Name:
Erika Augustinsson

Position on board:
Media officer

From:
Sweden

Last year when Iceland announced that they would resume whaling I was called in to DO something about it. We put together a small team, turned the Rainbow Warrior around and headed for Iceland. It was confusing and strange to realize that a country like Iceland, a neighbour of my Swedish home, would year 2004 decide to start whaling again.

We set out on a trip around Iceland that would turn out to be one of the most exciting experiences in my life. With open minds we met the people of Iceland to try to understand their peculiar attachment to this old fashioned and outdated practise. I did not take long to understand that most of the recentment against Greenpeace was born from prejudice, ignorance and Government lobbying. Different opinions and views have never been out in the open in Iceland and this was the time and place to heat up the discussion.

Under the pale Icelandic September sun last year, surrounded by wildlife and stunning scenery old conflicts were put aside and minds were altered. I would like to think that we planted a few seeds of doubt in the minds of people we met. Many differences can be resolved over a coffee and a good discussion but most importantly, by a will to understand the other part. After the initial suspicion and fear, I'd watch fishermen and whalers leave our ship with a smile and a handshake. This was groundbreaking for all of us. I hope that this tour will leave me with the same astonishment and hope, that, despite all, there is a great future ahead for mankind.