19 Jun 2014
Listen /
A killer quake struck Bohol, Philippines. Credit: Jason Gutierrez/IRIN
An earthquake which devastated the province of Bohol in the Philippines in 2013 has turned out to be a development opportunity. That’s according to the chief of the UN’s World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). In the wake of the disaster, the organization helped Bohol to deliver a recovery plan for the region’s tourism sector which would contribute to sustainable development. UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai spoke about the situation in the aftermath of the earthquake after his visit to Bohol.
Pacific island farmers adopt affordable organic certification method
Fiji (UNifeed – video capture)
An affordable method of organic certification has been tailored to suit the needs of Pacific island farmers to help them meet their buyers’ growing demands. The remote Cicia Island in Fiji has managed to break into the very lucrative organic niche market by embracing its traditional farming methods and techniques. A ban on chemicals and fertilizers was imposed in 2006 and the island was declared “fully organic” last year.
UN breaks silence on open defecation
Almost eight out of 10 people without access to both clean water and safe toilets live in rural areas; most are in Southern Asia. Photo: UNICEF Cambodia
A toilet is taken for granted in many developed countries, yet around the world over one billion people still defecate outside, sometimes in full view of other people. A new campaign was launched at the United Nations recently to break the silence on the problem of open defecation. One of the eight Millennium Development Goals set by world leaders in the year 2000 to be achieved by 2015 is to eradicate extreme poverty. Not having property sanitation, including toilets or latrines is considered one of the clearest manifestations of poverty.
Presenter: Jocelyne Sambira
Production Assistant: Beng Poblete-Enriquez
Duration: 10’00”