10th Anniversary of Death of Campaigns Director in Madagascar

Ten years ago, Friends of the Earth's then Campaigns Director, Andrew Lees died while investigating controversial proposals for a Rio Tinto mine in Madagascar. Andrew was found in the forest having collapsed and died from heat stroke. This year's anniversary on 31st December is particularly significant as Rio Tinto is expected to make a decision about going ahead with the mine in the coming year.

The proposals are to develop a titanium dioxide mine near Fort Dauphin on the south-east coast of Madagascar. The project, managed by QMM, a Rio Tinto mining subsidiary, would involve removing coastal forest to extract titanium dioxide, a mineral used to produce white pigment for paints, plastics and paper.

Ten years on, Friends of the Earth still has concerns about the proposals which would have an irreversible impact on Madagascar's unique biodiversity and also effect freshwater resources, tourism development, and bring migration to the area. There is a lack of support for the proposals from the local community.

In addition Friends of the Earth is concerned that Rio Tinto has failed to demonstrate that the project is a `good deal' for the people of Madagascar. The financial terms of the deal and economic impacts on Madagascar are still unclear with the World Bank being asked to fund a road and port linked to the mine that would be ultimately be paid for by the people of Madagascar, but would mostly serve to increase the profits of Rio Tinto.

Friends of the Earth Executive Director Tony Juniper, who was a friend and colleague of Andrew Lees, said:

"Andrew Lees was one of the most effective environmental campaigners this country has ever seen. He was a pioneer in developing campaigns that were focused, high impact and well researched. He died while striving to support environmental justice for the people of Madagascar and Friends of the Earth will ensure this commitment endures."

In the wake of Andrew's death, his partner Christine Orengo set up the Andrew Lees Trust. This charity has been working tirelessly over the last decade to support local communities in Madagascar by providing them with clockwork radios and fuel efficient stoves, helping to empower them and better manage their valuable forest. For more information see www.andrewleestrust.org.uk

Friends of the Earth is calling on the British Government to introduce corporate accountability legislation which would make companies such as Rio Tinto legally liable in a UK court for any destructive environmental and social impacts that result from their activities abroad. Rio Tinto has so far failed to support the call for such legislation. Friends of the Earth wonders what it has to fear.


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Website: www.foe.co.uk

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