed water that is said to be affecting several villages in Margibi County. As a means of balancing its work, the Quioh Committee also visited and toured facilities of Firestone Company on Saturday, August 8, 2009. The team held discussions with the residents of the towns and villages alleged to be affected by the alleged pollution and also with the Management of the Company.

The Quality Control Manager told the team that the company has in place water treatment facilities so that all water leaving the factory is treated before being disposed to the wet land. Mr. Washington clarified that all industrial water are considered as class -3 wet water, therefore it cannot be consumed.
Speaking to the inhabitants of Kparn Yah Town, one of the affected villages in District #3 in Margibi County, the chairperson of the investigation team informed the residents of the area that the visit was intended for the team to elicit their views in an interactive forum. He then pointed out that President Ellen Johnson –Sirleaf was very much concerned about the health condition of all without regards to status, religion or even political affiliation.

For this reason he said the President constituted the pollution investigation team so as to probe into the allegation of pollution by the Firestone. He said the team involves all stakeholders including those from the affected communities, Firestone and Civil Society organizations. The team is comprised of representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ministry of Planning & Economic Affairs, Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Ministry of Internal Affairs, representatives from the affected villages and Firestone.

Mr. Ouioh then assured both parties that his committee will carry out its mandate without fear or favor and will ensure that the facts are known in the situation. “The issue of water pollution is a serious health problem that needs consideration,” he stated. The Chairman also admonished the citizens to be law abiding and relax, adding, “The government will do all in its power to address your concerns.” Quioh disclosed that his committee has identified 14 parameters to be tested so as to determine whether pollution occurred as a result of Firestone’s operation in the areas.

He said the parameter some of which will be done at the American University in Beirut, Lebanon include, PH, Lead, Ammonia, Nitrate, Copper, COD, BOD, total Nitrogen among others.

Meanwhile residents of the six villages have alleged that the pollution has caused massive death toll in their villages. According to Oldman Wilfred B. David, Senior Elder of Kparn Yah Town, three persons have so far died from the pollution. They residents also alleged that many persons are sick as a result of the prevailing situation.

They called on government to urgently intervene in the situation noting that “justice delayed is justice denied.” The villagers said if nothing is done they will stage a peaceful demonstration at the Capitol Building to meet members of the National Legislature. They noted that because of the pollution all the wells that were dug in the affected towns and villages are now closed while their women are unable to lay their baskets to catch fish in the surrounding rivers due to the alleged Firestone pollution.

“We could unleash our “country devil” on the management of Firestone and they will not withstand the force but we do not want any situation that will derail our hard-earned peace so, we are appealing to the government to timely intervene and ensure that Firestone pay for the damages they have done and remove their pipe from here,” Oldman David angrily told the presidential team.

Home | Advertise
©2005 - 2009 The Inquirer Online

Lord Rest his Soul

2009-07-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

Jenkins Dunbar Is Dead
Published: 31 July, 2009

The late Jenkins Dunbar

MONROVIA, The death is announced of Mr. Jenkins Dunbar, former Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy during the Charles Taylor administration, and former chief geologist of LAMCO, the iron ore conglomerate that mined iron ore in Liberia's Nimba mountain range. Mr. Dunbar died suddenly at 5:30 a.m. yesterday at his home on Du Port Road in Paynesville following a massive heart attack. He was 63.

He studied Geology in the United States of America on a scholarship granted by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and returned home in the early 1970s for his internship, which he did at LAMCO. The company then sent him to Stockholm, Sweden, where he did additional field work and advanced geological studies. Mr. Dunbar returned to Liberia and worked for many years with the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy. His first immediate boss was Cletus Wotorson, then the Ministry's Director of Liberian Geological Surveys, now President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate. It was after Jenkins left Lands and Mines that he returned to LAMCO and worked there for many years, rising from geologist to Chief Geologist, a distinguished position. He was the first and only Liberian to hold that post, which was hitherto reserved for Swedes.

Many remember Jenkins as a great philanthropist. He would take his last dime and give it away," said Sam Ricks, Jenkins' best friend. He was also slow to anger, and maintained throughout his life a positive mental attitude," Ricks added.

Many Liberians who lived in Abidjan during the Liberian civil war, remember Mr. Dunbar as a very kind gentleman, who generously shared with Liberian refugees in that city.

In 1995 Jenkins returned to the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy, where he served as Minister until 2003.

Jenkins Dunbar was born on June 10, 1947 in Palala, then Central Province (now Bong County), unto the union of Mr. George Dunbar, the legendary Liberian engineer and father, and Ma Gbetee (which means in Kpelle, the work that you do here").

On the same day another child was born in Sanniquellie, to a different mother by the same father, George Dunbar. The other child, born on June 10, 1947, is Jenkin's brother Franklin Dunbar. They are known in the famous Dunbar family as the first twins," first because there are other twins in the George Dunbar family. Some of the brothers recall that the two mothers, one in Sanniquellie and the other in Palala, both breast-fed the two boys that were born on the same day.

Like most of the George Dunbar sons, the first twins", Jenkins and his brother Franklin, obtained their elementary education at the Ganta Methodist Mission in Ganta, Nimba County. George Dunbar sent most of his girls to St. Teresa's Convent in Monrovia. Jenkins later entered the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), where he graduated in 1965. BWI is where George Dunbar sent most of his sons to high school.

Shortly after Jenkins' graduation from BWI, he traveled to the United States where he did his geological training.

He was married to Armena Summerville and this union was blessed with three children, a son and two daughters. They live in Baltimore, Maryland.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

The Daily Observer

Blue helmets planting trees in bid to ‘green’ planet

2009-07-22T15:46:00.001-07:00

22 July 2009 "United Nations peacekeepers are no strangers to working in some of the world’s most hazardous regions, and they are now helping out on a new battlefront: combating climate change.
"The care and protection of our environment is everybody’s concern," said Lieutenant Colonel Um Bello, who heads the Alpha Company of the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

He is leading his troops in a new exercise: planting 1,000 trees in the country’s west this year, as part of the tree-planting campaign of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which seeks to plant 7 billion trees " or one for every person in the world " by the end of 2009.

"As a contingent, we have resolved to join efforts with the international community" and others to ensure that the war against climate change "is fought, won and our planet Earth is saved," he said.

With the destruction of natural forests emitting more greenhouse gases every year than the transport sector, planting trees " which absorb carbon dioxide and store nearly 300 gigatonnes of carbon in their biomass is a crucial defence in the fight against global warming.

Blue helmets have already planted nearly 30,000 saplings in 11 peacekeeping missions worldwide, in countries including Timor-Leste, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Georgia and Lebanon.

To date, more than 4 billion trees have been planted, with 169 countries having taken part in UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign. Ethiopia alone has planted 1.4 billion trees, while Turkey has planted 707 million and Mexico has planted 537 million.

For its part, the joint African Union-UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur, known as UNAMID, has embarked on a scheme to plant 1,000 seedlings at all of its compounds in the war-ravaged Sudanese region by December.

UNEP, which hopes its tree-planting initiative will pressure nations to "seal the deal" on an ambitious new climate change pact this December in Copenhagen, Denmark, planted a tree for each of the more than 10,000 people who signed up for the ‘Twitter for Trees’ initiative on the Internet-based social networking site Twitter by World Environment Day on 5 June.

Groups such as the World Organization of the Scouts Movement, with 28 million members in 160 countries, committed to plant 65,000 trees as well.

UN News Centre

Liberia: LRCFP Trains Forest Management Committees On 'Biodiversity Threat Analysis

2009-07-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

17 July 2009 The Informer (Monrovia) The Land Rights and Community Forestry Program (LRCFP) will on Monday July 20, '09 conduct a three day consensus building training workshop on 'biodiversity threat analyses' for over 36 participants drawn from the Forest Management Committees (FMCs) of Gba and Zor Communities in Nimba County.

link to story:
http://allafrica.com/stories/200907170849.html

Thanks.
EarlyBird

Good News in the Extractive Indistries

2009-07-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

In a press release last week the government announced some very progressive legislation:

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Bill Signed Into Law
Liberia Government (Monrovia)
10 July 2009

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has signed into law 'An Act establishing the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI).'

The new law will assist in ensuring that all benefits due the Government and people of Liberia for the extraction of the country's mineral and other resources are paid and duly accounted for.

In remarks at the signing ceremony, President Johnson Sirleaf described the law as one that strives for accountability. The President spoke of the importance of the new law, noting that it requires all investors in the extractive industry, including mining and forestry, to periodically report on all official and unofficial payments made to civil society

The bill was presented to the President on Friday at the Foreign Ministry by members of the House and Senate Joint Committee on the Executive in the National Legislature.

Present at the ceremony were Senate Executive Committee Chairman and Gbarpolu County Senator Daniel Naatehn; Grand Bassa County Senator Gbezhongar Findley; Bomi County Representative Haja Fata Siryon; Nimba County Representative Nohn Kidau; Lofa County Representative Malian Jalebah; Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan; and Minister of State for Economic and Legal Affairs, Morris Saytumah.

Copyright © 2009 Liberia Government.

###

EarlyBird

Star Radio wins “News and Information Station Award”

2009-05-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

We congratulate Star Radio. Politics is always sensational for the listenership, but Star Radio seems to make time every week to discuss the vital natural resources issues. We enjoy you Star Radio, Keep up the good work!

Have you not heard? Check them out:

http://www.starradio.org.lr/

EarlyBird

Job Offer

2009-05-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

West Africa Centre for Capacity Development (CENCAD)
Vacancy Announcement
By Apr 30, 2009, 17:00

The West Africa Centre for Capacity Development (CENCAD) is a sub-regional institution, based in Freetown with regional offices in Guinea and focal partners in Liberia. The purpose of the centre is to help develop the capacities of state and non-state actors and institutions to initiate more focus approaches to peace building, good governance and socio-economic development.

Provide expertise and develop skills of community, local, national and sub-regional actors to rebuild social system and productive structures, develop and implement gender sensitive and conflict responsive policies, programmes and projects for poverty reduction, small scale enterprise and agriculture development. CENCAD is implementing the project. ‘Increasing Government Accountability in Conflict Zones through Public Participation in Policy Making’ in partnership with Conciliation Resources, through a grant from DEFID Governance and Transparency Fund, and require the services of a Programme officer, a Project Officer and a Finance Administrator, who shall be based in Freetown and be responsible to the Executive

Director Duties:
· The Programme Officer’s duties include the coordination of project implementation, research and training of project staff, partner organization and community groups.
· Project officer’s duties include assisting the Programme Officer in the areas indicated above, monitoring and data collection.
· The Finance administrator shall be responsible for the overall accounting, book keeping and financial reporting.

Qualifications:
Programme Officer and Project Officer: Master’s degree in Economic or relevant Social Science including knowledge of issues of governance, conflict transformation and policy analysis, with a minimum of 3 years working experience, or a Bachelors Degree with a minimum of 5 years working experience.

Finance Administration: A Bachelor’s Degree in accounting and business administration with a minimum of 3 years working experience or HTC with a minimum of 5 years working experience.
Interested candidates are required to send a letter of application with a detailed CV, including 3 referees to the Executive Director of CENCAD, 18 Big Waterloo Street Freetown not later than 8 May 2009.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
CENCAD is an equal opportunity institution. Due to the present staff composition priority will be given to female candidates in the case of equal qualification and experience.

© Copyright by Awareness Times Newspaper in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

###

EarlyBird

African aid "needs science focus"

2009-04-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

WE AGREE
WE COULD NOT AGEE MORE
(Below)

African aid 'needs science focus' Julian Siddle Science in Action, BBC World Service

Neil Turok, chair of mathematical physics at Cambridge University, says governments are following the wrong policy when it comes to African aid.

Focusing on basic healthcare and primary education is stopping Africa developing, Professor Turok suggests.

The founder of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) says investment in higher education is key.

He says Africa needs its own science and technology skills base to become an equal partner in the global economy.

In a wide ranging interview with the BBC World Service's Science in Action programme, Professor Turok describes his love of theoretical physics, but also talks of his dismay at what he sees as the lack of access to quality higher education in Africa.

He says this is holding back development across the continent.

"If Africa doesn't have its own scientific and technological community, there is no way in which it can ever be an equal partner in the economy of the world," he observed.

"It will just be subject to the whims of western countries, who will continue to take advantage of Africa as long as Africa remains ignorant of the driving forces of the modern economy, which are all about technology and science."

Professor Turok, chair of mathematical physics at the University of Cambridge and director of Canada's Perimeter Institute, was instrumental in setting up the African Institute for mathematical Sciences (AIMS).

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, the institute accepts students from all over Africa.

"I helped start the AIMS project out if a deep commitment to Africa," the leading academic told the programme.

"We saw these students come in, from the Congo and Sudan and Liberia, many countries we tend to think of as disaster areas.

"But we recruited students from these countries and what we saw was they absolutely thrived in an environment that was focused on high-level science."

Dependency

Born in South Africa, Professor Turok left the country in the 1960s with his parents, who had been in prison for their opposition to the apartheid regime.

He added that he has always felt a strong attachment to Africa, but takes issue with current international aid strategies.

"One trillion dollars has been given in aid to Africa over the last 40 years, but that money has not reduced the need for aid in Africa, you have to ask yourself was it invested wisely?

"I would say it has done more harm than good.

"It has been used to created dependency, I think it's time for a rethink and at a very minimum I think a fraction of a percent of all the aid going to Africa must be dedicated to creating skilled people in Africa."

Professor Turok says a tiny proportion of the continent's aid would be enough to set up of a series of AIMS-style high level institutes across Africa.

"To fully endow one AIMS centre forever costs ten million dollars; to create three of these centres every year would 30 million dollars - that's 0.1% of the aid budget currently being given to Africa, a tiny fraction."

He is currently in negotiations with the Senegalese government about starting an AIMS-style institute there.

Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/7998169.stm
Published: 2009/04/18 09:53:56 GMT

© BBC MMIX

EarlyBird

JOB OFFER

2009-04-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

AGRICULTURE & PRIVATE ENTERPRISE ADVISOR
Fri. April 10, 2009; Posted: 08:38 AM

DATE POSTED: 09-APR-09
AGENCY: Agency for International Development
OFFICE ADDRESS: USAID/MonroviaDepartment of State Washington DC 20521
SUBJECT: Agriculture & Private Enterprise Advisor
CLASSIFICATION CODE: R - Professional, administrative, and management support services
SOLICITATION NUMBER: HR-669-09-016
CONTACT: Sylvester s. Browne, Human Resource Management Specialist, Phone 23177766402, Email sbrowne@usaid.gov
SETASIDE: N/A
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE ADDRESS: USAID LiberiaC/o U.S. Embassy Compound Mamba Point Monrovia
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE COUNTRY: LR

NOTICE TEXT: Agency for International Development Overseas Missions Liberia USAID-Monrovia
SOLICITATION NUMBER: HR-669-09-016
ISSUANCE DATE: 04/02/09
QUESTIONS DEADLINE: 04/16/09 CLOSING DATE: 05/01/09
CLOSING TIME: 4:00 PM in Monrovia, Liberia

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor/TCN for Agriculture & Private Enterprise Development Advisor in Monrovia, Liberia. Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens/U.S Resident Alien to provide personal services as AGRICULTURE AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Send one set of U.S. Government SF 171 or OF 612, a resume or CV, three references, a written statement certifying date / length of time you are available for the position, and a two page document highlighting key qualifications by the evaluation factors. For references please include name, phone number, and email. An incomplete or unsigned SF 171 or OF 612 shall not be considered. These signed forms must be delivered or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: USAID / Liberia Human Resources Management Office American Embassy 111 U.N. Drive, Mamba Point Monrovia, Liberia All offers are contingent on receipt of (a) medical clearance, (b) security clearance and (c) offer must be made in writing by the (Contracting) Executive Officer. Please note that this does not constitute any guarantee that a PSC will be awarded as a result of this solicitation nor does it constitute any authorization by USAID to reimburse costs incurred in the preparation of an application. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Sylvester S. Browne by phone at 231-77-766-402 or email at sbrowne@usaid.gov. Sincerely, Don Brady Don Brady Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT USPSC/TCN/ Agriculture & Private Enterprise Development Advisor USAID/LIBERIA 1. SOLICITATION No: USAID/LIBERIA 669-09-016 2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 2, 2009 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED: May 1, 2009 4. POSITION TITLE: Agriculture & Private Enterprise Development Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($83,445 - $108,483) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, with possibility of extension 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Monrovia, Liberia 8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens & Third Country Nationals 9. SUPERVISOR: Economic Growth Team Leader 10. STATEMENT OF WORK: Below Basic function of position: The incumbent is a senior USPSC or TCN who serves as the Mission's technical advisor responsible for the management of USAID Liberia's agriculture and private enterprise value chain programs. This involves oversight of implementing agencies, coordination with other development partners, commercial and public institutions involved with enhancing national food security and increasing employment in the private sector. Major duties and responsibilities: Technical Leadership 45% - Serves as the principal advisor to USAID Liberia on agriculture and private enterprise development matters in Liberia. - Leads in the conceptualization, design and drafting of new agricultural and private enterprise activities. - Contribute in the preparation of Portfolio Reviews, Operational Plans, Mission Strategic Plan, updating Performance Management Plans (PMPs) and other reporting requirements. Managerial Leadership 45% - Serves as project manager (Cognizant Technical Officer) for: $24 million Agriculture/Private Enterprise value chain program, $1.5 million Technical Assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture project, and Activity Manager for the $8 million Sustainable Tree Crop program. This requires active participation in project monitoring and evaluation, preparing procurement documents, and accounts for effective completion of Mission-funded agriculture/enterprise programs. - Represents the Mission at agriculture and private enterprise development meeting (e.g. Agricultural Coordination Committee), and other functions delegated by the Economic Growth Team Leader - Reports to USAID Washington on the Mission's: public-private alliances, microenterprise activities, and food security program - Maintains contacts with the GOL, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders to follow trends in the agriculture and private enterprise development sectors. Communication & Other responsibilities 10% - Contribute to public outreach and the Mission's communication strategy - Assume other duties as directed by the Economic Growth Team Leader Desired qualifications: Education: At least a Bachelor's degree in agriculture, economics, business or related field. A Masters Degree or PhD in any of the aforementioned fields is preferred. Prior work experience: At least 10 years of progressively responsible position in the management of development assistance programs, including two years of supervisory/managerial responsibilities. Language proficiency: Level IV English (fluency) is required for oral and written expression. Knowledge: Incumbent must be knowledgeable in the areas of agribusiness, private enterprise development, value chain analysis and development. He/she must be familiar with program management, including monitoring and evaluation. Fluency in Microsoft Office applications is essential. Additional IT skills, such as the ability to use SPSS or AutoCAD software, are desirable but not essential. Skills and Abilities: The incumbent is expected to have and be able to apply strong management skills and technical knowledge of several related disciplines. The incumbent should be able to work at the highest professional standard, with minimal supervision. He/she should monitor and analyze activities, and identify possible solutions to overcome obstacles. He/she must be able to analyze development projects, work plans, project budgets in order to determine their appropriateness. The incumbent must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. He/she should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to establish and maintain productive and collaborative relations with implementing organizations, other donors, Government of Liberia officials and commercial sector executives. Supervision received: The incumbent is supervised by the Economic Growth Team Leader. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent is required to use independent judgment and apply appropriate US government regulations in dealing with implementing organizations, GOL officials, and all other key stakeholders. He/she must be able to work with confidence at the highest levels of the GOL. Authority to make commitment: The incumbent does not commit U.S. Government financial resources but does participate in formulating, monitoring and managing budgets for programs he/she serves as Activity Manager. Nature, Level and Purpose of contacts: The incumbent has frequent contact with GOL officials; heads of United Nations missions to Liberia (e.g. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative); heads of non-governmental and civil society organizations; commercial sector representatives, and other stakeholders for the purpose to enhance USAID activities and develop innovative and useful synergies. Time required to Perform a Full Range of Duties: Immediately. The incumbent is expected to be skilled in program/project management and coordination so that s/he can be able to carry out the duties and responsibilities from day one. Period of Performance: The personal service contract will be for 1 year, with possibility of extension. Extensions will be contingent on the need for continued services, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds. Reports: Upon request or as scheduled, the Contractor will submit periodic status and/or other reports related to major activities or projects that fall under the incumbent's responsibility. QUALIFICATIONS / SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants are encouraged to provide a cover letter addressing how they meet the requirements of each of the criteria below. Applicants should provide this information in the same sequence as indicated below. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position: Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) - Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 submitted; - Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted; - Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. Education - Bachelor's degree plus at least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (one of which must be related to Agriculture); OR - Master's degree with significant study in a pertinent field (including, but not limited to, agriculture, economics, business,) plus at least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (one of which must be related to agriculture). 12. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS Employer's FICA and Medicare Contribution* Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Salary increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Shipment and storage of household effects [limited shipment authorized at present] Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service ALLOWANCES [if applicable, as found in the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas) Sections cited below] (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (6) Educational Allowance (Section 270) (7) Educational Travel (Section 280) (8) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (9) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) (10) Danger Pay (Section 650) SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE The Contractor will be required to obtain a medical clearance from State M/MED prior to extended temporary duty service overseas. Also, a temporary security clearance must be initiated prior to travel to post of duty. Until a final adjudication of a secret clearance is received, the contractor shall: - have no access to classified or administratively controlled materials, - travel to post by himself/herself only, and - be authorized no entitlements other than those normally authorized for short-term (less than a year) employees at post. If the contractor fails to receive a secret clearance, the contract will be immediately terminated. FEDERAL TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion, FICA, and Medicare. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR USPSCs Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do 1. Optional Form 612 2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622)* 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)* 4. Finger Print Card (FD-258) (available from the requirement office)* *These forms will only be completed by the apparently successful applicant. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Qualified applicants are requested to submit an Application for Federal Employment (SF-171) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF612) and a Resume containing the following information: 1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held); 2) Education: high school, name, city and state, date of diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours); 3) Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; 4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested). 5) Applicants are required to provide three references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers. Interested candidates should send above via the internet to the attention of Sylvester Browne, at the address indicated below. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and add the subject line in any cover letter. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in the cover letter.

Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than April 16, 2009 via e-mail to Human Resources Management Specialist, Sylvester Browne, via email: sbrowne@usaid.gov

INTERNET ADDRESS: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/LIB/HR-669-09-016/listing.html Provided by Federal Information & News Dispatch, Inc. (FIND) 202-429-5944

Shift from Blood Diamonds to Dirty Gold

2009-03-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

By their own press release last week Venga Aerospace Systems Inc. announced that its mining affiliate, "Global Mineral Investments, LLC (GMI), has now shipped the main mining dredge and related equipment and supplies that will be used in GMI's gold dredging operation that will be carried on in those portions of the Upper Tartweh River flowing through GMI's GoldMatta concession located in the Sanquin Mining Zone, Sinoe County, Republic of Liberia."

Great

So GMI could start the dredging operation before the end of the first week of April.Gold mining remains one of the dirtiest industries in the world, and we should keep our eyes open with concern. In the absence of indications to the contrarily, does GMI expect to hide their dirty deeds in the flow of the rainy season?

We are not trying to negatively impugn GMI’s motives, but let us see their mining and reclamation plan. Accountability is all we ask.The state of the art demands that environmental considerations play an important role in the development and exploitation of all mineral resources in the Republic of Liberia. GMI is busy on the site now, but let us ask:

Where is plan to deal with water quality, air quality, land degradation, visual impact, noise, flora and fauna, rare and endangered species, and cultural resources?

Where is transparency related to the chemical extraction processes: the types and amount of wasted produces (solids, liquids, and gases)?

Where is the preparation for the short and long term stability of waste products, alteration of minerals and metal by the process, the process water balance and the need for discharge, and the method of waste disposal and treatment?

Sanquin district is a long distance from the ocean, imagine the impact. Dirty or clean, which is it going to be?

Anthropogenicagent

Lest we forget Complementary Investments in Rural Development, or ...

2009-02-15T15:01:00.000-08:00

ARC Briefing Note on the High-Level Meeting on African Agriculture in the 21st Century

HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON AFRICAN AGRICULTURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY – MEETING THE CHALLENGES, MAKING A SUSTAINABLE GREEN REVOLUTION9-10 FEBRUARY 2009, WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA

The High-Level Meeting on African Agriculture in the 21st Century took place in Windhoek, Namibia, from 9-10 February 2009. The event, which was a ministerial-level meeting, was part of preparations for the seventeenth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), which is taking place in May 2009.

At CSD 16 and CSD 17, participants are focusing on agriculture, rural development, land, drought, desertification, and Africa. The objective of the event in Windhoek was therefore to consider how African governments and other stakeholders can meet those challenges and “take forceful policy and practical measures, in cooperation with the international community and development partners, to revitalize African agriculture and the broader rural economies in ways that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.”

The meeting opened with statements from ministers and other high-level officials. Participants then discussed two main themes: how to operationalize a green revolution in Africa, and integrating African agriculture into global markets.

Under the first theme (green revolution), two sub-themes were considered: incorporating sustainable land management and agricultural practices into African agriculture; and increasing agricultural productivity in Africa.

Under the second theme (global market integration), two sub-themes were also considered, namely: moving African agriculture up the value chain; and integrating small farmers into global supply chains.

Finally, a further session was held to build on these discussions. This session focused on “managing Africa’s agricultural transition.”

The meeting ended with the adoption of a ministerial declaration covering some of these key themes.

An overview of the discussions and the declaration are summarized below.

OPENING STATEMENTS
On Monday morning, 9 February 2009, the meeting began with opening statements from ministers and other high-level officials.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Namibia, stated that many initiatives have been tried out to boost African agriculture, and although they have potential, few were successful. She stressed the need for a critical mass of people to bring about a change in attempting to reestablish African agriculture. Nandi-Ndaitwah also noted the need for improved research and capacity building, and the use of traditional knowledge in agricultural processes.
Gerda Verburg, Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Netherlands, lamented that Africa is at the center of the world’s food crisis. Remarking that food prices were likely to remain high and volatile in the future, she said this is due to land competition, biofuels, changing consumption patterns, and agricultural neglect. She emphasized that agriculture requires more investment, particularly for capacity building; increased market access for developing countries; actions based on local knowledge; and improved food security.

Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General, UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA), highlighted increased job creation, social protection and access to credit markets as necessary for African development. He emphasized the importance of women in farming, especially for increasing production. He stressed the need for extension services, infrastructure development, increased coordination amongst stakeholders, and improved farm-to-market pathways. Noting that an agricultural framework – the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Plan – was provided by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), he called for increased international support for revitalizing African agriculture.

Libertina Amathila, Deputy Prime Minister, Namibia, underscored the effects of climate change and pressures from “the North” on Africa. She highlighted the positive impact agriculture can have on development, but noted that overexploitation of land, soil depletion and overpopulation has hampered progress. To revitalize agriculture on the continent, Amathila called for technologies to relieve the burden of women in agriculture, locally-driven development, community partnerships and the use of traditional knowledge in research and practices.

Akinwumi Adesina, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, underscored the need for a paradigm shift for agricultural initiatives. He highlighted that policies should focus on small-scale farm holders and ensure that vulnerable sectors are reached. Noting that lessons from the Asian Green Revolution may be pertinent, he suggested addressing issues such as crop biodiversity, water management, and the restoration of soil fertility. He also noted the necessity of land reform to ensure that countries benefit from an African green revolution. He stressed the need to support farmers, including the use of subsidies as a means of support. Adesina noted that regionalization of markets and the coordination of financial systems and policies would create local markets that could support agricultural ventures.

Messaouda Mint Baham, Minister of Rural Development, Mauritania, noted the many challenges facing Mauritanian agriculture. She stressed the importance of coordinated policies and strategies to mobilize against these problems and obtain durable solutions, highlighting that they should implemented immediately.

Zacarias Sambeni, Ministry of Agriculture, Angola, said his government has formulated new policies for the agricultural sector. He indicated that the policies provide short- and medium-term development strategies for the promotion of public, private and foreign investment. He stressed that policy frameworks were in place to support the agricultural sector. He also said that the sustainable management of resources and the restoration of infrastructure was a concern, and measures had been taken to address these challenges.

Bunduku Latha Paul, Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Renewable Development, Gabon, said correct socioeconomic policies and frameworks must be in place to ensure progress in the agricultural sector. Paul highlighted the importance of promoting entrepreneurial enterprises as well as private agriculture. Outlining Gabon’s policies, he stated that the overarching objective is to reduce food imports by 25%. He noted the prioritization of crops such as banana and cassava, in addition to local infrastructure development and investment programmes to achieve this goal.

David Mathayo, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, Tanzania, outlined a number of obstacles to achieving a green revolution, including climate change, poverty, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. He said deliberations should include how mitigation and adaptation responses to climate change can be incorporated in the agricultural agenda, and should recognize and utilize farmers’ knowledge and experience.

Gideon Musyoka Ndambuki, Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya, reflected on his country’s agricultural sector. Noting that 60% of Kenya’s export earnings come from agriculture, he said the country is therefore reliant on agriculture for growth and development. Ndambuki said there remained many challenges for Kenya, including the low budget allocation, lack of human resources, and the impact of HIV/AIDS on the sector. He stressed the need to support small-scale farmers and develop irrigation systems.

Youssoufa Yerima Mandjo, Minister for Livestock and Animal Health, Central African Republic, noted that the Maputo Declaration required a 10% budget allocation for agriculture and that these resources should be used to put policies and programmes in place to achieve progress in agriculture.

Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said his organization believes in a balanced role between markets, government and private investment for increasing the productive capacity of agriculture. He stressed that comprehensive production policies and ownership and autonomy of tasks were also necessary. Panitchpakdi called for greater emphasis on women in agriculture, organic methods, and freer international market access.

Luc Gnacadja, Executive Secretary, UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), said the UNCCD is the most ratified treaty within the UN but that the interconnectivity between agriculture, soil degradation and desertification had yet to be recognized. Noting that Africa is the most affected by land use competition, he underscored that the green revolution model for Africa must focus on highly sustainable inputs. He highlighted the need to make small-scale farming more viable, and noted that increased production is a challenge that will need to be addressed. He underscored the need for Africa to create its own pathway for a green revolution and stressed the UNCCD as a mainstream framework for achieving these aims.

Jan McAlpine, Director, UN Forum of Forests, noted a number of statements already calling for intersectoral cooperation, adding that there are well understood connections between land improvements, forests and agriculture. She said UNFF-8 will be touching on these connections.
Simon Nhongo, UN Development Programme, highlighted the need to promote sustainable land management and find solutions to create sustainable pathways. He also emphasized partnerships and technology transfer. He stressed that stakeholders must be prepared to face the risks that are inherent in agriculture, and capacity must be built to mitigate such risks.

Thozi Gwanya, Director General, Department of Land Affairs, South Africa, underscored a desire for action on a number of issues, including research and development, empowerment of marginalized farmers, and promotion of South-South trade.

John Mutorwa, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Namibia, emphasized the Namibian Government’s commitment to sustainable food production. He outlined policies that are in place to achieve self-sufficient food supply and security of that supply.

THEME ONE: HOW TO OPERATIONALIZE A GREEN REVOLUTION IN AFRICA
Introducing the first day’s theme for discussion, Norman Uphoff, Cornell University, presented on the incorporation of sustainable land management and agricultural practices into African agriculture. He requested clarity on whether the green revolution is being seen as a means or an end. He suggested that as the conditions facing Africa differ from those faced in Asia, the pathway sought also needs to be different, or no progress will be made.

Outlining an alternative farming method based on agro-ecology, he stressed that higher yields, improved soil conditions and decreased dependence on water and irrigation could be achieved. Uphoff noted that these outcomes were a result of promoting the growth of root systems and improving the soil condition through using readily available organic matter.

Rudy Rabbinge, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), presented on the role of agriculture in sustainable development. He stressed that there is no one solution for a green revolution in Africa, but that the ability to achieve it is present as there is now the political will. He stated that the agricultural sector in Africa differs from others as there is an absence of dominating food crops and many different farming systems. He underscored the importance of women in agriculture and said lack of involvement in policy making is an obstacle to progress. Other issues highlighted by Rabbinge include the lack of knowledge infrastructure; low functioning local and regional markets; lack of a stimulating political and economic environment; land tenure issues; increasing threats of desertification and deforestation; and biofuels. In overcoming these challenges, he said policies and interventions should prioritize those farming systems that are the most promising for future production, identify the technologies needed in the sector, and identify the areas most in need of improved food supply.

Rabbinge called for a “rainbow revolution” in agriculture, as there many opportunities available. He stated that a new paradigm of thinking should be sought that includes sustainability, and said it should focus on stimulating agro-ecological literacy and determining long-term goals. He also emphasized the need for farmers to be central to any policies or interventions that are implemented.

INCORPORATING SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT AND AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES INTO AFRICAN AGRICULTURE: On the sub-theme of incorporating sustainable land management and agricultural practices into African agriculture, participants heard presentations on incorporating soil science into practice in order to modify current thinking and standards for producing staple crops; exploiting linkages between soil quality, biodiversity and agricultural production; and the main conclusions from the International Assessment of
Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development.

In the ensuing discussion, participants commented on the use of biodiversity and the intervention of science in the agricultural sector. They also highlighted the two distinct approaches to crop farming that existed, namely the more common, practical approaches, and the agro-ecological approach introduced by previous speakers.

On the agro-ecological approach, participants questioned the dynamic of organisms in the soil and how a correct balance is achieved. Discussions also centered on the practicalities of putting such an approach into action. The use of organic versus chemical inputs in agro-ecology was discussed, with efficient use of water and organic compostable matter being noted as key to the approach.

Participants noted that biodiversity is a benefit of agricultural production, since biodiversity is central to improving both the inputs and outputs of farming, and is also effective in combating climate change. They stressed the need to identify the linkages that exist between biodiversity, soil and water in order to integrate biodiversity effectively into the economy. There was also further discussion on the evaluation of biodiversity systems and how effective evaluations would allow for scaling-up and replicating successes in other regions.

The importance of science for the development of agriculture was emphasized, with participants stressing that both quantity as well as quality was important in production.

INCREASING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN AFRICA: On the sub-theme of increasing agricultural productivity in Africa, participants heard presentations on development and food security in Africa; increasing Africa’s agricultural productivity; developing and promoting the adoption of adapted rice varieties in Africa; and the best methods to support farmers’ efforts to improve African agriculture.

Participants stressed that farmers have to be considered first in all negotiations and policy development, as they are vital to any change that takes place in the future.

On methods to increase productivity, participants emphasized that more investment needs to be made, recalling that African leaders have made a commitment to allocate 10% of their annual budgets for agriculture. They also called for more private investment in small-scale farmers and other private enterprises that can assist agricultural development.

They noted that institutions should be prioritized to create an enabling environment, and that economic literacy on all levels should be increased, as this would enable more effective use of resources to upgrade agriculture. More adaptive research and activities were raised as a concern, as well as the need to build capacity in order to develop an effective knowledge chain among stakeholders.

The need to mitigate risks through crop insurance was raised, as well as a desire for policies to decrease trade distortions. South-South collaboration was underscored by some as vital, and several proposed that further work be done to enhance this. Participants highlighted the need for good governance and urged continuing efforts to ensure that this is achieved.

Lastly, participants discussed the need for increased attention to pre- and post-harvest production losses, and expressed a desire to promote those production systems that are the most promising for Africa, including mixed crop-livestock systems.

THEME TWO: INTEGRATING AFRICAN AGRICULTURE INTO GLOBAL MARKETS
The second day’s deliberations centered on the topic of integrating African agriculture into global markets.

Kiichiro Fukasaku, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, presented on linking small farm holders to markets. He noted the continued low productivity in Africa, increase in non-traditional agricultural exports from Africa, and decrease in staple food exports.

He outlined the many problems faced in integration, including the fact that world agricultural trade is no longer being dominated by traditional commodities, that trade has moved up the value chain, and that Africa is not yet at that level. He also drew attention to the difficulty faced by Africa in processing and producing higher value products. Fukasaku stated that opportunities for African exports did exist in China and India, and also noted the increased availability of information and communication technologies for agriculture.

In linking smallholders to markets, he stressed the importance of rediscovering the market through the use of outgrower schemes and the promotion of agribusiness by donors. He also underscored the need to increase research and development, as well as extension services for a successful green revolution. Finally, he noted the benefits of inter-ministerial coordination.
Linda Nghatsane, Nelspruit Agricultural Development Association, noted that small-scale farmers have a tendency to be resource scarce and that most women involved in farming operate at the subsistence level.

She outlined an approach to small-scale farming that includes the use of simple technology, access to land through land reform, on-the-job training, and strategies to minimize expenses through bulk buying, saving and self-farming approaches.

Bemoaning the effect of HIV/AIDS on farming, Nghatsane said this is having a negative impact on food security. She observed that other challenges include the attitudes of some women farmers towards upscaling production, inadequate extension services, access to markets and credit, low literacy levels, and access to water and lands.

MOVING AFRICAN AGRICULTURE UP THE VALUE CHAIN: On the sub-theme of moving African agriculture up the value chain, participants heard presentations on linking smallholder farmers to markets; African agriculture from a trade perspective; value chain development and regional integration for agricultural development; and the experience of the development of NERICA rice.

Participants noted that higher food prices and the continuing food crisis will have a negative impact on Africa, and that the primary method to mitigate the crisis is increased productivity to secure food supply and decrease prices.

On linking small farm holders to available markets, participants noted the need to integrate these farmers into commercial markets, as many are on the margins of the agricultural sector. They also said small-scale farming must be encouraged.

Regional integration was suggested by many participants as necessary to achieve stronger domestic markets. It was suggested that this regionalization process should encompass all stakeholders. Many participants lamented the trade barriers that exist in international markets for many of their agriculture exports and expressed a desire for these to be removed. To strengthen market power in both local and international markets, participants noted that cooperatives or other farming organizations would be useful. Participants called for greater coordination between the public and private sectors, as well as establishing a rapport with the international community.

Participants also noted that in order to move more readily the value chain, the African mindset regarding agriculture needs to be adjusted to move away from agriculture for subsistence towards agriculture for retail and wholesale purposes.

INTEGRATION OF SMALL FARMERS INTO GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS: On the sub-theme of integrating small-scale farmers into global supply chains, participants heard presentations on innovative models for smallholder farming in Africa; a case study from Mali for organizing supply chains; the participation of smallholder farmers in the coffee and cotton sectors in global markets; and managing the biofuel boom, local income generation and access to land.

Participants strongly emphasized that women and small-scale farmers must be placed at the forefront of commercial farming. The need to share and disseminate experiences, particularly amongst farmers, was also highlighted. The value of more research, particularly in relation to women farmers, was underscored, as was the need to increase understanding of farmers’ constraints.

Diversification of crops and other farming products and byproducts were highlighted by participants as a means to increase income generation. In line with this, some said income generation targets would also be useful for smallholder farmers. Some participants lamented the overreliance of Africa agriculture on global markets and noted that regional cooperation would strengthen local markets.

A number of participants stated that the use of waste and residues from processing, as opposed to crops, would be more appropriate for biofuel production. Some suggested that certification of biofuel production might be necessary to ensure sustainable production within agriculture. Partnerships were also viewed as a method to allowing sustainable biofuel production. Many participants noted that education was necessary, particularly on land rights and tenure.

MANAGING AFRICA’S AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION
Bruno Losch, World Bank, presented on Africa’s rural transition, noting that agriculture will remain a primary employer within Africa. He said that policy should take into account local conditions and aim to develop industrial activities in order to compete effectively on the global market. He noted that as productivity in agriculture increases, the amount of jobs available will also grow, but we will need to encourage youth to take up agricultural practices.

He also observed that in order to move from small-scale to commercial farming practices, policies and strategies should focus on modernizing the sector, establishing norms and specialized markets, and ensuring that the norms, specialized markets and modernization is adaptable to the demands of consumers. He stressed the need to be cognizant of poverty, sustainable resource management, and local situations.

Messaouda Mint Baham, Minister of Rural Development, Mauritania, said it is imperative to develop procedures to improve agriculture in general. She stressed the importance of small-scale farmers, and said production should target specific markets. She underscored the importance of lowering input costs in order to increase profits. She lamented that due to low productivity, many locally-produced goods are more expensive than imported produce. She said it is important to lower costs and increase productivity to reverse this trend.

David Mathayo, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, Tanzania, said it was imperative to improve rural infrastructure for the transportation of goods to the market. He emphasized the importance of processing cash crops and the need to ensure that value added goods are brought to market. He also underscored implementing and utilizing policies and strategies in this regard.

Gideon Musyoka Ndambuki, Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya, stressed that in the face of rising tariffs it is especially important to find ways to minimize transaction costs. He outlined effective subsidy programmes that have been implemented in Kenya and suggested that these be replicated elsewhere in Africa. He added that good governance is an important aspect that is needed in the agriculture sector.

MINISTERIAL DECLARATION
The Windhoek High-Level Ministerial Declaration on African Agriculture in the 21st Century was adopted on 10 February, with minor amendments.

In the declaration, the Ministers and government representatives present reaffirm their commitment to sustainable development in Africa, and recognize the critical role that agriculture plays in achieving sustainable growth in Africa.

They support the call for an African green revolution to help boost agricultural productivity, food production and national food security. They note that an African green revolution does not depend only on improved seed and fertilizer but can also be built on a range of complementary investments in rural development, including roads, electricity, health and education.

They further note that the support of the state is necessary, especially in small-scale agriculture. They highlight the critical need for effective institutions to ensure greater price stability and an enabling policy environment that provides incentives for innovation and risk taking by farmers.
They emphasize the need for greater involvement of women farmers, and for credit and other financial mechanisms to be made available for the successful production, marketing and processing of agricultural goods.

They underscore the importance of developing the agricultural sector to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and eradicate poverty in African countries. They recognize the potential of the UNCCD to contribute to addressing food security, particularly in the area of land degradation, and further pledge their commitment to implementing the Ten Year Strategy and Framework. They stress the importance of increased research and development to increase production and improve competitiveness

The declaration is to be presented by Namibia at CSD 17 on behalf of the African Group.

CLOSE OF THE MEETING
Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General, UN-DESA, said that many strong statements had been made and that delegates attending CSD 17 will go there with a deeper understanding of what is needed to boost crop yields on a sustainable basis, improve land management, and integrate African agriculture into global markets. He stressed the urgent needed for action, and noted that more resources for infrastructure are needed for an African green revolution to be successful.
John Mutorwa, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Namibia, expressed confidence that the outcomes of this meeting will contribute positively to CSD 17. He noted that the issues discussed are pertinent to operationalizing a sustainable green revolution, addressing the impacts of climate change, providing support for small-scale and women farmers, securing market access and enhancing capacity building in the agriculture sector.

Gerda Verburg, Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Netherlands, stressed the need for a “home grown” sustainable green revolution. She said that leapfrogging is possible, but that stakeholders need to ensure that the African green revolution must be achieved in a sustainable manner. She said developing a safe and sustainable food chain is important, and that stakeholders must improve existing crop diversity and respect local food preferences.

The meeting was gaveled to a close 5:46pm.

Reference:
The ARC Briefing Note on the High-Level Meeting on African Agriculture in the 21st Century is a publication of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) <info@iisd.ca>, publishers of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin © <enb@iisd.org>. This issue was written and edited by Kate Louw. The Editor is Chris Spence. The ARC Briefing Note Series is part of IISD Reporting Service’s African Regional Coverage Project in partnership with the South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), the UN Environment Programme’s Regional Office for Africa (UNEP ROA) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Director of IISD Reporting Services is Langston James “Kimo” Goree VI <kimo@iisd.org>. The Programme Manager of the African Regional Coverage Project is Richard Sherman <rsherman@iisd.org>. Funding for this ARC Briefing Note has been provided by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Canada’s International Development Research Centre, through the African Regional Coverage Project for IISD Reporting Service’s coverage of African regional meetings. IISD can be contacted at 161 Portage Avenue East, 6th Floor, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0Y4, Canada; tel: +1-204-958-7700; fax: +1-204-958-7710. The opinions expressed in the Briefing Note are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IISD. Excerpts from the Briefing Note may be used in other publications with appropriate academic citation. Electronic versions of the Brief Note are sent to the AFRICASD-L distribution list (in HTML format) and can be found on the Linkages WWW-server at <http://www.iisd.ca/africa/>. For information on the Briefing Note, including requests to provide reporting services, contact the Director of IISD Reporting Services at <kimo@iisd.org>, +1-646-536-7556 or 300 East 56th St., 11A, New York, New York 10022, United States of America

IISD does a great job of keeping up on the nearly endless spinning wheels at the UN.
Our apologies for not referenceing this in the last edit.

###
EarlyBird

Africa CO2lonialism Must Stop

2009-02-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

Greetings friends,

This was past on to us here a EarlyBird Foundation by the International Rivers Network. It appeared in the East African on Jan. 25. The author is Mark Hankins of Nairobi.

If you have been a reader of ours for some time you know that we are in agreement and will continue to denounce this insidious threat. Join us and pass it on.

---- Snip ----

Please Mr. Obama: No More CO2lonialism in Africa

In his inauguration speech, Mr. Obama highlighted climate change as a global crisis, challenging American citizens the take on the problem:
"…and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet." Now, as he enters his office and gets to work, we wait with bated breath to see how the new administration addresses the issue that Dubya steadfastly ignored. Indeed, Africa has a special interest in any Obama "Change" approach to climate change --- and the worldwide development of clean energy sources. Of all of the promises on the table for developing countries in Kyoto ten years ago --- massive new streams of finance for investment in renewable energy, energy for sustainable development and poverty alleviation in villages --- very few have come to fruition in Africa. In today's 60 billion dollar a year market for carbon off-sets, Africa is a miniscule player, and the traders active here are mostly briefcase consultants and multinational carpetbaggers. In Africa, for all the noise made, climate change funding streams are merely making scratches in the ground.

So why did Africa lose out? What happened? Where did the money go? The answer is in the history of Kyoto and the resultant market mechanisms that have much more to offer booming carbon-intensive economies like China, India and Brazil than to the risky, comparatively sleepy and carbon neutral economies in Africa.

* * *
Except for Iraq, Somalia, Zimbabwe, the USA and a handful of other rogue states, all nations in the world have signed the 1997 UN Kyoto Protocol. The agreement, which binds "industrialized" countries to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels by 2012, came into force in 2005 when Russia added its approval.

As expected in international negotiations, in the early days there was a lot of blaming and foot-dragging by leaders presented with irrefutable evidence that the earth is getting warmer because of human activities. Developing countries maintained that their own economic growth --- read fossil fuel use here --- should not be stunted because of a problem largely caused by the North. Industrialized countries (called Annex 1 countries in the treaty) felt that penalizing them alone would provide unfair economic advantages to the South. Given the cacophony of tree-hugger activists, indigenous people NGOs and industry pressure groups at the meetings, it is something of a miracle that so much of the world did, eventually, sign up to the agreement.
The Kyoto Protocol forces countries to honour commitments to GHG emission reductions, implement aggressive actions to reduce emissions, "minimize impacts of climate change on developing countries", monitor national GHG emissions and to set up compliance committees.

For better or worse, we have America to blame for the "flexible mechanisms" by which countries must endeavour to reduce their GHG emissions. These include emissions trading, the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation (More on these later). Under Clinton, Americans actually did believe in the science of global warming and Al Gore, who much later masterminded An Inconvenient Truth, was one of those tasked to negotiate the USA's platform in Kyoto. Clinton's Administration unilaterally favoured "market" approaches to solving the climate crisis, rather than politically unpalatable "binding targets" - and the US threatened to walk out of the talks if the world didn't play by Uncle Sam's rules.

The US Environment Protection Agency developed the now-famous "cap-and-trade" model. In short, a cap-and-trade approach set emission limits in countries (i.e. "capping"), penalizing those that exceeded their quota while --- at the same time ---- allowing offenders who exceeded limits to "trade" with compliant entities who did meet their targets. Active trading in carbon would create new opportunities based on the fact that it is cheaper to reduce carbon emissions in the some places (the South) than others. Computer models famously showed that this model was much more "efficient" than any other approach to reducing worldwide GHG emissions, and Kyoto reluctantly bought into it.

Unfortunately, shortly after Kyoto, the Bush regime --- fronting for America's vast coal and petroleum industry --- came into power and declared climate change to be nonsense. Any American support for Kyoto was abrogated --- even the flexible mechanisms it forced on the party --- and, with a few loyal supporters (Australia, Russia) the US unsuccessfully attempted to scuttle the entire protocol.

Kyoto's execution fell to the Europeans, and they took the cap-and-trade message to heart. They quickly developed the multi-billion dollar EU Emissions Trading Scheme that is, to date, the largest carbon market in the world. Millionaire trading companies, based on trading packets of air, sprang up overnight, bringing new meaning to the term "bubble". London became the world's carbon finance center, racheting up a market valued at $60 billion by 2007. Europe's voluntary offset market, worth several billion dollars per year, also developed almost overnight. Due to their clever lobbying throughout the process, more than a third of the first few year's cash bounty found its way back to carbon spewing multinationals who were freely given massive allowances by governments so that they would play along! Indeed, cap-and-trade and ETS was relatively successful in reducing European emissions.

For Africa, the only way to play in the carbon trading market was through the project-based Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) or through the unregulated voluntary emissions market.
CDM is the UN-arranged marriage of the North, which wanted opportunity to off-load surplus carbon emissions and the South, which desired investment and sustainable development. Using the CDM, industrialized country companies can invest in carbon-reduction projects in the South, and claim the carbon reductions. Southern countries register and approve the projects, and a wobbly UN administering system keeps track of the carbon credits. So, for example, owners of a coal-fired power plant in Germany can invest in a wind-farm scheme in China, claim those bona fide reductions, and meet their reduction targets without having to do a thing to their plant.

In 2007, the CDM pipeline had 3000 pipeline projects worth about 12 billion. But here's the rub: In practice, very little has happened with the CDM in Africa. In a recent census, China --- desperately needing green power to supplement the dozens of coal-fired power plants it builds each year --- had on the order of 860 CDM pipeline projects, more than 60% of all projects registered. In the same census, Brazil had 240 pipeline projects. Mexico had 175.

As of August 2008, all of Africa had only 50 registered CDM pipeline projects, about half of them in the carbon-intensive economy of South Africa (Kenya accounts for seven of these, for geothermal, cogen and hydropower projects). In short, Africa doesn't spew out enough carbon to make CDM projects, which must demonstrate avoided emissions, worthwhile! And Africa is a tricky a place to do business... So, the "magic market mechanisms", touted by economists with capes and wands ten years ago, have again failed Africa in favour of more bustling economies.

In the meantime, so-called voluntary emissions traders have set up shop in Africa alongside the development NGO ranks. They famously raise funds by tried-and-true methods: Convincing rock stars (Coldplay, Pink Floyd, etc.) to pay cash for off-setting world tour carbon emissions, or by getting travellers like you and me to pay an $5 extra for air tickets. As was done by the Catholic Church in medieval times, these self-inflicted penalties buy carbon remissions for guilty Northerners through "development projects" that plant trees, promote small-scale village energy systems or help rural poor. Largely un-regulated, these efforts have much more to do with marketing and corporate responsibility than serious carbon reductions or new energy projects, and their record of "success" in actually reducing carbon emissions is extremely spotty.
* * *What started as a plan to bring new and clean energy sources to poor while simultaneously reducing conspicuous emissions of carbon in the North, has met neither of these goals in Africa. It has become a form of CO2lonialism where the money ends back in the north and where the rules of the game are rigged against the very people who were supposed to benefit.

Carbon is an item to be speculated on in the North: bought cheap, sold when prices rise, and off-loaded like toxic stock when the market crashes. In a very cozy world of deal-makers, the same companies that buy and sell carbon also develop projects, calculate carbon savings, validate projects and conduct highly-paid consultancies for multinationals, the World Bank and the UN.
Moreover, country incentives are perverse under Kyoto --- instead of encouraging countries to genuinely plan for reduced carbon emissions, the carbon trading system rewards developing countries that demonstrate a carbon-intensive path! The more you plan to emit, the more you can claim off on your CDM baselines.

But the worst thing about carbon trading is that it does not directly do that what needs to be done now in these days of rapidly accumulating global greenhouse gases. Instead of simply making the polluter pay or change his way, it allows the dirty player to claim credit for something that may or may or not have happened in a far away land. Instead of "acting locally and thinking globally", the opposite happens. Or not.

The little we have had of carbon trading is enough for Africa. It does not work. So, Mr. Obama, when the USA finally does come to the table and signs the Kyoto Protocol, we need the game to change, and we need America to help repair the broken system it help build. We need a much improved system for reducing carbon emissions for the world. We need a system that rewards, not carbon speculators, not deal-makers, not far-away faceless companies whose only care is their own balance sheet, but real builders of the clean energy systems needed today by 90% of Africa's population who go without power and lighting on a daily basis. Like you say, we have a long way to go, but we must face the task and get on with it.

###
EarlyBird

CREEPY caterpillars Liberia / Guinea

2009-02-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Achaea catocaloides moth is seen in this undated handout picture released February 4, 2009. REUTERS/International Institute for Tropical Agriculture courtesy of Royal Museum for Central Africa, Belgium/Handout

The picture shows a crop after it has been destroyed by the "Achaea catocaloides" caterpillar in the village of Peleler [sic], Bong County, February 3, 2009. REUTERS/Gleena Gordon

For weeks folks thought these maurding creatures were army worms, a moth caterpillar, but they were identified this week as the larvae of another kind of moth, the Achaea catocaloides, actually common and ubiquitous in West Africa.

By the millions these caterpillars are covering everything and have retreated into cocoons, or hatched already into moths ready to spawn a new generation of grubs are on the move. The insects can travel up to 60 miles (100 km) a day, and have already crossed the border to Guinea, an agriculturally rich country and the source of many of Liberia's food imports.

One of the definative news articles on the topic can be found here:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/02/090205-liberia-killer-caterpillars.html

I may never understand the commodities markets.... Cocoa futures just fell for the third time in four sessions in New York!

EarlyBird

Literature Alert - Biofuels from dedicated tropical plantations

2009-02-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

BIOFUELS FROM DEDICATED TROPICAL PLANTATION FORESTS -- It is time for detailed studies of the lignofuels options, by A. Gabus & A. Hawthorne, in International Forestry Review, Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2008, pp 563-572.

Summary. As a source of alternative fuels, ligneous biomass offers two significant advantages: trees can grow on low-yield land unsuited for food production and supply the energy required for producing derived fuels. Technologies for its conversion into substitutes for gasoline and especially for diesel fuel are complex and expensive. Harnessing and applying them will however be pushed forward by the double challenge of oil resource depletion and global warming. Ample sunlight and high rainfall suggest that the tropics may be the preferred areas where plantation forests dedicated to lignocellulose fuel production (or lignofuels as distinct from agrofuels) could be established. At petroleum prices 10 to 20% above 2007 levels, the authors conclude that a 'bioethanol outlet' for tropical forest plantations on deforested idle lands and humid savannahs is viable (see graph and pictures: http://homepage.bluewin.ch/agabus/352.html). To meet the very rapid expected growth in demand for biomass, such projects should thus be initiated now.

Access to the review and this paper: http://www.cfa-international.org/IFR.html
http://www.atypon-link.com/CFA/toc/ifor/10/4

###

EarlyBird

Sad News from Government of Liberia (Sapo National Park in Ruins)

2009-02-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

Sapo National Park in Ruins - Feb 1, 2009

SAPO NATIONAL PARK IN RUINS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says the Sapo National Park could lose its natural resources if nothing is urgently done by the Liberian Government to protect the park.

EPA Executive Director, Ben Donnie, said the Park is being occupied by Non-Liberians.He said those who are currently occupying the park are from neighboring countries like Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone, and that such occupants are allegedly carrying-out illegal mining of gold and diamonds, including other activities that are harmful to the park.

Mr. Donnie made the disclosure Friday, during a one-day National Stakeholders' Meeting on the Validation of an Analytical Report on the Sapo National Park.

Also speaking, EPA's Project Manager, Nathaniel Blama said, inhabitants of the park are living in extreme poverty. Mr. Blama named the lack of safe- drinking water, roads, and schools, among others, as some of the problems affecting those who live within the vicinity of the park.

Liberia Broadcasting System, ©2007 All rights reserved.

###

EarlyBird

Chinafrica (22) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2009-01-27T17:32:00.000-08:00

FEATURE-China marches on in Africa despite downturn
Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:04am GMT
By Alistair Thomson

DAKAR, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Chinese businessmen are taking a long-term view and pursuing strategic expansion in Africa even though China's multiplying investments on the continent have lost some lustre in the global downturn.

Beijing and Chinese companies have pledged tens of billions of dollars to Africa in loans and investments mostly to secure raw materials for the world's fastest-growing large economy.
That long-term interest remains intact, despite a worldwide economic slump that has hit China's exports to the rich world and a sharp decline in Africa's mineral shipments to China.
China-Africa trade has surged by an average 30 percent a year this decade, soaring to nearly $107 billion in 2008.

"China is in Africa for the long term, and strategically," said David Shinn, a former U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia and Burkina Faso who teaches at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs.

"They will not veer from this, in my view," he said.

Far from retreating, many Chinese businessmen are hunting for bargains.

Chinese and Indian firms have expressed interest in taking over Zambia's top cobalt producer Luanshya Copper Mines since it halted operations in December, Zambian state media reported.
South Africa's Standard Bank, itself 20 percent owned by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), said last month it was advising Chinese mining clients on buying opportunities in Africa and elsewhere.

"They are looking at 2009 and saying 'This is a time we see as a very big buying opportunity. We've got the backing from government, we've got the financial means'," Thys Terblanche, the bank's head of mining and metals investment banking, told Reuters.

Beyond mining, Chinese state companies are pushing ahead with strategic energy sector investments and infrastructure; private outfits are continuing to expand in technology areas.
"Some developed Western countries hit by the financial crisis are reducing their investment in Africa. Objectively, this is a powerful opportunity for Chinese businesses to expand their investment and market share in Africa," Cui Yongqian, a former Chinese ambassador to the Republic of Congo and Central African Republic, told a China-Africa trade forum this month.

Trade with Angola, China's biggest source of African crude oil, reached $25.3 billion in 2007 and Beijing has offered Luanda $5 billion in oil-backed loans.

Shenzhen-based Huawei Technologies, China's biggest telecoms equipment maker, is pushing south from its established stamping ground in North Africa.

"I see no reason why they would want to decrease their investments in the telecommunications sector, because that's profitable for them," said George Washington University's Shinn.

"It will vary according to sector and country ... It's very dangerous to generalise about the China-Africa relationship," he said. "They will certainly make tactical retreats where the economy requires it."

LONG-TERM VIEW

Even China's slower economic growth far outpaces that of other major economies. Beijing says it can achieve 8 percent growth in 2009. The IMF says it may cut its forecast to about 5 percent, from the 9 percent it predicted in October.

While competitors lay off workers and delay new projects, China Non-Ferrous Metals Corporation is opening a copper smelter this month in Chambishi town, which Zambia has transformed into a tax-free economic zone to attract Chinese investment.

Zambian President Rupiah Banda and China's Trade Minister Cheng Deming launched a second economic zone this month near the capital Lusaka, where Chinese firms will assemble electrical goods such as television sets and cellphones for export.

"Zambia is still an attractive investment destination (and this will give) confidence to existing firms operating here not to start scaling down their operations," Banda said.

Zambia's Copper Belt is witnessing a growth in Chinese deals.

"In Zambia, mining investment is large-scale and long-term," said Xing Houyuan, director of multinational business at China's Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, which is affiliated to Beijing's Commerce Ministry.

"I don't see any likelihood of a pullback ... Companies won't give up investment plans because of the short term. The biggest impact is likely to be on projects that are still in the planning stage, where the money had not really been committed yet," Xing said.

In Liberia, China Union has just signed a $2.6 billion contract to develop the Bong iron ore deposit.

CONGO AND GUINEA

China also insists the slowdown will not dampen interest.

"We will continue to have a vigorous aid programme here and Chinese companies will continue to invest as much as possible in Africa because it is a win-win solution," Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said in South Africa in mid-January.

However, the global slowdown has forced some Chinese businesses to close operations in Africa and prompted a re-think of some of the multi-billion-dollar mega-deals that blazed a trail across the world's poorest continent.

Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea are cases in point.

DR Congo rode the boom in commodities to attract a wave of foreign investment in its rich but long-neglected copper, cobalt, gold and other mineral resources after post-war elections in 2006. Now that dream is fading.

"We have one processing mill and several workshops in Congo. We have closed them. There are many Chinese-invested firms in Congo and I understand most of them have shut down their operations," said a marketing director at a private firm in China's eastern province of Zhejiang, which supplies cobalt and nickel compounds for use in mobile phone batteries.

"I don't think we will resume production in the factories in Congo any time soon. We expect the economic slowdown could worsen in this year and weigh on the prices further," he said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Africa's heavy dependence on resource exports means it feels any squeeze more painfully. Global trade fell an annualised 3.7 percent between September 2008 and November last year, its biggest drop since 2001.

Congo's franc has fallen 20 percent against the dollar in less than four months and foreign reserves are at a five-year low. The government is seeking a $200 million bailout from the International Monetary Fund's Exogenous Shocks Facility.

A much-trumpeted $9 billion package of Chinese loans, investment and infrastructure projects in return for Congolese minerals contracts may be cut back to $6 billion, a diplomat in Kinshasa said, partly to appease the IMF which has expressed voiced concern at Congo taking on such huge debts.

Guinea, the world's top exporter of bauxite aluminium ore, had hoped for its own multi-billion-dollar deal with China to build hydropower dams, roads and bridges in return for mines.

Talks have dragged as the economic climate has worsened, hampered by Guinea's instability and a coup last month after the death of President Lansana Conte, said Ahmed Tidiane Diallo, director-general for mining projects at the Mines Ministry.

Gabon, similarly eager to cement a 1.6 trillion CFA franc ($3 billion) contract to develop the 360-million-tonne Belinga iron ore deposit, has accused its Chinese partners of dragging their feet amid the uncertain economic environment. (Additional reporting by Joe Bavier in Kinshasa, Saliou Samb in Conakry, Eric Onstad in London, David Lewis in Dakar, Lucy Hornby and Chris Buckley in Beijing, Moumine Ngarmbassa in N'Djamena, Antoine Lawson in Libreville, Alfred Cang in Shanghai, Mabvuto Banda in Lilongwe, Daniel Wallis in Nairobi; Editing by Louise Ireland and Pascal Fletcher)

© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved.

###

EarlyBird

SUPER AMBITION – Have you seen Bong Mine Lately?!

2009-01-25T18:20:00.000-08:00

... It will likely take the better part of 18 months just to get a pellet plant back on line. Best of luck! (see story)

Monday, 26 Jan, 2009 Liberia expects Bong iron ore production in 18 months Reuters reported that the first productions of iron ore pellets from China Union's USD 2.6 billion Bong development project in Liberia is expected within 18 months.

Mr Richard Tolbert chairman of Liberian National Investment Commission said that the full USD 2.6 billion capital investment by China Union would be disbursed over a period of between 8 to 10 years.

He added that the contract signed this week between China Union and the Liberian government foresees 25 years of iron ore production from the Bong deposit, which is estimated to contain 300 million tonnes of low grade ore.

Mr Tolbert further said that "Within 18 months, we will see the first one million tonne palletizing plant up and running." He added China Union had also been granted a license to explore for ore in an area adjoining the Bong deposit, which would open the possibility of increasing the ore resource.

The deal, which beat 9 rival bids, went ahead at a time when many firms have scaled back or postponed African mining projects as metals prices have crashed in the past six months.

Ms Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, at a ceremony to mark the signing, said that she hoped the China Union deal would encourage other investors to come to Liberia, which is still struggling to recover from a destructive 1989-2003 civil war.

Under its contract to mine the Bong deposit, which lies to the north east of the capital Monrovia, China Union intends to recondition the capital's port and build a hydro power plant to supply the city with electricity. The contract includes a USD 40 million cash signature fee to be paid to Liberia once its parliament ratifies the contract and it is promulgated. This was expected in the coming months.

(Sourced from Reuters)
###

Invading Caterpillars - Lofa/Bong Counties

2009-01-20T09:25:00.000-08:00

LIBERIA: Villagers flee invading caterpillars

MONROVIA, 20 January 2009 (IRIN) - Millions of invading caterpillars have forced thousands of Bong County residents to flee their homes and the situation is "getting worse", according to county superintendent Rennie Jackson.

The caterpillars, also known as army worms, have destroyed crops, entered houses and contaminated water sources with their faeces, local authorities say.

"The situation is getting worse," Jackson told IRIN. "Most drinking water sources, including creeks and wells, have been polluted with the faeces of the worms. The number of affected people is in the thousands."

Authorities in Bong County, 150km from the capital Monrovia, held emergency meetings on 20 January and are scheduled to meet with representatives from international organisations on 21 January. Agriculture Minister Christopher Toe has appealed to the international community to help fight the infestation.

Representatives from the ministries of agriculture, health and internal affairs and Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency are assessing the extent of the damage in Bong County alongside experts from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The caterpillars invaded Sanoyea District of Bong County on 15 January, rapidly spreading to Zota and Suakoko districts, invading an estimated 31 villages, according to county superintendent Jackson.

Army worms are caterpillars that eventually develop into nocturnal moths. In their larval stage they can be very destructive, attacking cereals and grazing land. This is the first major invasion of the insects in Liberia, according to an 18 January statement by the Agriculture Ministry.

Lost livelihoods
IRIN witnessed hundreds of villagers fleeing in vehicles and on foot to Bong County’s capital Gbarnga, where people are sheltering with extended family members or in public buildings.

Farmers told IRIN they will lose their crops to the caterpillars. Farmer Eric Kollie, who returned to Liberia from Guinea to farm his land in 2007, was in tears as he said: "I saw caterpillars eating up my cassava farms and I am in pain as all of my efforts [of] last year have gone in vain."
"The caterpillars are destroying the rice farms that we were about to harvest," a 50-year-old woman told IRIN. "There is nowhere to go as the caterpillars are still entering our homes."
"The government really has to come to the rescue of the residents as the situation is getting worse by the day," Joe Urey, chief of Zota District, told IRIN. "So far 15 major rice farms have been destroyed by the army worms."

After Lofa County, Bong County is Liberia’s most important food-producing area, growing much of the country’s cassava, eddoes, plantains, bananas and potatoes, according to the Agricultural Ministry.

Entomologists from the Agriculture Ministry have travelled to Bong County to spray affected areas with insecticide but they do not have enough spray, according to Agricultural Minister Toe.
"Additional insecticides, motorised sprayers and other protective gear are urgently needed to combat the situation," Toe told IRIN on 20 January.
ak/aj/np

Copyright © IRIN 2009.

###

growth without development

2008-12-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder...

growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development
growth without development

....is useless.

EarlyBird
http://www.liberianature.blogspot.com

Re- Bidding on Western Cluster iron-ore project, DO OVER

2008-11-26T10:16:00.000-08:00

Delta, Tata Cleared to Re-Bid in $1.6 Billion Project (Update1)
By Ansu Konneh

Nov. 24 (Bloomberg) -- A Liberian panel ruled that Delta Mining Consolidated Ltd. and Tata Steel Ltd. may join a re- bidding process for the $1.6 billion Western Cluster iron-ore project.

The Investigative Panel of Liberia's Public Procurement and Concession Commission gave Johannesburg-based Delta and India's Tata permission to participate in the new bid after both were disqualified by the Liberian government on Sept.15 from developing the project. The decision was taken because the initial bidding process may have been compromised by ``external influence or impropriety,'' Information Minister Lawrence Bropleh said Sept. 19.
Lizane van Rooyen, a legal representative for Delta, said today a statement will be released in the next two days. Bob Jones, a spokesman for Tata, wasn't able to comment immediately when called in London today.

On Oct. 2, Delta sent an e-mailed statement to Liberia's media stating that it had written to Bropleh demanding retraction of his ``defamatory allegations, specifically that DMC and its personnel engaged in alleged unethical conduct in relation to the Western Cluster Iron Ore mining concession.'' Delta also threatened to take the government to court.

Complaint Filed

The decision to rule in favor of the companies was taken after considering the complaint filed by Delta, Nathan Bengu, director of communication at the commission, said in an interview in the capital, Monrovia today. It ordered the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy on November 1 to stay all re-bidding for at least two weeks to allow it time to review the matter, he said.

Liberia's Information Minister Laurence Bropleh, when called by Bloomberg News today, said he not seen the ruling and would respond once he had.

Liberia is trying to develop its iron ore deposits and diversify away from rubber, which accounted for 88 percent of the country's exports of $104 million in 2005.

The so-called Western Cluster iron ore project consists of three deposits and two idled mines. Iron ore once accounted for 64 percent of Liberia's exports, according to Delta's Web site. The company proposed developing mines on the Mano River, Bomi and Bea deposits to produce 20 million metric tons of the steelmaking raw material a year.

The mines on the deposits closed in 1976 and 1985 and their equipment was sold as scrap during the civil war.

ArcelorMittal, Sinosteel Corp., Cia. Vale do Rio Doce and companies named as Xing Xing Group and Bahlodi Africa also submitted offers in the initial tender process with Sinosteel's bid coming in second, Bropleh said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ansu Konneh in Monrovia via Johannesburg at asguazzin@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: November 24, 2008 10:47 EST
copyright 2008 BLOOMBERG L.P.

###
EarlyBird

Chinafrica (21) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2008-11-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

China prepares to increase special cooperation zones in Africa to ten

[ 2008-11-03 ] MacauHub

Beijing, China, 3 Nov – China is preparing to double from five to ten the number of special cooperation zones to be set up in Africa, according to the director of African Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, quoting diplomatic sources.

“The number of special economic zones in Africa could reach 10, according to what a high ranking Chinese diplomat with responsibility for the African continent told me recently,” He Wenping told Macauhub, during a conference in Lisbon on relations between China and African countries.
If Beijing’s confirms this, she puts Cape Verde at the top of the list to receive one of these zones, which Chinese president Hu Jintao promised to establish in Africa by 2010.

In November 2006 in Beijing, at the summit of heads of state and leaders of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Hu promised that in the three years following five economic cooperation zones in Africa would be established, to strengthen what he called “the Sino-African partnership.”

“Given the positive response to the idea from African governments, China is seriously considering increasing the number of zones, as there were more than five countries interested,” said He Wenping.

In February 2006 China created the first special cooperation zone in Chambishi in the iron ore exploration area of Zambia. Chinese authorities then announced a second on the Mauritius Islands off the West African coast, and most observers expect the third to be in the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam.

In the running for the two remaining areas are Cape Verde, Nigeria, Liberia and Egypt, hoping for the growth in their respective economies that one of these zones would bring, that China calls economic and commercial “lungs” spread across the African continent and linked via roads, railways and sea routes.

“The Chinese objective is to share our experience of development with African countries and help them, with an economic growth pattern which includes exporting goods and products that China needs,” said He Wenping, who compared trade relations between China and African countries to the relationship that used to exist between the Chinese economy and the USA.
“The most important factor for Africa's development is the opportunities of the Chinese market, just as those the American market provided for China. This is the future for African development,” she said.

At the end of 2007, the Chinese ambassador in Cape Verde said that there was a strong possibility that the island of S.Vicente would host a special cooperation zone, given the quality of Cape Verdean infrastructures.

The Zambian project, where Beijing has promised an investment of US$ 800 million is seen as the blueprint for future special zones. Through tax exemption, the aim is to attract Chinese companies to these areas, which would help to develop light industries, trade and services, thus creating new jobs in Chambishi.

Beijing has promised an investment of around US$500 million to the Mauritius Islands, as well as the creation of 7,500 jobs and export revenue of over US$200 million a year. (macauhub) Copyright © 2005 MacauHub

###

Anthropogenicagent

Critical Resource - Assesment of ArcelorMittal Liberia

2008-10-28T09:17:00.001-07:00

Risky resource projects: Can Mittal deliver in Liberia?
EC Newsdesk
27 Oct 08
The world’s biggest steel company, ArcelorMittal, could struggle to meet local expectations in Liberia
By Juliet Hepker and Daniel Litvin

When the Indian chief executive of ArcelorMittal, Lakshmi Mittal, visited the west African state of Liberia last December, there were smiles all round.

The steel magnate, one of the world’s richest men, delighted the government of this poverty-stricken, and until recently war-torn, nation by announcing his company would boost spending on its iron ore project (already the country’s biggest foreign investment) from $1bn to $1.5bn. "We are here to assist. We are you", he was quoted as saying.

But how will Mittal be viewed by Liberians five or ten years from now? Will his company be praised for bringing wealth and development to the country? Or will Liberians come to resent the firm, blaming it for their economic frustrations?

The latter is at the least a strong possibility. One reason is that the market price for iron ore, as for other commodities, has slumped in the wake of the global financial crisis. This reduces the potential wealth countries such Liberia can generate from their minerals. It could also cause extractive firms to reconsider their foreign investments, although ArcelorMittal as yet has given no hint of doing this in Liberia.

Secondly, even assuming the global economy and commodity prices pick up and ArcelorMittal powers ahead in Liberia, it may face a familiar dynamic for resource firms with operations in poor parts of the world: popular expectations over its contribution to development may start to outpace its capacity to deliver.

From Peru to Nigeria to Papua New Guinea, frustrated local expectations have often made it difficult for mining and oil firms to protect their assets from community opposition and host-government clampdown over the long term.

This need not be the case: De Beers, for example, has succeeded in helping develop Botswana’s once very poor economy over recent decades and continues to operate successfully in the country as a result.

But an initial analysis of ArcelorMittal’s investment in Liberia by Critical Resource - based on our methodology for rating the health of the "socio-political license" of resource projects - suggests the world’s biggest steel firm will need to do more if it is to avoid the risk of unmet expectations fuelling a socio-political backlash.

Ore struck

At first glance, it may seem churlish to make such predictions. Liberia has progressed in leaps and bounds since it emerged from 14 years of devastating conflict (1989-2003).

Under the presidency of Africa’s "iron lady", Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a former World Banker, the country has become the "fastest improving African nation" in terms of governance standards, according to the latest Ibrahim Index of African Governance.

The security situation is stable, though still reliant on UN troops, and the economy grew at a respectable 8% last year. This is expected to increase with embargos on timber and diamonds recently lifted.

Meanwhile Liberia’s commitments to the Kimberley Process, which aims to tackle conflict diamonds, and the disclosure standards of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, should make it more likely that resource revenues are put to good use.

Liberia’s ability to attract major investment from a firm such as ArcelorMittal is in many ways an indicator of this progress. The 25-year concession to develop the iron ore deposits, situated in the northwest of the country near the border with Guinea, was first negotiated in 2005 by Mittal Steel (Mittal took over Arcelor, the European steel firm, a year later).

Another positive sign is that ArcelorMittal has already adapted its approach following concerns raised over its economic contribution to the country. Amid pressure from NGOs, notably Global Witness, it re-negotiated in April 2007 its initial contract with Liberia providing terms more favourable to the country.

The new contract is based, for example, on market prices for iron ore, addressing concerns that allowing the company itself to set the price might have effectively given it control of royalty rates and tax payments. A five-year tax holiday was also removed, as was an exemption through a "stabilisation clause" from new human rights and environmental laws.

Nor can the positive local impacts which will be generated by the project be easily dismissed. As ArcelorMittal’s personable head in Liberia, Joe Mathews, points out, it involves refurbishing a port and roughly 250km of derelict railway line, which one senior Liberian official describes as having been "the economic life-blood of the region" before the war.

Some 2,800 people are currently working on the railway. ArcelorMittal anticipates creating a total of 3,500 direct and 20,000 indirect jobs as a result of its investment. It has also committed to invest $3m each year in a community development fund.

The company says in its CSR report: "As the first major company to enter Liberia since the end of the war, we understand we have a particular responsibility to the country and its people."

Big problems to iron out

But amid these promising signs, there are two basic reasons for thinking the reception for ArcelorMittal may become less warm over time.

The first is the sheer scale of the development challenge facing Liberia: it remains one of the poorest and least developed countries on earth, with per capita income of $195 per year, and life expectancy at birth of only 35 years in 2007. The formal unemployment rate is a staggering 80% in a country of some 3.8 million people.

In this context, ArcelorMittal’s new jobs are a drop in a very large ocean. As the biggest and most powerful private economic entity in the country, pressures on it to deliver more in this respect are bound to escalate.

Responsibility for development, of course, does not lie solely with the company. A more important driver of long-term economic outcomes is how the Liberian government spends tax revenues raised from the project - in particular whether it does so in a way that supports peaceful, broad-based development.

The omens here are not entirely encouraging. Despite its progress, Liberia receives low scores in most international governance and anti-corruption indicators. Widespread public anger at the governing elite, in particular for the mismanagement of the country’s natural resources, was one of the original causes of the civil war. Such resentment conceivably could rear its head again.
Should these pressures re-emerge, ArcelorMittal will likely find itself targeted. Even when governments are to blame for inadequate development in resource-rich states, the reverberations frequently rebound on big extractive companies. Politicians divert criticism by demanding greater benefits from foreign firms, while dissatisfied populations may view extractive facilities as suitable proxies for protests against the state.

The second basic reason for concern is that ArcelorMittal’s publicly-stated responses to these enormous socio-political challenges appear insufficient given the task at hand.
Development failures often affect companies whether or not they are ultimately responsible. Leading resource firms increasingly see that their own interests lie in working hand-in-hand with governments and international donors to drive positive outcomes at the national level. And they also attempt to build a broad external understanding of the limits of their own responsibility. Admittedly, most companies still struggle in both respects.

It is judged against this overall industry standard that ArcelorMittal’s efforts, though laudable in many of their details, appear insufficient for the challenges that the company will face in Liberia.
At the global level, ArcelorMittal is only just developing a full suite of corporate responsibility policies and procedures (on human rights, for example). Established miners such as Anglo American and BHP Billiton have had these basics in place now for years.

In Liberia, ArcelorMittal indicates that it is discussing a range of potential public-private partnerships. For example, it may work with the World Bank on building electricity infrastructure. But arguably, such joint development projects ought to have been at the core of its strategy in the country from the start.

And there are signs that ArcelorMittal’s approach to stakeholder relations lack sophistication. According to local media reports, in September this year ArcelorMittal donated 100 Toyota pick-up trucks to members of the national legislature to be used for "agricultural purposes in their respective constituencies". ArcelorMittal should have done more to explain why it gave these donations to ensure its actions were not misinterpreted.

Rocky license

Admittedly, the recent tumble in global commodity prices may mean governments of resource-rich countries such as Liberia now become less demanding partners for mining and oil firms: holding on to foreign investment is likely to be seen as their main priority in the difficult times immediately ahead.

Even so, for an example of what could materialise in Liberia over the long term, ArcelorMittal need only look across the border at the recent controversy surrounding Rio Tinto’s $6bn Simandou iron ore project in Guinea.

Rio Tinto has much longer experience developing mines in high-risk locations; and with the International Finance Corporation as a partner, it has applied high environmental and social standards to the project.

Yet earlier this year, Rio Tinto said it had received a letter from the Guinean president "purporting to rescind" the concession. Some in the government appeared to want the company to speed up development of the project - and the benefits it would bring.
Meanwhile, the Liberian government has already proved itself capable of forthright treatment of foreign miners, recently disqualifying two companies from participating in a tender, citing "acts of violation" in an earlier bidding process.

Taken together such factors explain why Critical Resource’s rating of the long-term health of the "socio-political license" of ArcelorMittal’s project in Liberia is downbeat.
Our methodology assigns projects a rating score of between AAA (indicating the license is secure) to D (indicating the license is at great risk). Our provisional analysis of ArcelorMittal’s operations in Liberia suggests a rating of between BB and CC, that is, from the mid to the lower end of the scale. (See endnote).

In short, while external stakeholders such as the government, international NGOs and local media may currently support ArcelorMittal’s project, long-term and structural factors present significant risks to the company. Stakeholder attitudes easily could change in future.

Managed well, the project has the potential to make a hugely positive contribution to the Liberia. But ArcelorMittal’s approach to managing its stakeholder relations and potential negative impacts, real or perceived, appear insufficient given the risks.

And while the government is ultimately accountable for delivering on development hopes, ArcelorMittal will be made to feel the heat. Put another way, Lakshmi Mittal may not feel quite as welcome when he visits Liberia a decade or so into the concession.

Juliet Hepker is a senior associate and Daniel Litvin is director of Critical Resource, an advisory firm specialising in sustainability and stakeholder issues in the natural resources sector. Juliet.Hepker@c-resource.com, Daniel.Litvin@c-resource.com, www.c-resource.com.

Critical Resource rates the health of the "socio-political license to operate" of resource projects using its own methodology, LicenseSecure™. Ratings are based on a range of factors, including potential risks surrounding the project, the views of stakeholders, and also the way in which the company itself manages these issues.

Please note this article provides a provisional rating for ArcelorMittal’s project, based on publicly-available information, and hence sets out a range of potential scores. A full rating has yet to be calculated for this project.

Half price subscriptions for new subscribers to Ethical Corporation magazine are available here.
Want to read about business and climate change? Then visit ClimateChangeCorp.com for free news, analysis and newsletters
Write to the Editor at editor@ethicalcorp.com.

© Copyright Notice
This article is subject to copyright and may not legally be reproduced without prior consent from the publisher.

If you would like to license EC copyrighted content for your company or clients, please contact Andrew Bold on andrew.bold@ethicalcorp.com

###
Anthropogenicagent

Past Abuses "Liberian timber"

2008-10-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

The October 6, 2008 issue of The New Yorker has an article called “The Stolen Forests: Inside the covert war on illegal logging.”

The article includes this paragraph on Liberia:Charles Taylor, the former President of Liberia, distributed logging concessions to warlords and a member of the Ukrainian mafia, and the Oriental Timber Company--known in Liberia as Only Taylor Chops--conducted arms deals on his behalf. The violence tied to Taylor's logging operations reached unprecedented levels, and in 2003 the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on all Liberian timber. (China, the largest importer of Liberian timber, tried to block the sanctions.) Shortly afterward, Taylor's regime collapsed. An American official told me that the US intelligence community "absolutely put the fall of Taylor on the timber sanctions."

Originally posted by Shelby at 7:00 AM on Oct 1, 2008 (http://allabuja.blogspot.com/)

Anthropogenicagent

More on Arcelor Mittal "Gift"

2008-09-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

What is the Value of a Liberian Legislator - A Mitsubishi Pickup?
Sunday, September 21, 2008

By Emmanuel Abalo

The present Liberian administration has in recent times been buffeted on all sides by allegations of corruption, malfeasance and "crocrogee" dealings involving some former and current government higher-ups; and in some instances, trusted associates of the president. Although we want to unequivocally state that there is no evidence that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is directly accused of any of these improprieties.

The latest is news emanating from Capitol Hill in Monrovia early this week that a major business venture, Arcelor Mittal Steel has donated 100 Mitsubishi vehicles to the Executive Mansion, and these have been turned over to the country's lawmakers and members of the National Legislature for use.

Some of the legislators couldn't wait to test drive the vehicles in the parking lot of the Capitol Building while sporting broad smiles and glee at their latest acquisition.

The official pronouncement of government is that there would be zero tolerance for corruption in the Sirleaf Administration, and took steps to fight corruption. The same National Legislature just passed a National Anti-Corruption Bill which was just signed into law, and the new anti- Corruption Commissioner czar's staff have not even found an office building in Monrovia yet to begin work, and the legislators have started accepting "gifts"?

In fact the irony is that some members of civil society groups and the opposition had voiced concern about the preferment of the Anti-Corruption Commission czar, Counselor Frances Johnson Morris less than a week ago claiming that her preferment lacked broad-based consultation, nepotism and cronyism, had called for her non-confirmation. But less than a week ago, the Commissioner got the nod instead from the Senate.

Why would Arcelor Mittal Steel Company purposefully present such "gifts" to the government, and why has some members of the National Legislature exercised poor judgment in acceptance, while the international community whose development dollars continue to flow to the country watch in amazement at governance in Liberia.

What would prompt the Arcelotr Mittal Steel Company to even make such an offer? On the other hand it is for Arcelor Mittal Steel Company to offer the gifts, but it is for the government and lawmakers to do the right thing and either refuse acceptance due to the perception of "bribery or impropriety," and divert the use of the vehicles to much needed programs and agencies and institutions such as the University of Liberia, the John F. Kennedy Hospital and leeward county medical practitioners or such.

No one is impugning the integrity of the honorable legislators except that the perception of "quid pro quo" now looms even larger. The Krio proverb says " When crocodile runs from rain, he'll fall into the water." The correlation is that if government is sagging under allegations of rampant corruption, even as admitted by the Chief Executive, it doesn't make sense for a branch of government to be seen as accepting such "gifts."

And so we challenge the Honorable Legislators to issue a statement refusing such gifts and maintain their integrity, or donate the vehicles to other agencies of government that are in dire need of such.

Let us not be tempted to place a cheap value on on our lawmakers or invoke the term "Mistubishi Pick-up legislators

Emmanuel Abalo is an exiled Liberian journalist, media and human rights activist, and a former Acting President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL). He now resides in Pennsylavnia, USA and serves as News Director of WRAR-96 Internet radio on www.runningafrica.com.

###

Acelor Mittal gives Legislators 100 vehicles

2008-09-16T08:57:00.001-07:00

Thanks a lot Acelor Mittal. The Legislature receives the gift and the people get stiffed.

Then again the audacity of our Legislators is astounding, testing the vehicles by taking a rides in "their" brand new Mitsubishi pickups in the compound of the Capital building. As far as we can tell, not one of our lawmakers turned the gift back. Have they no shame at all.

The acceptance of the vehicles by the lawmakers has raised concerns in the public given the direct source of the donation, Acelor Mittal. Some legislative analysts believe the donation by Acelor Mittal is an indirect form of inducement for future help to the Company.

The credibility gap is growing and the faint whisper of "growth without development" is growing louder.

The people deserve better.

###
Anthropogenicagent

The ETFRN News on "Financing Sustainable Forest Management"

2008-09-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Colleagues:

This 49th issue of the ETFRN News provides information on currentresearch and policy relevant to financing mechanisms for sustainableforest management. It is recommended reference material forinternational forest financing and global climate policy framework.The book will be officially presented during the UNFF Country-ledInitiative in Suriname (8-12 September).

This issue is a joint production of Tropenbos International and Indufor. Valuable contributions of experts are acknowledged. The Government of the Netherlands and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) have sponsored this publication.

Best Regards,
Editors:Jani Holopainen, InduforMarieke Wit, Tropenbos International

###

EarlyBird

Chinafrica (20) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2008-08-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Emerging financiers increase African investment
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=139373

(The take home point worth noting is that what we have is a near perfect match... huge mineral reserves, demand, and means to exploit... "World Bank lead economist and coauthor of the report Vivien Foster says, "The growing cooperation amongst developing economies is driven by strong economic comple- mentarities between China and Africa. China's growing demand for natural resources is matched by Africa's significant and often underdeveloped oil and mineral reserves. Africa's urgent need for infrastructure is matched by China's globally competitive construction industry." So far, however nearly two thirds of Chinese investments are concentrated in Angola, Nigeria, Ethiopia and the Sudan.)

STORY

Emerging financiers increase African investment
Published: 15 Aug 08 - 0:00

Emerging financiers China, India and a few Middle Eastern Gulf nations' investment commitments, funding infrastructure projects in Africa, jumped from less than $1-billion a year before 2004 to $8-billion a year in 2006, and $5-billion a year in 2007. This signals a growing trend in cooperation among developing economies, says a new World Bank report.

The report, 'Building Bridges: China's Growing Role as Infrastructure Financier for Sub-Saharan Africa', shows how new infrastructure partnerships are emerging, driven by strong economic growth in the region, an improved business-friendly climate, and rising demand for petroleum and other commodities from China and India.

World Bank vice-president for the Africa region Obiageli Katryn Ezekwesili says, "China's success story in reducing poverty through rapid and sustained growth is remarkable. Massive invest- ment in infrastructure is a key factor. China's growing infra- structure commitments in Africa are helping to address the huge infrastructure deficit of the continent. There are, of course, challenges, which will need to be addressed by African nations and China, coupled with the support of development partners. By working together, win-win partnerships can be created."

Africa faces daunting challenges in improving its infrastructure, the report states. Development experts agree that ageing infrastructure is cutting the growth rate of African economies by as much as one percentage point every year. One in four Africans do not have access to electricity. Travel times on African roads and export routes are two to three times higher than in Asia, increasing the prices of traded goods. Power generation capacity is about one-half the levels achieved in South Asia.

The report notes that the investment being made by emerging financiers are unprecedented in scale and focus on large infrastructure projects. In a changing world, with new actors and financing modalities coming into play, there is a learning process for investors and recipients. This will place new demands on national capacity to negotiate complex and innovative deals, and apply appropriate environmental and social standards needed for the long-term success of such partnerships.

Sub-Saharan Africa's natural resource exports to China have grown exponentially, from just over $3-billion in 2001, to $22-billion in 2006. Petroleum dominates, accounting for 80% of total exports to China. Nevertheless, the bulk of Africa's oil exports still go to the US and Europe, which together receive 57% of the total, compared with only 14% going to China. Other important African export commodities are iron-ore and timber, followed by manganese, cobalt, copper and chromium.

World Bank lead economist and coauthor of the report Vivien Foster says, "The growing cooperation amongst developing economies is driven by strong economic comple- mentarities between China and Africa. China's growing demand for natural resources is matched by Africa's significant and often underdeveloped oil and mineral reserves. Africa's urgent need for infrastructure is matched by China's globally competitive construction industry."

The World Bank is working closely with African countries, China and other development partners, sharing experiences so that the investments have the best development impact.

China is not the only emerging financier playing a major role in Africa. In recent years, India has increased its investments, committing $2,6-billion since 2003. The bulk of Indian investments were in Nigeria. Oil-rich Gulf states and Arab donors are also playing a substantial role in African infra- structure, committing on average $500-million every year over the last seven years.
Report coauthor Chuan Chen says, "While more cooperation amongst developing economies backed by strong infrastruc-ture investments marks a positive trend, the key challenge is to maintain the momentum for lasting development results."

Detailed findings of the report include the sizeable investment commitments made by the nontraditional financiers to sub-Saharan Africa's infrastructure in helping to fill annual needs, estimated at $22-billion by the Commission for Africa. China's financing investments in Africa started from a low base, less than $1-billion a year before 2004, but rose to over $7-billion a year in 2006, and dipped to $4,5-billion a year in 2007.

China has also committed $3,3-billion for ten projects that could potentially boost sub- Saharan Africa's hydropower generation by 30%, or 6 000 MW of installed capacity. The Far East country is financing the rehabilitation of 1 350 km of railway and constructing 1 600 km of new railway lines across the region, an important contribution to the continent's existing 50 000-km rail network. Nearly 70% of Chinese investments are concentrated in Angola, Nigeria, Ethiopia and the Sudan.

Financing terms vary by country, but typically involve a grant element of 33%, close to the benchmark level for concessional finance. About 35 African countries have received Chinese infrastructure finance. Many projects are less than $50-million each. There have also been a handful of trans-actions worth more than $1- billion, showing China's ability to provide large sums of money for specific infrastructure projects.

Copyright © Creamer Media (Pty) Ltd

###
Anthropogenicagent

Four Legged Friends (Duiker Story)

2008-08-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

Duikers, a good little briefing. At…
http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2008/08/duiker_rhymes_with_biker.php

Due Diligence Exposes Several Bidders For Forest Concession

2008-08-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

Wow... this stuff is working! (story below) We are getting the front side of the deal right. All that remains is to follow through.....

Due Diligence Exposes Several Bidders For Forest Concession
The NEWS (Monrovia)

NEWS5 August 2008 Posted to the web 5 August 2008
By George BardueMonrovia

The Forest Management Contract (FMC) Due Diligence Committee has submitted its report to the Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee (IMCC) on the financial and technical capabilities of companies that submitted bids for logging operations in Liberia.

The bids, which were publicly opened for three Forest Management Contracts on April 21, 2008, brought 13 companies bidding for different categories.

Following the bidding process, the Concession Bid Evaluation Panel placed seven companies in the "A" category, three for the "B" category and another 3 in the "C" category with the Tropical Reserve Entrepreneurial Enterprises (TREE) scoring 95 percent.

However, when Due Diligence was conducted on the companies, the Committee discovered that TREE did not provide substantive financial and technical evidence although the Bid Committee declared TREE as provisional winner in the "A" category.

The prequalification standards for a medium FMC require US$15 million in capital including cash and equipment.

The Due Diligence committee's report indicated that TREE claimed to have vehicles and equipment valued at US$1.9 million, adding "it presented bank statement showing funds totaling US$0.3 million. This leaves a net financing requirement of US$14 million. "

In addition to financing its own operations, the Due Diligence Committee noted that TREE has committed itself to finance the operation of five timber sales contracts, three by B&V Timber Company and two by Tarpeh Timber.

The committee said they found out that over the first six months of operations, these companies together will require about US$1.2 million in investment funds.

However, TREE was asked by the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) to provide evidence of additional funds to support five timber sales contracts but it failed to do so, the Due Diligence Committee noted in its report.

The Due Diligence Committee's report also indicated that TREE offered no evidence of financial capability.

"TREE had entered into an agreement with firm named Tropical Africa Business wherein the latter committed to provide US$1.0 million in equipment and spare parts. TREE has also entered into an agreement with a firm named Ningbo Jujin Investment Company Ltd. of the People's Republic of China wherein the latter committed to provide US$2.5 million in equipment and funds," the Committee pointed out.

But it said that these agreements provide an amount far short of the US$14 million required.
The Due Diligence Committee also observed that the agreement with Tropical Africa Business, along with the commitment of US$1 million seems to be flawed.

The Liberia Tree and Trading Company, a declared winner of category "C" of the Forest
Management Contracts with 85 percent also underwent due diligence and participated in the bidding process.

According the Due Diligence Report, the Liberia Tree and Trading Company owed government US$165,000 in back taxes for which the Ministry of Finance advised FDA not to enter into a contract with the company until the matter was cleared.

On the issue of technical capability, the Committee reported that the Liberia Tree and Trading Company holds no equipment, either owned or leased.

"In its business plan, the company indicated that it would lease all of its logging equipment from Logs & Lumber, a Ghanaian company and a parent of Eco Timbers. In discussion with the FDA team in May 2008, the firm indicated that the equipment would be leased directly from Eco Timbers," the report disclosed.

Additionally, the Due Diligence report noted that FDA requested for a copy of the lease agreement or other evidence of Eco Timbers' commitment to provide equipment along with evidence of Eco Timbers' control over the equipment that it proposes to lease.
Touching on the financial capability of the company, the committee found out that the company has a cash bank balance of US$0.1 million as of June 16, 2008, adding "unaudited financial statements shows net assets of US$0.3 million as of December 31, 2007."

"The business plan projected an investment of US$6 million, including equipment, to be made in the first five years of operation. This is to come from three sources: bank loan US$3 million; suppliers US$2.4 million and shareholders US$2.4 million," The Due Diligence Team said.
The FDA's Due Diligence Team in a discussion with the company on May 30, 2008, said it was informed that the capitalization plan was had changed and that a new investor in the firm, Ecotimbers, would lend the company US$6 million.

Of this amount, US$4 million would come from a loan from the Bank of Beirut to Ecotimbers, the Due Diligence Committee indicated in its report.

The winners of the Forest Management Contracts are yet to be announced by the Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee (IMCC).

When authorities at the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) were contacted, Public Relations Manager Anthony Varwen said all of the companies that participated in the bidding process demonstrated financial and technical capabilities.

Mr. Varwen told this paper that no company that did not provide evidence of their financial capabilities was given contract.

He said the Due Diligence Report is in the office of the FDA Managing Director John Woods and cannot be accessed.

Varwen disclosed three companies won the PFC bid but added that the FMC bidding process is still going on.

He noted that the due diligence report would be made public went the Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee (IMCC) approves it. He did not say when it would be approved.
Copyright © 2008 The NEWS.

###

EarlyBird

A Comparative Analysis of Liberia-China Relations

2008-07-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mr. Yengbeh, Jr. the discussion of the PRC's singular influence in Liberia has advanced a bit. People, we must ask ourselves, do we want the short term gain of five china rice bowls now or one a week for the next year from Liberia's own hand. (Article follows)

- - - -

How Public Perception Influences Foreign Policy: A Comparative Analysis of Liberia-China Relations
Modern Ghana News
7/31/2008

A recent Pew Global Attitudes Survey indicates that "Across Africa, favorable views of China outnumber critical judgments by two-to-one or more in every country except South Africa, where opinion is divided. The survey provides a trend only for Nigeria, where favorable attitudes toward China are sharply up, rising 16 percentage points in just the past year from 59% to 75%."

The survey further suggests that "Across sub-Saharan Africa, China's influence is seen as growing faster than America's, and China is almost universally viewed as having a more beneficial impact on African countries than does the United States. Clear majorities say America's influence in their countries is generally good. But the perception that China has a positive impact is far more widespread."

In the International Herald Tribune Survey conducted in sixteen African countries, 76% of Africans hold positive attitudes toward the general image of China compared to 14% negative and 10% neutral.

In Liberia, public perceptions and attitudes toward China are generally favorable today. Liberia's domestic and foreign policies are based on the following four key pillars: enhancing national security, revitalizing the economy, strengthening governance and rule of law, and building infrastructure and basic services. The situation context of post-conflict Liberia has played a major role in terms of the strategies and tactics the government has employed to advance the country's domestic and foreign policy objectives.

But what is unclear is whether Liberia's foreign policy is informed by clear understanding of the complexities or intricacies involved in the international environment of the 21st Century. Of particular importance is that there is no grand strategy. The process of formulating, implementing and evaluating the policy of a grand strategy is beyond the scope of this article. As a practical matter, it is an effective grand strategy, coupled with a bold, long-term vision, reason and principle that will determine the destiny of peace, security and prosperity in Liberia. Moreover, the vital role of foreign policy leadership will also be crucial in the balancing art or balance of power relations between America and China, which will be paramount for the promotion of global stability in this century. This would also require the consistency and continuity of foreign policy for the foreseeable future.

In the field of international relations, each country is freed to advance its national interests. Of great significance is the fact that the current Liberian government is pursuing her own interests through an economic and development diplomacy aimed at securing much-needed strategic partnerships in support of Liberia's post-war reconstruction and development initiatives. While it is too early to predict precisely whether Chinese long-term engagement in Liberia will produce a positive influence, the recent impact of China is highly visible in infrastructure investments and development projects such as building roads, hospitals, schools, agriculture, and timber industry among others. China has agreed to rebuild the University of Liberia Fandell Campus, which was destroyed during the civil war. Chinese peacekeepers served in the 15,000-strong United Nations Mission in Liberia. All of these projects create opportunities for the Liberian government to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of a better life for the people. Therefore, the government and people hold positive perceptions and attitudes toward China. However, this belief is based on a false sense of so-called Chinese humanitarian aid and philanthropy.

A close-up examination of Liberia-China relations reveals a different but more realistic image based on a foreign policy perspective. The rapid growing Chinese presence in Liberia has much more to do with China exerting a unique combination of geopolitics, diplomacy, national security and business interests rather than humanitarian aid and philanthropy.

Over the past three or more decades, various Liberian governments have been aligned with either mainland China or the Taiwan Strait. President William R. Tolbert had established one China policy. President Samuel K. Doe continued close relations with China. Doe recognized the relevance of such strategic partnership and seized the opportunity for the implementation of the Tolbert doctrine by using the Chinese government to build the SKD Sports Stadium in Monrovia. President Charles Taylor switched ties to Taiwan. Taylor too realized that Taiwan could help by renovating a section of the John F. Kennedy Hospital. Charles Gyude Bryant, Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia, went back to China. Edwin Snowe, former speaker of the Liberian Legislature, who was loyal to the Taylor regime, met secretly with the Taiwanese government officials in the Gambia. This caused a forceful storm of disapprovals and negative reactions because many Liberians at home and abroad felt that his unilateral action undermined Liberia's foreign policy. In February 2007, President Hu Jintao of China cancelled Liberia's debt of 15 million dollars during a state visit. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf reciprocated in-kind by signing a joint agreement reaffirming Liberia's commitment to the one China policy.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of the one China policy has been that Liberia supports China's national reunification, while Liberia will not support Taiwan on major foreign policy issues such as declaration of independence and the proposed referendum of United Nations membership. China views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, which means that such events would be considered provocative. China is happy to remain in Liberia as long as Taiwan is out. China sees a small window of opportunity to consolidate its influence and project its power. In principle, the fundamental implication is that China advances its geopolitical and national security interests.

On the one hand, China is further interested in Liberia to feed its growing need for energy and natural resources. Liberia's vast natural resources will fuel Chinese economic growth. For example, Chinese companies have been working in the Liberian logging industry, construction, telecommunications sector and are now prospecting for the mining sector. Moreover, the Liberian government is working hard to secure their mutual economic interests. Today, some Liberian political and economic elites even believe that America and, perhaps, other Western allies cannot force them into deals they don't want or cannot afford. In their view, China is not only a credible and willing international partner but also a strategic option for Liberia.

On the other hand, the Liberian market is relatively small in comparison to many African markets. Ordinary Liberians feel that Chinese-made commodities are not durable. Indeed, Liberians believe that Chinese made products for the American market are far better than those made for African markets. Liberians prefer American products

Liberian consumers, workers and small businesses are worried about the economy. People are specifically concerned about the high costs of living, taxes, food crisis, transportation vis-à-vis gas prices, housing, and education for their children. Meanwhile, Liberians appear to be taking a wait and see attitude at this time. Because of the present severe economic conditions and mass poverty, negative feelings may not be isolated only to Lebanese and Indian business communities. In turn, these foreign business people, who have enjoyed a much longer commercial experience within the economy, are now feeling the squeeze and carefully studying the situation. Negative feelings will likely rise if government failure creates a self-fulfilling prophecy due to high unemployment, high inflation, costs of living, depreciation of real value of Liberian dollar, and economic depression. The general security situation is also declining at an alarming rate. Armed robberies and mob violence (or mob justice as it is sometimes called) are especially on the rise. All of these factors together will be key determinant of what will happen as China continues to exert her influence in Liberia.

In summary, after successive Liberian governments have danced in a seesaw fashion between China and Taiwan, Liberia has today exerted even more crucial Liberia-China relations. China has certainly emerged as a contender in global economic trend. China is also viewed as a serious threat to the West. America too is clearly concerned. Liberians must heed the lessons learned. History has shown that whenever a rising power, like China, creates fear among its neighbors and other great powers, such as America, that can be a cause of conflict. Applying Newton's third law of motion to global politics, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Consequently, the achievement of a successful foreign policy leadership within the context of the complexities of the 21st Century international environment implies the conscious application of a grand strategy. African leaders – particularly from either politically unstable environments or post-war countries such as Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of Congo among others – must avoid relying on foreign aid, importing development and reducing poverty from abroad. Among the key policy level considerations are the following:

The importance of Liberians and their African brethren to inspire and expand the ideas and ideals of a freer society, free thinking and brighter future for their own people; and, The future prosperity of Liberia should take into account the uniqueness of the country in terms of encouraging and rewarding hard work, creativity, innovation, self-reliance, entrepreneurial spirit, and productivity.

Only through thy selfless labor, love for liberty and freedom, and destiny creed, the Liberian people shall truly achieve durable peace, security and prosperity for all. Now is the time to seize the opportunity of building a better future in Liberia. As Liberia celebrates her 161st Independence Anniversary, it would be unwise and naïve for Liberians and others to believe otherwise.

Varney A. Yengbeh, Jr. is President & CEO of The Liberia Institute, an independent public policy think tank associated with www.imanighana.com and www.africanliberty.org. Mr. Yengbeh holds a MA from The Fletcher School, and a M.Sc. from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Source: Varney A. Yengbeh, Jr. Story from Modern Ghana News:http://www.modernghana.com/news/176535/1/how-public-perception-influences-foreign-policy-a-.html

Published: Thursday, July 31, 2008

All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners.

###

EarlyBird

A Rare Pearl of Great Worth

2008-07-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

We can sometimes focus too narrowly on our home on our nation on West Africa. While doing some research on rural development we stumbled across the most amazing model for success. It is from our brothers and sisters to the east. Once upon a time Uganda was referred to as the Pearl of the African continent. Certainly some of the luster was spoiled through events of the recent past. But the people can not be kept down. We found a rare Pearl of great worth in the field of transformative rural development training. So marvelous we had to share.

From the grass roots up The Uganda Rural Development and Training Programme (URDT) is an indigenous civil society organization located in the Kibaale District in Uganda.

Please note the geography. This program is far from Uganda's capitol. URDT is located in the small town of Kagadi in the Kibaale District, about 180 miles northwest of Kampala. From the beginning in 1987, the founders were not looking for the easy thing, but rather as they say, "the toughest challenges" They settled on he Kibaale District would be ideal because it offered a combination of the toughest development challenges:

High infant mortality, high maternal morbidity, low literacy levels and rampant poverty. The three counties in the Kibaale District were so-called "lost counties" that had suffered a century of neglect because of disputes over land titles and governance. The district was multi-ethnic, with more than ten tribes making up the population of 416,000. The district was very rural, with poor roads, no electricity or phones. There were no NGOs, except for churches.
For twenty years they have experimented in "visionary" rural development methodology, building its rural development program in a demand-driven way, working collaboratively with communities to determine their needs and priorities.

URDT's mission is to facilitate self-generated development in rural communities. URDT delivers on this mission by combining development projects with education and training so that skills and knowledge remain resident with people as they organically change the quality of their lives.

Follow this link for more on the URDT: http://www.urdt.net/default.html

We could use this in Liberia. EarlyBird endorses the URDT model for rural training and development.

EarlyBird

Bit by Bit it Will Fit - ArcelorMittal / Rio Tinto

2008-07-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

The other proverbial Shoe has dropped (See the Article that follows) and it is natural fit! They may be talking eastern Canada, but we are hearing eastern Guinea. The Canada program to expand mining and processing facilities in Labrador West and transportation capacity on the railway linking the mine with the port of Sept- Iles, Quebec will be a great trial run for Guinea-Liberia operations.

When (if) the Simandou project merges with the Liberia Operation across the border it will mean only one thing.... You will no longer have to travel to Guinea. It will come to you piece by piece, by rail through your back yard.

We may observe the full dress rehearsal in Canada but how about a little transparency now?

{article}

ArcelorMittal Says Rio Tinto's IOC Unit Would Be `Natural Fit'
By Dale Crofts
July 2 (Bloomberg) -- ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaker, said it would be interested in acquiring Rio Tinto Group's Iron Ore Co. of Canada unit because the business fits with its operations in eastern Canada.

``If that kind of opportunity arose, I'm sure we'd take a look at it,'' Lou Schorsch, head of Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal's flat-rolled business in the Americas, said yesterday in an interview in Chicago. ``That would kind of be a natural fit. We share a lot of infrastructure.''
ArcelorMittal is buying iron-ore plants in Canada and Liberia to counter the market power of BHP Billiton Ltd., Rio Tinto and Cia. Vale do Rio Doce. The three companies control about 80 percent of the world's seaborne iron ore and are raising prices to records. London-based Rio Tinto has said it plans to sell as much as $10 billion of assets this year.

Iron Ore Co. of Canada, also known as IOC, is ``a good operation and not on our short list of possible disposals,'' Rio spokesman Nick Cobban said today.

ArcelorMittal said in September it would buy the more than two-thirds of the Wabush Mines iron-ore venture in Canada that it doesn't already own from U.S. Steel Corp. and Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. for about $67 million. U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs ended talks to sell the stake in March, and ArcelorMittal has asked the Ontario Superior Court to force the transaction. ArcelorMittal is

``very confident'' it will complete the purchase, Schorsch said.

Wabush produces iron-ore concentrate in Newfoundland and Labrador and has port facilities on the St. Lawrence River's north shore, close to the operations of ArcelorMittal's QCM unit.
``Part of why we are interested in Wabush is because QCM is more or less right down the road,'' Schorsch said. ``Also right down the road is IOC that Rio Tinto owns.''

Rio holds a 59 percent stake in Iron Ore Co. and operates the business. Rio is spending about $475 million to expand mining and processing facilities in Labrador West and transportation capacity on the railway linking the mine with the port of Sept- Iles, Quebec.

To contact the reporter on this story: Dale Crofts in Chicago at dcrofts@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: July 2, 2008 09:54 EDT

###

Anthropogenicagent

Chinafrica (19) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2008-06-12T18:50:00.001-07:00

Close to home: and introspective look at Liberia - China relations...

'No Conflict of Interest,' President Sirleaf Says
The Analyst (Monrovia)
NEWS
11 June 2008
Posted to the web 11 June 2008

By Edwood DennisMonrovia

Liberia is painstakingly emerging from the depths it was thrown by 14 years of civil infamy and there is no question that it will use all available assistance.

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf seems to have no problem with this approach to recovery and said so this week.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has disclosed that there is no conflict of interest in Liberia's relationship with both the U.S. and China.

She said what rather seems to exist is a confusion of interest amongst some of Liberia's international partners on how rapidly and to what level to help spur Liberia's post-war security and economic recoveries.

The President made the assertions, yesterday through an aide, when she addressed a ground-breaking ceremony for the US $21.5 million expansion project of the Fendell Campus of the University of Liberia.

The Fendell Campus Expansion Project, sponsored by the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) as part of its assistance to the recovery efforts of the Sirleaf Administration, is expected to be completed in 2010, according to the PRC Ambassador to Liberia, Zhou Yuxiao.
Incidentally, the project is being undertaken by the China Guangdong Xinguang International Group.

The President Sirleaf said while neither the U.S. nor the PRC at any time expressed disquiet about the nation's partnership with the other, some Liberians and non-Liberians at one time or the other expressed fear that the direction the administration has taken may, at some point, fuel diplomatic conflict.

She did not say why the Liberians and non-Liberians thought that was a possibility, but observers recalled that the Tolbert administration paid dearly for such relation with China and the Soviet Union during the Cold War years.

Then, the U.S. regarded the two communist nations as threat to the democratization of Third World nations, including Liberia which many say the U.S. guided jealously as a satellite or pilot state.

Today with the U.S. and China cooperating at several fronts including the levels of trade, global terrorism, finance, and banking, analysts say, that Liberia will fall into trouble for courting China is far unlikely.

Fair unlikely is the catchword and President Sirleaf agreed, noting that her administration would ensure that neither the U.S. nor China misunderstands what role the other was playing in Liberia's recovery efforts.

She said Liberia needed all of its friends, traditional and new, so that the widespread desperation being felt across the country can be taken care of as rapidly as necessary to protect the nation's stability obtained through the sacrifice of UNMIL.

According to her, both the U.S. and China were genuine friends of Liberia who, in their own ways, were concerned about the plight of the nation following years of bad economic policies and a devastating civil war and doing what best they could to help the nation out of its current dilemma.

She said both governments were equally concerned about Liberia's quick recovery as indicated by their past contributions and present efforts to contribute to the improvement and expansion of the nation's only public institution of higher learning and to education in general.
She said not only has the U.S. government contributed to the economic recovery efforts of the country, but that it also collaborated in the Fendell modernization efforts through the construction of annexes to the Fendell Science Complex.

Meantime, the Liberian leader praised the Chinese government for embarking upon the construction of several buildings that would host students and faculty of UL at the Fendell Campus.

She said the project marks 'an important landmark in Liberia's quest to prioritize education in Liberia' and noted that it is significant in several respects including that it represented the government's commitment to education as well as the priority placed on education.
She also used the occasion to caution those who she said were in the habit of stealing building materials from major public construction sites to desist as such act would prompt sponsors to stop remitting funds to the projects.

She revealed that public projects that were being subjected to untold property theft under the pretense of scrap collection were the Hotel Africa and White Plans Hydro projects, amongst others.

The President called on residents to report such people to police for an appropriate action by the government.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao expressed the hope that the project will contribute significantly to education in Liberia.

He observed that the construction is proceeding due to the level of peace in the country. The Chinese envoy further challenged the University students not to take peace for granted, but rather work towards its strengthening in the country.

He reiterated his government's support towards working harder to obtain more scholarships for Liberians to study in China as well as offer Chinese lessons at the University of Liberia. Ambassador Zhou commended Liberia and the international community for the concerns shown after the recent earthquake in China.

In a statement delivered by the China Added Project School buildings, the Chinese Ambassador reiterated the commitment of his government and people to contribute to the reconstruction of Liberia since the two countries were traditional friends.

Amb. Zhou revealed that when completed, the UL Campus Expansion Project that is the largest for now by the Chinese government, will put at the disposal of a students laboratories for soil testing and for civil engineering research and experimentation plus a computer science center.
Also to be put at the disposal of students and instructors, according to Ambassador Zhou, is one four-story comprehensive teaching building, four two-story dormitory buildings for students, five three-story apartment buildings for faculty members, a friendship tower (water tower) generator house, water treatment room, sports field, two basketball courts, three tennis courts, and other supportive facilities.

"We are offering Liberia a little help not because we are rich, but because we are friends in [time of] need and because we know fully that we are living in an increasingly interdependent world in which no country can go ahead single-handedly. In this global village, we all neighbors. We all need to help and support each other.

"With regard to Liberia, China, is not one-sided either; it is a two-way traffic. In our bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, Liberia has given so much support to China over the issues that are dear and near to China's national interest," he said.

Copyright © 2008 The Analyst.

###
Anthropogenicagent

Are We Ready to Move a Mountain?

2008-06-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

Iron-ore activity in Liberia is taking off and we are at a jog and gathering pace. ArcelorMittal’s stated ambition is for an iron-ore output beginning in 2009 of 500,000t/y and increasing to as much as 25Mt/y by 2011. At the end of May, Russia’s Severstal reached agreement to purchase up to a 61.5% stake in African Iron Ore Group Ltd (AIOG), which owns, through subsidiaries, the exploration rights for an iron-ore deposit in Liberia’s Putu Range area. In addition, Severstal will acquire a 6.29% stake in Mano River Resources, which currently controls AIOG.

Just across the boarder in Guinea, Rio Tinto reported 2,259Mt of JORC-compliant iron-ore resources at its Simandou project on May 29. These resources are located within the Pic de Fon and Oueleba deposits which form part of the Simandou range in southeastern Guinea. The company is planning the development of the first production phase of 70Mt/y, potentially rising to 170Mt/y, subject to agreement with the government.

Mano River, Putu Range and even old "Poor Bone" (Bong Range) are largely unknown quantities. So let's focus on the Nimba Area. The largest operation in the late 1960's through the 1980's was the Liberian-American-Swedish Minerals Company (LAMCO), a joint venture that accounted for about half of Liberia's annual iron ore output at that time. LAMCO began shipping ore in 1963, when the port of Buchanan, which the company had constructed, opened for traffic. The mine's capacity was about 12Mt/y of ore at the start-up of operations. In the late 1970s output dropped to about 9Mt/y.

Again, at its zenith, the highest capacity handling through the LAMCO facilities completed in the early 1960's was 12Mt/y of ore per year. The big question as we move forward, is production going to out run the capacity to handle the material? 25Mt/y by 2011 is double the old capacity. Do they really expect to add another 70Mt/y to that? Nearly 100 Million tons per year is not going to move west across Liberian territory without someone taking notice. The Simandou project may be exporting an unacceptable environmental impact. Are we ready?

Is green our fame or is it the red dust on the green leaves?
Anthropogenicagent

Chinafrica (18) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2008-06-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

AFRICA: REPORT CALLS FOR U.S.-CHINA COOPERATION ON DEVELOPMENT
Monday, June 02, 2008; Posted: 06:42 PM
WASHINGTON, May 30, 2008, 2008 (IPS/GIN via COMTEX)

-- -- The U.S. and Chinese governments should coordinate their policies toward Africa in order to enhance the effectiveness of their economic aid and investment, to further political stability and to ensure the success of peacekeeping operations in the region, according to a report released this week.

Such collaboration should also be carried out in consultation with other powers that have major interests in Africa. These include the European Union, Japan, Canada, India, South Korea and Brazil, whose links to the region are poised to grow sharply in the coming years, according to the 14-page report, "Responding to China in Africa."

The report, which will be expanded later this year into a book, was co-authored by retired Ambassador David Shinn and Joshua Eisenmann of the American Foreign Policy Council.
In what some commentators have already compared to the 19th-century scramble for Africa by Europe's imperialist powers, the continent has attracted unprecedented attention in recent years for its untapped oil, gas and mineral wealth.

While Europe and the U.S. have long been the main external sources of aid and investment in Africa, their historic dominance is now being challenged by other actors.

Just this week, for example, energy-starved Japan is hosting a trade-and-aid summit in Yokohama with more than 40 African heads of state vying for some $4 billion in concessional loans and another $2.5 billion in grants and other aid that Tokyo plans to invest in the region.
Japan's meeting follows an unprecedented "India-Africa Forum Summit" last month that drew 14 African heads of state. At stake were offers of some $500 million in development assistance and another $5 billion in credit for future, Delhi-sponsored projects.

But China, which initiated its own Forum on China-Africa Cooperation back in 2000 and whose bilateral trade with Africa has mushroomed from $10 billion in that year to some $70 billion in 2007, has made by far the biggest splash of the non-Western powers. Given current trends, Beijing, which has been increasing its exports to Africa, as well, is expected to displace the U.S. as Africa's biggest bilateral trade partner by 2010.

While China's investment in the continent has been relatively modest -- about $13 billion as of late last year, most of it concentrated in energy-related projects in Sudan and West Africa -- it is poised to rise sharply, according to the report.

Fueled by the highest sustained growth rates in modern history, China's economy is increasingly dependent on access to Africa's resources. The region already accounts for more than a third of China's oil imports. By contrast, the United States currently gets about 15 percent of its foreign oil from Africa, all of it from West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. That figure is expected to rise to 25 percent by 2015.

Statistics like those have had many analysts worried that the U.S. and China are engaged in a potentially fierce struggle for influence in the region.

Those worries have been played down by the two countries' leaders, with Bush declaring during his trip to Africa in February that Washington does "not view Africa as zero-sum for China and the United States," a phrase recently echoed as well by Beijing's ambassador here.
At the same time, however, Washington's decision to create a separate military command for Africa -- as well as growing military ties between China and key African countries, mainly in the form of training and sales of small arms and light weapons -- has fueled concerns that a burgeoning geo-strategic competition is indeed underway.

The report -- which is based on interviews with more than 250 experts, government officials, business executives and civil-society representatives in China, seven African countries, the U.S. and Europe -- suggested a number of areas in which Washington and Beijing could cooperate in Africa.

On aid to the continent, it urged the U.S. to make a greater effort to engage China in discussing how to coordinate assistance, including debt policies, and to encourage investment through the World Bank, which has already taken such an initiative. It also called for investment through the relevant committees of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, to which Beijing should be invited to join, "at least as an observer."

In addition, it called on the U.S. and China to identify several specific projects on which they could collaborate directly. The two countries have already discussed such cooperation on agricultural projects in Angola and Ethiopia, according to the report, but could also consider public health projects, given Washington's multibillion-dollar program to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa and given China's successful malaria-control record and its long-term history of sending medical teams to Africa.

The two countries should also initiate a dialogue involving relevant African countries on the best way to develop the latter's natural resources, particularly in oil and gas, given the U.S. and China's status as Africa's biggest customers in those two areas. Washington should also actively engage with Beijing to support the multinational Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative to improve accountability in that sector.

The report urged both countries to identify specific African countries threatened by instability to coordinate steps to prevent or mitigate conflict there. It noted that Washington and Beijing have already worked together -- with only limited success -- to persuade Sudan to accept deployment of a U.N.-authorized force to Darfur and suggested that the two powers also share a strong mutual interest to ensure the success of the increasingly shaky Comprehensive Peace Agreement for ending the north-south conflict in Sudan, from which China last year obtained 6 percent of its total oil imports.

On security and military issues, the report called for cooperation in maritime operations to reduce smuggling, piracy and drug trafficking off Africa's coasts. It noted that the U.S. and Chinese militaries have already collaborated in Liberia to improve that country's armed forces as part of the U.N.'s peacekeeping effort there and suggested that that model could be replicated elsewhere in Africa. China currently has nearly 1,500 troops in Africa, more than any other permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.

Beijing and Washington could also coordinate more closely in carrying out disaster relief operations in the region, the report urged.

© 2008 The Connors Group, Inc

###
EarlyBird

Chinafrica (17) Watching for PRC Influence in Africa

2008-05-23T22:53:00.000-07:00

CHECK IT OUT

New report (in English and Chinese):China's Environmental Footprint in Africa[announcement from Peter Bosshard's policy blog: http://www.internationalrivers.org/en/blog/peter-bosshard]

A new report written by your blogger discusses China's environmental footprint in Africa. This is a hot topic, and the report has already triggered controversial reactions.Chinese companies are building large mines and hydropower plants, textile factories and cell phone networks throughout Africa. Their projects include 26 large dams (and counting). China's environmental footprint in Africa has stirred a heated debate on the continent and in Western countries. Some observers have denounced China as a new colonizer whose "ravenous appetite" is devouring Africa's resources. Others have rejected such concerns as a "frightening heap of nonsense", and have pointed out the parallels between the Chinese and the Western role in Africa.Over the last few months, I have written a paper which looks beyond the stereotypes. "Chinas Environmental Footprint in Africa" examines China's Africa strategy, and analyzes similarities and differences with the Western approach. The paper elaborates the environmental impacts of Chinas strategy, describes the evolving response of the Chinese government, and identifies challenges for actors in Africa, China, and the West.Earlier drafts of the paper have sparked a lot of comment, including some controversy. Readers from NGOs in China and Africa, US universities and the World Bank praised the report as balanced, thorough, and convincing. A retired Chinese-American entrepreneur, on the other hand, called the paper "sensationalist" and told me that "from the severity of the commentary, I almost expected you to call China the evil empire".A "nicely balanced piece", or a sensationalist effort at China bashing? Find out for yourself! My paper is being published as a Policy Brief by the South African Institute for International Affairs, and as a Working Paper by the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University. A Chinese version of the paper will soon be published by Fahamu in South Africa.

You can already download the paper from our website (www.internationalrivers.org/en/node/2796), in English and Chinese, and order it from nicole@internationalrivers.org. Enjoy reading, and we look forward to your comments.Peter BosshardInternational Rivers

The Russians are Coming

2008-05-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Severstal buys assets in Africa

RBC, 23.05.2008, London 13:15:36.
Severstal has reached an agreement on the acquisition of up to 61.5 percent of African Iron Ore Group Ltd. (AIOG) shares, the Russian steel producer said in a press release today. AIOG's subsidiaries have a license for conducting a geological survey at the Putu Range iron ore deposit in Liberia. In addition, Severstal is expected to buy a 6.29-percent stake in Mano River Resources Inc., which holds a controlling stake in AIOG. The Russian company is to pay $37.5m for the stake in AIOG, while the price of the second deal is estimated at GBP 2m (USD 3.9m). Both deals will be implemented through Severstal's Dutch subsidiary Lybica Holding B.V.

According to preliminary estimates, the Putu Range deposit contains at least 500m tonnes of iron ore, while the figure may rise considerably following the geological survey.

All rights reserved. © 1995 - 2008 RosBusinessConsulting.

###
EarlyBird

750km of Liberian Territory v. Stranded Investment in Guinea

2008-05-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

More tantalizing hints

“The deposits are located in the south east of the country very close to the border with Liberia and 750km away from the sea.”

Story follows; but when will Rio-Tinto reveal their relationship with Acelor-Mittal. Is it too soon for transparency? Could it be that the Liberian People have been cut out of the deal already. We are still waiting for the answers. We will not forget the mysterious circumstances during the bidding on the old LAMCO mine…. Rio-Tinto backed out leaving the deal on the table for Mittal. It is a matter of record. But, why? Hint: 750km of Liberian territory and a stranded investment in Guinea.

STORY

Rio Tinto eyes Chinese investors to partner it in Guinea iron ore projectRio Tinto has already spent US$300 million on its Simandou iron ore project but the company still eyes investors from China to partner it as it moves to develop the 170 million tonne per annum mine.

Author: Frank Jomo
Posted: Friday , 16 May 2008

BLANTYRE -
The world's second largest producer of iron ore - Rio Tinto - says it will be courting Chinese steel and construction companies to partner it in developing the US$6 billion Simandou iron ore mine in the West African state of Guinea.

Rio Tinto, itself being the subject of a hostile takeover by rival, BHP Billiton, would make a final decision whether to go ahead with the mine in 2009.

But head of Rio's iron ore division Sam Walsh told the Financial Times that he was optimistic of bringing Chinese investors into the project later this year and that the company's preference would be to have a steel company that is allied to a construction company. He said the Chinese steelmaker would agree to buy a portion of Simandou's output on a long-term off-take contract while a Chinese construction group would be valuable in making sure the mine is built on schedule and on budget, at a time of rising costs.

The Simandou deposit is touted to be one of Africa's largest iron ore deposits estimated at between eight and 11 billion tonnes and made up of high grade haematite, which has a 65 percent iron content.

However to tap these huge deposit, Rio Tinto will have to part with a fortune. The deposits are located in the south east of the country very close to the border with Liberia and 750km away from the sea. In addition poor infrastructure in the country might prove a spanner in Rio's works to develop the mine into one of the world's great iron mines.

For now though, the miner seems set to roll on the project having spent US$300 million on it. The company announced recently that its pre-feasibility study into the development of a 70 million tonne per annum mine at Simandou is well advanced. Rio says the development of the mine would make it one of the largest iron ore mines in the world and that there are future plans to make it even larger, to 170 million tonnes per annum.

© Mineweb Holdings Limited, 1997 - 2007

###
Anthropogenicagent

Staple Liberia

2008-04-14T17:56:00.001-07:00

“Liberia’s Staple”

Rice
Rice
Nation's staple
Nation’s stability
Riots of April 14, 1979
Businesses looted
People killed
People wounded
Price
Price
Of rice
Rice
Rice
Come let’s eat
The heart of the nation

- Anthropogenicagent, April 14, 2008

Transparency in the Extractive Industries

2008-04-12T13:16:00.001-07:00

EITI++ Extends Oil And Mining Transparency Agenda
Publish What You Pay (London)

PRESS RELEASE
11 April 2008 Posted to the web 11 April 2008 Washington, DC

Publish What You Pay (PWYP), the global civil society coalition campaigning for transparency in the extractive industries, welcomes the World Bank’s effort to extend transparency in this sector beyond revenues through its new EITI++ initiative. EITI++ includes disclosure along the spectrum, from the licensing of concessions all the way to government spending. In order for this initiative to be credible, PWYP calls on the World Bank to implement it effectively across the globe and to meaningfully involve civil society throughout the entire process.

“We welcome the Bank's initiative to extend transparency in the oil, mining and gas sector beyond revenues to look at how concessions are awarded, contracts negotiated, and how the money is spent. Civil society has played a crucial role in shaping the EITI and we hope to play the same role in this new initiative because real change for the better depends on us using the information arising to hold governments and companies to account,” said Radhika Sarin, International Coordinator of the PWYP coalition. “The natural resource wealth of Guinea, if managed properly, is one of our best chances to lift our citizens out of poverty. We ask that the World Bank work with us as equal partners, and not limit itself to the government and companies. This hasn’t always been their strength in the past but we won’t accept anything less,” said Mamadou Taran Diallo, Coordinator of PWYP Guinea. The current focus of EITI++ is on Africa, with Guinea and Mauritania as the two pilot countries.

While the EITI is a good first step towards making public the flow of revenues from companies to government, it is not enough. “With the scramble for resources heating up across Africa and elsewhere, there is a pressing need for a more open and fair system for allocating oil and mining concessions, so that competition amongst Western and Asian companies doesn’t turn into a race to the bottom on corruption, human rights and the environment,” said Gavin Hayman, Campaigns Director of Global Witness.

PWYP would like to see this initiative move beyond just Africa and outside of just the World Bank to help define global standards of natural resource governance that all countries and extractive companies could endorse and apply. PWYP also hopes the World Bank will draw on existing best practice in this area, such as the IMF Guide on Resource Revenue Transparency.
For this initiative to have impact on the ground, genuine civil society involvement is necessary at both the international and the country levels. This can be achieved by building on the multi-stakeholder principle of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which sets a minimum global standard for the reporting of oil, gas and mining revenues.

The stated goal of EITI++ is to promote the use of natural resource revenues for development, and this can only happen if civil society is able to influence its own governments to manage these resources in the best possible way. But in some countries it is downright dangerous for citizens to challenge governments about how revenues from oil, gas and mining are spent. “The World Bank has an important role to play in protecting these activists and promoting their ability to work without fear or intimidation,” said Karin Lissakers, Executive Director of the Revenue Watch Institute.

“If EITI++ results in a more joined-up effort by the international community to promote and support this goal, we look forward to a constructive engagement on how to take things forward for all our benefit,” she added.

Publish What You Pay is an international coalition of over 300 NGOs calling for the mandatory disclosure of the payments made by oil, gas and mining companies to all governments for the extraction of natural resources and the resulting revenues earned by resource-rich country governments. The coalition also calls for the disclosure of licensing arrangements and extractive industry contracts.

Copyright © 2008 Publish What You Pay

###
Anthropogenicagent