Two videos for this project!
A group of activists have been protecting one of the central and largest parks in Tbilisi from development by occupying the site- one of the main activists, Nick (@nickda@gmail.com) took part in our workshop, and later Data showed us around the site of the planned hotel and the activists’ camp.
So, first, meet Nick Davitashvili:
TL,DW
A 7-storey hotel is planned for a site in the middle of Vake Park, and many trees have already been destroyed, excavations have taken place, but 3 months ago, the protests were successful in stopping any further progress.
Now the activists are starting a court case against city hall for allowing the company to build there. They’re also trying to change the legislation to prevent such developments in the future.
Most civic protests in Georgia so far have been political or religious issues - environmental protests are relatively new, as is this form of long-term, positive, non-violent protest.
Challenges:
At the moment the main challenges are involving civic society in the case, finding pro-bono lawyers, and having policy makers implement the suggested changes.
How you can help:
-sharing experience from similar protest movements.
-sign the petition (tinyurl.com/SaveVakePark)
-subscribe to the emergency twitter account (@nickda@gmail.com, what’s the link?)
-legal help - preferably someone with experience in Georgian law!
And here you can meet Data and see Vake Park, the construction and the occupation for yourself:
