Greenpeace España celebra su 40 aniversario

Greenpeace España celebrates its 40th anniversary: The environmental organization advocates for a profound change in the socio-economic model that ensures a greener, more democratic, and equitable future for the planet and its people. Currently, the organization is focused on the definitive demolition of Algarrobico, opposing the mega cellulose plant Altri, defending Urdaibai, and denouncing major corporations such as Repsol and Santander. The protection of Doñana, Mar Menor, the Tablas de Daimiel, and initiatives like the T-leva single fare or energy communities are examples of the fight against the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.

According to Eva Saldaña, executive director of the organization, «our more than 155,000 members and thousands of volunteer activists are the greatest guarantee of our independence and power.» One of these significant anniversaries coincided with the arrival of two ships, «Arctic Sunrise» and «Witness,» to our coasts to demand effective protection of the oceans and support artisanal fishing.

On April 29, 1978, the Rainbow Warrior sailed from the Thames and arrived on the shores of Galicia to oppose whale hunting. The Spanish navy tried to stop it, but it escaped before reaching port. This was the first action of the environmental organization and the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship, culminating in the opening of the first office in our country in 1984.

«40 years have passed, 40 years without staying silent,» and during this period, the environmental organization became a major reference in environmental issues in our country, implementing relevant campaigns at the local, national, and global levels. It has also carried out an important task of linking and collaborating with other organizations in the climate, social, and ecofeminist movements.

«We have not been silent for 40 years: we have been present in the major eco-social struggles of these four decades. The end of nuclear power plants, waste incineration, chemical spills, fossil fuels, destructive fishing practices, plastic pollution, or the destruction of coastal ecosystems due to wild urbanization These are some of the areas where our organization’s presence has been very relevant and where we have achieved significant successes, despite much more work to be done,» said Eva Saldaña, the executive director of the environmental organization, who also highlighted the role of the environmental organization in expanding the democratic space, working to generate counter-power, change mindsets, and empower activists to transform the future. In this way, the environmental organization launched activities such as camps, solar caravans, activism schools, or solar and forest-friendly schools.

Greenpeace Spain celebrates its 40th anniversary

This significant anniversary coincided with the arrival of two ships to our country from the environmental organization: the legendary icebreaker Arctic Sunrise and the sailboat Witness, which will sail along our coasts in June to demand the immediate ratification of the Global Oceans Treaty, work together with the artisanal fishing sector, and achieve effective protection of marine areas.

Ships have always been a fundamental tool in the environmental organization’s campaigns to witness, act against the threats facing the planet. They are also an opportunity to research and document marine biodiversity, reach citizens, advocate politically, empower local communities, and show firsthand the work they do around the world.

Greenpeace Spain… the fight continues

On this anniversary, the environmental organization presents itself as a mature, reference, and uncomfortable organization for the powerful. A great team of dedicated people advocating for a distributed power model, in the hands of the people and not large corporations as it is today.

«We are an uncomfortable organization because we are relentless in our struggles, and we are independent because we are only accountable to our 155,000 members and donors, who trust the environmental organization to build a greener, fairer, and more peaceful world. Popular power is our strength and what makes us unstoppable. We continue to act every day: the future will be what we want it to be,» stated Saldaña.

Currently, the environmental organization is focused on the definitive demolition of Algarrobico, opposing the mega cellulose plant Altri, fighting against fossil fuels, denouncing the concentration of power and the harm caused by the extractive industry and its financiers, as well as the cases of Repsol and Santander. Also, on the protection and equitable distribution of water, the fight against the climate crisis and biodiversity loss, and the management and protection of oceans, forests, and rural areas, among many other issues.

For all these struggles, the organization offers real solutions and alternatives to ensure a dignified future with a socio-economic model more focused on the well-being of people, the planet, and democracy, beyond endless economic growth or the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few.. Therefore, the environmental organization works to increase the democratic space, exercise the right to peaceful protest, and promote the role and participation of citizens in decision-making and public policies.

Throughout its history, the environmental organization has defended respect for fundamental rights, generating counter-power, showcasing alternatives, advancing the peace agenda, and, now more than ever, creating stories of hopeful futures. so that together we can imagine them and act to achieve them.