hello

Greetings to each and everyone of you.


This section for English-speaking viewers –
and all those enjoying the culture –

has developed over the months and is now offering materials of all kinds:

texts, images, poems, videos, etc.

It will continue to provide you with rich contents week after week.

 

International Day of the Tropics – 29 June

29 juin 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: biodiversity, Climate change, Equator, forests, marine ecosystems, planet, seasons, slums, température

Each year on June 29th, the International Day of the Tropics raises awareness about various challenges that tropical nations face. It’s also a day to celebrate the extraordinary diversity of the Tropics.

#InternationalDayOfTheTropics

The regions of the Earth that lie in the middle of the planet are called the Tropics. The Tropics account for 36 percent of the Earth’s landmass. It includes the Equator and parts of North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This region is warm all year round. The temperature in the Tropics ranges from 77 to 82 degrees F. The Tropics get a lot of sun and only have two seasons: the wet season and dry season.

Some parts of the Tropics, like the Amazon Basin, get nearly 9 feet of rain per year. Other areas, such as the Sahara Desert, get only 2 to 10 centimeters of rain a year. This difference in precipitation affects which plants and animals live in the different parts of the Tropics. The Tropics are important because of the number of economic exports come from these regions. Also, about 40 percent of the world’s population lives within the tropical zone.

Biodiversity

While biodiversity is greater in the Tropics, the loss of biodiversity is also greater here than in the rest of the world. This loss of biodiversity is partly attributed to human activity, such as:

  • Destruction of forests and marine ecosystems
  • Overexploitation of industrial fishing fleets and commercial hunters
  • Spread of diseases and invasive species
  • Growing impacts of climate change

Because of these issues, many species of plants and animals in the Tropics face the loss of their habitats. They are also vulnerable to becoming endangered.
Humans living in the Tropics face many challenges as well. More people experience undernourishment in the Tropics than anywhere in the world. This is consistent with the higher levels of poverty in these regions.

Also, more people live in slums in the Tropics than in the rest of the world.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/international-day-of-the-tropics-june-29/

International PKU Day – 28 June

28 juin 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: brain damage, diagnosis, foods, liver enzyme, proteins, special diet

What is Phenylketonuria (PKU)?

PKU is an inherited disorder, caused by a faulty gene. People with PKU are born with a deficiency of a liver enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). PAH is needed to process an amino acid called phenylalanine (Phe), found in foods containing protein. (Protein is made up of around 20 separate building blocks called amino acids). High protein foods include dairy products, red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, beans and lentils.

Usually, when we eat protein, it is broken down into different amino acids and used for growth, functioning and repair of the body. Because people with PKU can’t break down phenylalanine in the usual way, it builds up in the blood and damages the brain. People with PKU need phenylalanine, but only a small amount.

People with PKU cannot break down foods containing protein in the usual way. When PKU is detected early and treated with a special diet, children are able to reach their full potential.

Finding out your child has PKU always happens suddenly and unexpectedly. The news of the diagnosis is a shock. Most parents have never heard of PKU, so receiving the diagnosis can be frightening and confusing.

All babies born in most countries in Europe are tested for PKU soon after birth, usually the second or third day. A blood sample is taken from a needle prick on the heel, and the phenylalanine level is measured. If it is high, more tests are done to confirm that the baby has PKU. As soon as the diagnosis is made, the baby is given a special formula (also called a supplement) to lower the phenylalanine to a safe level.

Maintaining the diet in childhood is essential to prevent damage to the growing brain. It is recommended that the diet is continued for life.

 

 Source: Text & Image: https://www.pkuday.org/about/

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Day – June 27

27 juin 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: employment opportunities, health, income generation, Sustainable Development Goals, trade, UN, well-being
Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day | June 27
Every year on June 27th, Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day raises awareness for the important role different sized enterprises play in meeting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

#MicroSmallMediumSizedEnterprisesDay

There are two classes of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises. These classes include manufacturing enterprises and service enterprises. Businesses are further broken down according to how much money they invest in their manufacturing plant, machinery, and equipment. According to recent estimates, more than 95% of global enterprises are micro-, small and medium-sized. These companies account for 60% of private-sector employment. Additionally, these enterprises make up 50% of GDP.

In 2015, the UN General Assembly developed 17 global goals that they called Sustainable Development Goals. The purpose of the goals is to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The UN also hopes to achieve these goals by 2030.

Some of these sustainable goals include:

  • No poverty
  • Good health and well-being
  • Quality education
  • Gender equality
  • Clean water and sanitation
  • Decent work and economic growth
  • Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Sustainable cities and communities
  • Responsible consumption and production

The UN believes micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises help to sustain growth for long-term development in developing countries. As this growth becomes stronger, enterprises of all sizes will begin to play a key role in industrial development. Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises will do this by increasing local demand for services. These types of enterprises will also be responsible for significant employment opportunities and income generation.

MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES DAY HISTORY

On April 6, 2017, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to designate June 27th as Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day. The resolution was co-sponsored by 54 member states, representing over 5 billion people. The UN has appointed the International Trade Centre as the leading agency for this observance.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/june-international-days/

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – 26 June

26 juin 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, health, major problem, misinformation, research, science, society, solidarity

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year, to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse.
And each year, individuals like yourself, entire communities, and various organizations all over the world join in on this global observance, to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent for society.
Together, we can tackle the world drug problem!

Every year, UNODC issues the World Drug Report, full of key statistics and factual data obtained through official sources, a science-based approach and research.

UNODC continues to provide facts and practical solutions to address the current world drug problem, and remains committed to attaining a vision of health for all based on science.

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented public awareness on health, protective measures for staying healthy, and most importantly, and on  protecting each other. A growing sense of global community and solidarity continues to emerge, as does the need to ensure health care for all.
World Drug Day is a day to share research findings, evidence-based data and life-saving facts, and to continue tapping into a shared spirit of solidarity.
UNODC invites everyone to do their part, by taking a firm stance against misinformation and unreliable sources; while committing to sharing only the real science-backed data on drugs and save lives.

Video: https://youtu.be/_nG4ntKpuCE

Source: Text, Image & Video: UNODOC

World Vitiligo Day – 25 June

25 juin 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: bullying, community, disability, forgotten disease, non-profit organizations, psychological trauma, social neglect

 June 25th is a day of celebration of our lives and our community. The first World Vitiligo Day was held in 2011 and has since become an annual, global event. The campaign was born from the determination of non-profit organizations VR Foundation (USA) and VITSAF (Nigeria), and their supporters across the world, to bring this “forgotten” disease into the public eye, and to shine a light on challenges faced by those suffering from vitiligo.

Over the years, its purpose has broadened from raising awareness of vitiligo to include recognition of the bullying, social neglect, psychological trauma and disability of millions of people affected by vitiligo.

We want June 25th to be recognized by the United Nations as World Vitiligo Day. You can help us by signing our petition to the UN Secretary-General – read it below and make sure you go to www.25June.org and add your name to the 500,000+ who have already signed.

A BRIEF HISTORY

The first World Vitiligo Day was held in 2011 and has since become an annual, global event. The campaign was born from the determination of non-profit organizations VR Foundation (USA) and VITSAF (Nigeria), and their supporters across the world, to bring this skin disease into the public eye, and to shine a light on challenges faced by those suffering from vitiligo.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://vrfoundation.org/   

12th Sunday of Year A – 2023

23 juin 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: assistance, enemy, help, Jeremiah 20:10-13, obstacles, problems, threat

“Life is not easy” – nobody would rashly deny this statement.
Everyone has in mind many occasions when this has proved true.
Difficulties of all kinds come our way and make life something of a struggle.

How do people cope with situations where they are faced with problems?
What do they do to overcome the obstacles that they are confronted with? 

Some try to fight those who oppose them.
Others flee hoping to escape the threat and the enemy.
Some others look for help from people around them.
But such help is not always available, people are often unable to help, or refuse to do so.

Today’s 1st reading presents us with the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:10-13).
The message he spoke was not welcome and many of his people are against him.
He is aware that he is in serious danger, and he needs help.

He looks for assistance – real assistance where he is sure to find real support.
He addresses himself directly to God saying:

“To you I have committed my cause.”
 
I wonder how many of us dare to do the same:

  • Confiding to God whatever is a threat to us…
  • Relying on him being absolutely sure that he will not abandon us…
  • Depending on him with complete trust that he will not leave us without help…

Some may say that this is not easy either…
Perhaps… but the result can be amazingly rewarding!…

It may have already proved to be so for some of you…

 

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/12e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2023/

 

Source: Image: Bible Hub

 

International Widows’ Day – 23 June

23 juin 2023
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: basic rights, dignity, discrimination, grief, health, poverty, trauma, violence

Invisible Women, Invisible Problems

For many women around the world, the devastating loss of a partner is magnified by a long-term fight for their basic rights and dignity. Despite the fact that there are more than 258 million widows around the world, widows have historically been left unseen, unsupported, and unmeasured in our societies.

Today, as armed conflicts, displacement and migration, and the COVID-19 pandemic leave tens of thousands of women newly widowed and many others whose partners are missing or disappeared, the unique experiences and needs of widows must be brought to the forefront, with their voices leading the way.

Experience from the past, shows that widows are often denied inheritance rights, have their property grabbed after the death of a partner, and can face extreme stigma and discrimination, as perceived ‘carriers’ of disease. Worldwide, women are much less likely to have access to old age pensions than men, so the death of a spouse can lead to destitution for older women. In the context of lockdowns and economic closures, widows may not have access to bank accounts and pensions to pay for healthcare if they too become ill or to support themselves and their children. With lone-mother families and single older women already particularly vulnerable to poverty, this is an area that needs urgent attention.

On International Widows’ Day, 23 June, take a look at some of the issues affecting widows around the world and what must be done to safeguard and advance their rights.

Nicaraguan women

Problems for widows in developing countries

close-up of an older lady with gray hair

What you should know about widowhood

As widows move through their own experiences of grief, loss, or trauma after the death of a spouse, they may also face economic insecurity, discrimination, stigmatization, and harmful traditional practices on the basis of their marital status.

 

Source: Texte & Images: https://www.un.org/en/observances/widows-day

 

World Rainforest Day – 22 June

22 juin 2023
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: canopy, carbon dioxide, Climate change, diversity, flora and fauna, fresh water, oxygen, protect and preserve

World Rainforest Day is observed on June 22 every year across the world. This day is set aside to raise awareness about rainforests and also about all the biotic species that live in them. World Rainforest Day aims to encourage people to learn more about rainforests and join efforts to protect and preserve these forests for generations to come. Rainforests have been disappearing and taking the rich diversity of flora and fauna with them because of increasing deforestation and climate change. World Rainforest Day was instituted to halt this disappearance by reminding people of the importance of rainforests.

HISTORY OF WORLD RAINFOREST DAY

World Rainforest Day is observed throughout the world and aims to educate people about the importance of rainforests — why they are important and the diversity of life that lives in them. By educating people, World Rainforest Day aims to encourage more people to join the effort to protect and preserve rainforests for future generations.

Rainforests are lush forests that have a continuous tree canopy. The entire forest is heavily dependent on moisture. Rainforests do not have any forest fires. Flora, fungi, epiphytes, lianas, and trees forming a closed canopy, are found in rainforests. Many popular houseplants like the Pothos and Monstera, are native to rainforests. A majority of living organisms — birds, animals, plants, and trees — are native to rainforests. A large number of species of mammals, reptiles, birds, invertebrates, and amphibians are found in rainforests.

Rainforests are necessary as they are an important source of freshwater for humans. Additionally, they absorb carbon dioxide and protect the earth from the effects of climate change. They are an important natural resource directly and indirectly. Apart from freshwater and the production of oxygen, several ingredients used in everyday life and manufacturing are derived from rainforests. Timber, meat, animal products, plant derivatives, and tourism are among the other benefits offered by rainforests.

 

Source: Text & Image: https://nationaltoday.com/world-rainforest-day/

National Indigenous Peoples Day – 21 June

21 juin 2023
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: aboriginal, culture, héritage, summer solstice, truth and reconciliation

About National Indigenous Peoples Day

For generations, many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21 or around that time of year because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

National Aboriginal Day, now National Indigenous Peoples Day, was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day. This was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups:

  • in 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood, now the Assembly of First Nations, called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day
  • in 1995, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples
  • also in 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day

On June 21, 2017, the Prime Minister issued a statement announcing the intention to rename this day National Indigenous Peoples Day.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is part of the Celebrate Canada program, which also includes Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24, Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27 and Canada Day on July 1.

The Government of Canada provides funding opportunities for community celebratory events, as well as for commemorations on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

 

Source: Text: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/   Image: The Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program

Journée mondiale de l’hydrographie – 21 juin

21 juin 2023
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: énergies renouvelables, infrastructures maritimes, océans, protection environnement marin, science, zones côtières

Journée mondiale de l'hydrographie

La Journée mondiale de l’hydrographie, célébrée le 21 juin, a été adoptée par l’Organisation hydrographique internationale comme une célébration annuelle destinée à faire connaître le travail des hydrographes et l’importance de l’hydrographie.

Utilisation durable des océans

Le but de la journée est de mettre en évidence comment l’hydrographie, en tant que science appliquée, soutient l’utilisation durable des océans.

Cela englobe la manière dont les levés et les données actualisées peuvent être utilisés pour aider les initiatives de protection de l’environnement marin, la gestion des zones côtières, les aires marines protégées, les infrastructures de données spatiales maritimes, les énergies renouvelables et toutes les autres composantes de l’économie bleue.

La journée mondiale de l’hydrographie permet de faire connaître les travaux et les services assurés par les Services hydrographiques, les partenaires de l’industrie, les intervenants à titre d’experts et la communauté scientifique.

Un site à visiter : iho.int    Source: Texte & Image: Journée mondiale