Sunday, November 1, 2009

Oikosnet Asia website online again

The website of Oikosnet's Asian branch, ACISCA/Oikosnet Asia is online again:
http://www.acisca.org/index.html

Friday, October 30, 2009

Orthodox Academy of Crete: International Conference "conSERVATION and sustainable use of wild plant DIVERSITY"

“conSERVATION and sustainable use of wild plant DIVERSITY”

May 5-8, 2010
Orthodox Academy of Crete (OAC)

Kolympari, Chania, Greece

“We have to preserve wild plant diversity to sustain and improve life support system on Earth”

Conference goals

At the beginning of the 21st century, habitat alteration, unsustainable harvests, overgrazing, the climate change, the introduction of non-native plants, political indifference and public unawareness are just some of the leading causes of declining wild plant diversity and populations worldwide. It is widely accepted that the Earth is entering a severe ecological crisis and the life support system on our planet is in danger. This international conference on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wild Plant Diversity (CSUWPD) aims at bringing together environmental stake holders, scientists, theologians, scholars, politicians, sociologists, farmers, specialists and amateurs to exchange information and insights to promote actions for supporting botanical activities and for building knowledge about plant conservation and their sustainable use. "CSUWPD" conference addresses the need for a human response to plant diversity loss and unsustainable utilization. It affirms human responsibility for the well being of the Earth and the vast communities of Life. The goal of the conference is to create a multi-disciplinary and international forum for information and knowledge exchange among all friends of plants who are conscious of their responsibility toward a more sustainable future for wild plant diversity and population.

events and scientific programme

The main social event associated with the conference is the inauguration festivities of the new botanic garden of the Museum of Cretan Flora – OAC as well as the international photo competition on the “Beauty of wild plants and fungies in Europe”. Visits to the fabulous gorge of Samaria will be scheduled in addition to the excursion to the splendid sea-side protected area of Elafonisi (NATURA 2000 - GR2540002) in the South-West of Crete. The scientific programme will consist of keynote lectures, selected oral and poster presentations as well as arts exhibitions.

Important dates:

Abstract Submission Deadline: December 30, 2009

Author Notification: February 4, 2010

Final Manuscript Due: April 2, 2010



Further information:

Please check our website: www.oac.gr

Contact person: Dr. Lucas Andrianos

Address; Orthodox Academy of Crete, Museum of Cretan Flora, Kolympari, Chania 73006 Greece

Tel. +30-2824022500; Fax: +30-2824022060

E-mail: oac@otenet.gr or laoac@otenet.gr

Δρ. Λουκάς ΑΝΔΡΙΑΝΟΣ (Lucas A. Andrianos)
Επιστημονικός Συνεργάτης ΙΤΕ-ΟΑΚ (Scientific Collaborator FORTH-OAC)
ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΑΚΑΔΗΜΙΑ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ (Orthodox Academy of Crete)
730 06 ΚΟΛΥΜΠΑΡΙ ΧΑΝΙΩΝ (Kolympari, Chania)
Τηλ (TEL): 28240 22245
Φαξ (FAX): 28240 22060
E-mail: LAoac@otenet.gr
www.oac.gr

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Sunday, October 4, 2009

ACISCA NEWS FOR OIKOSNET SITE

Dear Oikosnet Friends:

It gives me great pleasure to share our news through this Oikosnet web site. Hope you will find it interesting.

If you are interested in our programs please contact me at: issa.zechariah@gmail.com. You are most welcome.

God bless you.

John Zechariah
Chairman OIKOSNET ASIA/ACISCA
===============================

Brief Report of Dhaka Workshop
 
Theme: Climate Change – Role of Christian NGO's and Churches in Bangladesh
Jointly organized by HOPE Foundation (HF) and ACISCA/Oiksnet Asia
Place: Hope Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Participants: 30
Date: July 13 and 14, 2009
Reported by: Pabon Pritchil

Chairman of HOPE Foundation, Mr. Joyanta Adhikari presented the inaugural message
 
Fist session was conducted by Dr. Dwijen Mallick, - Sociologist- Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) researcher and expert in Climate Change.  Topic of his presentation was "Climate Change impacts and its linkages with poverty, livelihood and development in Bangladesh ". He comprehensively covered and discussed all the issues Dr. Mallicks presentation was comprehensive and straight forward to the point.
 
2nd session conducted by Rev. Martin Adhikary, He presented, Biblical perspective:
 "Climate change and its impact in Bangladesh – Role of Christina NGO's and Churches" He is theology teacher, social leader and writer. Presently, he works for The Leprosy Mission Bangladesh ass Director, Advocacy, Promotion & Spiritual Development. 

In Biblical perspective, he referred Bible chapters and verses and explains the God's desire for His people. He refers and describes chapters & verses from different books of Bible - Psalm 24:1, Acts 17:24, Genesis 1-2, Psalm 1:26-28, 2:19-20, Genesis 9:8-17,  Roams 8:22 and 2nd King 2:17-22.
 
He recommended that Christian NGO's and Churches can play a very vital role in Climate Change in education awareness and mitigation.
 
3rd session conducted by Sudipto Charles Sarker- Consultant of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) Expert implementer of disaster management for 15 years plus.  The topic he presented was "Climate Change & linkage with disaster in Bangladesh - Role of Christian NGOs and Churches"

 
4th session conducted by Humayun Kabir, Managing Director of Programs Support Professionals Ltd.  The topic he presented was "Climate Change, Awareness & Major impact in Bangladesh" He is grass roots expert in capacity building and training in Climate Change awareness Program
 
 
5th session was group discussion and presentation on the topic "Initiatives Christian NGO's and Churches can take for Climate Change" The group was divided into two for discussion and presentation on the findings.
 
6th sessions Roseline Costa. The   topic of her presentation was: Human Rights violation perspective: "Climate Change and its impact in Bangladesh - Role of Christian NGOs and Churches:
 
In closing she made remarkable recommendation that the responsible people must come out and rescue from this disaster since, because of their pleasure the innocent human race is suffering. And we must act together to face this challenges.
 
Conclusion
 
The workshop had good learning interaction because of like- mind organizations and Churches participation.  Further, they felt good because the title of the workshop has been very situational approach kind of topic. Participants especially thanked ACISCA/Oiksnet Asia and HOPE Foundation for organizing such valuable workshop for greater interest of the Country and Society. They said undoubtedly the leaning will benefit the organization and churches.  Moreover, the facilitators were very resourceful and cordial in their deliberation and resource materials handouts.
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Capacity Building Workshop, Bali, Indonesia
 
Theme: Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Management
Jointly organized by ACISCA and MBM, Bali Indonesia
Date: July 21-23, 2009
Place: Maha Bhoga Marga, Bali, Indonesia
Participants: 40
(As repotted by Rev. Suvama Nengah, MBM, Bali)
 
Important Topics dealt:

1. Disaster Terminology              2. Capacity, Vulnerability and Disaster Risk Analysis
3. Disaster  Management            4. Disaster Risk Alleviation
5. Recognizing Conflict               6. Conflict Analysis Session I, II and III
7. Conflict Management Strategy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
OIKOSNET ASIA/ACISCA programs, September 2009 to October 2010:

1. ACISCA CLLT will be organized in Indonesia (Bali). November 30 to December 9, 2009.

2. Global DPC and CLLT in Bangkok, Thailand. November 5 to 20, 2009

3. Workshop on Composite Heritage in 2009. December 14 to 19, 2009 in Dhaka, Bangladesh

4. Youth Capacity Building training for ACISCA staff, March 2010, ISSA Youth Center, Pune, India
 
5. Workshop on migrant labor, women and children in Asia, July/August 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand

6. National (Asian centers) programs are planed, between September 2009 to October 2010.
 
7. General Assembly and 40th Anniversary of ACISCA in November 2010, Bangkok, Thailand
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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Oikosnet centre director elected as new head of UCC Canada

Mardi Tindal, director of Five Oaks (Ontario/CA) was elected head of UCC Canada. Congratulations!
More here

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Meet the new president of Oikosnet, Serop Megerditchian (Aleppo/Syria)

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Oikosnet Asia/ACISCA: Consultation on Gaza Conflict

National Consultation on Gaza Conflict – Search for Sustainable Peace

March 18 – 19, 2009

ICSA Guest House, Chennai, India.

Total 26 participants and 5 resources persons attended.

National Consultation on Gaza conflict was organized with main objects:

1. To understand that conflict is over resources, rights and survival not a religious (as per Nuha Khoury from Bethlehem).

2. It is very sensitive and dangerous. It will involve whole of Middle East, even rest of the world.

3. ACISCA stands for peace, justice and equality

4. To express our solidarity with the people of Palestine, Israel and Oikosnet friends in Bethlehem and Middle East.

The old question is – to whom belongs Israel? 2000 years ago, as the Roman Empire destroyed Judea and the Old Jerusalem; the Jews fled to Europe, Africa and Asia and became important traders. Around 680 AD Muslims occupied the Holy Land – and 1000 years ago the Pope ordered the Christians in Europe to evict the Muslims from the Holy Land, because it belongs to the Christians and not to Muslims – and the first crusades fought against these Muslims in the Holy Land and since this time we have war in this part of the world. The Muslims are convinced they are the owners of this land - as many as Jews returned to the Holy Land again, in the year 1948 – this land get a new name – Israel. This land is important for 3 religions – for Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Dr. John Zechariah explained various issues concerning Gaza Conflict in his opening address:

1. Israel – Palestinian conflict issues:

Divisive History

  1. Occupation, Land and Settlement
  2. Palestinian State
  3. Refugees
  4. Palestinian Terror
  5. Israel Repression
  6. Israel Security
  7. Water
  8. Jerusalem

Current Issues in the Israel – Palestinian Conflict:

  1. Death of Yasser Araft
  2. Hamas election victory
  3. Recognizing Israel
  4. Palestinian Unity and Quartet boycott
  5. Collapse of the Palestinian authority
  6. Truce and violence
  7. Security
  8. Provisional State versus Final Status
  9. Qassam Rockets
  10. Kidnapped Soldier
  11. Israeli Security Handover
  12. The “Security barrier” (Apartheid Wall)
  13. Prisoners
  14. Disengagement
  15. Safe Passage and open borders
  16. Israel Outposts
  17. Peace Proposal

2. Is there a connection between Bible prophecy and the war in Gaza?

3. The headlines in recent days are worth considering and disturbing.

4. Can Israeli actions in Gaza be justified?

5. Scripture Interpretations/Comments for peace:

6. How to Achieve Sustainable peace:

Just as the head of the largest evangelical body in the world, I like to avoid blaming either side for the current outbreak, instead I would urge international community (Global Oiksonet) to pray and make all possible efforts to end this complicated and dangers hostility. Meditation is better than Mediation.

7. Challenges for this consultation:

1. How can we find solution for daily realities in the region?

2. Israel – Palestinian Conflict/war, can we call it a “Just War”

3. Does the religion play a role in this conflict?

4. How important Jerusalem in this conflict?

5. What is God’s intention? Is God neutral in this matter?

6. Is outside interference necessary?

7. How can we get everlasting peace in the region?

The consultation also discussed other important issues regarding the Gaza conflict:

1. Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Azariah, Former Bishop of Madras Diocese, Church of South India

Opening remarks

2. Dr. P. Jegadish Gandhi

Gaza Conflict: Concerns and Cohesions in Peace Making

3. Rev. Dr. Charles Singaram

Gaza Conflict: General View

4. Dr. John Zechariah

Reflection of Oikosnet Centers on Gaza Conflict

5. Rev. Dr. David Joy

Understanding Gaza Conflict with a Christian Perspective which is board based

and unbiased.

Dr. Felix Sugirtharaj and Rev. Oommen Varkey led us in morning devotion

Mr. Sudhakar Ramteke and Mr. K.I. Ninan Chaired the sessions and gave their comments.

Statement and Resolution was passed

Contact: Dr. John Zechariah, issa.zechariah@gmail.com


Oikosnet Asia/ACISCA: Directors Meeting

Directors Meeting 2008

Peace Building in the Context of Mission and Ecumenism in ACISCA/OIKOSNET ASIA.

December 26-29, 2008

Students Christian Center, Bangkok, Thailand

 

Human history reveals the fact that human beings always wish to live in peace, tranquility and prosperity. Building peace has been an illusive goal of civilizations throughout history. The inherent nature of humans to secure their own vested interests has played a very negative role in alienating humans from each other. God created humans to propagate love, peace and uphold the human dignity and justice, but unfortunately, the same became a victim of hatred and prejudices, which destroyed the social fabric.

 

“Peace” is common word that we could find every where in our daily life and in all situations. All religious Holy books and teachings deal with peace. For example in Christianity we say “Shalom”, in Islam “Salaam” and “Shanty” in Hinduism and Buddhism.

 

Once, Mother Theresa said, “Peace is not something you wish for, it is something you make, something you do, something you are, something you give away.”

 

Dr. John Zechariah in his opening address highlighted:

 

1. What it means to build a Lasting Peace:

2. Peace Making and Peace Keeping:

3. Peace Building Measures:

4. Difference in Western and Eastern Approach:

5. The Role of Ecumenism:

5. The Mission and Ecumenism of ACISCA/Oikosnet Asia.

 

The theme was well presented by resources persons and discussed with great interest and meaningfully;

 

Dr. John Zechariah, Chairman ACISCA (Opening Address)

Peace Building in the Context of Mission and Ecumenism in ACISCA

Dr. Prawate Kidran, General Secretary CCA

           Wider Ecumenism and Spirituality in the Context Peace in Asia

Rev. Dr. Chuleephan Srisoonthorn

Developing Leadership toward Peace Building

MI. Chaturapit Chompunut

            Present and Future Social and Economic Reality in Asia

 

Mr. Sudhakar Ramteke, Dr. Felix Sugirtharaj and Ms. Priscilla Atual expressed their views on the theme.

 

Monday 29th was ACISCA business session.  The proceedings of the meeting already sent to center’s directors.

Contact: Dr. John Zechariah, issa.zechariah@gmail.com