The Coconut Revolution
This is a modern day story of the victory of Native Americans over Western colonial power. A Pacific island has stood up to mining giant Rio Tinto Zinc (RTZ) and won amid military occupation and blockade. When RTZ decided to increase production at the Panguna mine in Bougainville, they got more than they expected.
The Islanders have had enough of seeing their environment destroyed and treated like pawns by the RTZ. RTZ refused to compensate them, so it was decided it was time to end outside interference in the island’s affairs. For this reason, they forcibly closed the mine.
The Papua New Guinea Army (PNGDF) was mobilized to quell the uprising. The newly formed Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) began a battle of bows, sticks and stones. Against heavily armed opponents, they still managed to control most of the island.
Realizing they were being beaten on the ground, the Papua New Guinea Defense Force imposed a gunboat blockade around Bougainville to choke the BRA into submission. But the blockade appears to have had little effect. How did the new grid come about in areas controlled by the BRA with no supply coming in or out of the island? How can BRA troops drive around the island without a source of gasoline or diesel?
What is happening inside the blockade is an ecological and spiritual revolution. The ruins of the old Panguna Mine have been recycled to provide raw materials for the world’s first ecological revolution. A 21st century David and Goliath story, Coconut Revolution will appeal to people of all backgrounds.
