We are Forests

This book delves into the struggles of forest defenders against commercial exploitation, emphasizing a new understanding of nature and resistance. We are Forests showcases their stories and perspectives.

From the Sivens forest in France to the Hambach forest in Germany, and from the Broadback forest in Canada to the rainforests of Borneo, We are Forests explores how these natural spaces have transformed over the past couple of decades. Individuals are now taking a stand against logging operations, using their bodies as shields in a powerful display of resistance. This shift has turned forests into battlegrounds, where opposing groups clash over fundamentally different visions for the future of these vital ecosystems.

In his journey through these forests, Jean-Baptiste Vidalou uncovers a new perspective on the relationship between humans and nature. He meets various forest defenders who embody a contrasting ideology to that of planners, who often view forests merely as resources to be managed. Instead, these individuals offer a unique understanding of their surroundings, emphasizing the importance of coexistence and the intrinsic value of nature.

We are Forests invites readers to engage with the stories of those who inhabit and protect these wild spaces. Rather than providing straightforward solutions to the environmental crises we face, Vidalou encourages us to embrace the essence of the forest itself—a living entity that grows organically, becoming increasingly ungovernable. Through this narrative, he highlights the importance of grassroots movements in the fight against commercial exploitation and the need for a deeper connection to our natural world.