timber industry, mainly the logging practices of the Malaysian company, Ta Ann, as she told in an interview on the Journal of Humanitarian Affairs last month. On the first anniversary of her activism, Gibson feels confident about the success of her campaign directed at creating awareness of the value of Tasmanian forests and the impending threat of deforestation. She tells more in the following correspondence. Ernest: Miranda, today you complete one whole year of demonstrating out in the trees to save the forests of Tasmania from timber industry. How do you describe your experience of a year in trees?
Miranda: It has been amazing to be at the top of this tree for an entire year, to witness the beauty of this forest and the wildlife that call it home. Over the four seasons I have come to know this forest so well and this has strengthened my determination to stay until this tree until there is secure protection for Tasmania's ancient forests.
Ernest: Has mother nature been kind to you all this time out in the open?
Miranda: Living at the top of a tree has some amazing benefits, such as spectacular sunrises and sunsets, watching the snow fall in winter and enjoying visits from a diversity of bird life. Of course, there are challenges too. And over the year there has been some harsh weather to contend with, such as hail, sleet, snow and high winds.
Ernest: What kind of feedback has your campaign got during this year?
Miranda: The campaign has been extremely effective in developing global support for the protection of Tasmania's forests. Through this increasing awareness around the world, many people have taken part in the cyber action, sending a message to the corporate customers of Ta Ann. This is the Malaysian company who are driving the logging of Tasmania's high conservation value forests; yet their products are sold internationally labeled as environmentally friendly. The more people who let them know that this is not acceptable, the closer we are to ending this destruction.
Ernest: How has the Australian government responded?
Miranda: The Australian government has broken many promises to provide protection for these forests. I hope, however, that with enough pressure for the global community, the government will provide a world heritage nomination for these globally significant forests and secure their protection for the future.
Ernest: Do you mean to continue your protest against deforestation in 2013 by staying among the trees?
Miranda: I vowed to remain here until the forest is protected. Despite a recent "forest agreement" signed in Tasmania, there is no protection guaranteed for these areas that have been scientifically verified as world heritage value. I hope that these forests will receive the protection they deserve and I will be able to get down soon. The Australian government has an opportunity to nominate these forests for World Heritage protection in February 2013. I hope, with enough international support for such a nomination, we will be able to see an end to the destruction of these forests in 2013. Until that happens, I am committed to continuing my tree top vigil.
Ernest: I am sure your family and friend are proud of you for what you doing for the environment?
Miranda: The hardest thing about being in the tree is really missing my family and friends. They have been really supportive of my action and want to do what they can to bring about the swift protection of these forests so that I can return to the ground. My family misses me very much
Ernest: Well we are proud of you and we hope your effort will really make a difference in the positive direction. Thank you Miranda!
Miranda: Thank you!
For updates, follow Miranda Gibson’s website http://observertree.org/.
