Wilderness Defence – Page 111

Shoshone Defenders of Mount Tenabo Constructing Encampment (occupied North America)

December 1, 2008
At some point today, several men will begin constructing a permanent arbor on the Southern flank of Mt. Tenabo, where they will camp and monitor the Canadian mining company Barrick Gold.

The encampment was called on during last week’s protest, where Shoshone Grandmothers and their supporters attempted to confront Barrick Gold and bring an end to the destruction of the pinion forest – which began almost immediately after the company got approval to go ahead with its ‘Cortez Hills Expansion Project.’

A massive cyanide heap leach gold mine, the project will ultimately destroy approximately 6,800 acres of land — fracturing along with it, the spiritual life and cultural practices of the Shoshone People.

“This is our treaty land. It was a treaty made with the federal government. It was not made with a foreign nation. And it is a foreign mining company that has come into our country and is destroying our mountain, our land, our food, our medicine and they have no respect,” stated one Grandmother at the protest.

“…It can’t go on. It’s perpetrating genocide against the Native American people. And we are not the only Native people suffering this distress,” said another. “It is happening world over; but we happen to be Western Shoshones and this is our land and we’re protesting the poisoned water, the destruction of the land, the road we’re standing on here, the big machines: everything that the mining industry stands for. They say they’re doing it responsibly, but they’re not because when they leave the Western Shoshone people will still be here and the land will be barren.”

To help make sure this doesn’t happen, the Western Shoshone Defense Project (WSDP) asks that you help by making any of the following the donations:

24 Nuts and Bolts (bolts need to be 1 foot in length with matching nuts)
Gasoline for saws and hauling costs.
Food items such as eggs, bacon, meat, potatoes, beans, etc. (including some sweets!)
Helpers — to assist with construction of arbor and for support in the encampment
Monetary donations for all of the above
Moral support and prayers

You can contact Joyce McDade for additional information, e-mail: EJMcDade20@wmconnect.com

Happy Valley Occupation Celebration – Two Years! (Aotearoa/New Zealand)

SAVE HAPPY VALLEY!
OCCUPATION CELEBRATION – TWO YEARS!
THE WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 2nd-3rd, 2008

You are invited to the Save Happy Valley Coalition’s celebration of our SECOND successful year of occupying Happy Valley. We have been continuously occupying Happy Valley since January 28th 2006 in order to prevent Solid Energy from turning it into an environmentally devastating opencast coal-mine. Despite spies, 6000 snails from Augustus transferred in icecream containers, the destruction of a nearby mountain, Solid Energy’s plans for massive expansion, and the October 15th raids on activists, people have managed to keep Happy Valley safe so far! Yay for train track blockades, film nights, alternatives to minerals forums, demos, radio interviews, everyone’s actions, and the OCCUPATION!

The Save Happy Valley Coalition, and anyone who wishes to join us for the weekend celebration, will be meeting at Les Warren Park, in Westport, at 8am on Saturday 2nd Feburary 2008. (The majority of us will travel to Westport from Christchurch on the Friday night, car pooling can be arranged thru the coordinator).

You will need all of your own tramping/camping gear and food, enough for the duration of your intended stay and you need to be prepared for unpredictable weather; rain; sun; hot and cold. This means that you must have have suitable footwear, waterproof and warm clothing, a sleeping bag and a tent (unless you have arranged to share with someone else). An extended gear list will be made available to you when you confirm plans with the occupation coordinator. If you do not have the required gear we may be able to provide it for you, but please ensure that by the Friday you have the correct gear.

We will be leaving the valley / returning to Westport on Sunday the 3rd but it would be awesome if you are able to stay longer in the valley!! Please let the coordinator know.

We hope you can join us. Please RSVP so we can coordinate easily 🙂 Please let us know if you have any special needs that are of concern, we will be as accommodating as possible and we can provide you with as much information as you require.

For more information please contact the occupation coordinator.

Thanks for your support!

Frances Martin
Occupation Celebration Coordinator
frances.crayon@gmail.com
021 2037040

www.savehappyvalley.org.nz/occupation

If you cannot make it for this weekend but are able to visit the valley at another time please contact us! 🙂

Potatoes to Heavy Industry – Xmas blockade in Iceland with video

24 December 2007
On Saturday nine ‘jólasveinar’ wandered into the Hellisheiði Powerplant by Mount Hengill, expressing their opposition to the rise of heavy industry and other nature devastating activities in Iceland, as well as solidarity with human nature conservationists. (The jolasveinar are 13 Icelandic santas, born of a child-eating troll mother, who descend from the mountains in the days before christmas to sneak through the houses, stealing, teasing and causing mischief.)

“We decided to take a stroll by there before coming to town, and give out rotten potatoes to the naughty industrialists, and maybe a gift or two to the workers that do their jobs badly” said Pottaskefill (Pot scraper) on behalf of the group. Naughty Icelandic children such as these traditionally get a rotten potato in their christmas shoe.

—
The Jule Lads, Nordic trolls who’s tradition preceed Father Christmas, descended upon a geothermal power station which is being enlarged to power the enlargement of an aluminium smelting factory by RUSAL/Nordural. Hengill was once a beautiful mountain range, at the edge of a highly volcanic area in Iceland, a ski resort peppered with natural hot pools and steaming rocks. Now it is nothing but a screaming factory.

The Jule lads join up for a special direct action with the Saving Iceland collective as they left to town… the video can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfY5Ou31SWE

Please consider coming out to Iceland for our 2008 action camp, we need all the help from activists we can get. This island is Europe’s last wilderness and with huge dams, geothermal power plants, power lines, tarmac roads, polluting factories, not to mention all the terrible affects on the surrounding sea, and a whole host of other forms of destruction.

More photos at:
http://www.savingiceland.org/node/1077

Shell to Sea protesters scale government building to reach Minister’s Office

Wednesday December 19, 2007

A small group of Shell to Sea activists scaled the heights of the Department of Natural Resources today, to place a banner reading PROTECT IRISH NATURAL RESOURCES on the balcony outside Eamon Ryan’s office.

Wednesday December 19, 2007

Splitting into two small teams, the protesters used advice from GreenPeace to distract the security and gain access to the Minister’s top floor office and leave a message for him.

This action was carried out to bring to public attention the government’s support for every aspect of the Rossport pipeline/refinery scheme, and the giveaway of Irish Natural resources to multinational companies like Shell, with no lasting benefit for people in Ireland. The Green party have now had a full term of the Dáil to honour their election promises, but sadly, their end of term report is is marked FAIL.

None of the gas or oil in the wells off the western coast of Ireland will belong to the state, since the government still plans to give it all away for free to private companies. The recent changes to licensing agreements won’t apply to the eight billion euro Corrib project, and don’t amount to a serious stake for the people of Ireland in their own natural resources, 100 per cent of which is still being given away to companies like Shell and Statoil.

None of the money from these fossil fuels will be invested in renewable sources of energy like wind and wave power, and no thought has been given to the impact that the exploitation of these resources will have on climate change.

Áine, one of the Shell to Sea protestors, said “The government’s supine support for the oil companies shows that they prioritise the welfare of Shell shareholders over the wellbeing of their own citizens. Shell are being allowed to keep all the gas and sell it to the highest bidder, almost certainly in Britain. The refining of 4 million euro worth of raw gas per day will clearly degrade the environment, both locally for the people of Mayo, and also in terms of carbon dioxide emissions when the gas is used. From an Irish point of view, we would be better off leaving the gas where it is, under the sea.”

Shell to Sea protestors have also pointed out that the government’s double talk on climate change can be clearly seen when they are supporting the construction of a raw gas refinery, and say they are hoping for further exploitation of fossil fuels in the Atlantic margin.

ÁÍne continued: “Until supply-side solutions are put in place, the continuing exploitation of fossil fuels will be adding to carbon dioxide emissions which is causing climate change. Any possible benefit from this is lost because the gas and oil are simply handed over to the big corporations. The people of Ireland will see no advantage, either environmental or financial, from their own gas and oil resources.”

“Meanwhile the corporations which will see huge profits from Irish resources, seek to use the cheapest and most dangerous way of exploiting them. Our government is happy to see lives of people in Ireland put at risk by the use of an onshore pipeline and refinery in Mayo, simply to maximise returns for Shell shareholders. “

Community Day at Bellanaboy

Sunday December 16, 2007

A special prayer and carol service was held today at Bellanaboy, County Mayo, marking the end of another year of community struggle against Shell’s proposed raw gas pipeline and inland refinery.

Sunday December 16, 2007

A special prayer and carol service was held today at Bellanaboy, County Mayo, marking the end of another year of community struggle against Shell’s proposed raw gas pipeline and inland refinery.

A good humoured gathering of more than 150 local people braved the bitterly cold east wind to take part in the occasion, which was presided over by local priests Fr. Michael Nallen PP and Fr. Sean Noone.

A banner declaring “Gan Cead an Phobail” (No Community Consent) was draped over the main gates while people sang Christmas Carols to welcome in the festive season.

Also present was Lelia Doolin, a high profile campaigner and member of the Burren Action Group, who travelled from Galway especially for the day. Ms Doolin spoke of the similarities between the Clare and Mayo campaigns, and how the determination of ordinary people can bring about real change.

Related Link: http://www.shelltosea.com/

LOGGING LOCK ON in Bridgetown

2007-12-13
Concerned south west citizens hold up Jarrah log truck in Bridgetown to highlight the continual destruction of native forests.

Today 12 concerned residents of the Southwest have stopped a log truck on Bridgetown’s main street to highlight the continual destruction of Australia’s native forests.

Australia has just been named the biggest carbon emitter in the world on a per-head basis. Industrial scale logging and burning of native forests is a major contributor to carbon emissions in Australia.

“By keeping the carbon in the forest and protecting native forests is one of the easiest and simplest solutions to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions,” said Brett Thompson. “Native forests are the lungs of the planet they store vast quantities of carbon. By protecting native forests Australia can significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and halt the devastating affects of climate change,” commented spokesman Brett Thompson.

Bridgetown local resident Saffire Grant quotes” “We need to take action on a local level. Native forest logging in our own backyard needs to be stopped now if our community is to actively help provide solutions to climate change.”

“We call on Federal and State Labor parties to protect native forests as an active strategy to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and become a world leader in the struggle against climate change.”

6 Arrested in Brigetown halting a Jarrah Log Truck for 6 hours in main street

Concerned residents of the S.W have halted a log truck for six hours on the S.W highway in Bridgetown. This follows an action at Simcoa three weeks ago highlighting the continual destruction of native forests throughout the S.W and Australia.Six protests were arrested for disorderly behavior with police confiscating mobile phones cameras and video equipment. Protesters have vowed to continue to highlight the destruction of native forests in W.A throughout the coming months with further actions planned. The six arrested will face court in Bridgetown next Wednesday the 19th of December with a peaceful gathering of support out the front of the court planned for 9:30am.

Thursday the 13th of December 2007, six protesters were charged with disorderly conduct after holding up a log truck in Bridgetown.

During the protest police seized cameras, video recorder, mp3 player, all recording equipment and mobile phones.

See the video footage here:
http://www.globalwarmingfg.com/

Enawene Nawe blockade dam construction site

12th December 2007
Continuing their struggle against a large hydroelectric dam project in the Brazilian Amazon, the Enawene Nawe set up a blockade at one of the dam construction sites late last week. According to Survival, about 100 members of the 420-strong tribe occupied the building site, demanding an independent study into the impact they will have.

The Enawene Nawe maintain the dams will have a devastating effect on the breeding cycle of the fish they depend on to survive. They say the fish might not even be able to make it to their breeding grounds. The grounds themselves are of great cultural and spiritual significance to the Enawene Nawe. If the 11 dams go ahead as planned, the area may be destroyed.

The grounds are already heavily burdened by cattle ranchers, and the Soya Industry–who is behind the dam project.

Of course, this would not be happening if the Brazilian Government demarcated the area, in fact the entire Rio Preto, when they recognized Enawene Nawe territory in 1996. The government refused to do so.

Since then, the Enawene Nawe have been working to have the Rio Preto included, but so far their voices have fallen on deaf ears.

When the dam project came into focus late 2006/early 2007, they increased their efforts, for one, by organizing blockades. The ongoing one is the third this year.

The previous blockade, set up on May 31, 2007, was met with some success.

Brazil Amazon Indians Take on Soy Barons Blocking Dam Site
From Brazzil Mag, 11 December 2007

The remote Enawene Nawe Indians have blockaded the construction site of a hydroelectric dam in the Brazilian Amazon, which they say will destroy their vital fishing grounds. Around 100 members of the 420-strong tribe occupied the building site and a nearby highway on Thursday, December 6. They want to stop the construction of a vast complex of hydroelectric dams being built on the Juruena river, upstream from their land.

Companies led by the world’s largest soya producers, the Maggi family, are pushing for the construction of the dams. But the Enawene Nawe, who eat no red meat, say that if the dams are built, the fish they rely on will no longer be able to reach their spawning grounds.

The Enawene Nawe say they have not been consulted about the dams. They are demanding and independent study into the impact they will have.

A previous blockade of a major highway in June led the government to negotiate with the Indians, but plans for construction of the dams continued.

After the first opposition action, the Brazilian government agreed to several key demands of the Enawene Nawe. The government’s Indian agency, FUNAI, promised that it would survey lands claimed by the Enawene Nawe and other tribes, with the aim of officially recognizing the areas as indigenous.

For three days in May, the Indians erected barricades in Mato Grosso state to protest against plans to build a series of hydroelectric dams along the Juruena river. They were also demanding the official recognition of their vital fishing waters in the Rio Preto area, which are being rapidly destroyed by cattle ranchers.

Neighboring tribes joined the protest in support of the Enawene Nawe’s demands, swelling the number of protestors to 200. The government responded quickly by dispatching officials to negotiate with the Indians on the barricade. It even agreed to pay for representatives of various tribes in Mato Grosso to travel to Brazilian capital Brasília to meet with FUNAI’s president.

Tasmanian forest defenders halt logging in the Styx Valley

2007-12-11
Yesterday morning, forest activists from Still Wild Still Threatened halted logging in coupe SX10F in the Styx Valley, to highlight the ongoing devastation of Tasmania’s World Heritage valued forests. This coupe has gained an international profile over the past few years as an iconic example of Tasmania’s unique old growth forests.

“This pristine tract of ancient forest, located within 1.5km of the World Heritage boundary, is of outstanding conservation value and has been visited by thousands of people. Right now, bulldozers and chainsaws are ripping apart this irreplaceable ecosystem” said Still Wild Still Threatened spokesperson Ula Majewski.

“We are calling on the federal Labor Government to honour their international environmental commitments and put an immediate halt to this senseless devastation of some of Australia’s most outstanding natural heritage” said Still Wild Still Threatened spokesperson Jess Wright.

“Here we have yet another example of a unique forest being decimated in order to further the interests of greedy woodchip barons and corrupt politicians. As world leaders gather in Bali to discuss the climate emergency, the island’s most significant carbon sinks are being destroyed, rendering Tasmania an international disgrace” said Ms Majewski.

Fossil Fools Day, April 1st 2008

Rising Tide International is calling for a day of action against the fossil fuel industry on April 1st 2008…

Rising Tide International is calling for a day of action against the fossil fuel industry on April 1st 2008…
FOSSIL FOOLS DAY!

Roll up, roll up! The climate circus is in town. Climate change threatens our very survival, but the fools at the head of the fossil fuel empire continue to plunder the earth, with governments the willing court jesters at their side.

They would have us believe that we can escape climate change with techno-fixes, market mechanisms and offset schemes – all technocratic acrobatics that distract us from the truth: the only real solution to climate change is to keep fossil fuels in the ground.

For over a century the fossil fuel industry has been fooling with our lives. From extraction to combustion they have poisoned our air, polluted our water and ruined our climate. On April 1st, 2008, we’re going to turn the tables and show them who the real fools are.

Find a local fossil fool – the coal-mining clown, the offset contortionist, the aviator tripping on the high wire, the supermarket food mile freak show, the oily strong man, or any other fool that deserves your attention – and join with thousands around the world in taking one step closer to dismantling the fossil fuel industry.

On Fossil Fools Day, bring the spirit of carnival and mischief to the fight for climate justice.

www.fossilfoolsday.org
www.risingtide.org.uk

(More info and resources coming soon… for now, put the date in your diary, spread the call-out above far and wide, and start scheming!)

70 stop old growth logging in 3 East Gippsland Coupes

2007-12-06
Today 70 conservationists stopped logging in three coupes in East Gippsland, Victoria. The protest is in response to unfilled election promises to protect old growth forests made by the Bracks/Brumby government over a year ago. Four have attached themselves to machinery halting clear-felling operations.

Activists stopped operations in Black Cuttings, Aspen Battery Track and Goongarah Catchment. Currently two people are locked on to machinary in both Aspen Battery Track and Black Cuttings. Other activists are black wallerbying (running around) the coupes avoiding Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) officers. 20 people were asked to leave Goongarah Catchment and complied with that direction, avoiding arrest.

“We are here today to hold politicians to account to fulfil election promises. It is outrageous that the Bracks/Brumby government have not yet put these areas into reserves. Brumby needs to act now and solves this issue.” said Mark Tylor spokespersons for the group.

Only two percent of Victoria’s old growth forests remains. These critically important areas are home to many endangered species, including sooty owl, powerful owl and long footed potoroo.

“Forestry causes a significant proportion of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. If Labor is serious about taking real action to prevent dangerous climate change they must commit to ending logging of high conservation forests now.”

“The government needs to stop pandering to the multinational woodchip industry, and have the courage to do what the science tells us is necessary to protect the future survival of all Australians and the planet” concluded James Ludd.