GREENPEACE PROTESTS AGAINST ANCIENT FOREST DESTRUCTION AT SAWMILL IN RUSSIA; GERMANY MAJOR IMPORTER OF SAWMILL'S PRODUCTS

25 March 2002

Archangelsk, Russia - Greenpeace activists this morning protested against the ongoing destruction of Russia's last ancient forests at the Solombalski sawmill (SLDK) in the Russian port of Archangelsk in the White Sea. The environmentalists, including two Germans and three Austrians, climbed onto the roof of the sawmill, chained themselves to the front gates and unfurled German and Russian banners reading "Take responsibility: Save the ancient forests".

The Solombalski Sawmill processes timber derived from the last ancient forests of European Russia, mainly the Dvinsky ancient forest. Of the more than 250,000 cubic metres of sawn timber produced each year, two thirds are being exported, much of it to Germany. Stretching over 1.5 million hectares, the Dvinsky ancient forest is one of the largest pristine ancient forests in Europe. Located 300 kilometres south-east of Archangelsk, it is one of the last remaining natural habitats for animal species threatened with extinction like brown bears.

"All countries that import ancient forest timber are partially responsible for their destruction; Germany is especially accountable in this case," said Oliver Salge, Greenpeace forests campaigner. "Ancient forest destruction is stripping the inhabitants of the Archangelsk region of their last hope for the future. If we want to protect the many animals and plants in Europe´s pristine ancient forests, we have to save their habitat. European governments, and certainly the German government, must urgently support the protection of ancient forests at the Ancient Forests Summit in the Hague."

Greenpeace is carrying out protests in Europe and around the world to highlight the crisis the world's last ancient forests are facing. Recently it held its first protest ever at the Great Wall of China. Currently there are activists blocking the unloading of a timber shipment in Salerno, Italy and stopping logging operations in Gothenburg, Sweden. In the last weeks, the organisation has protested in Spain, France, Italy, Chile, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the US and Germany.

Greenpeace is urging governments of all importing countries to bring an immediate end to their role in the destruction of ancient forests by committing to stop further industrial activities in intact ancient forests until responsible plans for forest conservation and sustainable use have been agreed; ensuring that timber is produced and traded in a legal and ecologically responsible way (1) and providing at least US$15 billion each year to pay for forest conservation and sustainable development.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Oliver Salge, Greenpeace Forests Campaign, in Archangelsk, ++49 171 6035531
Gina Sanchez, Greenpeace press desk in Amsterdam, ++31 627 000 064

Photos: available from GP Russia, Jelena Belschakova, ++7 095 257 4116 / 4118