Changing Hearts and Minds

Posted by Lisa at 3:41 PM, June 20, 2005

Stefan and Johanna have been standing in the rain for the whales every day © Greenpeace

Here is an update written by Stefan and Johanna, two of the volunteers responsible for the open ship......

In Iceland communication is the key to success, and our days consist of constant talking to people. We also invite people onboard the Arctic Sunrise to have a look around and to let them know more about the campaign.....

Both of us were onboard the Rainbow Warrior two years ago when Iceland resumed whaling. Back then we were very unpopular and people hardly stopped to talk to us. We have spent a lot of time trying to change the public view of Greenpeace and the general opinion on the whaling issue here in Iceland. As we are back again we can see how the public opinion has turned and still is turning into the favour of the whales. Now most of the people stop to talk to us and they take the handouts we give them.

Talking to people is great, especially when you feel that you are talking about an important topic. The whaling issue is an issue that most of the Icelandic people can relate to and therefore find interesting. Greenpeace is arguing that watching whales and hunting whales are two things you can't combine. And this is an opinion that seems to sink into the public's minds.

The last two days the weather has been beautiful with lots of sun and good opportunities to go whale watching and explore the surroundings of Reykjavik. Today unfortunately the weather has been rainy, which makes our work more demanding since the handouts gets wet, we risk catching a cold and the ships gangway gets slippery. We are quite impressed by the Icelandic people's willingness to withstand rain and chilly winds. But since the weather often is really unstable we guess they're used to it.

Take care and make sure you put some pressure on the Icelandic government to withdraw their whaling plans. Together we all make an excellent team addressing the politicians and the people on this important topic!

Kind regards,
Stefan and Johanna - your voice in Iceland