greenpeace--2020-03-19--Why Bumble Bee Tuna Should Concern You (Hint: It’s Human Rights and Destructive Fishing)

Why Bumble Bee Tuna Should Concern You ( Hint : It ’ s Human Rights and Destructive Fishing ) Many Americans are thinking a lot more than they ’ d like about canned food during this national health crisis .
A new report published by Greenpeace East Asia today highlights an old concern that has taken on new relevance .
The report shows how Bumble Bee , one of America ’ s oldest and best-known tuna brands , is potentially linked to some of the most horrific human rights and animal abuses in the world .
Sadly , Americans who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served their children tuna caught by fishing vessels that used forced labor and cut the fins off living sharks and threw the sharks overboard to slowly starve .
Whether you eat tuna or not , we can ’ t allow this to happen in the American seafood industry , especially in a time of crisis when we all should be able to trust our brands and retailers .
We have to shine a huge spotlight on Bumble Bee ’ s potential complicity in abuses .
The inevitable spike in demand for canned tuna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Asian tuna industry that could increase illegal behavior , brings even greater responsibility to tuna brands and retailers to ensure their seafood is not produced with forced labor or illegal fishing .
Bumble Bee is no stranger to controversy or crime .
Last December , its former CEO , Christopher Lischewski , was convicted of helping to orchestrate a price-fixing conspiracy between the three largest canned tuna brands in the US – Bumble Bee , Starkist , and Chicken of the Sea .
Bumble Bee ’ s former CEO was also accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to limit consumer access to seafood produced without a fishing method that has long been criticized by Greenpeace as harmful to marine life .
Greenpeace ’ s new report is based on a 2019 investigation at one of the ports most frequented by Taiwanese vessels that supply Bumble Bee ’ s new owner , Fong Chun Formosa ( FCF ) , one of the three largest global tuna traders ( middlemen that sit between vessel owners and tuna processors ) and a business partner of Bumble Bee for over 30 years .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finning on a fishing vessel that supplies FCF .
The report also examines the relationship between FCF and Bumble Bee , highlighting recent court documents that show FCF supplied over 95 % of Bumble Bee ’ s albacore and over 70 % of its light meat tuna for the last ten years .
Bumble Bee ’ s poor environmental record has been well documented in past Greenpeace reports , including our 2017 Tuna Shopping Guide where it was ranked an abysmal 17th out of 20 brands .
But Bumble Bee has received much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and actions .
Last year it was commended as one of few canned tuna companies that have taken ‘ robust action to eliminate slavery from their supply chains.
’ Peering beneath the surface , however , reveals a major tuna brand that has taken some positive steps , but steps that fall far short of what is needed to really address the high risk of modern slavery in its supply chains .
1 ) Bumble Bees ’ fish caught with longline-only sourcing specification is inherently damaging to the environment and harmful to fishers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s product specifications require longline-caught tuna from FCF .
This method of fishing , where thousands of hooks are set on lines extending over 60 miles out to sea , is one of the most damaging to the marine ecosystem , ensnaring birds , marine mammals , and juvenile fish , when there are other less harmful methods available .
Longline fishing also requires backbreaking , dangerous , and relentless work around the clock and this burden often falls on poor , indebted migrant workers who are paid sub-minimum wage , if at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their tormentors because the vessels they work on stay at sea for months or even years at a time .
2 ) It uses transshipment at sea , a dodgy practice that enables illegal fishing , overfishing , and abuse of workers Bumble Bee admitted that it permits transshipment at sea for its longline fishing suppliers .
It claims to have strict measures in place to prevent illegalities associated with transshipment , but these measures are nowhere near enough and have many loopholes that could be exploited by unscrupulous vessel operators .
3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessels is largely inconsistent with international human rights and labor standards and it has no complaints mechanism or other measures to enable timely and accurate verification of supplier compliance Bumble Bee ’ s human rights policy and processes for tuna vessels is entirely based on the vessel policy it helped develop with members of the Seafood Task Force , an industry-led , multi-stakeholder initiative based in Thailand .
This policy is abysmal , with standards that offer much less protection for workers than what is expected under international law .
Specific standards that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discrimination against migrant workers ; freedom of association ; recruitment fees ; and minimum wage .
To make matters worse , Bumble Bee does not have a grievance mechanism for migrant workers on tuna vessels and it has no policy requiring its supplier vessels to return periodically to port for vessel audits or labor inspections .
Even if Bumble Bee were to strengthen its vessel policy , it would be useless if there is no credible way to verify its suppliers are actually complying with the policy .
So what should Bumble Bee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t contributing to human rights abuses and destruction of our planet ?
Here are 4 important steps it should take immediately : • Only source from vessels where 100 % independent human or effective electronic catch monitoring is taking place .
• Announce a public , measurable , time-bound plan to phase out transshipment at sea .
• Upgrade its human rights policy for tuna vessels to reflect international standards and best practice on human and labor rights , including establishing a policy on maximum time at sea and preferential sourcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspections .
• Publicly disclose its full vessel supplier list with key details as part of its human rights due diligence plan .
Bumble Bee ’ s relationship with FCF is so close that it provides both a significant risk to retailers as well as an incredible opportunity to drive large-scale and lasting change in Taiwan ’ s distant water fisheries .
With 25 % of the US canned tuna market , Bumble Bee as the second largest tuna brand in America has the power to greatly and rapidly improve conditions for fishers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taiwanese distant water fishing fleet .
American consumers who have helped Bumble Bee grow from a small cannery to the global powerhouse it is today have an important role to play in ensuring Bumble Bee and its Taiwanese owner respect the workers creating value for their business and the ocean that keeps our planet alive .
No American should have to feel unease or guilt walking the aisles of their local supermarket , especially now , not knowing whether their emergency purchases are contributing to modern slavery and environmental destruction .
Bumble Bee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it readies its sails , its future may well be in the deep .

Why Bumble Bee Tuna Should Concern You (Hint: It’s Human Rights and Destructive Fishing)
Many Americans are thinking a lot more than they’d like about canned food during this national health crisis. A new report published by Greenpeace East Asia today highlights an old concern that has taken on new relevance. The report shows how Bumble Bee, one of America’s oldest and best-known tuna brands, is potentially linked to some of the most horrific human rights and animal abuses in the world. Sadly, Americans who buy Bumble Bee tuna may have unwittingly served their children tuna caught by fishing vessels that used forced labor and cut the fins off living sharks and threw the sharks overboard to slowly starve.
Whether you eat tuna or not, we can’t allow this to happen in the American seafood industry, especially in a time of crisis when we all should be able to trust our brands and retailers. We have to shine a huge spotlight on Bumble Bee’s potential complicity in abuses. The inevitable spike in demand for canned tuna, and the potential economic downturn for the Asian tuna industry that could increase illegal behavior, brings even greater responsibility to tuna brands and retailers to ensure their seafood is not produced with forced labor or illegal fishing.
Bumble Bee is no stranger to controversy or crime.
Last December, its former CEO, Christopher Lischewski, was convicted of helping to orchestrate a price-fixing conspiracy between the three largest canned tuna brands in the US – Bumble Bee, Starkist, and Chicken of the Sea. Bumble Bee’s former CEO was also accused, though not convicted, of conspiring to limit consumer access to seafood produced without a fishing method that has long been criticized by Greenpeace as harmful to marine life.
Greenpeace’s new report is based on a 2019 investigation at one of the ports most frequented by Taiwanese vessels that supply Bumble Bee’s new owner, Fong Chun Formosa (FCF), one of the three largest global tuna traders (middlemen that sit between vessel owners and tuna processors) and a business partner of Bumble Bee for over 30 years. The investigation found suspected forced labor and shark finning on a fishing vessel that supplies FCF. The report also examines the relationship between FCF and Bumble Bee, highlighting recent court documents that show FCF supplied over 95% of Bumble Bee’s albacore and over 70% of its light meat tuna for the last ten years.
Bumble Bee’s poor environmental record has been well documented in past Greenpeace reports, including our 2017 Tuna Shopping Guide where it was ranked an abysmal 17th out of 20 brands. But Bumble Bee has received much better attention for its human rights policies and actions. Last year it was commended as one of few canned tuna companies that have taken ‘robust action to eliminate slavery from their supply chains.’ Peering beneath the surface, however, reveals a major tuna brand that has taken some positive steps, but steps that fall far short of what is needed to really address the high risk of modern slavery in its supply chains.
Here are Bumble Bee’s 3 main shortcomings:
1) Bumble Bees’ fish caught with longline-only sourcing specification is inherently damaging to the environment and harmful to fishers
Court documents show that Bumble Bee’s product specifications require longline-caught tuna from FCF. This method of fishing, where thousands of hooks are set on lines extending over 60 miles out to sea, is one of the most damaging to the marine ecosystem, ensnaring birds, marine mammals, and juvenile fish, when there are other less harmful methods available. Longline fishing also requires backbreaking, dangerous, and relentless work around the clock and this burden often falls on poor, indebted migrant workers who are paid sub-minimum wage, if at all, and are unable to escape their tormentors because the vessels they work on stay at sea for months or even years at a time.
2) It uses transshipment at sea, a dodgy practice that enables illegal fishing, overfishing, and abuse of workers
Bumble Bee admitted that it permits transshipment at sea for its longline fishing suppliers. It claims to have strict measures in place to prevent illegalities associated with transshipment, but these measures are nowhere near enough and have many loopholes that could be exploited by unscrupulous vessel operators.
3) Its human rights policy for tuna vessels is largely inconsistent with international human rights and labor standards and it has no complaints mechanism or other measures to enable timely and accurate verification of supplier compliance
Bumble Bee’s human rights policy and processes for tuna vessels is entirely based on the vessel policy it helped develop with members of the Seafood Task Force, an industry-led, multi-stakeholder initiative based in Thailand. This policy is abysmal, with standards that offer much less protection for workers than what is expected under international law. Specific standards that are particularly weak include rest hours; discrimination against migrant workers; freedom of association; recruitment fees; and minimum wage. To make matters worse, Bumble Bee does not have a grievance mechanism for migrant workers on tuna vessels and it has no policy requiring its supplier vessels to return periodically to port for vessel audits or labor inspections. Even if Bumble Bee were to strengthen its vessel policy, it would be useless if there is no credible way to verify its suppliers are actually complying with the policy.
So what should Bumble Bee do to ensure tuna sandwich loving Americans aren’t contributing to human rights abuses and destruction of our planet?
Here are 4 important steps it should take immediately:
Only source from vessels where 100% independent human or effective electronic catch monitoring is taking place.
Announce a public, measurable, time-bound plan to phase out transshipment at sea.
Upgrade its human rights policy for tuna vessels to reflect international standards and best practice on human and labor rights, including establishing a policy on maximum time at sea and preferential sourcing from vessels subject to port State labor inspections.
Publicly disclose its full vessel supplier list with key details as part of its human rights due diligence plan.
Bumble Bee’s relationship with FCF is so close that it provides both a significant risk to retailers as well as an incredible opportunity to drive large-scale and lasting change in Taiwan’s distant water fisheries. With 25% of the US canned tuna market, Bumble Bee as the second largest tuna brand in America has the power to greatly and rapidly improve conditions for fishers, especially migrant fishers, in the Taiwanese distant water fishing fleet. American consumers who have helped Bumble Bee grow from a small cannery to the global powerhouse it is today have an important role to play in ensuring Bumble Bee and its Taiwanese owner respect the workers creating value for their business and the ocean that keeps our planet alive. No American should have to feel unease or guilt walking the aisles of their local supermarket, especially now, not knowing whether their emergency purchases are contributing to modern slavery and environmental destruction. Bumble Bee is in choppy waters again and unless it readies its sails, its future may well be in the deep.


greenpeace--2020-03-17--For my birthday, all I want is a healthy forest

For my birthday , all I want is a healthy forest Working with communities—learning to see the forest through their eyes , hearing their cry the forest is destroyed in the name of “ development ” —makes me more eager to continue to stand with them and for their rights .
When I think of the forest , I remember playing in it .
We would build huts of sticks and moss , and vehicles from bamboo trees .
Getting lost in the forest was a real adventure .
We used to turn the forest into a navigation game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a compass or a GPS .
My family lived in a forest area in the central region of Cameroon .
I have known the forest ever since I was a child .
My birthday is on the 21st of March—the international day of forests—so I feel uniquely connected to forests .
I would go with my brothers , my sisters , and our friends into the nearby forest to collect seasonal fruits off the trees ( bush mango , oranges , lemons ) .
We would collect traditional medicinal herbs and scrape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treat our stomach aches , especially after eating too much of those fruits .
Playing and jumping in the bushes , looking for food and building materials—these were some of our favorite moments as children in Cameroon .
The forest served me with free therapy sessions .
When I was sad or needed to reflect , I used to go and rest under a tree .
Alone , I could enjoy the shadow created by the branches .
Listening to the squirrels ’ feet clambering in the trees or the birds singing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a peaceful treatment for my mind .
Life seemed so simple then .
We had a place where we found ourselves connected .
The air was pure and fresh , and we did not know many of the diseases we do now .
The tranquil environment in the forest was reflected in the unity of our communities .
There were hardly any conflicts over land , and when they occurred , they were solved peacefully around a fresh cup of palm wine .
But now I ’ ve witnessed the consequences of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crops , rubber or palm oil or monoculture tree plantations .
Seasons rapidly began changing from cold to very hot .
Children were killed by speeding trucks carrying timber .
Natural treasures were being plundered as resources for the selfish interests of a small group of people .
The humid rainforest has gone dry in many areas after intense logging , and the rich life that had been there has now turned into a story of displaced communities and fleeing wildlife .
When I walked in the forest today , as I try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birthdays , I recalled how it was during my childhood .
I thought , why are they cutting down so much of the forest and what is the benefit of it for the people living here ?
This is not unique to my country .
Everywhere around the world the promise of “ development ” through logging has never served the people who live there .
Only a handful of foreign companies and well-connected insiders are getting wealthier .
Are they aware of the climate crisis ?
Did the loggers ever go through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mine ?
What can we learn from Indigenous and local communities , who have been the natural guardians of the forest for so many years ?
What richness of knowledge is at risk of being lost , as I ’ ve seen them cast out of their homes ?
And what role do they ever get in the debate around the climate and biodiversity crises ?
Joining the fight through the forest campaign of Greenpeace Africa six years ago gave me an opportunity to defend my forest and stand for the rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with communities—learning to see the forest through their eyes , hearing their cry the forest is destroyed in the name of “ development ” —makes me more eager to continue to stand with them and for their rights .
Here in Cameroon , many of the plantations that have replaced our natural forests are , in fact , tree monocultures .
But not everyone understands the difference between a tree monoculture plantation and a natural forest .
Even some governments .
By replacing natural forests with monoculture tree plantations , not only are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk , but enormous stocks of carbon are released into the air .
Carbon is mostly stored in the thick stems and deep roots of trees that are hundreds of years old .
Planting new trees to replace ancient forests is not a solution .
It just serves to greenwash the conscience of executives in oil and gas companies , declaring one trillion trees will be planted and “ offsetting ” CO2 emissions from extractive industries with artificial forests is part of the problem .
Planting trees with one hand , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground is like putting a band-aid on an arm that has been dismembered .
Only a natural forest can be home to rich biodiversity , including rapidly disappearing medicinal plants .
Only a natural forest can be a home to Indigenous and local forest communities .
The solution requires acknowledging their unique role in good management of forests and recognizing their rights over their land .
Give them back the forest .
Ensure their participation and inclusion in all policies .
Seeing the scale of forest destruction in my land and understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrating my birthday has become more difficult in recent years .
I hope that this time around , my cry as someone who always loves to visit the forest—along with the cries of Indigenous and local communities who must live in the forest—will be heard by many more of you .
That would be the perfect gift for my birthday .
It would help bring a smile to my face and to so many more .

For my birthday, all I want is a healthy forest
Working with communities—learning to see the forest through their eyes, hearing their cry the forest is destroyed in the name of “development”—makes me more eager to continue to stand with them and for their rights.
When I think of the forest, I remember playing in it. We would build huts of sticks and moss, and vehicles from bamboo trees. Getting lost in the forest was a real adventure. We used to turn the forest into a navigation game. We could get a sense of orientation without a compass or a GPS.
My family lived in a forest area in the central region of Cameroon. I have known the forest ever since I was a child. My birthday is on the 21st of March—the international day of forests—so I feel uniquely connected to forests.
I would go with my brothers, my sisters, and our friends into the nearby forest to collect seasonal fruits off the trees (bush mango, oranges, lemons). We would collect traditional medicinal herbs and scrape the tree barks with our grandma to treat our stomach aches, especially after eating too much of those fruits.
Playing and jumping in the bushes, looking for food and building materials—these were some of our favorite moments as children in Cameroon. The forest served me with free therapy sessions. When I was sad or needed to reflect, I used to go and rest under a tree. Alone, I could enjoy the shadow created by the branches. Listening to the squirrels’ feet clambering in the trees or the birds singing, chirping, croaking and shrilling, it was a peaceful treatment for my mind.
Life seemed so simple then. We had a place where we found ourselves connected. The air was pure and fresh, and we did not know many of the diseases we do now. The tranquil environment in the forest was reflected in the unity of our communities. There were hardly any conflicts over land, and when they occurred, they were solved peacefully around a fresh cup of palm wine.
But now I’ve witnessed the consequences of forest destruction for industrial agricultural plantations growing crops, rubber or palm oil or monoculture tree plantations. Seasons rapidly began changing from cold to very hot. Children were killed by speeding trucks carrying timber. Natural treasures were being plundered as resources for the selfish interests of a small group of people.
The humid rainforest has gone dry in many areas after intense logging, and the rich life that had been there has now turned into a story of displaced communities and fleeing wildlife.
When I walked in the forest today, as I try to do on every one of my birthdays, I recalled how it was during my childhood. I thought, why are they cutting down so much of the forest and what is the benefit of it for the people living here?
This is not unique to my country. Everywhere around the world the promise of “development” through logging has never served the people who live there. Only a handful of foreign companies and well-connected insiders are getting wealthier. Are they aware of the climate crisis? Did the loggers ever go through experiences in the forest that were similar to mine? What can we learn from Indigenous and local communities, who have been the natural guardians of the forest for so many years? What richness of knowledge is at risk of being lost, as I’ve seen them cast out of their homes? And what role do they ever get in the debate around the climate and biodiversity crises?
Joining the fight through the forest campaign of Greenpeace Africa six years ago gave me an opportunity to defend my forest and stand for the rights of the people living here. Working with communities—learning to see the forest through their eyes, hearing their cry the forest is destroyed in the name of “development”—makes me more eager to continue to stand with them and for their rights.
Here in Cameroon, many of the plantations that have replaced our natural forests are, in fact, tree monocultures. But not everyone understands the difference between a tree monoculture plantation and a natural forest. Even some governments. By replacing natural forests with monoculture tree plantations, not only are human communities and endangered species put at risk, but enormous stocks of carbon are released into the air.
Carbon is mostly stored in the thick stems and deep roots of trees that are hundreds of years old. Planting new trees to replace ancient forests is not a solution. It just serves to greenwash the conscience of executives in oil and gas companies, declaring one trillion trees will be planted and “offsetting” CO2 emissions from extractive industries with artificial forests is part of the problem. Planting trees with one hand, while the other one is pumping oil out of the ground is like putting a band-aid on an arm that has been dismembered.
Only a natural forest can be home to rich biodiversity, including rapidly disappearing medicinal plants. Only a natural forest can be a home to Indigenous and local forest communities. The solution requires acknowledging their unique role in good management of forests and recognizing their rights over their land. Give them back the forest. Ensure their participation and inclusion in all policies.
Seeing the scale of forest destruction in my land and understanding the risks for the entire planet, celebrating my birthday has become more difficult in recent years. I hope that this time around, my cry as someone who always loves to visit the forest—along with the cries of Indigenous and local communities who must live in the forest—will be heard by many more of you. That would be the perfect gift for my birthday. It would help bring a smile to my face and to so many more.


greenpeace--2020-03-13--Bail out workers, not oil billionaires

Bail out workers, not oil billionaires

Trump wants to bailout oil and gas companies .
As usual , it is the exact worst response you could think of .
We need a plan to protect workers , communities and the climate .
This week we got to watch billionaires at work .
With the COVID-19 pandemic reducing global demand for oil and the Russia-OPEC spat boosting oil supply , the price of oil crashed dramatically to below $ 35 per barrel .
If prices stay at this level for a prolonged period , it ’ s likely that a lot of US oil and gas operators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially putting a lot of people out of work .
Trump ’ s first concern is always for himself .
But his second thought was to shovel bailout money at oil and gas companies directly , including some of his biggest donors .
As usual , Trump is proposing the exact worst response you could think of .
Meanwhile , the oil and gas industry is charging ahead with a reckless business model that puts the climate in peril , and has done a disastrous job preparing workers and communities for its inevitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from being hung out to dry , we need a plan to gradually phase out fossil fuel companies , not bail out the wealthy CEOs and investors .
And , just as urgently , we need a concrete plan to ensure that every worker and impacted community will be better off as we gradually transition off fossil fuels and ramp up investment in clean energy jobs .
There is no way to avoid the worst impacts of climate change without shrinking the fossil fuel industry and growing clean energy solutions .
Transition is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , equitable , and well-organized or unfair , greedy , and chaotic , is the challenge in front of us .
With thoughtful planning , smart policies , and leadership from communities , we can ensure that the fossil fuel workforce is able to seamlessly transition to good , family-sustaining union jobs in an economy based on clean energy and climate protection .
But so far , concrete policies are too few and far between .
The time has come to put these plans into motion , before these current crises tip us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas job losses .
How to support workers through a managed decline of the fossil fuel sector Fossil fuel companies must be held accountable to keep their promises to workers , and , if not , the government should act as a backstop to ensure that all retirement and pension benefits are guaranteed .
In a managed decline of the fossil fuel sector , disruption to workers and families can be minimized by taking advantage of the natural rate of retirements , but only if workers can trust that promises will be kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job in the market turmoil , the government must ensure five years of full wage support , as well as extensive job training and relocation support if necessary .
Healthcare is a human right , and the government should not only ensure health benefits for these workers , but universal health care for the entire country .
The right to organize and collectively bargain must be defended and strengthened so that new green jobs will pay as well or better than the jobs being phased out .
The federal government can lead the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project Labor Agreements , and strong Prevailing Wage laws in all of its projects .
A just transition plan from Gov .
Jay Inslee has aimed for “ federal clean energy wage that averages $ 25/hour for skilled workers for clean energy jobs created and supported with federal funds.
” In many places , from Alaska to New Mexico , oil and gas revenues are hugely important in funding crucial government services , such as education .
The federal government can set up financing options to help these state and local governments can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government should set up a Just Transition Office to coordinate the different policies and moving parts that will be needed for success .
We know what an unjust transition looks like Workers know what an unjust and unmanaged transition looks like .
We need only look to the coal industry — where bankrupt companies dole out million-dollar bonuses to CEOs while slashing their workers ’ pensions and health benefits — to see that fossil fuel executives do not have workers ’ interests at heart .
As one example , when coal company Blackjewel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blockade coal train shipments for two months in order to win the backpay that was owed to them .
When a catastrophic fire closed a major refining complex in Philadelphia , the company filed for bankruptcy and laid off hundreds of union workers with very little support .
The fallout from that decision has shown once again why real transition policies with sufficient funding need to be in place now .
Unfortunately , too much of the conversation in Washington , DC around the coronavirus has focused on using taxpayer dollars to prop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working families .
That dynamic will only change if politicians understand we will vote out anyone who listens to billionaire donors before their own constituents .
Trump keeps bailing out this dying industry instead of investing in a Green New Deal that truly protects workers from economic uncertainty , ensures long-term prosperity for communities , and protects the climate .
It ’ s time for him to face a reckoning .
Message your member of Congress now to stop Trump ’ s fossil fuel bailout .
Tell Congress to say NO

Bail out workers, not oil billionaires
Trump wants to bailout oil and gas companies. As usual, it is the exact worst response you could think of. We need a plan to protect workers, communities and the climate.
This week we got to watch billionaires at work. With the COVID-19 pandemic reducing global demand for oil and the Russia-OPEC spat boosting oil supply, the price of oil crashed dramatically to below $35 per barrel. If prices stay at this level for a prolonged period, it’s likely that a lot of US oil and gas operators will be driven out of business, potentially putting a lot of people out of work.
If oil prices stay as low as they are right now (~$30/barrel) for several months, the oil industry in the US, Canada, and UK will be severely crippled. Fracking, tar sands, North Sea, and Arctic drilling is not profitable at $30 oil and will be shut down.https://t.co/kfSxkzQ6r0 — Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) March 8, 2020
Trump’s first concern is always for himself. But his second thought was to shovel bailout money at oil and gas companies directly, including some of his biggest donors.
We’re in a global health and economic crisis and Trump wants to bail out, you guessed it, the oil industry 😤 https://t.co/BNhGTPY2vX RT if you think taxpayers’ money should go to workers and communities, not the billionaires who created the climate crisis! — Greenpeace USA (@greenpeaceusa) March 10, 2020
As usual, Trump is proposing the exact worst response you could think of. Meanwhile, the oil and gas industry is charging ahead with a reckless business model that puts the climate in peril, and has done a disastrous job preparing workers and communities for its inevitable decline. In order to prevent workers from being hung out to dry, we need a plan to gradually phase out fossil fuel companies, not bail out the wealthy CEOs and investors.
And, just as urgently, we need a concrete plan to ensure that every worker and impacted community will be better off as we gradually transition off fossil fuels and ramp up investment in clean energy jobs.
No Workers Left Behind
There is no way to avoid the worst impacts of climate change without shrinking the fossil fuel industry and growing clean energy solutions. Transition is inevitable. Whether it will be just, equitable, and well-organized or unfair, greedy, and chaotic, is the challenge in front of us.
With thoughtful planning, smart policies, and leadership from communities, we can ensure that the fossil fuel workforce is able to seamlessly transition to good, family-sustaining union jobs in an economy based on clean energy and climate protection. But so far, concrete policies are too few and far between. The time has come to put these plans into motion, before these current crises tip us into a recession with major oil and gas job losses.
Democrats already have a plan for the next recession. It's called the Green New Deal. @MarkVinPaul and I wrote about how to think about stimulus, deficits and climate for the @DataProgress blog:https://t.co/r724dDLJ9z — Julian Brave NoiseCat (@jnoisecat) March 9, 2020
How to support workers through a managed decline of the fossil fuel sector
Fossil fuel companies must be held accountable to keep their promises to workers, and, if not, the government should act as a backstop to ensure that all retirement and pension benefits are guaranteed. In a managed decline of the fossil fuel sector, disruption to workers and families can be minimized by taking advantage of the natural rate of retirements, but only if workers can trust that promises will be kept.
For any workers who lose their job in the market turmoil, the government must ensure five years of full wage support, as well as extensive job training and relocation support if necessary. Healthcare is a human right, and the government should not only ensure health benefits for these workers, but universal health care for the entire country.
The right to organize and collectively bargain must be defended and strengthened so that new green jobs will pay as well or better than the jobs being phased out. The federal government can lead the way by requiring Community Benefits Agreements, Project Labor Agreements, and strong Prevailing Wage laws in all of its projects. A just transition plan from Gov. Jay Inslee has aimed for “federal clean energy wage that averages $25/hour for skilled workers for clean energy jobs created and supported with federal funds.”
In many places, from Alaska to New Mexico, oil and gas revenues are hugely important in funding crucial government services, such as education. The federal government can set up financing options to help these state and local governments can maintain services through the transition. The government should set up a Just Transition Office to coordinate the different policies and moving parts that will be needed for success.
We know what an unjust transition looks like
Workers know what an unjust and unmanaged transition looks like.
We need only look to the coal industry — where bankrupt companies dole out million-dollar bonuses to CEOs while slashing their workers’ pensions and health benefits — to see that fossil fuel executives do not have workers’ interests at heart. As one example, when coal company Blackjewel went bankrupt, workers were forced to blockade coal train shipments for two months in order to win the backpay that was owed to them.
Black Jewel miners are used to hard work & ask only for the pay they earned. Witnessing their peaceful protest on the train tracks tonight & the love shown from our community made me swell with pride for my mountain home and some of the best people in the world. #NoPayWeStay pic.twitter.com/z3irOlLubz — Angie Hatton (@AngieHatton16) August 1, 2019
When a catastrophic fire closed a major refining complex in Philadelphia, the company filed for bankruptcy and laid off hundreds of union workers with very little support. The fallout from that decision has shown once again why real transition policies with sufficient funding need to be in place now.
The fight over the bankrupt Philly refinery turned into an ugly fight between workers and climate activists. “They say they support us, but there’s no plan for us,” one laid-off worker told me. Here’s how things have played out differently across the US https://t.co/GwF0lmVu1M — Juliana Feliciano Reyes (@juliana_f_reyes) March 6, 2020
Unfortunately, too much of the conversation in Washington, DC around the coronavirus has focused on using taxpayer dollars to prop up wealthy CEOs and shareholders instead of working families. That dynamic will only change if politicians understand we will vote out anyone who listens to billionaire donors before their own constituents.
TRANSITION IS INEVITABLE, JUSTICE IS NOT: A CRITICAL FRAMEWORK FOR JUST RECOVERY Guided by the leadership of… https://t.co/1sKK068LuA — Movement Generation (@MoveGen) December 20, 2017
Trump keeps bailing out this dying industry instead of investing in a Green New Deal that truly protects workers from economic uncertainty, ensures long-term prosperity for communities, and protects the climate. It’s time for him to face a reckoning.
Message your member of Congress now to stop Trump’s fossil fuel bailout.
Tell Congress to say NO


greenpeace--2020-03-13--You can stop the Trump oil bailout

You can stop the Trump oil bailout

You can stop the Trump oil bailout What would you rather see right now in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak ?
A fossil fuel bailout or paid sick leave for all ?
Donald Trump wants to bailout the oil industry instead of taking care of families during this health and economic crisis .
Amid this global health and economic crisis , Trump wants to bail out—you guessed it—oil billionaires .
We just got wind that the Trump Administration is seriously considering a bailout to the fossil fuel industry .
Right now , Trump is in private talks with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fossil fuel industry .
Before this deal gets made behind closed doors , we need to make sure Congress knows that we won ’ t tolerate bailouts for the fossil fuel industry while families everywhere are suffering.1 After a weekend of plummeting oil prices in response to the global public health and economic crisis , billionaire oil and gas executives are clamoring for a bailout while privately urging the President not to adopt a national paid sick leave policy .
Hourly wage workers , nurses and healthcare providers , and parents with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this crisis in a very real way .
Too many people can ’ t stay home from work or they won ’ t get paid .
Too many people may not be able to afford a doctor visit .
Too many people may get fired if they stay home with a sick kid .
Instead of fighting for everyday people , Trump is focused on his fossil fuel billionaire donors .
It ’ s not too late .
We can ensure that Congress sees this bailout for what it is—yet another Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The fossil fuel industry not only created the climate crisis , they ’ ve bet big on us not being able to solve it , investing hundreds of billions in risky wells and developments — and now they ’ re in trouble .
Now CEOs are running to Trump for help , and we ’ re supposed to foot the bill ?
I don ’ t think so .
In moments of crisis , we must hold onto what ’ s most important .
Our government should be acting to protect our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future , not propping up an industry who for decades , has been jeopardizing these very same things .
It will take all of us together to demand that Congress support working families and stop Trump ’ s fossil fuel bailout .
Tell Congress to say NO [ 1 ] ‘ White House likely to pursue federal aid for shale companies hit by oil shock , coronavirus downturn .

You can stop the Trump oil bailout
What would you rather see right now in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak? A fossil fuel bailout or paid sick leave for all?
Donald Trump wants to bailout the oil industry instead of taking care of families during this health and economic crisis.
Amid this global health and economic crisis, Trump wants to bail out—you guessed it—oil billionaires.
We just got wind that the Trump Administration is seriously considering a bailout to the fossil fuel industry. Right now, Trump is in private talks with his advisors, discussing a potential bailout of the fossil fuel industry. Before this deal gets made behind closed doors, we need to make sure Congress knows that we won’t tolerate bailouts for the fossil fuel industry while families everywhere are suffering.1
After a weekend of plummeting oil prices in response to the global public health and economic crisis, billionaire oil and gas executives are clamoring for a bailout while privately urging the President not to adopt a national paid sick leave policy.
Hourly wage workers, nurses and healthcare providers, and parents with kids at home are feeling the effects of this crisis in a very real way. Too many people can’t stay home from work or they won’t get paid. Too many people may not be able to afford a doctor visit. Too many people may get fired if they stay home with a sick kid. Instead of fighting for everyday people, Trump is focused on his fossil fuel billionaire donors.
It’s not too late. We can ensure that Congress sees this bailout for what it is—yet another Trump giveaway to the dying fossil fuel industry.
The fossil fuel industry not only created the climate crisis, they’ve bet big on us not being able to solve it, investing hundreds of billions in risky wells and developments — and now they’re in trouble. Now CEOs are running to Trump for help, and we’re supposed to foot the bill? I don’t think so.
In moments of crisis, we must hold onto what’s most important. Our government should be acting to protect our families, our health, and our future, not propping up an industry who for decades, has been jeopardizing these very same things. It will take all of us together to demand that Congress support working families and stop Trump’s fossil fuel bailout.
Tell Congress to say NO
Notes:
[1]‘White House likely to pursue federal aid for shale companies hit by oil shock, coronavirus downturn.


greenpeace--2020-03-11--Wet’suwet’en Solidarity Statement from Greenpeace USA

We can not have climate justice without respecting , upholding , and fighting for Indigenous rights .
The same company that wanted to build the KXL pipeline , TC Energy ( formerly TransCanada ) , is starting to build a 417-mile , multibillion dollar fossil fuel pipeline through Indigenous lands in northern British Columbia , Canada .
It ’ s set to cut through Wet ’ suwet ’ en lands and transport gas to the Pacific coast without the consent of the Nation ’ s hereditary chiefs .
To protect their sovereignty and defend their ancestral lands , Wet ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built several camps along the pipeline ’ s route through their territory .
The pipeline will negatively impact the land , water , the community , and climate .
But it ’ s not just TC Energy .
Coastal GasLink pipeline funders , like JPMorgan Chase and KKR must be held accountable for their role in defying Indigenous law , threatening Indigenous lands , and being some of the biggest funders of the climate crisis .
JPMorgan Chase , the world ’ s biggest banker of fossil fuels , is helping funnel more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company behind Coastal GasLink .
And , KKR , a New York City based investment firm , has plans to purchase 65 % of the pipeline with Alberta Investment Management Corp ( AIMCo ) .
In February , militarized police raided the Wet ’ suwet ’ en camps with assault rifles , dogs , sound cannons , and helicopters , criminalizing peaceful Indigenous land defenders and defying Wet ’ suwet ’ en law .
Police continue to patrol Wet ’ suwet ’ en lands , and while the Canadian government and Wet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed a land title deal , the agreement does not cover the Coastal GasLink pipeline .
The Nation continues to call for solidarity action .
The hereditary chiefs , who under Wet ’ suwet ’ en law have authority over their traditional land , have never given their consent for the pipeline project to move forward .
The Wet ’ suwet ’ en Nation ’ s land is unceded , meaning it was never legally signed , ceded or given away to colonial powers .
Greenpeace USA is in solidarity with the hereditary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ en Nation and Land Defenders who are protecting the land from the Coastal GasLink pipeline .
This is as much of a fight for Indigenous rights as it is for the future of the planet .
Indigenous Peoples around the world have been fighting for their homelands and against extractive industries for centuries .
Greenpeace is a part of an international environmental campaigning organization supported by millions of people around the world who want to build a green and peaceful future .
We recognize that the current state of environmental injustice has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territories where Indigenous Peoples ’ rights and authority have been marginalized or eroded .
We can not have climate justice without respecting , upholding , and fighting for Indigenous rights .
Here ’ s what you can do : Learn more about how you can directly support the Wet ’ suwet ’ en First Nation here .
Sign the petition to protect Wet ’ suwet ’ en Indigenous Sovereignty : Demand U.S.-based fossil fuel profiteers JPMorgan Chase and KKR to stop financing the Coastal GasLink pipeline .

We cannot have climate justice without respecting, upholding, and fighting for Indigenous rights.
The same company that wanted to build the KXL pipeline, TC Energy (formerly TransCanada), is starting to build a 417-mile, multibillion dollar fossil fuel pipeline through Indigenous lands in northern British Columbia, Canada. It’s set to cut through Wet’suwet’en lands and transport gas to the Pacific coast without the consent of the Nation’s hereditary chiefs. To protect their sovereignty and defend their ancestral lands, Wet’suwet’en Land Defenders and supporters built several camps along the pipeline’s route through their territory. The pipeline will negatively impact the land, water, the community, and climate.
But it’s not just TC Energy. Coastal GasLink pipeline funders, like JPMorgan Chase and KKR must be held accountable for their role in defying Indigenous law, threatening Indigenous lands, and being some of the biggest funders of the climate crisis. JPMorgan Chase, the world’s biggest banker of fossil fuels, is helping funnel more than $5 billion in loans to the company behind Coastal GasLink. And, KKR, a New York City based investment firm, has plans to purchase 65% of the pipeline with Alberta Investment Management Corp (AIMCo).
In February, militarized police raided the Wet’suwet’en camps with assault rifles, dogs, sound cannons, and helicopters, criminalizing peaceful Indigenous land defenders and defying Wet’suwet’en law. Police continue to patrol Wet’suwet’en lands, and while the Canadian government and Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs have discussed a land title deal, the agreement does not cover the Coastal GasLink pipeline. The Nation continues to call for solidarity action.
The hereditary chiefs, who under Wet’suwet’en law have authority over their traditional land, have never given their consent for the pipeline project to move forward. The Wet’suwet’en Nation’s land is unceded, meaning it was never legally signed, ceded or given away to colonial powers.
Greenpeace USA is in solidarity with the hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation and Land Defenders who are protecting the land from the Coastal GasLink pipeline.
This is as much of a fight for Indigenous rights as it is for the future of the planet.
Indigenous Peoples around the world have been fighting for their homelands and against extractive industries for centuries.
Greenpeace is a part of an international environmental campaigning organization supported by millions of people around the world who want to build a green and peaceful future. We recognize that the current state of environmental injustice has been caused by the heedless exploitation of traditional territories where Indigenous Peoples’ rights and authority have been marginalized or eroded.
We cannot have climate justice without respecting, upholding, and fighting for Indigenous rights.
Here’s what you can do:
Learn more about how you can directly support the Wet’suwet’en First Nation here.
Sign the petition to protect Wet’suwet’en Indigenous Sovereignty: Demand U.S.-based fossil fuel profiteers JPMorgan Chase and KKR to stop financing the Coastal GasLink pipeline.


greenpeace--2020-03-10--This 8th grader is fighting to make California schools plastic-free

This 8th grader is fighting to make California schools plastic-free Jinali has a plan to move her school away from single-use plastics… at the age of 13 !
But she ’ s not stopping there — she ’ s fighting to make reusables the norm at schools throughout California .
A couple of weeks ago , Greenpeace received an email from an 8th-grade student named Jinali who started her email with this : I have a dream .
A dream that I want to live every day for the rest of my life and generations to come , that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh air to breathe , green grass to lie upon , clean water to drink , and a beautiful ocean to swim in remains as is .
I have seen how plastic waste is now clouding my dream and I feel the days are numbered .
I must do something , I am 13 years old , but that doesn ’ t mean I don ’ t have a responsibility to the Mother Earth .
My future and the future of the next generations depend on me to do something .
So together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my school , I have a goal .
We receive a lot of emails from folks who are passionate about ending plastic pollution , but this one stood out to me .
Jinali had spearheaded a plan to move her school away from single-use plastics and toward reusables… at the age of 13 .
But she ’ s not stopping there .
She ’ s fighting to make reusable utensils and straws the norm at schools throughout California .
Jinali has enlisted Caroline Menjivar , the East Valley Area Representative for the Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the distribution of these reusables at her school on March 10th .
Jinali reached out for our help with getting the word out — to urge other schools to take action on single-use plastic — so that ’ s what we are doing .
Just a few weeks ago , Greenpeace launched a plastic-free toolkit for teachers and schools to use in combating the plastic pollution crisis .
We hope it helps you or someone you know to take action at schools across the country .
Below , we talk with Jinali about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We hope you are as inspired as we were !
Hi Jinali , thank you so much for showing leadership on plastics .
What made you care so much about tackling plastic pollution ?
Jinali : Thank you for appreciating what I am trying to do .
I get to hear and see every day from the internet and media how much plastic has become a problem .
I see at schools how much single-use plastics are used .
A simple calculation showed there are roughly 800,000 students in Los Angeles Unified School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if 1/4th of them use one plastic utensil a day that is 200,000 plastic utensils a day , 4 million a month , and 48 million a year .
That is big enough to fill 33 school rooms with waste per year .
This made me think about what I can do to stop this .
Can you describe what you have done to help get your school to stop using single-use plastics ?
J : I am trying to give every student a stainless steel utensil kit with a straw , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fork to bring to school and back .
I have been successful in getting the support of my school to introduce a reward system for those who bring them to school .
I also have cases engraved that read , “ I CREATE MY GREEN FUTURE.
” This is to promote and build a culture of reuse and make us , ‘ the students , ’ responsible for it .
What are the next steps at your school to get rid of single-use plastics ?
J : I have raised enough funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steel utensil kits to middle school and high school students by selling Valentine ’ s Day cards to friends and family and by doing small chores .
With the money collected , we ordered these utensils and we are going to distribute them on March 10th .
Do other students and teachers seem excited about going plastic-free ?
J : My teachers were excited and they gave their full support , my friends too .
I hope the whole school will support this and other schools as well .
I think most will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but that ’ s ok .
It sounds like the mayor is excited about your work too .
What have you heard from the mayor or others about your effort ?
J : I wrote to the Mayor and the Mayor ’ s representative , Caroline Menjivar , has volunteered to participate on the day of the distribution at school .
She is also getting me in touch with the LAUSD and other community centers to help me promote the concept in other schools .
What would you say to people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big for any one person to make a difference ?
J : If everyone waited thinking like that , nothing would ever happen .
We have to start somewhere no matter how small the effort is .
Do you want to see other schools go plastic-free as well ?
J : Yes , of course , that is the main idea !
My dream is for all schools to say , “ NO TO ONE TIME USE OF PLASTICS.
” You are an inspiration to others to make a difference .
What do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop single-use plastics ?
J : I want to get a representative from every school to come forward with me to introduce this concept in every school .
I also want to build awareness with organizations such as yours to help spread the importance and the word on how they can do it in their schools .
I also want the high plastic footprint companies to pledge their loyalty to this project as a giving back for the harm they do with their business models .
Is there anything else you ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blog ?
J : Being plastic-free isn ’ t really very difficult .
It takes a bit of interest and effort .
I want everyone to start trying even in the smallest way possible .
It ’ s not that difficult and it has to be done if we want a good environment for us in the future .
To learn more about Greenpeace ’ s plastic-free toolkit and the ways you can take action in your community , please click here .

This 8th grader is fighting to make California schools plastic-free
Jinali has a plan to move her school away from single-use plastics… at the age of 13! But she’s not stopping there — she’s fighting to make reusables the norm at schools throughout California.
A couple of weeks ago, Greenpeace received an email from an 8th-grade student named Jinali who started her email with this:
I have a dream. A dream that I want to live every day for the rest of my life and generations to come, that this beautiful blue planet, which gives me fresh air to breathe, green grass to lie upon, clean water to drink, and a beautiful ocean to swim in remains as is. I have seen how plastic waste is now clouding my dream and I feel the days are numbered. I must do something, I am 13 years old, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a responsibility to the Mother Earth. My future and the future of the next generations depend on me to do something. So together with the support of my family and my school, I have a goal.
We receive a lot of emails from folks who are passionate about ending plastic pollution, but this one stood out to me.
Jinali had spearheaded a plan to move her school away from single-use plastics and toward reusables… at the age of 13. But she’s not stopping there. She’s fighting to make reusable utensils and straws the norm at schools throughout California. Jinali has enlisted Caroline Menjivar, the East Valley Area Representative for the Mayor, to support her efforts and attend the distribution of these reusables at her school on March 10th.
Jinali reached out for our help with getting the word out — to urge other schools to take action on single-use plastic — so that’s what we are doing. Just a few weeks ago, Greenpeace launched a plastic-free toolkit for teachers and schools to use in combating the plastic pollution crisis. We hope it helps you or someone you know to take action at schools across the country.
Below, we talk with Jinali about her vision for a plastic-free future. We hope you are as inspired as we were!
Hi Jinali, thank you so much for showing leadership on plastics. What made you care so much about tackling plastic pollution?
Jinali: Thank you for appreciating what I am trying to do. I get to hear and see every day from the internet and media how much plastic has become a problem. I see at schools how much single-use plastics are used. A simple calculation showed there are roughly 800,000 students in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) alone, and if 1/4th of them use one plastic utensil a day that is 200,000 plastic utensils a day, 4 million a month, and 48 million a year. That is big enough to fill 33 school rooms with waste per year. This made me think about what I can do to stop this.
Can you describe what you have done to help get your school to stop using single-use plastics?
J: I am trying to give every student a stainless steel utensil kit with a straw, a straw cleaner, a spoon, and a fork to bring to school and back. I have been successful in getting the support of my school to introduce a reward system for those who bring them to school. I also have cases engraved that read, “I CREATE MY GREEN FUTURE.” This is to promote and build a culture of reuse and make us, ‘the students,’ responsible for it.
What are the next steps at your school to get rid of single-use plastics?
J: I have raised enough funds to be able to give these stainless steel utensil kits to middle school and high school students by selling Valentine’s Day cards to friends and family and by doing small chores. With the money collected, we ordered these utensils and we are going to distribute them on March 10th.
Do other students and teachers seem excited about going plastic-free?
J: My teachers were excited and they gave their full support, my friends too. I hope the whole school will support this and other schools as well. I think most will embrace the idea, some may not, but that’s ok.
It sounds like the mayor is excited about your work too. What have you heard from the mayor or others about your effort?
J: I wrote to the Mayor and the Mayor’s representative, Caroline Menjivar, has volunteered to participate on the day of the distribution at school. She is also getting me in touch with the LAUSD and other community centers to help me promote the concept in other schools.
What would you say to people who think this plastic pollution crisis is too big for any one person to make a difference?
J: If everyone waited thinking like that, nothing would ever happen. We have to start somewhere no matter how small the effort is.
Do you want to see other schools go plastic-free as well?
J: Yes, of course, that is the main idea! My dream is for all schools to say, “NO TO ONE TIME USE OF PLASTICS.”
You are an inspiration to others to make a difference. What do you plan to do next to help stop single-use plastics?
J: I want to get a representative from every school to come forward with me to introduce this concept in every school. I also want to build awareness with organizations such as yours to help spread the importance and the word on how they can do it in their schools. I also want the high plastic footprint companies to pledge their loyalty to this project as a giving back for the harm they do with their business models.
Is there anything else you’d like to say to readers of this blog?
J: Being plastic-free isn’t really very difficult. It takes a bit of interest and effort. I want everyone to start trying even in the smallest way possible. It’s not that difficult and it has to be done if we want a good environment for us in the future.
To learn more about Greenpeace’s plastic-free toolkit and the ways you can take action in your community, please click here.


greenpeace--2020-03-09--10 inspiring women who bring environmental stories to their crafts

10 inspiring women who bring environmental stories to their crafts To celebrate International Women ’ s Day , Greenpeace puts the spotlight on female visual storytellers from around the world and their work on nature and the environment .
From documenting rivers to climate change and ruminations about sustainable landscapes , these women all share a common passion in bringing their voice to environmental stories that they care about .
Independent photographer , Ore Huiying , believes in the power of storytelling , choosing to tell stories that she feels emotionally connected to and that are important .
Based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a child , she says she finds herself drawn to narratives of people and places affected by development .
“ Their stories resonate with me , ” she says .
As a National Geographic Explorer , Ore has done commissioned work for New York Times , Washington Post , and Getty Images , but she is best known for her long-term project on the Mekong River .
Since 2014 , Ore has been documenting the Mekong and the communities dependent on it for their food security and livelihood.
” The dams are changing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I am driven by the need to tell the stories of the affected communities .
I feel it is important to add that dimension of reality to scientific research .
And their stories need to be heard , ” says Ore. “ With environmental issues , you often read a lot of information in the form of data and statistics , which a lot of people can not relate to .
But if you show them images of an orangutan being rescued from a burning forest or a bird covered in oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when reality hits home.
” Self-taught commercial photographer , Tali Kimelman , focuses her personal work on the natural world .
Her project Baño de Bosque is about the practice of Forest Bathing , or Shinrin-yoku in Japanese , which is about immersing oneself in the forest while being fully aware of all senses .
It was shot in Arboretum Lussich , a lush but little known arboretum in Uruguay with more than 400 species of trees from all over the world .
“ With my project , I wanted to let people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better that is accessible to all and also to let people know about the existence of the wonderful place where the project was shot , ” says Kimelman .
As part of the project , she organized collective Forest Bathings at the arboretum for up to 400 people .
“ If we give ourselves the opportunity to observe the landscape deeply , we open up to the possibility of ceasing to look at it as something external and realising that we are a part of it .
In this way we can have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that sustains us , ” says Kimelman , who is currently working on a new project shooting minimalistic landscape images in Uruguay .
American writer and photographer , Morgan Trimble , started her environmental work as a research scientist in conversation biology before discovering the power of photography to tell and share stories that she cares about .
“ Through photography , I try to share wildlife and conservation stories to a wide audience and inspire people to get involved , to love nature , and to rally against idly letting species slip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Based in South Africa , she focuses mostly on the continent and covers a variety of themes from urban biodiversity in Cape Town to conservation initiatives in protected areas across the continent to how tourism helps fund a future for wildlife .
Being an Emerging Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers , her photographs have been published in the New York Times , Washington Post , Telegraph , BBC Wildlife , National Geographic News and more .
“ I ’ m passionate about wilderness and biodiversity and helping people feel more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a photographer and writer , I ’ m interested in some of the lesser told stories .
Charismatic megafauna like rhinos and elephants get attention for a reason , but the small things matter too , ” she says .
“ I think visual environmental stories help nature find a home in people ’ s hearts and understand that biodiversity matters.
” Based in Bangalore , India , Arati Kumar-Rao is an environmental photographer , writer and artist .
Her work focuses on documenting South Asia ’ s changing landscapes and climate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a National Geographic Explorer , her work has appeared in NationalGeographic.org , The Guardian , The Hindu , and more .
One of her landmark projects is the River Diaries , an in-depth investigation of the ecosystems and communities around rivers , primarily the Brahmaputra .
“ This river has always held a fascination for me — it is wild , untamed , and breathtakingly beautiful , traversing three countries and numerous ecosystems , ” she says , adding that with the government ’ s plans to dam several tributaries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to document the river and the lives that depend on it .
“ Ways of life are at stake , whole ecosystems are at stake .
These things , once lost , can not be recovered easily or , in some cases , recovered at all .
We have to be vigilant , vocal , and educated about our rights , the rights of our fellow citizens , and what is in danger of being lost .
Yes , it is challenging , but not telling these stories is not an option .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with what I see in the mirror.
” Khadija Farah was working as a social worker in a refugee complex in Dadaab when she started photographing , focusing on the daily lives of the refugees .
Soon after , she turned to photography as a full-time career , focusing on environmental and social issues .
She says that her love for the natural world was nurtured by her father , while also citing Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai as a role model .
As a citizen of Africa , she feels that she has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the issues affecting her country and its people .
“ So often , when people tell African stories , they either belong in the “ Africa rising ” or “ Africa falling ” narratives .
Although both are valid , it is often very limiting , ” she says , adding that she is interested in telling the stories of the everyday .
One of her projects is on the women seaweed farmers in Zanzibar , where she documented the effects of climate change on the livelihood of these women .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awareness and incite change .
It is a medium that transcends cultural barriers and language .
For environmental issues , powerful photography cuts through complex numbers and words and make them more accessible and digestible for people .
I 100 % believe it can make a difference.
” Maki Hayashida ’ s interest to live a happier life lies in her belief that it can only be achieved through the right relationship between humans and nature .
In her project , Japan-Go-Round and Almost Transparent Island , she explores the Japanese concepts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seascapes ) for sustainable human-influenced natural environments .
In these landscapes , the environment shows minimal human presence .
“ They are neither untouched nor touched too much , ” says Hayashida .
Almost Transparent Island is a post-documentation on Teshima and the illegal dumping scandal in the Nineties .
After a public outcry , the government removed the toxic materials and rebuild the island as one of the Island of Arts on the Seto Sea .
For Hayashida , it was a remarkable transformation , which led her to impose sourced photographs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she had shot .
For her latest project , Hayashida returns to the archives to work on a series on Koto Ward , a major site for waste management in Tokyo since 1655 and its ‘ war on garbage ’ .
To complement the work , she is photographing its current residents wearing clothes that are about to be disposed of in her take on consumption and recycling .
Belgium-born Eva Verbeeck uses photography to highlight issues that she strongly believes in .
“ I have always felt a responsibility as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sense of urgency , ” she says .
After studying human rights and international law in Brussels , she travelled to Ethiopia and Kenya to document the growing climate crisis in eastern Africa .
For the past three years , she has worked on the project Looking for Water , living with different tribes to photograph the impact of climate change on their daily lives .
“ The world ’ s climate is changing at exponential rates unseen at any time in human history .
It is arguably the greatest threat to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” says Verbeeck , who encountered poverty , hunger and tribes forced out of their ancient lands because of extreme heat and prolonged periods of drought .
Back in the United States , where she is currently based , Verbeeck has worked on environmental stories about the young farmer movement in the country and how farmers are handling water scarcity in the Arid Western parts .
She is currently working on a long term documentary project featuring young women in the United States , and will return to Ethiopia to continue working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sarah Grohnert , first came to New Zealand as a 16-year-old exchange student with her dad ’ s Hi8 home video camera .
She discovered her love for the medium while she was there , moving back to New Zealand in 2011 .
With her debut directorial film , Ever the Land , she explores with an impartial eye the bond between the Ngāi Tūhoe , an independent Maori tribe , and their land through a momentous architectural project which coincided with the Tūhoe ’ s historic settlement with the New Zealand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first in New Zealand , the construction of the community centre used radically sustainable methods and materials .
“ Tūhoe embody their land , and their land embodies them .
The film takes a close look at this and explores how this relationship is manifested in their building , ” says Grohnert.
” At the end of the day , to me , storytelling is about fostering empathy .
The storyteller asks you to see and feel life from the perspective of fellow human being and how it is that they relate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ever The Land it is very specific to their natural environment , their homelands.
” Priya Thuvassery was working as a producer for NDTV when she received a call from Uma Mani .
The artist pitched the idea of doing a documentary on the little-known coral reefs in India .
She herself was a painter who learnt how to swim and dive at the age of 52 so she can see with her own eyes the corals she ’ s been painting .
Thuvassery was intrigued but it wasn ’ t until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the story as her debut directorial film .
Coral Woman is her journey with Uma Mani to explore the underwater world and the threat to the coral reefs of the Gulf of Mannar .
“ I have always been fascinated by stories about women and also working with women but I never thought that I would be an environmental activist .
With Coral Woman , I feel that it ’ s an important film that should be shared as widely as possible , ” says Thuvassery .
Besides the festival circuit , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around India every month since it was launched .
Thuvassery is currently working on a new film on the effect of climate change and water in North India .
“ It is looking at climate change from a gender perspective and how these issues affect women especially.
” Teresa Camou Guerrero spent 25 years of her life as a puppeteer before turning to filmmaking .
Sunu , her debut documentary feature is about Mexican corn farmers who are determined to uphold traditional farming methods and also to keep native seeds alive .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just the farmers .
We don ’ t know where our food comes from anymore .
We have no relationship with the producers of our food .
We need to wake up and be conscious in our decision in what we eat , ” says Camou .
In Mexico , corn is not just food .
It is a way of being , an identity embodied by the indigenous people and by the farming communities of Mexico .
“ We are the centre and origin of corn .
Corn is everything to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the core of Guerrero ’ s work , whether it is puppeteering or filmmaking , is the opportunity to tell stories .
“ I like to tell stories that you seldom hear about , ” she says .
“ I like to give a voice to the people whose voices are not heard .
Author Tan Lee Kuen is a freelance writer currently living in Cambodia .
You can follow her blog www.asiapapercamera.com to learn more about her .

10 inspiring women who bring environmental stories to their crafts
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Greenpeace puts the spotlight on female visual storytellers from around the world and their work on nature and the environment. From documenting rivers to climate change and ruminations about sustainable landscapes, these women all share a common passion in bringing their voice to environmental stories that they care about.
© Tali Kimelman
Ore Huiying, Singapore
Independent photographer, Ore Huiying, believes in the power of storytelling, choosing to tell stories that she feels emotionally connected to and that are important. Based on her personal experience of being uprooted as a child, she says she finds herself drawn to narratives of people and places affected by development. “Their stories resonate with me,” she says.
As a National Geographic Explorer, Ore has done commissioned work for New York Times, Washington Post, and Getty Images, but she is best known for her long-term project on the Mekong River. Since 2014, Ore has been documenting the Mekong and the communities dependent on it for their food security and livelihood.” The dams are changing the villagers’ lifestyle and socialization patterns. I am driven by the need to tell the stories of the affected communities. I feel it is important to add that dimension of reality to scientific research. And their stories need to be heard,” says Ore.
“With environmental issues, you often read a lot of information in the form of data and statistics, which a lot of people cannot relate to. But if you show them images of an orangutan being rescued from a burning forest or a bird covered in oil spills, I think that’s when reality hits home.”
© Ore Huiying
Tali Kimelman, Uruguay
Self-taught commercial photographer, Tali Kimelman, focuses her personal work on the natural world. Her project Baño de Bosque is about the practice of Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku in Japanese, which is about immersing oneself in the forest while being fully aware of all senses. It was shot in Arboretum Lussich, a lush but little known arboretum in Uruguay with more than 400 species of trees from all over the world.
“With my project, I wanted to let people know about this wonderful path to feeling better that is accessible to all and also to let people know about the existence of the wonderful place where the project was shot,” says Kimelman. As part of the project, she organized collective Forest Bathings at the arboretum for up to 400 people.
“If we give ourselves the opportunity to observe the landscape deeply, we open up to the possibility of ceasing to look at it as something external and realising that we are a part of it. In this way we can have more respect and care for the land that sustains us,” says Kimelman, who is currently working on a new project shooting minimalistic landscape images in Uruguay.
© Tali Kimelman
Morgan Trimble, USA/South Africa
American writer and photographer, Morgan Trimble, started her environmental work as a research scientist in conversation biology before discovering the power of photography to tell and share stories that she cares about. “Through photography, I try to share wildlife and conservation stories to a wide audience and inspire people to get involved, to love nature, and to rally against idly letting species slip into extinction,” she says.
Based in South Africa, she focuses mostly on the continent and covers a variety of themes from urban biodiversity in Cape Town to conservation initiatives in protected areas across the continent to how tourism helps fund a future for wildlife. Being an Emerging Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, her photographs have been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, Telegraph, BBC Wildlife, National Geographic News and more.
“I’m passionate about wilderness and biodiversity and helping people feel more connected to the natural world. As a photographer and writer, I’m interested in some of the lesser told stories. Charismatic megafauna like rhinos and elephants get attention for a reason, but the small things matter too,” she says. “I think visual environmental stories help nature find a home in people’s hearts and understand that biodiversity matters.”
© Morgan Trimble
Based in Bangalore, India, Arati Kumar-Rao is an environmental photographer, writer and artist. Her work focuses on documenting South Asia’s changing landscapes and climate, and its effect on livelihoods and biodiversity. As a National Geographic Explorer, her work has appeared in NationalGeographic.org, The Guardian, The Hindu, and more.
One of her landmark projects is the River Diaries, an in-depth investigation of the ecosystems and communities around rivers, primarily the Brahmaputra. “This river has always held a fascination for me — it is wild, untamed, and breathtakingly beautiful, traversing three countries and numerous ecosystems,” she says, adding that with the government’s plans to dam several tributaries, there is an added sense of urgency to document the river and the lives that depend on it.
“Ways of life are at stake, whole ecosystems are at stake. These things, once lost, cannot be recovered easily or, in some cases, recovered at all. We have to be vigilant, vocal, and educated about our rights, the rights of our fellow citizens, and what is in danger of being lost. Yes, it is challenging, but not telling these stories is not an option. Not if I want to be comfortable with what I see in the mirror.”
© Arati Kumar-Rao
Khadija Farah was working as a social worker in a refugee complex in Dadaab when she started photographing, focusing on the daily lives of the refugees. Soon after, she turned to photography as a full-time career, focusing on environmental and social issues.
She says that her love for the natural world was nurtured by her father, while also citing Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai as a role model. As a citizen of Africa, she feels that she has a responsibility to tell the many stories of the issues affecting her country and its people.
“So often, when people tell African stories, they either belong in the “Africa rising” or “Africa falling” narratives. Although both are valid, it is often very limiting,” she says, adding that she is interested in telling the stories of the everyday. One of her projects is on the women seaweed farmers in Zanzibar, where she documented the effects of climate change on the livelihood of these women.
“Photographers have the ability to both raise awareness and incite change. It is a medium that transcends cultural barriers and language. For environmental issues, powerful photography cuts through complex numbers and words and make them more accessible and digestible for people. I 100% believe it can make a difference.”
© Khadija M. Farah
Maki Hayashida, Japan
Maki Hayashida’s interest to live a happier life lies in her belief that it can only be achieved through the right relationship between humans and nature. In her project, Japan-Go-Round and Almost Transparent Island, she explores the Japanese concepts of Satoyama (landscapes) and Satoumi (seascapes) for sustainable human-influenced natural environments. In these landscapes, the environment shows minimal human presence. “They are neither untouched nor touched too much,” says Hayashida.
Almost Transparent Island is a post-documentation on Teshima and the illegal dumping scandal in the Nineties. After a public outcry, the government removed the toxic materials and rebuild the island as one of the Island of Arts on the Seto Sea. For Hayashida, it was a remarkable transformation, which led her to impose sourced photographs of the old landscape with new ones that she had shot.
For her latest project, Hayashida returns to the archives to work on a series on Koto Ward, a major site for waste management in Tokyo since 1655 and its ‘war on garbage’. To complement the work, she is photographing its current residents wearing clothes that are about to be disposed of in her take on consumption and recycling.
© Maki Hayashida
Eva Verbeeck, Belgium
Belgium-born Eva Verbeeck uses photography to highlight issues that she strongly believes in. “I have always felt a responsibility as a photographer to tell a story that has a sense of urgency,” she says.
After studying human rights and international law in Brussels, she travelled to Ethiopia and Kenya to document the growing climate crisis in eastern Africa. For the past three years, she has worked on the project Looking for Water, living with different tribes to photograph the impact of climate change on their daily lives.
“The world’s climate is changing at exponential rates unseen at any time in human history. It is arguably the greatest threat to global stability that we have ever seen,” says Verbeeck, who encountered poverty, hunger and tribes forced out of their ancient lands because of extreme heat and prolonged periods of drought.
Back in the United States, where she is currently based, Verbeeck has worked on environmental stories about the young farmer movement in the country and how farmers are handling water scarcity in the Arid Western parts. She is currently working on a long term documentary project featuring young women in the United States, and will return to Ethiopia to continue working on Looking For Water.
© Eva Verbeeck
Sarah Grohnert, Germany/New Zealand
German-born filmmaker, Sarah Grohnert, first came to New Zealand as a 16-year-old exchange student with her dad’s Hi8 home video camera. She discovered her love for the medium while she was there, moving back to New Zealand in 2011.
With her debut directorial film, Ever the Land, she explores with an impartial eye the bond between the Ngāi Tūhoe, an independent Maori tribe, and their land through a momentous architectural project which coincided with the Tūhoe’s historic settlement with the New Zealand government. As a Living Building, the first in New Zealand, the construction of the community centre used radically sustainable methods and materials.
“Tūhoe embody their land, and their land embodies them. The film takes a close look at this and explores how this relationship is manifested in their building,” says Grohnert.”At the end of the day, to me, storytelling is about fostering empathy. The storyteller asks you to see and feel life from the perspective of fellow human being and how it is that they relate to their environment. In the case of Ever The Land it is very specific to their natural environment, their homelands.”
© Lottie Hedley
Priya Thuvassery, India
Priya Thuvassery was working as a producer for NDTV when she received a call from Uma Mani. The artist pitched the idea of doing a documentary on the little-known coral reefs in India. She herself was a painter who learnt how to swim and dive at the age of 52 so she can see with her own eyes the corals she’s been painting.
Thuvassery was intrigued but it wasn’t until she went freelance that she embarked on the story as her debut directorial film. Coral Woman is her journey with Uma Mani to explore the underwater world and the threat to the coral reefs of the Gulf of Mannar.
“I have always been fascinated by stories about women and also working with women but I never thought that I would be an environmental activist. With Coral Woman, I feel that it’s an important film that should be shared as widely as possible,” says Thuvassery. Besides the festival circuit, the documentary has been screened in various locations around India every month since it was launched.
Thuvassery is currently working on a new film on the effect of climate change and water in North India. “It is looking at climate change from a gender perspective and how these issues affect women especially.”
Teresa Camou Guerrero, Mexico
Teresa Camou Guerrero spent 25 years of her life as a puppeteer before turning to filmmaking. Sunu, her debut documentary feature is about Mexican corn farmers who are determined to uphold traditional farming methods and also to keep native seeds alive.
“It should be all our concern, not just the farmers. We don’t know where our food comes from anymore. We have no relationship with the producers of our food. We need to wake up and be conscious in our decision in what we eat,” says Camou.
In Mexico, corn is not just food. It is a way of being, an identity embodied by the indigenous people and by the farming communities of Mexico. “We are the centre and origin of corn. Corn is everything to us,” she explained.
At the core of Guerrero’s work, whether it is puppeteering or filmmaking, is the opportunity to tell stories. “I like to tell stories that you seldom hear about,” she says. “I like to give a voice to the people whose voices are not heard.
© Teresa Camou Guerrero
Author Tan Lee Kuen is a freelance writer currently living in Cambodia. You can follow her blog www.asiapapercamera.com to learn more about her.


greenpeace--2020-03-08--International Women’s Day: Stand 4 Women fish processors of West Africa

“ Many voices deserve to be heard this International Women 's Day .
The West African women fish processors have been struggling to get their voices heard for better change .
Let us amplify their voice to better the livelihoods , economy and marine ecosystem of West Africa . ''
“ On International Women ’ s Day , we are calling on all women around the world to support our call to the president and government of Senegal .
It is time to act responsibly and shut down fishmeal factories because these factories are causing illness everywhere in Joal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children are sick , that ’ s the reason why on this special day dedicated to us and all the women of the world , we pray for our wishes to come true.
” These are the words of Maimouna SABALY , a fish processor in the fishing town of Joal in Senegal .
She is one of many brave women from fishing ports of West Africa fighting for access to food , jobs , and healthy seas , which are basic human rights .
In West African countries , people depend largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protein .
In Senegal , for instance , the yearly average fish consumption per capita is 23.9 kg and it accounts for 70 % of people ’ s intake of animal protein .
However , with the growing expansion of fishmeal and fish oil factories in the region , the fish are becoming even scarcer than before , due to overfishing .
Female fish processors are losing their jobs and livelihoods due to established unfair competition by the factories for the same fish that they normally acquire , process and turn into vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African region .
This contradicts several UN Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable development , national regulations , poverty alleviation , food security , and gender equality .
Thanks to the resistance from the local population towards this profit-driven and reckless industry which is growing bigger by the hour .
Maimouna Sabaly and the women processors of West Africa are standing up to a giant fishmeal and fish oil industry that is increasingly threatening the food security and livelihoods of up to 40 million people in the region .
Fatou SAMBA , the President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site in Bargny , Senegal , explains why they are calling on others to join them in the fight against the fishmeal and fish oil industry in their communities .
“ The government must force the fishmeal and fish oil factories not to buy the fresh fish that Senegalese people and West Africans rely on for animal protein , for processing into livestock feed.
” “ Normally we as female fish processors would be able to buy our fish at 5000 CFA franc a case .
Now we are competing with fish factories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CFA franc a case .
This means female fish processors have less access to the fish .
This is a disaster for the population because we need fish , we need to work and so do all the others who are relying on the activities in the ports and processing sites .
If the agreements on prices are not complied with , we may no longer have access to fish caught in our own seas.
” On this International Women ’ s Day placed under the sign of solidarity , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female fish processors and add our voices to those we can proudly consider among the pillars of African society .
They are fighting for the preservation of their fish processing activity which they regard as a cultural heritage passed on from generation to generation .
We are happy to see women being celebrated in every corner of the planet as they unite to not only push for sustainable resources management but also fight for access to food , jobs , and healthy seas , which are basic human rights .
More influential voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s day .
“ We are seeing the effects of climate change and vulnerability of coastal communities to this phenomena , in addition to this we see scarcity of fishery resources .
Women fish processors must be protected and their status recognized , ” said Wore GANA SECK , Director of Green Senegal .
“ Support the woman , the duty of all humans , the woman , our mother , ” said Modou FALL a.k.a PLASTIC MAN , anti-plastic activist from Senegal , who decided to help amplify the voices of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on International Women ’ s Day .
Young climate activists have also come forward to Stand 4 Women on this day .
One of them is Makenna Muigai , a climate activist from Kenya .
She said : “ Many voices deserve to be heard this International Women ’ s Day .
The West African women fish processors have been struggling to get their voices heard for better change .
Let us amplify their voice to better the livelihoods , economy and marine ecosystem of West Africa.
” The other one is Yero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : “ I am with all my heart standing with our brave female fish transformers from Senegal , who spare no effort to always improve and to feed us well.
” So many more are standing united today for the future of West Africa .
We can all help .
On behalf of all of them , I hope you will Stand 4 Women too .

International Women’s Day: Stand 4 Women fish processors of West Africa
“Many voices deserve to be heard this International Women's Day. The West African women fish processors have been struggling to get their voices heard for better change. Let us amplify their voice to better the livelihoods, economy and marine ecosystem of West Africa."
By Awa Traore, Greenpeace Ocean Campaigner in Senegal
“On International Women’s Day, we are calling on all women around the world to support our call to the president and government of Senegal. It is time to act responsibly and shut down fishmeal factories because these factories are causing illness everywhere in Joal and Mbour.”
“Almost all of our children are sick, that’s the reason why on this special day dedicated to us and all the women of the world, we pray for our wishes to come true.”
These are the words of Maimouna SABALY, a fish processor in the fishing town of Joal in Senegal. She is one of many brave women from fishing ports of West Africa fighting for access to food, jobs, and healthy seas, which are basic human rights.
In West African countries, people depend largely on fish as an important source of protein. In Senegal, for instance, the yearly average fish consumption per capita is 23.9 kg and it accounts for 70 % of people’s intake of animal protein. However, with the growing expansion of fishmeal and fish oil factories in the region, the fish are becoming even scarcer than before, due to overfishing. Female fish processors are losing their jobs and livelihoods due to established unfair competition by the factories for the same fish that they normally acquire, process and turn into vital food for people all over the West African region.
This contradicts several UN Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable development, national regulations, poverty alleviation, food security, and gender equality. Thanks to the resistance from the local population towards this profit-driven and reckless industry which is growing bigger by the hour.
Maimouna Sabaly and the women processors of West Africa are standing up to a giant fishmeal and fish oil industry that is increasingly threatening the food security and livelihoods of up to 40 million people in the region.
Fatou SAMBA, the President of female fish processors from Khelcom processing site in Bargny, Senegal, explains why they are calling on others to join them in the fight against the fishmeal and fish oil industry in their communities.
“The government must force the fishmeal and fish oil factories not to buy the fresh fish that Senegalese people and West Africans rely on for animal protein, for processing into livestock feed.”
“Normally we as female fish processors would be able to buy our fish at 5000 CFA franc a case. Now we are competing with fish factories that have enough money to pay 8000 CFA franc a case. This means female fish processors have less access to the fish. This is a disaster for the population because we need fish, we need to work and so do all the others who are relying on the activities in the ports and processing sites. If the agreements on prices are not complied with, we may no longer have access to fish caught in our own seas.”
On this International Women’s Day placed under the sign of solidarity, it’s important to reiterate our support to the female fish processors and add our voices to those we can proudly consider among the pillars of African society. They are fighting for the preservation of their fish processing activity which they regard as a cultural heritage passed on from generation to generation. We are happy to see women being celebrated in every corner of the planet as they unite to not only push for sustainable resources management but also fight for access to food, jobs, and healthy seas, which are basic human rights.
More influential voices have joined as well on International Women’s day.
“We are seeing the effects of climate change and vulnerability of coastal communities to this phenomena, in addition to this we see scarcity of fishery resources. Women fish processors must be protected and their status recognized,” said Wore GANA SECK, Director of Green Senegal.
“Support the woman, the duty of all humans, the woman, our mother,” said Modou FALL a.k.a PLASTIC MAN, anti-plastic activist from Senegal, who decided to help amplify the voices of the female fish processors of West Africa on International Women’s Day.
Young climate activists have also come forward to Stand 4 Women on this day. One of them is Makenna Muigai, a climate activist from Kenya. She said:
“Many voices deserve to be heard this International Women’s Day. The West African women fish processors have been struggling to get their voices heard for better change. Let us amplify their voice to better the livelihoods, economy and marine ecosystem of West Africa.”
The other one is Yero Sarr, a climate activist from Senegal. He said:
“I am with all my heart standing with our brave female fish transformers from Senegal, who spare no effort to always improve and to feed us well.”
So many more are standing united today for the future of West Africa. We can all help. On behalf of all of them, I hope you will Stand 4 Women too.