Latest news with #BiosphereReserve
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
NDC calls on government to reconsider decision to allow felling of rosewood trees in patta lands
The Nilgiri Documentation Center (NDC) has called on the Tamil Nadu government to immediately reconsider the Forest Department's decision to not renew the Tamil Nadu Rosewood Trees (Conservation) Act. The NDC said the 'decision not only goes against all norms of conservation,' but could be a major embarrassment to the government in the coming elections. The withdrawal of the act would allow for the felling of trees from private patta lands, with ecologists voicing their concerns that trees that are located within reserve forests too will be more prone to being targeted by illegal timber smugglers. 'The 1995 legislation enacted by the then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was a first of its kind in the country to protect the rosewood tree. It was enacted in response to a widespread call led by the Save Nilgiris Campaign to stop the rampant illegal felling of the endangered native species of the State. The prompt action of the Chief Minister was hailed as a forerunner to conserve such trees in the other states coming under the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve,' said Venugopal Dharmalingam, honorary director of the NDC in a statement. 'At a time when conservation of native trees are given the highest priority by the governments and the courts, a decision of this nature should have been taken at the level of the Chief Minister. The dubious reasons given by the Forest Department to annul the act betrays a sense of insensitivity by the officials. Native trees like the rosewood cannot be grown anywhere or so easily. Withdrawing the act will be a clear licence for the illegal felling of the last of the ancient trees which are listed under the red book of the International Union of Conservation of Nature,' he added. He said rosewood trees, Dalbergia latifolia, listed as a 'vulnerable' species in the IUCN Red list, were found in the Nilgiris region of Tamil Nadu and the Western Ghats, particularly in areas like Anamalais, Mudumalai, and Gudalur. 'These trees are known for their high-quality timber and are a significant part of the Nilgiri Biosphere. A rosewood tree, estimated to be 200 years old, located in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve was declared a Heritage Tree of Tamil Nadu by the State Biodiversity Board in 2017,' he noted, adding that the species holds special significance to the Badaga community.
The South African
25-06-2025
- The South African
5 stunning Western Cape beach towns that aren't overrun
The Western Cape is packed with coastal gems, but most beach lovers flock to the usual suspects – Clifton, Camps Bay, Muizenberg – leaving a string of quieter, underrated towns just off the radar. If you're looking for salty air, soft sand, and space to breathe, here are five Western Cape beach towns that still fly under the tourist radar. Just don't tell too many people… What to expect: Whitewashed cottages, wild coastline, and a sense of stillness. Paternoster has charm without the hype. One of the oldest fishing villages on the Western Cape's West Coast, it's known for its dramatic beauty – endless stretches of white sand, rugged rock outcrops, and a deep-blue Atlantic that doesn't pretend to be warm. It's also a culinary hotspot, with restaurants like Wolfgat (one of the world's best) tucked away in this humble setting. You won't find clubs or traffic here. Just fresh crayfish, quiet nights, and the sound of waves. Sunset in Paternoster. Image: canva What to expect: Coastal trails, calm beaches, and a UNESCO biosphere on your doorstep. Kleinmond sits quietly along the Whale Coast, often overshadowed by Hermanus. But that's what makes it ideal. The beach is clean and family-friendly, the lagoon is great for kayaking, and the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens are just up the road. It's part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, so nature dominates – think baboons, fynbos, and coastal hikes without the foot traffic. Beach in Kleinmond. Image: canva What to expect: A working fishing village, surreal sea caves, and calm, blue waters. Arniston blends postcard-pretty scenes with an authentic, working-town atmosphere. The main beach in this beach town is peaceful, the tidal pools are clear, and the Waenhuiskrans sea cave is a must-see if you time it right with the tides. The adjacent Kassiesbaai fishing village, with its lime-washed houses and quiet lanes, is like stepping back in time. No noise, no chaos – just sea, salt, and sky. Pebbly beach in Arniston, Western Cape. Image: canva What to expect: Endless beach walks, West Coast serenity, and wildflowers in season. The Western Cape's Yzerfontein is only about 90 minutes from Cape Town, but it feels like a world away. The 16 Mile Beach – one of the longest uninterrupted beaches in South Africa – is perfect for walkers, birders, and anyone needing a mental reset. It's also a hotspot for kite surfing and seasonal whale watching, but the pace stays slow. Even during flower season, it never quite tips into 'tourist trap' territory. Yzerfontein beach. Image: canva What to expect: Forest meets sea, uncrowded shores, and a total digital detox. Tucked deep within the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, Nature's Valley is more of a secret forest cove than a beach town. No big shops. No nightlife. Just hiking trails, crashing surf, and a beach that rarely sees more than a handful of people at a time. It's the kind of place where your phone signal disappears and your stress goes with it. Beach in Nature's Valley. Image: wikimedia commons Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
New York Times
31-01-2025
- Business
- New York Times
$3.5 Million Homes in Andorra
Ordino | €3.15 million ($3.27 million) This four-bedroom stone house from 2001 is near the center of Ordino, the northernmost of seven parishes that make up Andorra, the independent principality situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. For more than 700 years, Andorra has been jointly ruled by Spain's Bishop of Urgell and the president of France — roles that are still intact, but largely honorary. The official language is Catalan. While Andorra is not a member of the European Union, it uses the euro as currency. It largely relies on tourism, particularly at its ski resorts, and is a popular shopping destination for its duty-free goods. Its tax rates, including on income and real estate, are among the lowest in Europe. At an elevation of 4,265 feet, Ordino is about 10 miles north of Andorra's capital, Andorra la Vella. It is a year-round tourism destination, with attractions including the UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserve and historic iron mines. This home is near the Grandvalira ski resort, in the Arcalís sector. Size: 4,500 square feet Price per square foot: $727 Indoors: The first level has the common areas: a large living room with exposed wood ceiling beams, built-in shelving and a glass wall overlooking the yard. Adjacent, but closed off by a sliding pocket door, is a home office with built-in shelving. The large kitchen has a modern design, with light-colored wood cabinetry, black granite countertops and a center island that seats four. The dining area, like the living room, features a glass wall overlooking the garden. On the second level are four bedrooms. Two share a bathroom and the other two are organized as a junior and primary suite, both with en suite baths. The primary has wraparound picture windows with mountain slope views, a dressing room and a walk-in closet. The lower level offers access to a four-car garage, a storage room and a wine cellar. There is a preinstalled elevator shaft, should the buyer wish to install a lift. With a southwest orientation, the house receives ample light throughout the day. Outdoor space: The grounds include a privacy hedge, a stone barbecue, a dining area on the large stone-block patio, and a storage shed. Costs: Annual property taxes are $568. Contact: Thomas Kampfraat | +376-88-66-88 | Engel & Völkers Andorra La Querola d'Ordino | €3.24 million ($3.36 million) This two-bedroom, ground-floor apartment is in La Querola d'Ordino, a new complex of seven buildings designed by Jean Nouvel in collaboration with the Barcelona architect Josep Ribas and the Andorran architect Jordi Sala from his eponymous atelier. Mr. Nouvel is a French architect with a global portfolio of modernist buildings, including the National Museum of Qatar, the Schenzhen Opera house in China, the Louvre in Abu Dhabi and the Nouvel Chelsea apartment building on 11th Avenue and 19th Street, which is clad in windows of varying sizes that are set at different angles. His project in Andorra features a natural slate facade with irregular shapes, incorporating wood, steel and glass. The design is meant to integrate with the mountain environment, according to the site dossier. Owners will have access to a common swimming pool and a variety of spa and concierge services. The complex comprises 51 apartments in total; this building has 10. Size: 4,263 square feet Price per square foot: $789 Indoors: A wood and slate column with a built-in hearth and transparent fireplace divides the large open-format great room into a living room and dining area. On the living room side, a door offers access to a terrace. Other areas feature built-in storage and furniture including slate benches. The sleek kitchen, designed by Mr. Nouvel with integrated Miele appliances, is anchored by a custom Parsons-style table that serves as both a work surface and dining space. There is integrated storage and wardrobes along the hallway. A floating staircase leads to the upper floor and the two bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom. The ground level offers access to a two-car garage, laundry room, a flexible family/recreation room with a fireplace, a kitchenette and a full bathroom. Outdoor space: There is a 3,498-square-foot terrace and 495 square feet of garden space. Costs: Annual municipal taxes are $834. Homeowner fees have not yet been established. Contact: Jordi Tapies | +376-775-077 | Lucas Fox International Properties Encamp | €3.95 million ($4.1 million) This six-bedroom, eight-bathroom villa is in Encamp, a high-elevation parish of about 13,500 residents in the center of Andorra, about seven miles southeast of the village of Ordino and five miles from the capital city of Andorra la Vella. Each of the three stories is clad with a different material: the ground level is stone, the upper level is concrete and the top level is wood. Encamp is also the name of the main town in the parish. This home is in the Els Cortals neighborhood, renowned among competitive cyclists for its challenging incline. It is a mile from the center of town, which has numerous dining options and a museum dedicated to antique cars. Around the town are hiking trails leading to waterfalls and panoramic vistas. Size: 8,030 square feet Price per square foot: $512 Indoors: The house is entered on the street level and connects to a six-car garage, with adjacent space housing built-in wardrobes and a wine cellar. One level down, the space is bifurcated into a three-bedroom, 1,938-square-foot apartment, and the main house with double-height ceilings and two floors. The apartment includes a living room with a fireplace, a dining area, a full-sized galley kitchen and access to a terrace. Each bedroom is en suite. From the apartment, one can enter the main section of the house, which features double-height ceilings, an open-format dining and living room, and two defined areas for entertainment and gathering. Bookcase walls provide additional separation in the large space. The window-lined dining corridor leads to an eat-in kitchen with contemporary white cabinetry and integrated appliances. Also on this floor is an en suite primary bedroom with an oversize bathroom, a long soaking tub and a walk-in shower with a bench. Sliding doors offer access to the yard. A floating staircase leads to the second level with a mezzanine study, two en suite bedrooms and a laundry room. The house is equipped with extensive built-ins, walk-in closets, a home automation system, an under-floor heating system and an elevator. Outdoor space: The 0.32-acre lot includes a yard and a garden. The seller is offering the option to buy the adjacent 0.1-acre lot as well. Costs: Annual taxes total $434. Contact: Jordi Tapies | +376-775-077 | Lucas Fox International Properties
