WiserEarth UK

Richard Dugi. Started: 24/01/2009                                                                                Word count so far: 3107

Number of responses to initial SOI survey: 19                           

Favorable: 18

Unfavorable: 0

Undecided: 1

See bottom for comments.

 

Updated : Saturday 31/01/2009

Word count so far: 4685

Thanks; Leka & Ibrahim JCU Townsville for all your help today!

 

Updated : Sunday 1/01/2009

Word count so far: 6023

Thanks: Michael mccall@jcu.edu.au and Jeerawat Jaisielthum@jcu.edu au Townsville. 1/2/2009) Townsville for all your help!

 

 

 

Updated : Monday 2/01/2009

Word count so far: 6107

Thanks dim, I knew you'd understand!

 

 

(. )( .) dics Law

 

life is short, you only have 1

 

If you have a problem, tell a friend!

 

Solutions: A work in progress.

 By Richard Dugi

 

Aka: dic, dic long, dicstar, dicstar1 on pokerstars.com

 

Dugi means long in Croatian.

 

“The world doesn't need saving she's survived everything the universe has thrown at her for 4 billion years, She will shake us off like a bad disease if we keep behaving like a virus, we need to save mankind from himself” (James Ryan, pers.com. 26/01/2009).

 

 

 "A Chinese man told me yesterday, That in LDC the maximum number of children you should have is 1. In MDC its 2." My response: "Have as many as you can afford to have!". dic (. )( .) 2/1/2009.

 

 

 

 

Remember this is a work in progress and changes every day!

 

Background Reading is Highly Recommended!

 

A briefer history of time / Stephen Hawking with Leonard Mlodinow.

 

Collapse: How societies choose to fail or succeed / Jared Diamond

 

The poorest countries in the world!

 

Table: 1 Poorest country in the world.

 

Rank	Country	GDP - per capita
1	Malawi	$ 600
2	Somalia	$ 600
3	Comoros	$ 600
4	Solomon Islands	$ 600
5	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	$ 700
6	Burundi	$ 700
7	East Timor	$ 800
8	Tanzania	$ 800
9	Afghanistan	$ 800
10	Yemen	$ 900
Source: CIA World Factbook

 

http://www.aneki.com/poorest.html (Retreived 1/2/2009)

 

Task: How much fresh produce does Australia export a week?

 

TASK: HOW MUCH FRESH FRUIT DO WE EXPORT.

 

PLUS THE SOONER WE DO THIS THE SOONER IT GOES TO WHERE IT"S NEEDED.

 

Thanks Shagga! It’s amazing what you come up with polishing lemons!

 

 

LOGISTICS: JULIE PRADO?: Masters in Logistics and I believe is looking for work! I couldn’t think of a better person for the job.

 

When you go to church on Sunday they expect you to put 10% of your pay into the plate! I think we should send 10% of the fresh produce we produce in a week, to the poorest countries in the world! If all the developed nations did this there wouldn’t be a food problem. Instead of sending our soldiers overseas to kill people we should be sending them to feed them! The Army/ Air force and navy can handle the logistics!

Kevin ’07 what have you been doing for 2 years? Still writing reports!

 

Send dic the bill! I’ll pay you later!

 

‘Yes we can!’ Obama 2009.

 

It’s a big job but if anyone can do it I know She can! Thanks (. )( .)

 

“Man has waked on the moon, but not on the ocean floor which is only 11 km deep.” Space Cowboy P. 1/2/2009. seventeen year old apprentice butcher, poet, hippie. “ I think we should find out more about our planet before we waste time on other planets”. Space Cowboy P. 1/2/2009.

 

Table 2: Richest countries in the world.

 

 

http://www.aneki.com/poorest.html (Retreived 1/2/2009)

 

Required: Permaculture Design Course.

 

Absolutely Necessary If you want to understand the little picture! Should be taught in year 12. So that kids with a passion for the environment can start exploring the world, before going straight to uni. Who knows what they want to do for the rest of their life at 16 or 18.

 

I obtained my Permaculture from The Permaculture Research Institute in The Channon near Nimbun on the NSW East coast of Australia. I was very fortunate to have Geoff Lawton “the guru of Permaculture,” his words, as my teacher. Maybe best to get both Geoff and Bill Mollison himself to look at this. Why ask only the Guru, when u can ask both the Guru and God of Permaculture for their idea’s. It would be great If one or both of them could work on the design of the first location with me.

 

Task: Spend at least 1 hour exploring this site

http://www.permaculture.org.au/

 

Required: Watch Favorite Documentary: Zeitgeist! Thanks Dok

 

Required: Download Favorite cd: moodfood by moodswings Thanks To Nick The Russian for being the uncle I never had.

 

If the books are too long or you have read them already watch the doc and download the cd.

 

Problem solved I’ll just be a silent partner!

 

Remember I’m only 11/2 weeks into a 3 year process. At the moment I'm just putting the stuff down as it goes into my head. So far these are notes for:

 

A plan to save the world!! (I am crazy you know!)

 

Multi Media: (All proceeds invested back into Ecoforestry)

 

·        Emergency aid relief

·        Business Plan

·        Eco Forestry Company

·        PHD

·        Research

·        Web Site: Free Online Course in Eco Forestry. Simple format for 5- 10 year olds.

·        Guide Book (To be edited by Emma Dickinson. “If you put lip stick on a pig, it’s still a pig”. Obama 2008. Emma is a make up Artist!

·        On line poker site

·        A Family history

·        a movie script (Life Story so far!)

·        Documentary

·        Weekly TV show

·        Daily diary Color coded to make it easier to see the edits. It will look like a gay pride flag when finished!

 

Garry Wilson!  it’s your Idea! Thanks for the challenge, I could kiss you!

 

Company structure so far:

 

CEO: Mum u got an MBA

 

2IC: Kerry Brewster

 

Task for Kerry: Get in touch with(Janet Haggerty (Check Spelling) Zoe’s Mum, would be of great help! she has many years experience in forestry legislation).

 

I remember the day I met Roman Cordoba (Check Spelling).very clearly. It was at his pine tree plantation in Orange. I asked him “So Roman what is it exactly 5that you do for a living?” He said “Don’t ask me stupid questions!”

 

A few years later we were standing under the awning of his house at Turramurra. It was raining. Jeremy was getting one of the roller’s out of the garage. I turned to Roman and said “It must be a great feeing wondering which rolls to take? He said, “Don’t worry, one day you will have 6!”

 

Thank you Roman for sharing your vision with me.

 

I ride a Yamaha Jog 50. It uses $2.50 a week in petrol. (. )( .) dic

 

CHIEF SCIENTIST: Zdravko (zdravko.schauperl@fsb.hr)

 

Finally someone to talk to. Your English is better than my Croatian. So let’s speak Australian. Welcome to the team you are the only one who has done your homework! You got 100%! Well Done!

 

There are plenty of cows in Australia when you’re finished in Croatia. You know where to look, can’t wait to read the findings of your research. I did your homework for you now will you do mine? Hahahaha (. )( .) dic

 

Task: In 300 words sum up:

Energy

Bio Energy

Bio Products

 

Environment Building Services: Established @1989 By Richard & Eduard Dugi. No Longer Trading.

 

Task: Needs to be re-registered as a global company. Need Advice on this, Mum!

 

Thanks! Eddy for being my business partner in Environment Building Services, and always believing in my dreams and all the encouragement! You are the best big brother anyone could ever wish for! Thanks for always telling me “I’m proud of you!”.

 

Thanks Dad for all the free advice!

 

You know what gives me the shits! Is when I have the shits ! I’ve had diorea for a week.

 

But I get most of my best idea’s, on the can.

 

The first day of school I cried like a baby! Mum or Dad said “Don’t worry you will be ok! Just sit next to the smartest kid in your class and If you can’t sit next to him, make friends with him at recess, and you will be fine!” (pers.com. Boris and Barbara Dugi 1975)

 

It would be very interesting to see what some of those guys are up to now!

 

Year 1?

Year 2?

Year3?

Year4?

Year5?

Year6: Greg Coffee $ “Greg you used to cheat off me in math’s in 6th class. Can I borrow some lunch money?

 

When I was a kid, at La Cabana, I used to make up songs and sing them in the ladies toilet because it of the acoustics! Dam I wish I had recorded some of them.

 

“some time’s you tell the tale, about the bottle that you drink, sometimes when your alone, all you do is think, I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I, ride, I’m wanted, wanted, Dead or alive, Dead or alive, Dead or alive!”

 

I said to David King my SIA lecturer, I think the best thing invented was spell check, He said voice recognition.

 

I never knew you could have a laptop with voice recognition. Man that’s Mad!

 

I’ve decided to just write down as much as I can in the next 6 months then go for a holiday!

 

I’m bouncing ideas of students, I think I’m spinning them out!

 

It takes 3 years to write a PHD so I’ll be here for a while!

 

I wonder what the world record is for the shortest time to write a PHD.

 

But I’ll try finish in 6 months. I’ll stay for 6 months. Get as many ideas as I can! Then just think about it.

 

I’m looking for a place to live on campus! To save petrol plus I like working at night but sometimes it’s good to get feed back!

 

Man International students are a gold mine! Today I went out for a ciggy and ended up in the forests of Thailand!

 

Every day, or whenever, I’ll start using different colors so I can keep track of the changes. If you don’t want me to email this as it goes a long just tell me!

 

But I’d prefer to have as many copies spread around, just in case!

 

Its beer o’clock! I meet Dad at the pub because it’s the only way to talk to him. He’s happy and his friends are cool!

 

TASK: Need to build a huge fruit drying factory or a few up and down the coast. Along the east coast, where ever the fruit is. Keith moulds knows how to do it but he’s building a mc mansion. Might have to leave that for 6 months, and wait until he’s finished! It’s got the best view in Townsville!

 

 

Gary could you just be the head honcho for this because I can only identify 1 tree! Guess what that is?

 

Thanks uncle bob!

 

If you are serious about really getting the big picture I’d read these books, then come back and look at the proposal again.

 

A briefer history of time / Stephen Hawking with Leonard Mlodinow.

 

Collapse: How societies choose to fail or succeed / Jared Diamond

 

 

I will also add tasks and recommendations. In some cases I will give you hint's where to look.

 

In order to get an idea of the big picture you have to understand it. My father Boris Dugi, always used to tell me “don’t worry about the big picture until you are happy with the little picture” My problem is I won’t be happy with the little picture, until I am happy with the big picture.

 

I think I’m happy with the big and little picture, now I’m looking at what’s in between. This will take 5 or so months. I’ll try doing it in 6 days!!

 

With your help it will be quicker!

 

Some of the Questions I still can’t answer.

 

How much is planet Earth worth?

 

How much is Australia worth?

 

How much is a life worth?

 

My grandmother, Baka Gina once told me “ If you can’t afford to pay for something in cash! You can’t afford it!”. (pers. Com. 1988 Baka in Croatian means grandmother In Japanese baka means idiot.

 

The universe is really big and really old.

 

Task: How big? How old?

Hint: Recommended Readings.

 

Who cares! Who cares, lets just focus on the problem!

 

The Sun is the most important thing in our universe! It’s what sustains life on our planet. Sun spots occur on the sun in an 11 year cycle. Sometimes there are more, sometimes less. When there are more, the earth gets hotter, when there is less, the earth gets cooler. A lot more work needs to be done to measure the effect’s sunspots have on climate change.

 

Task: How big is the Sun compared to the earth? What is a sun spot?

 

Eco Earth (EE) : (Eco certification pending, estimated time of compliance 2150)

·        Eco Australia (EA): (Eco certification pending, estimated time of compliance 2050)

·        Eco Croatia (EC): (Eco certification pending, estimated time of compliance 2025)

 

 

Eco = ecological

 

Task: What does the word ecological mean?

Suggestions: Do more than look it up in the dictionary.

 

In relation to Australia:

 

·        Climate: El Niño – dry, La Niña -wet. We are now in La Niña.

 

 

 Now is the time to plant! Stop praying! Get off your knees and start planting trees!

 

Task: What do the words El Niño and La Niña really mean, and how do they affect Australia? We have already missed an opportunity to start planting. How long before the next window of opportunity?

 

·        Eco Australia (EA): (Eco certification pending, estimated time of compliance 2050)

 

Special thanks to my new poker buddy’s for putting things into perspective last night! And all my poker buddies over the years. Id especially like to thank, Diada and Doktor Rossi who told me to start writing it all down. You guys win my money but keep me sane. Dok I still owe you 1,300,000 in play chips, the check is in the mail. Game on, my place, who’s in? dic penalty! I’m all in!

 

 

 

Idea so far:

 

As part of this proposal I have done a preliminary Social Impact Assessment SIA. The first variable I will research is: The Formation of Attitudes towards the Project.  If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them. Just an indication of weather you think the proposal is Favorable, Unfavorable or Undecided is enough. Results: there was only 1 undecided comment. When the proposal was asked to be reviewed it was written off the top of my head and I had started at the recommendations section. Since then I have gone away and thought about the comments and reactions from different people and tried to write it in a way that was easier to read.

 

The intellectual property of this idea belongs to Richard Dugi, and all information that is passed on, is done so in confidence.

 

As some of you may or may not know I am in my final semester at James Cook University (JCU), doing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Since starting the course my ideas have changed a lot about the environment and how best I would be able to incorporate my ideas into a business, which would not only generate a significant return to investors, but also be ecologically sustainable and have great benefits to the economy, environment and people all around the world.

 

Now I want to tackle big business. I feel a bit stupid asking what the pre reek subjects for fixing the world are.

 

I have been forming this idea in my head for over 30 years with a lot of input from: family, friends, other students, work colleges, lecturer’s tutors, mentors and people interested in the environment. The time has finally come to begin a process of putting it on paper so that it can be developed further, before my head explodes, some of you who know me know that this has almost happened before quit a few times. I feel I have come up with an idea that addresses the problems of climate change and uncertainty in the economy.

 

Lithium seems to be working but I am drinking 10 liters of water a day, and apparently it’s bad for your kidneys. All I want is a gram a week! Is that to much to ask? I’ll pay for it.

 

The reason I have decided to share this idea with you is because of your life experience and knowledge, and to offer you the opportunity of being a part of this idea on the ground floor. If you think the idea has potential, can you please let me know by answering a simple question at the end of this paper.

 

Please add any comments or suggestions you may have.

 

If you can give me ideas to the major problems of the proposal, or suggest things that you feel need to be addressed, in respect to your relevant experience in the different aspects of the proposal, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

I will also make enquiries as to which business subject I can take this semester, which will allow me to create a business plan for this proposal by mid 2009. This will give me sufficient time to address all the various problems and gaps in the proposal that may be encountered.

 

Again I haven’t got a clue about which would be the best subject to take? Any suggestions?

 

Excuse me sir which is the best subject for running the world?

 

Tropical Regions are the focus for this proposal, as the timber grown would be primarily native Tropical Rainforest species from Far North Queensland, (FNQ), and Australia.

 

There may be sufficient advantages in planting Australian native species in other parts of the world, in relation to avoiding local pests and diseases. However, due to my understanding of the precautionary principle, ‘if in doubt, don’t do it”, the focus initially will be on local species in local regions.

 

I think this is best for now as what we are trying to do is create native habitat. Plus it’s all research, so let’s get some improved stock first.

 

The major natural hazards in Australia are Climate Change, Tropical Cyclones, Fire, Drought and Flood in relation to Eco forestry.

 

Task: Ask Jon Nott (Check Spelling)

 

Part of the solution in addressing these risks is starting from an initial site, then spreading to different areas, regions, states and eventually countries.

 

I have been looking for an initial site since I came to Magnetic Island. It would be good to set up a resort at Radical Bay. If only we could use the national park's that are already there for eco resorts. So people can see the finished product.  I think Jon Nott has got a farm near there? In Ravenshoe! If a lecture at JCU Cairns in Natural Disasters buys a property somewhere you can be sure it’s pretty safe.

 

Most of the tropical rainforests that remain in the world today are in less developed countries (LDC). The only more developed country (MDC) in the world, which has Tropical Rainforests, is Australia.

 

The overall area that will be included in this study will be north of the Tropic of Capricorn and South of the Tropic of Cancer.

 

 Task : Find this on a map.

 

Too big too think about right now! Sorry but urgent relief is needed ! Start at the bottom of the list and work your way up is probably best!

 

The focus area of this study will be the areas surrounding the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (WHA) of FNQ

 

Task : Find this on a map.

 

Misty Mountains: The Western End A lot shorter tracks for school kids. If we could get a bit of land off the government, selectively cut a few trees only if we have too. Dry them for a year or two then starts building the resort later. Or maybe we are too far behind, Just build an interpretation center for huge numbers of school kids.

 

If the kids can see for themselves what it’s going to look like in 25 years – 50 years I recon it would blow them away!

 

Initial List of Study

 

The main parts that make up the proposal so far can be seen below. This is an initial list of research areas, many more will be added as the study develops and the list is in no particular order of importance. Any suggestions would be of great help. I don't expect any research, just your general knowledge on the subject, any good links to websites or references where I might be able to get the relevant research information would be a great help.

 

 

·        Eco Forestry: Ecologically Sustainable Forestry

 

·        Eco Tourism: Ecologically Sustainable Tourism

 

·        Carbon Credits: (more research needed)

 

·        Stock Market: Potential Source of Income

 

·        Taxation: Minimization, Returns & Public Investment

 

·        Superannuation: Where is your Super now?

 

 

 

 

 

Eco forestry: forestry on a global scale that invests in projects that mitigates against climate change and natural disasters and creates an ecologically sustainable industry for the future.  (. )( .) dic 29/01/2001

 

" A century to a nation is but a period of evolution - to a forester it is but a season... the forester is but a gardener on a huge scale - his garden the state, his season the century" (Newport, 1904. Forester in north Queensland).

“Forestry is the preservation of forests by wise use” Franklin Roosevelt

 

Special thanks to Garry Wilson who knows the answerers, let me peek at them, then threw down the gauntlet and said it could never be done.

 

Agro forestry:

 

I have studied Agro forestry and understand the concept. However, input from people with working experience in Agro forestry would be a great help.

In this case Eco Forestry would include; The production of Native Australian Rainforest Trees, investment from ecotourism, carbon credits trading, a public or private float of the company on the stock market, taxation and benefits from investment from superannuation funds to name a few. The benefits will be to the environment, native animals which may be under threat from land clearing and of course people.

 

Monoculture plantings would be avoided. Trials in mixed species plantings would take place initially to determine the best growth rates and positive relationships between species, as well as creating a more aesthetically appealing forest to eco tourists. A lot of work in this field had already been done however much more research is needed.

 

Eco resorts would be built at various locations, so that the investors themselves can visit, say annually, to see for themselves how their investment is growing. It will also create an income stream, various job opportunities within different communities and employment sectors. A huge potential for education and training will also be a key benefit. Many of the site locations will be in easily accessible areas with an initial site near JCU Cairns. As this proposal falls within area’s made up of high numbers indigenous populations, I believe there is a great opportunity to improve the lives of many of our countries disadvantaged. Work on the proposal can be done by incorporating various aspects of it in the different fields. The highest achieving students would be given the opportunity to be part of the project development. Labor would come from wwoofer’s.

 

Task: What’s a woofer?

 

Initially the area of great interest to me is, The Misty Mountains on the Atherton Tablelands, about an hour and a half drive, south west from Cairns International Airport in FNQ. The area is also known for its many beautiful recently restored walking trails, in and around the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (WTWHA), which were used by local indigenous populations to migrate form the coast up over the mountains to the Atherton Tablelands.

 

Task: How many kilometers of walking trails are there in the Misty Mountains? Take the family on a holiday to walk them.

 

Once the initial site has been established, other sites would be found on primarily, previously cleared land. As part of the proposal, a comprehensive model will be developed. With each consecutive new site, constant improvements will be made in the phenotype and genetics of new plantings and design of the eco resorts. Once development spreads over a local and regional level, the process will be expanded to a state level including plantings in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

 

Task: What is the name of the poorest country in the world?

 

During this time other potential sites will be investigated in other parts of the world. It should be noted that JCU is the only university to have a course in Tropical Agro forestry in the developed World. Virtually all the other nations between the north of the Tropic of Capricorn and South of the Tropic of Cancer are in less developed countries, especially countries within Africa, Asia and South America. Africa is by far the poorest continent in the world, per head of capita. Potential sites in less developed nations where climactic and soil conditions are suitable, will be included in the primary study area and proposal.

 

Native Australian Tropical Rainforest species will be grown initially as they are of high value, @ $2500 per tree at up to 400 trees per hectare in today’s money, after the final thinning. How much will they be worth in 25 years? Considerably more per tree. Trees would be ready for harvest after approximately 15 to 25 years after planting. After initial planting, pruning will take place after 2 and 5 years. Thinning will take place every 5 years after that, giving a modest initial return after 10 to 15 years.

 

Food crops and Tropical Fruit tress would also be incorporated into the design and grown to promote the self sufficiency of individual plantation sites and eco resorts, in line with basic Permaculture Principles. Any excess produce will be sold in local markets for human consumption or locally to dry fruit processing plants. Dried fruit has a good storage life and can be used in emergency relief and natural disaster relief. Passion fruit, banana and pineapple are just a few potential fruit crops that will be grown.

 

Task: How many tropical fruits are there?

 

By spreading the risk to different locations and income streams, potential losses can be mitigated against. Put simply, the risk of losses due to fire, flood, tropical cyclones, diseases, pests and any other hazards, will be spread on a regional, state, national and international scale, dramatically reducing the impact of losses caused by a tropical cyclone for example.

 

I will remind you that this proposal is in concept stage and is changing everyday due to the feedback from people like you that are reading this. Any suggestions or ideas are of great help.

 

Eco Tourism:

 

The significant trend for ecotourism around the world is that it is growing rapidly and is more than just a niche market in the tourism industry. My studies indicate that the target market is made up of mostly ‘baby boomers’ and ‘dinks’ (double income no kids) couples, who in general have significant superannuation assets and disposable incomes. By placing various sites in already popular tourist destinations, such as near Cairns and in the Atherton Table Lands initially, it is envisaged that a significant market share will be achieved from existing tourists, both domestic and international. Having small eco resorts on various sites will have the added benefit of attracting new clients once they have been able to experience and view first hand the progress of the forest from planting to selective harvest.

Potential investors will also be able to see completed models and different models at various stages over the life of the project.

 

No clear felling will take place. Sites will be managed so that once they are established (25 years) the aesthetic quality and environmental benefits will be managed and maintained. In short, the aim will be to create a potential World Heritage Listed (WHL) quality forest, on land that can be selectively logged for eternity. This will have benefits not only to the local community in job creation. Another benefit will be to the environment. The creation of native habitat for native animals and birds that may migrate into the site will have the added advantage of attracting both tourists and investors.

 

Stock Market:

 

Once the business has been established (or possibly before), one possible source of income will be through the stock exchange, and or a public or private float of the company. Federal and State government funding is also possible. This however is a long way off the track and a lot of research needs to be done in this area.

 

Superannuation:

 

In Australia superannuation contributions are compulsory, and around the world there are many retirement plans and funds. In recent years many people have lost there houses and entire life savings in investment schemes, the stock market and property trusts. I think many now see the Stock Market as extremely high risk and are looking for alternatives to invest their money into.

 

Annual contributions would vary, but be constant from established customers, and initial investments from clients who already have a substantial ‘nest egg’s’ could be significant, allowing rapid expansion in early years and throughout the future, as the investment opportunity becomes known and earnings forecasts are achieved.

 

I feel there will be a great advantage of people being able to see their investments literally grow in front of their eyes, as opposed to entrust their entire life savings to a stockbroker to gamble on speculation in the share market. Superannuation contributions would be the main source of income for the project initially and there is an extensive amount research that needs to be done in relation to the legislation and government policy regarding this aspect of the proposal.

 

Where is your super now?

 

Taxation:

 

To my knowledge, recent changes in the legislation mean that individuals investing in Agro forestry no longer receive tax returns, however the company actually doing the tree planting does. So the income from superannuation used for land acquisition, planting and construction of eco resorts may receive very favorable tax incentives, in relation to operating costs.

 

It may be possible for investors visiting the various plantations around the world, to receive a tax return from the costs incurred by inspecting the various sites, as is done with property investors inspecting investment properties. Once again I’ll leave this up to the experts.

 

Kerry Brewster, a Taxation Law specialist working for KPMG in Melbourne, and lecturing in Taxation Law at Melbourne University, will be of great help here. Kerry is the smartest person I have ever met. She got 99.95/100 in her year 12 final exam. The only question she got wrong was on vectors. I told her not to worry, vectors are easy, but I still haven’t taught her how to play pool.

  

Carbon Credits:

 

Now that The Australian Federal Government has signed the Kyoto Protocol and made a commitment to the reduction of carbon emissions, it is immanent that legislation will follow on how to address this for business. Australia is amongst the highest CO2 emitters per capita, globally. With so many polluting industries in Australia, it is certain that by creating carbon credits in the form of trees, we will be able to trade them with industry that has carbon debit. For e.g. coal powered electricity generating stations. Issues relating to the potential income from Carbon Credits are yet to be established, as so is the potential value of carbon credits. It is my estimation that a hectare of established forest is equivalent to approximately 1200 tones of CO2. Further work in research and data collection is needed.

 

 

 

It must be remembered that this proposal is at the initial concept stage, and a lot more research needs to be done. It is simply an outline in lay mans terms of my proposal. This is what I see myself doing for the rest of my life. I would like to thank you for the time taken to read this. I am looking forward to answering any questions or taking part in discussion in any of the aspects of the idea you think are important or may be interested in. 

 

“There is never a problem, only solutions”, as said to me by my father, Boris Dugi, nearly every day of my life.

 

I semi retired at the age of 30. Two years into the retirement after living on Magnetic Island  my mother gave me an ultimatum, “join the army and get some discipline, or go to university and get an education”( Barbara Dugi,  pers. Com. 2002). Thanks Mum, for always giving me options. I just want to do research traveling the world when I finish uni! So I can see all the little pictures!

 

QUESTION: WHAT IS OF BETTER USE TO A SCOCIETY AN ARMY OF SOILDERS OR AN ARY OF UNI GRADUATES? WHY DON’T WE GET THE SAME BENEFITS?

 

“Someone said to me today that the only way to fix the problem is to half the world’s population”(Pers.Com. Chris. JCU Townsville (30/1/2009).Chris wants to set up an Ecoforestry resort in Africa when he finishes!

 

 My response: “ make it compulsory for every male over 21 to make a donation to a sperm bank, then execute every male over 21.  Leave the women and children behind to start again”(. )( .) dic 30/1/2009

 

Michael recons: “The solution is to maintain the population at current levels and feed those in need with what we already have!”(pers.com. Michael Mccall@jcu.edu.au Townsville.  1/2/2009). Michael wants to be a GIS officer analyst when he graduates.

 

Jeerawat recons: “The solution is reducing the competition for resources of the growing population”. His area of study is protected area management. Wants to Department of National Parks in Thailand. Wants to go back and work in policy of National parks. (pers.com Jeerawat Jaisielthum@jcu.edu au Townsville. 1/2/2009)

 

Contact Details:

 

Richard Dugi

 

http://www.wiserearth.org/user/RichardDugi

 

(Updates will be posted here regularly)

 

As part of the proposal I have conducted a preliminary Social Impact Assessment SIA. The first variable I will research is: The Formation of Attitudes Towards the Project.

 

Table 1: Attitudes Toward the Project.

 

Public Opinion Survey (started 25/01/2009 finished 28/1/2009)

 

A random sample of people, including family and friends were contacted by email or handed this document in person. These are the results so far and the initial response has been positive.

 

Any negative aspects you feel are important are extremely valuable:

 

Total Number of Responses: 19

                                                                  

% Favorable	18	94%
% Unfavorable	0	0%
% Undecided	1	6%

Comments

 

Some examples of favorable Comments:

 

“Excellent!” (Boris Dugi, pers. com. 25/01/2009).

 

“Great idea! I think it’s good that you keep 51%” (Dale Hilton, pers. com.25/01/2009).

 

“The world doesn't need saving she's survived everything the universe has thrown at her for 4 billion years, She will shake us off like a bad disease if we keep behaving like a virus, we need to save mankind from himself and I love your plan, Keep up the good work” (James Ryan, pers. com. 26/01/2009).

 

“Your ideas are very interesting and I think you should discuss your ideas with your mentor at the university as he/she would be the right person to discuss these matters. All I can say that it sounds good to me but I’m not an expert in Agro forestry.” (Barbara Dugi, pers. com. 26/01/2009)

 

“The agro forestry project sounds excellent. Best of luck!” (Emma Dickinson, pers. com. 27/01/2009)

 

E.g. Comments Unfavorable:

 

 

E.g. Comments Undecided:

 

“I don’t think we should use our super to help other countries. The money should stay in Australia. I don’t understand all the issues”. (Only several pages were read. pers. com.26/01/2009). It should be noted when the proposal was read it was in conception form. I started with the recommendations and there are many more things that need to be researched. This will be done over the next 5 months. A very wise man told me “If you want to tell a story it’s always best that you start at the beginning, forget stressing about the conclusion!” Keith Moulds. (pers. Com. 29/1/2009)

 

Ehhh, Do I look like I work for SPC? I build sheds - big, cheap and fast. Eee Yaa! Ehh Dim Mate!(pers. Com. 2/1/2009.