The life story of Bruno Manser touched many people in this country and still does. The environmentalist lived for years in the rainforest on Borneo. There he not only documented the rich flora and fauna of the island in the 80s and 90s – he also fought for the rights of the indigenous people and against the deforestation of the rainforest until his disappearance in 2000.
It is all the more reprehensible if Swiss companies are still involved in the environmental destruction on the island or were until recently. Especially when the green has to give way to climate-damaging coal mining.
Of course, there are guidelines designed to prevent internationally active, private companies from disregarding the environment and human rights. But not everyone adheres to that. Some countries have recognized this and introduced effective laws for corporations. The EU Commission will probably also present a proposal for a law in February that will oblige companies throughout Europe to comply with human rights and environmental standards in their entire supply chains. It is high time that Switzerland made improvements in this area – and made local companies responsible once and for all.