The Sami people of northern Sweden and the Nasa and Misak peoples of southwestern Colombia have one thing in common: vast forests that threaten their livelihoods. These two communities, despite being separated by great geographical distance, have come together in opposition to the activities of an Irish multinational company. They are demanding a dignified life and condemning the impact that Smurfit Westrock has had on their ancestral territories.
In Piteå, just over 200 kilometers southeast of the Korsträsk timber stacks, there is a prime example of the development described by Leif Lundberg: the Irish company Smurfit Westrock, Europe's largest kraftliner factory. This plant has an annual production capacity of 700,000 tonnes of kraftliner, a type of paper used in the production of corrugated cardboard. This material is used, among other things, in packaging for products from e-commerce companies such as Zalando and HelloFresh.
Back in Cauca, Colombia, José Tombe organised a minga — a traditional form of collective action rooted in the traditions of Colombia's indigenous peoples — which felled about three hectares of pine trees in two hours. While this is barely a dent for the company, it is a significant act of resistance and dignity for the Nasa people, who suffer not only persecution and pressure from the multinational, but also the negative consequences of these trees, which dry up rivers and render the land unusable due to agrochemical use.
Key findings
- Violation of territorial and cultural rights: Smurfit WestRock's presence has led to conflicts with the indigenous Nasa, Misak, and Sami communities due to the exploitation of natural resources without respect for their traditional territories and cultural autonomy.
- Environmental degradation: The multinational's operations have contributed to deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss in these regions, affecting traditional livelihoods and the health of communities.
- Impact on the economy and traditional ways of life: The conglomerate's industrial extraction and production has displaced ancestral activities such as agriculture, gathering, and fishing, weakening indigenous economies.
- Lack of consultation and participation: In many cases, the multinational has operated without adequate prior, free, and informed consultation, violating the rights of communities and perpetuating inequality.
- Cultural erosion: The company's presence has contributed to the loss of languages, traditions, and ancestral knowledge due to the imposition of external economic and cultural models.
Image by Dahian Cifuentes: A Minga organised by the Nasa community to fell pine forests planted by Smurfit Westrock in Cajibío, Cauca, Colombia.
