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COD

Greenpeace launches cod-fishing protest

Activists for environmental group Greenpeace have started dropping boulders into EU-protected cod fishing grounds off Sweden to impede bottom-trawling, a spokesperson confirmed on Monday.

Published: 11 August 2009 12:13 CEST
Greenpeace launches cod-fishing protest

The group plans to sink 180 boulders into the sea in the Kattegat sound between Sweden and Denmark in response to allegations that trawl nets used by fishermen cause serious damage to marine wildlife.

Greenpeace spokesperson Staffan Danielsson told AFP that the operation, which

began at 11:30am on Monday, “would have no negative impact on the environment” and said the group had carried out a risk assessment that had been approved by independent researchers.

The boulders, weighing between two and three tonnes, are to be sunk in zones classified as Natura 2000 in the Lilla Middelgrund (179 square kilometres) and Flauden (104 square kilometres).

Natura 2000 is a network of sites around the European Union covered by EU directives aimed at protecting wildlife and their habitats.

Both sites lie about 20 kilometres (15 miles) from Varberg port, off Sweden’s southwest coast.

“We expect to spend one week here to finish the operation and once we have finish in Flauden, we will start in Lilla Middelgrund,” Danielsson said.

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GREENPEACE

Two hospitalized in Munich after activist crashes parachute into Euro 2020 stadium

At least two people were hospitalised Tuesday after a Greenpeace activist crash-landed on the pitch before the Germany-France match at Euro 2020 when his powered parachute microlight struck spidercam cables at Munich's Allianz Arena.

Published: 16 June 2021 09:22 CEST
Two hospitalized in Munich after activist crashes parachute into Euro 2020 stadium
The activist lands on the turf of the Allianz Arena. credit: dpa | Christian Charisius

The pilot flew over the pitch just before kick-off in the Group F clash with “Kick out oil” written on the canopy of his parachute.

However, when the pilot hit television cables above the pitch, it knocked his microlight off balance and he landed on the turf after clipping one of the stands, where the casualties happened.

The activist was arrested soon after landing.

A Munich police spokesman told AFP that at least two people suffered head injuries and “both had to be taken to hospital, we don’t know yet how serious the injuries are”.

The police spokesman said the activist appears to have escaped injury, but “we are considering various criminal charges. Munich police has zero understanding for political actions that put lives at risk”.

UEFA also slammed the botched stunt.

“This inconsiderate act – which could have had very serious consequences for a huge number of people attending – caused injuries to several people attending the game who are now in hospital and law authorities will take the necessary action,” European football’s governing body said in a statement.

The parachutist above the stadium. Photo: dpa | Matthias Balk

“The staging of the match was fortunately not impacted by such a reckless and dangerous action, but several people were injured nonetheless.”

The stunt was a protest against German car manufacturer Volkswagen, one of the sponsors of the European Championship, Greenpeace explained in a Twitter post.

“UEFA and its partners are fully committed to a sustainable Euro 2020 tournament and many initiatives have been implemented to offset carbon emissions,” said UEFA.

Greenpeace said they regretted any harm caused.

“This protest was never intended to disrupt the game or hurt people,” read a Twitter post on Greenpeace’s official German account.

“We hope that everyone is OK and that no one was seriously injured. Greenpeace actions are always peaceful and non-violent.”

“Unfortunately, not everything went according to plan.”

READ MORE: Climate activists rage as Germany opts for drawn-out coal exit

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