Why We Should Care

For many reading this blog the problems of 'land grabbing' seem pretty remote, happening in faraway lands, disconnected from life in the so-called 'developed' countries. However it is the very connections, through big corporations, banks and investment houses which often use (for instance) pension funds from 'developed' nations' working people, which shines a light on why we should care. If we are seeking socialism we are seeking it for the whole world's people, not for ourselves. Socialism is inclusive. The more we include in our thinking about the problems we face and the problems other societies and communities face the better we will understand the desperate need for socialism now.

Below is the introduction to a 2 page PDF (download here)

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES RIGHTS TO LAND

The Threat of Land Grabbing

Land grabbing is the large-scale acquisition of land for commercial or industrial purposes, such as agricultural and biofuel production, mining and logging concessions or tourism. It involves land being purchased by investors rather than producers, often foreign investors.

This is done with limited (if any) consultation of the local communities, limited (if any) compensation, and a lack of regard for environmental sustainability and equitable access to, or control over, natural resources.