PRESERVE
THE BIODIVERSITY OF THE VERDALSELVA DELTA
To the responsible officers of Verdal Kommune
Dear Mayor Kristoffersen,
Dear Mr Holand,
As a group of concerned individuals and bird-lovers worldwide we are
dismayed to hear from Norwegian ornithologists that you have still not abandoned plans to infill and industrially develop
the breakwater at the mouth of the River Verdalselva.
The designation of the location as a Ramsar site, of international importance
for waterfowl, is not only a matter of national pride; but of international responsibility as well. It is therefore all the
more important that the established wetland habitat of the Verdalselva Delta at Ørin is not disturbed or otherwise harmed
by industrial development.
We understand that the responsible ministries and local environmental
organisations have made their positions clear and that an environmental impact assessment has not yet been initiated. We have
also heard that although the extent of industrial development in the North Ørin area as a whole is to be reduced, plans to
infill the breakwater, with drastic effects for wildlife, have still not been
finally shelved by you.
In our own human interests, situations where natural resources are unsustainably
exploited can no longer be uncritically tolerated. Matters of local environmental
concern are increasingly, and rightly, of broader international interest. The variance between the perceived short term interests
of our industrialised world, and the sustainable long term use of our shrinking planetary natural resources, now unites conservationists,
nature lovers and ordinary citizens across the globe.
In this spirit we urge you, the responsible local
authorities in Verdal District, to listen to expert environmental
advice and not sacrifice the natural heritage of present and subsequent generations of Norwegian citizens for questionable
short term economic advantages.
In the hope that our appeal will have
a beneficial effect for the resident and visiting wildlife of the Verdalselva Delta at Ørin, we remain,
yours faithfully,
[Name & address]
