Latest news with #Poa
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Koala conservation is something to sniff at for hard-working scent hound
There were plenty of excited onlookers lining up to pat four-year-old English springer spaniel, Poa, on Monday morning in Teralba bushland. But the excitable sniffer dog wasn't too interested in human attention. She was there to work. On the first day of Lake Macquarie City Council's koala survey, Poa launched into her work with gusto. She raced up the steep bush track near Billy's Lookout alongside her handler and ecologist Lily Alvarez, sniffing through leaf litter and fallen branches for koala scat. "We're doing a 200-metre by 50-metre transect, so a one-hectare search area, and since she's trained to find the odour and lie down with the odour basically between her paws, she'll put her nose on the odour to show us where it is," Ms Alvarez said. Poa has worked in conservation for two years, helping to sniff out and identify koala scats from up to 100 metres away in Casino and Port Stephens for Mid North Coast-based company Canines For Wildlife. "It's pretty amazing, just that relationship and that human bond with dogs; it's so strong," Ms Alvarez said. "So when it's working well, it feels incredible." Discovering how many of the furry marsupials live in local government areas has become of vital importance since the devastating Black Summer bushfires either killed, injured or impacted the habitat of 60,000 koalas throughout Australia. The 2020 Legislative Council inquiry into NSW koala numbers and habitat found that the beloved species could be extinct in the state by 2050 if immediate action is not taken to safeguard the population. The state government provided a $15,000 grant to the council earlier this year as part of its NSW Koala Strategy. Koalas are known to live in Lake Macquarie near Mount Sugarloaf, in the Watagans and south of Morisset. However, koalas are expected to be living in other parts of Lake Macquarie too. A koala was rescued from a telegraph pole in suburban Teralba earlier this year. Lake Macquarie's koala population is particularly important, as it's believed to be disease-free. The council's coordinator for environment policy and resilience, Dan Woods, said the survey aims to fill in information gaps about the koala population range. "There are sightings where people are accessing those bushland areas, and that's how we know where they are," Mr Woods said. "The other mapping we've done is based on habitat and local koalas' food trees and where they're likely to be. "There hasn't been any systematic survey of koalas across the LGA. This is filling in those information gaps. "It's where we see potential koala habitat, but we're actually seeing if they exist there or not." Previously, koala surveys were conducted by people walking through the bush and searching the branch tops of trees. Mr Woods said other conservation sniffer dog companies would be used throughout the coming months. "They can confirm the presence of koalas a lot easier than a human can," he said. "Once they confirm it, we can come back with other techniques, such as drones, to find out more information about the actual population of koalas in that area." The results of the survey will be used to shape future council planning policies. "Once we know what the distribution of koalas is within the local government area, then we can work on developing strategies to protect and conserve their habitat and that koala population," Mr Woods said. There were plenty of excited onlookers lining up to pat four-year-old English springer spaniel, Poa, on Monday morning in Teralba bushland. But the excitable sniffer dog wasn't too interested in human attention. She was there to work. On the first day of Lake Macquarie City Council's koala survey, Poa launched into her work with gusto. She raced up the steep bush track near Billy's Lookout alongside her handler and ecologist Lily Alvarez, sniffing through leaf litter and fallen branches for koala scat. "We're doing a 200-metre by 50-metre transect, so a one-hectare search area, and since she's trained to find the odour and lie down with the odour basically between her paws, she'll put her nose on the odour to show us where it is," Ms Alvarez said. Poa has worked in conservation for two years, helping to sniff out and identify koala scats from up to 100 metres away in Casino and Port Stephens for Mid North Coast-based company Canines For Wildlife. "It's pretty amazing, just that relationship and that human bond with dogs; it's so strong," Ms Alvarez said. "So when it's working well, it feels incredible." Discovering how many of the furry marsupials live in local government areas has become of vital importance since the devastating Black Summer bushfires either killed, injured or impacted the habitat of 60,000 koalas throughout Australia. The 2020 Legislative Council inquiry into NSW koala numbers and habitat found that the beloved species could be extinct in the state by 2050 if immediate action is not taken to safeguard the population. The state government provided a $15,000 grant to the council earlier this year as part of its NSW Koala Strategy. Koalas are known to live in Lake Macquarie near Mount Sugarloaf, in the Watagans and south of Morisset. However, koalas are expected to be living in other parts of Lake Macquarie too. A koala was rescued from a telegraph pole in suburban Teralba earlier this year. Lake Macquarie's koala population is particularly important, as it's believed to be disease-free. The council's coordinator for environment policy and resilience, Dan Woods, said the survey aims to fill in information gaps about the koala population range. "There are sightings where people are accessing those bushland areas, and that's how we know where they are," Mr Woods said. "The other mapping we've done is based on habitat and local koalas' food trees and where they're likely to be. "There hasn't been any systematic survey of koalas across the LGA. This is filling in those information gaps. "It's where we see potential koala habitat, but we're actually seeing if they exist there or not." Previously, koala surveys were conducted by people walking through the bush and searching the branch tops of trees. Mr Woods said other conservation sniffer dog companies would be used throughout the coming months. "They can confirm the presence of koalas a lot easier than a human can," he said. "Once they confirm it, we can come back with other techniques, such as drones, to find out more information about the actual population of koalas in that area." The results of the survey will be used to shape future council planning policies. "Once we know what the distribution of koalas is within the local government area, then we can work on developing strategies to protect and conserve their habitat and that koala population," Mr Woods said. There were plenty of excited onlookers lining up to pat four-year-old English springer spaniel, Poa, on Monday morning in Teralba bushland. But the excitable sniffer dog wasn't too interested in human attention. She was there to work. On the first day of Lake Macquarie City Council's koala survey, Poa launched into her work with gusto. She raced up the steep bush track near Billy's Lookout alongside her handler and ecologist Lily Alvarez, sniffing through leaf litter and fallen branches for koala scat. "We're doing a 200-metre by 50-metre transect, so a one-hectare search area, and since she's trained to find the odour and lie down with the odour basically between her paws, she'll put her nose on the odour to show us where it is," Ms Alvarez said. Poa has worked in conservation for two years, helping to sniff out and identify koala scats from up to 100 metres away in Casino and Port Stephens for Mid North Coast-based company Canines For Wildlife. "It's pretty amazing, just that relationship and that human bond with dogs; it's so strong," Ms Alvarez said. "So when it's working well, it feels incredible." Discovering how many of the furry marsupials live in local government areas has become of vital importance since the devastating Black Summer bushfires either killed, injured or impacted the habitat of 60,000 koalas throughout Australia. The 2020 Legislative Council inquiry into NSW koala numbers and habitat found that the beloved species could be extinct in the state by 2050 if immediate action is not taken to safeguard the population. The state government provided a $15,000 grant to the council earlier this year as part of its NSW Koala Strategy. Koalas are known to live in Lake Macquarie near Mount Sugarloaf, in the Watagans and south of Morisset. However, koalas are expected to be living in other parts of Lake Macquarie too. A koala was rescued from a telegraph pole in suburban Teralba earlier this year. Lake Macquarie's koala population is particularly important, as it's believed to be disease-free. The council's coordinator for environment policy and resilience, Dan Woods, said the survey aims to fill in information gaps about the koala population range. "There are sightings where people are accessing those bushland areas, and that's how we know where they are," Mr Woods said. "The other mapping we've done is based on habitat and local koalas' food trees and where they're likely to be. "There hasn't been any systematic survey of koalas across the LGA. This is filling in those information gaps. "It's where we see potential koala habitat, but we're actually seeing if they exist there or not." Previously, koala surveys were conducted by people walking through the bush and searching the branch tops of trees. Mr Woods said other conservation sniffer dog companies would be used throughout the coming months. "They can confirm the presence of koalas a lot easier than a human can," he said. "Once they confirm it, we can come back with other techniques, such as drones, to find out more information about the actual population of koalas in that area." The results of the survey will be used to shape future council planning policies. "Once we know what the distribution of koalas is within the local government area, then we can work on developing strategies to protect and conserve their habitat and that koala population," Mr Woods said. There were plenty of excited onlookers lining up to pat four-year-old English springer spaniel, Poa, on Monday morning in Teralba bushland. But the excitable sniffer dog wasn't too interested in human attention. She was there to work. On the first day of Lake Macquarie City Council's koala survey, Poa launched into her work with gusto. She raced up the steep bush track near Billy's Lookout alongside her handler and ecologist Lily Alvarez, sniffing through leaf litter and fallen branches for koala scat. "We're doing a 200-metre by 50-metre transect, so a one-hectare search area, and since she's trained to find the odour and lie down with the odour basically between her paws, she'll put her nose on the odour to show us where it is," Ms Alvarez said. Poa has worked in conservation for two years, helping to sniff out and identify koala scats from up to 100 metres away in Casino and Port Stephens for Mid North Coast-based company Canines For Wildlife. "It's pretty amazing, just that relationship and that human bond with dogs; it's so strong," Ms Alvarez said. "So when it's working well, it feels incredible." Discovering how many of the furry marsupials live in local government areas has become of vital importance since the devastating Black Summer bushfires either killed, injured or impacted the habitat of 60,000 koalas throughout Australia. The 2020 Legislative Council inquiry into NSW koala numbers and habitat found that the beloved species could be extinct in the state by 2050 if immediate action is not taken to safeguard the population. The state government provided a $15,000 grant to the council earlier this year as part of its NSW Koala Strategy. Koalas are known to live in Lake Macquarie near Mount Sugarloaf, in the Watagans and south of Morisset. However, koalas are expected to be living in other parts of Lake Macquarie too. A koala was rescued from a telegraph pole in suburban Teralba earlier this year. Lake Macquarie's koala population is particularly important, as it's believed to be disease-free. The council's coordinator for environment policy and resilience, Dan Woods, said the survey aims to fill in information gaps about the koala population range. "There are sightings where people are accessing those bushland areas, and that's how we know where they are," Mr Woods said. "The other mapping we've done is based on habitat and local koalas' food trees and where they're likely to be. "There hasn't been any systematic survey of koalas across the LGA. This is filling in those information gaps. "It's where we see potential koala habitat, but we're actually seeing if they exist there or not." Previously, koala surveys were conducted by people walking through the bush and searching the branch tops of trees. Mr Woods said other conservation sniffer dog companies would be used throughout the coming months. "They can confirm the presence of koalas a lot easier than a human can," he said. "Once they confirm it, we can come back with other techniques, such as drones, to find out more information about the actual population of koalas in that area." The results of the survey will be used to shape future council planning policies. "Once we know what the distribution of koalas is within the local government area, then we can work on developing strategies to protect and conserve their habitat and that koala population," Mr Woods said.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
'Supporting livelihoods!': India UN Fund creates dam in Burkina Faso; empowers farmers, students
Poa [Burkina Faso]: The India UN Fund has completed the construction of the historic Niangdo dam in Burkina Faso, which will serve 50,000 people and had remained a dream for the Poa commune for over four decades. The news of the completion of the Niangdo dam was shared by the Indian Mission to the United Nations on Friday. In a post on X, the Indian Mission said, "Supporting livelihoods! A dam has been built in #BurkinaFaso under #IndiaUNFund." In another post, the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation stated that under the India-UN Fund, a 580,000m³ dam to restore 5,000ha of land has been constructed. Henceforth, 400 farmers, of which 60 per cent are women, have been trained; 344 students, of which 52 per cent were girls, learnt market gardening and 40 washroom facilities were built for the resettled families. The UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) said that the dam had been a dream for more than four decades. Construction of the dam is significant as the West African country is landlocked and has historically struggled with challenges like unpredictable rainfall. These faultlines have further deepened due to the climate crisis. Hence, UNOSSC noted in its report that the mobilization of water resources and their development are central to ensuring food security and combating extreme poverty. The project was launched in 2020 as a partnership of the Government and UNDP, and with the support of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. As per UNOSCC, along with the jobs, the community in Poa has experienced a welcome economic vitality. Established in 2017, the USD150 million India-UN Development Partnership Fund is supported and led by the Government of India and implemented in collaboration with the United Nations system, UNOSCC said. The Fund supports Southern-owned and -led, demand-driven and transformational sustainable development projects across the developing world, with a focus on least developed countries and small island developing States. As per UNOSCC, UN agencies implement the Fund's projects in close collaboration with partnering Governments. India's engagements with Africa have increased manifold in the last decade. During India's G20 Presidency in 2023, African Union was granted permanent membership of the grouping. While answering a question on India and Africa in the parliament earlier this year, MoS MEA Kirti Vardhan Singh had highlighted that over the years, India has extended more than 190 Lines of Credits amounting to USD 12.22 billion to 42 partner countries in Africa. He had underlined, "India's development partnership with Africa is based on a consultative model of cooperation, sharing of development experiences and is focused on addressing the priorities and needs of the African countries." These have been to implement projects in varied sectors such as power, hydroelectricity, transmission & distribution networks, dams, roads, railways, agriculture & irrigation, industrial units, skills development, amongst others.
India.com
10-07-2025
- India.com
Tired Of City Chaos? These Dreamy Villages Near Guwahati Are Pure Magic
Guwahati stands as the entrance to Northeast India where people can discover its energetic traditions as well as its busy marketplaces and historic monuments. Tasks seeking peaceful rest can find relaxation in various beautiful villages which exist around Guwahati. These villages provide an excellent destination for people who love nature and history alongside those who desire peace amid forested landscapes combined with Assamese cultural heritage. The following is a list of essential villages around Guwahati that provide peaceful resort opportunities. Mayong finds its home around 40 kilometers outside Guwahati and it carries the nickname 'Land of Black Magic.' The village carries an ancient history containing stories based in mysticism alongside local folklore. The location held a central place in Indian Tantra teachings at its height as the spiritual center. The Mayong Central Museum allows visitors to view important ancient texts and black magic artifacts as well as spellcasting equipment of practitioners. Mayong presents visitors with an excellent destination to experience tranquility because it combines magical forested landscapes and Brahmaputra River scenery. Chandubi exists at the base of the Garo Hills facing 64 kilometers from Guwahati. The unusual village warrants recognition because the Chandubi Lake originated following the earthquake that occurred in 1897. Chandubi Lake perfectly mirrors both hillsides and forests which results in a remarkable panoramic vista. Travelers can experience both lake boating activities alongside peaceful walks in the surrounding tea garden areas. The area becomes more enchanting when winter arrives because it attracts numerous migratory birds to its territory. Tourists who choose to stay at Chandubi can discover the friendly character of the Rabha natives through their homestay facilities. The eastern region of India considers Sualkuchi its 'Manchester' since it sits 35 kilometers from Guwahati. All production within Sualkuchi revolves around handloom weaving which specializes in silk fabrication. Muga Eri along with Pat silk can be found in this region where skilled artisans create intricate patterns of Assamese artistic design. Tourists can experience the skilled weaving operations by visiting the textile facilities while they purchase original silk items directly from local artists. Tourists answering both the relaxed beauty and historical value of Sualkuchi need to make this destination part of their travel itinerary. The religiously important small village of Hajo exists around 24 kilometers from Guwahati. The site brings together Hinduism and Buddhism along with Islam to welcome visitors from throughout India. The main religious sites in Hajo consist of the Hayagriva Madhava Temple that plays an essential role for Vaishnavites and the Poa Mecca Mosque which holds a fourth-level holiness like Mecca alongside the Kedareswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This spiritual atmosphere meets its natural charm by the Brahmaputra River to create a perfect space where visitors can relax while they reflect. Sonapur exists approximately 30 kilometers outside of Guwahati while offering its residents mountainous scenery and abundant greenery. Sonapur functions as the starting point for hikers who want to climb summits Rani Hill and Nilachal Hill. Birdwatchers will discover delightful experiences in Sonapur because the village offers numerous bird species. Several rivers and streams within the village territory provide excellent areas for outdoor leisure activities which include fishing and camping near these scenic locations. Sonapur exists near Guwahati while providing inhabitants distance from the city with its tranquil setting. Why Choose These Villages? Tourists find different charms in each village as Mayong presents its mystical character and Sualkuchi showcases its textile heritage together with Hajo demonstrating spiritual harmony. The villages give urban escape without sacrificing the chance to encounter Assam's cultural diversity and breathtaking natural attractions. These tourist locations provide environmentally conscious travel solutions to let visitors actively participate in local community activities while improving the local economies. Tips for Visiting The best time to visit is during dry months because monsoon season creates impediments to accessing specific locations. You should follow the customs and traditions of the local people when visiting sacred places and places with historical or cultural importance. You should choose accommodations as well as homestays that prioritize sustainability because they reduce environmental impact. Pack sunscreen together with insect repellent and bring clothing which fits activities outside. Final Thoughts These Guwahati neighboring villages present visitors with a wonderful combination of ancient heritage alongside cultural and spiritual exploring destinations and attractive natural landscapes. The locations ensure extraordinary experiences for those who want adventure or relaxation or wish to delve into the heritage of Assam. You should start packing your things right now to look for the beautiful secluded places around Guwahati which represent perfect retreat zones for anyone desiring peace.
AsiaOne
05-07-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
PSP introduces 3 new members, sees retirement of 3 founding members, including Tan Cheng Bock and Hazel Poa, Singapore News
The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has co-opted three first-time General Election candidates to its Central Executive Committee (CEC) - the party's highest decision-making body. In a statement released on Saturday (July 5), the opposition party said that the three new members are Sani Ismail, Lawrence Pek and Stephanie Tan. They were General Election 2025 candidates in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, Chua Chu Kang GRC and Pioneer SMC respectively. At the same time, PSP will also see the retirement of Chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock, First Vice-Chairperson Hazel Poa and Treasurer S Nallakaruppan. PSP cited the sweeping change as part of a renewal the party's leadership following the May 3 general election. "The CEC thanks Dr Tan, Ms Poa and Mr Nalla, who are founding members of the party, for their leadership and contributions since 2019," it wrote, adding that "they will remain as members of the party". A'bas bin Kasmani, who contested in PSP's slate for Chua Chu Kang GRC, succeeds Dr Tan as chairman of the party, while Anthony Neo, who is previously head of membership, has been appointed as treasurer. The party will continue to be led by secretary-general Leong Mun Wai. The CEC appointments came after the PSP lost in all six constituencies it contested at general election. The party also lost its two Non-Constituency MP seats in Leong and Poa. Ismail was fielded in PSP's A-team - which also consisted of Leong, Poa and Dr Tan that contested in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, while Pek and Tan were fielded in Chua Chua Kang GRC and Pioneer SMC respectively. "PSP's newly renewed CEC combines the wisdom of experienced leaders with the energy and innovation of our younger members. It is essential to give younger leaders a chance to contribute to the party's growth and development and help us stay relevant and effective in serving Singaporeans," said Leong. chingshijie@
Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Tan Cheng Bock and Hazel Poa step down from PSP leadership
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox PSP founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock (left) and vice-chair Hazel Poa have stepped down from its leadership body. SINGAPORE - Progress Singapore Party (PSP) founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock and one of its former Non-Constituency MPs (NCMP) and vice-chair Hazel Poa have stepped down from its leadership body. Party treasurer S. Nallakaruppan has also stepped down from the Central Executive Committee (CEC), the party announced in a press release on July 5. Dr Tan will be replaced as chairman by Abas Kasmani, who was previously second vice-chair. Mr Anthony Neo will replace Mr Nallakaruppan as treasurer. Dr Tan, Ms Poa and Mr Nallakaruppan - who were unsuccessful candidates at the May general election - will remain members of the party, the PSP said. The CEC also co-opted three new members, all of whom also stood under the party banner in GE2025: Mr Sani Ismail, Mr Lawrence Pek and Ms Stephanie Tan. Mr Sani, a lawyer, was on the team contesting West Coast-Jurong West GRC, while Mr Pek, a former secretary-general of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, contested Chua Chu Kang GRC. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore From temples to towers: Old memories collide with new money in Geylang Singapore Clans of Geylang: The fight for survival and revival World Hamas says it responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal in 'a positive spirit' Asia Surviving 40 deg C summer in Chongqing, one of China's hottest cities Singapore PAP has begun search for new candidates; PM Wong hopes to deploy them earlier ahead of next GE Singapore 20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Asia JB petrol station shooting: Dead man with bullet wounds dumped at hospital Ms Tan, a former lawyer and housewife, ran in Pioneer - a single-seat ward. All three lost their races to candidates from the ruling People's Action Party. The trio have not taken on any specific positions on the CEC, which is the party's highest decision-making body. The changes follow Dr Tan's announcement after the May 3 election that he would retire from electoral politics. Dr Tan, a former presidential candidate and PAP MP, founded the party in 2019 and is largely seen as its face. He, alongside Ms Poa and secretary-general Leong Mun Wai, as well as Mr Sani and Mr Sumarleki Amjah ran as the party's A-team in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, where they lost to a team led by Education Minister Desmond Lee. The GRC, which was redrawn from the old West Coast GRC, contains Dr Tan's old ward Ayer Rajah SMC and produced the closest fight at the 2020 general election. This result sent Ms Poa and Mr Leong into Parliament as NCMPs. At GE2025, the party's overall performance dropped significantly compared with its debut in the 2020 election. This is the second set of leadership changes the party has made this year. In March 2025, a CEC election put in place the team which led the party into the general election. Mr Leong was re-elected as party chief, taking over the role from Ms Poa. Ms Poa had assumed leadership after Mr Leong stepped down in February 2024, to take responsibility for a correction direction he received under Singapore's fake news law for a social media post.
