[EGP] EGP PRESS RELEASE : European Greens urge IOC to reject Sochi for 2014 Winter Olympics on environmental grounds

["Graham Burgess" <graham.burgess@europeangreens.net>]

 

03.07.2007                                                                        

 

 

European Greens urge IOC to reject Sochi’s application to hold 2014 Winter Olympics

 

 

On the eve of the International Olympic Committee’s decision on where the 2014 Winter Olympic Games will be held, the spokespersons of the European Green Party today called on the IOC to reject the application by the Russian city of Sochi on environmental grounds.

 

EGP Co-Spokesperson Philippe Lamberts said: “The plans to hold the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi do not only threaten the unique natural heritage of the Sochi National Park but also risk causing serious damage to the buffer zone of the “Western Caucusus” World Heritage Site. This area is the largest intact mountain territory in Europe and we cannot allow its ecosystem to be destroyed. If Sochi is chosen as the host venue for the 2014 Winter Olympics, ancient forests will be cut down and roads will be built through areas of outstanding scientific interest and natural beauty. The IOC must not be complicit in this act of environmental vandalism.”

 

 

EGP Co-Spokesperson Ulrike Lunacek continued: “Holding the Winter Olympics in Sochi would not only have a detrimental effect on the environment but would also result in serious social problems for the local residents. Many residents would have to be forcefully removed from their homes and their quality of life would be severely reduced by the environmental damage caused. We urge the Russian government to spend the billions of euros that they intend to invest in preparations for the Winter Olympics on solving the country’s social problems which require urgent attention.”

 

 

Graham Burgess

Communications Officer

European Green Party

email:graham.burgess@europeangreens.org

Tel no: +32 2 626 0724

Mobile no: +32 477 902 023