Whose Summit? Our Summit! Bella Center Erupts in Protest
The philosophical goal was to bring attention to the fact that from the perspective of many in the activist community the treaty now destined to come out of COP15 will be a watered-down, greenwashed effort. Speaking to reporters prior to the march, organizers said they do not want talks to fail, they are not opposed to the UN effort. What they are opposed to is the lack of representation for people's voices of dissent in the process, in representation of the global South, and a lack of concern for indigenous rights when it comes to REDD forest protection schemes and the effect of carbon offset programs. Essentially the same gripes we have heard the entire conference.
As the march made it's way out from the central area of the Bella Center, those in the front line spoke with reporters expressing their concerns. Here is Tom Goldtooth of the Indigenous Environmental Network. You may remember that Goldtooth addressed the protestors on the 12th as well.
All photos: Matthew McDermott
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