“Cambodia: peaceful direct action has saved one of our most beautiful forests”, 27 Oct 2015

An environmental activist explains how a grassroots campaign has stalled the building of a dam in Cambodia…The campaign was ultimately successful – the plans for the dam have been stalled…But environmental activism is still a rollercoaster in Cambodia and full of dangers. Currently four of our 10-strong team are in jail, after being arrested for their inspirational and effective activism. I am currently in Spain – away from Cambodia, which I have come to consider my home. After 13 years living in the country, the Cambodian government refused to renew my visa…and has forcibly removed me from the country…The people who have been committing environmental crimes for years have been sent a powerful message; local people won’t be cheated anymore, they are ready to peacefully, and effectively, resist.