In Down To Earth's first Country Report, ANIL AGARWAL and SUNITA NARAIN look at Papua New Guinea, its short but volatile transition to the market economy, its unique land tenure system and the mining and forestry sectors.

Sacred groves - tracts of virgin forests - are vestiges of an ancient practice in which people protected a forest to avoid the wrath of its resident god. Though sacred groves exist in various parts of the country and are unique examples of ecological understanding and management, very few studies have been done on them. Today, most of the groves have disappeared and those that exist are vulnerable to pressures of development. A special report on the state of sacred groves in the country today.

Continuing the series on organic farming, Down To Earth's reporter found that both the scientific community and farmers are showing interest in using biofertilisers and vermiculture to substitute for chemical fertilisers. Microorganisms like algae are used as biofertilisers and earthworms not only turn up the soil but are also a rich source of manure. With increasing demand for natural fertilisers, some municipalities have started composting urban waste and selling it as manure.
In addition, growers of organic food are finding an expanding market in the West for their produce.

Sandalwood smuggling, epitomised by Veerappan, has become a collective phenomenon involving entire villages, which even the ban on sandalwood exports has been unable to curb. Deregulation of the sandal-tree, currently under state control, is now being debated as a measure to end the clandestine destruction.

The killer quake struck unexpectedli in the still of the night. Entire villages were flattened and thousands perished. Though rescue and relief were prompt, they were uncoordinated. And, several people just stood around watching…

WHAT CAN you do, as a citizen of India, if someone decides to set up a power plant or a polluting factory in your neighbourhood? Probably precious little.

Extracting minerals and ornamental stone in the Aravallis - despit its environmental costs - is such a flourishing economic activity that political parties are vying with each other to protect it. Because most mine workers have no other livelihood, they refuse to let anything jeopardize their interests, reports, reports Author from Udaipur

Arthur Dunkel's legacy of proposals on patent, science and investment laws continues to be perceived differently. Even in individual countries, there are differences of opinion - acceptance, moderation and strong opposition. Supporters contend scepticism of the proposals arises from misunderstanding the market process. Others say countries with a strong genetic diversity base can - and should - protect their interests. Still others argue the proposals are only a way to ensure developed countries continue their domincance

First, the government shook scientific institutions out of their lethargy by applying the brake on funds. Now, its asking them to tie up with industry and show profits in the global market

The government's employment generation schemes, laudable though they may be, have yet to achieve their goals. Not involving intended beneficiaries is cited as a major reason for their failure.

In 20 years, Chipko has acquired many facets, primarily as a conservation endeavour by the poor, a struggle for local control of natural resources and an effort by women to protect their environment. Chipko influenced the world, but have its local objectives been met? Author toured the districts of Garhwal and Kumaon and met the people behind the Chipko and those whose lives it has touched. He traceds the origins and the spread of Chipko and assesses its contributions, its discord and its standing today. In the Crosscurrents section five chipko observers, some of whom have been linked with the movement, present their views and a Chipko heroin, Gayatri Devi recounts the hard days.