GREENPEACE CLIMBERS END 70 HOUR PROTEST ON TIMBER SHIP IN ITALY

25 March 2002

Salerno, Italy - Greenpeace climbers who had spent more than 70 hours chained to the stern ramp of the Kwanza - a ship carrying timber from the Cameroon Rainforest - voluntarily came down today. They were arrested by the police and taken away for questioning. The two climbers came down due to adverse weather conditions over the last 24 hours that included high winds, driving rain and even snow. Any attempt to prolong the protest would have seriously endangered their health.

The protest by Greenpeace, which involved the Rainbow Warrior ship, began last Friday when Greenpeace activists climbed onto the Kwanza before it came into port, and boarded the vessel.

The protest was against the importation into Italy of timber from ancient forest destruction in some of the last rainforests in Africa from Cameroon. "Italy is the number one importer of timber from Cameroon and plays a critical role therefore in fuelling the destruction in this rainforest," said Sergio Baffoni, Greenpeace forest campaigner in Italy.

"In two weeks governments from around the world will meet in the Hague for the Ancient Forest Summit. This will be their last chance to take decisive action to save these magnificent forests and the life that they support," said Tim Birch, Greenpeace campaigner on board the Rainbow Warrior.

For the latest news about forest actions, including written and audio updates from the activists, visit the Greenpeace Save or Delete website at www.greenpeace.org/saveordelete.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Gina Sanchez, Greenpeace Press Desk, +31 627 000 064
Tim Birch, Greenpeace forest campaigner, or Natalia Truchi, Greenpeace press officer, onboard the Rainbow Warrior, +871 130 2412
For Photos: Pete Wilkinson, Greenpeace Photo Desk, +31 653 819 255
For Video: Mim Lowe, Greenpeace Video Desk, +31 653 504 721