The Lake Naivasha Basin Tourism Essay Essay Example

The Lake Naivasha Basin Tourism Essay Essay Lake Naivasha Basin is located on the floor of Kenya s Eastern ( Gregorian ) Rift Valley, surrounded by the Kinangop tableland A ; Aberdares Mountains to the E, and the Mau Escarpment to the West. The lake itself -a Ramsar Site- is the 2nd largest fresh water lake in Kenya after Lake Victoria, positioned at an height of 1884m above sea degree ( Owiti, 2006 ) covering an country of 150kmA? . It s surrounded by a swamp which covers an country of 64kmA? ( Arusei, 2004 ) , depending on sum of rainfall screen hence has an mean deepness of 6m ( 20ft ) , with the deepest country being at Crescent Island, at a maximal deepness of 30m ( 100ft ) . Since the basin is situated at the bed of the Rift Valley plains between the two Highlandss, its ecological stature deems to be delicate and prone to environmental debasement. We will write a custom essay sample on The Lake Naivasha Basin Tourism Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Lake Naivasha Basin Tourism Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Lake Naivasha Basin Tourism Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer However, the Lake Naivasha Basin is rich in biodiversity with three national Parkss ( Mt. Longonot, Hell s Gate and The Aberdares ) , several privately-owned wildlife sanctuaries ( i.e. Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary, Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Kongoni Game Valley, Elsamere Conservation Centre and Crater Lake Game Sanctuary ) , fertile agro-ecological zones in the upper catchment, protected woods, ecotourism sites and several upland watershed countries. It has three major ecotourism undertakings in Gilgil ( Malewa Trust ) , Kinangop ( FoKP ) and in Kongoni ( Ndamamo Economic Empowerment Group ) as shown in figure. Its watershed countries serve as good countries for little and big graduated table agribusiness, while 50kmA? of land around the lake is under big scale gardening and widespread cowss farms. Lake Naivasha sustains major economic activities such as touristry, gardening, geothermic power coevals and local piscaries due to its environment holding peculiarity attached with its natural beauty and mild clime. Its favorable climatic conditions, closeness to Nairobi and the fresh H2O lake are characteristics that have prompted large-scale flower farming on the lake shore ( Becht et al, 2006 ) . These similar characteristics make the country attractive for tourers, with largely occupants from Nairobi and from abroad who on a regular basis visit the country. Figure Map of Lake Naivasha catchment and placement of three major ecotourism undertakings ( Beginning: International Lake Environment Committee web site ) . River Malewa, originating from the Aberdare Mountains, and Gilgil River -arising from Dundori highlands- are the chief beginnings of H2O for the lake, while Karati and belowground ooze from the Eastern Mau are secondary beginnings of H2O for the lake. Its water-catchment countries do qualify varied ecological zones that sustain typical home grounds and biological resources that supply to the parts dazing socio-economic development. The upper catchment countries encompass five woods: Kipipiri, Mau, Eburu, Aberdares and Kinangop. Naivasha town ( 100km northwest of Nairobi ) is a busy traffic hub of the Nairobi-Kampala main road and a tourer finish. WWF River Malewa Conservation Project The World Wide Fund for Nature ( WWF ) is a Global Conservation organisation and NGO. Since 1962, WWF EARPO ( Eastern Africa Regional Programme Office ) which has its central offices in Nairobi has been involved in coordination of legion preservation programmes in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia. The River Malewa Conservation Project focuses on issues associating to Ecotourism development, Policy enforcement, heightening rural supports, constructing a civil society, MFS, Natural Resource Management ( NRM ) , Payment for Environmental Services ( PES ) , Integrated Water Resource Management ( IWRM ) and Environmental preservation consciousness and acquisition. The undertaking initiated on 28th August 2000 and is planned to discontinue on 31st December 2010. WWF spouses with cardinal stakeholders such as circuit operators, hotelkeepers, SNV and KWS so as to measure the possibilities of bettering ecotourism in Lake Naivasha Basin, in position of reacting to rural hapless poorness ( WWF, 2006 ) . Improved Ecotourism Improved ecotourism around Lake Naivasha Basin is rooted by its rich natural biodiversity, support from the Government and NGOs such as WWF, EAWLS, USAID Ecotourism Kenya and Nature Kenya, every bit good as positive engagement and committedness by the local communities towards ecotourism programmes and/ or undertakings through their CBOs- bulk of whom are the Maasai and Kikuyu folks. Ecotourism: A Necessity for Bettering Sustainable Supports Ecotourism is itself a tool for preservation and community development ; therefore it endows socio-economic benefits towards the local communities every bit good as prolonging ecological resource unity through minimal-impact, non-consumptive resource use. Problem Statement Ecotourism being natural resource-based and capital-intensive, factors for its viability in the Lake Naivasha Basin comprise of: entrepreneurship, substructure, cordial reception, selling, security, land ownership, fiscal capital, security and status of resources. Nevertheless, sing local communities who are seldom cognizant of ecotourism businesses/ enterprises, or to revolutionise subsistent land-use patterns into ecotourism, or utilizing their peanut-earned incomes into ecotourism investing without any confidence of returns is still a major challenge for the local communities who rely on small-scale subsistence agriculture for deficient incomes. Therefore, there is the demand to animate the local communities and land proprietors to take up ecotourism initiatives/ undertakings. Community mobilisation, capacity edifice and consciousness is a challenge which requires solid engagement if non confidences. Furthermore, it has been seen that the Lake Naivasha ecosystem is sing menaces from H2O pollution: chemical wastes from flower farms ; and largely as a consequence of dirt sedimentations eroded from the upper catchments where deforestation, cultivation on steep inclines and riparian land continues indebting to weak execution of authorities policies with regard to preservation attempts. Research Aims To place the ecotourism activities and participants within the Basin How ecotourism can be integrated into community development How ecotourism could hold been integrated into the IWRM plans for River Malewa To look into the grade of ecotourism consciousness To happen out the extent of committedness by local communities towards ecotourism activities To happen out the degree of satisfaction by people towards ecotourism in their vicinities How people at that place perceive ecotourism development. Scope of Research Study This research explores the position of improved ecotourism in Lake Naivasha Basin. The theoretical model used in the survey is based on findings by Michaelidou et Al. ( 2002 ) : the Interdependence Hypothesis, which implies that there is mutuality between environmental preservation and community endurance and that both should be every bit intertwined so as to profit, every bit good as size uping the potency of improved ecotourism in the survey countries. Chapter TWO LITERATURE REVIEW Ecotourism The common dependance of touristry and the physical and societal environment is important to the hereafter of each. Tourism is a service industry whose primary resource is environments and civilizations which differ from those where the tourers normally live ( Grabun, 1989 p.21 ) . Tourism is non merely a powerful tool for socio-economic development but besides an facet in the physical environment every bit good ( Okech, 2009 ) , hence it has the power to better the environment, supply financess for preservation, continue civilization and history, to put sustainable usage bounds and to protect the natural attractive forces. Sustainable touristry on the whole strives to complement and convey together issues of intergenerational equity, and the ends of economic growing, environmental protection and societal justness. It recognizes the demand for equity between local persons and groups, and between hosts and invitees ( Mbaiwa, 2005 p.203 ) . Bramwell and Lane ( 1993, p.2 ) came up with four basic elements that are critical to the construct of sustainable touristry, which includes: holistic planning A ; scheme preparation ; saving of indispensable ecological procedures ; protection of human heritage A ; biodiversity ; and sustained productiveness over the long term for the future coevalss. Reacting to the negative environmental impacts that have emerged as a consequence of mass touristry and uniform selling, touristry industry participants and research workers have began to recommend sustainable touristry. This facet puts greater accent on development that is peculiarly sensitive to the long-run good of t he natural and socio-cultural environments, while still recognizing the fiscal benefits for the host community. In this mode, touristry must be planned and managed in such a mode that is natural and cultural environments are non depleted or degraded, but maintained as feasible resources on a lasting footing for uninterrupted usage ( Butler, 1993 p.27 ; Murphy, 1998 p.173 ; Wall, 1997 p.33 ) . Ecotourism on the other manus is one type of touristry that is quickly increasing in popularity around the Earth, particularly in developing states. Ecotourism is defined by The International Ecotourism Society as Travel to natural countries that conserves the environment and sustains the wellbeing of local people ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ecotourism.org/index2.php? what-is-ecotourism ) . Ecotourism must lend to the preservation of natural countries and the sustainable development of next countries and communities, and it should bring forth farther environmental and conservation consciousness among resident populations and visitants ( World Tourism Organization, 2000 ) . Newsome, Moore, and Dowling ( 2002, p.14 ) province: the primary ends of ecotourism are to foster sustainable usage through resource preservation, cultural resurgence and economic development and variegation . Newsome, Moore, and Dowling ( 2002, p.15 ) further reference five rules of ecotourism, and province: Ecotourism is nature-based, ecologically sustainable, environmentally educative, locally good and generates tourist satisfaction . Therefore, it potentially provides a sustainable attack to development. The recent haste in popularity of improved ecotourism has much to make with the hunt for a richer vacation experience by the invitee ( Okech, 2007 ) hence Kenya being a good illustration of one of the innovators in ecotourism. Kenya gave rise to one of Africa s earliest experiments in community-based preservation utilizing park and touristry grosss and began the first attempts to systematically adopt ecotourism rules and patterns in its national park system ( Honey, 2008 ) . However, sustainable touristry should non be confused with ecotourism in that sustainable touristry by and large embraces all sections of the industry with guidelines and standards that seek and cut down environmental impacts, peculiarly the usage of non-renewable beginnings, utilizing mensurable benchmarks, and to better touristry s part to sustainable development and environmental preservation ( Global Development Research Centre, 2008 ) . Ecotourism is a sub-category of sustainable touristry, which contains the educational, sustainable and nature-based constituents, and provides local benefits- environmentally, culturally and economically. Ecotourism and Conservation Green Tourism and Ecotourism Community-Based Ecotourism Harmonizing to Marris ( 2001, p.5 ) , CBET is touristry that is based on a combination of both cultural and natural attractive forces. It hence normally takes topographic point in natural countries and involves local communities which still retain traditional civilizations and which actively participate in the development and direction of touristry activities . From this definition, we see that the local community has important engagement in its direction and development of ecotourism resources in a manner that most of the benefits accrued remain in the community. Community-based ecotourism in Kenya is still at its development stages, holding been initiated by the KWS Community Section. In many parts, the people who live in or around the national Parkss in Kenya have formed local community ecotourism undertakings, which are cultural and resource Centres where tourers are allowed into a folk s small town by paying an admittance fee ( Honey, 1999 ) . NGO Involvement Harmonizing to the WWF Tourism Position Statement ( WWF International, 2001 p.3 ) , it mentions that: WWF and the touristry industry should portion a common end: the long-run saving of the natural environment. This presents a vision that touristry development and pattern should be portion of a wider sustainable development scheme ; be compatible with effectual preservation of natural ecosystems ; and affect local people and civilizations, guaranting that they have an just portion in its benefits . From this statement, WWF really does acquire involved in CBET projects/ enterprises chiefly through facilitation of the CBOs involved. This can be in signifier of policy preparation and intercession ; ecotourism instruction A ; environmental preservation consciousness programmes ; capacity edifice ; IWRM ; and tour usher preparation. In lake Naivasha Basin, WWF facilitates CBOs prosecuting in ecotourism undertakings through Ecotourism development ; Policy enforcement ; heightening rural supports ; constructing a civil society ; MFS ; Natural Resource Management ( NRM ) ; Payment for Environmental Services ( PES ) ; IWRM ; and Environmental preservation consciousness and larning for rural communities. Community Involvement Normally, those members of the community who have experience and/ or cognition on ecotourism, community/ rural development and preservation are involved in the undertaking or endeavor. In this instance, those community members with no official nor business-related understandings need to be corresponded by their spouses ( communities ) with the needful expertness, and with facilitation from organisations such as KWS, EAWLS, WWF, Ecotourism Kenya, Nature Kenya, USAID among others with similar functions. With the sufficient facilitation for CBET undertakings, finally the local community benefits will entwine with ecological sustainability. Fennell ( 1999, p.24 ) references that Sustainable touristry development is improbable to happen unless the people from rural communities work together so as to do it go on. There appears to be a certain understanding that if sustainability is to happen at all, it must be done at the local degree, and possibly shaped slackly by a broader national or international policy . Therefore, the local communities will comprehend the significance of preservation if they enjoy the benefits accrued from CBET. The tabular array below shows several degrees of community engagement in ecotourism in the basin, as corresponded by HOâ€Å"usler and Strasdas ( 2003 ) . They include: Table: Possible Community Involvement in the ecotourism endeavor No. Type of Enterprise/ Institution Nature of local engagement Examples 1. Private concern run by foreigners Employment Supply of good and services Kitchen staff in a Lodge Sale of nutrient, edifice stuffs 2. Enterprise or informal sector operation run by local persons Enterprise ownership Self-employment Supply of goods and services Craft gross revenues, nutrient booth Campsite, place corsets Steering services Hawking, sale of fuel wood, nutrient 3. Community endeavor Corporate ownership Corporate or single direction Supply of goods and services Employment or contributed labors Community campground Craft Centre Cultural Centre Guest house 4. Joint venture between community and private operator Contractual committednesss or shared ownership Share in gross Lease/ investing of resources Engagement in decision-making Revenue-sharing from Lodge and/ or tour operation to local community on agreed footings Community leases land/ resources/ grant to lodge/ tour operation Community holds equity in lodge/ circuit operation 5. Tourism planning organic structure Consultation Representation Engagement Local Consultation in regional touristry planning ( e.g. FoKP ) Community representatives on touristry board and in planning forums Beginning: HOâ€Å"usler and Strasdas, 2003. Tourism in Kenya Tourism is progressively going a important economic tool in most states in this universe. It contributes about 5 % of GDP and 4 % of entire employment in Kenya ( World Economic Forum, 2008 ) . In malice of the apparently low part, nevertheless, the general touristry economic system, which captures the backward and forward linkages, contributes 11.6 % of GDP. The sector besides contributes to about 23 % in foreign exchange net incomes and employs approximately 253,000 people in the modern pay sector ( World Trade and Tourism Council, 2007 ) . Furthermore, a big per centum of the universe s population is going more reliant on this industry and its sustained feasibleness. Harmonizing to The International Ecotourism Society ( TIES ) , touristry is the largest concern sector in the universe economic system, responsible for over 230 million occupations and over 10 % of gross domestic merchandise worldwide. On a planetary graduated table, harmonizing to the UNWTO, international tourer reachings fell by 4 % in 2009 to 880 million. This represents a little betterment as a consequence of the 2 % upswing in the last one-fourth of 2009. In contrast, international tourer reachings shrank by 10 % , 7 % and 2 % in the first three quarters of 2009 severally ( UNWTO, 2010 ) . In the first two months of 2010, the international tourer reachings reached a sum of 119 million, taging an addition of 6.25 % compared to 2009. Kenya has become more and more of a popular tourer finish for visitants from Europe, South-east Asia, North America and emerging tourist-generating parts such as South America. By December 2009, touristry grosss had raked in an estimated Sh. 62.46 billion compared to 2007 s Sh. 65.4 billion and 2008 s Sh. 52.71 ( KTB, 2010 ) . In the first two months of 2010, international reachings to Kenya reported a growing of 18 % compared to 2009 ( UNWTO, 2010 ) . Visitor reachings in 2009 increased to 1.8 million compared to 1.2 million in 2008, bespeaking a 50 % recovery rate ensuing from the post-election force which erupted in early 2008 and negatively affected the industry. During the first half of 2010, visitant reachings rose to 483,000 compared to 477,000 in 2007, with most visitants geting from the UK, Germany, Italy, France and the United States. In recent yesteryear old ages, the touristry industry has seen an exceeding growing. Between 2003 and 2006, the mean growing rate was 9.8 % compared to 5.4 % for Africa and 3.2 % for planetary touristry ( Ikiara et al, 2007 ) . Tourism gross grew by 14.9 % in 2006 and catch gardening to go the taking foreign exchange earner, with net incomes of Sh. 56.2 billion ( Kenya Economic Report, 2009 ) . The tabular array below shows the flow of cardinal economic indexs utilizing the latest available information, with touristry lending to 5 % of GDP. Table: Cardinal Economic Indexs 2003-2009 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Population ( 1000000s ) 32.17 32.81 33.44 34.05 36.91 38.77 39.68 Population Growth Rate ( % ) 2.1 2.0 1.9 1.8 6.36 5.04 2.35 GDP per capita ( US $ at current monetary values ) 467.50 493.7 560.0 694.2 719.2 803.9 816.6 GDP ( US $ bn. at current monetary values ) 15.04 16.19 18.73 23.63 27.12 30.35 32.72 GDP growing at changeless monetary values ( % ) 2.8 4.6 5.7 5.4 7.1 1.7 2.6 Inflation Rate ( % ) 9.8 11.6 10.3 7.8 5.1 13.1 9.3 Exchange Rate: Annual mean Kenyan shillings to US $ 75.94 79.17 75.55 72.10 68.31 68.36 78.04 Beginnings: KNBS, Oanda.com, World Development Indexs Vision 2030 The Vision 2030 is a long-run development scheme which was launched by the Government of Kenya in 2008. Known as the authorities s development design , the scheme is being run from 2008 boulder clay 2030. It aims to transform Kenya into a freshly industrializing, middle-income state supplying a high quality life to all its citizens by the twelvemonth 2030, doing it a globally competitory state. It aims to hold touristry as a taking sector in the economic system, hence to be one of the top 10 tourer finishs in the universe. It besides intends to raise the figure of international visitants from 1.8 million in 2009 to 3 million in 2012 whereas increasing mean exhausted per visitant from the present Sh. 45,000 to at least Sh. 70,000 hence addition hotel beds from 40,000 to at least 65,000, merged with emphasis on top-notch service quality. Tourism Policies back uping Tourism Improvement If Kenya is to better its touristry public presentation and compete as among the best long-haul finishs on a planetary graduated table, so an mixture of policy intercessions are to be anticipated ( Beginning: Ministry of Tourism study, 2009 ) : Domestic touristry should be promoted alongside international touristry through aggressive runs and monetary value derived functions, among other intercessions. More surveies are needed so as to understand what sort of touristry merchandises would be preferred to domestic tourers e.g. periodic cultural events and festivals. Kenya should guarantee that demand for adjustment installations is ever higher than supply. This can be executed through hiking selling while restricting supply. Kenya should besides endeavor to advance low density-high value merchandises in cardinal tourer circuits such as Amboseli and the Maasai Mara National Parks. Further investing in tourer installations should be discouraged while the bing 1s should be upgraded and the monetary values adjusted upwards to deter high volumes while raising value. In order to ease controlled development, transporting capacity surveies should be conducted as an issue of doggedness for the major tourer circuits and reserves/ Parkss. It s indispensable that ecotourism development countries to be clearly defined and prioritized, with direction programs to be formulated and adopted. The proposal for place corsets and resort metropoliss as included in the state s long term development scheme: the Vision 2030 are all good proposals, but they should seek t o keep demand in front of supply. Necessity for huge capacity edifice and judicial admission of microfinance or concessional capital so as to fuel local engagement in touristry ventures. Tax incentives and affirmatory action may be good. Inclination to reason and consecrate the touristry policy along with the needed statute law for effectual executing, including pro-active policy engagement, planing an sophisticated inducement bundle for touristry investings, and implanting competition and engineering transportation. These intercessions should be in line with the Vision 2030. The inducements should direct investings into new circuits ( for case western Kenya ) , new ecotourism merchandises for sustainable development and local community engagement. Synchronism of touristry developing course of study should be undertaken and implemented quickly so as to ease service quality in touristry. There is demand to present and spread out new preparation classs so as to fit the altering demands of the touristry industry. The state s concern environment should be improved. Therefore, substructure should be improved ( roads, airdromes, railroads, energy etc. ) and simplify and cut down license demands. Regional incorporation demands to be fast-tracked by selling of East Africa as a exclusive finish, therefore explicating a regional classification and regulative standards, reforming and harmonizing of ordinances on motion of tourer vehicles across boundary lines and within regional background, and launching of a regional tourer visa. Aggressive publicity of International touristry through increased budgetary allotments. This is to increase tourer reachings to the desired 3 million by 2012. Last but non least, security is an of import facet. There is demand to increase capacity in the Tourist Police Unit through client service. Rigorous steps are required to be taken so as to relieve drug maltreatment every bit good as sexual development of kids in touristry. Even if the policy intercessions are being exercised, the UN s Tourism Act of 2002 -which contains a maestro program for touristry development- , is still non to the full adopted by the Kenyan policy shapers hence the industry is regulated by a few scattered references in different pieces of statute law ( Table ) ( Zhaliazniak, 2009 ) . Table Pieces of statute law that oversee the touristry industry in Kenya ( Zhaliazniak, 2009 p.15 ) No. in Laws of Kenya Name of the legal papers Description CAP 381 Tourist industry Licensing Act Licensing of touristry endeavors CAP 494 Hotels and Restaurants Act Specifies conditions for licensing and ordinance CAP 376 Wildlife Conservation and Management Act Looks into touristry endeavors within Parkss and militias CAP 8 Environmental Management and Coordination Act Provides guidelines on where a touristry site is allowed to be set CAP 382 Kenya Tourist Development Authority Provides for the apparatus of Kenya Tourist Development Corporation, which is charged with the undertaking of proviso of fiscal installations and consultative services to the touristry industry. Tourism in Lake Naivasha Basin Ecotourism Products and Activities The tabular array below outlines the Ecotourism merchandises and activities within L. Naivasha Basin. Friends of Kinangop Plateau ( FoKP ) Gateway to Development Murungaru Location, Central Division, Nyandarua District, Central Province Founded in 2007, FoKP is an SSG, with activities focused on preservation of endemic bird species. It presently has over 10,000 members from 24 self-help groups which are housed by FoKP. They include: Uhuru Women Group, Mwihoti Youth Initiatives, Engineer Broad Vision, Ukweli SHG, Murungaru Water Harvesting Agriculture, Mutaratara SHG, Paphrling-KERS, Machinery Young Farmers, Mumui SHG, Kimrui Volley Team, KAG Church, Kuria Mutego Dam, Aragwai Co-op Society, Waithima, Guphabai SHG, Kimuri, Bidii Dam, Mikaro Bee Keepers, Mazhinda Dam, Faru Dam, Githunguri Dam and Kimuri Dairy Group. Despite the SHGs and big figure of members, there are merely 15 community ushers involved in ecotourism while 17 are in cultural touristry. However, potency of ecotourism development is apparent through presence of a mini-museum with historical points of the Kikuyu folk and colonialists ; research tourists chiefly from Europe and Kenya ; endemic bird species ; bird migration to dams ; past history of the white Highlandss ; good position points for the Rift Valley ; adjustment at Kinangop Guest House and Ecotourism Bandas at FoKP Centre. Agro touristry is on the grapevine through beehive and fish agriculture. Their chief facilitators are WWF and Nature Kenya every bit good as CDTF and USAID. This topographic point is ideal for bird lovers, with visitants largely from the UK and Holland. Home plate: Ecotourism Bandas at FoKP Murungaru Centre ( left ) and a subdivision of the Mini Museum exposing some humanistic disciplines A ; artefacts. Table 1: Ecotourism Merchandises and Activities within Lake Naivasha Basin Name OF ORGANIZATION/ GROUP REGISTRATION OF GROUP Merchandise Activities Remarks 1. Friends of Kinangop Plateau ( FoKP ) CBO/ SSG Mini museum Kinangop Guest House Bandas/ tented cantonments Conserved trees Important Bird Area ( IBA ) Man-made dike British colonial places Caves Bird observation Cultural dances/ public presentations Beehive agriculture Hiking/ jaunts Nature preservation 2. Hells Gate National Park ( KWS ) Parastatal Wildlife ( zebra, American bison, eland, gazelle, baboons, hartebeest, leopards ) 103 bird species Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide Fischer s tower The Lower Gorge Ol Karia Geothermal Station Tourist Circuits, nature trails A ; picnic sites Naivasha Airstrip ( Govt. of Kenya ) Camping Rock mounting Cycling Hiking A ; trekking Game drive Bird observation Picnicing 3. Mt. Longonot National Park ( KWS ) Parastatal Mt. Longonot Volcanic crater Hot springs Wildlife ( American bison, Thompsons gazelle, camelopard, guinea poultries, zebras ) 400 bird species Some reptilians ( gecko A ; serpents ) Lodia Safari Airstrip ( private ) Hiking Rock/ mountain mounting Bicycling Bird observation Game watching 4. South L. Naivasha Boats Ecotourism Project Private/ person Fisherman s Camp Lake Naivasha ( Motorized ) boats Bird species Wildlife ( river horse, monkeys ) Olkaria Cultural Centre Bird observation Camping Boat campaign Fishing Sun sedatives Lake shoreline walk 5. Geta CFA Ecotourism undertaking CBO Aberdare Mountains Kipipiri Hill Bandas/ tented cantonments Geta Forest Guest House Protected countries Wildlife ( colobus monkeys ) Caves Mountain hiking/ jaunts Cave geographic expedition Cultural/ historical activities Nature preservation Camping 6. Aberdares National Park ( KWS ) Parastatal Wildlife ( elephant, king of beasts, Canis aureus, guib, waterbuck, ness American bison, colobus monkey, forest pig, leopard, shrub duiker, eland, bongo, olive baboon, sykes monkey, mountain reedbuck ) Crowns Lodge Aberdare scopes Self-help banda sites Picnic sites 250+ bird species Airstrips in Nyeri A ; Mweiga Mountain hike Game drive ( 4WD ) Picnicing Camping in moorlands Bird observation 7. Upper Turasha Conservation Group CBO Bakery Aberdare scopes Home corsets Caves Community Centre ( Kenyahwe house ) Tree babys rooms Wildlife ( elephants from wood ) Agro forestry Baking and merchandising of staff of life, bars Cave geographic expedition Mountain climbing/ boosting Bird observation 8. Oloika Women Group CBO Manyattas Maasai Community Savanna fields Handicrafts Bird species Caves Home corsets Cultural dances Agro touristry Cave geographic expedition Bird observation Camping 9. Malewa Bush Ventures/ Malewa Trust Trust River Malewa Malewa River Lodge Caanvas bungalows Tents/ cantonments Providing Conference installations Wildlife ( zebras, camelopard etc. ) Rappeling Team edifice A ; challenge classs Camping Rock mounting Waterfall/ landscape sing Picnicing Schools outdoor programmes 10. Kigio Wildlife Conservancy Trust Kigio Wildlife Camp Malewa Wildlife Lodge Wildlife ( warthog, American bison, Aepyceros melampus, grant, Thompsons gazelle, eland, leopard, hyaena, Hippo ) 250+ bird species River Malewa Nature walks Game thrusts Bicycling Bush breakfast A ; tiffin Fishing Camping Bush jaunts 11. Mt. Longonot Adventures ( K ) Ltd. Partnership Curio Shop [ Mt. Longonot Volcanic crater Hot springs Wildlife ( American bison, Thompsons gazelle, camelopard, guinea poultries, zebras ) 400 bird species Some reptilians ( gecko A ; serpents ) Oloongonot campground Hiking Rock/ mountain mounting Mountain Biking Bird observation Game watching Camping 12. Enaiborr Ajijik, Labarak CBO 3000 estates of natural wood ( Olosho Rongai ) Nature trails Butterfly farms Wildlife ( baboons, monkeys, serpents ) Beehive farms Bird species Hiking/ trekking Traditional dances/ public presentations Butterfly and beehive agriculture ( learning how to reap honey ) Camping 13. Elsamere Centre Trust Elsamere Lodge 8 bungalows L. Naivasha Conservation Centre Wildlife ( serpents, Hippo, warthog, zebra, camelopard ) Conservation instruction Wildlife sing Fishing 14. Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary Private Chui Lodge Kiangazi House Oserian Flower Farm 23000 estates of wildlife sanctuary ( leopard, warthog, camelopard, zebra, Thompsons gazelle, Aepyceros melampus, baboon, serval cat, white rhino, chetah etc. ) 320+ bird species Scenic Rift Valley fields Entree to Mt. Longonot A ; Hells Gate National Parks Oserian Airstrip ( private ) Wildlife preservation programmes Community outreach programmes Game screening, game drive Bird observation 15. Kongoni Game Valley Private British colonial farm house Pili Pili bungalows Wildlife Reserve ( private ) Wildlife ( Aepyceros melampus, zebra, leopard, antelope, American bison, camelopard, Hippo etc. ) Bird species Horseback equitation Wildlife Conservation Guided twenty-four hours A ; dark campaign walks A ; thrusts Boat drives Sundowners, picnicking Mountain biking Tour of Naivasha flower farm 16. Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary Private Volcanic crater L. Naivasha Wildlife ( camelopard, Thompsons gazelle, elands, waterbucks A ; pythons but no marauders ) Bird species Entree by boat A ; causeway Nature trails Boat rides to A ; from island Wildlife sing Bird observation Treking Hells Gate National Park Hells Gate Location, Central Division, Naivasha District, Rift Valley Province. Managed by KWS, it is the second smallest national park, but yet the lone park in Kenya where cycling and walking without any official KWS bodyguard is allowed. Of late, KWS is implementing the community outreach through preparation of local community circuit ushers, edifice schools, preservation instruction and patronizing well-performing pupils, hence bridging the spread between the two stakeholders. This interprets a win-win relationship. The new ecotourism merchandise packaging includes: cycling, encampment, stone mounting, mountain mounting, hike, picnicking, hotel-linked shrub breakfast and sundowners. On one-year footing, they organize the Hells Gate on a Wheelbarrow competitions from which money accrued from the event goes to building of a Conservation Centre within the park. The 2010 event was successful, holding earned Sh. 7 million. Home plate: Fischer s Tower A ; Lower Gorge behind ( left ) , and participants in the one-year Heels Gate on a Wheelbarrow 2010 event. Harmonizing to the Senior Warden, they assist communities in the proposal development and urging them to possible support programmes. They besides train and integrate them e.g. ushers and porters, hence mobilisation of the community groups. KWS in Hells Gate still continues to make consciousness on ecotourism A ; preservation and exchange programmes on what feasible undertakings can be undertaken. They train and capacity build the local communities on direction functions- facilitating joint ventures between the communities and ecotourism stakeholders. Plans to build an Eco-lodge within the park are on the grapevine. Ratess: Table: Park entry fees for Hells Gate National Park Citizens Kshs. Residents Kshs. Non-residents US $ Adults 200 500 25 Childs 100 250 10 Students 100 250 10 Beginning: Booklet for Hells Gate N. Park Mt. Longonot National Park Longonot Location, Maii Mahiu Division, Naivasha District, Rift Valley Province. This park, managed by KWS, encircles Mt. Longonot- a hibernating volcanic mountain which peaks at 2780m above sea degree. Visitors chiefly come to see the volcanic crater at the top of the mountain, every bit good as hike and cycling. In 2004, KWS had launched an Ecotourism Youth Community Project which aimed at developing the young person from community in circuit guiding, stone mounting and bird observation A ; designation. The undertaking ab initio had 100 members. Presently, KWS is back uping Mt. Longonot Adventures ( K ) Ltd. group through preparation and facilitation programmes. Home plate: Entrance to Mt. Longonot N. Park ( left ) , and position of Mt. Longonot from Naivasha-Nairobi main road. Ratess: Table: Park entry fees for Mt. Longonot N. Park Citizens Kshs. Residents Kshs. Non-residents US $ Adults 200 500 25 Childs 100 250 10 Students 100 250 10 Beginning: Booklet for Mt. Longonot N. Park South L. Naivasha Boats Ecotourism Project Olkaria Location, Kongoni Division, Naivasha District, Rift Valley Province It is a member of Ecotourism Kenya. Based within locality of Fisherman s Camp and privately-owned, it includes a Beach Management ( BMU ) and Anti-poaching unit. The group advocates protecting and re-establishing riparian entree corridors around L. Naivasha. The group usually offers boat campaign, fishing and nature Tourss. Home plate: Boats used by South Lake group ( left ) , and Camping A ; picnic site at Fisherman s Camp Naivasha Harmonizing to the proprietor -Mr. David Kilo- ecotourism is still a new construct to some countries, which need to be given precedence for sustainable development every bit far as touristry around the lake is concerned. Charges for boating are Sh. 1500 for half an hr upper limit of 8 individuals, and Sh. 3000 for 1 hr upper limit of 8 individuals. Bicycles can besides be hired for Sh. 500 a twenty-four hours. Geta CFA Ecotourism Project Mukungi Location, North Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua District, Central Province Geta Community Forest Association ( CFA ) is a CBO which houses several colony strategies: Geta, Kitiri, Nandarasi, Wanjohi, Miharati, Mawingu, Mikaro and Gatundu colony strategies. Ecotourism is still at its development stage. So far, the CBO has developed a Wildlife and Ecotourism Development Programme which aims at bettering community supports through sustainable wildlife A ; forest direction and income-generating ecotourism activities while minimising human-wildlife struggles. The Wildlife and Ecotourism Programme is shown in Annex 6 ( Beginning: Geta Forest Management Plan 2009-2014 ) . The Geta Forest and the larger Aberdare Forest are richly endowed with abundant wildlife, caves and scenic beauty which are all major tourer attractive forces. Diverse fauna evident in the forest gives it a high potency for ecotourism development. The Kenyan Forest Act of 2005 subdivision 47 ( 2a ) specifies that communities can come in into a direction understanding with the Director ( of KWS ) which bestows upon the association forest user rights to ship on ecotourism and recreational activities. Ecotourism merchandises identified include: shrines, waterfalls, position points, shooting sites, bird observation sites, caves and boosting forest trails as shown in Table below. Ease of handiness, connectivity and its strategic geographical place are other factors that contribute to ecotourism development in the part. Table: Ecotourism Sites and Activities in Geta Forest FOREST BEAT AREA NAME Location Site ALTITUDE ( M ) Interest Clog Kitiri N. Kinangop Kenya Pencil 2625 Campsite and Tourist Hotel Clog Mutubio N. Kinangop Mutubio 3199 Filming, bird observation, picnicking Mihato Mihato Makumbi Marimu Valley 3234 Ecotourism Kiambogo Mihato Clog Rua-marimu 3270 Ecotourism Kipipiri Ihiga Kiambogo Scout Peak 3375 Hiking and bivouacing Clog Muthagira Wanjohi Melono stone 2666 Rock mounting Clog Sofia Griffin Wanjohi Sofia Griffin 2491 Lodge Bush Gathure Wanjohi View Point 3014 View point Clog Njangiri Wanjohi Janeiro 2700 Waterfall Clog Gathima Wanjohi Gathima 2938 Caves Kamirangi Kamuringa N. Kinangop Kamirangi vale 2750 Caves A ; stone mounting Mekaro Kanjuiri N. Kinangop Kanjuiri stone 3182 Photograph pickings, birds A ; shooting Manunga Ndorobo Kipipiri Ndorobo 2942 Colobus monkey screening, waterfall A ; position point, bird observation, instruction Tourss Clog Kirima Kipipiri Kirima 2992 Caves, bivouacing site Forest One Kanyotu Kipipiri Kanyotu 2640 Lodge Mikeu Mikeu Clog Getei 2729 Kiere cave Mikeu Mikeu Clog Lower Mikeu 2903 Wangae cave ( 100m from entry to issue ) , Kangui Falls Kagongo Kagongo Clog Kagongo, R. Wanjohi 3498 Kangui Cave, Gatuku Falls, Caves Beginning: Geta Forest Management Plan ( 2009-2014 ) Aberdares National Park Cardinal Highlands, Kinangop Division, Nyandarua District, Central Province It is a wilderness park managed by KWS. It encircles the Aberdare Ranges which extends from the Laikipia Escarpments ( nor-east of Naivasha ) down to Kinangop Plateau ( E of Naivasha ) , approximately 60km long. Geta Forest is besides in Aberdares, construing that KWS does back up CBET through facilitation by preparation of community ushers A ; lookouts. The park is gifted with a huge array of vegetations and zoologies, every bit good as attractive forces such as bamboo brushs, caves, waterfalls, mist-covered Moors, thick wood and wildlife ( including the Big Five ) . Table: Park Entry Fees for Aberdares N. Park Citizens Kshs. Residents Kshs. Non-residents US $ Adults 300 1000 50 Childs 100 500 25 Students 100 200 15 Beginning: Booklet for Aberdares N. Park On one-year footing, KWS in concurrence with Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, form the Rhino Charge Challenge whereby 4X4 vehicles conflict through obstructions, shrub paths and circuits. Fundss from the event go to electric fence of the park so as to avoid human-wildlife struggles, re-afforestation programmes every bit good as bettering community supports. KWS besides works with KFS on issues sing forest and biodiversity protection and preservation. Home plate: Electric fencing dividing Aberdares Park from community small towns ( left ) , and Off-road path taking to the Park from Miharati. Upper Turasha Conservation Group Njabini Location, Kinangop Division, Kinangop District, Central Province This is a CBO presently representing of 24 members -14 of who are adult females and young person. Their chief function was to turn tree seedlings for agro forestry on the ecologically-sensitive cultivated cragged landscape which besides serves as a water-catchment country for R. Turasha -a tributary to R. Malewa which drains into L. Naivasha. In this instance, their function is potentially of import for keeping the H2O degree of the lake. Their bakeshop concern is conveying good returns. However, they are sing ecotourism as an option. This is evidenced by handiness of an old big farm house which can be used as a Community Ecotourism Resource Centre ; nearby Aberdare Forest where activities such as hike and undermine geographic expedition can be done ; wildlife such as elephants A ; monkeys which are spotted on occasion ; and colonial history/ cultural touristry. The community are positive towards prosecuting in ecotourism concern. Home plate: Members of Upper Turasha Group at their Bakery ( left ) and the proposed Community Resource Centre Oloika Women Group Ndabibi Location, Eburru Division, Naivasha District, Rift Valley Province Formed in 1997, this is a CBO housed by Ndamamo Economic Empowerment Group Malewa Trust Kigio Wildlife Conservancy Mt. Longonot Adventures ( K ) Ltd Enaiborr Ajijik, Labarak Elsamere Centre Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary Kongoni Game Valley Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary Potential Ecotourism Sites Properties of Improved Ecotourism Incorporate Water Resource Management ( IWRM ) Water is life. No H2O, no hereafter. Water is for all. These statements confirm the critical importance of H2O, in peculiar fresh H2O to human life ( Fellizar, 2003 ) . Some 2 billion people in the universe are confronting H2O deficits ( Fellizar, 2003 ) and it has been noted that H2O is acquiring scarcer due to excessive unsustainable usage ; and that H2O quality is decreasing due to insanitary human patterns and hapless direction of family, hotel, industrial and agricultural wastes. It is estimated that by 2025, a figure of states will be excessively dry to keep rates of current utilizations ( CSD, 1997 ) . The by and large accepted definition of sustainable development is development which meets the demands of the present, without compromising the ability of future coevalss to run into their ain demands ( Brundtland Report, 1987 ; quoted from the White Paper on Environmental Management for South Africa, 1997 ) . IWRM is besides defined as a procedure which promotes the co-ordinated development and direction of H2O, land and related resources, in order to maximise the attendant economic and societal public assistance in an just mode without compromising the sustainability of critical ecosystems ( Jonker, 2002 ) . This would connote that natural characteristics such as air current, rainfall among other natural procedures can non or is non possible to be managed ; whereas human activities can be managed. For this ground, a proper description of Integrated Water Resources Management would be to pull off people s activities in a mode that promotes sustainable development ( improves sup ports without interrupting the H2O rhythm ) ( Alfarra, 2004 ) . High economic value around the Lake Naivasha basin has been generated by largely touristry and gardening, hence it has created clang of involvements between the assorted stakeholders i.e. flower husbandmans, touristry participants, local husbandmans, upper catchment, urban people etc. hence bring forthing more force per unit area on the quality and H2O degree of the lake. The IWRM program for Lake Naivasha Basin which had been implemented between 2002 and 2005 has helped in turn toing and work outing the jobs impacting the country. It targeted the H2O catchment countries. In this instance, the downstream H2O users within the Basin rely on the upstream communities who are charged with the protection of the water partings so as to guarantee equal H2O flow for downstream public-service corporation. However, small was touched on the touristry and ecotourism portion. Ecotourism integrated into IWRM Plans Chapter THREE RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY Design and Plan of Data Collection Surveies lending to this thesis were a combination of both qualitative and quantitative analysis. A holistic methodological attack was used with a position of turn toing affairs sing ecotourism and its potencies, the Government s Vision 2030 and relevant ecotourism stakeholders. The research was conducted in line with the programmes organized by the WWF EARPO. Desk Review The reappraisal of bing literature included descriptions of touristry in Kenya ( with the Vision 2030 touching on touristry ) , touristry policy intercessions, facets of sustainable touristry and ecotourism, community-based ecotourism and IWRM. These secondary information was gathered from reappraisals of official paperss, text books, academic diaries ( Diaries of Sustainable Tourism -JOST ) , statistics and printed promotional and selling stuffs. Interviews Face-to-face interviews were conducted to a figure of ecotourism stakeholders such as the Government, NGOs, hotelkeepers and CBOs. The list of interviewees is provides in Annex 1. Field Work/ Studies This included organized extended Tourss within the lake basin by sing cardinal countries such as Naivasha, Longonot, Aberdares, Malewa, Moi-ndabi, and Kigio. Data was gathered through the disposal of questionnaires which were dispatched to randomly-selected community members and stakeholder groups. These groups were pre-identified by WWF Naivasha. Group treatments with the local communities were undertaken. Photographs were besides taken during the field Tours. Table: Topographic points visited within Lake Naivasha Basin Umbrella Area Town/ Locality Organization/ Hospitality Outlet Date visited 1. North L. Naivasha Langalanga, Gilgil Malewa Bush Ventures 16-07-2010 Karunga, Gilgil Kigio Wildlife Conservancy 19-07-2010 N. Naivasha Great Rift Valley Lodge 02-07-2010 2. Naivasha town Naivasha Labelle Inn 26-05-2010 Naivasha Jaza Guest Resort 02-06-2010 Naivasha L. Naivasha Panorama 02-06-2010 Naivasha L. Naivasha Country Club 04-06-2010 Naivasha L. Naivasha Resort 04-06-2010 3. South L. Naivasha Kongoni Hells Gate National Park 13-07-2010 Longonot Mt. Longonot National Park 14-07-2010 Longonot Mt. Longonot Adventures Ltd. 14-07-2010 Moi-ndabi Oloika Women Group 27th A ; 28th July Labarak Enaiborr Ajijik Community 28-05-2010 Oserian Chui Lodge 22-07-2010 Oserian Kiangazi Lodge 22-07-2010 Oserian Elsamere Lodge A ; Centre 21-07-2010 Oserian Fisherman s Camp 15-07-2010 Kongoni Crayfish Camp 13-07-2010 Karagita L. Naivasha Simba Lodge 23-07-2010 Karagita L. Naivasha Sopa Lodge 23-07-2010 Kongoni Fish Eagle Inn 15-07-2010 4. The Aberdares Aberdares Aberdares National Park 28-07-2010 Engineer, Miharati, Kipipiri Geta Community Forest Association ( CFA ) 3rd, 4th, 10th A ; 11th June ; 27th A ; 28th July Murungaru Friends of Kinangop Plateau 06-07-2010 Tulaga Upper Turasha Conservation Group 08-07-2010 Questionnaires which were filled in were cross-checked on topographic point so as to guarantee truth and consistence before going from the respondents. Data Entry Processing and Analysis The informations gathered from the field surveies was entered into SPSS statistical analysis package version 18. The consequences of this analysis rooted statistical information which is presented in this thesis ( see Chapter 4 ) every bit good as a study submitted to WWF Naivasha. Chapter FOUR KEY FINDINGS

How to Find the Best School for Architecture

How to Find the Best School for Architecture Hundreds of colleges and universities offer classes in architecture and related fields. How do you choose the best architecture school? What is the best training for you to become an architect? Here are some resources and advice from the experts. Types of Architecture Degrees Many different paths can take you toward an Architecture degree. One route is to enroll in a 5-year Bachelor or Master of Architecture program. Or, you can earn a bachelors degree in another field such as mathematics, engineering, or even art. Then go on to graduate school for a 2- or 3-year Masters degree in Architecture. These different paths each have advantages and disadvantages. Consult with your academic advisers and teachers. Architecture School Ranks With so many schools to choose from, where do you begin? Well, you can look at manuals such as Americas Best Architecture Design Schools, which evaluate schools according to a variety of criteria. Or, you can check general rankings of college and university programs. But beware of these reports! You may have interests that arent reflected in school ranks and statistics. Before you choose an architecture school, think closely about your personal needs. Where do you want to practice? How important is a diverse, international student population? Compare world rankings with country rankings, analyze the design and technology of school websites, study curricula, visit a few prospective schools, attend free and open lectures, and talk to people who have attended there. Americas Best Architecture Design SchoolsAcademic Ranking of World UniversitiesThe Times Higher Education World University RankingsQuacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings Accredited Architecture Programs To become a licensed architect, youll need to meet the educational requirements established in your state or country. In the USA and Canada, requirements can be met by completing an architecture program that has been approved by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). Remember that architecture programs are accredited for professional licensing, and schools and universities are accredited as educational institutions. Accreditation such as WASC may be an important accreditation for a school, but it does not meet the educational requirements for an architecture program or professional licensing. Before you enroll in an architecture course, always make sure that it meets the criteria established by the country where you plan to live and work. Find Accredited Architecture ProgramsAssociation of Collegiate Schools of Architecture Architecture Training Programs Many fascinating careers related to architecture do not require a degree from an accredited architecture program. Perhaps you would like to work in drafting, digital design, or home design. A technical school or an art school may be the ideal place to pursue your education. Online search engines can help you locate both accredited and non-accredited architecture programs anywhere in the world. Schools for Art and DraftingFind Architecture ClassesArchitecture-Related Careers Architecture Internships Regardless of the school you select, eventually youll need to obtain an internship and receive specialized training outside the classroom. In the USA and many other parts of the world, an internship lasts about 3-5 years. During that time, you will earn a small salary and be supervised by licensed registered pros. At the completion of your internship period, youll need to take and pass a registration exam (the ARE in the USA). Passing this exam is your final step toward obtaining a license to practice architecture. Architecture is historically and traditionally learned by apprenticeships- working with other people is important in learning the trade and vital in being professionally successful. A young Frank Lloyd Wright started out working with Louis Sullivan; both Moshe Safdie and Renzo Piano apprenticed with Louis Kahn. Often an internship or apprenticeship is chosen specifically to learn more about a specialty. Intern Development Program (IDP)About Student Internships Study Architecture on the Web Online courses can be a useful introduction to architectural studies. By taking interactive architecture classes on the Web, you can learn basic principles and possibly even earn credits toward a degree in architecture. Experienced architects may also turn to online classes to expand their knowledge. However, before you can earn a degree from an accredited architecture program, youll need to attend seminars and participate in design studios. If you cant attend classes full-time, look for universities that combine online courses with weekend seminars, summer programs, and on-the-job training. Read the blogs of architects such as Bob Borson- his Design Studio: Top 10 Things you should know helps us understand the design process in a learning environment. Online Architecture ProgramsFree Online Architecture ClassesDiscuss: Online Education for Architects Architecture Scholarships The long progress toward a degree in architecture will be expensive. If youre in school right now, ask your guidance counselor for information about student loans, grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and scholarships. Check scholarship listings published by the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Most importantly, ask to meet with a financial aid adviser at your chosen college. Ask For Help Ask professional architects about the type of training they recommend and how they got their start. Read about the lives of professionals, such as French architect Odile Decq: I had this idea when I was a teenager, but I thought at the time that to be an architect, you had to be very good at sciences, and you have to be a man - that it was a very male dominated field. I thought about art decoratif [decorative arts], but to do that I had to go to Paris, and my parents didnt want me to go to the city because I was a young girl and could get lost. So they asked me to go to the main capital in Bretagne where I am from, which is near Rennes, and studied art history for one year. There, I started to discover through meeting students in the school of architecture that I could have done my studies in architecture realizing its not obligatory to be good at math or science, and that it was not only for men but women too. So I passed the exam to enter the school, I applied for the school and succeeded. So, I started like that.- Odile Decq Interview, January 22, 2011, designboom, July 5, 2011 [accessed July 14, 2013] Searching for the right school can be both exciting and terrifying. Take time to dream, but also consider practical considerations such as location, finances, and the general atmosphere of the school. As you narrow down your choices, feel free to post questions in our discussion forum. Perhaps someone who has recently graduated can offer a few tips. Good luck! Discuss: Becoming an Architect Later in LifeDiscuss: Which University Should I Apply To? Flexible Programs and Distance Learning There are many ways to become an architect. Although you probably wont be able to earn a degree entirely through online coursework, some colleges do offer flexible programs. Look for accredited architecture programs that offer some online coursework, weekend seminars, summer programs, and credit for on-the-job training. Discuss: Becoming an Architect Later in Life Special Needs Beware of rankings. You may have interests that arent reflected in statistical reports. Before you choose an architecture school, think closely about your personal needs. Send away for catalogs, visit a few prospective schools, and talk to people who have attended there. Questions to Ask Schools of Architecture

Credit Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Credit Crisis - Essay Example What most people understand is that greedy banks encouraged people to take out loans that they could not afford to pay, and now they are looking at a windfall of foreclosures since the people are falling way behind their mortgages. What completely befuddles everyone is the fact that how can a singular unit of the mortgage business cause so much chaos How could the whole subprime mortgage business send stock markets plummeting, leave Bear Stearns in ruins, and send the country's economy into a rapid downward spiral Apparently, the confusion is not limited to consumers alone. Even seasoned financial and investment professionals are seemingly in the dark as well. It seems that the financial crisis has shown Wall Street habitus several hitherto unheard of instruments. A good example would be a "liquidity put", a contract so obscure that even the best analysts in the industry had never heard of it. As it is, the housing crisis traces its beginnings roughly a decade ago when real estate seemed like a real steal. Conditions were favorable - an influx of global investments into the mortgage business made it very easy to get a housing loan. The suddenly flush marketplace had mortgage rates plunging, and numerous new innovations were introduced to entice more buyers. The problem was, these same investors were demanding higher... These loans would offer low initial rates as a come-on, and would later saddle homeowners with significantly higher rates as the loan progressed. These investments were then put together into the formerly obscure "Collateralized Debt Obligation" - a highly leveraged instrument which promised big gains and came with tremendously high risk. Simply put, these investors were making $100 million bets with only $1 million of their own money. If their investment rose to $101 million, they earned $1 million. The risk involved was very high, and the peculiar thing was so many institutions ended up getting a piece of it because the U.S. housing market seemed like a sure thing. For instance, banks apparently sold very complex insurance policies on the mortgage debt. With so many parties involved, it is no surprise that once the bubble burst everyone was on the hook. Hence the freefall that has embroiled the financial markets for nearly a year now. Personally, I feel that it would be helpful for people to be well-informed about the housing crisis. It is one of the most pertinent and talked-about topics of the day, and yet it seems that oftentimes people do not know the real score. This is a very serious issue with potentially serious repercussions, and knowing what precisely is going on would be a tremendous plus in making better informed fiscal decisions in the future. As the article conceded however, given the complexity of the financial instruments involved this may be easier said than done. If Wall Street professionals are having a hard time with it, everyone else may be hard-pressed to know what a "liquidity put"

Black Segregation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Black Segregation - Essay Example In the year 1954 the Court of United States pronounced its verdict as concerns the landmark case of Brown v. Board where it provided that the racial segregation of children based on the rule of â€Å"separate but equal† as directed by the provision of the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson that was later overturned was considered as an infringement of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Supreme Court hence declared the separate educational facilities as essentially unequal and unconstitutional. The ruling on Brown v. Board of Education case helped to combat the activities of the state in funding and facilitating aspects of segregation that had been corroding the ethical codes of the society. It also served to give the civil movement groups a voice and motivation to fight for the rights and privileges of the discriminated groups (Renzulli, 2006). In history, the root cause for the segregation of blacks and whites in America dates back to the mid 19th century. It primarily began with the passage of Jim Crow laws after the Reconstruction Era ended. These laws were largely common among the southern states but later spread to regions of the Southwest. The separation was primarily ascribed to various aspects of public life as well as in learning institutions and other public facilities and resources. Jim Crow laws hence prohibited blacks from sharing schools, churches, restaurants and other public amenities with their white counterparts. The Supreme Court of America in the ruling on Plessy v consequently upheld this law.

Kaiser Wilhelm II and The First World War Essay Example for Free

Kaiser Wilhelm II and The First World War Essay The British postcard illustrates Kaiser Wilhelm II in a bath, where he is about to grab a bar of soap labelled Europe, with a caption quoting He wont be happy till he gets it. This suggests he is willing to use force to capture Europe. Wilhelm is wearing a military helmet and has a greedy expression on his face, which gives us the impression he is willing to fight for what he wants. Sources B and C both differ, but both of them agree that Wilhelms attitude towards the war was very violent. In source B, Wilhelms speech seems to be taken over by his emotions: anger, aggression, passion and lots of determination. He refers to certain phrases such as take no prisoners, must be destroyed and ruthless violence. Words such as these show us that he wants trouble. However in source C, there is more talk of peace. It seems to be a more subdued and more thoughtful speech. I was always a supporter of peace. But then he goes on to say how peace has its limits. And he can no longer just look on, but must draw the sword! This giving the final conclusion that Kaisers attitude towards the war has not changed since 1900 although he has become more diplomatic. This postcard may be biased, as the British whom were about to go to war with him produced it. Britain wanted to portray him in as much negative light as possible, therefore this postcard might not be truthful. But using my own knowledge, I know that Kaiser Wilhelm II was an aggressive man who came from an aggressive country and to control Europe was his sole ambition. Also, Britain was aware of Wilhelms objectives and to some extent holds him responsible for the Moroccan Crises. They therefore have a good reason to portray him in this way. The Kaiser was a warmonger and caused the Great War. The evidence given in the sources supports this statement and also disagrees with it. Source A clearly supports this view. The cartoon shows Wilhelm greedily snatching Europe, along with the war helmet, which indicates war. Source B backs this statement too. There is no sign of peaceful man in his speech. In this he says he wants Germans to acquire a similar reputation as Attilas Huns did in the fifth century. Attila was the King of the German tribe the Huns who ravaged Eastern Europe. But there is talk of peace in his later speech (1913), although this hopeful thought is dampened by the indications of war Must draw the sword. However, using my own knowledge I know that the Great War was not only the fault of Wilhelms, there was many other reasons. In my opinion, rivalries were the main factor, which brought about the First World War. Without rivalries, no one would have a cause to start a war. There were many rivalries; Britain and Germany; France and Germany; Austria-Hungary and Russia and Serbia and Austria. These rivalries helped to cause war between the powers of Europe because they all wanted to fight for one reason or another. Another factor was alliances. With alliances, everyone was dragged into war, whether they liked it or not. In this case, it couldnt be avoided. And lastly, the assassination of Franz Ferdinand was the catalyst. This gave Austria a perfect opportunity to declare war on Serbia. With this, Austria and Serbia were at war along with their allies. It caused great destruction as most countries were involved. This is proof that the Kaiser did not cause the Great War, as you need two countries to have a war. Cause the war he did not, but a warmonger he may be.

Destruction through Imagery and Theme in The English Patient Essay

Destruction through Imagery and Theme in The English Patient The imagery in Michael Ondaatje's novel The English Patient serves to illustrate the theme of destruction in this novel. The setting of the novel as well as the characters themselves present to the reader a vivid picture of demolition. Critics also find that Ondaatje's imagery is a vital element in the presentation of this theme. The English Patient is set at the end of World War II in a war-ravaged Italian village. Ondaatje gives vivid descriptions of the damage the village sustained due to the war: As the hill town began to be torn apart like a battle ship at sea, by fire shells, the troops moved from the barrack tents in the orchard into the now crowded bedrooms of the old nunnery. Sections of the chapel were blown up. Parts of the top storey of the villa crumbled under the explosions. (12) Ondaatje's detailed and memorable description completes his picture of the county side. "Dead cattle. Horses shot dead, half eaten. People hanging upside down from bridges" (Ondaatje 19). This elaborate a...

Hardware and Software Selection Paper Essay

Technology plays a very important role in businesses because it helps make things so much easier as far as recording the information, create financial statements, and account management. Thus, computer hardware is what the companies use for data storage, and software packages are the tools businesses use to help the business run faster and easier. There are different types of hardware and software that the companies have to choose wisely to fit and benefit their businesses. It is important to have the hardware that help the company store, organize, manipulate, and update the amount of business information with the assistance of database management programs because the company would use the programs to keep track with its customers, employees, suppliers, and inventory. Also, the most important is that the programs allow the accountants and accounting clerks keep track and maintain with the company’s financial reports, and the programs allow them to manage the payrolls as well a s the account receivable and account payable to avoid error financial reports and tax returns. Riordan AIS Integration and End-User Information Access Technology plays a very important role in all types of businesses because it helps the organizations get things done must fast, easy, and secure. It also allows the organizations to maintenance their businesses as well as keep track with the clients or consumers. Thus, many organizations use hardware to record the company’s information, they also use the computer software as a method to protect their computers against hackers attack and other Internet treats. However, there are certain people in different level allow  having access to the information, and the people who need access to the information would be the accountants (general and supervisors), accounting clerks, director of accounting and finance, the president, CEO, CFO, and COO. The accounting clerks needs to access to the information to edit or enter payments, billings, and adjustment of credit or debit for the business, and they also need to access to the General Ledger and Month end reports to ensure all the inf ormation is corrected to avoid future problems. Also, the general accountant and accounting supervisors need to view the reports to ensure the accounting clerks complete their tasks by enter all the information before month end. Once all the information are entered the director of accounting and finance would access to review the reports or edit them if needed to ensure that the finance are corrected such as Account Payable and Credit, and they will base on the information and number on the reports to make best decisions for the business. On the other hand, the president, CEO, CFO, and COO would access to the entire system to review all the reports such as month end reports and payment reports in order to see if the company is making or losing money. The bottom line would show that either the company is making profits or losing money and which areas. It is important for the reports to be accurate because the management would base on the information shows on these reports to make best decision for the business as well as the compan y. Riordan AIS Integration and Internal Controls Integrating the accounts receivable accounting process into an automated system requires specific internal controls to protect the company against fraud and theft. An efficient control system will protect the confidence of information, quickly identify errors, and remove the opportunity of compromise. Setting controls should also ensure the accuracy of data entered into the accounts receivable ledger, ensure a segregation of duties, and promote a timely presentation of financial reports in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act, the company must ensure the integrity of all financial information. To determine the effectiveness of an automated accounts receivable process a system must be put in place to monitor it. Written control policies must be developed for all employees with access to  automated systems or relative information. There must be a set protocol implemented for all activities. Management must be familiar with and closely monitor daily activities. Infogix, Inc. is a software company that helps businesses to monitor and analyze information. Independent, automated controls are implemented to monitor information from beginning to end. Infogix controls make sure that all activities comply with COBIT, all transactions are validated, and subsequently compliance costs are reduced. AIS Integration and Reporting Processes Enterprise integration of centralized accounting information system (â€Å"AIS†) at Riordan Manufacturing, Inc. (â€Å"Riordan†) brings a number of challenges with respect to reporting processes. Previously, Riordan’s various AIS deployed in regional offices â€Å"[have] been unable to achieve anything remotely resembling ‘seamless compatibility'† (Apollo Group, Inc., 2013, Riordan—Finance Overview, para. 5), with a corresponding lack of information portability and accessibility between offices. A centralized data warehouse for Riordan allows all regional offices to enter and store accounts receivable data in uniform data tables and procedures, permitting more easily comprehended data in nearly real-time accessibility. This enhanced data storage capacity also requires enhanced information reporting processes, with sufficiently powerful and flexible hardware and software packages to meet the complex and diverse needs of Riordan’s central administration and its many regional offices. Hardware Proposals Riordan’s multiple regional offices present a diverse requirement in terms of hardware needs. Most office workers will find their tasks sufficiently satisfied with standard personal computers, without requiring much customization by the organization aside from adherence to security protocol. Many sales and executive staff will require far more complex and diverse hardware packages in their work. Laptop computers allow nearly all capabilities of a personal computer in a more portable device, but may yet be too bulky when literally on the move. To this end, tablet computers and smart-phones allow access to the Internet and thus—with the proper credentials and software—sufficient accessibility to organizational information systems and communication networks. However, a balance must be  found between convenience and cost-effectiveness in terms of actual hardware selection in these circumstances. Reporting Software Proposals Two powerful pieces of software for business reporting purposes are Crystal Reports and Business Objects. According to the marketing department of its publisher, Crystal Reports is â€Å"powerful, user-friendly applications †¦ [that] can help you deliver key insights to the right decision maker, at the right time, in the right format† (SAP, 2014, para. 1). This sort of software is a SQL programming tool to design and produce custom, automated reports from a variety of data sources in an organizational information system. The program engine may also be integrated into custom designed data entry and reporting software packages from other third-party vendors, allowing these powerful reports to be easily incorporated into packages custom designed to meet the organization’s informational needs. AIS Integration with Company Internet and Intranet Portals The company’s intranet should have information that allows employees to be more knowledgeable about the company. It should include items such as an employee directory; benefit plan details; structural information regarding the company; the company’s mission statement, goals, and objectives; and request forms for supplies and processes. Although detailed information regarding Accounts Receivable would not be shared on the Intranet, the large picture of the financial information for the company should be on the Intranet for employees to view. This could include quarterly financial reports, with the total accounts receivable amount integrated into the report. This would allow employees to feel empowered by knowing how the company is handling money. It also gives employees a feeling of contentment knowing that they are secure in their organization. In conclusion, it is important for the company to choose the best hardware and software to fit and benefit the company to ensur e that it aids the business as well as creating the financial reports and keep track with its customers. References Apollo Group, Inc. (2013). Virtual organizations portal—Riordan—Company intranet—Homepage. Retrieved from: https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/VOP/Business/Riordan/index.asp Apollo Group, Inc. (2013). Virtual organizations portal—Riordan—Company intranet—Finance overview. Retrieved from: https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/VOP/Business/Riordan/Finance/Overview.asp Bagranoff, N. A., Norman, C. S., Simkin, M. G. (2008). Core concepts of accounting information systems (10th ed.). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Retrieved from University of Phoenix ACC/340—Accounting Information Systems—Course Materials. SAP.com (2014) Empower your small business with SAP Crystal Reports. Retrieved from: http://www.sap.com/solution/sme/software/analytics/crystal-reports/index.html