148 Years of Accra: A Call to Preserve Our Heritage

Accra City Hotel has commemorated the 148th anniversary of the ‘City of Accra’ with a call for urban lifestyle renewal and preservation of heritage.

The occasion, taking place on March 19, 2025, celebrated the establishment of the city in 1877 and gathered important participants to contemplate Accra’s legacy while outlining strategies for its forthcoming years.

Dignitaries from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), financial institutions, and the media were present to grace the occasion.

In a brief background note, it was indicated that Accra, originally established by the Ga people, thrived as a trade hub long before the arrival of European settlers.\xa0 The people traded in salt, fish, textiles, and agricultural produce, laying the foundation for the city’s growth.

At the time, its strategic coastal location and, later, the creation of the first port in Jamestown further enhanced Accra’s reputation as a centre of commerce and interaction.

Executive Director of Accra City Hotel, Nana Afriyie Adu Sarkodie, used the occasion to call for urgent restoration and protection of the city’s polluted water bodies, such as the Odaw and Korle lagoons.

“As a socially responsible corporate entity, we partnered with the Korle Klottey Municipality to desilt the Paloma gutter. When you go to London, you see the Thames; in France, there’s the Seine. But here, we continue to pollute the Odaw and Korle and that must change,” he said.

He announced a sustainability initiative where GH₵1 from every sale at the hotel will be dedicated to supporting the restoration of these rivers. “We want to see canoes and regattas on our rivers again,” he added.

Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), underscored the Accra city day celebration as a fitting tribute to the city’s enduring cultural and historical significance.

He praised organisers for promoting civic pride and engaging the diaspora in the city’s development narrative.

Adding to the call for transformation, Roberta Amoah, Greater Accra Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), advocated for a united effort to build a modern, smart Accra without losing its identity.

“As we work towards building a smart city, we must not lose sight of what makes Accra special — its history, heritage, and cultural features,” she stressed.

She urged all stakeholders, government, private sector, and citizens to take collective responsibility in preserving the city’s legacy while embracing innovation.

The Abola Mantse, Nii Ahene Nunoo III, also called for intensified efforts to rid the city of filth, emphasising that a clean Accra is the shared duty of all. “Keeping our city clean is not a one-man job; it requires all of us ,” he said.

The City of Accra @ 148 celebration not only honored the city’s founding fathers but also served as a platform to spark meaningful dialogue on urban renewal, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation.

As the city continues to grow, stakeholders say a united front is key to building a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient Accra for future generations.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

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Hong Kong Designs Blend Tradition, Symbolism, and Sustainability in Global Edition (English)

Heritage and urban living inform a collection of locally designed and crafted furniture on show in Milan, Italy, as part of Hong Kong Interior Design Week

Nothing sparks collective nostalgia quite like Hong Kong's historic "ding ding" trams . But could you imagine rekindling those memories in your own living room?

Designer Eugenia Yiu did, upcycling waste glass from old carriage windows into an elegant piece of designer furniture.

Incanto di Hong Kong, the drinks cabinet produced by Yiu, co-founder of Bill's Design, is one of 10 bespoke pieces selected by the Hong Kong Interior Design Association to showcase the city's design and manufacturing prowess during Hong Kong Interior Design Week (HKIDW) 2025. The curated exhibition, titled "Urban Reflection", will debut in Milan, Italy, this month, and return to Hong Kong in June.

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According to Jao Cheuk-ming, co-chairman of HKIDW 2025, the collective concept explores the significance of The unique cityscape of Hong Kong , where dense populations and towering skyscrapers create a complex dance of illumination and darkness. He explains, “This dynamism mirrors the lively spirit of the city and underscores the sophisticated connection between urban existence and its natural setting.”

A focus on sustainable materials ranked highly among the selection criteria.

Jao explains, “Furniture that includes environmentally friendly finishes demonstrates a dedication to equilibrium and reverence for nature.” He adds, “Designers strive to create items that are not only aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting but also ethically sound—by employing sustainable resources, we can expand the horizons of innovation.”

Yiu’s creation employs two distinct manufacturing technologies. Initially, train window glass is ground down into tiny fragments before being mixed with a specialized combination of minerals and polymers created by CycleCore. This composite mixture is subsequently shaped to create the main body of the bar cabinet, which is currently in production and available for purchase at HK$18,000. After setting, curvaceous wooden doors coated in metallic paint are attached to the front, blending classic Chinese woodworking aesthetics with contemporary materials to refresh the overall look.

“Designers invariably aim to create things that you adore and treasure,” Yiu remarks. “Being a native Hong Kong designer, I recognize the significance of maintaining our cultural legacy and traditions. Given that trams are such emblematic symbols of our city, I believed that infusing new vitality into items previously considered waste and highlighting their beauty could serve as an excellent means to narrate our tales.”

Certain displays include notable Asian features, with a specific emphasis on Chinese elements like the craftsmanship involved. Max Lam Designs 'coffee table alongside the symbolism of traditional paper fans within modular seating created by Craft of Both.'

The O.N.N.O. (Old New New Old) coffee table, created by designer Max Lam and constructed by Hong Kong craftsman Twenty One from Eight, merges traditional mortise and tenon joinery with modern design elements. Made of American maple wood, this distinctive piece includes a sleek slim drawer equipped with a roller shutter door along with an understated curved pull, supported by graceful almond-form legs.

"It's important to keep these techniques going so that more people can understand the traditional way of timber construction without using screws or nails," says Lam. "It's a beautiful and smart way to build modern furniture."

Christina Stand aloft, who co-founded Craft of Both describes their Moon Series chair as a "combination ofurniture, fan, and design."

The chair, made in collaboration with manufacturer MADE, is crafted from solid oak with detachable mesh "fans" embedded on each side that can be folded or unfolded at will.

"The paper fan is a geometrically pure and robust form, but also has lineage and heritage, particularly in China, as a tactile, expressive device that can inform privacy, movement, air, colour and texture," she says. "The Moon Series is the product of these wonderful frictions and dialogues."

Jay Jordan, Craft of Both's other co-founder, adds that the process, motion, sound and sensation of snapping on fan modules "has been carefully engineered to create a tactile experience for the user".

Interpreting the significance of bamboo in a different way is Dennis Cheung Hoi-kwan, of Studio RYTE. His Benboo lighting trio comprising table lamp, floor lamp and wall lamp "has the connotation and meaning of bamboo", depicted in copper.

"In Chinese culture bamboo is associated with prosperity, growth and strength ," he says.

Actual bamboo wouldn't be stable enough for this lighting design, so Cheung teamed up with Ricardo Lighting, a manufacturer specialising in copper, a recyclable material that can be crafted in tubular segments resembling the form and texture of the plant's stalk.

In a collaboration between O&O Studio and Radd, designers Eric Chan and Suzanne Li recreated the beauty of a Chinese scholar's study room with their Yi Si desk and bench.

In a hexagonal design representing "six directions", symbolising harmony and completeness, the desktop is suspended on outwardly folded hexagonal legs, while the bench design is reversed - embodying, Chan says, "the philosophy of yin and yang complementarity".

"The streamlined wooden strip on the desktop, paired with rattan cup holders on both sides, creates simple undulations, allowing people to feel the flow of ink fragrance with each stroke," adds Li. "The bench, with its rattan surface, is both comfortable and breathable, showcasing the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern life."

Also with sustainability on his mind, Stepan Gudev, of Gud Gud Studio, crafted his two Aeon Chair exhibits using remnants of upholstery textile scrounged from fabric shops in Sham Shui Po. He hand-cut the cloth into thin strips before weaving it around a metal frame in a colour-coordinated pattern.

"Hong Kong's economy has been highly influenced by the garment industry and with sustainability now a business imperative, I thought this could be an interesting bridge between the past and the future," says the designer, who collaborated with One Production.

While his handcrafted process ensures every piece is bespoke, Gudev's vision is to make each one even more personalised by using items from the user's own wardrobe or home furnishings.

"Giving second life to fabrics you've disposed of to create your own chair is an expression of your life, and keeps the connection ongoing," he says.

Two exhibits explore the possibilities of 3D printing for furniture.

The Clover Collective, by ARTA Architects, is a set of stools designed to fit together as if segments of a four-leaf clover.

"When we approached this design, my partner, Wong Tat-lai, and I wanted to include a communal element. We decided to create modular furniture that you can enjoy with friends," says Arnold Wong Yok-fai, co-founder of ARTA Architects. "The four-leaf clover is a historical plant many people love - we thought it symbolised hope, faith, love and luck."

Designed in five layers of elegant curves, each stool is completely 3D printed, using ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a material made from recycled - and recyclable - plastic.

"Compared to traditional production methods, the process is low waste, time and labour efficient," says Wong, who collaborated with Starz Origin on this project. "Also with marketing in mind, we wanted to design a piece that can be mass-produced, at an affordable price."

Starz Origin is a 3D-printing start-up established by Starz Pasha co-founders Jay Leung and Maggie Mo in 2023. The couple's exhibit for Milan takes sustainability a step further by incorporating coffee grounds and recycled plastic into the manufacturing process.

The coffee table in the three-piece It's Caffeine is set on a metallic-look, eco-friendly T-ABS 3D-printed base. To make the top, coffee grounds are mixed with a resin-like substance and poured into a mould. "Once dried, we do the sanding and polishing, leaving the coffee's natural brown colour intact," Leung says.

Two chairs in different designs are also 3D printed, clad for seating comfort in either synthetic leather or fabric, both from Kinland.

"We wanted to do something that combines thoughtful design with eco-conscious materials, offering both beauty and responsibility," Leung says.

Mo adds that the current set - coffee table retailing for HK$4,650, and the chairs for HK$5,050 and HK$6,250 - is "just the beginning" in an It's Caffeine range that will feature tableware, accessories and other homewares.

Bean Buro founding directors LorEne Faure and Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui aimed to bring the calming essence of nature into the living room through their Stoneflow sofa, manufactured by Decca.

"The curves and forms are intended to evoke a sense of sensuality and comfort, inviting users to take a moment for themselves," Kinugasa-Tsui says. "We see the Stoneflow not just as a sofa, but as the starting point for a whole collection that embodies our vision of nature's beauty and comfort," adds Faure.

And for a multisensory experience in the home or workplace, Joey Ho, design partner at PAL Design Group , conceived the Egg-citing rocking lounger for his exhibit.

Inside an egg-shaped metal frame, a high-density foam bed is sculpted to cradle the human body. Behind the head rest are two small speakers, and above it a transparent LED screen.

Ho's idea is that the audio and visual elements would be wirelessly connected to meditative apps on the user's phone, so that you climb in, recline and gently rock, being lulled by, say, bird song, or scenes of a forest or ocean.

Manufactured by Profilia of West Germany (Far East), Egg-citing is definitely not intended as another way to catch up on work emails.

"I hope it would help us to dream more," says Ho.

Organised by Hong Kong Interior Design Association and the government's Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, "Urban Reflection" will debut at the Loft of Superstudio PiU in Milan, Italy, April 7-13, 2025. After returning to Hong Kong, the exhibition will run from June 19-22 at M+ Art Pavilion, West Kowloon Cultural District. For more information go to the event website

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Figur TKW Uripah di Malaysia yang Menghilang Kembali ke Desanya dan Tercengang Melihat Perubahan Yang Terjadi

Berikut adalah ceritanya tentang Uripah, seorang Tenaga Kerja Wanita atau TKW di Malaysia yang shock ketika melihat desa asalnya telah mengalami perubahan.

Sudah biasa saja, Uripa telah berusia 19 tahun dan tinggal di hutan Malaysia.

Uripa adalah seorang penduduk dari Batang, Jawa Tengah.

Pulangnya Ribut Uripah menjadi mungkin karena adanya bantuan dari Yoyok Riyo Sudibyo.

Keberadaannya di Jakarta diterima dengan air mata kegembiraan dari saudara kandungnya, Tamat, beserta cucunya, Turipah Istianah, yang juga hadir untuk menyambutnya.

Selesai, si kakak bercerita tentang momen perkenalan pertama yang dipenuhi dengan emosi.

"Saya segera memeluknya dengan erat dan mencium kening adik saya. Saya tak menyangka dapat bertemu lagi setelah bertahun-tahun tanpa berita," kata Tamat ketika dijumpai pada hari Jumat (21/3/2025) tersebut, seperti dilaporkan oleh TribunJateng.

Sejak 19 tahun tanpa kabar, keluarga telah mengupayakan beragam metode untuk mengetahui lokasi Ribut Uripah.

"Setiap kali ada pengajian, nama Ribut Uripah selalu dimasukkan ke dalam doa," lanjut Tamat.

Ribut Uripah juga mengekspresikan rasa bersyukur karena dapat kembali ke desanya asli setelah sekian lama hilang.

"Syukur Alhamdulillah, aku gembira akhirnya dapat balik ke kampung halaman. Ternyata di rumah banyak banget orang seolah-olah akan adakan doa bersama," ujarnya menggunakan dialek Melayu.

Setibanya di Desa Candirejo, Kecamatan Bawang, Ribut menceritakan berbagai hal yang tak biasa dari kampung halamannya.

"Sekarang banyak perubahan, semuanya telah berbeda. Kini tempatnya sudah padat dan jalannya menjadi lebih mulus. Dahulu kala masih beraspal bebatuan," katanya sambil merenung tentang waktu lampau.

Ribut akan menetap di tempat saudaranya, yaitu Tamat, sebab kediamannya telah rusak parah dan memerlukan berbagai perbaikan.

Kehadiran Ribut Uripah pun mendapat sambutan hangat dari masyarakat di Kecamatan Bawang.

Mereka kelihatan sangat bersemangat menyongsong kembalinya setelah bertahun-tahun hilang kontak.

Kekacauan yang terjadi di rumah si kakak sekitar jam 4 sore membuat mereka begitu gembira karena dapat bertemu lagi dengan keluarga dan tetangga.

Sebagaimana dilaporkan sebelumnya, Sakinah Anggraeni yang juga dikenal sebagai Ribut Uripah, tenaga kerja wanita berasal dari Batang, Jawa Tengah, telah ditemukan masih bertahan hidup sendiri di dalam hutan di Malaysia setelah 19 tahun hilang.

Sakinah Anggraeni menyatakan dirinya berasal dari desa Candirejo, yang berada di Kecamatan Bawang, Kabupaten Batang, Provinsi Jawa Tengah.

Nama Sakinah Anggraeni berubah setelah menetap di Malaysia.

Sakinah Anggraeni menjadi sorotan ketika ia ditemukan oleh seorang YouTuber yang mencatat keberadaannya sambil hidup di dalam hutan.

Dalam video berdurasi 2 menit 18 detik itu, Sakinah Anggraeni duduk di gubug kayu.

Video viral menunjukkan bahwa ada seorang perempuan warga negara Indonesia yang hidup sendirian di hutan Malaysia.

ternyata nama sebenarnya wanita tersebut adalah Ribut Uripah dan ia memodifikasi namanya menjadi Sakinah Anggraeni ketika menetap di Malaysia.

Sakinah Anggraeni mengatakan bahwa dia memiliki seorang anak yang bernama Istianah.

Kepala Desa Candirejo, Ahmad Musafak mengonfirmasi, bahwa wanita itu adalah warganya yang hilang sejak 2006.

"Ternyata betul itu salah satu kelurganya yang pergi ke Malaysia dan tidak pernah ada kabar," kata Ahmad, Kamis (6/3/2025).

Uripah Misni (60) mengisahkan urutan peristiwa lenyapnya Ribut Uripah pasca keberangkatan ke Malaysia.

Keributan terjadi setelah dipengaruhi oleh undangan tetangga dan membiarkan putranya yang baru berumur 4 tahun sendirian.

Sekarang dahulu ada orang mengundang untuk bekerja di Malaysia, tetangga dulunya yang mengundang.

Pada waktu itu anaknya masih muda, berusia 4 tahun, dan dikasihani oleh kakaknya hingga kini," jelas Misni ketika ditemui TribunBanyumas.com di kediamannya, pada hari Kamis (6/3/2024).

Misni menambahkan pula bahwa di tahun 2006, Ribut masih berhasil mengirim surat serta uang. Akan tetapi, sesudahnya, berita dari Ribut tiba-tiba lenyap tanpa jejak.

Pada awalnya, orang tua dan saudara-saudaranya di kampung halaman menduga bahwa Ribut telah pergi bekerja atau mungkin hilang tanpa kabar.

"Saat ditanyakan kepada agennya, dia mengatakan bahwa tak ada orang bernama Ribut Uripah, kemungkinan besar sudah pindah atau nama mereka telah diubah," terang Misni.

Dari saat itu, keluarga tetap menjaga harapan dan senantiasa mengucapkan nama Ribut pada tiap pengajian. Setelah memasuki 19 tahun, pesan yang ditunggu-tunggu oleh keluarga pun tiba.

"Pagi-pagi pada heboh, pak lurah ke sini ngabari tentang video yang viral itu, langsung yakin memang itu Ribut Uripah, apalagi menyebut anaknya Istianah," ungkap Misni dilansir dari TribunJatim.com.

Dengan bantuan warga Candirejo yang bekerja di Malaysia, keluarga akhirnya dapat berkomunikasi dengan Ribut melalui panggilan video.

(/TribunJateng.com/TribunJatim.com/TribunBanyumas.com)

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Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House: A Prairie Style Gem

In the University at Buffalo's library sit numerous pages filled with letters concerning Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, a historically significant residence in the city commemorating its 120th anniversary since completion this year. These documents were penned by both Wright and Darwin D. Martin—a local entrepreneur who served as the project’s commissioner—and delve into intricate aspects of the estate’s design—such as dimensions, specific moldings used, materials selected for furniture pieces, among countless others. "This dwelling can be considered one of the most thoroughly recorded houses within our nation," remarks Jessie Fisher, current head administrator of the Martin House. She adds that some days saw up to three exchanges per day between these individuals over minute matters such as placement of lighting fixtures; their communications included not only written notes but also telegraph messages and phone conversations. It has been fortunate indeed that an extensive collection of their correspondences along with all of Mr. Martin’s personal journals remains preserved today.

The extensive set of detailed notes played an essential role in a recent renovation and reconstruction of the Martin House complex. Completed officially in 2019 after almost three decades, this project entailed fully reconstructing elements like the estate’s pergola, carriage house, and conservatory—structures that had been torn down back in the '50s. Moreover, the preservation specialists also refurbished several additional buildings within the complex. Maintaining historic sites comes with numerous challenges; deciding the optimal way to preserve such spaces poses many complexities. Redoing a residence from scratch adds yet another layer of difficulty to these endeavors.

Here, we delve into all the details you should be aware of regarding the Martin House situated in Buffalo, New York.

History of the Martin Residence

Situated at 125 Jewett Parkway in Buffalo, New York, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House stands as both a National Historic Landmark and a highly important creation of this renowned American architect. Prairie period In the beginning of the 20th century, entrepreneur Darwin D. Martin sought out an architect who could create designs not only for his personal residence but also for a new structure intended for the Larkin Soap Company, where he was employed.

Martin’s sibling, William E. Martin, resided in Oak Park, Illinois, which was also home to Wright during that time. In a 1902 correspondence from the University at Buffalo Archives, William endorsed Wright to his brother, mentioning, "He isn’t fraudulent or a 'kook'; rather, he’s well-educated and refined, an honest businessman who holds lofty aspirations." He continued later in the same letter, saying, "Your residence would genuinely delight him as his creation—moreover, he is the person you should hire for constructing your workspace."

William’s suspicion that Wright was the right person for both roles turned out to be accurate. Wright was appointed to create the complex for the Martin family as well as the Larkin Administration Building, finishing it in 1906. This administration building marked Wright’s inaugural effort in designing an office structure. Despite being torn down in 1950, pieces of it can still be found at 664 Swan Street, roughly a ten-minute drive away from the Martin House.

Architectural features of the Martin House

When standing on Jewett Parkway opposite the Darwin Martin House, one might initially mistake it for another iconic Frank Lloyd Wright design, such as the Robie House in Chicago. Like its counterpart in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, this house has an inconspicuous main entrance and is constructed with Roman bricks. However, once you enter the premises and observe its numerous additional buildings, it becomes evident that the Martin House Complex stands alone in terms of architectural significance. This compound comprises six structures designed by Wright and collectively spans almost 30,000 square feet within its interiors.

The six buildings constructed in the Prairie style at this site include the George Barton House, the Gardener’s Cottage, the principal residence, the conservatory, the pergola, and the carriage house, which currently houses the museum store. On the western part of the grounds stands the Eleanor and Wilson Greatbatch Pavilion, serving as the visitor center; it is the sole structure on the premises not envisioned by Wright. This particular edifice was crafted by architect Toshiko Mori and made accessible to the public in 2009.

The pergola at the property extends as a lengthy enclosed passage linking the primary residence with the conservatory. Without this insight, an ordinary guest might find it difficult to discern where the initial building stops. However, recognizing how much effort was invested in accurately reconstructing the entire Martin House complex provides valuable perspective.

Similar to his other creations, compression and expansion play crucial roles in designing the Martin House estate as envisioned by Wright. Variations in ceiling heights and room sizes guide occupants through areas where Wright wanted visitors to pause and appreciate. In contrast to what an equally renowned contemporary architect might emphasize with such elements, the entrance hall and stairwell within the primary residence remain notably modest.

Fisher explains that he believes the upper floor should be a secluded area for families, questioning why the stairway was designed to be so noticeable. Minor elements such as maintaining dim lighting in the staircase showcase Wright's intentional reinterpretation of conventional home design principles.

The interior decoration of the Martin House

Wright created many of the furnishings. For the Martin House, including the Barrel Chair The lighting fixtures and the ingeniously concealed built-in bookcases span across the expansive open living area, often referred to as "the unit room." Inside the house, you'll find an eclectic blend of authentic items alongside their replicas. Various types of stained-glass windows can be spotted around the estate, gently separating the indoor areas from the external gardens.

The intricate wisteria mosaic adorning all four sides of the fireplace is among the most distinctive features within the Martin House interior. This design serves as a link between the entry hall and the dining room, guiding guests seamlessly from one area to the next. Originally crafted with shades of brown and green, this stunning mosaic has been faithfully reproduced. Botti Studio of Architectural Design using mostly new tile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the owner of the Martin House?

The primary residence is owned by an entity known as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House (previously referred to as the Martin House Restoration Corporation). However, ownership is slated for transfer to New York State. Meanwhile, the rest of the property—including the land and all structures apart from the principal dwelling—will remain under the control of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House.

What was the construction cost of the Martin House?

When initially constructed, the Martin House complex had a price tag exceeding $175,000, equivalent to over $5 million in today’s dollars considering inflation. The extensive restoration project undertaken over many years came with a staggering $50 million bill.

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New 4 Million Hectare Indigenous Sanctuary Unveiled in Central Western Desert

The Anangu traditional owners have warmly greeted the establishment of the Central Western Desert Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).

An Indigenous Protected Area is a piece of land or ocean managed by traditional owners for the purpose of conserving biodiversity, under an accord with the Commonwealth Government.

Linda Nakamara Allen is a traditional custodian for the Central Western Desert Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) and has been involved with her team in efforts toward its establishment since 2017.

She expressed feeling immensely proud.

Starting small, it has expanded into something significant and continues to grow.

Lynda Lechleitner, an Anangu Luritjiku facilitator at the Central Land Council, stated that "substantial" effort has been put into the dedication.

She remarked, 'It took quite some time.'

The place where we stand holds importance for the Anangu people in this region.

We’re all just feeling overwhelmed but also incredibly proud and joyous as we celebrate this IPA.

Where can you find the Central Western Desert Indigenous Protected Area?

Spanning 4 million hectares across the Haasts Bluff Aboriginal Land Trust, the Central Western Desert IPA was returned to traditional owners in 1978.

It includes the distant communities of Utju (Areyonga), Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff), Warumpi (Papunya), Watiyawanu (Mount Liebig), and Walungurru (Kintore), along with 40 outstations.

The Central Land Council CEO, Les Turner, stated that the additional IPA acts as a small piece of the puzzle, completing a missing part.

“It adds to our collection of four other IPAs—we’ve got the Southern, Northern Tanami, Angus Downs, Katiti Peterman, and soon we’ll add the Haast’s Bluff one,” he stated.

It's a treasure for everybody.

What is going to occur at the IPA event?

Indigenous Protected Areas are set up through accords between First Nations people and the federal government to oversee and safeguard regions of land and sea for the purpose of biodiversity preservation.

Ms Lechleitner stated that several indigenous species would be safeguarded by the rangers in the Central Western Desert IPA.

"We have the princess parrot, the central rock rat, and also the great desert skink in these regions, however, we have numerous additional projects in mind," she stated.

Ms Nakamara Allen stated that park rangers would likewise safeguard the ecosystem.

She mentioned, 'The waterholes get more damaged each day, every time we return for a visit.'

Previously, they weren’t impaired—I can assure you this as someone who drank from those waterholes growing up.

Today, we are successfully imparting this knowledge to the children, teaching them to gain insights and comprehension that come from their elders.

Feral camels pose a significant danger to the preservation of waterholes in Outback Australia.

Where does the money for IPA funding originate?

Throughout Australia, there are 91 specially designated Indigenous Protected Areas overseen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, encompassing over 100 million hectares of land and 6 million hectares of marine areas.

The federal government will allocate $231.5 million over half a decade starting July 2023 to keep the IPA initiative running.

The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirli McCarthy, stated that this initiative offers increased chances for the economic empowerment of First Nations communities.

“The formal recognition of the Central Western Desert IPA acknowledges the significant efforts of traditional owners, Indigenous rangers, and First Nations communities in safeguarding this extensive tract of land for upcoming generations,” she stated.

Ms Lechleitner stated that communities are now focusing on what lies ahead.

She stated, 'This IPA allows us to have our own voice and unites all the communities in taking care of our land.'

This will also speed up the delivery of our work on the ground as we are all aligned with the same strategy.

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Heritage Destination #3: Follow in Mozart's Footsteps Through Salzburg

The gathering of the northern and southern parts of Europe might not be unconnected to the brilliance of Salzburg’s foremost prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

There are 1,223 locations recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These areas encompass natural landscapes, cultural treasures, or regions with both attributes—each representing remarkable aspects of human heritage and excellent travel spots. Join us in exploring some lesser-known marvels of our world today. We begin with the Baroque jewels found at the heart of Salzburg.

The historical core of the city Salzburg (Austria) has maintained an extraordinarily extensive urban landscape that evolved from the Middle Ages through the 19th century, during which time it functioned as a city-state under the rule of its prince-archbishop.

The vibrant Gothic art that thrived there drew numerous artists to the city long before its impact was reinforced by the involvement of Italian architects like Vincenzo. Scamozzi and Santini Solari , to whom Salzburg's center owes much of its Baroque charm.

The gathering of the northern and southern parts of Europe might not be unconnected to the brilliance of Salzburg's most distinguished native son. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , who now bring universal acclaim to the city.

Briefly put, Salzburg is an essential visit due to its impressive architectural legacy, its musical past, and its stunning natural attractions.

Reasons to visit Salzburg

° A architectural masterpiece: The historic district, an UNESCO World Heritage Site features a maze of charming lanes and Baroque architecture.

° Mozart's Legacy: As the birthplace of the renowned composer, Salzburg exudes his presence. classical music .

° Natural landscapes: Enveloped by rolling hills and situated at the base of the mountain Alps The city provides a distinctive mixture of urban life and natural surroundings.

° A dynamic culture: Salzburg organizes numerous cultural events including one of the biggest classical music events globally.

How can you spend your time effectively over 2 days?

Day 1

- Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress and relish the breathtaking panorama.

- Explore the old town , going past the cathedral and the Franciscan Church.

- Discover the St. Peter's Quarter With its graveyard, place of worship, and underground tombs.

- Conclude your day at Mozart's Birthplace Getreidegasse .

Day 2

- Begin your day with a walk through the Mصند irabell Gardens .

- Explore the Mozart House on Makartplatz .

- Embark on a day trip to Hellbrunn Palace Or visit Untersberg Mountain for a stunning vista.

- Enjoy a cruise on the Salzach River.

For an optimal experience during your stay, think about getting the 48-hour Salzburg Card, providing you with complimentary entry to numerous sites and public transportation.

(MH with LpR - Source: unesco.org (description) under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 - Image: © Patrick Langwallner via Unsplash)

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Discover 19th-Century England Revived Through Newly Acquired Photograph Collection

Over 8,000 photographs showcasing English architecture, landscapes, and maritime history from the late 1700s through the early 1900s have been donated to Historic England. The Janette Rosing collection boasts an exceptionally varied array of pictures that vividly capture the essence of industrialization during this period.

The collection encompasses photographers from all English counties, featuring notable individuals such as W.G. Campbell, William Russell Sedgefield, Henry William Verscholye, Samuel Smith of Wisbech, William J. Cox of Plymouth, James Mudd, and Samuel Buckle.

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"Whether it's the seascapes captured by James Mudd or the intricate architectural photography of Linnaeus Tripe, every image in this remarkable collection provides a window into history, highlighting Janette Rosing’s discerning touch," noted Ian Savage, Collections Manager at Historic England.

"Rosing’s collection will keep bridging us to our past and motivate upcoming generations to value England’s profound cultural heritage," Savage noted.

Janette Rosing was an enthusiast of antiques, art, and photography. Her fascination with collecting 19th-century photos commenced in the 1980s when she became captivated by a picture of Hartland Quay on the Devon coastline prior to it being devastated by a storm.

Throughout her life, Rosing became an advisor to the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle due to her extensive knowledge. She passed away in 2021, and her collection was subsequently obtained by Historic England—a governmental organization dedicated to safeguarding English heritage—via the UK Government's Acquisition in Lieu (AiL) program.

Duncan Wilson, CEO of Historic England, stated: "We are thrilled to have obtained this significant collection, which was meticulously gathered over five decades by photographic specialist Janette Rosing."

"The photographs offer an abundance of visual representations of England spanning from the latter part of the 19th century up until the beginning of the 20th century. The magnitude and uniqueness of her collection render these image archives nationally significant," he stated.

Historic England acknowledges that this collection highlights an era when photography was transforming the visual arts scene, elevating the medium to be recognized as a "valid art form."

With advancements in photographic technology enabling early enthusiasts to depict landscapes with greater accuracy, this newfound capability emerged as an essential instrument for chronicling modern existence.

One of the aspects that make this collection incredibly exciting is the innovative formal experiments seen in the artworks, ranging from novel stylistic techniques to various processes employed such as Calotype, Collodion, dry plate, and platinum printing.

Following their acquisition, Historic England is conducting a conservation evaluation prior to cataloguing and digitising the photographs.

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Retro Japan: 1914 "Hammerhead" Crane Symbolizes Yokohama Port’s Timeless Legacy

YOKOHAMA — The port city boasts an enormous crane shaped like a hammer, constructed back in 1914 for loading ships with cargo. This iconic structure remains a testament to the area’s rich industrial history.

The Hammerhead Crane can be found in Yokohama’s Naka Ward, particularly within the well-known Minato Mirai 21 area, which has been featured frequently in television shows and movies. Designed uniquely for managing port cargoes, this particular crane was produced in the UK and set up in Yokohama back in 1914.

Standing at roughly 31 meters tall with an arm length of about 43 meters, the crane was a marvel of its time, capable of lifting up to 50 metric tons when manual landing and loading of cargo was the norm. It played a significant role in modernizing cargo handling by streamlining transportation of heavy goods. Although the machine is a type of fixed electric crane, its hammerlike shape earned it the nickname.

Nine years after its completion, when the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake hit, port wharves and various buildings collapsed. Nonetheless, thanks to its sturdy construction via the "pneumatic caisson method," the crane’s foundation stayed mostly intact.

The Hammerhead Crane continued to function until 2001 and was designated as a Civil Engineering Heritage by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers in 2018. Nowadays, the vicinity has transformed into commercial spaces and parks teeming with visitors and sightseers. Against this lively backdrop, the robust structure looms as an enduring symbol of the harbor’s past.

(Original Japanese version by Osamu Sukagawa, Photography Group)

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The Japanese edition of this article was initially published on March 2, 2025.

This collection delves into Japan’s remarkable architecture and the mysteries of times past. Check out more Retro Japan pieces for more insights. here .

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