Hugging Trees – Chipko Protest
Tangiya (Nepal), 2023

“Protect the land, defend the trees – Stop the airport, respect the rights of indigenous and marginalised people.”

In November 2023, National Forum for Advocacy Nepal (NAFAN) led a peaceful protest in Tangiya village, Bara district, where local farmers, indigenous people and activists hugged trees to symbolise their resistance to the construction of a new airport. The protest aimed to raise awareness about the rights of the communities living in the proposed airport site and demand that the government gets Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) before removing them from their land.

Timing

  • The action was organised in response to the Nepalese government’s decision to build a second International Airport in this land, despite a Supreme Court ruling against it. The protest was a direct response to this governmental decision, aiming to safeguard the rights of the local communities affected.
  • The action sought to pressure the government to adhere to the FPIC process and involve the local population in decision-making.

Location

  • The event took place at the proposed airport site in Tangiya village, Bara district, where 2,000 households have been demanding land rights for years. This location was chosen due to the direct impact the airport construction would have on the community, including the forced displacement of residents and destruction of forest area and livelihoods.

Type of Action

  • The protest was a mass gathering, with around 300 participants coming together to hug trees (chipko) as a form of peaceful resistance.
  • The action was prepared over several weeks, with local leaders and activists working to inform the community about their rights and the need to demand FPIC from the government before any displacement can occur.

Insights

  • The narrative focused on the rights of farmers, indigenous people and other marginalised groups in the affected area. NAFAN educated the community about their legal rights, particularly around FPIC, which many were unaware of.
  • The demands were framed around protecting land rights, resisting forced displacement and ensuring that the government followed legal processes when making decisions that impact local communities.

Obstacles

  • The protest faced disruption from opponents who support the airport project, and attempts were made to disturb the event. These challenges underscored the divisions within the local community regarding the airport development.

Strengths

  • The mobilisation of local leaders and community members was key to the protest’s success. Their involvement helped ensure that the event was representative of the affected population’s concerns, fostering a strong sense of solidarity and resistance.
  • The tree-hugging action, a symbolic yet powerful tactic, drew attention to the environmental and social issues tied to the proposed airport construction.

Lessons learned

  • The protest highlighted the need for continuous follow-up actions rather than isolated events. Sustained efforts are required to keep pressure on decision-makers and to maintain community engagement.
  • Access to information from various sources is critical in fighting agencies that support harmful development projects. Local struggles can be strengthened through collaboration, both technically and politically.
  • Important to tackle in the narrative the false idea that “development” comes from big infrastructure projects.