Rights and Ownership of Forrests in India

So two things came to mind while I was reading this today that were referred to in our seminar class:
the first is that the "Recognition of Forest Rights Bill 2005, which would give an estimated 40 million people ownership rights to the land they've been using, is expected to pass by the end of the year" . This is one case, where the indigenous people are actually claiming their land rights back from the government. The details were not included, but this must include changing policy in patent restrictions and the transfer of indigenous knowledge in the region.

The second is that the computers, cell phones and televisions donated by Western nations to developing countries are an environmental threat. In some cases, the products are so out-dated that they are usually thrown out and burned in open air sites, releasing harmful chemicals.

Thought it was pretty interesting, seeing that it seemed like such a good idea in class to donate old e-technology. This just highlights that we need something new, or we need to create incentives to change.