World View

Armenia, a small country in the Caucasus region, re-established its independence in 1991, after the Soviet Union broke apart. Poverty in Armenia is widespread with 54% of the population having consumption levels below the poverty line (Poverty and Social Impact Analysis, 2003).

The overall goal of the “Tapping resources” project, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is to reduce poverty and to improve environmental and living conditions. This is being done through the implementation of applied, sustainable water, sanitation and agricultural projects and through capacity building and strengthening democracy. The project in Armenia is carried out in three villages by the Armenian Women for Health and a Healthy Environment, AWHHE and Women in Europe for a Common Future, WECF.

Poverty is the major problem for the majority of the rural Armenian population. The main causes are high unemployment rate, low pensions and salaries, unfavourable conditions for agriculture, costs of health services and high expenditure on heating. Many people do not have enough money for essentials such as food, heating, items of personal hygiene, clothing and/or medicines. E.g. many inhabitants of the project village Hayanist cannot afford to visit a doctor or buy medicines when necessary. There are many people with health problems who do not receive any treatment at all.

The majority of the inhabitants of Hayanist and Fantan do not have access to safe drinking water. The quality of the water of the wells is not controlled, the wells are not protected, and the water is not treated. In the villages the quality of sanitation is poor. Most households and schools have latrines with shallow pits. The pits are not sealed and therefore these latrines provide a source for ground water pollution.

In particular sanitation in schools is in extremely bad condition: the outdoor latrines are located far away from the schools, they smell badly and are unhygienic. Due to the very cold Armenian winters and the hot summers this lack of safe sanitation is hazardous for both teacher’s and children’s health. During winter toilet users suffer from the cold, during summer the heat attracts many flies and produces a bad smell.

To improve the quality of sanitation in the schools, hand-wash facilities and dry urine diverting toilets were constructed in conjunction with the schools, for both schools and households. The dry urine diverting toilets serve as examples how to improve the sanitary and hygienic condition in particular for the children on a sustainable manner; how to protect soil and groundwater against infiltration of human excreta. Now the pupils and school staff use comfortable, warm, clean and odour-free toilets. Local farmers reuse the sanitized toilet-products in the agriculture.
The toilets do not waste water for flushing. For a country, like Armenia, which suffers from droughts, this is a very important aspect. The results of the demonstration project could be an inspiration for decision makers in Armenia for future planning on wastewater and sanitation systems.
Tapping resources
As a part of the 4 year TMF project “Tapping resources” granted by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Yerevan-based NGO “Armenian Women for Health and a Healthy Environment” (AWHHE) in cooperation with WECF will conduct activities aimed at poverty reduction through improved water and sanitation, waste management, organic farming and increased community participation in communal development. The joint project aims at working towards realization of – among others – the Millennium Development Goals 7 (environmental sustainability, esp. water) and 5 (improvement of maternal health) on a concrete local level.

Activities will be conducted in three villages in the vicinity of the capital Yerevan: Hayanist, Dzorakhbiur in Ararat province (marz) and Fontan in Kotayk province (marz). In February and March 2004, a socio-economical and gender survey has been conducted in these villages in order to clarify the current situation and to assess the villagers’ most urgent needs and interests.

Armenia has managed to recover partially from the severe economic crisis caused by the break-up of the Soviet Union and war with Azerbaijan over Karabakh (1991-1994), but the positive effects of an ambitious IMF-sponsored economic liberalization program that resulted in positive growth rates in 1995-2003 are mostly felt in the countries capital Yerevan, while rural areas still suffer severely from the post-soviet crisis.

The fruit growers of Dzorakhbiur, for example, lost their orchards during the crisis. War is over, but there are still no trees, because people are too poor to plant new trees and pay the energy for pumps needed for irrigation. The TMF-project partners will address the problem and find sustainable solutions together with the farmers and with the support of international experts.

Although Armenia is rich in water and the villages have their own springs or wells, drinking water is not always available for the population and in certain cases is of insufficient quality to be used for drinking. Again, poverty plays a role when the villagers of Fontan cannot afford to even pay the energy necessary to make the pump work that pumps drinking water from the spring to their village.
In Dzorakhbjur the spring water is contaminated from improper waste disposal, human fecal bacteria from pit latrines and insufficient caption of the spring itself. Eco-san toilets will make an important contribution to solve this problem.
The project aims at creating a replicable model for finding and implementing multi-stakeholder informed solutions to acute problems. The constant involvement of the villagers themselves is thus an important asset of the project.

AWHHE will implement pilot demonstration projects in the three villages to address urgent problems and needs. A focus will be on involving women in project implementation and local decision-making. The demonstration projects will help to identify legislative, institutional and cultural barriers, as well as catalysts and appropriate technologies. The lessons will be used to replicate and upscale the results and prepare recommendations for national and international policy making, in particular in reaching the Millennium Development Goals. The international policy work will be carried out within the framework of the WSSD partnership Women for Water, Water for Women, of which WECF is one of the funding members.

Argentina is the second largest country in South America (after Brazil) and has all the diversity that it suggests. There is almost no earthly climate or terrain that isn't contained in its borders. Traveling with your kids in Argentina, you can lounge on warm ocean beaches, ride a train to the end of the world, ski or hike in the Andes, visit one of the wonders of the world, Iguazu Falls, or watch enormous ice blocks drop into the Arctic Ocean at the tip of Patagonia.

The Grand Villa Argentina Hotel

The Grand Villa Argentina hotel combines elegant exclusivity with exquisite attention to detail. This luxurious hotel is ideally situated near the old town part of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Grand Villa Argentina is just 10 minutes walking distance from Dubrovnik's historical centre.

Our luxury Dubrovnik hotel comprises of the main hotel building and four exclusive villas. The décor of our Dubrovnik hotel features rich fabrics and stylish furniture. Grand Villa Argentina's historic architecture and sophisticated décor make it the perfect hotel in Dubrovnik.

Grand Villa Argentina's 162 rooms and 7 suites feature uniquely decorated bedrooms that combine tradition with modern comfort and amenities.

The island had warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbors, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. It would make a perfect place to hide a fleet.

The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for outsiders to navigate is where today's trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs, once the bane of marauding enemy ships, now attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. And the fascinating little island of Barbuda -- once a scavenger's paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs -- is now home to one of the region's most significant bird sanctuaries.


ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB MARINA

Situated in Falmouth Harbour, the Antigua Yacht Club Marina is a full service marina ideally located for all the services in the English & Falmouth Harbours. The historic Nelson's Dockyard is just a few minutes walk away as well as the beautiful "Pigeon" beach.

Boats drawing up to 25 feet are able to be accommodated stern to/alongside and all berths have water and electricity (110, 220, 380 Volts up to 400 amps). The AYC Marina features an exclusive on the water complex which includes a gourmet Restaurant, a Travel agent, chandlery, 2 cafes, supermarket and liquor store, 3 boutiques, a book shop and much more. The AYC Marina offers duty free fuel facilities and a new system of delivering fuel that allows you to pump directly to your slip at up to 250 litres per minute.

Antarctica, fifth largest of Earth’s seven continents. Antarctica surrounds the South Pole and is a place of extremes. It is the southernmost, coldest, iciest, driest, windiest, most remote, and most recently discovered continent. Nearly the entire landmass lies within the Antarctic Circle. Air temperatures of the high inland regions fall below -80°C (-110°F) in winter and rise only to -30°C (-20°F) in summer. Massive ice sheets built up from snow over millions of years cover almost all of the continent and float in huge ice shelves on coastal waters. In winter frozen sea water (sea ice) more than doubles the size of the Antarctic ice cap. Antarctica's vast areas of ice on land and on sea play a major role in Earth’s climate and could be strongly affected by global warming. The melting of Antarctic ice could dramatically raise global sea level.

Antarctica means “opposite to the Arctic,” Earth’s northernmost region. Antarctica is completely encircled by the Southern Ocean. The entire area south of the Antarctic Convergence zone where cold Antarctic waters sink below warmer waters on the northern boundary of the Southern Ocean is referred to as the Antarctic region.

The small human presence on Antarctica is made up of visiting scientists, support staff, and tourists. The last continent to be discovered, Antarctica remained hidden behind barriers of fog, storm, and sea ice until it was first sighted in the early 19th century (see Polar Exploration). Because of the extreme cold and the lack of native peoples, forests, land animals, and obvious natural resources, the continent remained largely neglected for decades after discovery. Scientific expeditions and seal hunters had explored only fragments of its coasts by the end of the 19th century, while the interior remained unknown. Explorers first reached the South Pole in 1911, and the first permanent settlements—scientific stations—were established in the early 1940s. From that time the pace of exploration and scientific research has accelerated rapidly. In the mid- to late 20th century, the region’s majestic scenery and wildlife began to attract increasing numbers of tourists.

Seven nations—Argentina, Australia, the United Kingdom, Chile, France, New Zealand, and Norway—claim territory in Antarctica. Other nations, including the United States and Russia, do not acknowledge these claims and make no claims of their own, but reserve rights to claim territory in the future. Since 1961 the continent has been administered under the Antarctic Treaty, an international agreement to preserve the continent for peaceful scientific study.


KING GEORGE ISLAND
Hostería "Estrella Polar" hotel Polestar. - It is located in King George III Island near the Airport and sleeps about 85 to 90 people very basic but clean and warm dormitory style rooms. It is used by personnel of the Chilean Air Force who run the place, but can be used by national or foreign visits and scientists.

View of a penguin This is the guest House you stay at if you fly down with DAP airlines and over night -- cost $2,700 for the package (room only not sold separately) see transportation this section for more details on how to get here. In addition to the Hostería "Estrella Polar" you get to have in the Small Chilean town of Las Estrellas Villa (Village the Stars) schools, banks, post office, runway, gift shop, telephones, Radio 90.5 on the FN dial, television, telephone and even an Internet to VT on. In fact it has 147 people in summer, 83 in winter .

The Town has 35 buildings in all 14 houses for school, hospital, pharmacy, dental, post office, bank, church, gym, market, library, hotel "estrella polar" (where you stay with researchers).

It also has 1 doctor, 2 paramedics, 2 beds, X-ray facilities, anesthetist equipment, lab.

Anguilla is a very small island frequented by sophisticated vacationers. Only 12,120 people live on Anguilla. Anguilla is three mile wide and twelve miles long. Anguilla is very popular with sophisticated vacationers from around the globe. There are 33 extraordinary beaches with snow white soft sand and gentle aquamarine seas--so clear you can see the ocean floor from 100 feet above.

Anguilla has world class hotel resorts, some of the very best restaurants with outstanding cuisine and entertainment for decerning vacationers. Anguilla is exciting, intriguing and different.

There are many choices of attractions, scuba diving and snorkeling, horseback riding, dancing, sailing, yachting, laying on the beaches, fishing, historic museums and upscale art galleries.

Anguilla's breezy trade winds make sailing a favorite. Charter, or try your hand at a sunfish, kayak or Windsurfing. Sail and powerboats can whisk you to an offshore cay, a secluded cove, or to a favorite snorkeling spot. Waterskiing, Parasailing and Paddleboating are also available.

Underwater enthusiasts from novice to expert are impressed with Anguilla's pristine reefs, wreck dives, and marine life. Many of Anguilla's Dive Operators offer gear, guides and PADI certified courses and snorkeling equipment is available at many Anguilla hotels and at dive operator shops.

Fish enthusiasts can enjoy angling from the beach of Anguilla or offshore. Angle for Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, Swordfish, Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna.

Off the beach Anguilla has some of the Caribbean's finest tennis courts for day and night play, Horsebackriding along the coastline hikes to caves or to the world's most unexpected rainforest, art gallery and museum hopping, and birdwatching just to name a few. Take an island tour from one of our knowledgeable taxi drivers or rent a car or bike and explore Anguilla on your own.

Nearly every Anguilla vacation activity can be arranged for you through your hotel concierge. Amenities and tours not directly available at your place of stay are almost always available to you.

CARIMAR BEACH CLUB

Carimar Beach Club, at the water's edge on spectacular Mead's Bay, welcomes you to the ultimate Caribbean hideaway. Here you can lift your spirits amidst the luxury of spacious villas, pearl-white beaches, and a crystal-clear ocean of relaxation and romance. The island of Anguilla, setting for the Carimar Beach Club, becomes your Caribbean gateway to water sports, tennis, fine dining and the timeless traditions of an unspoiled world ... uncommon and unbelievable.
Just outside your door, Carimar invites you to swim, snorkel or dive ... or fish, windsurf, sail or scuba nearby. You can have a romantic beach-side dinner at home, which you can prepare with your fresh purchases from one of several food markets on the island. You can take advantage of the many different culinary experiences offered throughout Anguilla. From Continental to West Indian, the emphasis is on fresh, local seafood. St. Martin, which is only a 15-minute ferry ride away, provides exclusive shopping, sightseeing, nightlife and casinos. For day trips and new discoveries, the islands of Saba and St. Barth's are easily reached through inter-island flights.

Angola is an eye-opener – in more ways than one. Scarred painfully by years of debilitating warfare and untouched by foreign visitors since the early 1970s, the country remains remote and undiscovered, with few observers privy to the geographic highlights and vast cultural riches that lie hidden behind an ostensibly violent veneer. But, with the recent cessation of a 40-year civil conflict ushering in a prolonged period of peace and stability, opportunities for exploration are quietly opening up. For outsiders the attractions are manifold. Despite widespread poverty, inbred corruption and an infrastructure devastated by decades of indiscriminate fighting, Angola holds a lure that few other countries can match. Here in the heady heat of equatorial Africa you’ll encounter some of the continent’s most gracious people and discover many of its most closely guarded secrets.

Chill out on expansive beaches, sample the solitude in virgin wildlife parks or sift through the ruins of Portuguese colonialism. From Luanda to Lubango the nuances are startling.

LE PRESIDENTE MERIDIEN

Le presidente meridien is a modern 26 storey building located in the city centre overlooking the bay. It is a spacious luxury hotel with african flair. This hotel boasts glorious beaches, sailing, watersports and other sporting activities. All museums are easily accessible and the banks and ministries are located just minutes from the hotel. Le meridien presidente can host any kind of event of incentive their fully equipped conference rooms. Le meridien presidient has an unusually elegant european style with a french accent that incorporates the individual chararcter and flair of the local culture.

This place is the sixth smallest nation of Europe, after Malta, Liechtenstein, San Marino and the Vatican City. This is known as Principality of Andorra, also called the Principality of the Valleys of Andorra, small landlock country in Western Europe, and bordered by Spain and France. The official and historic language is Catalan. Because of immigration, historical links and close geographic proximity other language such as Spanish and French are commonly spoken. Currently, this place is one of the prosperous country because of tourism and its status as a tax haven.

Tourism in this country is one of the main core of the Andorra economy, accounts roughly 80% of GDP. Estimated 9 million tourists visits annually, attracted by Andorra’s duty free status and by its summer and winter resorts. Whole year tourist activity is also seen in this place. The Bars, Hotel Centro Andorra, resorts, Parks, museums, historical landmarks are in the place with its highest form.

The adjoining France and Spain economy makes Andorra more advantage because of the opened up and the broader provisions of goods and lower tariff.


HOTEL ANDORRA

The apt-hotel Andorra has 100 cosy one single rooms, where you can feel like your at home. All rooms are equipped with a kitchen , complete bathroom, living room, telephone, music channel, TV, safe for rent and a balcony with different views. We have 3 rooms adapted for the disabled, equipped like the other rooms.