11 August 2013
From the 27th of July to the 6th of August, three members of Young Friends of the Earth Ireland took part in the Young Friends of the Earth Europe Summer Camp in Lofoten, Norway.
Each year the camp is held in a different location across Europe and this year Lofoten was chosen for one very specific reason. For almost a decade oil companies have tried to drill for oil in this most breathtakingly beautiful part of the world, and for almost a decade Norwegian environmental groups have held them at bay with a variety of vigorous public awareness campaigns, government lobbying campaigns and direct actions. This year the fight is on once again and in anticipation of Norway's national elections in September and in hopes to attract international media and civil society attention to the issue, environmental youth organisation Natur og Ungdom hosted the camp over the course of seven days.
This years camp comprised participants from almost thirty countries around Europe, each representing Young Friends of the Earth organisations or similar youth environmental groups. English was the chosen language and as always the Europeans put the Irish to shame with their perfect English. Sharing the bedrooms of an old boarding school in a remote area, naturally it wasn't long before strangers became friends.
The idea behind the camp is for organisations from across the continent to share experiences, learn from each other and coordinate campaigns throughout the year, building lasting working relationships and allies in the fight against climate change. Workshops and skills shares allowed individuals to hone in on the topics that they were most eager to learn more about and allowed interactive discussions between smaller groups. Richard Sagar of Young Friends of the Earth UK facilitated a workshop on effective campaign strategies, Cameron Fenton of Fossil Free Canada on divestment and how universities can engage with the issue, and Danny Chivers of No Dash For Gas on direct action planning. Other sessions explored ways of working with local groups and children and communications skills.
- UK's Richard Sagar on Campaign Strategies
Nigerian organisation Health of Mother Earth Foundation also provided various spaces where interested participants could learn more about how the oil industry has affected Nigeria and the Niger Delta region in particular. The organisation's director Nnimmo Bassey, a naturally talented orator, also attended and delivered two truly inspiring speeches showing solidarity with the Lofoten issue with the slogan "Keep the Oil in the Soil".
But it wasn't all work and no play at the camp of course. Naturally the participants got the opportunity to explore the stunning island and were given a choice of activities in which they could take part. A tournament was also held, dividing the groups into teams and putting them through their paces to be declared the camp champions. Sadly the only event which the Irish managed to win was the Spud and Spoon race - no stereotypes confirmed there!
The camp ended on a high with a local festival in the nearby town. At the festival representatives from all major political parties debated the issues surrounding the Lofoten issue and made their arguments for or against drilling for oil in the region. Several environmental organisations held stands around the square as did local artisans, and a number of popular bands and musicians played for the crowds after the debate had ended.
It was with a heavy heart that our three Irish representatives, and the other hundred or so participants, made their way home after what had been a spectacular week of learning and networking. Here's looking forward to working with these great people again in the near future and coordinating our work all across Europe to have a louder voice in the fight against Climate Change.
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