Chana’s Tale: A Community’s Fight for Ecological Justice and the Role of Greenpeace

Voices from Chana

In a world increasingly aware of environmental conservation, the story of Chana district in Songkhla, Thailand, emerges as a poignant example of community resilience and the global fight for ecological justice. The narrative of Chana is intertwined with the valorous voyages of the Rainbow Warrior, a vessel synonymous with environmental activism under Greenpeace’s banner. This emblematic ship, launched on April 29, 1978, for initiatives like opposing whale hunting in Iceland and contesting the use of polluting incinerators in Thailand, continues its noble mission today by addressing marine threats and advocating for ocean justice.

Throughout June 2024, the Rainbow Warrior is navigating Thai waters, drawing attention to the fragile state of the nation’s oceanic biodiversities and urging climate action. In a significant move to engage public consciousness, Greenpeace Thailand hosted “Rainbow Warrior Ship Tour 2024: Ocean Justice” at Museum Siam, shedding light on the pressing threats our oceans face. The tour’s journey through notable locations, including a heartfelt stop in Chana, underscores the urgency of safeguarding marine ecosystems.

At the heart of Chana’s tale is a community’s steadfast commitment to protect its marine wealth against industrial threats. Sparked by a governmental decision in 2019 to convert Chana into an industrial hub without public consent, the local populace has been embroiled in a David vs. Goliath struggle for environmental sovereignty. The absence of even a nominal public hearing before announcing the industrialization plan marked a significant departure from democratic norms and galvanized the local community into action.

Khairiyah Rahmanyah, a spirited activist from Chana, alongside other environmental defenders, has voiced her dissent internationally, including participation in dialogues surrounding the High Seas Treaty in New York. Khairiyah’s advocacy underscores a universal truth: the interconnectedness of our planet’s ecological wellbeing. She argues that protecting local seas like those in Chana contributes to global marine health, highlighting the dire consequences of pollution and habitat destruction on local fisheries and international seafood chains.

Sakanan Plathong, enhancing the discourse, points out the transoceanic journeys of marine species like sea turtles, emphasizing that destruction of habitats in Thailand has cascading effects on global biodiversity. The looming threat of the Land Bridge mega-project, which risks devastating the rich marine life of the Kra Buri estuary, adds another layer of urgency to the environmental cause, potentially impacting recognized biodiversity hotspots.

In their quest to safeguard their home, the community of Chana has turned to grassroots research, documenting the rich biodiversity of their coastal waters to refute industrial narratives. Their findings – a vibrant tapestry of marine life grossly at odds with the claims of industrial proponents – highlight the economic and ecological significance of their coastal region, contributing millions annually from marine resources.

Rather than succumbing to despair following governmental pushback, Chana’s residents have embraced innovative ways to engage with the broader public, leveraging social media and organizing educational events like ‘Look Talay’. Through these initiatives, they not only celebrate their cultural heritage but also educate visitors on the ecological wonders and the importance of preserving the Chana seas from industrial exploitation.

The international community, too, has taken notice. Highlighted at global forums, the plight of Chana reverberates with people worldwide, eliciting solidarity and recognition of the broader implications of their struggle. “We Stand With Chana” has become not just a slogan for a local struggle, but a rallying cry for environmental justice everywhere.

At the core of the Chana story, and indeed the broader environmental movement, is a critique of top-down developmental policies. There’s a growing consensus that sustainable progress can only be achieved through inclusive policies that prioritize community engagement and ecological stewardship. The battle for Chana is more than just a local skirmish over environmental rights; it’s a litmus test for the global community’s willingness to embrace a future where nature and humanity coexist in harmony.

As the Rainbow Warrior sails through Thai waters, it carries with it the aspirations of the Chana community and everyone who stands for a sustainable, just, and equitable world. The journey ahead is challenging, but with shared resolve and collective action, a brighter, greener future is within reach.