Author: Kea Medupe
Guess the Criminal
Today’s column will present to readers the crime of Ecocide via a short mystery fiction. Using a narrative structure, the column will explain a fictional environmental crime in a forest ecosystem and invite the reader to play detective by determining which of the three suspects is responsible for the Ecocide.
The Mystery
Investigative journalist Nadia BankFord received an unexpected anonymous letter with a cryptic message that read: “To uncover the real truth, follow the trees before they stop to breathe.”
Her curiosity ignited, Nadia followed the clue to a remote village near the Congo Basin, where she found massive devastation. Dead animals were in abundance and soil was poisoned. Something deliberate had caused the destruction of the once-thriving forest.
Ecocide
Ecocide refers to the “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts.”
In simple terms, it is the deliberate and intentional environmental destruction on a massive scale – a crime many are fighting to recognise globally, but proving guilt isn’t always easy. That is where Nadia’s investigation begins.
Evidence
Through deeper investigation, Nadia uncovered leaked documents from a global agrochemical corporation which included phrases such as:
- “Zone Pre-Clearance”
- “Media Sensitivity”
These are clear indicators of the deliberate destruction of the environment = Ecocide.
The investigation Nadia has taken on aligned with real-life efforts to criminalise Ecocide globally – a movement that has garnered traction since 2021. The destruction she witnessed wasn’t isolated as it mirrored patterns where ecosystems were silently sacrificed in the name of profit.
Determined to expose the truth, Nadia published her findings. However, threats followed, but so did public outrage as protests grew, and the trees cried out once more for help.
Your Turn
Help the investigators find the prime suspect(s) guilty of Ecocide. Who is responsible for this environmental crime?
- Suspect A: Terra GreenLogging Co
A global agrochemical company whose trucks were spotted near the dying forest. They have repeatedly denied involvement. - Suspect B: The Ministry of Development and Resources
A government department responsible for issuing land-use permits. Accused of labelling complaints regarding toxic chemicals in the water as “anti-development propaganda”. - Suspect C: MegaChem Industries
A private firm contracted to “protect” development sites. Villagers claim the firm’s guards were seen patrolling the forest at night. - Suspect D: All of the Above
What if the truth is bigger than one culprit?
Vote & Join the Investigation
Who do you think is guilty of Ecocide in the Congo Basin? Cast your answer and follow us on our Instagram!
The truth will be revealed in one week on our Instagram Story and Feed: @unitedrising_ur