/Users/andrea/_magisterarbeit/korpus/clean/trainkorpus/23/file14.html NN ----------------------------------------- : 2006 CD Calendars NNS . SENT You PP are VBP visitor NN number NN website NN re IN design NN by IN Andaleon NP Associates NPS original JJ website NN design NN by IN Doubleclick NP Productions NPS ongoing JJ website NN maintenance NN by IN Joe NP Benham NP WHY WRB OIL NN MANGROVES NNS DO VVP NOT RB MIX VV . SENT The DT demand NN for IN crude JJ oil NN to TO propel VV our PP$ Industrial NP Revolution NP ever RB forward RB comes VVZ with IN a DT high JJ , , too RB often RB , , externalized VVD cost NN , , which WDT few JJ consumers NNS realize VVP or CC think VVP about RB , , yet CC which WDT we PP all RB must MD pay VV for IN . SENT in IN the DT end NN . SENT In IN this DT mad JJ rush NN for IN globalization NN and CC free JJ trade NN , , the DT immense JJ problems NNS created VVN by IN oil NN exploitation NN are VBP made VVN clearer JJR and CC are VBP in IN urgent JJ need NN of IN our PP$ immediate JJ attention NN . SENT This DT urgency NN also RB applies VVZ to TO the DT health NN and CC future NN of IN vast JJ tracts NNS of IN mangrove NN forests NNS which WDT are VBP today RB adversely RB affected VVN by IN oil NN pollution NN and CC related JJ developments NNS . SENT Oil NN spills NNS , , which WDT are VBP quite RB numerous JJ and CC continue VV to TO plague VV the DT petroleum NN industry NN are VBP a DT very RB serious JJ concern NN in IN regards VVZ to TO the DT health NN of IN our PP$ planet's NNS remaining VVG mangrove NN forests NNS . SENT The DT leaked VVN oil NN permeates VVZ the DT coastal JJ waters NNS and CC streams NNS , , coating NN the DT exposed VVN , , air NN breathing NN roots NNS of IN the DT mangroves NNS , , making VVG it PP difficult JJ , , if IN not RB impossible JJ , , for IN the DT plants NNS breathing VVG lenticels NNS to TO perform VV their PP$ essential JJ functions NNS , , thus RB in IN effect NN slowly RB suffocating VVG the DT mangroves NNS . SENT Massive JJ mangrove NN die VVP offs NNS are VBP a DT common JJ phenomena NNS plaguing VVG the DT mangrove NN regions NNS where WRB coastal JJ oil NN exploitation NN occurs VVZ . SENT Photo NP Nijer NP Delta NP , , with IN wetlands NNS ruined VVN by IN oil NN spills NNS Because IN oil NN spills VVZ often RB occur VV in IN remote JJ regions NNS , , these DT innumerable JJ accidents NNS may MD go VV for IN long JJ periods NNS undetected JJ , , and CC are VBP consequently RB very RB difficult JJ to TO clean VV up RP in IN an DT effective JJ and CC timely JJ manner NN . SENT Also RB , , becasuse VV the DT harmful JJ effects NNS of IN such JJ spillages NNS are VBP so RB devastatingly RB long JJ term NN , , international JJ efforts NNS to TO conserve VV these DT invaluable JJ coastal JJ wetland NN ecosystems NNS are VBP thwarted VVN . SENT And CC , , the DT affected JJ mangrove NN forests NNS are VBP being VBG rapidly RB degraded VVN by IN the DT careless JJ workings NNS of IN the DT petroleum NN industry NN . SENT Today NN , , an DT immensely RB important JJ case NN in IN point NN exists VVZ in IN Nigeria NP where WRB petroleum NN and CC natuiral JJ gas NN extraction NN has VHZ been VBN carried VVN out RP with IN careless JJ abandon VV by IN multi NNS national JJ oil NN interests NNS . SENT These DT mega JJ corporations NNS , , operating VVG without IN constraints NNS , , have VHP been VBN sinking VVG their PP$ wells NNS to TO the DT ultimate JJ depths NNS of IN human JJ depravity NN , , violating VVG both DT human JJ rights NNS and CC all DT ecological JJ principles NNS in IN their PP$ heedless JJ quest NN for IN greater JJR profits NNS for IN fewer JJR pockets NNS . SENT MAP NN joins VVZ other JJ earnest JJ voices NNS in IN calling VVG for IN an DT international JJ forum NN or CC commission NN to TO be VB established VVN which WDT will MD set VV strict JJ environmental JJ and CC social JJ standards NNS for IN these DT kinds NNS of IN multi NNS national JJ resource NN extraction NN operations NNS , , and CC begin VV the DT important JJ job NN of IN monitoring VVG and CC regulating VVG these DT operations NNS . SENT In IN short JJ , , we PP are VBP asking VVG for IN tough JJ restrictions NNS on IN modes NNS of IN operations NNS and CC tough JJ sanctions NNS against IN violaters NNS . SENT An DT international JJ body NN to TO carry VV out RP such JJ standards NNS setting VVG and CC enforcement NN might MD operate VV under IN the DT auspices NNS of IN the DT United NP Nations NPS perhaps RB a DT UN NP environmental JJ rights NNS commission NN , , but CC it PP should MD be VB a DT transparant JJ body NN fully RB accountable JJ and CC non JJ alligned NN with IN corporate JJ or CC political JJ interests NNS , , and CC should MD include VV means NNS for IN fair JJ representation NN from IN the DT varied JJ interest NN groups NNS , , such JJ as IN academics NNS , , NGOs NNS , , local JJ government NN officials NNS , , and CC local JJ community NN leaders NNS . SENT Your PP$ further JJR thoughts NNS and CC advice NN on IN this DT draft NN recommendation NN are VBP appreciated VVN . SENT Photo NP Shell NP oil NN spill NN ruined VVN drinking NN water NN To TO underscore VV the DT seriousness NN of IN oil NN pollution NN , , MAP's NP director NN joined VVD a DT US NP delegation NN in IN Nigeria NP to TO visit VV the DT Niger NP Delta NP . SENT The DT following NN is VBZ excerpted VVN from IN MAP's NP 44 CD th NN Edition NN of IN the DT Late JJ Friday NP News NP Dear NP Friends NPS , , I PP have VHP just RB returned VVN after IN a DT brief JJ visit NN to TO the DT front JJ lines NNS of IN a DT battlefield NN called VVD the DT Niger NP Delta NP where WRB an DT intense JJ war NN has VHZ been VBN obscurely RB raging VVG for IN over IN 40 CD years NNS now RB . SENT The DT Niger NP Delta NP contains VVZ the DT third JJ largest JJS contiguous JJ mangrove NN forest NN in IN the DT world NN . SENT Once RB rich JJ in IN biodivesity NN and CC teeming VVG with IN marine JJ life NN , , the DT area NN is VBZ now RB being VBG rapidly RB degraded VVN by IN petroleum NN production NN . SENT The DT entire JJ region NN is VBZ engulfed VVN in IN what WP might MD be VB called VVN a DT Petroleum NP War NP a DT war NN fueled VVN by IN the DT uncontrolled JJ avarice NN of IN the DT multinational JJ oil NN conglomerates NNS too RB long RB wed VVN to TO their PP$ ubiquitous JJ cronies NNS and CC mafia NN style NN henchmen NNS in IN government NN . SENT During IN my PP$ second JJ week NN in IN Nigeria NP , , I PP was VBD struck VVN down RP by IN malaria NN wounded VVN in IN battle NN , , you PP might MD say VV another DT victim NN in IN this DT unholy JJ war NN against IN the DT planet NN . SENT But CC the DT roads NNS to TO oil NN riches NNS in IN Nigeria NP are VBP lined VVN with IN countless JJ other JJ victims NNS and CC environmental JJ refugees NNS , , whose WP$ very JJ source NN of IN life NN and CC sustenance NN is VBZ left VVN in IN abject JJ ruin VVP . SENT Yet RB , , this DT is VBZ a DT war NN in IN which WDT there EX can MD be VB no DT victors NNS only JJ victims NNS for IN in IN the DT end NN everyone NN who WP is VBZ native JJ to TO this DT planet NN stands VVZ to TO lose VV . SENT Those DT hundred CD and CC more JJR uncontrolled JJ gas NN flares NNS burning VVG continuously RB for IN decades NNS are VBP adding VVG to TO global JJ warming NN , , eeriliy RB lighting VVG the DT way NN towards IN imminent JJ natural JJ disaster NN , , while IN those DT multifarious JJ oil NN spills NNS and CC pipeline NN leaks NNS are VBP saturating VVG the DT land NN and CC water NN ways NNS , , until IN , , as IN one CD local JJ resident NN put VVD it PP , , There EX are VBP no DT fish NN near IN shore NN now RB , , the DT mangroves NNS are VBP dying VVG , , our PP$ food NN crops NNS will MD not RB grow VV , , our PP$ well NN waters NNS are VBP contaminated VVN , , and CC even RB our PP$ rainwater NN is VBZ no DT longer RBR safe JJ to TO drink VV . SENT The DT feature NN article NN which WDT follows VVZ attempts NNS to TO shed VV more JJR light NN on IN this DT story NN , , which WDT must MD somehow RB be VB told VVN on IN a DT wider JJR scale NN . SENT This DT is VBZ a DT story NN about IN massive JJ power NN failures NNS and CC corporate JJ irresponsibility NN , , about IN news NN blackouts NNS and CC human JJ rights NNS violations NNS . SENT This DT is VBZ also RB a DT story NN of IN the DT immense JJ suffering NN and CC the DT courageous JJ struggle NN of IN the DT people NNS of IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP . SENT It PP is VBZ in IN this DT light NN of IN supporting VVG their PP$ just JJ struggle NN for IN a DT healthy JJ environment NN , , for IN their PP$ self NN determination NN and CC basic JJ human JJ rights NNS , , that IN this DT story NN is VBZ written VVN . SENT And CC , , one CD thing NN I PP have VHP personally RB learned VVN during IN this DT difficult JJ journey NN through IN a DT part NN of IN a DT man NN made VVD inferno NN is VBZ that IN there EX are VBP no DT easy JJ shortcuts NNS on IN the DT road NN to TO sustainability NN . SENT Meanwhile RB , , for IN the DT people NNS of IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP , , the DT struggle NN continues VVZ . SENT . SENT . SENT Towards IN a DT Just RB and CC Sustainable JJ Future NP , , Alfredo NP Quarto NP , , Mangrove NN Action NP Project NP Photo NP Ogoni NP community NN protest NN against IN Shell NP Oil NP The NP Niger NP Delta NP . SENT By IN The DT Light NP Of IN Shell's NP Flares NNS Bursting VVG In IN Air NP . SENT The DT world's JJ 450 CD billionaires NNS alone RB have VHP combined VVN financial JJ assets NNS greater JJR than IN the DT combined JJ annual JJ incomes NNS of IN half NN of IN humanity NN . SENT The DT problem NN arises VVZ from IN a DT predatory JJ global JJ financial JJ system NN , , driven VVN by IN the DT single JJ imperative NN of IN making VVG ever RB more JJR money NN for IN those DT who WP already RB have VHP lots NNS of IN it PP . SENT This DT is VBZ rapidly RB depleting VVG the DT real JJ capital NN the DT human JJ , , social JJ , , natural JJ , , and CC even RB physical JJ capital NN on IN which WDT our PP$ well NN being NN depends VVZ . SENT Excerpts NNS from IN Money NN as IN a DT Social NP Disease NP , , by IN David NP C NP . SENT Korten NP , , May NP 20 CD , , 1997 CD Introduction NN . SENT From IN September NP 6 CD 20 CD , , 1999 CD , , a DT special JJ U NP . SENT S NP . SENT delegation NN visited VVD the DT Niger NP Delta NP to TO witness NN firsthand RB the DT social JJ and CC environmental JJ problems NNS facing VVG residents NNS of IN the DT Delta NP today NN . SENT The DT two CD week NN tour NN of IN the DT Delta NP was VBD organized VVN by IN Global NP Exchange NP and CC Essential JJ Action NP in IN cooperation NN with IN the DT Nigerian JJ NGO NP Environmental NP Rights NPS Action NP ERA NN . SENT The DT following NN is VBZ a DT personal JJ account NN concerning VVG this DT experience NN . SENT A DT Road NP To TO Ruin VV Paved JJ With IN Oil NP Nigeria NP has VHZ been VBN and CC still RB is VBZ a DT union NN of IN vibrant JJ ethnic JJ nationalities NNS . SENT However RB , , since IN the DT days NNS of IN colonial JJ rule NN till IN now RB , , this DT ethnic JJ diversity NN has VHZ too RB often RB been VBN used VVN against IN the DT Nigerian JJ people NNS by IN those DT seeking VVG resource NN riches NNS and CC power NN . SENT The DT forced VVN division NN and CC subjugation NN of IN the DT people NNS is VBZ most RBS evident JJ in IN Southern NP Nigeria NP , , in IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP , , where WRB rich JJ crude JJ oil NN flows NNS from IN the DT severed VVN veins NNS of IN the DT Delta NP into IN the DT awaiting VVG cupped JJ hands NNS of IN the DT multinationals NNS and CC their PP$ corrupt JJ partners NNS in IN local JJ government NN , , leaving VVG the DT Delta NP communities NNS impoverished VVN and CC drained VVN of IN all DT life NN sustenance NN . SENT Though IN once RB rich JJ in IN natural JJ resources NNS , , including VVG extensive JJ mangrove NN forests NNS and CC associated VVN rich JJ coastal JJ fisheries NNS , , the DT Niger NP Delta NP has VHZ been VBN the DT sight NN of IN extreme JJ environmental JJ destruction NN and CC human JJ rights NNS abuses NNS related VVN to TO oil NN exploitation NN . SENT Nevertheless RB , , over IN 40 CD years NNS of IN ruthless JJ military JJ rule NN and CC reckless JJ industrial JJ development NN have VHP not RB quelled VVN the DT local JJ communities NNS , , nor CC kept VVD them PP from IN resisting VVG . SENT Today NN , , the DT devastating JJ activities NNS of IN oil NN companies NNS such JJ as IN Shell NP , , Texaco NP , , Mobil NP , , Chevron NP , , Agip NP , , Elf NP , , and CC NAOC NP , , which WDT are VBP supported VVN by IN Nigerian JJ military JJ and CC mobile JJ police NNS , , are VBP being VBG courageously RB opposed VVN by IN local JJ communities NNS . SENT Popular JJ and CC effective JJ protests NNS , , including VVG non JJ violent JJ occupations NNS of IN oil NN platforms NNS , , have VHP not RB merely RB cut VV oil NN production NN , , but CC instead RB brought VVD needed VVN light NN to TO the DT destructive JJ practices NNS of IN exploitation NN and CC abuses NNS seemingly RB inherent JJ in IN the DT industry's JJ operations NNS in IN the DT Delta NP . SENT Photo NN Mangrove NN Community NP at IN Iko NP Village NP The DT recent JJ election NN of IN retired JJ General NP Olusegun NP Obasanjo NP has VHZ buoyed VVN the DT hopes NNS of IN some DT that WDT democracy NN has VHZ been VBN restored VVN to TO Nigeria NP . SENT Yet RB from IN the DT point NN of IN view NN of IN our PP$ US NP delegation NN visiting VVG in IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP , , proof NN of IN this DT rekindling VVG of IN democratic JJ reform NN is VBZ sadly RB lacking VVG . SENT Instead RB , , a DT murderously RB unjust JJ business NN as IN usual JJ was VBD found VVN to TO be VB still RB prevalent JJ there RB . SENT US PP and CC European JJ multinationals NNS are VBP still RB locked VVN in IN a DT deadly JJ embrace VV with IN corrupt JJ government NN and CC military JJ officials NNS , , threatening VVG any DT serious JJ reform NN measures NNS . SENT We PP also RB found VVD that IN both DT human JJ rights NNS violations NNS and CC environmental JJ destruction NN continue VV on IN the DT Delta NP , , apparently RB unabated JJ by IN Obasanjo's NP election NN . SENT Environment NP Rights NPS Action NP was VBD the DT main JJ local JJ organizer NN of IN our PP$ two CD week NN tour NN , , arranging VVG for IN us PP to TO visit VV numerous JJ Delta NP communities NNS . SENT They PP were VBD in IN a DT sense NN our PP$ tour NN guides NNS through IN some DT unwritten JJ chapter NN of IN Dante's NP Inferno NN . SENT The DT human JJ suffering NN we PP witnessed VVN and CC the DT intense JJ depredations NNS committed VVN by IN the DT oil NN companies NNS and CC the DT government NN against IN both CC the DT people NNS and CC their PP$ environment NN are VBP quite RB sobering JJ to TO behold VV . SENT Yet RB , , the DT people NNS of IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP have VHP not RB lost VVN hope NN , , and CC so RB their PP$ common JJ struggle NN for IN self NN determination NN and CC environmental JJ health NN continues VVZ . SENT In IN December NP 1998 CD , , nearly RB 500 CD Ijaw NP communities NNS and CC over IN 200 CD non JJ governmental JJ organizations NNS around IN the DT world NN endorsed VVD the DT Kaiama NP Declaration NP , , which WDT asked VVD oil NN multinationals NNS operating VVG in IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP to TO voluntarily RB cease VV operations NNS in IN order NN to TO seek VV remedy NN for IN the DT impacts NNS of IN oil NN production NN on IN communities NNS and CC their PP$ environment NN . SENT . SENT . SENT Nigeria NP . SENT victory NN of IN local JJ communities NNS over IN Texaco NP , , from IN the DT World NP Rainforest NN Movement NN Bulletin NP 26 CD , , Sept NP . SENT 10 CD , , 99 CD However RB , , such JJ popular JJ demands NNS for IN justice NN and CC reform NN have VHP not RB been VBN met VVN . SENT Instead RB , , amid IN continuing VVG government NN corruption NN encouraged VVN by IN big JJ money NN interests NNS , , both CC social JJ and CC environmental JJ abuses NNS still RB abound VVP . SENT Terror NN in IN the DT bloodied VVN garb NN of IN tortures NNS , , rapes NNS , , and CC murders NNS have VHP become VVN commonplace JJ . SENT The DT feared VVD Mobil NP Police NP , , the DT so RB called VVN Kill NP and CC Go NP units NNS are VBP responsible JJ for IN innumerable JJ extrajudicial JJ executions NNS , , especially RB during IN the DT recent JJ terrible JJ reign NN of IN the DT late JJ General NP Abacha NP . SENT It PP was VBD under IN Abacha NP that IN the DT famed JJ Ogoni NP environmentalist NN and CC writer NN , , Ken NP Saro NP Wiwa NP , , was VBD hanged VVN , , along RB with IN eight CD of IN his PP$ co NP workers NNS . SENT However RB , , even RB now RB , , the DT Mobile NP Police NNS still RB operate VVP with IN seeming JJ impunity NN in IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP . SENT Some DT regions NNS of IN the DT Delta NP are VBP still RB under IN military JJ rule NN , , where WRB numerous JJ roadblocks NNS and CC inspections NNS contiune NN terrorizing VVG local JJ residents NNS . SENT For IN instance NN , , last JJ week NN in IN the DT troubled JJ state NN of IN Bayelsa NP , , military JJ oppression NN was VBD reported VVN to TO have VH resulted VVN in IN the DT killings NNS of IN over IN 50 CD Ijaw NP youths NNS near IN Yenagoa NP , , the DT capitol NP of IN Bayelsa NP . SENT The DT youths NNS were VBD captured VVN by IN the DT military NN then RB executed VVD their PP$ bodies NNS dumped VVN in IN the DT nearby JJ rivers NNS . SENT We PP were VBD told VVN that IN police NN roadblocks NNS regularly RB stop VV and CC strip VV search NN local JJ travelers NNS , , checking VVG the DT bodies NNS of IN those DT they PP search VVP for IN scars NNS or CC markings NNS which WDT might MD identify VV them PP as IN members NNS of IN an DT oppressed VVN traditional JJ Ijaw NP sect NN , , the DT Egbesu NP . SENT Those DT found VVD with IN suspicious JJ markings NNS are VBP taken VVN away RB and CC executed VVN . SENT Several JJ of IN our PP$ friends NNS at IN ERA NN who WP travelled VVD from IN Port NP Harcourt NP to TO the DT troubled JJ region NN to TO investigate VV reports NNS of IN violence NN , , were VBD themselves PP stopped VVN by IN the DT military JJ police NN and CC threatened VVN with IN automatic JJ weapons NNS pointed VVD at IN their PP$ bellies NNS . SENT They PP were VBD forced VVN to TO turn VV back RB , , but CC fortunately RB were VBD not RB harmed VVN . SENT When WRB our PP$ own JJ delegation NN visited VVN Yenagoa NP two CD days NNS after IN the DT reported VVN violence NN , , we PP ourselves PP were VBD confronted VVN by IN the DT military NN who WP were VBD entrenched VVN by IN the DT river NN at IN the DT so RB called VVN gateway NN to TO the DT Niger NP Delta NP . SENT As IN we PP disembarked VVD from IN our PP$ bus NN , , we PP were VBD met VVN with IN icy JJ stares NNS from IN armed JJ guards NNS who WP moved VVD towards IN us PP nervously RB ordering VVG us PP to TO halt VV . SENT The DT company NN commander NN , , a DT barrel NN chested JJ man NN with IN a DT gruff JJ , , unpleasant JJ manner NN , , ordered VVD us PP back RB on IN the DT bus NN , , spitting VVG out RP the DT command NN that IN if IN any DT of IN us PP snapped VVD a DT photo NN , , he PP would MD snap VVP our PP$ heads NNS off RP . SENT From IN his PP$ mean JJ disposition NN , , we PP suspected VVD he PP was VBD quite RB serious JJ and CC capable JJ of IN fulfilling VVG that DT threat NN . SENT Bayelsa NP State NP is VBZ still RB under IN military JJ control NN one NN might MD say VV siege NN , , though IN the DT governer NN of IN that DT state NN had VHD declared VVN that IN he PP had VHD given VVN the DT army NN orders NNS to TO return VV to TO barracks NN . SENT This DT is VBZ obviously RB not RB the DT case NN , , and CC the DT governor NN of IN Bayelsa NP State NP has VHZ really RB little RB , , if IN any DT , , authority NN over IN these DT occupying JJ forces NNS . SENT Other JJ regions NNS of IN the DT Delta NP which WDT we PP visited VVD did VVD show VV a DT marked JJ decline NN in IN military JJ presence NN , , and CC an DT atmosphere NN of IN hope NN was VBD forming VVG where WRB local JJ residents NNS felt VVD that IN a DT possible JJ window NN of IN opportunity NN existed VVN for IN democratization NN , , but CC it PP was VBD evident JJ that IN much JJ reform NN was VBD still RB needed VVN , , and CC the DT road NN to TO that DT reform NN was VBD perilous JJ . SENT Many JJ oppressive JJ laws NNS which WDT had VHD been VBN decreed VVN by IN previous JJ military JJ dictators NNS , , such JJ as IN the DT late JJ Abacha NP , , are VBP still RB on IN the DT books NNS . SENT Therefore RB , , at IN any DT moment NN the DT valued VVN window NN of IN progressive JJ reform NN could MD very RB swiftly RB be VB closed VVN . SENT Each DT community NN we PP visited VVD had VHD similar JJ complaints NNS against IN the DT oil NN industry NN . SENT Shell NP , , Chevron NP , , Agip NP , , Texaco NP , , and CC Mobile NP were VBD among IN those DT mentioned VVN most RBS often RB in IN their PP$ denouncements NNS . SENT By IN far RB , , Shell NP Oil NP , , which WDT runs VVZ over IN 50 CD of IN oil NN operations NNS in IN the DT Delta NP , , was VBD the DT most RBS notorious JJ and CC troublesome JJ of IN the DT multinationals NNS , , accused VVN by IN locals NNS of IN gross JJ negligence NN involving VVG violations NNS of IN human JJ rights NNS and CC callous JJ disregard NN for IN the DT environment NN . SENT Since IN 1993 CD , , Shell NP Oil NP has VHZ been VBN barred VVN from IN Ogoniland NP where WRB successful JJ resistance NN to TO Shell's NP operations NNS by IN the DT popular JJ Movement NN for IN Survival NN of IN the DT Ogoni NP People NP MOSOP NP has VHZ resulted VVN in IN stoppage NN of IN several JJ Shell NP operations NNS in IN the DT region NN . SENT Photo NP Shell NP oil NN gas NN flare NN burning VVG continuously RB for IN decades NNS . SENT We PP witnessed VVN many JJ continuously RB burning VVG gas NN flares NNS which WDT had VHD been VBN lit VVN and CC steadily RB burning VVG for IN years NNS , , some RB for IN over IN 30 CD to TO 40 CD years NNS , , polluting VVG the DT air NN with IN dangerous JJ CO NP 2 CD and CC methane NN gases NNS , , contributing VVG fiercely RB to TO the DT global JJ warming NN trend NN , , while IN resulting VVG in IN destructive JJ acid NN rains NNS and CC serious JJ contamination NN of IN air NN , , water NN and CC land NN . SENT These DT flares NNS were VBD noisy JJ , , and CC one PP could MD feel VV there RB awful JJ heat NN and CC smell VVP their PP$ associated VVN gases NNS from IN hundreds NNS of IN meters NNS away RB . SENT These DT bright JJ fires NNS at IN night NN lit VVD up RP skies NNS over IN the DT nearby JJ villages NNS . SENT The DT flares NNS danced VVD wild JJ like IN some DT distorted JJ form NN of IN eternal JJ flames NNS casting VVG somber JJ shadows NNS and CC eery JJ orange JJ light NN over IN the DT unfortunate JJ Delta NP communities NNS . SENT Even RB the DT comfort NN of IN night's NNS natural JJ darkness NN was VBD robbed VVN from IN these DT communities NNS who WP existed VVD on IN that DT terrible JJ periphery NN of IN the DT oil NN industry's NN wastefulness NN . SENT Gas NN flaring VVG is VBZ one CD of IN the DT most RBS troublesome JJ legacies NNS of IN the DT oil NN industry NN in IN Nigeria NP . SENT Yet RB , , this DT highly RB contentious JJ practice NN of IN gas NN flaring VVG is VBZ not RB necessary JJ , , and CC in IN fact NN goes VVZ against IN all DT wise JJ use NN practices NNS and CC precautionary JJ principles NNS . SENT Over IN one CD hundred CD such JJ giant JJ gas NN flares NNS are VBP still RB burning VVG both DT onshore JJ and CC offshore JJ , , actually RB changing VVG the DT micro NP climates NNS of IN the DT areas NNS affected VVD . SENT It PP was VBD reported VVN that IN each DT day NN the DT total JJ energy NN wasted VVN in IN Nigeria NP by IN this DT flaring VVG equals VVZ all PDT the DT daily JJ power NN usage NN of IN the DT entire JJ African JJ Continent NN . SENT Numerous JJ residents NNS mentioned VVD the DT flares NNS as IN their PP$ greatest JJS nemesis NN . SENT According VVG to TO an DT IUCN NP funded JJ report NN on IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP produced VVD by IN Environmental NP Rights NPS Action NP , , Flaring VVG of IN associated VVN gas NN must MD be VB considered VVN as IN the DT most RBS significant JJ environmental JJ impact NN of IN the DT Nigerian JJ oil NN industry NN , , both CC locally RB and CC globally RB . SENT . SENT . SENT . SENT 75 CD of IN Nigerian JJ gas NN is VBZ flared VVN . SENT . SENT . SENT These DT errant JJ flaring VVG practices NNS in IN Nigeria NP far RB exceeds VVZ any DT other JJ country's NNS allowable JJ flaring VVG limits NNS . SENT The DT Human NP Ecosystems NNS of IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP , , by IN Nick NP Ashton NP Jones NP , , Susi NP Arnott NP and CC Oronto NP Douglas NP , , 1998 CD , , p NN . SENT 158 CD Mr NP . SENT Bobo NP Brown NP , , Shell's NP public JJ relations NNS officer NN , , actually RB claimed VVD to TO our PP$ delegation NN that IN local JJ residents NNS benefited VVN from IN these DT flares NNS because IN they PP could MD dry VV their PP$ food NN stuffs NNS for IN free JJ by IN setting VVG these DT nearby JJ the DT burning NN gases NNS . SENT Besides IN the DT grave JJ problems NNS associated VVN with IN the DT gas NN flares VVZ , , on IN site NN oil NN leaks NNS and CC ruptured JJ pipelines NNS are VBP commonplace JJ . SENT On IN average NN , , there EX are VBP three CD major JJ oil NN spills VVZ in IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP recorded VVD each DT month NN . SENT In IN the DT first JJ quarter NN of IN 1997 CD alone RB , , Shell NP recorded VVD 35 CD incidents NNS of IN oil NN spills NNS in IN its PP$ operations NNS . SENT . SENT . SENT Land NP , , Oil NP and CC Human NP Rights NPS In IN Nigeria's NP Delta NP Region NN , , Constitutional JJ Rights NP Project NP , , CRP NP , , 1999 CD Forty NN year NN old JJ pipes NNS , , rusty JJ and CC in IN obvious JJ need NN of IN repair NN , , run VVN above IN ground NN , , crisscrossing VVG every DT which WDT way NN in IN cumbersome JJ clusters NNS . SENT When WRB these DT leak NN , , too RB often RB the DT oil NN companies NNS are VBP slow JJ to TO repair VV them PP . SENT One CD Shell NP leak NN near IN Otuegwe NP 1 CD community NN , , was VBD reported VVN to TO have VH spilled VVN over IN 800 CD , , 000 CD barrels NNS of IN crude NN from IN a DT 16 CD inch NN buried VVN pipeline NN which WDT began VVD leaking VVG in IN June NP 1998 CD . SENT The DT leak NN which WDT was VBD in IN a DT remote JJ place NN was VBD not RB repaired VVN till IN months NNS after IN it PP had VHD begun VVN , , and CC the DT resulting VVG devastation NN left VVD the DT residents NNS of IN Otuegwe NP 1 CD community NN at IN a DT serious JJ loss NN . SENT The DT economic JJ and CC cultural JJ heart NN of IN the DT community NN was VBD seriously RB imperiled VVN . SENT Report NN From IN Nigeria NP 2 CD , , by IN Michael NP Fleshman NP , , Human NP Rights NPS Coordinator NP , , Africa NP Fund NP , , June NP 17 CD , , 99 CD According VVG to TO Michael NP Fleshman NP , , who WP visited VVD the DT remote JJ site NN of IN this DT extensive JJ spilll NN , , The DT impact NN of IN the DT spill NN on IN the DT community NN has VHZ been VBN devastating VVG , , as IN the DT oil NN has VHZ poisoned VVN their PP$ water NN supply NN and CC fishing NN ponds NNS , , and CC is VBZ steadily RB killing VVG the DT raffia NN palms NNS that WDT are VBP the DT community's JJ economic JJ mainstay NN . SENT Lacking VVG any DT other JJ alternative NN , , the DT people NNS of IN the DT village NN have VHP been VBN forced VVN to TO drink VV polluted JJ water NN for IN over IN a DT year NN , , and CC the DT community NN leaders NNS told VVD us PP that IN many JJ people NNS had VHD become VVN ill RB in IN recent JJ months NNS and CC that IN some DT had VHD died VVN . SENT . SENT . SENT . SENT The DT sight NN that WDT greeted VVD us PP when WRB we PP finally RB arrived VVD at IN the DT spill NN was VBD horrendous JJ . SENT A DT thick JJ brownish JJ film NN of IN crude JJ oil NN stained VVD the DT entire JJ area NN , , collecting VVG in IN clumps NNS along IN the DT shoreline NN and CC covering VVG the DT surface NN of IN the DT still JJ water NN . SENT . SENT . SENT M NP . SENT Fleshman NP , , June NP 99 CD . SENT During IN the DT last JJ four CD decades NNS , , over IN 300 CD billion CD worth NN of IN crude JJ oil NN have VHP been VBN extracted VVN from IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP wetlands NNS , , earning VVG huge JJ profits NNS for IN a DT privileged JJ few JJ , , while IN virtually RB robbing VVG the DT affected JJ communities NNS of IN both DT life NN and CC livelihood NN . SENT Disgracefully RB , , the DT oil NN companies NNS do VVP not RB take VV responsibility NN for IN the DT ecological JJ disasters NNS their PP$ operations NNS engender VV . SENT And CC , , the DT real JJ costs NNS of IN oil NN production NN are VBP externalized VVN by IN the DT multinationals NNS to TO be VB borne VVN unfairly RB by IN the DT communities NNS of IN the DT Niger NP Delta NP . SENT Even RB the DT many JJ oil NN leaks NNS are VBP conveniently RB labelled VVN by IN the DT companies NNS as IN sabatage NN , , thus RB placing VVG the DT blame NN on IN the DT local JJ communities NNS where WRB the DT spills NNS occur VVP . SENT This DT supposedly RB exonerates VVZ the DT oil NN companies NNS of IN all DT responsibility NN for IN swift JJ repairs NNS and CC compensations NNS . SENT We PP heard VVD many JJ stories NNS of IN spills NNS which WDT Shell NP allowed VVD to TO continue VV unabated JJ , , while IN the DT affected JJ communities NNS received VVD no DT fair JJ compensation NN , , simply RB because IN Shell NP placed VVD the DT blame NN on IN the DT local JJ residents NNS . SENT Often RB the DT sabatage NN claim NN was VBD reached VVN by IN Shell NP officials NNS before IN any DT team NN of IN investigators NNS actually RB came VVD to TO inspect VV the DT site NN of IN the DT leak NN . SENT From IN our PP$ own JJ observations NNS of IN existing VVG above IN ground NN pipelines NNS some DT clearly RB affected VVN by IN rust NN and CC corrosion NN it PP was VBD obvious JJ that IN many JJ leaks NNS in IN the DT system NN could MD easily RB occur VV on IN their PP$ own JJ . SENT We PP visited VVD the DT community NN of IN Umuebulu NP , , where WRB Shell NP had VHD illicitly RB sited VVN a DT chemical JJ waste NN dump NN within IN 50 CD meters NNS of IN the DT nearby JJ community NN . SENT Members NNS of IN our PP$ delegation NN were VBD stunned VVN to TO view VV this DT site NN through IN the DT erected VVN fence NN barrier NN which WDT kept VVD us PP out RP , , but CC was VBD no DT deterrent NN against IN the DT noxious JJ fumes NNS of IN dangerous JJ chemicals NNS carelessly RB stored VVD there RB . SENT Shell NP had VHD purchased VVN the DT land NN originally RB to TO supposedly RB build VV a DT housing NN complex NN for IN its PP$ workers NNS , , but CC instead RB secretly RB established VVN the DT dumpsite NN . SENT Now RB , , village NN well NN waters NNS and CC the DT surrounding VVG air NN were VBD suspect JJ of IN being VBG poisoned VVN by IN the DT chemical JJ soup NN leaching VVG from IN ill RB devised VVN open JJ pit NN holding NN ponds NNS and CC stored VVD leaky JJ barrels NNS . SENT Everywhere RB we PP visited VVD we PP viewed VVD the DT resulting VVG destruction NN of IN the DT local JJ environment NN and CC the DT oppressed VVN communities NNS affected VVN by IN what WP can MD accurately RB be VB described VVN as IN an DT outlaw NN oil NN industry NN . SENT Under IN the DT somber JJ shadow NN of IN this DT industry NN of IN wealth NN , , millions NNS of IN Niger NP Delta NP residents NNS try VVP to TO survive VV . SENT The DT irony NN of IN so RB much JJ oil NN being VBG extracted VVN from IN the DT same JJ lands NNS where WRB abject JJ poverty NN has VHZ itself PP become VV institutionalized VVD was VBD not RB lost VVN on IN us PP . SENT Over IN the DT last JJ 40 CD years NNS , , billions NNS of IN dollars NNS in IN profits NNS are VBP earned VVN each DT year NN , , as IN millions NNS of IN barrels NNS of IN oil NN are VBP extracted VVN . SENT Meanwhile RB , , the DT very JJ life NN blood NN of IN the DT reghion NN is VBZ being VBG drained VVN high JJ unemployment NN , , failing VVG crops NNS , , declining VVG wild JJ fisheries NNS , , poisoned VVN waters NNS , , dying VVG forests NNS and CC vanishing VVG wildlife NN . SENT Even RB the DT rainwater NN is VBZ acidic JJ and CC poisoned VVN . SENT What WP more JJR can MD the DT oil NN companies NNS take VVP from IN the DT people NNS . SENT And CC , , what WP should MD they PP be VB required VVN to TO give VV back RB . SENT At IN the DT mangrove NN community NN of IN Akwa NP Ibom NP in IN Iko NP , , we PP found VVD the DT same JJ sad JJ refrain NN , , with IN yet RB another DT painful JJ twist NN added VVD . SENT Shell NP Oil NP came VVD to TO the DT region NN in IN 1974 CD , , establishing VVG oil NN wells NNS amid IN the DT once RB healthy JJ and CC productive JJ mangrove NN forest NN . SENT The DT Akwa NP Ibom NP community NN had VHD made VVN its PP$ living NN before IN by IN fishing NN and CC farming NN , , gathering VVG their PP$ wood NN for IN house NN construction NN and CC for IN fuel NN from IN the DT nearby JJ mangroves NNS . SENT Before IN Shell NP came VVD to TO their PP$ area NN , , the DT community NN had VHD economic JJ stability NN and CC could MD support VV itself PP . SENT There EX was VBD always RB plenty RB of IN healthy JJ food NN and CC clean JJ water NN , , and CC the DT mangroves NNS provided VVD dependable JJ sustenance NN . SENT However RB , , all DT of IN this DT changed VVN when WRB Shell NP arrived VVD . SENT Earning VVG a DT living NN from IN once RB dependable JJ resources NNS was VBD impossible JJ , , as IN repeated VVN oil NN leaks NNS coated VVN the DT breathing VVG roots NNS of IN the DT mangroves NNS , , thus RB killing VVG off RP parts NNS of IN the DT forest NN , , and CC burning VVG gas NN flares NNS poisoned VVN their PP$ air NN and CC drinking NN water NN . SENT Their PP$ very JJ way NN of IN life NN . SENT was VBD threatened VVN . SENT When WRB deteriorating VVG conditions NNS finally RB became VVD unbearable JJ , , in IN 1987 CD the DT community NN leaders NNS approached VVD Shell NP , , asking VVG for IN fair JJ compensation NN for IN their PP$ lost JJ resources NNS and CC for IN a DT solution NN to TO their PP$ growing VVG environmental JJ problems NNS . SENT Instead RB of IN negotiating VVG with IN the DT community NN , , Shell NP alerted VVD the DT feared VVN mobile JJ police NNS who WP invaded VVD the DT village NN at IN night NN , , burning VVG down RP many JJ houses NNS and CC killing VVG a DT school NN teacher NN . SENT This DT surprise NN attack NN was VBD meant VVN to TO teach VV the DT community NN a DT hard JJ lesson NN one NN they PP would MD not RB soon RB forget VV . SENT Still RB , , today NN , , those DT burned VVN out IN structures NNS stand VVP among IN the DT rebuilt VVD village NN , , mute JJ reminders NNS of IN the DT tyranny NN which WDT can MD be VB unleashed VVN at IN the DT slightest JJS provocation NN . SENT After IN this DT tragic JJ incident NN , , Shell NP built VVD the DT villagers NNS a DT fish NN drying VVG station NN and CC processing NN plant NN , , but CC this DT was VBD ill RB designed VVN and CC was VBD a DT further JJR slap NN in IN the DT community's NNS face VVP . SENT Because IN of IN the DT loss NN in IN the DT productivity NN of IN the DT mangroves NNS , , fishing NN was VBD now RB nearly RB impossible JJ , , and CC to TO add VV insult NN to TO injury NN , , Shell NP provided VVD no DT generator NN or CC electric JJ power NN to TO run VV the DT fish NN drying VVG plant NN , , which WDT instead RB sat VVD idle JJ . SENT The DT same JJ fate NN befell VVD the DT Shell NP built VVD cassava NN grinding VVG facility NN no DT power NN to TO run VV the DT machine NN . SENT Evidence NN of IN such JJ misguided JJ altruism NN seems VVZ to TO follow VV Shell NP at IN every DT turn NN , , as RB if IN the DT company NN is VBZ involved VVN in IN some DT cruel JJ tortured JJ game NN played VVN at IN the DT expense NN of IN the DT affected JJ local JJ communities NNS . SENT In IN Ogoni NP land NN we PP visited VVD the DT site NN of IN a DT decrepit JJ hospital NN facility NN which WDT had VHD supposedly RB been VBN supported VVN by IN Shell NP . SENT The DT facility NN , , though IN still RB functioning VVG , , was VBD in IN near JJ ruins NNS , , and CC its PP$ beleagured JJ staff NN undermanned JJ and CC unpaid JJ for IN six CD months NNS . SENT Many JJ building NN windows NNS were VBD broken VVN and CC conditions NNS within IN extremely RB unsanitary JJ . SENT Lack NN of IN medicines NNS and CC proper JJ equipment NN were VBD serious JJ problems NNS . SENT Toilet NN facilities NNS were VBD abomitable JJ , , as RB were VBD the DT so RB called VVN men's NN quarters NNS . SENT There EX was VBD no DT clean JJ water NN for IN the DT patients NNS and CC staff NN , , and CC often RB patients NNS left VVD the DT hospital NN in IN worse JJR health NN than IN when WRB they PP entered VVD . SENT Shell NP had VHD built VVN a DT water NN tower NN and CC begun VVN an DT unsuccessful JJ bore NN hole NN , , but CC unceremoneously RB abandoned VVD the DT whole JJ project NN , , leaving VVG the DT staff NN to TO rely VV on IN polluted JJ rain NN water NN and CC suspect JJ water NN from IN an DT existing JJ shallow JJ well NN . SENT The DT hospital NN had VHD no DT electricity NN , , yet RB , , under IN the DT guise NN of IN some DT strange JJ misguided JJ sentiment NN , , Shell NP had VHD donated VVN an DT electrolyte NN analysis NN machine NN which WDT sat VVD idle JJ for IN lack NN of IN power NN to TO run VV the DT maschine NN . SENT Also RB , , a DT brand NN new JJ and CC quite RB expensive JJ autoclave NN machine NN intended VVN for IN sterilizing VVG surgical JJ instruments NNS and CC run VVN by IN diesel JJ power NN sat VVD still RB crated VVN in IN the DT entranceway NN . SENT Shell NP had VHD purchased VVN and CC shipped VVN the DT machine NN , , but CC no DT steps NNS had VHD been VBN arranged VVN to TO install VV it PP , , and CC no DT diesel NN was VBD on IN hand NN to TO run VV the DT equipment NN further JJR evidence NN of IN money NN being VBG recklessly RB thrown VVN at IN a DT problem NN without IN care NN or CC consideration NN . SENT Perhaps RB in IN some DT distant JJ board NN room NN in IN the DT Netherlands NPS , , a DT Shell NP PR NP person NN is VBZ boasting VVG of IN his PP$ company's JJ great JJ generosity NN and CC thoughtfulness NN . SENT It PP was VBD at IN this DT Shell NP hospital NN where WRB I PP was VBD bitten VVN 8 CD or CC 9 CD times NNS by IN voracious JJ mosquitoes NNS while IN walking VVG through IN the DT facility NN wards VVZ . SENT I PP cannot NN help NN but CC wonder NN if IN that WDT is VBZ where WRB I PP contracted VVD malaria NN . SENT Nigeria NP is VBZ the DT world's JJ 13 JJ th NN largest JJS oil NN producer NN , , yet RB has VHZ itself PP been VBN chronically RB short JJ of IN fuel NN , , having VHG to TO import VV all DT of IN its PP$ refined JJ fuel NN from IN other JJ oil NN producing VVG nations NNS . SENT Though IN the DT government NN is VBZ a DT 60 CD shareholder NN in IN oil NN operations NNS , , billions NNS of IN dollars NNS in IN oil NN earnings NNS disappear VVP each DT year NN into IN private JJ Swiss JJ bank NN accounts NNS . SENT Tragically RB , , local JJ infrastructure NN is VBZ in IN a DT shambles NN food NN shortages NNS abound VVP , , malnutrition NN is VBZ common JJ among IN Niger NP Delta NP children NNS , , power NN blackouts NNS regularly RB occur VVP , , terrible JJ road NN conditions NNS and CC lack NN of IN revenue NN for IN building NN maintenance NN are VBP serious JJ faults NNS in IN the DT system NN all RB these DT problems NNS and CC more JJR leave VVP Nigeria NP far RB behind RB among IN the DT world's JJ economies NNS . SENT It PP is VBZ tragic JJ irony NN that IN Nigeria's JJ oil NN helps VVZ fuel VV the DT industrialized JJ world NN in IN its PP$ mad JJ rush NN for IN progress NN , , while IN the DT producing VVG nation NN is VBZ left VVN so RB obviously RB far RB behind RB . SENT Nigeria NP still RB needs VVZ to TO recover VV the DT nearly RB 55 CD billion CD in IN oil NN profits NNS stolen VVN by IN the DT military JJ rulers NNS over IN the DT last JJ 15 CD years NNS . SENT Debt NN relief NN and CC poverty NN alleviation NN programs NNS are VBP also RB desperastely RB needed VVN . SENT The DT Nigerian JJ human JJ rights NNS community NN , , which WDT includes VVZ many JJ of IN those DT brave JJ NGOs NNS and CC community NN leaders NNS whom WP we PP met VVD with IN , , need VV governmental JJ protection NN , , not RB persecution NN . SENT The DT Obasanjo NP government NN should MD take VV steps NNS to TO open VV a DT genuine JJ democratic JJ process NN which WDT actually RB encourages VVZ self NN determination NN and CC promotes VVZ land NN tenure NN and CC resource NN rights NNS held VVN in IN the DT hands NNS of IN the DT local JJ communities NNS . SENT And CC , , an DT open JJ and CC honest JJ dialogue NN is VBZ called VVN for IN which WDT involves VVZ the DT leaders NNS of IN the DT oil NN producing VVG communities NNS and CC the DT oil NN companies NNS towards IN resolution NN of IN the DT crisis NN that WDT meets VVZ the DT needs NNS of IN both DT residents NNS and CC producers NNS . SENT Consumers NNS themselves PP must MD begin VV to TO play VV an DT important JJ role NN in IN this DT whole JJ healing NN process NN by IN demanding VVG that IN oil NN companies NNS adhere VV to TO set VV standards NNS of IN environmental JJ and CC social JJ responsibility NN in IN Nigeria NP . SENT If IN these DT same JJ companies NNS would MD only RB follow VV the DT minimum JJ operational JJ criteria NNS which WDT exist VVP within IN their PP$ own JJ home NN based VVN nations NNS , , the DT environmental JJ and CC social JJ situation NN in IN Nigeria NP would MD be VB immensely RB improved VVN . SENT We PP as RB consumers NNS must MD insist VV that IN a DT uniform JJ set NN of IN operating NN standards NNS be VB established VVN and CC adhered VVD to TO for IN all DT oil NN producing VVG multinationals NNS , , and CC these DT monitored VVN by IN an DT impartial JJ commission NN perhaps RB a DT future NN established VVN UN NP environmental JJ rights NNS commission NN . SENT . SENT If IN these DT standards NNS are VBP not RB followed VVN in IN the DT production NN process NN , , then RB the DT consumers NNS have VHP the DT power NN to TO withdraw VV their PP$ patronage NN from IN those DT offending VVG companies NNS . SENT This DT is VBZ one CD way NN in IN which WDT we PP as IN consumers NNS can MD vote VV on IN what WP type NN of IN world NN we PP wish VVP to TO live VV . SENT MESSAGE NN TO TO COMMEMORATE VV THE DT MURDER NN BY IN HANGING VVG OF IN KEN NN SARO NP WIWA NP AND CC 8 CD OTHER JJ OGONI NP ACTIVISTS NNS ON IN NOVEMBER NP 10 CD , , 1995 CD About IN MAP NN Mangrove NN Photos NNS Mangrove NN Ecology NN Join VVP MAP NN Alerts VVZ Actions NNS Late JJ Friday NP News NP Shrimp NN Aquaculture NN Substainable JJ Alternatives NNS Smokehouse NN Design NP Plans NPS Earth NP Island NP Website NP Home NP Links NP Email NP Tracking NN Code NP Only RB