Miss Utah, Cristina Lowe on the Future of the State

While serving as Miss Utah for the past six months, I have come to understand the dynamic, resourceful, mountainous region that we live in. I have traveled every inch of the state and spoken to leaders in almost every city. As I returned from Miss America, I found myself quickly back in classes at Utah Valley University while still trying to maintain a schedule of public service. Funny that my first day back I ended up in one of the most intriguing classes about Sustainable Development. My professor, Baktybek Abdrisaev, is the former ambassador from Kyrgyzstan to the US and Canada. He brings a new perspective about our mountainous region that many of us most likely never think about. That perspective includes recognition that Utah has grown and sustained itself extremely well the past 150 years—despite the challenges that mountainous regions face. Why is this perspective so vital to Utah and its’ future growth you may ask?

Utah Valley University hosts an annual conference called The Women of the Mountains. It is a conference that highlights the importance that women play in helping maintain and create sustainable development in mountainous regions around the world. However, there is a broader purpose behind it—The Mountain Partnership. The Mountain Partnership is bringing countries, cities, groups and organizations together to work towards a common goal: to improve the lives of mountain people and protect mountain environments around the world in coming together to contribute ideas with the intention to benefit all members through joint efforts with the United Nations to create a dialogue on progress and new ideas between Mountain Communities.

The city of Orem just signed a resolution that supported their membership in The Mountain Partnership. Did I mention that they are the second city to join in the United States? Furthermore, the students of UVU are pushing for the State Legislature to support the same resolution that would make the whole state of Utah a member in the partnership. By passing this resolution and becoming a member of The Mountain Partnership, Utah would have the opportunity to send representatives to conferences, exchange economic, ecological, and infrastructural ideas with countries all around the world. This would additionally, create jobs for the citizens of Utah abroad, improve our own state’s economic policies and infrastructure all while gaining political clout on a global level.

As Miss Utah, I have traveled the state and I have met the incredible people that live here. I know the potential that Utah has and I understand the importance of this partnership for Utah. As a strong woman, I am also a strong advocate for empowering women. It is important for the women of Utah to see their role in creating these sustainable policies and changes that will inevitably follow a partnership such as this. Join our efforts and help Utah rise to it’s highest potential by contacting us at womenofthemountains@gmail.com, or get more information at

the Mountain Partnership's web site.

By Christina Lowe: Current Miss Utah and Student at Utah Valley University

International Mountain Day 2010

Mountain regions are inhabited by 10% of the world’s population, and over half of the world’s population relies on the resources that these regions have to offer. These regions cover one quarter of the world’s surface. These fragile and ever changing ecological systems provide large quantities of water, forestry, agriculture, rich biological diversity, great areas of recreation, tourism and social and cultural heritage. Mountain regions contribute significantly to the world economy on many scales. At the same time, life in the mountains is quite challenging in comparison to the living conditions of non-mountain regions. High altitude, remoteness, and lack of developed infrastructure create a difficult environment for mountain communities. Because of this, in many parts of the world covered by mountains one can see a breeding ground for poverty, unemployment, terrorism and other undesirable factors.

The UN General Assembly assigned the year 2002 to be the year of the mountains. The intention of the assembly was to raise awareness of the mountain communities of the world and the unique challenges they face. The assembly hoped to highlight not only the ecological and economical importance of the mountain areas but also to educate governments and peoples that preservation of these areas is essential, not only to mountain regions but lowland regions as well. The goal of having the year of the mountains was to focus expertise to mountain communities and effectively foster sustainable mountain development. The year was such a success that the United Nations named the 11 of December of every following year to be International Mountain Day.

This past December 11 was highlighted by a celebration in Utah at Utah Valley University with groups from many regions around the globe and sharing portions of their culture. There were a variety of presentations from faculty members, like Dr. David Wilson, who focuses on Native Americans issues at UVU and Dr. David Connelly, political Science coordinator at History and Political Science Department of UVU.

There was also culture and hoop dancing from Native Americans of the Navajo Tribe.

UVU student, and Miss United Nations Nilofar from Tajikistan organized several items from their fashion show. From different mountain areas of the globe.

There were also many other events that took place and cultures that were represented.

There were also many prevalent members of the community involved including state representative Chris Herrod. The efforts of Dr. Rusty Butler also greatly contributed to the success of the event.

This March UVU plans to host “Women of the Mountains-2” and it will be a new milestone in its pioneering role in developing ties with mountain communities worldwide and strengthening presence of UVU and Utah as a whole on the map of the activities of international community. It is, indeed a very good development and reason for both UVU and all supporters and friends of the agenda of sustainable mountain development to celebrate today’s International Mountain Day.

Studies, High Altitudes Linked to Suicide

There was recently an article published, Studies, High Altitudes Linked to Suicide some of the unique challenges that mountain regions face. The Mountain Partnership has identified that mountain regions face distinct challenges from their lowland counterparts. By joining various organizations and regions the Mountain Partnership has sought to solve problems such as these through "...addressing the challenges of sustainable mountain development by linking and working together: tapping the wealth and diversity of expertise, information, knowledge and skills from and between one another, to stimulate concrete action that will bring meaningful change to the world's mountain people and environments." The Mountain Partnership was created for the specific purpose to create a dialogue between mountain regions to communicate in a rapidly globalizing world and help facilitate growth and progress.

Orem City Joins The Mountain Partnership

On Tuesday January 11 the city of Orem became the first city in the state of Utah and only the second city, behind Aspen Colorado, in the United States to join the Mountain Partnership. The Orem City Council voted unanimously on a resolution to support the membership of the Mountain Partnership and authorized Mayor Washburn to sign the Mountain Partnership application. Interim City Manager Bruce Chesnut recommended to the Council that by resolution “support the City of Orem’s membership in the Mountain Partnership, a voluntary alliance of partners dedicated to improving the lives of people and protecting mountain environments around the world.” Dr. Odell Miner adjunct professor and Former Ambassador to the US and Canada from Kyrgyzstan, and visiting guest lecturer Baktybek Abdrisaev, of the History and Political Science Department at Utah Valley University were instrumental in bringing together information to help the city of Orem join.
According to its website, The Mountain Partnership is a voluntary coalition 50 countries, 16 intergovernmental organizations and 107 major groups (e.g. civil society, NGOs and the private sector). An official UN partnership, it was launched at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. Previous to its entrance, The United Nations had already recognized the diligent work the city of Orem has contributed to mountain regions through the Orem Declaration of Mountain Women, which recognized the important role that women play in the vital growth of mountain regions. Each of the members play a role through initiatives to create sustainable mountain development. It is also the mission of the Mountain Partnership to raise awareness and tackle the unique challenges that mountain areas present to its inhabitants.
There is increasing demand around the world for quality, high-value products. In particular, for foods and beverages such as coffee, honey, herbs and spices and for handicrafts, cosmetics and medicines. But even though many of these sought-after products originate in mountain areas, mountain people rarely exploit their market potential and reap the benefits of production. Instead they are often still engaged in producing staple commodities with fluctuating prices. Mountains are rich in resources, yet many mountain people live in poverty. Creating new income-generating activities and enhancing traditional or alternative employment opportunities will help conserve mountain environments and improve the livelihoods of mountain people.
The Mountain Partnership was formed with the intention to educate and not only members of mountain communities, but those of all regions on the importance that mountain regions play on the global scale. Sustainable development in mountain regions is vital to stability for all regions. For example, Switzerland, recognizing the uniqueness and potential of its mountains, adopted special mountain policies. As a result, policies were developed which have turned Switzerland’s mountains into some of the most prosperous regions in the country. Among these policies:mountain communities were given more power to determine their region's development path and how local resources were used, national subsidies were created for agriculture and other forms of development in mountain regions, health care and education were improved to a great extent, profits from tourism were put into the hands of local people rather than being siphoned off to urban centres
Utah’s, and especially Orem’s success can be attributed to many hardworking people who over the years have been governed by proficient principles creating an affluent atmosphere. Utah has an exceptionally diverse economy that has adequately adapted to its unique geography high up in the Rocky Mountains. These include financial services, general services, manufacturing, mining, farming and military and government jobs. Utah’s unemployment remains well below the national average and enjoys a relatively successful standard of living for its citizens. Many people from various states have sought residence in Utah due to its economic opportunities, low cost of living and great familial atmosphere. Utah is also a hotspot when it comes to tourism and recreation. Utah’s mountains contain adventure from skiing in the cottonwoods to hiking the subway in Zions National Park. Many people also come to Utah to hunt, fish, rock climb, hike and tour the many great sites that Utah has to offer.
In the short span of 150 years the people of Utah have changed a desolate desert wasteland into one of the most successful and flourishing mountain regions in the world. Through the Mountain Partnership Orem will be able to network with other members and nations with mountain regions and share principles of success through already designed initiatives. The mountain partnership is a practical system where mountain communities can easily share ideas and best methods with each other.
In the City of Orem Utah Valley University is already a member of the Mountain Partnership and has been able to network, through the Mountain Partnership, with other mountainous nations, regions and groups around the globe striving to improve life in mountainous areas. The most recent project UVU will be working on with the Mountain Partnership is its preparations to host the 2011 Women of the Mountains Conference. Diplomats and representatives from various nations, NGO’s and groups, including the President of the Mountain Partnership Doug Maguire will attend as Utah Valley University hosts the conference, and facilitates the sharing of ideas to create more conducive environments for mountain women to play a more involved and integral role in the development of their communities.
Through the Mountain Partnership the city of Orem will have the opportunity to further increase its reputation throughout the world as a leader in the development of mountain nations and an excellent example that other mountain regions will be able to emulate. hte Mountain Partnership has high hopes for the future of Mountain regions and has expressed them; these include, roads, railways and telecommunications systems that have opened mountain communities to outside influences. These changes have been both good and bad for mountain people. Better transportation, for example, makes it easier for mountain people to move their goods to markets. At the same time, imported goods have become cheaper and more widely available in mountain communities. Some of these imported goods are displacing indigenous products. In the Andes, for example, the recent sudden availability of synthetic yarns has severely diminished the local demand for hand-spun, naturally dyed wools. As access to mountain regions increases, so too does the potential for exploitation of mountain people and mountain resources. Putting power back into the hands of mountain people and advocating policies and practices that ensure equitable access to and distribution of the benefits from mountain rangeland, water, forests and mining are important steps towards alleviating poverty in mountain communities and, in turn, protecting mountain resources.

Jesse Gray Student at UVU

Photos courtesy of
http://www.areavibes.com/orem-ut/city-guide/ and
http://www.alparc.org/news/news-from-the-network-alparc/first-workshop-on-mountain-environmental-education

Micro-finance: A New Weapon To Combat Global Poverty

In January, New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote a great piece called The Underlying Tragedy. He expounds on what made the Haiti earthquake so devastating. He explains that in 1989 there was an earthquake of similar magnitude in San Francisco, yet the death toll only reached sixty-three. This number is significantly less than the tens of thousands of Haitians that lost their lives in the most recent quake.

What is it then that accounts for such disparity in loss of life? Brooks points to poverty and the weak infrastructure it creates. The recent earthquake in Haiti is just a reminder of the poverty that plagues much of the world today. The tsunami in Indonesia and the floods in Pakistan are recent events that remind us of the need around the world for aid. Poverty is a perpetual problem in many countries and it seems that with the current economic crisis it is only getting worse. It can also easily plague mountain regions of the world that have not fully adapted their economies to their geographies. Some of the hardest hit victims of the current, world financial crisis are those that are already suffering from poverty. Stifling circumstances and inflation have made it difficult for the already stretched or non-existent budgets of these poor.

The citizens of the United States and Utah are some of the most charitable in the world, yet there are still many more people who are aware of world poverty, want to help, but just do not know how to do it. One emerging method of aid to help these people in foreign countries comes in the form of micro-lending. Organizations are beginning to surface that provide micro-lending and micro-finance to people that need money to maintain and start their businesses in foreign countries. Some of these institutions include Kiva, MicroPlace, Grameen Foundation and Accion.

Customarily, and especially as of late, banks and lending institutions are not prone to lending money to poor people of the world because it is usually not economically viable. Without access to at least some capital, people living in poverty-stricken countries are not able to maintain and start up businesses, and therefore the communities in which they live remain stagnant and the problems only perpetuate. This is where micro-lending institutions can bridge the gap.

Many of these micro-lending institutions such as Kiva function primarily through field partners. The way it works is that the field partner will find an entrepreneur that is in need of money and then loan them the principal. The field partner will then, through Kiva or other micro-finance institutions take donations in sums as small as $1-25 (depending on the institution) from generous lenders all across the globe to support the efforts of the entrepreneurs and make micro-lending more viable. Kiva then gives the lent money to the field partner. As the entrepreneurs earn money, they repay the field partner who gives that money back to Kiva and Kiva ultimately returns that money back to the lender. The lender is then encouraged to re-loan that money, but they are able to keep it if they wish. Money is easily and quickly transferred through lenders and Kiva through pay pal. It should be noted that as in all loans there is always the risk of default.

Field partners for Kiva range from a myriad of institutions in different parts of the world such as IMON International in Tajikistan and Fundacion Leon in Nicaragua and Central America. On the lending institutions’ web-sites potential lenders may browse through the profiles of entrepreneurs in need in countries around the world. The potential lenders are then able to choose whom they wishes to lend to, and what amount to lend.

These micro finance institutions are not yet person-to-person lending sites, due to the field partners but they hope to achieve this goal someday. In an interview with the New York Times, Premal Shaw, Kiva’s President said “It’s highly imperfect, but it’s like a 3 1/2-year-old child: it has a lot of potential.”

Kiva and other micro-lending are making it much easier for individuals to easily aid those less fortunate in poverty stricken areas across the globe for an extremely low cost. What makes these programs all the more effective and preferable is the fact that even though many lenders give money in the spirit of charity the recipients of loans are further invigorated to pay them back, giving themselves a sense of greater ownership and personal accomplishment, and the money that was paid back from the loan is able to go out and help someone else. Through micro-lending institutions any entrepreneur has the ability and can be empowered to be successful of their own merit.

Micro-finance is evolving quickly and one day we will see many micro-finance institutions that can help those in poverty better decide their own destiny. For now, many of these micro-finance institutions are a good way for people to get involved and in their own small way combat world poverty.

By Jesse Gray, student at Utah Valley University

Photos Courtesy of:
http://www.dailyworldbuzz.com/haiti-earthquake-duration/14482/
http://www.kiva.org/lend/239941

Kyrgyz Elections: The Birth of Democracy?

Recently visiting Professor at Utah Valley University Baktybek Abdrisaev wrote an article for the online journal Open Democracy entitled Kyrgyz Elections: The Birth of Democracy? In his article he writes of the current political climate in Kyrgyzstan and the potential for democracy. Mr. Abdrisaev makes many good points on how Kyrgyzstan can create a successful nation state and many long term goals they have for affluence and democracy in the short and long term ahead. This is a good case of a mountainous region that, with democracy, could have a prospective future.

Photo courtesy of: http://arabnews.com/world/article40852.ece

Utah's Lessons and Potential

The State of Utah has a rich history due to its location in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. with unique features Utah's location provides it with some of the most diverse landscapes in the United States. When the pioneers arrived in Utah in 1847 it was nothing but a vast wasteland, with Indian inhabitants from Utes, Anasazi, Piutes, and Navajo tribes to name a few. These Indians tribes had learned how to adapt and survive in the rugged environment such as the deserts, high mountains, badlands and marshes they found themselves in.

Utah has not become the state it is overnight. It took hard work and many years of persistence and determination to build the great state of Utah. After the pioneers arrived in Utah Brigham Young, the religious as well as political leader of the State sent out members of his faith to settle in many places and were not restrained to just the state of Utah as we know it today. The pioneers faced many problems after settling in Utah. There were incursions with Indians, severe friction with the US government, especially during the Buchanan years and during the Utah War, and properly adapting to the new geographic environment they lived in. Orson F. Whitney described it in such way, “Aside from its scenic splendor there was little to invite and much to repel in the prospect of their [pioneer's] view. On all sides a seemingly interminable waste of sagebrush bespangled with sunflowers, the paradise of the lizard, the cricket and the rattlesnake.” Refining agriculture techniques for for crop cultivation and working with stone from the mountains coupled with great faith and perseverance the pioneers began to build Salt Lake City and Utah into a beautiful place to live.

Utah became a popular spot and at times, a place to settle for those seeking to gain fortunes in the California gold rush. With the completion of the railroad at Promontory Point on May 10, 1869 many more people and goods flowed into Utah. Mining was increasingly enhanced inasmuch as it could be easily shipped abroad. Many stayed to make and to lose their fortunes in mining. From the 1860s to the 1920s hundreds of copper, silver, gold, and lead mines were opened in nearby canyons, including Bingham Canyon. Gigantic smelters were later built to refine the ore.
During the twentieth century Utah began to expand exponentially economically and demographically. From 1900-1930 the state Capitol was built along with many other historic buildings in Salt Lake City. Public transportation, which included a trolley system that was eventually phased out by buses and infrastructure were built to take people all throughout downtown Salt Lake City. Streets were paved and sewer systems were installed. The population of Salt Lake City tripled. The great depression hit Utah and construction slowed during the depression years. During the 60’s construction was let loose again. This time however, many businesses were built in the suburbs outside of Salt Lake. Steps were then taken to revamp the downtown area to keep up and stay competitive with what was going in the suburbs. This contributed again to population increases. In the 70’s many beautification projects were undertaken, augmenting the quality of the city and creating a delightful atmosphere in Salt Lake City. During the 80’s and 90’s the skyline was improved with the expansion and remodeling of many of the buildings downtown. The airport was also updated. These decades preceded the Winter Olympics in 2002, which brought the world to Utah.

Utah’s success can be attributed to many hardworking people who over the years have been governed by proficient principles creating an affluent atmosphere. Utah has an exceptionally diverse economy that has adequately adapted to its unique geography. These include financial services, general services, manufacturing, mining, farming and military and government jobs. Utah’s unemployment remains well below the national average and enjoys a relatively successful standard of living for its citizens. Many people from various states have sought residence in Utah due to its economic opportunities, low cost of living and familial atmosphere. Utah is also a hotspot when it comes to tourism and recreation. Utah’s mountains contain adventure from skiing in the cottonwoods to hiking the subway in Zions National Park. Many people also come to Utah to hunt, fish, rock climb, hike and tour the many great sites that Utah has to offer.

Utah’s success can be shared with other mountain regions of the world that are striving to replicate what Utah has done and the vibrant economy it has created and one way to do this is becoming part of the Mountain Partnership. The Mountain Partnership is an international group of Non-government Organizations, mountain nations and communities and other relevant groups. Their goal is to enable global activities under an agenda of sustainable mountain development help mountain communities to work together, create networks, exchange ideas, and exchange best practices. The Mountain Partnership also seeks to coordinate efforts of mountain communities and together with the on-line Mountain Forum facilitate important dialogue and cooperation. Utah is an international exemplar for success in a mountain region. In a short period of time Utah has been able to do amazing things. Utah now has the potential to lead and teach other mountain communities to do what it has done. Countries that have had trouble developing strong economies with similar geographies include many nations such as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Algeria, Sri Lanka and Bolivia. These countries have been plagued with civil wars, economic stagnation, poverty and deprivation, this fosters an environment that breeds terrorism and compounds the initial problem. As we have seen in Afghanistan this can result in the cultivation of illegal drugs and despotic, radical regimes that can negatively impact the global community. Utah has the capability to teach these nations how to effectively implement principles that create an ambience for not just economic growth but greater quality of life also.
The former Soviet state Tajikistan is a perfect example of this. With cotton being its most important crop and having the potential to provide jobs, to an already suffering economy. Some of the bigger challenges facing the agricultural sector are extreme debt and methods and equipment are outdated. Just as Utah, Tajikistan also has incredible mining opportunities in silver, gold, tungsten, uranium, but this sector is also antiquated not being able to realize its full potential. Many of these economic complications stem from the Tajik civil war from 92-97. Tajikistan has economic potential, it just needs good guidance and direction. It has a similar geography as Utah, and Utah is qualified to help.

Through the Mountain Partnership Utah has the ability to network and share ideas with these nations through an organization called the Mountain Partnership. One of the main goals addressed by the Mountain Partnership is to “address the challenges facing mountain regions by tapping the wealth and diversity of resources, knowledge, information and expertise, from and between one another, in order to stimulate concrete initiatives at all levels that will ensure improved quality of life and environments in the world’s mountain regions.” There are many nations that are desperately seeking to enhance the quality of life in their countries through reform and economic stability. Many of these nations just need a leader. Utah has a unique opportunity to be this leader and aid these countries productively with knowledge and experience.

By Jesse Gray, Student at Utah Valley University

Photos Courtesy of: http://utahwaterboys.com/utah-water-the-purest-in-the-world/
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=93987&page=72http://www.asianews.it/files/img/TAJIKISTAN_Farmers.jpg