ADUs Revisited: First look at potential future amendments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance.
Get up to speed: Sustainability; Dewatering regulations; History museum; Permit parking.
Looking ahead: RPPs; New Mayor; Council priorities for 2018; National Citizens Survey; Stanford GUP.
Also over the break, resident and business stakeholders will get a chance to weigh in on a proposal to add more business parking to the nascent Evergreen Park-Mayfield and Southgate permit programs on December 20. And it's not too late to offer suggestions about what priorities City Council should adopt for 2018. Feedback will be accepted throughout December and most of January. You can see what other Palo Altans suggested and submit your own comments here.
In a controversial April decision, City Council voted 7-2 (Holman, Kou dissenting) to exceed new State requirements in loosening zoning rules (set-backs, parking, lot size, design standards, etc) to encourage more accessory dwelling units (ADUs or "granny units") in residential neighborhoods. In a nod to community concerns, Council directed staff to provide a quarterly report and hold a study session with the PTC to analyze implementation of the new rules.
In addition to providing a brief summary of ADU permit activity under the new ordinance, staff will seek input from the PTC on potential future amendments at tonight's study session (click here for staff report). The issues teed up for discussion are based on unanticipated implementation challenges raised by staff and applicants as well as staff's initial thinking about how to make ADUs affordable for moderate- and low-income residents, and to make existing illegal ADUs code compliant.
Absent from the staff report are strategies to address outstanding community concerns such as monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent use of ADUs for vacation rentals; management of on-street parking demand, including in permit zones; and a registry to track ADU impacts on housing supply.
Owner occupancy requirement. In order to ensure landlord accountability with increased rental activity in residential neighborhoods, the 2017 ordinance requires (via deed restriction) that where an ADU is added, the owner must occupy one of the dwellings on the property. Should that requirement be eliminated in order to expand ADU construction to properties currently only occupied by renters?
Basements in detached ADUs. The 2017 ordinance allows conversion of existing basements to attached ADU's, but does not address basements in detached ADUs. In single family (R1) zones, basements are generally not counted toward floor area limits, so basements can significantly increase the size of ADUs.
Staff recommends allowing basements in both attached and detached ADUs. However, because detached ADUs need only be set back six feet from property lines, allowing construction of basements in detached units would introduce basements into side yards – something that is NOT allowed for primary single family residences. Furthermore, encouraging/allowing additional underground construction on most residential lots may raise community concern about groundwater impacts.
Grandfathered code deficiencies for rebuilt accessory structures. If an existing accessory unit is structurally unsound, it must be rebuilt in order to serve as an ADU. Current law would require that the newly built structure be code compliant. Should the ordinance be amended to create exemptions that would effectively "grandfather" non-compliance when an accessory structure is converted to an ADU?
Decommissioned ADUs. If a property owner takes advantage of ADU exceptions (extra square footage, extra lot coverage, reduced parking requirements, etc), can they get rid of the ADU in the future and still keep those bonuses?
ADUs in front yards. The 2017 ordinance implies that ADUs should be visually subordinate to the primary dwelling, but does not specifically address whether ADUs can be placed in front of the existing dwelling. Should ADUs be allowed in front yards?
ADUs that cover more than 50 percent of a rear yard.
Parking in the streetside setback for corner lots, with Planning Director discretion to reduce required parking stall dimensions.
Should properties with existing ADUs get square footage bonuses and parking exemptions and/or be subject to deed restrictions?
Allow ADUs in Planned Community (PC) Zones where single family homes are allowed and minimum lot size is 5,000 sf?
Sustainability: Approve a Sustainability Implementation Plan (SIP) with key actions in the areas of energy, electric vehicles, mobility, and water, and call for a discussion in early 2018 about fossil fuel divestment.
History Museum: Approve a one-year extension of a lease option agreement with the Palo Alto History Museum to renovate and occupy the historic Roth building in Downtown Palo Alto. However, if the Museum fails to reach a $1.75 million fundraising target by November 2018, the City will consider leasing the building to other organizations.
Groundwater: Approve a 2018 update to dewatering rules for underground construction. With limited data on the impacts of the 2017 ordinance, changes were modest and leave significant discretion to the City Engineer. While all speakers supported the update, many called for more transparent guidelines, including metrics, to inform decision-making, and for specific requirements to be applied to large commercial projects. It is anticipated that the rules will be further refined next year.
Permit Parking: Due to numerous complaints about proposed changes to the Evergreen-Mayfield and Southgate RPPs (Residential Permit Parking programs) staff asked for continuation of that consent calendar item to allow time for public outreach. The proposed changes would add 41 business parking permits to the Evergreen and Southgate RPPs and impose 2 hour parking limits on nearby segments of El Camino Real and Churchill Avenue. Staff will meet with resident and business stakeholders on December 20 and January 10, 2018 (see calendar below for more info).
Additional business permits for Evergreen and Southgate Residential Permit Parking Programs (RPP): Staff proposes adding 41 business parking permits to the Evergreen and Southgate RPPs and imposing 2 hour parking limits on nearby segments of El Camino Real and Churchill Avenue. December 11, at 6:00 pm (City Hall). Postponed to a future date, TBD, to allow for public outreach. Click here for staff report.
New State housing laws: The Planning and Transportation Commission will discuss 15 new housing mandates that will become effective January 1, 2018 (repeat of December 4 presentation to City Council). December 13, beginning at 6:00 pm (City Hall). Click here for staff report.
Updates to new ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) ordinance: The Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a study session to review implementation of the new rules (effective June, 2017) and consider potential amendments. December 13, meeting begins at 6:00 pm, ADU item will follow presentation on new State housing laws (City Hall). Click here for staff report.
Evergreen Park-Mayfield and Southgate RPP (Residential Preferential Parking) Programs: City staff will meet with resident and business stakeholders from both districts to discuss implementation of the programs and the proposed addition of extra employee parking permits. December 20, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (Community Meeting Room, City Hall). Staff has requested postponement of this topic from City Council's December 11, 2017 agenda to a future date, TBD. Click here for original staff report.
City Council Reorganization: Council will elect a Mayor and Vice-Mayor for 2018. January 8, beginning at 6:00 pm (City Hall).
Evergreen Park-Mayfield and Southgate RPP (Residential Preferential Parking) Programs: City staff will meet with resident and business stakeholders from both districts to discuss implementation of the programs and the proposed addition of extra employee parking permits. January 10, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (Community Meeting Room, City Hall). Staff has requested postponement of this topic from City Council's December 11, 2017 agenda to a future date, TBD. Click here for original staff report.
Release of Palo Alto's 2018 National Citizens Survey and adoption of City Council's 2018 Priorities at annual Council retreat.


BONUS: Get a $20 store credit with every iPhone 7 Plus screen repair at Helpertech. You can use it for Bluetooth speakers, screen protectors, cases, charging cables, or even on refurbished laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Whatever you choose!
★★★★★ Brought my iPhone 7 Plus to be fixed and Scott did a fantastic job, looks brand new!!! Fast and courteous service!!
When you choose Helpertech for your iPhone 7 Plus Repair you get fast and friendly service backed by our long history of fixing your electronics and mobile technology devices.


The Smart Green Tower is a 51-meter-high residential and commercial tower, which on account of its planned size, architecture and environmental configuration, is slated to become a flagship project in the area of innovative building-integrated energy systems.
Frey Architekten purposely deviated from common standard architectural aesthetics and placed its focus on a building whose outward appearance purposely makes the overall energy concept visible. Not only are photovoltaic modules installed on the roof, but the façade is also activated for energy generation and provided with circumferential PV modules; on the one hand, its purpose is to harvest energy where it is needed and the other hand, it is designed to protect the façade from overheating.
The whole mixed-use complex of both commercial and residential space will be realized on a 5,600 square meter plot and consists of a main building and two wings with a total gross floor area of approximately 15,000 square meters plus garage space. The main building will be realized as a round 48-meter-high tower, which finds its completion by a solar hut on top, on account of which the main building will reach a total height of about 51 meters.
The Smart Green Tower will generate its own energy, in a volume that temporarily exceeds its own consumption and can thus be used by other buildings in the neighborhood. An intelligent energy management within and outside of the building will enable an optimized regulation of all local energy flows. The system includes a highly efficient PV system on the roof combined with PV façade modules with a power output of about 400 kWp; a highly efficient energy storage of about 0.5 MWh in the form of a lithium-ion battery, perspectively enhanced with additional battery systems, for example in the form of vanadium redox flow batteries; and the integration of a - currently in development - energy management system for the meaningful use and distribution of energy which extends beyond the building, in order to also include the district PV-system.


Bringing other people to work on the farm is a sign of growth and long-term development. In this section, you'll find print resources, recorded webinars, and podcasts to help you take action on worker classification, taxes, employee manuals, and more.
Healthy farms, healthy work relationships, and healthy communities: That's what we want. Here are some common legal issues about people working on your farm.
Learn about the general structure of farm employment law in the U.S and how to make the rules work for your farm.
Classifying Your Workers: Employees, Interns, Volunteers, or Independent Contractors?
Determine if your farm workers are employees, interns, volunteers or independent contractors in the eyes of federal law.
Use this checklist to understand the basic state and federal paperwork process for hiring a farm employee in Vermont.
Use this checklist to understand the basic state and federal paperwork process for hiring a farm employee in New Hampshire.
A federal payroll tax exemption is available to farmers who pay their workers in-kind wages. Use this guide to determine if this exemption is available and to understand the risks involved.
Use this guide to determine if by providing housing to your workers, the farm is subject to the federal Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act and, if so, the legal requirements.
Use this guide to determine if by providing housing to your workers, the farm is subject to the federal Occupational Health and Safety Act and, if so, the legal requirements.
Use this checklist to understand the basic state and federal paperwork process for hiring a farm employee in Ohio.
Use this checklist to understand the basic state and federal paperwork process for hiring a farm employee in Minnesota.
Use this checklist to understand the basic state and federal paperwork process for hiring a farm employee in Illinois.
Use this checklist to understand the basic state and federal paperwork legal necessities for hiring a farm employee in Iowa.
Use this checklist to understand the basic state and federal paperwork process for hiring a farm employee in Michigan.
This Michigan-specific tutorial highlights employment law concerns such as minimum wage, workers' compensation and overtime, independent contractors, and more.
Podcast (audio broadcast of recorded tutorial): Overview of farm employment law regulations specific to Minnesota. The content will still be useful for farmers in other states.
Make a new account now!


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Amazon Inc Chief Executive Jeff Bezos said on Tuesday the company would invest an additional $3 billion in India, boosting its committed investment in the country to over $5 b ..
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Japan's economy grew faster than initially estimated in the first quarter as capital spending fell less than was first reported, but worries remain over slow consumer spe ..
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NEW YORK/BOSTON (Reuters) - U.S. asset managers and hedge funds are wary about pouring more money into China until the government addresses its stock market crash last year an ..
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26 June 2019 in Events
Newham Council will be hoisting flags at its Town Halls in East Ham and Stratford on Saturday (29 June) to show support and appreciation for all current members and veterans of the armed forces.
Armed Forces Day raises public awareness of the contribution made by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces community, including Regulars, Reservists, veterans, cadets, and their families and friends.
Recognising this important day is just one of the ways Newham Council supports members of the armed forces. A covenant was signed by the council in 2012 which offers support to members of the forces based in the borough. Newham was also the first local authority in the country to prioritise members of the armed forces for social housing.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, Councillor Terence Paul, Cabinet member for finance and corporate services and who is Newham's armed forces champion, and members of Newham's Cabinet, are supporting the day.
Councillor Paul said: "We fly the flag to salute our armed forces who protect us, defend this country's interests and answer the call to deal with humanitarian disasters across the globe.
"They face risk every day and some fall in the line of duty. We value everything they do for us because they sacrifice much to keep us safe. We are proud of those servicemen and women who call Newham home, who are currently serving or have previously served. We owe them gratitude and respect and our support. Our decision to fly the Armed Forces Day flag must not be seen as support for war or conflict or government policy. It is about people and their families and how we can look after them during and after their dedicated service."
In November the Council also shows its respect on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday with services to remember those from generations past as well as those who continue to fall in conflicts and wars.
Fun at the Newham Show 2019
Inspirational Newham women celebrate International Women's Day
Newham becomes first London borough to fly progress rainbow flag to mark LGBT History Month
View latest news
2012 Games and legacy
Community neighbourhoods
Young Mayor

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


by the German team Verder Bremen.
Fritz assessed the German teams chances as 0.62 as opposed to Rangers -0.34.
the hot Fritz tip Verder Bremen are out.
"Hey! sometimes Fritz is wrong."
assumption and actually considered not playing the 2nd leg.
"The boys were really gloomy, but I said, Hey sometimes Fritz is wrong."
"They looked at me as if I was daft." said Smith (56).
30% glad Rangers got through and 49% baffled.
Fritz famously got it wrong in 1986 stating Hearts would...continued page 99.
Mate all the Kings in one move.
Solution under a brick marked 'solution' laying about somewhere in Holyrood Park.
Seven white pawns on the 4th is hard. I can get six with one black pawn.
Here is a mini masterpiece that is very easy to understand.
Capablanca v Conde, Hastings 1919.
One of these beautiful clear cut games by Capablanca.
off the pieces and wins the pawn ending.
The critical position is here. Black to play.
Black chose to sac the pawn on c7 to activate his King.
I would most likely have chosen the same because of the line I give in the game.
opponent a passed Rook's pawn. Knights toil against the a & h-pawns.
because the King cannot stray too far from the passed pawn.
A few moves later Capa has 6 pawns on the 4th.
the moment the Knights came off and possibly even before that.
A big congratulations to Hugh Brechin for winning the Paisley Open.
players from the minor tournament and a mobile phone.
Here is Hugh's 1st round win v G.Kafka.
track for his legendary Scaletrix set which now spreads through two rooms.
I hope you have enough Vroooom Hugh. Well done.


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Q: Communication between EC2 Instances I am running a few EC2 Instances.  How can I communicate between them?  I have tried pinging them from within the others using private and public ips, but get no response.  One of my instances is running from Availability Zone us-east-1a and another from us-east-1d.
I am running Windows on them.
Do I need to do anything from Management Console?

A: You need to :

*

*set their security groups to open desired ports so they can communicate

*use tools like telnet / curl / ping to test the connectivity

For example if you opened port 22 for ssh, you can try from instance A:
telnet ec2-ip-of-B-blabla.compute.amazonaws.com 22

And see if it connects.

A: Ping is not a reliable tool in most cloud providers - ICMP packets (which are used by ping) are often blocked.
It is better to use a tool like telnet (you can install telnet client from Add/Remove windows components - it is not there by default).
Then use the command:
telnet <IP or URL> <port>

In your case, you should use port 5985, which is the WinRM protocol port that Powershell uses for connecting to remote machines.
On EC2, the WinRM service is on by default, so you don't need to do anything on the Windows VM. You do need to open port 5985 in your security group. You should probably only open this port for access from machines in the same security group - don't open this port for public access from the internet.
You may also want to open port 445 in the security group. This is used for the CIFS protocol - Windows file sharing. So you can access files from remote machines using:
\\<Machine IP>\\C$

Same security restrictions should be set on port 445 - open it only for members in the same security group. Note that CIFS is not an encrypted protocol - use it only between machines inside the Amazon cloud.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Door Hanger Template Microsoft Word-Now able to create our own advertising materials on the web. Whether you require a brochure or a poster or yard signs, it is possible to locate a business on the internet that will enable you to layout and finally publish your final product. This implies for the normal person is that today it is possible to make a new or identity for your business or special event and create a splash with hardly any work.
The key to making a family of products That assist reflect your individuality is having templates available to commence the procedure. Though one generally thinks of paper, envelopes and conventional stationary, there's an extensive selection of goods available to take your appearance to another level. A fantastic illustration of that are door hangers. By making use of a door hanger template you may add a more touch with your own visual identity and also help bring it all together to get a cohesive and coordinate appearance.
Door hanger Templates may be the secret in developing a door signal to get a sleeping infant, for instance.
If By producing the door hanger off a template it is possible to make certain that there is uniformity on your office area, as opposed to allowing for a handwritten post-it note requesting co-workers to maintain out.
Beneath You will discover numerous door hanger templates which may enable you to get Started in producing your merchandise. As Soon as You open them you may see how Them reflect the look you're trying for.


South African President Cyril Ramaphosa unveils the ANC's election manifesto on Saturday with pledges to transform the economy and fight corruption as the ruling party tries to woo voters.
At the legislative level, that would put it on a par with its performance in 2014, when it picked up 62 percent. In South Africa's parliament, the party which holds a majority of seats also selects the president.
In an address earlier this week marking 107 years since the party was founded, Ramaphosa admitted that in "recent times, our movement has fallen short of our people's expectations".
And at a dinner on Friday night he said some South Africans "tell harrowing stories about what has not changed" since the end of apartheid in 1994.
"Our manifesto is a coherent and bold plan for a better life for all, addressing the persistent realities of unemployment, poverty and inequality," he said.
"We will step up the fight against corruption throughout society and safeguard the integrity of the state".
In a noisy and colourful display, dozens of motorbike riders flying ANC flags, circled the pitch – revving up their bikes to chants and applause from supporters on the terraces.
In a bruising internal party battle, Ramaphosa won a power struggle to succeed Zuma, whose favoured candidate was Zuma's former wife.
"We are confident that this manifesto will lead to the renewal of the mandate of the ANC to govern," ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule told reporters.
Launching its election manifesto in heavily-populated KwaZulu-Natal — Zuma's home province and former stronghold — is a strategic choice after last year's divisions.
In policy terms, the manifesto is set to underline the ANC's commitment to land reform to tackle racial inequality — setting the stage for one of the election's fiercest battlegrounds.
One of Ramaphosa's flagship pledges is to change the constitution to allow land to be taken from minority white owners without compensation — a plan aimed at attracting landless black voters but that has alarmed many foreign investors.
Both parties hope to make gains due to the ANC's poor recent record and discontent over stark post-apartheid inequality.
But they have struggled to dent the ruling party since Zuma's fall.
"When you join the ANC, it's like when you accept Christ in your heart. The ANC is just like Christ in my heart," she said as she waited for Ramaphosa to speak. "I will forever vote for ANC, and I will die and perish voting for the ANC. We are nothing without ANC".


Monday, Jan. 10, 2011: First day of classes for the Winter Semester. New students can check out the list of orientation events on the Student Life webpage.
Monday, Jan. 10, 2001: Nominations open for student government elections. Look under the Elections tab on Mocomotion for more information. Nominations close January 28.
Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011: Alumni of Distinction Awards at Michelangelo Banquet Centre. Reception 5:30 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $70/person; $550/table. For information contact 905-575-2258 or visit http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/alumni/alumniEvents/alumniOfDistinction/2010.html.
Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011: The first Innovation Night of 2011 takes place from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at McMaster University's new Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington. Participants must pre-register to pitch their ideas. Innovation Night provides access to the region's thought leaders in start-up strategy, providing invaluable input and support on those critical first steps in transitioning an idea into a business.
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011:Mohawk's 6th Annual Graduate Pathways Fair at the Fennell Campus in the upper level atrium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011: Mohawk's 6th Annual Graduate Pathways Fair will move to Brantford Elgin Campus from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the main entrance area.


Mighty Mouse, the beloved cartoon superstar of yesteryear, flies into the 21st Century on your iPad! Play as Mighty Mouse through four worlds of non-stop action, as he punches out a host of villains in an exciting fight to save Pearl Pureheart, his true love. Nothing makes a mouse happier than good cheese - collect it as rewards for accomplishments or purchase a wedge to gain power-ups and new costumes. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary, colorful cartoon world. With dynamic flight mechanics and a motley assortment of bad guys, you'll be challenged and thrilled by MIGHTY MOUSE My Hero!
- OVER 80 LEVELS in Adventure Mode!
- Endless Level Mode for ALL 4 Worlds!
- Earn cheese to get new costumes and incredible power-ups to help you save the girl!
- Catch and defeat Mighty Mouse's adversaries, including Oil Can Harry!
PLEASE NOTE: If you experience any issues, please update your iOS to the latest version.
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK! Email us at [email protected] with Mighty Mouse game suggestions or if you have experienced technical issues.
Today's AGF list includes a classic arcade game, a powerful utility app, and a star gazing app.


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Home Advocacy
SAHRC Acts to Protect Cancer Patient's Rights to Adequate Healthcare
Media Release Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission:
15 June 2017 – On or about 19 February 2016, the Commission received a written complaint raising a number of challenges regarding the provision of health care services to oncology patients in the KZN Province.
The complainant alleged that there were insufficient radiotherapy treatment devices and facilities in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal which had a negative impact on the treatment of patients living with cancer in the province. The radiotherapy machines used for radiotherapy treatment at Addington Hospital were not working.
This therefore resulted in delays in the treatment of oncology patients which the complainant attributed to the shortage of functional health technologies. The complainant further alleged that the Department of Health in Kwa-Zulu Natal was failing to provide oncology patients with adequate health care services.
Preliminary Assessment & Investigation
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) in line with its Constitutional mandate as set out in section 184 of the Constitution; to monitor, protect and promote human rights as set out in the Bill of Rights of the South African Constitution, conducted a preliminary assessment of the complaint. The Commission's preliminary assessment determined that the matter raised concerns relating to the right to have access to health care services which is enshrined in section 27 of the Constitution, as well as other interrelated rights that are implicated such as the rights to life and human dignity.
On this basis the Commission determined that an investigation into the complaint should be undertaken in order to establish the veracity of the allegations raised by the complainant.
Findings Investigation
The extensive investigation initiated by the Commission found that the respondents, being Addington Hospital, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALC Hospital), the Department of Health Kwa-Zulu Natal and the MEC of Kwa-Zulu Natal Health, have violated the rights of oncology patients at the Addington and IALC Hospitals, to have access to health care services, as a result of their failure to comply with applicable norms and standards set out in legislation and policies.
Commission's Recommendations
The Commission's binding recommendations in terms of section 13 (1) (a) (i) of the SAHRC Act are that the Respondents are required to immediately take steps to repair and monitor all the health technology machines regardless of contractual disputes yet to be finalised through the courts; that a management plan be adopted to deal with the backlog through, amongst others, entering into interim Public Private Partnership arrangements with private oncologists, medical officers, radiotherapists and oncology nurses and that an interim referral management plan be developed to facilitate the referral of patients to private service providers for screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
The respondents are required to report to the Commission, within ten days of receipt of the report into its investigation.
View media release www.sahrc.org.za
CANSA Related Posts:
CANSA Interview with CNN re SA's Cancer Doctor Shortage Crisis
East Coast Radio – SAHR Release Report KZN Oncology Crisis
Medical Brief – Human Rights Commission Slams Serious Lack of KZN Cancer Care
Witness – 21 June 2017 – Dhlomo makes Health Sick
11 Jul 2019 | Published under: Advocacy
Universal Health Coverage Day December 2020
ZZ2 100% Romanita Tomato Juice awarded CANSA Seal of Recognition
ReboundSA awarded as CANSA Smart Choice
Gallery – Act on NCDs and Build Back Better
Invitation Webinar – Act on NCDs and Build Back Better – 15 September 2020
Time to ACT on NCDs and Build Back Better
COVID-19 and NCDs – a Newly Acknowledged Vulnerability
Video: SAAPA SA Benefits of No Alcohol
Global NCD Alliance Launches New Civil Society Solidarity Fund in Response to COVID-19
Rugani 100% Vegetable Juices awarded CANSA Seal of Recognition


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The Amazon rainforest is the world's largest jungle and houses impressive wildlife and plants. Travelers who are interested in exploring the Amazon often choose to do so in Ecuador. The biggest advantages of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest for a vacation are its accessibility, biodiversity and safety.
Ecuador is a rather small and a very diverse country. Travelers generally combine different regions during their vacation. Places like the Galapagos, The Andes and the Pacific beaches are close enough to the Amazon rainforest to combine within a 2 weeks trip.
In Ecuador, you can reach the Amazon rainforest via the road in Tena. To go deeper into the jungle, there are daily domestic flights from Quito which take about an hour.
The Amazon rainforest is the most biodiverse place in the entire world. Within the Amazon, the Yasuni National Park is one of the most biodiverse areas. There are several multi-day tours taking you through the impressive nature.
You should never go into the jungle of the Amazon on your own. You easily get lost, the rivers have strong rapids, it's full of dangerous wild animals and the weather can be unpredictable. However, if you take tours with professional certified guides there is nothing to worry about. This is the same everywhere in the Amazon rainforest.
Nature aside, the advantage of the Ecuadorian Amazon is that it's politically stable and that it's not a known hiding place for criminal activities. The communities in the jungle are small and incidents with tourists are very rare.
Amazon Geography (in Ecuador)
The Amazon rainforest, also known as the lungs of the world, is the world's largest jungle by far. In fact, over half of the world's total jungle area can be found in the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest spans across 9 countries in South America including Ecuador.
Rivers in the Amazon
The Amazon rainforest is named after the amazon river. The river is the longest in the world (together with the Nile). It starts in western South-America in Peru and runs all the way until the Atlantic Brazilian east coast. On its way, there are many South American rivers which bring water to the main Amazon river. It's this large network of multiple rivers which gives life to the Amazon and makes the jungle so large and diverse. In fact, the Amazon rainforest can be found in several countries where the Amazon river does not even cross. Ecuador is one of these countries. The main river through the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest is the Napo River.
The Napo river starts in the center of Ecuador, at the foot of the Cotopaxi Volcano. From there it runs east until it flows into the Amazon river (in Peru). On its way down, the surrounding landscape slowly transforms from Andean mountains into an Amazonian jungle. Not only is the Napo river the source of all jungle life in the Amazon in Ecuador, it's also the main infrastructure for local communities. Vegetation in the Amazon rainforest is so dense, that rivers are the easiest way to get around.
Indigenous Amazonian cultures
The deeper you go into the jungle, the more you'll notice that the local communities have kept their ancestor's cultures. Ecuador was a Spanish colony for almost 3 centuries, but the Spanish never got control over the indigenous communities in the Amazon. The Amazon communities still speak their own languages and have kept their cultures and traditions.
Several communities welcome tourists to show their way of living. There are even a few who have accommodation to stay overnight. It's an interesting experience, but don't expect a luxury stay. Such places are not touristy (yet), it's very authentic and you'll get a true feel of their lifestyle. It's a completely different world than modern cities such as Quito and Guayaquil, even though it's all Ecuador.
For many travelers, flora and fauna is the main reason for a vacation to the Amazon rainforest. Nowhere in the world is such an extensive biodiversity as in the Amazon Rainforest. This enormous jungle houses 40,000 species of plants and 10% of the world's known animal species are Amazon rainforest animals.
In Ecuador, you'll find some of the most biodiverse areas of the Amazon Rainforest. You can expect to encounter pink dolphins, caimans, snakes, turtles, monkeys, piranhas, thousands of species of birds, sloths, spiders, (poisonous) frogs, even jaguars and a lot more fauna.
Of course, plenty of flora as well: The heliconia flower, rubber tree, orchids, cacao, giant water lilies, passion fruits, bromeliads, monkey brush vine, to name a few…
When is the best time to travel to the Amazon Rainforest?
The Amazon rainforest has a typical jungle climate: the weather is humid and warm year-round. Temperatures are consistently around 28˚C during the day and 18˚C at night. As you would expect from a rainforest climate: It rains regularly. However, there is some variation in how much it rains.April to July are the wettest months in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest and therefore the wet season. The dry season is from September to February. March and August are sort of transition months.
Most activities for travelers are available all year. However, after a night of heavy rain, the rivers rise and the rapids become more dangerous. Guides may decide to change routes or sometimes even postpone tours for safety reasons. The chance of this increases during the rainy season.
The province of Tena is the first province in the Amazon rainforest you'll encounter when you come from the Andean highlands. Therefore, it's accessible by car. Contrary to most of the Amazon rainforest, which you can only reach per domestic flight. If you decide to drive to Tena, it's important to keep an eye on the weather forecast. In the case of heavy rains, sometimes roads are closed. Again, more likely during the wet season.
The Amazon rainforest is a great place to visit year-round. Yes, there is more rain during the wet season and this could impact your planning. However, not to such an extent that you should avoid the Amazon during the rainy months.