Good morning, KA 2000 warriors. Attached is the report given to the Sakyong on the last day of the Assembly by the Natural Affairs Group. At this point we would like to open the Natural Affairs Group (NAGA) to all those who may be interested in following and/or contributing to the e dialogue. We have started NAGA talk for this purpose. Please join us if you wish. If it gets too boring or intrusive you can drop out as easily as you dropped in.

A small, diversified, energetic group of warriors participated in articulating a Shambhala view of natural environment and resources. This group is a seed for a growing Natural Affairs Group and… (NAGA). Our view, to date:

We began exploring the needs for reducing human impact on oceans, forests, soils, rocks and the atmosphere. In this report we mention some practical starting points.

In order to increase the awareness of all of us within and beyond Nova Scotia and Shambhala, and to address specific needs, we made the following recommendations to the Sakyong (Earth Protector), and his organisation:

1. When the time is right, establish a Ministry of Natural Affairs having the following areas of responsibility:
   a) Oceans and Fisheries,
   b) Forests and Forestry,
   c) Soils and Gardening/Farming,
   d) Rocks and Mining,
   e) Energy,
   f) Protected Areas and Parks.
2. Develop policies related to earth protection, restoration and use by human society.
3. Articulate position papers on particular issues of concern.
4. Advocate societal change based on the Ministry’s policies and positions.
5. Establish effective means of communicating about natural affairs within and beyond Nova Scotia and Shambhala.

Until the Sakyong feels the time is right to establish the Ministry, the NAGA will continue to work and play in the realm of natural affairs. Specifically, we will:

1. Set up a list-serve and web site to include, and communicate with, all interested subjects.
2. Document the status of water, fish, forests, biodiversity, soils and food crop diversity within the Canadian Maritimes.
3. Catalog and support positive models and demonstrations of ecological sanity within Nova Scotia and throughout the world.
4. Establish our Shambhala practice centres as demonstrations of wholistic ecological sanity (e.g. self sufficiency in food from organic gardens, self-sufficiency in lumber and fuel from well-managed forests, conservative and low-impact energy use, harmonic and elegant landscaping, etc.)
5. Pursue partnerships with Nova Scotia schools to encourage school ground naturalization, school ground gardens, composting, ikebana, nature walks, etc.
6. Establish "Shambhala Restoration Services", to host and offer seed banks, native plant nurseries, advice and assistance in planning, environmental audits for our centres, etc.
7. Identify, map, and protect a series of drala spots connected by the "Drala Trail" which will appear on highway maps of Nova Scotia.