U.S. House condemns illegal logging, decimation of wildlife in Madagascar

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a Resolution today that condemns the unchecked illegal logging and decimation of Madagascar's endemic species, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon), author of the resolution, said in a statement published on his Web site.
"The House is sending a firm signal that the devastating and illegal destruction of Madagascar's natural resources will not be tolerated," Blumenauer said. "Illegal logging not only does irreparable harm to the environment, but it destroys livelihoods.

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World Heritage sites want your input

By Laura Bly, USA TODAY

TripAdvisor is launching a new partnership with UNESCO to solicit opinions and feedback on nearly 900 World Heritage sites across the globe.

Many of UNESCO's World Heritage designations — Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park, and Venice, Italy, among them are no strangers to visitor scrutiny. But others, from Southern Illinois Cahokia Mounds archaeological site to Australia's Lord Howe Island Group, aren't as well-known. Using customized review forms, travelers can submit comments on the condition of the sites and find out more on how to protect them.

Click here to see the Travel Advisor announcement.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Ice Cap Continues Rapid Retreat

Researchers studying the mountaintop, including those involved in this study, differ in their conclusions on how much of the melting could result from human activity or other climatological influences. Click here for more information.