Does basin management make sense?
posted by Frank van Steenbergen October 22, 2012 It is fair to say that basin management has been the celebrity … Continued
The WaterBlog
No stings attached: bee biodiversity in the Amazon
by Pablo Fajardo and Frank van Steenbergen The biodiversity epicenter that is the Amazon is reflected in the almost endless number of species of bees. They play a major role in the cross pollination of the Amazon’s diversity of trees species, with several bee species uniquely specializing in specific trees. Most of the bees in the Amazon belong to families of stingless bees, such as Melipona, Trigona sp, Tetragonisca angustula. The latter are lovingly called angel bees – for all the goodness they bring. The honey of the angel bees is high in nourishment but also very high in anti-inflammatory properties, comparable to the famous Manuka honey from New Zealand that has many medical applications. The medicinal properties of all the different species of Amazon bees need to be further documented, but traditional knowledge has it that certain honeys are very effective for certain ailments, such as eye diseases and respiratory defects. The working is said to come from resin of… Continued
Previous posts
Azores: A World Heritage of Creative Water Use
{jcomments on}posted by Francesco Sambalino October 15, 2012 The volcanic islands of Azores are incredibly beautiful and unspoilt. People there … Continued
For a lighter burden
{jcomments on}posted by Frank van Steenbergen October 08, 2012 A common sight in rural areas is long lines of jerry … Continued
Multiple-use Water Conflicts
posted by Seifu Kebede, Taye Alemayehu, Asefa Kumsa and Frank van Steenbergen October 01, 2012 In the last five years, … Continued
Grabbing the water when you can
Image Courtsey: Hydro Flask’s Hydration Nation The term ‘land grabbing’ has now become common use. It concerns dubious land acquisitions … Continued
Water: The New Gold Standard?
posted by Frank van Steenbergen September 24, 2012 In recent times of crisis, the economic performance of US has been … Continued
Herbicides: are they good for you?
posted by Marta Agujetas Frank van Steenbergen September 17, 2012 An amazing trend is the increased use of herbicides in … Continued
Yemen’s ‘Magic Soil’
posted by Taha Alwashali and Frank van SteenbergenSeptember 03, 2012 The ancient name of Yemen is ‘Arabia Felix’ – the … Continued
Changemakers: Future of Irrigation in Africa
posted by Frank van Steenbergen August 27, 2012 Much hope is pinned on the development of small-holder irrigation in Africa. … Continued
Financial Crisis and Water Utilities
posted by Frank van Steenbergen August 21, 2012 Over the past three-four years, the financial crisis has dominated the headlines– … Continued
Weapons of Mass Destruction
posted by Frank van Steenbergen August 13, 2012 What is more important – public health, or security and deterrence? … Continued
Meeting Flood-time Water & Sanitation Needs in Bihar, India
Bihar in eastern India is the country’s most flood-prone state. Every year, about 76% of the population and 73% of … Continued
The Inca Vessel
Posted by Frank van Steenbergen August 06, 2012 One of the most beautiful objects in the National Museum of the … Continued
Fluorosis: The Value of Norms (?)
posted by Frank van Steenbergen July 30, 2012 In the Habala district of Southern Ethiopia, fluoride levels are high – … Continued
As Bad as it Gets
posted by Frank van Steenbergen July 24, 2012 Imagine water being so scarce that you have to compete with bees … Continued
Water Refugees: Coastal Groundwater in Yemen
by Frank van Steenbergen The dramatic story of Al Mujelis goes like this: In the past, the area used to … Continued
Gearing Up for Floods: Combating and Embracing Waters on the Rise
Geographical Incidence of Floods, 1985-2010 As this map suggests, floods are possibly the most common form of natural disaster. If … Continued
The Weight of the Soul, Measured in Water
posted by Frank van Steenbergen July 9, 2012 We are always in search of the ‘essence.’ Even though we do … Continued
MDG 7 and the Moment of Truth
posted by Frank van Steenbergen July 2, 2012 It is two years to go to the day of reckoning. By … Continued