In March 2012 the Spanish government approved the exploration oil drilling near the Canary Islands.
This mostly concerns the south coast of Lanzarote and the north coast of Fuerteventura.
For years the inhabitants succeeded with carrying on to connect tourism, culture and nature.
At the north and the north-west coast of Fuerteventura are mostly undeveloped ranges, a huge nature and bird sanctuaries.
From coast to coast, the distance measures only about 20 km. Exactly between, there are exploration drilling planned and already done.
The organization Clean Ocean Project (cleanoceanproject.org) is fighting for the natural environment of our oceans and organizes this petition
Thanks a lot to Bianca
Content :
No oil drilling at the Canary Islands / Save the Canary Islands
Mr. Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament
Mr. José Manuel Durao Barroso, president of the European Commission
Mr. Mariano Rajoy Brey, president of Spanish Government
CC: Mr. Antonio Brufau, president of REPSOL
CC.: Mr. Peter Terium, Chief Executive Officer of RWE Dea Energy
CC.: Mr. Michael Chaney, WOODSIDE´s Chairman
Dear Sirs,
I am aware that the Spanish Government approved the beginning of oil exploration drilling in the Atlantic Ocean, close to the Canary Islands, in March 2012. I have also been informed that the drilling zone will be situated at just 10 kilometres from the main beaches of the island of Fuerteventura and 18 kilometres from the island of Lanzarote, both of which are designated United Nations Biosphere Reserves.
The Canary Islands are one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the world, receiving more than 12 million visitors annually. These visitors enjoy the islands’ beaches, nature, climate and landscapes as well as the culture of their hospitable inhabitants. I have learned that the oil drilling will take place at a depth of more than 5,000 metres, below a seabed situated in ultra-deep waters more than 1,500 meters below the surface of the sea. Furthermore, this ocean floor has recorded consistently intense seismic activity. This undoubtedly increases the risk to the islands, given that 100% of the drinking water is obtained from the sea. Should a black tide similar to that of the Mexican Gulf in 2010 occur, the consequences would be catastrophic for millions of people, and for the future of this archipelago. Simply stated: none of the eight Canary Islands would be saved in the case of a great spill in the area.
This archipelago of 7.000 km² hosts more than 19.000 species of flora and fauna, of which 5,000 are unique on the planet. Furthermore, the Canaries feature four National Parks, and more than 47% of the islands’ territory is protected by agreements and laws of the United Nations, the European Union and Spain. However, the Spanish authorities and the three multinational companies responsible for this project (REPSOL, RWE and WOODSIDE) have taken these values in a minimum consideration, and they also not taken into account the criteria of the Canary Islands Government, nor that of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura’s Council. Our most elementary democratic and ethical codes are being infringed upon.
Numerous people and organizations have joined together to reject this project. This list includes: European Universities, the United States of America, scientific committees of more than 100 countries, UICN, organizations like Oceana, Greenpeace, WWF, Friends of Earth,Ben Magec/Ecologistas en Acción, SECAC (Society for the Studies of Cetaceans on the Canary Archipelago), cultural, artistic, social foundations and hundreds of thousands of individuals. It is absolutely clear that this project is incompatible with the protection of the environment, as well as with energy models that should be developed to take care of our planet. Renowned European tour operators have also alerted about the threat of oil drilling, as they may seriously damage the tourism sector, which is the main economic resource of the Canary Islands. Reduction of the effects of climate change is a responsibility of all Earth’ inhabitants, therefore it is absolutely essential that we reduce the use of fossil fuel and substitute it for renewable energy. The Canaries have the perfect climatic conditions to achieve this important goal.
Consequently, I kindly ask for your involvement, as a matter of urgency, to definitively stop this environmental threat and promote energy models that benefit the common good. In today’s world projects of extreme environmental risk which only benefit the multinational oil companies, have no place in a free, democratic and sensible society such as ours. As a distinguished representative of the people, it is absolutely essential to demonstrate, especially in these times of great distrust, that our politicians are working hard to defend our rights against private interests.
Thank you very much
Posted at 2014-04-19 00:35:23
( updated at 2018-09-17 22:28:11 - fl4sh )
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