Mapping environmental justice EEB/UNEP Brussels March 19, 2014 Landgrabbing
Anne van Schaik Friends of the Earth Europe
Definition landgrabbing FoEI
When companies, states, financial investors and elites take control over land and the resources from it for their own profit’ (forests, water, soils). Often this land is previously owned or used by communities. Human Rights violations, environmental destruction and the commodification of land and the resources are inherent in land grabbing.
Why does land grabbing happen? -
Demand for commodities high through EU policies
-
Investment
-
Extraction of mining, tourism, dam projects, timber
-
NOT to benefit people on the land, but to contribute to the global commodity supply.
Who is responsible for landgrabbing?
- Companies - (host) governments
- EU and international policies - Consumers
Landgrabbing in Indonesia: the case of Bumitama
What happens when a palmoil company comes and takes the land
http://vimeo.com/79735349
What can we do
EU: reduce land footprint through RER EU: Scrap EU targets and subsidies for biofuels, which are driving expansion of palm oil plantations overseas. EU governments: ensure that investors apply strict policy when financing agricultural companies EU: Ensure access for communities to legal redress in countries where investment originates. NGOs and activists: sharing information: ongoing research, overview cases, working together, present alternatives.
Thank you!