Why is it that development companies think they can chose remote locations around the earth and mine them, put roads through them, build hotels on them? Do they believe they can get away with it without opposition? Fortunately, there are people who care deeply about the sanctity of nature in far-flung areas of the earth.There are two projects that we have recently learned about from Sacred Sites members and colleagues.
The first is in Alaska and is known as the Pebble Project where engineers with the Northern Dynasty mining corporation have found what they believe is half a trillion dollars worth of gold, copper and molybdenum. This project, if approved, would create the largest open pit mine in North America! Two organizations, among others, have organized to oppose this project. Please the group, Stop Pebble Mine by clicking here and the non-profit organization, Renewable Resources Coalition by clicking here. Another project is located in Russia in a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Western Caucasus Heritage Site . The money behind this development road project is Gazprom, the world’s largest gas company. Gazprom has a new development, a mountain resort, ski slopes and lifts, as well a complex for the 2014 Olympic Games. IUCN, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, has worked with UNESCO & Gazprom to alleviate some of the project’s impact, however, Gazprom still plans to complete the road through the World Heritage Site to the Olympic Village. Please visit the, Environmental News Service, to learn more.
