Earth Survey: Aug 27, 2006

Welcome!

Ever since I was a child, I have been very interested in nature and the environment. I have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology, and have worked as a zookeeper, wildlife biologist, and ecologist. I am conducting a brief survey of world leaders, government officials, religious leaders, corporate CEOs, environmental groups, wildlife experts, and others regarding nature and the environment. I am also very interested in religious views, customs, and beliefs from around the world, and the interactions between religion, culture, society, and the environment. This is something I am doing out of personal interest, and is not connected to any group or organization. I have been working on this project since the summer of 2006, and hope to eventually turn it into a book and/or documentary. I am hoping to make this into a global project, with responses from all segments of society. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments. If you have not already done so, I hope that you will consider taking part in my project, and please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested! Thanks for stopping by!

TAKE THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE http://tinyurl.com/nx4ng7

August 27, 2006

Dr. Hem Sagar Baral

CEO at Bird Conservation Nepal

Today's Date: 27 August 2006

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

The massive work done by the ants family to continue their traditions and progeny, the struggle of a Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor to find a prey and suitable habitat in deteriorating urban settings of Kathmandu Valley are some of the biggest impact I have had from nature.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

I used to venture along a forested stream leading to dense forests close to my home town in the farwest Nepal. Sadly much of this is already gone.

Now? Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve has to be my favourite place in the lowland Nepal, and mountains of east Nepal are favourites in the highland areas.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

My favorite animal is Ibisbill. Its unique shape, subtle colour, habitat of breeding in glaciated Himalayan valleys, sole representation in its family and of course its beauty are some of the points that make this animal my favourite.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Population growth and associated poverty is and will remain to be the greatest environmental challenge.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Let's be selfish, conserve it for us and our children!