A delegation of the municipality of Mals have been awarded the EuroNatur award 2020 in recognition of the tenacity for fighting against pesticides. The award is being presented at a ceremony held on the island of Mainau on Lake Constance at six'clock on 8th October 2020. For almost six years, a large number of the inhabitants of Mals have been standing up for their health and for a biodiverse agriculture – despite huge resistance from the farming lobbies, politicians and the judiciary.
Here you can find:
Images: As from 8th October, c. 21.00, photos from the award ceremony will be available. By acknowledging copyright © Gerald Jarausch (unless otherwise indicated): this material is licensed for one-off publication in combination with a report about the ceremony of the 2020 EuroNatur award. Please use this link.
Background information to Mals: The municipality of Mals is located in the Vinschgau Valley in one of the largest fruit growing areas in Europe. Every tenth apple produced in Europe comes from South Tyrol. The apple plantations are sprayed with pesticides up to 20 times a year. This puts South Tyrol at the top of the pesticide use in Europe. Many people in Mals resist this: In 2014, they initiated a referendum. 76% of the population opted for a future without pesticides. However, the remaining quarter did not accept the outcome of the referendum and, to date, legal actions have prevented the pesticide ban from being implemented.
Press Releases to the EuroNatur Award 2020:
- Press release of 8th October
- Press release of 29th September
- Press release of 21st July
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