14 DAY TRIAL // Yesterday, the individuals who struggled to make public the Save Our Salmon initiative enjoyed their triumph. Against all odds, the numbers of votes which were in favor of this cause made this out of this strategy a real success.
Protesters were going against foreign mining companies which populated the area. These enterprises' activity had damaging effects upon the habitats of salmon.
The fact that this initiative really managed to pass through comes as a surprise, since enterprises who lead the mining operations in this area spared no efforts in trying achieve their target.
In order to intimidate the demonstrators, Pebble Partnership came up with a campaign which stated the fact that their efforts to protect the salmon population “will drive Lake and Pen families away to find work, force schools to close and drive up the cost of food and fuel as the local economy shrinks even more.”
Despite this failed attempt of scaring away the people who manifested their care towards the environment, the stakeholders still aren't willing to pack their bags.
The companies follow their objectives, years after public opinion polls have highlighted that the public opinion is against the mining activities in Bristol Bay region.
The fact that the green initiative was approved yesterday shows that people don't want to let go of their eco-friendly values and that they are still fighting for the cause.
It is certain that enterprises can't operate in the area without irreparably damaging the ecosystem.
Further more, although the partner companies have initially agreed to develop their strategies only with the approval of the local community, it seems that now officials want to drag this matter to court.
As a matter of fact, the representatives tried to stop the people from voting and, for that, they made it all the way to Alaska Supreme Court.
Since Pebble Partnership won't give up, they are preparing to go back to court, to contest the decision's validity. Even so, the local community is keen on protecting their salmon, and will continue to fight for their rights.