Can't see the wood for the factories
DEFORESTATION
President Yoweri Museveni is fiercely championing controversial plans to destroy some of Uganda’s last remaining rainforests in the name of ‘development’. Reuters reports that the plans for large-scale plantations of palm oil and sugar crops for export have prompted the resignation of Olav Bjella, head of the National Forest Authority. But Tamale Mirundi, the Presidential spokesperson, is dismissive of all opposition, stating bluntly: ‘Every Ugandan can plant a tree but not every Ugandan can put up a factory.’ Ugandan environmentalists are up in arms over the ecological consequences of the project – threats to hundreds of rare species, danger of soil erosion, impact on the rains and freshwater reserves, and removal of a crucial buffer against the pollution of Lake Victoria. The project would also destroy a vital source of firewood for local people.
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Voices from the margins:
Multimedia: video, podcasts, and more.
- Poetry Slam in Zimbabwe
- The House of Hunger poetry slam held in Zimbabwe in 2006, and organised by the Pamberi Trust, showcased young artists performing inspirational work on issues from corporate power to child soldiers. The video features four of the poets.
Published by Pambazuka News.
- Iranian women speak out
- 3 March 2007, London. Women's rights activists marched through the English capital last week to celebrate International Women's Day with a protest against the misogyny of the Islamic regime in Iran and the threat of invasion by the US. Hear the voices of Iranian feminists Azar and Leila Parnian and the sounds of the demonstration as it passed through the heart of the city. Click here to learn more about the campaign.
Produced by Heidi Bachram.
- Raised Voices audio:
- Benny from West Papua on Corporate Power
- Vinayan from India on agriculture
