In Iceland a summer of dissent against heavy industry and large dams has begun. In a much disputed master-plan, all the glacial rivers and geothermal potential of the largest wilderness of Europe would be harnessed for aluminium production. Activists from around the world have gathered to protect Europe's largest remaining wilderness and oppose Rio Tinto/ALCAN, ALCOA, Century/RUSAL and other transnational companies.
Icelanders were joined by activists from Africa, South and North America and Europe for an international conference 'Global consequences of heavy industry and large dams' organized by Saving Iceland. "Progress is painted by some as huge projects, large scale development. In all our countries, these have become disasters, socially, ecologically, economically. Progress is a plenitude of small solutions. We should let a thousand flowers bloom," states declaration from the conference, formulated by consensus by participants.
The conference looked at on the effects of large dams on ecosystems, climate and communities, on the role of aluminium in the arms industry and military and on 'green-washing' strategies of large corporations. Activists also remarked on the remarkable similarities in corporate strategies between their different countries and continents, on how communities and governments are manipulated and environmental impacts covered up.
A next conference is intended in Trinidad and Tobago, where local communities oppose an ALCOA aluminium smelter. Other campaigns that were presented included the Movimento dos Atingidos por Barragens (Movement of Dam Affected People, Brazil), Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save the Narmada Movement, India).
This week there have been a number of protests in Reykjavik. A dam was built in front of the prime ministers office and Reverend Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping held a sermon in Reykjavik's largest mall, connecting heavy industry with consumerism. Activists have now set up camp in Mosfellsheiði, South-West Iceland, near a Century aluminium smelter. They have announced further direct actions and a street party on the 14th of July.
Saving Iceland has held direct action camps in the east of Iceland in 2005 and 2006 opposing construction of the Karahnjukar dams and a smelter in Reydarfjordur.
Video's of the conference and a number of actions | 'Voice of the Wildernesss', magazine documenting struggles against large dams and heavy industry (pdf)
Homepage:
