"freedom of speech". photo from the web www.bjork.com

Today is the national day of France and a good opportunity to remember the words: Freedom, egality… and Democracy!

Yesterday, Björk submitted a Formal Proposal to the Public Representative of the Icelandic Parliament, concerning the sale of Iceland’s natural resources to the company Magma Energy. The Proposal, signed by Björk and Jon Thorisson, icelandic assistant of EVA JOLY and writer Oddny Eir,  aims to initiate an open discussion and encourage reconsideration of this sale, ensuring that the interests of the public are being protected and that clarification is achieved on all aspects of this decisive case concerning the future of Iceland.

In addition to the Proposal, Björk publishes on her web  several questions they feel must be asked by the government, by the parliament and by the public before this business exchange can continue. About the resources, about democracy… see www.bjork.com for all details and documents.

Björk will hold a press conference with a performance on Monday 19th July at 4.00pm in the Nordic House, Reykjavik.

http://www.ruv.is/hekla

Just before one o’clock tonight started a volcanic eruption in glacier Eyjafjallajokull in South Iceland. People in the danger zone are leaving their houses and the scientists are coming over in a helicopter to estimate the eruption. Nobody knows for sure now where exactly the eruption but the ashes are falling to the east and floods and lightnings are expected.
Last time there was a volcanic eruption in this glacier it was in 1823 and scientists and volcano amateurs have been “waiting” for this eruption for some time now, and the glacier has been watched intensely last few weeks.

About the glacier from skymounaineers.com: Eyjafjallajokull is a large stratovolcano topped by a 1.5 mile (2.5 km) diameter ice-filled caldera, with several major outlet glaciers pouring through gaps in the caldera rim. It is located directly on the south coast of Iceland, and its name means “Island Mountain Glacier” after the nearby Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) just off the coast. Like many of the volcanoes of south and west Iceland, its climbing history dates back to the 1700′s. Access to the south and east flanks is very easy from the coastal highway. It is supposedly a very fine climb (with alpine ice climbing possibilities on several routes) and also a great ski ascent/descent.

The Icelandic environmental documentary Nattura–Summer 2008 will be released exclusively on iTunes on March 10/ Today (One Little Indian) via an exclusive digital distribution partnership with E1 Entertainment Distribution U.S. The film focuses on the current environmental issues that face Iceland and includes interviews with Björk along with many other well-known Icelandic figures. All proceeds from the documentary will benefit the Nattura Campaign.

Directed by Charlie Lightening, Nattura–Summer 2008 focuses on the proposed plans to increase the use of aluminum smelters as a means to harness Iceland’s natural energy. As an alternative to these industrial practices, the documentary offers innovations and attempts to reinvigorate a larger discussion and debate on these key issues. In addition to Björk’s commentary, the film features interviews with well-known Icelandic politician and environmentalist, Ómar Ragnarsson, as well as Andri Snaer Magnason. Magnason is the author of the award-winning, best-selling book, Dreamland: Self-Help Manual for a Frightened Nation, which offers a detailed critique of the Icelandic government’s current energy-harnessing practices.

The documentary continues Björk’s close involvement with the Nattura Campaign, which was founded in an effort to generate alternative, sustainable and eco-friendly ways to utilize Iceland’s natural resources. In Björk’s own words, “It is now more important than ever before to emphasize a respect for nature…I believe that profits, technological advances and working together with nature can all go hand in hand. None need to be sacrificed at the expense of the others.”

For more information on the documentary and the Nattura Campaign please visit www.nattura.info or www.bjork.com.

ICELANDIC ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTARY
NATTURA–SUMMER 2008 OUT MARCH 10 ON iTUNES

The Reykjavik art museum by the harbour. Free admission. Interesting exhibitions.

In the HAFNARHÚS, the Reykjavik art museum, by the harbor downtown, there is a lecture in icelandic but english discussion is open. Designer Karl Aspelund observes the design process in respect of the importance of cooperation of people in different environment and in different fields focusing on innovation. The lecture is on THURSDAY 12 MARCH 8 PM

Karl Aspelund teaches at the University of Rhode Island in USA and is currently working toward a Ph.D. at the University Professors Program at Boston University. His research interests revolve around the interplay of apparel design and a community’s self-image. For his doctoral dissertation he will examine the state and nature of national dress in modern-day Iceland. The lecture is a joint project of The Design Centre of Iceland and Reykjavik Art Museum. The lecture is in Icelandic and open to all.

See more infos on the Reykjavik Art museum

Steindór Andersen and Jónsi of Sigurrós on stage

For those who like the old Icelandic tradition of Chanting rhymes, there are rather few opportunities to experience it, unless it is by the generosity of Steindor Andersen, the chairman of Iðunn, the association of chant lovers, often contributing  to Sigurrós’s concerts. Tonight, he’ll be chanting rhymes on the seas and on the shore, at Víkin, Grandagarður 8, by the harbour in Reykjavík. It’s in a program called Mirrors of the past, Silver of the future. At eight o’clock tonight, Ágúst Georgsson,  from the Museum of Ethnology, will hold a lecture on fishing, boats and hunting tools in old times Iceland. Then Steindór will open his mouth for the beautiful voice. Free admission and coffee for everyone and open scene for discussions.

From the Náttúra concert in Reykjavík last summer

An article and a sound-sample on Björk’s Spark work-shop and her aim at innovation and nature conservation in the Netherland’s Radio: http://www.radionetherlands.nl/currentaffairs/region/europe/090213-bjork-iceland

Minister of the Environment: Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir with a book entitled: Green future !

Iceland has, since yesterday, a new government of the Left-Green party and the Social democratic party, with a stong woman as a prime-minister, for the first time in Icelandic history. The ministry of Environmental issues also goes to a strong woman, namely to Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir, from the Left-Green Party. She’s been in the forfront of the Environmental battle for years and is a great specialist in the danger of the heavy industry evolution in Iceland, and in a better sustainable and green future for her country.

The Invest in Iceland Agency, which is an agency of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Trade Council of Iceland, published those reports on other possibilities of industrial invest in Iceland, other than aluminium smelters, see: http://www.invest.is/publications/

The list of those possibilities is getting longer and we’ll explore it and announce it on Nattura.info as well as a listing of possibilites of research and education, cultural exchange, sustainable developement in Iceland, green-solutions, new technologies and environmental hot topics etc. etc.

Around 4000 people are now in front of the Icelandic parliament building, in central Reykjavik, protesting against the economic situation in Iceland.

People are asking for the resigning of Iceland’s Central Bank management, re-election of the Icelandic parliament and changes in the government.

Among the speakers are writers, journalists and educational advisers.

Between 6000 and 7000 people have been showing up at the last two meetings, it is thought that really cold weather is contributing to the lesser turn-out. A few of the last meetings have been boistrous, but generally well-natured, and so far today’s event has been peaceful.

see: www.icenews.is