Saxakali Magazine 1:1 Environmental Genocide

Saxakali Magazine V1N1
Environmental Issues:

The question of ecology, ethnic conflict, and violence is a complex one in many areas of the world today, for example, access to land and water among Serbs, Croats, and Bosnians in the former Yogoslavia. Among muslims in Iraq, ethnic conflict is having a direct impact upon environmental issues, including, chemical warfare used against the Kurds, deliberate oil pollution of the Gulf during the war, and now environmental genocide used against those living in the southern marshes of Iraq. An argicultural development project is the excuse used by the state to construct a large concrete wall to divert water from the marshes - destroying animals and plants, turning the land into a desert, and the 1.5 million Shira people into refugees.

What impact do present policies of Caribbean's governments have upon different ethnic groups in the region, and upon the regions' environment? Is environmental genocide also not being presently practiced against native Ameriandians and rural communities, and against species of native Caribbean plants and animals, in the name of development? While we watch in horror at Sadam's actions, we glorify those of present Caribbean leaders. In both situations we remain silent as the world's multinational corporations move into the southern marshes of Iraq for oil and into the forest of Guyana for hardwood.

"Development" in the North have brought vast improvement in the standard of living for a few, and many modern appliances and conviences for those who can afford them, but at a very high price - enormous waste and pollution of natural resources, poverty, crime, and homelessness. As first and second generation immigrants, how do we react to the development and "prosperity" of America, to the "streets paved with gold"? Despite the image, reality forces us to lock our doors and avoid our neighbours.

Again we find that ethnic conflict is related to environmental issues and violence. The environmental stress of living in New York City's urban ghettos is related to white flight to the surburbs, and to educational and employment discrimination of non-white minorities. Urban poverty leads to the breakup of families, crime, and the use of drugs. Lack of opportunity in the formal economy have led to illegal drugs' importance in the informal economy of these communities, resulting in environmental genocide against minority youths, many of whom will be killed in drug and domestic related violence before they reach adulthood.

How do we, as concerned individuals, make an impact upon these global issues? Do we try to influence policy at a local, regional, or global level, or all three? As a voluntary organization of mostly Guyanese youths in New York, it is our choice. We can make an impact in New York and in Guyana, help to raise these issues in other Caribbean countries, and connect with other organizations in global confrences and activities. We invite our readers to help us address these urgent issues in a cooperative effort to protect and conserve our mutual interests.

Save the World's Forests