We often hear of individuals and associations standing up to large multinationals. Not only do the latter despise life protection, they also attack activists or associations by fining them or claiming extortionately high compensation. There are many reasons why private companies do this, the primary one being to “scare”, and buy time making their counterparts be constantly under pressure. And when – despite everything – their counterparts do happen to win the battle, they are then made weaker and isolated.
This is currently happening in Poland. The Białowieża forest is in the East and holds a highly rich and unique biodiversity. It is considered to be the last primary forest of Europe, hence the presence of national and European laws “protecting” it. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The current Polish government is destroying this protection. Backed up by the excuse of defeating the level of wood-boring insects in the first, the government has ordered to cut down over 50 000 trees, many of which are over a century old. On a summon by the European Commission (EC), the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ordered the Polish government to cease the action, however authorities have ignored all appeals made by researchers, academics, NGOs, UNESCO, protesters and now the ECJ too.
Militants are currently patrolling around to protect the forest, using non-violent means, and collecting all proof of damage. These people must endure any form of oppression including threats, reports, and physical violence. A solidarity committee was created to stop them from being completely isolated: it needs signatures and messages of encouragement from all over Europe. Anyone interested can do so via WeMoveEU site.
Do not think this kind of support is “useless”. Try and remember the appeal, the time when several environmental groups were taken to Court by the Canadian company Produits Forestiers Résolu. They asked for 300 million dollars due to a loss of earnings caused by fines for their unsustainable practices in the Canadian Boreal Forest. Any civil society action is clearly being shut down. On 16 October the Federal Court of California rejected the company’s claim. The judges’ message is clear: the Canadian company must abandon the case and respect population rights, which would guarantee the survival of endangered species.
Those who supported civil society in Canada – even with a mere signature – can feel glad, but must not drop their guard! The ways multinational companies are overthrowing those protecting the environment are neverending.
It is important to know we are not alone, and it is even more important to say this to volunteers who are fighting for the Białowieża Forest.
