The Peace Action, Training and Research Institute of Romania (PATRIR) is a non-governmental organization founded in March 2001. It uses democratic and participatory processes in order to peacefully transform conflicts and human rights violations. It also promotes sustainable development, diversity and environmental protection.
Gabriel Resources (TSX: GBU) is a junior Canadian mining company which, via RMGC, intends to realize Europe’s largest open-cast mining development in Rosia Montana. The project entails, amongst other, the involuntary resettlement of over 2000 people as well as the destruction of unique archaeological and natural sites. From its onset the development has been beleaguered by scandals, operational problems and vehement local, national and international opposition. The movement to save Rosia Montana has given rise to Romania’s largest civil society coalition; comprising the support of numerous NGOs, universities, academic institutions, churches, personalities and opinion leaders.
As RMGC is desperately trying to obtain its’ environmental license it needs to try appeasing civil society opinion which also involves so-called ?constructive dialogues’ with civil society leaders. PATRIR’s contribution to the save Rosia Montana campaign consisted of a team of volunteers who, for over two years, regularly stayed in Rosia Montana and were actively involved in all of the movement’s aspects. An important policy amongst all involved partners has been to?only talk to the mining company during official and legally constituted meetings; such as public consultations. The ?Save Rosia Montana’ team’s separation is due to senior PATRIR staff holding private meetings with representatives of Rosia Montana Gold Corporation (RMGC) and Gabriel Resources.
?Mining companies all over the world are using these kind of tactics to green-wash their dirty projects and to portray those refusing to engage in ?constructive’ dialogue as ?fundamentalists.’ Truth is that meeting RMGC only consists of listening to their monologue,? says Bogdan Bindea of Greenpeace CEE.
?RMGC has no social license; neither in Rosia Montana or in Romania. Therefore the only way out is for them to fake dialogue and social responsibility,? says Eugen David, president of Alburnus Maior.
?The movement is a colorful and creative action built on values such as integrity and responsibility. It is obvious that we will continue to support and work with those who defend such values,? comments Luminitia Dejeu of Mindbomb’s ?Save Rosia Montana’ working group.
?Our decision to leave will only make us stronger. Just as is the case with the struggle to save Rosia Montana: if you stand up for what you believe in, you will win,? concludes Tudor Bradatan from the ?Save Rosia Montana’ team.