2. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES) has played a crucial role in improving international efforts for tiger
conservation. CITES is an international governance network employing tools and
measures which adapt and become more efficient with time. One measure
specifically aimed at protecting the tiger is visible in the network’s efforts to ban the
trade of tigers or tiger derivatives. CITES members have agreed to adhere to this
international trade ban; once a member states ratifies and implements CITES it bans
such trade within its national borders.
The CITES Secretariat is administrated by the UNEP which works closely with NGOs
such as The Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce (TRAFFIC) to
assist member states with the implementation of the convention. States are provided
with training and information about requirements (when necessary), and their
progress and compliance are monitored and evaluated.
In order for CITES to work effectively it requires the involvement of
institutions, NGOs, civil society and member states: especially Asian tiger range
member countries. The Tiger Range Countries (TRC) – countries where tigers still
roam free – are: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao
PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam and North-Korea. Whilst
there have been no recent tigers sightings in North-Korea, it is the only country listed
which has not ratified CITES.

3. The 13 TRC who are CITES member states recently held a conference in Russia and jointly
vowed to double the estimated number of tigers left in the wild (3200). Poaching, however,
remains a very significant problem in all 13 TRC, despite the implementation of CITES
regulations within their borders.
In the 15th CITES conference held in Doha, Qatar in March 2010 all party members agreed to
stricter agreements between members states to protect the tiger However the United
Nations warned that tigers are still at risk of becoming extinct as members states are
currently failing to clamp down hard on the illegal trade of tigers and tiger derivatives within
their borders.
Although CITES has been successful in curbing this illegal trade, CITES as an international
institution relies on member states to effectively implement conventions within their national
borders. The quality of such implementation varies significantly within member states. For
example, Thailand implemented CITES policies to a very high standard but the illegal tiger
trade is still rife within this country. A governance structure such as CITES is powerless to
control issues such as poaching unless it has the full cooperation of all actors, including the
state.
Another reason why CITES seems to be failing could be ascribed to the lucrative nature of the
tiger trade. The World Bank estimates that the illegal international trade of wildlife on the
black market is worth an estimated $10bn per year. By selling one tiger skeleton, a poacher
could make an amount equal to what some labourer would earn in 10 years.[

4. Project Tiger, started in 1972, is a major effort to conserve the tiger and its habitats
in India At the turn of the 20th century, one estimate of the tiger population in India placed
the figure at 40,000, yet an Indian tiger census conducted in 1972 revealed the existence of
only 1827 tigers. Various pressures in the latter part of the 20th century led to the
progressive decline of wilderness resulting in the disturbance of viable tiger habitats. At the
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) General
Assembly meeting in Delhi in 1969, serious concern was voiced about the threat to
several species of wildlife, and the shrinkage of wilderness in India from poaching. In
1970, a national ban on tiger hunting was imposed, and in 1972 the Wildlife Protection
Act came into force. The framework was then set to formulate a project for tiger
conservation with an ecological approach.
Launched on 1 April 1973, Project Tiger has become one of the most successful conservation
ventures in modern history. The project aims at tigerconservation in specially-constituted
'tiger reserves', which are representative of various bio-geographical regions falling within
India. It strives to maintain viable tiger populations in their natural environment.
Today, there are 27 Project Tiger wildlife reserves in India, covering an area of 37,761 km².
At the Kalachakra Tibetan Buddhist festival in India in January 2006, the Dalai
Lama preached a ruling against using, selling, or buying wild animals, their products, or
derivatives. When Tibetan pilgrims returned to Tibet afterwards, his words resulted in the
widespread destruction by Tibetans of their wild animal skins, including tiger
and leopard skins used as ornamental garments.

5. One of the biggest threats to tiger populations is habitat fragmentation. A program called the
Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL) has been working directly with improving tiger habitats,
specifically fragmented habitats in Nepal and northern India . Their main strategy is to link up
the subpopulations of tigers that have been separated by setting up special tiger corridors that
connect the fragmented habitats. The corridors are built to promote migration and/or dispersion
of certain tiger populations giving them the ability to unite with other tigers. Giving tigers the
ability to mate with a larger selection of individuals will increase the gene pool for the tigers,
which will lead to more diversity, higher birth rates, and higher cub survival.
Panthera is a conservation organization that’s main goal is to preserve wild cats focusing on
tigers, lions, snow leopards, and jaguars. In July of 2006, Panthera collaborated with the
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to form Tigers Forever, one of their main tiger
projects. Tigers Forever plans to increase the number of tigers in key areas by 50% over ten
years. Key Areas include: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Malaysia and Indonesia. This
project is experimental and hopes to increase the number of tigers by eliminating human threats
and monitoring tiger and prey populations. To accomplish these goals they are increasing the
amount and quality of law enforcement in these areas and working with informants to catch
poachers. Another project spearheaded by Panthera is the Tiger Corridor Initiative
(TCI). Human development in the Tiger Range Countries (TRC) has left many tiger habitats
fragmented. Habitat fragmentation leads to a division of tiger populations, which reduces the
gene pool and makes it difficult for tigers to reproduce. The TCI is a new project, very similar
to the Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL) project that plans to link protected core populations of tigers
with one another using corridors that will provide safe passage for tigers. This will give the
separated tiger populations access to each other, which in theory should increase the number of
tigers as well as genetic diversity.

6. WONDERS OF SCIENCE
Science has changed the face of
the world. It has also
revolutionized the life of man. Man
can now live a longer and more
comfortable life because of the
progress of science. Man has
conquered Nature with the help of
science.

7. The wonders of Science have contributed to the comforts
and pleasures of man. Man can be comfortable anywhere on
the surface of the earth. Air- conditioning can keep him cool
at the Equator. Central heating makes it possible for him to
keep warm at the Poles. He has become independent of the
climate. Labour- saving gadgets have lightened the burden of
house work for the housewife. Science has also added to our
pleasure. We can turn on the radio or TV and entertain
ourselves at home. If we wish for outdoor entertainment we
can go and see a film or do a variety of other things.

8. Electricity is one of the wonders of Science. Without it we
would not have had electric lights, fans, refrigerators and all
the labour-saving devices in the home. We also have
wonderful means of travel. Cars and buses are very common.
Electric trains carry us across the land with great speed. Jet
planes go like a flash across the sky. In no time, we can be in
another continent. Thus speedy travel is possible only on
account of the wonders of science. Electricity also enables us
to use elevators and escalators that save us the trouble of
going up and down flights of stairs.
Science has also provided us with spectacles and contact
lenses artificial limbs, fountain pens, type-writers and
mechanical brains or computers, aren't all these the wonders

9. It is a wonder that science has conquered deadly
diseases, made man healthier and lengthened the
span of human life. There is now a cure for
practically every fatal disease that used to take a
heavy toll of human life in the past. Not only this
still more wonderful is the fact that worn out
organs like the human heart and kidneys can be
replaced by transplants. In the future, perhaps,
scientists might be able to make man live forever.

10. With the help of science, man has even reached the
moon. Soon he will be visiting other planets too. be
able to make man live forever.
There is no limit to the wonders of science.
Scientists are coming out with new inventions and
wonders every now and then.
The atom bomb and nuclear weapons are also
wonders of science. As these can cause much
destruction, it would be better for men to make
constructive use of the wonders of science. Then
only will they add to the happiness and prosperity of
mankind

11. Since the beginning, trees have furnished
us with two of life's essentials, food and
oxygen. As we evolved, they provided
additional necessities such as
shelter, medicine, and tools. Today, their
value continues to increase and more
benefits of trees are being discovered as
their role expands to satisfy the needs
created by our modern lifestyles.

12. Community and Social Value
Trees are an important part of every community. Our streets, parks,
playgrounds
and backyards are lined with trees that create a peaceful, aesthetically
pleasing
environment. Trees increase our quality of life by bringing natural elements
and
wildlife habitats into urban settings. We gather under the cool shade they
provide during outdoor activities with family and friends. Many
neighborhoods
are also the home of very old trees that serve as historic landmarks and a
great
source of town pride.
In addition, architectural and engineering functions are served by your
community's trees. They frame landscapes, create beautiful backgrounds
and
enhance building designs. Trees can provide privacy, emphasize beautiful
views,
and screen unsightly areas. Noise from roadways and other urban activities
is

13. Ecological and Environmental
Value
Trees contribute to their environment by providing
oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration,
conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting
wildlife. During the process of photosynthesis, trees
take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we
breathe. According to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, "One acre of forest absorbs six tons of
carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen.
This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18
people." Trees, shrubs and turf also filter air by
removing dust and absorbing other pollutants like
carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen
dioxide. After trees intercept unhealthy particles, rain
washes them to the ground.

14. Trees control climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain
and wind. Leaves absorb and filter the sun's radiant
energy, keeping things cool in summer. Trees also preserve
warmth by providing a screen from harsh wind. In addition to
influencing wind speed and direction, they shield us from the
downfall of rain, sleet and hail. Trees also lower the air
temperature and reduce the heat intensity of the greenhouse
effect by maintaining low levels of carbon dioxide.
Both above and below ground, trees are essential to the ecosystems in which they reside. Far reaching roots hold soil in place
and fight erosion. Trees absorb and store rainwater which reduce
runoff and sediment deposit after storms. This helps the ground
water supply recharge, prevents the transport of chemicals into
streams and prevents flooding. Fallen leaves make excellent
compost that enriches soil.
Many animals, including elephants, koalas and giraffes eat leaves
for nourishment. Flowers are eaten by monkeys, and nectar is a
favorite of birds, bats and many insects. Animals also eat much of
the same fruit that we enjoy This process helps disperse seeds
over great distances. Of course, hundreds of living creatures call

15. Personal and Spiritual Value
The main reason we like trees is because they are both beautiful and
majestic. No
two are alike. Different species display a seemingly endless variety of
shapes,
forms, textures and vibrant colors. Even individual trees vary their
appearance
throughout the course of the year as the seasons change. The strength, long
lifespan and regal stature of trees give them a monument-like quality. Most of
us
react to the presence of trees with a pleasant, relaxed, comfortable feeling. In
fact, many people plant trees as living memorials of life-changing events.
Trees help record the history of your family as they grow and develop
alongside
you and your kids. We often make an emotional connection with trees we
plant
or become personally attached to the ones that we see every day. These
strong
bonds are evidenced by the hundreds of groups and organizations across
the

16. Practical and Commercial Value
Trees have supported and sustained life throughout our
existence.
They have a wide variety of practical and commercial uses.
Wood
was the very first fuel, and is still used for cooking and heating
by
about half of the world's population. Trees provide timber for
building construction, furniture manufacture, tools, sporting
equipment, and thousands of household items. Wood pulp is
used
to make paper.
We are all aware of apples, oranges and the countless other
fruits
and nuts provided by trees, as well as the tasty syrup of North
American sugar maples. But did you know the bark of some

17. Fire safety is a fundamental consideration in building
design and management, but unfortunately, one that
is often overlooked—firewalls are today more likely
to be associated with IT security than with physical
safety.
Illustration by Jayachandran Nanu / Mint
The Mumbai Fire Brigade answered nearly 5,000 fire
calls in 2007—a steadily rising figure. Such statistics
are a grave reminder that the nation’sfinancial
capital remains acutely vulnerable, on a daily
basis, to one of the most basic threats tohuman
life and property.
Assess fire safety measures in your built
environment with the help of this checklist

18. 1. Provide adequate means of
escape
The first rule of fire management requires sufficient
escape routes out of the building, in accordance with
its scale and occupancy. The number, size and
location of exits are specified in the National Building
Code (NBC) 2005, a detailed set of guidelines for
constructing, maintaining and operating buildings of all
types. Office occupiers must additionally ensure that
staircases, stairwells and corridors are wellmaintained, ventilated and free of obstacles in order to
be effective in an emergency.
Open spaces in buildings play a crucial role in fire
management. As P.D. Karguppikar, joint chief fire
officer of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, remarked after the
terrorist attacks on 26/11: ―The atrium in the old wing of

19. 2. Outline clear pathways to exit
doors
Getting to exits is as important as providing
enough exits. NBC guidelines specify the
maximum distance a person must travel in
order to access a fire exit, and the importance
of photo-luminescent signage to enable
evacuation at night. Refuge areas such as
terraces are critical for high-rises where people
can safely congregate, when asked to leave the
building in phases.

20. 3. Install smoke detection
systems
The first few minutes of a fire are crucial in
containing it. Automatic fire alarm systems such
as smoke and heat detectors are mandatory
elements in international building codes, and
particularly useful in spotting fires during times
when occupancy in the building is low.

21. 4. Maintain smoke suppression
systems
Fire extinguishers are only useful if they work, so
check them regularly. High-rise buildings, which are
harder to access and evacuate, should consider
installing automatic sprinkler systems. The National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a US-based
non-profit body, estimates that automatic
suppression systems lower the cost of damage by
60%. Karguppikar endorses their use, admitting
that ―the fire in one of the rooms on the 18th floor of
the Oberoi was extinguished by its sprinkler system
and it was an eye-opener for all of us‖.

22. 5. Conduct regular fire drills
Preventing panic in an emergency is as
important as staying away from flames and
fumes. Regular fire drills familiarize people
with emergency evacuation methods at little
cost. Nominate a fire safety officer in every
building to ensure that this becomes standard
operating procedure.

23. 6. Use flame-retardant materials in
interiors
Materials used in the interiors can save or endanger
lives. The combination of wood, paper and textiles
makes workstations highly combustible. Fabrics can be
made flame-retardant, however, so that they selfextinguish when lit. An increasing number of
companies, especially multinationals, request such
fabrics despite their price premium, according to data
from Indian office furniture manufacturer BP Ergo.
Stringent fire regulations abroad make it necessary for
US furniture makers such as Herman Miller to provide
only fire-tested fabrics.
Doors are also assigned a fire-resistance rating,
measuring how long they can remain resistant to
excessive temperatures and flames without collapsing.
Karguppikar lauds the construction of the fire-treated

24. 7. Make your office accessible to
firefighters
Grilled windows are a widespread urban
phenomenon, and Jairaj
Phatak, commissioner, Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC), wittily observes
that ―residents who have grills on their
windows presume that only thieves are kept
out, and not firefighters‖. Occupants of offices
in residential buildings with few exits should be
wary of locking themselves into confined
spaces.

25. 8. Keep the building plans
handy
The tragedy at the Taj was heightened by the
lack of buildings plans to guide rescue
agencies. It is imperative to make multiple
copies of your building plan
available, especially during an emergency.
9. Ask the local fire brigade to
assess safety
Fire departments, for a nominal fee, will
independently assess your building’s level of
fire safety. Storage of hazardous or inflammable
materials, old and unstable

26. 10. Comply with National Building
Code
―Green buildings‖ are in vogue but safe
structures are sadly not. Both the Mumbai Fire
Brigade and BMC commissioner concede that
80% of buildings likely violate accepted codes
of building safety, with ignorance and personal
whims leading to illegal modifications after
gaining requisite occupancy permission.
The Delhi Fire Brigade is legally authorized to
seal unsafe structures; its Mumbai counterpart
hopes to be similarly empowered soon.