Medea Turashvili
I witnessed the devastating consequences of climate change on the people of Georgia, even though our country is not a significant contributor to the problem. I also observed the ripple effects of authoritarian regimes, populism, and reprisals on civil society, all of which pose a threat to Georgia’s development due to a lack of government accountability. At this point, I decided to expand my efforts to a regional level and do what I could to foster regional solidarity, network building, mutual support, interconnectedness, and collective empowerment.
My involvement in the Community Resource Exchange program, where I currently serve as the Asia Regional Facilitator, has given me a deeper understanding of communities’ struggles and the strategies for safeguarding their rights and environment. After two years of working with the Coalition, I remain in awe of these communities’ determination, strength, and solidarity as they fight to protect their towns, villages, and the environment. Their commitment to shaping their own development is truly inspiring.
It is, above all, a battle for justice—a fight for a fair and equitable future.
However, seeing how their struggle often makes them targets of attacks and defamation is disheartening. Communities bear an unjust burden of health problems, water and air pollution, land degradation, displacement, and reprisals, all because of the insatiable desire of large corporations, private companies – and the governments or government officials who support them – to amass wealth. Therefore, the communities’ struggle transcends mere concerns about their rights, environment, and livelihoods; it is, above all, a battle for justice—a fight for a fair and equitable future.
I am immensely grateful to be part of these efforts against injustice, and I feel humbled by the opportunity to learn from our Asian partners. This experience has significantly shaped my personal commitments and activism as a woman, a mother, a member of the local community, and a citizen.
