When the rest of the writers arrived a few hours later, the anti-info campers were already out in force, and watched us pass by on our way to the Forest Rescue Station. After a brief tour of the living quarters, the authors were keen to go and meet the loggers. Rather intrigued by the response we would receive, they headed down. The banners were the first thing we spied about 50 yards away from the camp, 'Greenpeace = Al Qaeda' and 'F*ck FSC'! However, more positively was a longer banner that read: 'We love you authors'! This is all in the name of the Finnish forest industry...

On our first approach the loggers made it clear that they were willing to speak to the authors but not Greenpeace people. Whilst we backed off, Robin (Finnish Author) made a motion forward and quickly found himself surrounded by both video cameras and local loggers. Meanwhile Ken, Niccolo (Italy) and Karel (Belgium) headed off to another group. Despite an initially tense atmosphere, the authors really managed to make headway and some very civilised conversations developed. Soon Greenpeace activists were also conversing directly with some of the loggers, one of the few occasions this has happened since the terror camp was set up. Half way through the dialogue, the loggers even began to fold up their banners and put their signs on the ground.

After about an hour of this discussion, we returned to the Rescue Station for tea and coffee. The authors seemed to really appreciate some opportunity to hear the other side of the discussion, particularly given that StoraEnso and Metsähallitus have refused to meet with them whilst they've been out here.

From there, we headed down to Inari and the Sámi museum for the conclusion of the trip - the press conference. Mikael (Finnish Press Officer) led it, with Robin, Javier and Karel speaking on behalf of the authors. All three authors made great points. Robin began by explaining how very different Greenpeace was from a terrorist organisation and that it is legitimate and right for NGOs to protest in a peaceful, non-violent way. He continued that nature is a vital part of our society and that if we did not seek to protect ancient forests now we would have nothing for future generations except national parks.

Javier followed this by explaining that he had come to Finland with many questions but he was leaving with even more. This, he explained, was because StoraEnso and Metsähallitus had refused to meet with the authors and that this was a great disappointment to them because they had been very keen to hear both sides of the story. Then, impassioned, he asked how the Finnish State could log such beautiful forests like the ones he had seen the previous day, be in the process of destroying the Sámi culture and turn the trees into cheep pulp products. He questioned how this could happen in such a economically and socially developed society.

Finally, Karel expressed how the seven authors had come as friends of the Finnish people. How we, in the rest of Europe, have already trashed our ancient forests, and how they could avoid making the same mistakes if they took this opportunity to listen these friends. He also stressed how they should be listening to the Sámi people and helping them preserve their society.

After such a positive start, the floor was thrown open to questions. The first to stand up was a member of the EU Parliament (French MEP of Finnish origin) Ari Vatanen. He proceeded to shout the walls down castigating Greenpeace as a terror group and telling us we have no place as a stakeholder in Finland within this process (interesting perspective from a French MEP!). He rather dominated the floor, stating he represented local people, who were too shy to be able to represent themselves (this time the local loggers didn't seem too impressed!). With tension, voices and energy mounting, local loggers, Mikael and our authors all contributed to a lively debate. Journos at the event included some of the national TV channels (Finnish Broadcasting - national and regional, CH3, CH4), and Kaleva regional newspaper, etc.

We are now heading off back to Ivalo to catch a plane down to Helsinki, where we will spend tonight before return flights tomorrow. It’s been a great trip. The authors have been fantastic, impassioned, and insightful. Each are writing their own interpretation of their trip in the next couple of weeks and will hopefully be doing quite a bit of press work about their travels.

- Belinda, Campaigner (from UK)

[Note from Dave: Oddly, on Ari Vatanen's website, he says that "the biggest problem in the European Union is not unemployment, pollution, low prices for wheat or not even the enlargement - it is the lack of love." After his outburst at our press conference, maybe should consider introducing a little bit of love into his own speeches?]

Ken (right) and Lydia with one of the Anti Terror Info Campers

Robin listens to what the loggers have to say

Aurélie and Niccolo

Karel talks to Vesa Väisänen from Upper Lapland Forest Management Association in the Anti-Terror Info Camp

Some nice banners from the Anti Terror Info Camp

Niccolo and Ken in discussion with Vesa Väisänen from Upper Lapland Forest Management Association

Robin talking to one of the Anti Terror Info Campers

Aurélie manages to get get coffee and a donut!

Press Conference

The Press conference, Karel speaks.

The Press conference, Javier speaks.

Ari Vatanen starts his rant (© Greenpeace/Dave Walsh)

All Photos: © Greenpeace/Matti Snellman except where stated.