It is widely reported that Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has revived a controversial plan to destroy a quarter of Mabira rainforest [ark | more2\ark2 | search] which is a protected area for a sugarcane plantation to produce biofuels. In the face of massive domestic protests and supportive international action by Ecological Internet, two times last year the government had announced the project was dead. The situation illustrates my long held contention that no rainforests are ever truly saved, they are just granted a temporary reprieve, until the next threat comes along and they need to be protected again.

Clearing rainforest to produce biofuel for their alleged climate benefits [search] is the ultimate demonstration of humanity’s death wish. Mr. Museveni has shown himself to be a devious strongman, without honor or conscious. After sending millions of emails protesting his rainforest for biofuels policy, sadly our arsenal may be spent. EI has been blocked from sending protest emails to virtually all parties after repeated volleys. It is up to local citizens to again take to the streets if the project is to be stopped.