Thousands participate in Lima march for the planet
12 Dec 2014 1:09 AM GMT
Students, environmentalists, workers, women’s defenders, anti-poverty activists and indigenous groups joined the “People’s Climate March” in the Peruvian capital, chanting “Water yes, gold no! The water is ours!”
The colorful line of festive protesters snaked its way from El Campo de Marte park in the city center to Plaza San Martin, accompanied by rhythmic drumming and brass bands.
Police estimated the crowd at some 1,800 people.. A carnival-like atmosphere characterized the two-kilometer (1.2-mile) walk in the hot sun, with larger-than-life puppets and stilt-walkers towering over the crowds, many in traditional Peruvian dress.
They waved placards demanding “100 percent clean energy,” and banners declaring “Life is worth more than gold,” as a large police contingent looked on. Ronald Guillen, from the Admicco organization defending the interests of Peruvian coastal communities, said this was an issue of survival.
“A change in weather can be bad for all the things that we build on the coast,” he said mid-rally.
“It could be dangerous for the people.” Hip hop artist Brian Palacios, 20, the bottom half of his face covered by a scarf, said he was at the rally “because we have to stop the pollution.”
The colorful line of festive protesters snaked its way from El Campo de Marte park in the city center to Plaza San Martin, accompanied by rhythmic drumming and brass bands.
Police estimated the crowd at some 1,800 people.. A carnival-like atmosphere characterized the two-kilometer (1.2-mile) walk in the hot sun, with larger-than-life puppets and stilt-walkers towering over the crowds, many in traditional Peruvian dress.
They waved placards demanding “100 percent clean energy,” and banners declaring “Life is worth more than gold,” as a large police contingent looked on. Ronald Guillen, from the Admicco organization defending the interests of Peruvian coastal communities, said this was an issue of survival.
“A change in weather can be bad for all the things that we build on the coast,” he said mid-rally.
“It could be dangerous for the people.” Hip hop artist Brian Palacios, 20, the bottom half of his face covered by a scarf, said he was at the rally “because we have to stop the pollution.”
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