The Rolex Awards for Enterprise are open for applications for 2012. Applications may be submitted in any of the 5 categories.

• Cultural Heritage, Conserving or contributing to our common cultural heritage
• Environment, Protecting or improving our natural and physical surroundings
• Exploration and Discovery, Expanding our knowledge of the world
• Science and Health, Contributing to human health and welfare
• Applied Technology, Finding new ways to improve life

This week 'Missing Lives' is published in London, written by Rory McLean and illustrated by Nick Danziger, its launch is marked by a month-long outdoor exhibition on the South Bank (Gabriel’s Wharf).

The book — and exhibition -- tell the true stories of 15 families whose loved ones went missing during the Yugoslav wars. ‘Missing Lives’ tells of the tragedy of the disappearance of tens of thousands of Europeans — usually civilians -- during the Yugoslav wars. In a desperate need for news, their families prayed for a message, begged for the truth and fell for blackmail.  In almost every case, the missing had been murdered.  But without word, witness or body, the bereaved could not accept their loss. Their torment was drawn out as long as ten, even eighteen years – for many it continues still.  Children waited for parents to return from the grave.  Mothers made up their dead son’s beds.  Old men couldn't bury their descendants.  The living also lost their lives.

For the first time in war DNA has been used to match blood and bone, reuniting families divided by death, enabling survivors to find closure and to begin to live again.  These fifteen, heartbreaking Balkan stories represent a tiny proportion of an immense tragedy.  The book tries to give a voice to the unacknowledged suffering of these families, to all who went missing by force, and reminds us that in war – whatever the technological advances -- there is no greater loss than the disappearance of those we love.

The publisher's profile of 'Missing Lives' appears here:

Cardiff Explorers launched with a successful inaugral meeting on Thursday July 8th

Like the Bristol Explorers group it's FREE and open to all. It’s for mountaineers, climbers, cyclists, sailors, rowers and all with a thirst for adventure. Meet like-minded people, share ideas and inspiration...

There's now a facebook page 'Cardiff Explorers' to allow you to contact each other and make suggestions for the group.

To register your interest or to find out more please go to the Facebook page or email: cardiffexplorers@gmail.com

Within days, the European Union could ban illegal timber from entering the market -- but powerful companies are blocking discussions.

Forests are the habitat and life source of many peoples and are essential in preventing climate change, but while there is high demand for timber, illegal logging thrives, killing species, and fuelling corruption and organized crime.

The European Parliament has just voted for harsh penalties and criminal sanctions for importers of timber that was harvested illegally in other countries, but now the EU Council and the Commission have their say, and some member states with large timber industries are threatening to water down the crucial controls.

Let’s build a massive citizens’ outcry to get the Council's approval. Sign the petition below, and forward this message to all your friends. Together, we can urge the EU to end illegal timber imports and save our forests.

20-40% of the global timber market is estimated to be illegal. That’s roughly 10-15 Billion Euros a year which is stolen and funnelled to criminal syndicates. The US has already approved strong laws against illegal timber -- but the EU is one of the world’s leading timber importers and as long as it does not ban the trade, it is directly responsible for around a 3 billion Euros share in this black market.

The social and environmental impacts of this industry are truly devastating and it is inciting money laundering, corruption and violence. Mismanaged deforestation drives global climate change and robs both indigenous peoples and animals, who rely on the forests, of crucial natural resources.

Take action now:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/eu_stop_illegal_timber/?vl

All of you will recognise the unsung hero of Wilderness Lectures - John Bracey, our audio-visual whiz. His son Julian is planning a monster cycle ride across Western & Central Europe. He aims to start pedalling due-south on the 22nd June. His planned 6000 mile route will take him through Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, France (again), Belgium and the Netherlands.

In the process, Julian is raising money for a small charity- The Buiga Sunrise. Julian is fund-raising to help them with their next project in Uganda,  the building of a primary school.

You can track Julian's journey, donate to his appeal and send comments at his website.