To: <congressforum@iucn.org>; <congress@iucn.org>; <congresslogistics@iucn.org>
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 9:59 PM
Subject: Concerned about Jeju
I have learned that your venerable environmental organization is meeting
on Jeju Island, Korea, but that villagers working to save "their"
recently declared "wonder of the natural world" from being destroyed and
turned into a naval base/port will not be permitted to address your
Congress, have an informational booth at your Congress, or even
demonstrate anywhere near your event.
How dismaying. Why would you take such stringent steps to stop local
community environmental activists from bringing such a relevant issue to
your membership? Don't you normally showcase local resources and work
as part of such a gathering? The destruction of the reefs and beauty of
Jeju Island near Gangjeong Village shouldn't be made invisible to people
who travel all that way to meet about protecting the environment!
Please, do what you can to ensure that members of IUCN at least receive
some information from the villagers who've been leading such a dedicated
struggle for many years now. Otherwise, it won't be like you're staying
neutral on the issue. Ignorance is the navy's and government's
position; if you perpetuate that, you ARE taking sides. You can do more.
You can do better. Please.
Sincerely,
Jim Haber, Coordinator
Nevada Desert Experience
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
( Fwd by Bruce Gagnon)