Yesterday was the 16th International Day of Struggle against Monoculture Tree Plantations. In 2004, rural communities in Brazil declared the day to commemorate the resistance against the expansion of monoculture tree plantations in Brazil. Through solidarity statements and actions around the world the day has evolved to become an International Day of Struggle. This year, a … [Read more...]
Sustainable palm oil-certified pies a step in the right direction
Most responsible consumers are worried about the environmental, animal and social destruction of palm oil plantations and wonder how to negotiate their shopping without adding to the damage. Woolworths pies are the first South African food products to be certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Early in 2018, Woolworths launched South Africa’s first … [Read more...]
How fairtrade coffee supports the DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is arguably Africa’s most rich and diverse country with vast mineral reserves, highly fertile land, beautiful scenery, and vibrant wildlife. It is also a country plagued with conflict and unrest. The DRC has a traumatic history of violence and war, which has had a disastrous impact on the country’s population and economy. The Congolese … [Read more...]
As Indonesia burns, its government moves to increase forest destruction
In the midst of its worst fire crisis in living memory, the Indonesian government is taking a leap backward on forest protection. The recently signed Council of Palm Oil Producing Nations between Indonesia and Malaysia, signed at the weekend in Kuala Lumpur, will attempt to wind back palm oil companies' pledges to end deforestation. This is despite Indonesia’s efforts to end … [Read more...]
“No” to forestry in fynbos areas
It may no longer make economic or environmental sense to pursue forestry endeavours using conifers in the Western Cape. If local plantations are to be maintained, invasive pine trees will continue to spread, the Cape’s water supply will continue to dwindle and the unique natural diversity of the fynbos region will be changed forever. This is the opinion of two of South … [Read more...]
‘Eco-label’ Allows Killing of Wild Baboons
By not supporting a moratorium on the on-going trapping and shooting of baboons in FSC-certified timber plantations in South Africa, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) International seems to place economic interests above ecological values. In response to a formal complaint lodged by GeaSphere, an environmental pressure group based in the Mpumalanga province of South … [Read more...]
Tension mounts as Brazilian Indians retake land
A community of Guarani Indians in Brazil has retaken part of its ancestral land in an act of desperation, having lived by the side of a highway for a year and a half. The Guarani marched back to their land last week, unwilling further to endure the appalling living conditions they have been subject to on the roadside. The Indians of Laranjeira Nanderu community had their … [Read more...]
