The activists of Red het Sterrebos will take action at a national level to protect nature in the Netherlands. The forest protectors announced this on Friday in a previously announced statement, before the court in Maastricht.
During the protest in Born, between the end of January and the beginning of February, various demonstrators and organizations met. That collaboration is now being expanded. They are going to launch a platform in which endangered natural areas are mapped, with the call to demonstrate at the relevant locations.
Also read: Activists Sterrebos make statement in court
Cabinet
Groups that have joined the initiative are GroenFront, Code Rood, Extinction Rebellion and Greenpeace. Amelisweerd Niet Asfaleerd is also part of the collective. This is remarkable, because Minister Mark Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management announced on March 30 that the cabinet will nevertheless look at expanding the A27 near Utrecht. For this, part of the forest near Amelisweerd would have to be cut down.
240 euro fine
In the provincial capital, 44 activists had to appear in court on Friday, because they occupied the Sterrebos in Born two months ago. The Public Prosecution Service demands fines of up to 240 euros. If it is up to the judiciary, the activists will pay 150 euros for entering prohibited areas. There is also a fine of 90 euros on top of that, because the demonstrators were unable or unwilling to identify themselves.
Also read: OM demands fines of up to 240 euros for activists Sterrebos
VDL Nedcar
By occupying the Sterrebos, the activists wanted to prevent the felling of the Sterrebos. The forest is owned by car manufacturer VDL Nedcar and the company wants to expand there to increase the chance of new clients. Between January 28 and February 8, the forest protectors took action by bivouacking in the trees for days. However, the action was of little use. The Sterrebos felling permit had already been granted and continued as usual.
Also read: Video: Sterrebos slowly turns into barren plains