Editorial: Local resistance

All together, this background material reports on problems with environmental and human rights aspects in no less than 58 different projects, all with Norwegian ownership or other Norwegian links.

One interesting fact to be read from the statistics, is that in no less than 24 of the 58 projects, we have found that there is local resistance against blameworthy aspects of the projects. In several cases, this opposition has been going on for years.

This is cause both for concern and hope.

It is cause for concern, because it shows that many of the projects in which Norwegian companies are involved, so negatively affects people and the environment, that local people find it neccessary to organize resistance to protect themselves.

On the other hand, it is a reason for hope, because it shows that people do not simply and apathically accept problems caused by the companies, even though their power is great.

Norwatch Newsletter 7/98