In partnership with

Many plant species have been introduced by humans to areas that they are not native to, also in the mountains of Tyrol in the Austrian Alps. These non-native plants often are a threat for the delicate balance of local ecosystems and biodiversity, competing with native plant species. However, the language of "invasive species" has been abused for harmful right-wing politics. The link between ecological conservation and anti-foreigner rhetoric is not just an unfortunate linguistic coincidence - it has historical roots in National Socialist ideology. By participating in this camp, you will contribute to meaningful conservation work while engaging in discussions about ethical, indigenous and anti-racist approaches to ecology.

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Description of the Work

We will spend 5 hours a day doing physical work. We will removemainly two plants (Himalayan balsam, Canada goldenrod) from a small valley in the village by cutting the plants and gathering them in piles.

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Study themes of the project

We will learn and discuss about the concept of „ecofascism“: What are the historical and present links between ecological conservation, racism and nationalism? How have the Nazis in the 1930s and 1940s abused ecology for their purposes? How are right-wing politics abusing environmentalism today? We will also explore indigenous approaches to land management.

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Requirements

Since this is an environmental project, we would like volunteers to arrive via more sustainable means of transport (train, bus) rather than by plane. Planes contribute massively to the climate crisis.

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Host Organization