Banking on the poor

Article Abstract:

Microcredit, or making small personal loans to very poor people for income generation purposes, is an increasingly popular way for social and lending institutions to attempt to alleviate poverty worldwide. Microfinance organizations, currently numbering more than 7,000, now reach about 16 million people. Their programs include savings accounts, and sometimes insurance, as well as small loans ranging from $15 to a few hundred dollars. The global goal is to help 100 million very poor families, especially women, by 2005. An estimated $21.6 billion is needed to achieve the goal, most from international lenders.

Innovations, Finance, Poor, Credit, Poor women, Personal loans, Foreign loans

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Playing a round with nature

Article Abstract:

There is an increasing awareness of the environmental impact of golf courses since their number has risen dramatically. Internationally golf has found many followers, and to cater to everybody courses are being built in all available land from historical grounds to arid regions. Critics point out the extent to which golf courses use water, the fact that they spawn big hotels and that scenic walkways become inaccessible to local residents. Moreover, environmentalists are also worried about the growing popularity of US-style extensively manicured golf courses which completely alter landscapes.

Environmental aspects, Golf

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The money mirage

Article Abstract:

The anticipated discovery of Alexander the Great's tomb nearby may propel the Egyptian village of Siwa into the modern era. Greek archeologists think the submerged tomb 25 kilometers from Siwa contains the body of Alexander the Great, who died in 332 BC. The Siwa of today may resemble the Siwa of Alexander's time, but may be dragged into the present by its steadily increasing stream of tourists. Siwa's below-sea-level location may not sustain tourism.

Travel industry, Egypt, Antiquities, Tombs, Siwa, Egypt

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