GEOG 1220: Midterm

GEOG 1220: Midterm

GEOG 1200: Midterm

GEOG 1220: Assignment 2, Paper

Ben Baena

0603925

GEOG*1220*01, Dr. Richard Kuhn

The Effect of Aquaculture on Mangroves in the Philippines

Introduction

Philippine mangrove forests play a highly specialized and intricate role in tropical coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are characterized by a species of tree that have adapted to grow in tidal flats, bordering the ocean. Mangroves thrive in the salty coastal water, where other plant species would die. Aquaculture practices in the Philippines have had   negative impacts on mangrove tracts, resulting in more than 337 000 hectares lost since 1925 (Samson and Rollon, 2008). The removal of mangroves for aquaculture creates exponential environmental backlash, as the role of mangroves is replaced with polluting aquaculture. The purpose of this paper is to compare the benefits of aquaculture to the negative effects on mangrove ecosystems. When considering the negative aspects of aquaculture it is also important to provide solutions to help mitigate mangrove damage and destruction. This paper has been organized to first provide a background on mangroves and Philippine aquaculture, specifically brackish water ponds. The second portion of this paper is to provide information on the damages caused by aquaculture unto mangrove ecosystems and the environment. The third portion provides solutions to the problems facing mangrove ecosystems because of aquaculture. This paper looks to inspire and educate on the relationship between aquaculture and mangrove ecosystems in the Philippines.

The Benefits of Mangroves

Mangroves provide countless benefits to coastal and inland ecosystems.

Acting as a boundary between ocean and land, mangroves help to buffer and dissipate wave energy. As sea levels rise, coastal erosion is degrading the shores and depositing sediment into the ocean. Mangroves work against erosion by providing a layer of protection against ocean waters. The physical nature of mangrove trunks buffers the force of waves, preventing the full strength of the wave from reaching the coast. Also, the roots of mangrove trees help stabilize shoreline sediments, holding soil and preventing erosion. Loss of mangrove vegetation leads to loss of coastal shore and total land area, as land is washed into the ocean.

The biodiversity of mangroves provides one of the most unique and specialized ecosystems in the world. The unique characteristic of rhizophora, mangrove trees, is that they thrive in salty water, creating a spawning and maturing area for countless fish species. Besides offering a physical enclave for fish habitat, the fallen leaves and dead plant material of mangroves provide rich sustenance for fish populations. Without the protection of mangroves infant fish would be easy prey and therefore be unable to reproduce.

The intense biodiversity of mangroves also helps to process wastes and pollution form the surrounding environment, especially aquaculture. Mangrove filters have been recommended as a solution for processing excess nitrogen waste from shrimp farms (Primavera, 2000; Baliao and Tookwinas, 2002).

The Benefits of Aquaculture

In 1994, the Philippines accounted for 2% of global aquaculture production (FAO, 1996), and in 2004 Philippine aquaculture contributed 1.8 percent of the GDP. Along with providing capitol to the Philippine economy, aquaculture employs over 1 million Philippinos (Rafael D. Guerrero III, 2008). Based on the growing contributions of aquaculture, the Philippine government has given it high priority in the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (2004-2010), as it is expected to produce 842 674 metric tons annually by 2010. Aquaculture is invaluable to the Philippine economy, as 40% of the country lives in abject poverty (Mark Doyle, 2008).

A starving population that experiences food shortages and rising prices on a regular basis compounds Low GDP. Aquaculture helps remedy the problems of a food crisis, by providing access to an inexpensive and nutritious source of food. In 2003 aquaculture products provided 56% of the animal protein consumed by Philippinos (Rafael D. Guerrero III, 2008). In a third world country, aquaculture has a positive influence providing economic and nutritional benefits.

The Negative Effects of Brackish Water Ponds on Mangroves

Despite the beneficial economic aspects of aquaculture, there are many externalities associated with its operation. Aquaculture takes a heavy toll on mangrove ecosystems, as large swathes are deforested in order to create aquaculture environments. The proximity to the ocean is desirable for fish and shrimp farming, because of a large water supply. Effluent from aquaculture is also diluted in the ocean, during heavy rains. Mangrove areas provide perfect inlets for the construction of brackish and fresh water ponds, and marine pens.

Figure 1. shows brackish water ponds as the predominant source of aquaculture fish (Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 2005) It is estimated brackish water ponds are responsible for 50% or 141 000 hectares of mangrove loss in the Philippines (Primavera and Agbayani, 1996). The environmental problems associated with brackish water ponds have ramifications on inland and coastal ecosystems. To maximize profit and economic viability, brackish water ponds can be stocked with Figure 1: Fish Production from Aquaculture by Culture System in the Philippines (Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 2005)

upwards of 1 400 fish per hectare (Rafael D. Guerrero III, 2008). The high density of marine life poses many health and environmental problems, as it is a breeding ground for disease and pathogens. The 1990’s saw unprecedented shrimp farm decimation due to self-pollution. The island of Negros Occidental saw decline in shrimp production, due to viruses, resulting in 20% of total shrimp ponds being operational (Rafael D. Guerrero III, 2008). A single bacteria, Vibrio Harveyi, was responsible for the economic decline of an entire island’s shrimp farm production. Yellow Head Baculovirus and White Spot Disease are also responsible for the decline in brackish pond productivity. As brackish water shrimp and fish farming intensify, the effluent and waste buildup increases the breeding of bacteria and pathogens.

            The waste from brackish water shrimp ponds has ramifications for inland and coastal ecosystems far away. Non-sustainable shrimp farming results in the eutrophication of fecal matter and nutrients. Intensive brackish water shrimp farming creates acid sulphate soils (NJ Stevenson). The high concentration of acid sulphate renders the aquaculture farm useless, as it becomes unbearable for any species. Mangroves cannot reclaim areas with high acid sulphate levels because the soil is too poisonous. Rehabilitation is an extensive process requiring the area to be flushed by the ocean. Flushing the unused ponds is a labour intensive process, as upwards of 150 flushes maybe required in order to remove the salts (NJ Stevenson). Flushing brackish ponds is a spatial displacement of the waste, diluting it in the ocean.

            Calatagan, a small town south of Manila, has been devastated by its mangrove loss. A wealthy lawyer and fish farm owner skirted the law against mangrove removal by damning off water to the thriving mangrove ecosystems. The mangroves died and were subsequently replaced by brackish water fishponds. As a result of the removal of mangroves for aquaculture purposes, the community suffered; their ground water became contaminated with salts, and their access to fishing areas was denied. The socioeconomic externalities associated with mangrove removal are often felt by the periphery of society, those without a voice. This case exposes one of the main reasons for mangrove loss, despite laws against mangrove removal, there is little enforcement. Government incentives for aquaculture and lax enforcement of environmental laws promote aquaculture as a means a survival for a country facing extreme poverty.

Solutions to Mitigate Damage

Despite the severe loss of the total mangrove area in the Philippines, there are many solutions to mitigate further damage. As awareness and understanding of mangrove ecosystems increases, there has been greater effort for their protection at every level. From grassroots initiatives to national policy changes, progress is being made.

Local grassroots initiatives are, collectively, making a national difference. The local communities around mangroves are quickly realizing their benefits and are making an effort to protect them. As seen in Figure 2: Initiatives of Mangrove Reforestation, the predominant driving factor behind replanting is local government and community based initiative. Local governments are funding the rehabilitation and planting of rhizophora, with mixed success. Planting mangroves species in a non-native area, or converting fishponds has limited success. Seedlings are exposed to wind and wave stress, which results in high plant mortality. The root systems of seedlings cannot negate wave erosion and the root systems are exposed. When flooding occurs on mangrove plantations, the entire canopy of the mangrove seedling is submerged, suffocating the plant. Although mangrove replanting can be very successful, it often results in monoculture, lacking the original biodiversity. Replanted mangrove stands are also less efficient at trapping sediment and preventing erosion (Samson and Rollon, 2008).

The National government has both positive and negative effects on the protection of mangrove ecosystems. The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, calls for the protection and conservation of aquatic resources, specifically it bans mangrove destruction for aquaculture development. While mangrove removal is now illegal this law is not regularly enforced. The Fisheries Administrative Order of 2001 called for a Code of Practice for Aquaculture. It guidelines “aquaculture must be of environmentally sound design and operation, for sustainable development”. While the specific guidelines are vague, it is another step toward better environmental practices.

Figure 2: Initiatives of Mangrove Reforestation (Samson and Rollon, 2008)

The Philippine government also controls brackish water ponds through 25-year

lease agreements. In the mid 80’s to 1990’s it provided several lease agreements to boost economic potential that cleared the way for mangrove deforestation. Owners of lease agreements are unlikely to revert their aquaculture farms back to mangroves due to loss of income (Samson and Rollon, 2008).

            The easiest and most effective solution to mitigate aquaculture damage on mangrove, takes place before the aquaculture infrastructure is built. Selecting the most appropriate type of aquaculture best suited for the environment, often results in decreasing environmental damage. Off shore marine pens are a way to raise and contain fish without mangrove destruction. Holding nets are placed off shore, where fish are raised in captivity. There is less convenience compared to fishponds, but no mangroves need to be deforested. Mangroves can also be integrated into aquaculture design as to produce more yield and profit. Mudcrabs have been successfully raised in mangrove pens. Stocked pens with 5-7 mudcrab / sq m. at a weight between 150-200g resulted in a higher yield. After 10-15 days the mudcrabs weighted between 200-250g at a net income of 80 cents per kilo (Guerrero, 2000). This lucrative business utilizes mangroves for protection of mudcrabs and as a fertile feeding ground.

Integrating agriculture and aquaculture is another solution to the environmental damage of brackish water ponds. In several cases rice paddies have been stocked with ammonia producing fish such as tilapia. Rice greatly benefits from the ammonia rich excrement of tilapia, which results in less pesticide and fertilizer use. The raising of tilapia and rice is a common practice in China and Vietnam that is now taking hold in the Philippines. Inland rice and tilapia operations require no destruction of mangrove ecosystems, as they are fresh water.

            Consumer awareness can play huge role in the export of aquaculture products, as consumers become more environmentally engaged. Labeling fish products with their environmental sustainability can force producers to re-examine their aquaculture practices. As demand for more ecologically conscious food rises, aquaculture would take on more sustainable development.

           

Conclusion

Mangrove destruction in the Philippines due to aquaculture is a serious problem. Aquaculture plays a large role in the destruction of mangrove ecosystems, as thousands of hectares of mangroves are deforested to create space for ponds. The removal of such a delicate and specialized ecosystem poses many environmental problems. Mangroves help to anchor coasts against the powerful forces of the ocean and provide a unique habitat for countless fish species. Comparing the socioeconomic benefits of aquaculture with the removal of mangroves is a difficult balancing act. One must consider the externalities and environmental ramifications associated with losing a valuable ecosystem.

Improvements to aquaculture design and infrastructure along with rehabilitation efforts have helped reduce damage to Philippine mangrove ecosystems. The best solution to prevent mangrove destruction is to create an appreciation for the important role mangroves play. Figure 2 shows an increasing appreciation of local communities towards mangroves, which has resulted in communities taking an active role in mangrove rehabilitation. By re-analyzing aquaculture practices to best suit the environment, sustainability can be achieved. Sustainability is key, to ensure continually viable aquaculture production and everlasting mangrove ecosystems.

Hopefully future generations will be able to absorb the beauty and diversity contained within mangroves.

Works Citied

Baliao, D.D., and S. Tookwinas. Best Management Practices for a Mangrove-Friendly Shrimp Farming, Aquaculture Extension Manual No. 35. Philippines. Aquaculture Department. Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre. 50-50.

Doyle, Mark. "Philippines suffers poverty divide." BBC News. 4 Sept. 2005. BBC. 30 Oct. 2008 <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4245422.stm>.

Guerrero III, Rafael D. "A Fisheries School Where Students Learn to Earn." Agriculture IV (2000): 18-19.

Guerrero III, Rafael D. Eco-Friendly Fish Farm Management and Production of Safe Aquaculture Foods in the Philippines. Philippines. Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development. Laguna, 2008.

Primavera, J.H. "Integrated Mangrove-Aquaculture Systems in Asia. Integrated Coastal Zone Management." 121-30.

Primavera, J.H., and Agbayani, R. F (1996) Comparative strategies in community based mangrove rehabilitation programs in the Philippines. Page 34 In Proceedings of the ECOTONE V Regional Seminar: Community Participation In Conservation, Sustainable Use and Rehabilitation of Mangroves In Southeast Asia, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 8-12 January,1996. Mangrove Ecosystem Research Centre (MERC), Vietnam National University, Vietnam

Samson, Maricar S., and Rene N. Rollon. "Growth Performance of Planted Mangroves in the Philippines: Revisiting Forest Management Strategies." Ambio 37 (2008): 234-40.

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture. PublicationNo. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations. Rome: FAO, 1996. 12-12.

Stevenson, N.J. "Disused Shrimp Ponds: Options for Redevelopment of Mangrove." Coastal Management 25: 423-25.

TA: *** **********

Comments:

Hi ********,

Great proposal! You have an interesting topic and are on your way to preparing a strong essay. Here are some comments and suggestions:

(1) Please respect the length limit for the essay. You were to use double spacing in your proposal (single is okay for the annotated bibliography).

(2) Your solutions and key issues are well developed and nicely organized!

(3) Proofread your proposal (particularly the annotated bibliography, where some info. was missing).

Please let me know if you have any questions re: the above comments.

GEOG 1220: Assignment 1, Proposal

Assignment #1: Proposal

Resource: Forests- Mangroves

Country: Philippines

Activity: Aquaculture

Statement of Aim: “The aim of the paper is to examine the impacts of Philippine aquaculture on mangrove forests and provide methods of mitigating damage to mangrove ecosystem from aquaculture”

Key issues:

1) Implications of Aquaculture on Mangroves

a. Destruction of mangroves to make fish ponds and brackish water ponds

b. Aquaculture pollution of Mangrove and coastal ecosystems

2) The Role of Mangroves

            a. Mangroves role in an ecosystem

i. prevent coastal erosion

                        ii. prevent silting

                        iii. absorb pollution

                        iv. biodiversity

            b. The negative impacts of the removal of mangroves from an ecosystem

            c. Methods to mitigate mangrove removal

                        i. Sustainable mangrove regeneration projects

                        ii. Sustainable aquaculture locations and alternatives

                        iii. Grass roots mangrove protection initiatives

3) Aquaculture Industry

            a. The economic role of fish farming

                        i. Aquaculture revenue: Domestic and Exports

                        ii. Increase in food availability for a malnourished population

            b. The management of aquaculture

                        i. The implications of brackish water fish ponds

                        ii. Causes and sources of fish and shrimp farm pollution

                                    -Fish fecal matter

                                    -Eutrophication of nutrients in mangroves and coastal ecosystems

-Health problems associated with brackish water fish farming practices

                        iii. Solutions to mitigate pollution damage

-Better management of aquaculture location and operational efficiency

                                    -Improvements of aquaculture infrastructure and design

                                    -Improved fish genetics

                                    -Eco-labeling and consumer awareness

Annotated Bibliography

1. Chu, Thai Hoanh. Environment and Livelihoods in Tropical Coastal Zones : Managing Agriculture-Fishery-Aquaculture Conflicts. Ed. J. W. Gowing and B. Hardy. New York: CABI, 2006. 1-16.

This journal provides and extensive background on aquaculture trends and the damaging effects on mangrove ecosystems. It also provides approaches to mitigating environmental disaster, such as: regulating farm operations and integrated coastal zone management.

2. Samson, Maricar. "Growth Performance of Planted Mangroves in the Philippines: Revisiting Forest Management Strategies." Ambio 37.4 (2008):234-.

This peer-reviewed journal examines the effectiveness of different mangrove rehabilitation strategies. Some examples of analysis include: the effectiveness of planting mangroves outside of their natural habitat, the performance of surviving trees and the reversion of aquaculture ponds back to mangroves. This journal also examines the socioeconomic reasons why importance is placed on aquaculture and not on mangroves.

3. Guerrero, Rafael D. "Eco-friendly Fish Farm Management and Production of Safe Aquaculture Foods in the Philippines." 3 Dec. 2008. Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development. 20 Sept. 2008 <http://www.agnet.org/library/bc/55003/>.

This journal analyses the environmental effects of brackish water fish farming, specific to the Philippines. It looks at the economic benefits such and livelihood and financial security, and weighs those against the environmental damages. It also provides solutions to solve environmental problems.

GEOG 1200: Midterm

GEOG 1200: Assignment, Pt. 2

Assignment 2: Human Geography and the Real World, Part 2

“Brazil and Japan, Human Geography Forces at Work”

            Introduction

            As the world enters the 21^st century, countries rapidly redefine their roles and assume new positions in the world system. New markets emerge with great potential, changing the way of life for billions. Brazil is a prime example of the dynamic transitions taking place around the globe. The unique interconnectedness of Japan and Brazil show the forces of human geography at work. The goal of this paper is to show how human geography has affected both countries and explore the close ties between them. This paper has been organized into three sections each analyzing different human geography concepts; globalization, urbanization, and Brazil’s role in the world system. As Brazil rapidly changes and takes shape in the new world, the forces of human geography play a special role in predicting how Brazil’s development.

            Globalization

            Brazil has been greatly affected by Globalization. The four factors contributing to globalization all are helping to shape Brazil. The international division of labour, internationalization of finance, new technologies and a homogenization of consumer all contribute to the dynamic changes currently taking place in Brazil.

            As investors recognize the potential of the Brazilian workforce, more jobs and labour are being outsourced to Brazil. Brazil offers a relatively stable geopolitical climate and a growing population to meet labor demands.

            Automotive companies are crossing political boundaries and increasing investment in Brazil. Nissan, Japan’s third largest auto manufacturer, announced it would commence building 2 passenger cars in Brazil in 2009. Another Japanese car manufacturer, Suzuki aims to sell 7 000 Japanese cars in Brazil by 2010 (Calgary Herald, 2008). These decisions come as no surprise due to higher wages and cheaper credit increasing car demand in Brazil. It is not only Japanese automotive companies taking interest in Brazil, but also American and European firms. Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen, and Fiat have contributed over 8 billion dollars investment into Brazilian manufacturing operations in the past 10 years (James Brooke, 2005). Although much of the profits from foreign investment are not retuned domestically, the investment in infrastructure and provision of jobs is invaluable. Exploiting the different wage rates of Brazil compared to core countries has shown the effective internationalization of labour.

            The internationalization of finance has been demonstrated through Japan’s investment in Brazil’s economy. Brazil’s contribution to Japanese mutual funds, called Toushin, doubled from 2007 to 2008. The 2007 investment of 484.3 billion yen (4 billion USD) grew to 879.4 billion yen (8.2 billion USD), at the end of July 2008 (Chikako Mogi, 2008). Japanese investors feel that Brazil provides a safe economic bubble, given the current financial crisis gripping the globe. “Brazil puts priority in containing an economic bubble, and its moderate growth rate reflects its will to ensure sustainable and stable growth,” says Japanese economist Shuji Nishimura. Shuji’s comments are reflected in the average 139.4 billion yen invested from 2005-2007, in Brazil (Chikako, Mogi).

An investment-grade sovereign credit rating, earned in April 2008, due to growing economic stability, has removed the stigma of Brazil being a risky investment. To further express the interconnectedness of Japanese and Brazilian finance, Brazil’s largest private bank, Bradesco, signed an agreement with Mitsubishi UFJ financial Group. The agreement, signed in August 2008, outlined the sale of funds, investing in Brazilian assets, to Japanese investors.

Brazil’s technological breakthroughs have earned high acclaim from foreign markets. Brazil’s extensive use of ethanol has provided a template on how to incorporate ethanol into domestic markets. Japan’s is looking towards Brazil for ethanol supply and inspiration on how to incorporate it into society. Japan, an island country with little domestic resources, hopes to mandate 3% ethanol in all its gasoline. Doing so would increase ethanol demand by 1/3 (David Lynch, 2006). Brazil is a leading supplier of ethanol to Japan, and in July 2008 signed an agreement to ship ethanol to Japan. The agreement was signed by Copersucar, a Brazilian ethanol group, and Japan Biofuels Supply.

The cultural similarities between countries, are a key factor when analyzing the homogenization of the consumer. Immigration into Brazil, and emigration out of Brazil, has resulted in the spatial diffusion and blending of global cultures. Due to increases in transportation technology over the past 100 years, the world has become much more accessible. The relationship between Brazil and Japan extends over 100 years back. In 1895, the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation was signed between the Emperor of Japan, and the newly emerged Republic of Brazil. It is believed, pre World War 1, Japanese immigration to Brazil helped stabilize the former slave population and national labour force. The abolition of slavery in Brazil, in 1888, created a shortage of labour on plantations. The result was an inflow of Japanese workers to fill the gap. Over 190 000 Japanese immigrated to Brazil after the abolition of slavery (Suzuki, 1969). In 1942, when Brazil declared war on Japan, 202 000 Japanese lived in Brazil (Kunimoto, 1993). Currently, 1.5 million people of Japanese descent live in Brazil (Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2008). The extensive population of Japanese living in Brazil creates strong cultural ties, as the two ethnicities become intertwined and interconnected. The diffusion of people into new places spreads their cultural ideas and values, which contributes to the homogenization of people.

Urbanization

Brazil’s ecumene is rapidly shifting from rural areas, to urban areas. Urban areas provide more educational and workforce options, compared to those provided by rural areas. Presently 81.7% of the Brazilian population is concentrated in urban areas, such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo (Raul Gouvea, 2004). Brazil’s urban development has occurred mainly inland. Of the 31 metropolitan centers in Brazil, with population over 1 million, 19 of them are inland. This inland migration is reflected in business; 40% of Brazil’s top 500 companies now base their operations inland, from 20% in 1970 (Raul Gouvea, 2004).

The shift of people from rural to urban areas is reflected in the decline of agriculture. In the 1950’s agriculture represented 25% of the GPD, currently it is less than 10%. This dramatic decline represents Brazil’s shift from an agrarian society to a manufacturing, resource and serviced based economy (Raul Gouvea, 2004).

The loss of agriculture poses many problems for a rapidly urbanizing society. Brazil’s strategy to reduce foreign imports and achieved sustainability is contradicted by its loss of agriculture. Because the growing urban population does not produce food, it requires food imports more everyday due to diminished domestic product.

Urban development is resource intensive due the vast quantities of materials required for construction. Brazil has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources, which promote the activities of development. The abundance of natural resources at Brazil’s disposal enables the activities of urban development, providing a vast range of materials within close proximity.

Role Transition

Brazil is transforming from a peripheral country into a semi-peripheral country. This transition is partial marked by reduced foreign exploitation of labour and resources, and increased GDP.

The GDP of Brazil in 2001 was 502.5 billion, dominated by the service sector at 56% followed by industry at 35% (Raul Gouvea, 2004). This change in GDP contribution from resource extraction shows Brazil has reduced its exploitation by other countries.

Japan’s imports from Brazil still consist of resource goods, but Brazil’s imports from Japan outweight their exports. Brazil’s exports to Japan valued 4.3 billion, versus their imports of 4.6 billion, in 2007 (Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2008). The greater value of imports versus exports shows the increase in buying power of Brazil’s economy. Brazil’s relationship with a core countries like Japan show its transformation into an economic power, blessed with resources a growing population.

Conclusion

As the world expands in population, the distance between places becomes smaller. Brazil’s interconnectedness with Japan represents a diverse relationship. Their relationship is characteristic of many countries around the world. Two countries on different sides of the world become connected through trade, migration and cultural identities. Globalization represents the shrinking cultural differences between Japan and Brazil. The urbanization of Brazil represents the progress it has made due to relationships like it has with Japan. Foreign investment has contributed to infrastructure development, and injected jobs and capitol into the Brazilian economy. It the connections Brazil has with countries like Japan that have helped transition Brazil’s role in the world system.

Word Count: 1 400 words

Works Cited

Brooke, James. "INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS; Car Makers Gaining Momentum in Brazil." NY Time: Business. 28 Mar. 2005.New York Times.7 Nov. 2008 <http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990ce7d6143bf93ba15750c0a963958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all>.

Gouvea, Raul. "Brazil: Strategic Approach." Thunderbird International Business Review 46 (2004): 165-89.

Japan-Brazil Relations. Japan. Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Oct. 2008. Nov. 5 <http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/latin/brazil/index.html>.

            Kunimoto, I. (1993) ‘Japanese Migration to Latin America’, in B. Stallings and

G. Sze ́ kely (eds), Japan, the United States and Latin America: Toward a Trilateral

Relationship in the Western Hemisphere, Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins Univer-

sity Press.

Lynch, David J. "Brazil hopes to build on its ethanol success." USA Today: Money. 28 Mar. 2006.USA Today.7 Nov. 2008 <http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2006-03-28-brazil-ethanol-cover_x.htm>.

"Nissan to Build Passenger Car in Brazil." 23 Aug. 2008.Calgary Herald.3 Nov. 2008 <http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/calgarybusiness/story.html?id=2f31b95d-350f-445e-bef3-bf58700efce4>.

Quan, H.L.T. "Race, Nation and Diplomacy: Japanese Immigrants and the Reconfiguration of Brazil’s ‘Desirables’." Social Identities 10 (2004): 339-67.

            Suzuki, T. (ed.) (1969) The Japanese Immigrant in Brazil, Vol. V. 2. Tokyo:

University of Tokyo Press.

GEOG 1200: Assignment 1

Water As a Human Right

Introduction

Water is priceless. There can be no value great enough, attached to something so essential to life. And therein lies the solution to the problem; water is a human right. Just as people have the right to breath, they have the right access clean water. Unlike the other resources that maintain a fixed location, water is always flowing, ignoring political

boundaries. It is for this reason, water is a publicly owned commodity and no one can profit from its distribution or sale.

Human Dependence on Water

Water is entrenched in every society’s culture as it forms a vital component for life. Water serves two roles in sustaining human life. Water keeps humans hydrated, allowing their organs and internal systems to function, it also sustains plants and animals that humans require for nutrition. Water is the root of life and controlling water represents social and political power, anywhere in the world (Lahiri-Dutt, 2008). Whoever controls the fresh water supply, holds the power to prioritize the use of water.

It is clear that the growing global population will demand agriculture to produce greater amounts of food. This growing need for agriculture will require greater irrigation and water supplies (UN World Water Development Report, ch7, 2006). A conflict arises when water must be negotiated between so many complex political, social and economic sectors, despite water’s fundamental role of sustaining life. The conflict is accentuated when water priorities clash, as different groups fulfill their own agendas.

Through direct displacement, earmarking water supplies to large corporations will deny people something, which is so vital to local economies. Direct displacement means the increase in one use of water reduces or devalues the availability of water to another activity (ECONorthwest 2007). Agriculture, manufacturing and the service sector all depend on access to available water. The needs of a corporation to make a profit should never interfere with people’s rights. While the sale of water may yield a profit in the short term, other economic sectors deprived of water begin to fail. There is little research on the interconnectedness of aquifers (Guelph Field Naturalists, 2008), and therefore poor speculation on the watershed they sustain. The large area of agricultural land, dependant on Guelph and surrounding area’s aquifers, would be drastically reformed if another source of water had to supplement existing well supplies.

Water fills many roles in the sustainability of societies. Globally, water is used as means of sanitation. Clean water is a human right that separates people from a cannon of deadly diseases and pathogens that would otherwise be fatal, without medication (Gleick, 2008). Providing free clean water to the periphery is the first step in ensuring good health, and is often more cost effective than other methods of medical charity. Providing access to clean water is a form of preventative medicine.

The World Health Organization ranks the benefit to cost ratio for supplying clean drinking water and sanitation systems globally; they have found in every case, the return on the investment of intervention was positive. Costs were determined to be the full cost of the intervention and benefits encompassed economic productivity and time saving. For example, the benefit to cost ratio of providing disinfectant at water’s point of use, in South East Asia was 9.41 (UN World Water Development Report, ch 12, 2006). The economic result of providing disinfectant was a 9.41 times return to the economy based on the initial cost of providing disinfectant.

2.78 percent of Earth’s water supply is fresh water, and of that, 99 percent is frozen in glaciers (Marsh and Grossa, 2004). This leaves less than 1 percent of total fresh water, available for human consumption and use. The resulting consequences of freshwater scarcity are magnified when private corporations gain possession of a vital water supply.

The rate at which groundwater is replenished to an aquifer can range from a 100 years to 10 000 years (Marsh and Grossa, 2004). When private corporations plunder aquifers to extract water, there are severe environmental consequences. These consequences then backlash humans, who are dependant on aquifers for water supply. Nestlé Corporation is a prime example showing the environmental and societal damage that can occur very close to home. Nestlé Corporation pumps approximately 4.7 million liters of water from the Galt aquifer (Guelph Field Naturalists, 2008). Due to the global nature of the bottled water market, these bottles of water are shipped nationwide. Currently the city of Guelph draws fourteen times more water than Nestlé (Guelph Civic League, 2008), so there is no direct competition for water, but there is little research on the rate of replenishment for local area ground water. If the rate of depletion exceeds the rate of replenishment, it would be disastrous for local economies. Especially in Guelph, a growing town with an expected population of 169 000 by the year 2031 (City of Guelph, 2008), water resources will be more important in the future.

Water Privatization and the Periphery

The privatization of water has had adverse effects on the poor and disadvantaged; the people in the periphery that cannot afford to pay for something that should be free. The problem arises when the goal of a multinational company conflicts with the needs of the people. It has been shown that lack of planning and conscience on behalf of Suez, a multinational development company, has devastated several communities and the environment. Under pressure by the World Bank, who provided that water privatization be a prerequisite for foreign aid, Bolivia signed an agreement allowing foreign investment into their water infrastructure. The World Bank’s good intentions claimed private companies were better suited to handling water infrastructure, because local municipalities were plagued with corruption (Jim Schultz, 2005). Suez, the French multinational put in charge of La Paz’s water supply, neglected the water needs of approximately 200 000 people, and poisoned the environment. The exorbitant cost of hooking up water resulted in, only a small portion of the population that could afford to pay (Maude Barlow, 2008). This resulted in widening the gap between rich and poor, as a once free water supply was now financially unavailable to an already disenfranchised group. To add further injury to the Bolivian people, the privatization of water caused detrimental environmental damage. To save money on water treatment facilities Suez built a series of canals that emptied untreated sewage, garbage, and slaughterhouse effluent in lake Titicaca (Maude Barlow, 2008). Suez’s conflict of interest between increasing revenue and providing a vital resource showed that water privatization marginalizes people living in the periphery.

The Unknown Consequences of Water Privatization

Water privatization in the form of bottled water passes many externalities on to society. The purchase price does not even begin to encompass the environmental and social costs of producing a bottle of water. Extra costs associated with the consumption of bottled water are transferred to many different sectors in society. One such problem associated with bottled water is the disposal of the container. Empty plastic water bottles decompose over hundreds of year, becoming societies’ problem. Societies expend tax dollars to deal with empty bottles, which often degrade slowly in landfills. The unscrupulous act of selling a public resource is made worse when a society must, collectively, pay for a companies misdoing.

Source pollution of freshwater supplies, in the United States alone, has resulted in millions of tax dollars being spent on environmental remediation, and infrastructure development. In Orange Country, California, ground water pollution of nitrates, selenium and VOCs, resulted in 54 million dollars spent on remediation, enhanced treatment and replaced ground water supply (UN World Water Development Report, ch2, 2006). Corporate activities are hurting the space in which humans live and depend, but also cause millions of dollars in damages. Despite the economic revenue these companies generate, a large amount of capitol must be spent on undoing the damage they exact on the environment.

Conclusion

Water is an essential human right. Just like the air humans breathe, water is vital to sustain life. Since the dawn of humans, water has been interwoven into the fabric of our lives and culture. Humans respect water for its many roles and applications and its ability to heal. But with a respect for water comes many different agendas for its use. The finite supply of water means the negotiation of who uses it must be a shared responsibility. It is a shared responsibility because water belongs to everyone; it is in a constant state of recycle, always shifting, moving, ignoring man made boundaries, following its own agenda. Ultimately, the conflicting interests of water as an economic resource and a human right are intertwined. When access to clean fresh water is free, it has been shown to improve local health and also improve economies. There can be no excuse for the despicable actions of corporations denying people the right to water. Privatizing water is a clear example of how economic greed marginalizes people, and does not benefit the economy as a whole. Water is a fundamental human right and nothing less.

Word count: 1, 501 words

References:

1. Human Right to Water. Water Policy [1366-7017] Gleick yr: 1998 vol:1 iss: 5 pg 487 -503
2. Water Warriors: Declaring Water a Right, Not a Commodity, a Global Water Justice Movement is Growing. The Nation [0027-8378] Barlow yr: 2008 vol: 286 iss: 14 pg 18-22
3. The 2nd UN World Water Development Report: 'Water, a shared responsibility' Rep.No. 2. United Nations Educational and Scientific Cultural Organization, United Nations. 2006.
4. The Quest for Water: Rethinking Water Scarcity. Development [1011-6370] Lahiri-Dutt yr:2008 vol:51 iss:1 pg. 5-11
5. Lee, Kristan, Cleo Neculae, Ernie Niemi, and Sarah Reich, comps. The Potential Economic Effects of the Proposed Water Bottling Facility in McCloud. Rep.No. ECONorthwest. Eugene, OR: ECONorthwest, 2007. 12-12.
6. "Guelph Field Naturalists respond to Nestle’s Water Taking." Ward 2 Guelph. 12 May 2007. City of Guelph. Sept. 2008 <http://ward2guelph.wordpress.com/2007/05/12/guelph-field-naturalists-respond-to-nestles-water-taking/>.
7. Marsh, William M., and John Grossa. Environmental Geography : Science, Land Use, and Earth Systems. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2004.
8. "Water: The BIGGER Picture." Guelph Civic League. Sept. 2008 <http://www.guelphcivicleague.ca/archive/20070510-1.html>.
9. "City Council Highlights - June 23, 2008." City of Guelph. 23 June 2008. City of Guelph City Council. Sept. 2008 <http://guelph.ca/cityhall.cfm?itemid=75822&smocid=2167>.
10. Schultz, Jim. "The Politics of Water in Bolivia." The Nation. 28 Jan. 2005. Sept. 2008 <http://www.thenation.com/doc/20050214/shultz>.

GEOG 1200: Assignment 2, Pt. 1

Assignment 2: Human Geography and the Real World

Part 1. Outline

Article Title: Japan retail cash seeks Brazilian bliss

Author: Chikako Mogi, Reuters

Published: Globe and Mail, Sept 11, 2008

Article Summary:

Global economic turmoil is causing Japanese investors to explore markets that will cushion economic downfalls. Brazil’s economy is believed to have great potential that will outweigh the risks of a global financial crisis. Brazil’s booming market leaves great potential for self-sustainability, as it has a vast supply of natural resources and arable land. Despite recent currency depreciation, Brazil’s outlook remains positive due to a growing global population, urbanization and robust domestic demand. In today’s global economy Japanese companies are ramping up invest in Japan; Copersucar, a Brazilian sugar and ethanol company, are beginning to ship products into Japan, Japanese steelmakers are purchasing Brazilian iron-ore factories, and Japanese automakers produce more cars in Brazil every year.

Human Geography, Key Issues:

1) Globalization

a) Japans investment in Brazil is a prime example of how markets around the world are consolidating, and how political boundaries are being traversed everyday by international business and investment.

b) Brazil’s export of goods worldwide shows how accessible world markets have become

2) Ecumene

Brazil’s ecumene is rapidly shifting to an urban environment. Brazil’s abundance of resources compliments this and gives in a greater chance of success.

3) Transitioning Roles

Brazil is transforming from a semi-peripheral country into a core country. This is shown through their increased productivity, a recent development of this is there investment grade sovereign credit.

Bibliography

1) Title:  Brazil: the outlook for Brazilian equity markets over the next four years.

Source: Futures [0016-3287] yr:1998 vol:30 iss:7 pg:20 -23

This peer-reviewed journal provides insight on Brazil’s emerging economy into the 21^st century. It contains evidence supporting investment in Brazil, and the increase in its equity returns.

2) Title: Doing business in Brazil: A strategic approach

Source: Thunderbird international business review [1096-4762] Gouvea yr:2004 vol:46 iss:2 pg:165 -189

This journal article elaborates on the foreign aspects of investing in Brazil; it covers the challenges and opportunities faced by Brazil as an emerging economy.

3) Title: Race, nation and diplomacy: Japanese immigrants and the reconfiguration of Brazil's 'desirables'

Source: Social Identities [1350-4630] Quan yr:2004 vol:10 iss:3 pg:339 -367

This journal analyzes the impacts of Japanese immigration to Brazil, and how this has affected Brazil’s growth. It looks at the goals of both countries to achieve “capitalist expansion and domestic tranquility”. It also provides information on investment relations.