Europe’s Amazon is safe, for now
January 25, 2025
By Virginia Calvo Lopez
Today we can all be proud: together, we’ve used our power to defend our very own Amazon in Europe.
Together, we stopped the construction of a massive, outdated dam project that would have destroyed Europe’s Amazon.
Polesia, the vast and pristine region in Eastern Europe—so wild, beautiful, and rich in biodiversity that it rivals the Amazon itself—is safe, for now. [1]
This is how we stopped big corporations and the Polish government from gambling one of Europe’s greatest natural treasures:
- We raised awareness: Our fun, engaging quiz introducing tens of thousands to this hidden gem we call “Europe’s Amazon.”
- We ignited a movement: Nearly 145,000 people demanded that the European Commission intervene to protect Polesia.
- We took action: We couldn’t let the Polish government destroy Europe’s Amazon. So, alongside grassroots organizations, we filed a formal complaint to the European Parliament.
- We inspired others. Jannis, one of the youngest members of our community, created a mini-documentary showcasing what we were fighting for. [2]
Our momentum didn’t stop there. The media picked up the story, and key Polish politicians began publicly supporting our cause.
The Tweet says:"The E40 waterway is a reckless plan to cover the Vistula River with concrete. We need to stop this madness!"
Timing was everything: in the run up to the Polish national elections: we spoke directly with candidates. Some of those we engaged with now hold key positions, like the Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Climate and Environment, in Poland.
Together, we shined a spotlight on an issue hidden from many, mobilised Europeans, and compelled decision-makers in Warsaw and Brussels to react to what Europeans had to say!
This is people power at its finest—and it wouldn’t have been possible without this community.
As we celebrate this victory, we remain vigilant. Big corporations seeking profit from unnecessary dams won’t give up easily, and neither will we.
Our momentum didn’t stop there. The media picked up the story, and key Polish politicians began publicly supporting our cause.
The Tweet says:"The E40 waterway is a reckless plan to cover the Vistula River with concrete. We need to stop this madness!"
Timing was everything: in the run up to the Polish national elections: we spoke directly with candidates. Some of those we engaged with now hold key positions, like the Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Climate and Environment, in Poland.
Together, we shined a spotlight on an issue hidden from many, mobilised Europeans, and compelled decision-makers in Warsaw and Brussels to react to what Europeans had to say!
This is people power at its finest—and it wouldn’t have been possible without this community.
As we celebrate this victory, we remain vigilant. Big corporations seeking profit from unnecessary dams won’t give up easily, and neither will we.){kind=link}