We are Forests: Inhabiting Territories in Struggle

People have started living in forests, fighting loggers, and using their bodies as shields to resist the commercial exploitation of ecosystems. This is a battleground between groups with different aims and objectives. Jean-Baptiste Vidalou visited these forests and met people who are defending them, offering a different way of understanding the world that is opposed to the mentality of planners who see forests as just another territory to be managed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

From the majestic Sivens forest in France to the sprawling Hambach forest in Germany, from the vast Broadback forest in Canada to the lush rainforests of Borneo, a profound transformation has taken place within these wild spaces over the past decade or two. Individuals have taken up residence within these forests, standing in opposition to loggers and employing their bodies as protective shields, driven by an unwavering determination to resist the lethal ecosystem of commercial exploitation. Forests have emerged as the epicenter of a fierce conflict between groups with fundamentally divergent aims and objectives.

Within these forests, a new breed of insurgents has emerged. Jean-Baptiste Vidalou embarked on a journey to explore these forests and meet the individuals who are tirelessly defending them. What he encountered was a completely different perspective on the world, a stark contrast to the mindset of planners who view forests as mere territories to be managed and controlled. In this captivating account, Vidalou shares the insights and struggles of these forest peoples, offering a profound message that goes beyond offering simplistic solutions to the crises of our time. Rather, he encourages us to embrace the forest as an unstoppable force, a living entity that grows and evolves, branch by branch, leaf by leaf, gradually becoming ungovernable.

Through his storytelling, Vidalou invites us to see the forest not as a static landscape but as a dynamic entity that is constantly evolving and adapting. He highlights the resilience and adaptability of these forests, their ability to regenerate and heal even in the face of immense destruction. He also sheds light on the deep connections between humans and forests, emphasizing the importance of respecting and nurturing these natural wonders.

Vidalou's account is a testament to the power of resistance and the indomitable spirit of the human soul. It reminds us that we have a responsibility to protect and preserve these precious natural resources, to stand up against the forces of exploitation and to embrace a more holistic and sustainable approach to our relationship with the environment. The forests are not just a resource to be exploited but a living, breathing entity that deserves our respect and protection.

As we reflect on the transformative power of the forest, let us be inspired by the resilience and determination of the individuals who are fighting to protect these sacred spaces. Let us join them in their efforts, to advocate for the conservation and restoration of our forests, to ensure that future generations can experience the beauty and wonder of these natural wonders. By working together, we can create a world where forests thrive, where humans and nature live in harmony, and where the legacy of these magnificent spaces is preserved for generations to come.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 140 x 210 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509556526