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Photo: World Heritage sites in danger (UNESCO)

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Every year the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) evaluates its World Heritage sites in order to preserve their historical integrity as well as recognize if any historical landmarks are in danger.

Currently there are 38 international properties threatened by various human and natural causes, 7 of which are located in Latin America.

Check out the most threatened locations in Central and Latin America below:

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Threats posed by invasive species, unbridled tourism and overfishing have landed the Galapagos on the danger list.

Machu Picchu, Peru
Impact of tourism, erosion, and uncontrolled development have forced the 500 year-old Machu Picchu into the danger category.

Portobelo-San Lorenzo, Panama
Founded in 1597 by Spanish explorer Francisco Velarde y Mercado, the forts are in a poor state of preservation due to lack of maintenance and uncontrollable urban developments.

Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras
The reserve home to a number of endangered species is currently threatened by illegal logging, poaching, and uncontrolled commercial hunting of wild animals.

Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, Chile
The two former saltpeter refineries located in northern Chile are particularly vulnerable after a recent earthquake, the site was also placed on the list to help mobilize resources for its conservation.

Photo Credits: UNESCO

Article source: http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/latino-daily-news/details/top-world-heritage-sites-in-danger/24550/

Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus at an APA Heritage Month ceremony held May 8 at the U.S. Capitol on May 8 (from left): Sen. Brian Schatz, Rep. Grace Napolitano, Rep. Mike Honda, Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Madeleine Bordallo, Rep. Grace Meng, Rep. Xavier Becerra, Rep. Bobby Scott, Rep. Ami Bera, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Eni Faleomavaega.

WASHINGTON — May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), a time for all Americans to celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have enriched the nation’s history.

To commemorate the month, Rep. Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, introduced H.Res. 189. Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. Senate.

CAPAC members also released the following statements on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:

CAPAC Leadership

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena), CAPAC chair: “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time for our country to celebrate the ways in which generations of Asian Pacific Americans have contributed to the vibrancy of our nation. From the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad to the entrepreneurs and small business owners that drive our economy today, Asian Pacific Americans have been instrumental in every step of our nation’s growth.

“As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this May, my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and I will continue to ensure that the needs of the Asian Pacific American community are included as we push for commonsense immigration reform and policies to reignite the American Dream for all.”

Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), CAPAC vice chair: “The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus represents a large and diverse community. This year, the 113th Congress welcomed a record five new APA members and the most diverse group of members in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives. I join my colleagues in CAPAC in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and urge all Americans to take time to learn about the many achievements, contributions and sacrifices APAs make to our nation.

“This month also gives us an opportunity to draw attention to the disparities and obstacles APAs continue to face every day. CAPAC is committed to working to overcome these challenges and advance legislative priorities to help improve the quality of life our APA community.”

Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside), CAPAC whip: “I am honored to stand alongside my colleagues as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Although we come from a multitude of diverse languages and cultures, we are united by a shared commitment to better this country through our active participation. Because of the contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander community, America is a more vibrant and resilient nation.”

Rep. Mike Honda (D-San Jose), CAPAC chair emeritus: “As chair emeritus, Immigration Taskforce co-chair and Appropriations Taskforce chair of CAPAC, and as the representative of California’s 17th District, I am proud to celebrate May’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. APA Heritage Month is a time for our nation to reflect and remember those Asian American and Pacific Islanders who came before us, and to honor and inspire those still to come, in our fight for civil rights and social justice.

“From the makings of the Transcontinental Railroad, to the courage of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Filipino veterans, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II; from the pioneering spirit of Dalip Singh Saund, who was the first Asian American to be elected in Congress, to the enduring heroism of our late Sen. Daniel Inouye – the contributions and lessons of AAPIs continue to enrich the fabric and vitality of our nation.

“Celebrating APA Heritage Month is not only a time of significance to the AAPI community; it is a time for all Americans to take pride in the diversity of our nation. Let us take this month – and every month for that matter – to reaffirm our commitment to the promise of America’s future for all Americans.”

U.S. Senators

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii): “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the culture and stories of AAPI families that enrich our nation. Our unique island culture in Hawaii, from local plate lunches to the pidgin language, is a product of the vibrant melting pot of AAPI cultures. The examples of Hawaii’s distinctive cultural heritage are numerous: Hawaii families enjoy andagi at the Honolulu Okinawan Festival, modern farmers look to traditional Native Hawaiian sustainable agriculture practices for inspiration and Samoan Americans from Hawaii continue to make waves in sports, politics and business.

“This month, let us recognize and celebrate the many achievements of AAPI families and the cultural vitality they bring to this nation.”

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii): “Growing up in Hawaii, one of the best and most unique things about our state is the rich culture. This month, as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we remember the many contributions that the Asian Pacific American community has made not only to our state, but to our entire country. I hope that you will join me in observing this month with great honor and pride as we celebrate the history of the entire community.”

Congressional Leadership

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), House Democratic leader: “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements, rich cultures, and extraordinary contributions of the AAPI community. Americans from Asia and the Pacific Islands have risen above hardship, prejudice, and outright persecution to become an indelible part of the American story.

“For generations, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have dedicated their lives to developing and defending the heritage of our country. Today, they are defining our country’s future as leaders in business and government, athletics and public service. Their perseverance in the pursuit of opportunity and equality helps shape our identity, ensure our progress, and safeguard the success of future generations.

“Nowhere is that truer than in my hometown of San Francisco, where a vibrant and growing AAPI community strengthens our city and reminds us every day that the beauty is in the mix. In working to pass comprehensive immigration reform, we can unite AAPI families and ensure the diversity embodied by these communities remains a virtue of America’s strength.

“During this Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us honor the sacrifices, the successes, and the resilience of our AAPI community. Let us recognize the invaluable role Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played in the success of our past and will play in building our future. Let us reaffirm our legacy as a nation that derives its power from our most basic promise: out of many, we are one.”

Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), House Democratic whip: “During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we celebrate the many contributions to our national life by a vibrant community with a proud history. In every aspect of our society, including business, government, education, science, sports, the arts, and our armed services, members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities continue to play a crucial role in shaping American history. The rich diversity of cultures among these communities enhances the American story and strengthens our nation. I join in thanking our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities for all they have done to help forge a more perfect union for the benefit of generations of Americans to come.”

Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles), House Democratic Caucus chair: “Asian American and Pacific Islander communities play key roles in building and strengthening America. I’m honored to represent Chinatown, Historic Filipinotown, Koreatown, Little Bangladesh and Little Tokyo, each of which reminds us of our AAPI heritage and its special place in our history and importance to our future. As civic leaders, small business owners, and active participants in our democracy, the AAPI community has enriched the city of Los Angeles and our nation. This month, let’s recognize our shared heritage and our fellow Americans who will continue contributing so much to America’s success.”

Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.), House Democratic Caucus vice chair: “I am proud to join my fellow Americans in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have long made, and continue to make, positive and meaningful contributions to New York and our entire country. Whether it is through the sciences, arts, business, or government, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have helped shape every facet of American society.

“As we celebrate this month, let us recognize the struggles of the past while paying tribute to the many stories of achievement and success.”

Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (D-Texas), Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair: “America is a greater country because of the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, who have shaped the rich collection of customs and traditions that make up our nation. Our Asian Pacific communities have produced influential leaders in business and culture, and have thrived despite the challenges that they have faced. Within the Asian Pacific community, 17 million strong, 1.5 million are business owners who are working to rebuild our economy and 258,183 are veterans who have served our country in the armed services.

“As we work toward achieving comprehensive immigration reform and celebrate Asian Pacific American Month, we recognize the countless contributions of the Asian immigrant community, which has shaped our country’s destiny and have moved our nation forward.”

CAPAC Executive Board

Rep. Ami Bera (D-Rancho Cordova): “As the only Indian American in Congress, I’m proud to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Our community has made many contributions to the United States that we should celebrate. This May, let us both honor those who have led the way for us, and encourage new Asian and Pacific Americans to take on leadership roles in their communities and careers to further enrich our great country.”

Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.): “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time for us to both reflect on how far Asian Americans have come and how far we still have to go. Asian Americans helped build this country by constructing the railroads that connected this country from East to West. Despite facing injustices such as the internment camps during World War II, many served our country to defend democracy and freedom around the world. Now, we are serving in the Cabinet, Congress, and running Fortune 500 companies in greater numbers than ever.

“Still, we have more work to do to make sure that all Asian Americans are able to achieve the American Dream. On issues especially important to Asian Americans, such as preserving family co-sponsorship as part of immigration reform, I look forward to making sure that our voices are heard.”

Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa): “This month we celebrate a rich heritage and pay tribute to Asian Pacific Americans whose sacrifice, hard work, and patriotism have contributed immeasurably to the greatness of our nation. We honor these pioneers, past and present, and those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. This year, I particularly want to acknowledge a pioneer whose example paved the way for generations of Asian Pacific American leaders.

“Known to my constituents in American Samoa as ‘Fofoga o Samoa,’ the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye was a true model of the Asian Pacific American story. This will be our first-ever Asian Pacific Heritage Month without the honorable senator, who passed away in December after a half-century of leadership in the U.S. Senate, serving the people of the great state of Hawaii. As we forge ahead to promote the well-being of the Asian Pacific American community, let us gain strength as we remember his lasting legacy.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii): “This month, we proudly celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage month in recognition of their significant contributions to our country. In Hawaii, the AAPI community contributes greatly to our diverse culture and has demonstrated remarkable leadership throughout our history. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka led historic careers in the U.S. Senate, for example, and Patsy Mink led the charge for Title IX and equal treatment for women in educational institutions. As leaders in our community at every level, Asian Pacific Americans have made a tremendous impact on our nation, and will continue to do so.”

Rep. Al Green (D-Texas): “In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I would like to acknowledge the considerable contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to our great nation. The Asian Pacific American community is rich with diversity and history that has enhanced the American experience. Furthermore, I am proud to be a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, which works with members from both sides of the aisle to effectively represent our Asian and Pacific American constituents in Congress.

“Moving forward, we will continue to work on issues important to our constituents, such as comprehensive immigration reform, so that families can be reunited, as well as greater language access, so that the community has equal access to opportunities for success. Finally, we will work to ensure that all Americans have access to jobs that pay a living wage, comprehensive health care, Medicare, and Social Security.”

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii): “Growing up in Hawaii, where so many cultures and traditions coexist, I understood at an early age how important it is to respect and appreciate the diversity that makes America a model for the world. As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and acknowledge the many milestones achieved by AAPIs throughout our nation’s history and the contributions our communities continue to make, let’s also recommit ourselves to the challenges we must still address. As a member of CAPAC, I will continue to work to ensure AAPIs are fully represented in our national debates and have the same opportunities enjoyed by every American.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland): “I am proud to stand with my colleagues in recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Now and throughout history, their contributions have enriched our communities all across the nation. Especially in my district, the California 13th, we have Asian American leaders in all sectors across all spectrums. I’m so proud of their contribution to the fabric of our country. This month, and every month, we must recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our Asian American and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters.”

Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento): “As an Asian American, I am so pleased to represent the historically diverse city of Sacramento, and to take part in recognizing Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. America has always pulled its strength from the celebration of our diverse cultures, traditions, and viewpoints. It is the acknowledgment of our differences that makes our Nation so readily able to address the evolving issues we face as a country. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the past, present, and future achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Americans in our communities.”

Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.): “It is a privilege to join my CAPAC colleagues in commemorating Asian Pacific American Heritage month. During this time of year, we recognize the important customs and culture of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, and highlight the vital role that Asian American and Pacific Islanders play throughout our nation. It is also a time for us to recognize all the outstanding achievements and contributions that the Asian American and Pacific Islander community have made to our neighborhoods, communities and country. I am proud to join my constituents and the nation in celebrating this annual occasion. I look forward to Asian American and Pacific Islanders continuing to enrich our nation for many years to come.”

Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-Northern Mariana Islands): “The people of the Northern Mariana Islands join other Americans this month in celebrating the contributions that Pacific Islanders and people of Asian heritage have made to our country. As the fastest-growing segment of America’s population, we look forward to increasing the influence and impact the AAPI community can have in guiding our nation’s future for the benefit of all its people.”

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.): “As the first American of Filipino heritage to serve as a U.S. representative, I am honored to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage month.  During the month of May, I encourage Americans of all backgrounds to educate themselves on the rich heritage of Asian Pacific Americans and their contributions to our great nation.”

CAPAC Associate Members

Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.): “I am pleased to join with my local community in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Northern Virginia is blessed with its rich diversity in which one in four residents is foreign-born with the largest population being of Asian Pacifica American descent. Whether it is running a business, keeping our streets safe, or serving in public office, Asian Americans are actively engaged in every facet of our community. Working together to share and learn from our cultures, we are making our community stronger.”

Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.): “I am proud to join with my colleagues in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have made substantial, lasting contributions to our nation that merit celebration. I look forward to continuing my work with CAPAC and I appreciate this opportunity to recognize the important role these communities play in the life of our nation.”

Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto): “Asian Pacific American Heritage month is an important celebration in the life of our nation. Economically, culturally, academically and politically, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are a significant part of our communities and add to the rich tapestry that is our great nation. I’m privileged to represent California’s 18th Congressional District, now home to one of the fastest-growing Asian Pacific American populations in the country.”

Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach): “This May, I am proud to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by recognizing the invaluable contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to our nation. As we mark 70 years since the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act and 25 years since the granting of reparations to Japanese Americans interned during World War II, we remember the strength and determination with which Asian Pacific Americans have fought for justice, freedom, and equality.  I am proud to represent a Congressional district of incredible diversity, where more than one in five people are Asian Pacific American.

“From Little Saigon and the Korean Business District in Westminster and Garden Grove to Cambodia Town and the Filipino and Pacific Islander communities in Long Beach, this month I am pleased to join with thousands of my constituents as we celebrate the rich heritage and the ongoing achievements of Asian Pacific Americans all across our great nation.”

Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-El Monte): “On behalf of the thousands of Asian Pacific Americans in my district and the millions across our country, I am pleased to join my colleagues in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. In May, we take time to honor their contributions, large and small. I am proud to represent such a diverse community whose hard work and rich culture strengthens our San Gabriel Valley.”

Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego): “It is an honor to join my colleagues to celebrate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Members of Asian and Pacific Islander communities have been active citizens in neighborhoods across San Diego, and continue to contribute to the cultural fabric that makes up our region. I joined the Congressional Asian Pacific Americans Caucus so that I could most accurately represent the interests of this diverse, dynamic group here in Washington. I look forward to continued opportunities to work with API communities in the future on a range of social and economic issues, so that we can bring their important perspective to the ongoing discussions in Congress.”

Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.): “I’m proud to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of Asian American pioneers that have paved the road for their future generations to achieve the American Dream. Through strength and determination, the AAPI community has overcome prejudice, oppression and countless barriers to achieve enormous heights in America. As leaders in business, education, STEM, military, medicine or the arts, Asian Americans have contributed to our nation’s prosperity and culture. The story of the AAPI community is a testament to what is possible in America. I join Asian Americans in celebrating their heritage and their well-deserved successes.”

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Commerce): “Asian and Pacific Islanders continue to enrich the greater Los Angeles community and our country as a whole. Today, as we mark the beginning of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us acknowledge the many contributions of this diverse community. From military service to small business ownership, education to artistic expression, members of the AAPI community have helped make our country what it is today.”

Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove): “I am proud to represent a district where many Asian Pacific Americans call home. As we take this month to celebrate their significant contributions to our nation, it is especially important to honor the elder leaders of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community for their extraordinary work and guiding wisdom in the development of our diverse community in Orange County. I am proud to work with a group of dedicated public servants in Congress to further promote and advocate for the wellbeing of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.”

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank): “May is Asian Pacific American Heritage month and I am honored to represent the diverse Los Angeles neighborhoods of Koreatown and Thai Town, as well as large Japanese, Filipino and Chinese American communities. I am proud to join millions across the nation as we recognize the extraordinary contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and celebrate the rich heritage and cultures of our country.”

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.): “I am honored to join millions across our nation to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. It is important that we recognize the key role of Asian Pacific Americans in our country’s history as members of our Armed Services, workers on the transcontinental railroad, and leaders in our communities. Currently, as one of the country’s fastest-growing populations, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has spurred small business growth and innovation, fostered business and government leaders, and contributed immensely to our diversity and culture. As a member of CAPAC, I look forward to working with my colleagues to solve challenges facing the Asian Pacific American community.”

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo): “Each May Americans celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our nation. The landscape of my own district is brightly painted with the history of the largest population of Filipino Americans in the continental US. We are working together to recognize the Filipino veterans of World War II who fought for the US and were promised full veterans benefits, but who were later denied eligibility for them.

“I am proud to join with my CAPAC colleagues to celebrate the immigrants from Asia, the Philippines, the Pacific Islands, and generations of their descendants who represent a vital part of our nation and have distinguished themselves as outstanding entrepreneurs, members of our armed forces and community leaders. The heroes of the AAPI community represent the very best aspects of American life and have enhanced the moral fabric of my district, the state of California, and our country.”

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Pleasanton): “Every May we recognize the impressive history of Asian Americans and the invaluable contributions they have made to our nation’s success as part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I am honored to represent a portion of the East Bay that is home to a vibrant Asian American community, one that enriches the fabric and great diversity of our country. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in Congress and Americans across the country to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.”

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.): “During the month of May, we honor the generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have helped to make our country great. We also rededicate ourselves to addressing the challenges still facing this community as we continue to work in Congress to address their concerns and advance their aspirations.”

Background

May is officially designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by Section 102 of Title 36, United States Code. The observance originally began as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, which was established through a joint congressional resolution in 1978. The month of May was chosen due to two important milestones: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the U.S., and May 10, 1869, when the first Transcontinental Railroad was completed with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrant workers.

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus is composed of members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. It has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.

Article source: http://www.rafu.com/2013/05/capac-celebrates-asian-pacific-american-heritage-month-2/

Standing atop the ramparts of China’s Great Wall. Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. These are the giants of our collective imagination, the plumes in our travel cap. Though they might seem timeless, many of the world’s most treasured sites are in peril, threatened by theft, development, climate change, or unsustainable tourism.

Featuring some of the world’s most popular destinations, our picks draw from UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list as well as Disappearing World: 101 of the Earth’s Most Extraordinary and Endangered Places by Alonzo C. Addison. From ancient cities to virgin rainforests, we hope these wonders stick around to inspire future generations.

Great Wall, China

Constructed to shelter China’s people and culture from the outside world, the Great Wall stretches over 4,500 miles and took 2,000 years to construct. UNESCO calls it “an absolute masterpiece” not only “because of the ambitious character of the undertaking but also the perfection of its construction.” But perfection isn’t protection, and the Great Wall is now under threat from the pressures of the modern world.

Unsurprising given its incredible length, large portions of the wall now suffer from neglect and erosion from the elements. More popular sections are subject to the wear and tear that comes with millions of visitors each year. But according to Addison, the biggest threat to the Great Wall may be the “slow and seemingly innocuous destruction and brick-by-brick looting. Portions that had survived for 2,000 years have vanished in recent decades and there are reports of quarrying in many locations.”

Memphis and Its Necropolis, Egypt

Until you get an aerial view of Memphis and its necropolis, you may not realize just how close the sprawl of Cairo has crept to the three pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, Memphis’ best-known sites and the sole survivors of the original Seven Wonders of the World. Where a hundred years ago, the pyramid fields of Memphis stood alone as beacons in a vast desert, today hotels and shops surround the site.

In the 1990s, a highway plan that would have damaged the site was successfully thwarted, but development, rising groundwater, pollution, and theft continue to threaten the mysterious tombs, monuments, and pyramids of Memphis.

Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras

The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, one of the last virgin tropical rainforests in Central America, remains—at least for now—a portrait of abundance. The mountainous landscape, which slopes down to the Caribbean, teems with wildlife, including 39 species of mammal and nearly 400 species of bird. Human cultures, past and present, are an important part of the biosphere’s riches as well: Not only does the reserve include Ciudad Blanca, an important Maya site, but the forest is home to more than 2,000 indigenous people who have preserved their traditional ways of life.

The more than 1,900 square miles of pristine rainforest are under serious threat, though. In 2011, the government of Honduras requested that the UNESCO World Heritage site be put on the World Heritage in Danger list to mobilize against threats, including illegal logging, poaching, uncontrolled commercial hunting of wild animals, slash-and-burn colonization, and the introduction of exotic species.

Old City of Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Originally inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1981, the Old City of Jerusalem has been on the World Heritage in Danger list since 1982—longer than any other of the list’s 38 imperiled properties.

Considered a holy city in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem proves its popularity with record-breaking tourist numbers. In 2010 alone, the city hosted 3.5 million travelers, and local government hopes to welcome 10 million visitors this decade. And Old Jerusalem, with its 220 historic monuments—including the famous Dome of the Rock and Wailing Wall—is a must-see stop on the Jerusalem tourist circuit. That’s a lot of pressure for a site already straining under the weight of heavy tourism and a lack of maintenance. Will Jerusalem’s Old City be preserved for future generations? Unless the government can ensure the conservation of its most treasured monuments, maybe not.

Everglades National Park, USA

Beautifully described as “a river of grass flowing imperceptibly from the hinterland into the sea,” Everglades National Park has made several appearances on the World Heritage in Danger list since its inscription as a World Heritage site 34 years ago. A haven for rare and threatened species, including the Florida panther and the manatee, the national park comprises an astounding variety of water habitats, including the Western Hemisphere’s largest mangrove ecosystem.

However, the very life source of its riches—the aquatic ecosystem—is in peril. Years of draining, dike building, and construction have reduced water inflows by up to 60 percent and destroyed more than half of the original Everglades. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and contaminated storm water has caused a decline in marine species. And while the response to its 2010 inclusion on the World Heritage in Danger list has been swift, successfully restoring and conserving the Everglades is a job that will stretch far beyond the park’s watery boundaries.

Petra, Jordan

Once a thriving trade center for frankincense, myrrh, and spices, the ancient city of Petra continues to attract curious visitors in search of beauty and cultural riches. The ruins of the city, which was half built and half carved into red sandstone cliffs, hold architecturally elaborate tombs along with temples, sacrificial altars, and even a Roman-style amphitheater.

But while beautiful, the red sandstone is soft and easily eroded. The dramatic rise in visitors over recent decades—from 65,000 in 1986 to nearly 1 million in 2010—is taking its toll. Human feet, along with the hooves of camels and donkeys hired by tourists, wear away at the stonework paths, and visitors hasten erosion by touching the carved buildings. According to Addison, it took only a decade of tourists leaning against and touching the Al Khazneh (The Treasury) to wear down its surface by 1.5 inches. The Petra National Trust lists other threats to the site, including structural instability and site-management issues. As the city slowly disappears under the fingers of millions, it seems uncertain what will remain for future generations.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Three years after their inclusion on the World Heritage in Danger list, the Galapagos Islands have emerged on the other end, having made significant headway against the threats of “invasive species, unbridled tourism, and overfishing.” However, the same isolation that made the islands a “living museum and showcase of evolution” also makes them intrinsically vulnerable to the environmental pressures of tourism and the constant threat of invasive species.

Best known for unique animal life, such as the land iguana and giant tortoise, the Galapagos are a point of pilgrimage for wildlife lovers. But our presence changes the landscape: In the islands’ relatively short history of human settlement, it’s estimated that about five percent of the Galapagos’ species have become extinct. It will take the continued efforts of Ecuador’s government to preserve the Pacific archipelago that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.

Angkor, Cambodia

The 150-square-mile Angkor Archaeological Park protects just a part of what was once a vast cluster of ancient capitals in the jungle of Cambodia. Its best known site, Angkor Wat, remains even today the world’s largest religious building.

In 2004, after pillaging and landmine problems were successfully tackled, Angkor was removed from the World Heritage in Danger list, but it remains at risk. The dramatic rise in visitors—from zero during the dangerous ’70s and ’80s to 640,000 foreign visitors in the first three months of 2012 alone—has taken its toll on the buildings and temples. Soft sandstone steps and carvings have already been worn away under the feet of so many visitors, though in recent years authorities have limited the number of people allowed on the most popular buildings and added wooden staircases to protect the soft stone steps. The threats to the site extend beyond the park itself: Authorities have warned that groundwater pumping to cater to visitors in nearby Siem Reap has caused some of the temples to sink.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

It’s the world’s most extensive coral-reef ecosystem, home to 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and 4,000 types of mollusk. The Great Barrier Reef draws visitors to Australia from all over the world, but climate change is threatening the very framework of the remarkable living marine system.

As ocean temperatures rise and waters become more acidic, the Great Barrier Reef is expected to be “subjected to increasingly frequent bleaching events, cases in which corals turn white and may die,” according to a UNESCO report. More immediately, the approval of a Liquefied Natural Gas processing facility within the World Heritage property has drawn serious concern from experts worried about its impact on the marine ecosystem.

Machu Picchu, Peru

2011 marked the 100th anniversary of the rediscovery of Machu Picchu. In the last century, the Inca ruins have become one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions. And as the journey to see the “Lost City” has grown easier with the addition of train service, its remote location high in a cloud forest of the Peruvian Andes hasn’t been able to shield it from the damaging effects of extreme popularity.

Uncontrolled development, erosion, and the ongoing risk of landslides that could wipe out the site keep Machu Picchu’s future at risk. Last year, in light of the rapid growth to meet tourism needs in nearby Aguas Calientes, UNESCO counseled authorities to take “rigorous emergency measures to counter the growing disorganization” and to create a buffer around Machu Picchu to protect it from urban encroachment.

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Article source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2013/05/16/disappearing-wonders-10-world-heritage-sites-in-danger/2163883/

NEW YORK — A lot changes in 100 years, but the key to Hellmann’s success may be that not much has changed for the mayonnaise.

To celebrate Hellman’s centennial birthday, owner Unilever is launching a marketing campaign to drum up attention for the country’s top-selling mayonnaise, whose formula remains almost the same as it was a century ago. Media spending is undisclosed, but it’s the largest ever campaign for the brand.

Unilever, a Dutch consumer goods company with brands ranging from Dove soaps to Magnum ice cream, has dubbed the campaign “Bringing the best together.” It includes TV, print and digital ads, a Facebook page and YouTube videos featuring chef Mario Batali cooking up Hellmann’s recipes, a smartphone app and a September event that will include the world’s largest picnic table.

“It’s part of the culinary heritage of America,” said Brian Orlando, Hellmann’s senior marketing director, on the campaign. “After 100 years we decided it was worth going out and revisiting this brand and what it is today.”

While it may seem as American as Fourth of July picnics, mayonnaise originated in France in the 1700s, when a chef seeking to make a creamy sauce combined oil and egg yolks. People created their own mayonnaise for centuries, whipping up oil, vinegar and eggs. Hellmann’s got its start when a German immigrant, Richard Hellmann, began selling his wife’s version at his deli in New York in 1905. It ld under the Best Foods mayonnaise label west of the Rockies.) The company changed hands several times and is now owned by Unilever, which bought it in 2000.

Today, Americans spend $1.87 billion on mayonnaise each year, with Hellmann’s capturing a 31.1 percent share of that, according to research firm Euromonitor International. That jumps to 45.5 percent if you include the Best Foods brand. Kraft Mayo holds a 23.8 percent share, while Kraft’s Miracle Whip has 15.6 percent of the market.

Hellmann’s major advantage is that it was first, said John Stanton, a professor of food marketing at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Kraft’s Miracle Whip, which, according to FDA regulations, isn’t technically mayonnaise because it doesn’t contain enough vegetable oil, was introduced in the 1930s. Kraft Mayo wasn’t launched until 1988.

Hellman’s has tried to diversify its product over the years, introducing fat- and cholesterol-free versions, adding lime juice in 2002 to appeal to Latin Americans, and adding flavors like Mediterranean Garlic, Spicy Buffalo and Southwestern Ranch. But the most popular version by far is the classic version, which consumers prefer because of its simplicity, Stanton said.

Marketing has helped the brand name’s popularity as well, with the well-known ad slogan “Bring out the Hellman’s and bring out the best” coined in 1987.

For the latest campaign, Hellmann’s enlisted chef Mario Batali to come up with new twists on Hellmann’s recipes. “We went through 10 decades of recipes,” said Batali. He chose 30 recipes for Hellman’s Facebook page and smartphone app, about half classic recipes and half new ones. His favorites are Chipotle deviled eggs and a dressing for grilled corn on the cob.

TV ads, which start on May 20, show Richard Hellmann’s original deli and will run throughout the summer. Hellmann’s is also hosting an event on Labor Day weekend in New York with what the company says will be the world’s longest picnic table.

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Online: https://www.facebook.com/hellmanns

Article source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20130515/us-hellmann-s-100-year-anniversary/?utm_hp_ref=green&ir=green

(Credit: AP)

Late in the day Friday, the Heritage Foundation announced that Jason Richwine, the co-author of their widely criticized immigration report, was no longer employed by the conservative think tank. Shortly after the immigration report was released, the Washington Post’s Dylan Matthews reported that Richwine’s PhD dissertation claimed that “new Hispanic immigrants will have low-IQ children and grandchildren.”

Heritage’s decision to hire Richwine was not a momentary lapse in judgement that was quickly rectified. To the contrary, Richwine was employed by the Heritage foundation for more than three years before reports of his quasi-eugenic views forced him to leave. As it turns out, this is not an isolated incident. Although evidence has not yet emerged suggesting that Richwine’s racist views are common among Heritage employees, here are seven examples of radical, offensive or just downright weird beliefs held by current Heritage staffers:

• Children of undocumented immigrants should be allowed to starve. When news of Richwine’s racist dissertation broke, Heritage initially attempted to rehabilitate its immigration report by claiming that Richwine’s co-author, Heritage Senior Research Fellow Robert Rector, took the lead in designing the study’s methodology and Richwine merely “provided quantitative support to lead author Robert Rector.” Rector, however, is hardly a picture of moderation. Among other things, Rector co-authored a 2012 report arguing that we should “prohibit food stamp payments to illegal immigrant families.” Notably, because all nearly all children born in the United States are automatically U.S. citizens under the Fourteenth Amendment, one impact of Rector’s proposal would be starving American children in order to spite their parents.
• Gay people and sexually active unmarried women should be banned from teaching. In 2010, Heritage President Jim DeMint told a rally at a South Carolina church that “if someone is openly homosexual, they shouldn’t be teaching in the classroom and he holds the same position on an unmarried woman who’s sleeping with her boyfriend — she shouldn’t be in the classroom.”
• The Voting Rights Act is a “racial entitlement.” Defending Justice Scalia’s statement that a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a “perpetuation of racial entitlement,” Heritage Senior Legal Fellow Hans von Spakovsky endorses Scalia’s view and writes that “the only thing certain about talking honestly about the current benefits and burdens of Section 5 (or voting against its renewal) is the very type of venomous attacks and false claims of racism and Jim Crow to which Scalia has been subjected.” Spakovsky’s disregard for the Voting Rights Act is not surprising, as he is one of the nation’s top proponents of voter suppression laws. Indeed, a panel of Virginia judges recently refused to reappoint Spakovsky to an election board in Fairfax, Virginia in the wake of allegations that he used his seat on the board to crusade against voting rights.
• Todd Akin can save America from an “economic abyss.” At a time when former Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) found himself friendless due to his “legitimate rape” comment, DeMint tried to throw Akin a lifeline in his Senate race against Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO). In a joint statement with former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), DeMint said that they “support Todd Akin and hope freedom-loving Americans in Missouri and around the country will join us so we can save our country from fiscal collapse.” As a bonus, Heritage published a column by Akin in 2011 where the former congressman claimed that “the constitutionality of much entitlement spending is debatable.”
• Poor people aren’t really poor if they own refrigerators. In 2011, Rector and Heritage Policy Analyst Rachel Sheffield published a report arguing that “Congress should reorient the massive welfare state to promote self-sufficient prosperity rather than expanded dependence” in part because most impoverished households own appliances and do not send their kids to bed hungry. Among the report’s claims are that nearly all poor people have “kitchens equipped with an oven, stove, and refrigerator,” that “[n]early three-fourths have a car or truck” and that “70 percent have a VCR.” Of course, as Matt Yglesias points out, many of the common household amenities Rector and Sheffield dismiss as luxuries are actually signs of thrift — “[b]uying food at the grocery store and saving it thanks to the miracles of modern refrigeration is sound household budgeting.” Similarly, poor people in parts of the country without adequate public transportation would find it very difficult to hold a job if they did not have a car or truck. As Melissa Boteach and Donna Cooper explain, a particularly well-equipped poor household could sell all of their household appliances and electronics and still only wind up with two and a half months rent.
• Accused terrorists shouldn’t have legal representation and their lawyers should be punished. According to at least one former Bush Administration official, the “vast majority” of the 742 original Guantanamo Bay detainees were innocent of terrorism, which only emphasizes the importance of providing these detainees with due process and adequate legal representation. Yet, in a 2007 radio interview, then-Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Charles “Cully” Stimson made a thinly veiled attempt to punish lawyers who represent Gitmo detainees by encouraging their law firms’ corporate clients to drop them. Stimson listed the names of over a dozen firms with attorneys representing detainees, and then said “I think, quite honestly, when corporate C.E.O.’s see that those firms are representing the very terrorists who hit their bottom line back in 2001, those C.E.O.’s are going to make those law firms choose between representing terrorists or representing reputable firms.” Within a month, Stimson resigned from the Bush Administration (he also apologized for his comments and claimed they did not reflect his “core beliefs”). Yet, while Stimson’s comments were too disgraceful for him to remain in Bush’s Defense Department, they were not too disgraceful for the Heritage Foundation. Stimson is now a Senior Legal Fellow at Heritage.
• A J.J. Abrams TV show should guide America’s defense policy. The plot of J.J. Abrams’ show “Revolution” focuses around a new weapon technology that disables electronic devices and returns the world to the pre-industrial era. Most TV viewers understand that this show is science fiction. Heritage thinks it is a warning about the future. According to Heritage, the future world depicted in this show, “is not as unlikely as it might appear.” Heritage national security Research Fellow Baker Spring warns that America’s enemies could detonate “a nuclear weapon at a high altitude over the earth” triggering an “electromagnetic pulse” (EMP) that would disable American technology. Another Heritage paper calls for a “National EMP Awareness Day.” In reality, of course, the idea of an EMP attack belongs in science fiction. Among other things, if someone who wished us harm possessed both a nuclear warhead and the technology required to detonate such a weapon in US airspace, there are plenty of other much more destructive things they could do — such as setting off the nuke in the middle of Manhattan.

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Article source: http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/05/13/1998331/seven-outlandish-things-the-heritage-foundations-remaining-employees-believe/

Photo: World Heritage Sites (UNESCO)

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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes locations with special cultural or physical significance as World Heritage Sites. 

Currently, there are 962 sites listed worldwide and 130 can be found in Latin America.

Mexico is home to 31 World Heritage Sites.

Ranging from desert to cities, UNESCO works with the sites to preserve their historic integrity and cultural importance.

Rapa Nui, Chile
Also known as Easter Island, the island is famous for its 887 surviving monumental statues, called moai, created by the early Rapa Nui people.

Machu Picchu, Peru
Referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 15th century.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Made famous by Charles Darwin who studied a number of species, the group of islands consist of 18 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets.

Tulum, Mexico
Tulum was one of the last cities inhabited and built by the Mayans, the historic portion of the city was walled on 3 sides.

Iguazu National Park, Brazil and Argentina
The park is known for it’s waterfall and is home to 2,000 species of vascular plants and is home to the typical wildlife of the region like monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and caymans.

Article source: http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/latino-daily-news/details/top-5-most-beautiful-world-heritage-sites-in-latin-america/24364/

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a month that has special significance for me, since I’m a child of Chinese immigrants who were able to live the American Dream.

I am grateful for my heritage. And I am thankful for heroes like Wong Kim Ark. Wong, a native-born American of Chinese descent, traveled abroad and was denied re-entry to the United States because of the Chinese Exclusion Act. He challenged this all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and won, back in 1898. Because of his fortitude, the Supreme Court ruled that the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment signifies that everyone born in the United States is a citizen.

Back in 1978, Congress passed a resolution to commemorate Asian American Heritage Week during the first 10 days of May. This period was chosen to correspondent to two important dates in our history: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

In May 1990, President George H.W. Bush designated a month-long commemoration in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage.

During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we remember the challenges and heartache that members of our communities faced and overcame to become part of the fabric of America.

I reflect on the dark days of internment when thousands of people of Japanese ancestry were imprisoned in “war relocation camps” during World War II. And I will never forget the decades of interrogations and long detentions of immigrants at the Angel Island Immigration Station before they were admitted to America.

Yet, we have persevered. And we have made enormous contributions to society, which can be seen in all walks of life. From the athletic field to the halls of Congress, we have made indelible marks on the American story. We have thrived in the business world and played a vital role in the nation’s technological advancement.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a great time to learn about the challenges and celebrate the achievements that define our great collective history.

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ABOUT THE WRITER

Kathy Ko Chin is president and CEO of the Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum, a national social justice organization that works to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and other underserved populations. She wrote this for Progressive Media Project, a source of liberal commentary on domestic and international issues; it is affiliated with The Progressive magazine. Readers may write to the author at: Progressive Media Project, 409 East Main Street, Madison, Wis. 53703; email: pmproj@progressive.org; Web site: www.progressive.org. For information on PMP’s funding, please visit http://www.progressive.org/pmpabout.html#anchorsupport.

This article was prepared for The Progressive Media Project and is available to MCT subscribers. McClatchy-Tribune did not subsidize the writing of this column; the opinions are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of McClatchy-Tribune or its editors.

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� 2013, Kathy Ko Chin

Article source: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/05/08/2632140/asian-american-and-pacific-islander.html