As we maintain our presence at blockades to protect ancient forests, Rainforest Flying Squad members are honoured to receive support from the esteemed Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger.
Diana Beresford-Kroeger is a renowned biologist and author, and the subject of the popular documentary, Call of the Forest. Raised with a knowledge of ancient Celtic law, which bears many similarities to the natural law of Indigenous peoples, she was told she had a mission to share her knowledge with the world at this time.
Click here to download the statement from Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger
It can take 5,000 years to create the rich, complex ecosystems we call “old-growth forests”.
Yet within mere days, ancient forests and everything within them can be — and are — destroyed.
Our lives at this time are severely limited by the current pandemic. Surely we can see the urgency of saving the old-growth forests some call ‘Mother Nature’s medicine chest’.
People everywhere are demanding vaccines. We need medicines to save those desperately ill with Covid19 or its variants. We need effective treatments for the ‘long-haulers’ — those who survive the virus, but are left with symptoms that are long-lasting and disabling.
And we still need much more: better cancer treatments, antibacterial, antiviral, and antibiotic medicines. We depend on medicines to maintain our health and to save our lives.
Old-growth forests hold at least some of the answers. These incredibly rich, fertile ecosystems contain plants, fungi, bacteria, and microorganisms that grow nowhere else. Indigenous peoples everywhere found their medicines in nature. Many of the medicines we already use came from trees or forest: aspirin, other painkillers, and some cancer treatments, among many others.
Due to climate change and human impact, the conditions of the previous 5,000 years will not be repeated. Truly, these forests are irreplaceable. To cut them down is to destroy untold potential medicines.
Old-growth forests are treasure chests of biological compounds. Are they as important as jobs? As guitar tops, or even home-building? Second-growth forests are now abundant and can provide those jobs and needed materials.
This is about saving lives. Now, and in the future.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
media@laststandforforests.com
We must stand up to the governments who permit huge companies to cut down trees for profit while ignoring the truth of how it contributes to the extinction of species and medicines and the ‘lungs’ of the earth. What can we do to have them listen to those of us who know the travesty that has been happening across Canada , including the boreal forest in Saskatchewan which is dwindling every day, affecting wildlife, the land and waters. My heart breaks for all life that is lost in the process and for the disconnection of our souls from nature.