Platform ERREKA Bizkaia
Platform ERREKA Bizkaia
We had the opportunity to chat with Josetxo Álvarez, member and member of ERREKA in the form of a Bizkaia skate and approach the ERREKA platform. What we bring to this article is a summary of the boring discourse with Josetxo.
Elh. : What is and when was the ERREKA platform created?
J.A. : The ERREKA platform is a proposal to create the ecological movement of Hego Euskal Herria.
However, and analyzing a little history, we can say that it is the new step of an ancient intention. Until the creation of the platform a few years ago, many environmental groups organized and led debates on the union of forces within the environmental movement in Euskal Herria. These debates reached their highest level at the Rio de Janeiro Summit and in the spring of 1992 the platform was created to awaken ecological sensitivity in Hego Euskal Herria. During this period all the ecological groups operating in Hego Euskal Herria met on this platform. A year later, the “Eco-works” were organized in which two levels were worked: environmental and organizational. The environment did not provoke scandals. Yes organization, so the initial platform was cancelled. As we were very clear what had to be done in Bizkaia, we got underway and in October last year we created the ERREKA platform.
Elh. : What are the objectives of the ERREKA platform?
J.A. : I would say it has two main objectives. On the one hand the creation of the network and on the other the strengthening of the groups. The ERREKA platform is not an organization or wants to be. It aims to be a space for sharing information, communication and joint work. The essence of ecologism is the transformation of the model of social development and lifestyle. That is, there are many people who defend ecologism, but they also do it. They coincide with the ecological movement, but attitudes are different. For example, even if it is against pollution, the car is essential. Ecologism has as its mission the conversion of values and social education and for this we must be strong. We cannot do it individually and it is essential to get together. But, on the other hand, local groups are necessary to allow us to integrate into society. Therefore, both are important if we want to be effective.
Elh. : How is the ERREKA platform constituted and how does it work?
J.A. : It is formed by people and groups and has total autonomy. It has no dependence or representation of other ecological groups.
We have administrative office and management commission. His task is to channel management and bureaucratic tasks. Half of its members change every six months and we try to pass it all, because that seems positive to us.
On the other hand, every three months the General Boards are held, in which they propose and approve the actions to be carried out in the next quarter. Working groups are also organized to channel the decisions taken.
Elh. : What kind of actions have you carried out and organized in the last two years?
J.A. : In the last two years we have worked two ways. Since the creation of the ERREKA platform, how to create the network, how to channel information, how to strengthen groups, how to create new groups and members, etc. and socialize the ecological message. Following this second path, two weeks have been organized, one last year and another this year.
In this last way several working groups and commissions have been organized: To analyze the situation of Natural Parks; to denounce the 50th anniversary of the International Bank, a coordination group has been formed with other non-governmental groups called “Misfortunes”; a commission to channel hunting and studies on forests; etc.
A special effort has been made around garbage that, in our view, constitutes the largest ecological problem in the Basque Country. In the case of garbage, we must work at two levels: institutional and social. In this last field each and every group can do something in their village, but it is not enough. At another level and for this purpose the platform is necessary. Institutions, such as the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia, have begun the path of incineration. We believe it is not a solution. In this way the economic benefit of some will be achieved, but does not respond to the ecological problem, the problem is exacerbated. On the other hand, it seems to us that other resources can not be burned that can be useful (paper, plastic...).
The role of ecologists is to propose other solutions and mentalize society. The recycling policy is fundamental and for this we have launched a recycling campaign. It is important to create materials recycling systems and in most of the municipalities of Bizkaia it is necessary to take steps to develop this recycling system (selective collection, etc. ). On the other hand, as important as developing waste recycling systems is the reduction of waste generation and social mentalization. In that we are also.
Elh. : From 15 to 24 April 1994. You have organized a “week”. What have been the objectives of this week?
J.A. The objective of this week has been to promote social participation in favor of the environment. The goal has not been, therefore, for ecologists to act for the environment (since in it we work throughout the year), but to engage society.
Elh. : How do you value the participation of people? What is your assessment?
J.A. : Although we have not had the opportunity to do everything thought, the rating is positive, since the goal has been met. We have managed to socialize and involve people. In some cases actions have been organized, in others not, and that is also good. In a company and in some schools, for example, paper was too much used and less used and recycled. Therefore, in general there has been a lot of participation and we are happy.
Elh. : The short route of the platform is therefore positive. Have you thought to extend the idea to Euskal Herria?
J.A. : As I told him at the beginning, in the first meetings we all met. However, through certain discrepancies, the group broke down. The ecological groups located in Bizkaia and two operating throughout Euskal Herria believed in the idea and we advanced. The rest, with the exception of the Txingudi Coordinator of Gipuzkoa, do not see the need for this platform. Therefore, it is up to them to take the necessary steps. However, we have good relations with the rest of ecological groups of Hego Euskal Herria.
Elh. : To finish, how to participate in the ERREKA platform.
J.A. : Participation in the ERREKA platform can be carried out in two ways. One, through the groups, and that is the way we want to drive, and one on its own. In any case, we want more people to participate and reach new sectors such as universities, researchers and technicians, teachers… To see if with the effort of all we improve the country.
Buletina
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