Greenpeace is known for the tactics they use to save the environment. Be it sailing alongside the Japanese whaling fleet, or performing at the rock concert in Rio, Greenpeace makes a big splash with each of its protest.
The more recent of Greenpeace’s campaigns is to save the home & breeding grounds of Olive Ridley turtles in Orissa. Tatas have an port coming up at Dhamra in Orissa threatens a nesting site that is amongst the last honeymoon suites for the remaining Olive Ridleys, a highly-endangered species that swims all the way here from places as far away as Australia and the Philippines.
Greenpeace has already initiated signature campaigns and a candlelight vigil outside Ratan Tata’s residence in Mumbai to protest against the project. Now they have come up with the idea of subvertising.
Subvertising refers to the practice of making spoofs or parodies of corporate and political advertisements in order to make a statement(courtesy Wikipedia). Take a look for yourself
I hope Mr. Tata hears what Greenpeace is trying to say. After all, he shares the planet with all of us, and is as responsible towards its delicate ecosystems. If you believe in the cause Greenpeace is trying to pursue, visit the Greenpeace Save the Turtles page .
Useful Links:
1. Greenpeace International site – www.greenpeace.org
2. Greenpeace Save the Turtles site – www.greenpeace.org/india/turtles
The Olive Ridley Turtles are not affected by the Dhamra Port construction. They appeared at the Gahirmatha nesting beach for mass nesting, twice this year. Around 3.5 lakh Olive Ridley turtles successfully laid eggs during the annual nesting season 09-10. The nesting season spanned from February 24 to March 20. For more details: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/turtle-nesting-at-gahirmatha-set-aside-green-concerndhamra/389846/
The Tatas have arranged for an alternative livelihood solution to the fishermen community living in the areas surrounding Dhamra Port region. These fishermen face hardship from November to March every year as the Orissa State Government evokes ban on fishing during this time due to mass nesting of the Olive Ridley turtles in this region. As a measure in that direction, three tourist boats were provided to the fishermen in the Dhamra Port area, which will provide transportation to the tourists from Kharinasi to Hukitula Island. Tata Steel has always strived to improve the quality of life of people in and around its project area.