Kinga Rusin, a journalist who spent years abroad, continues to show a keen interest in Polish domestic affairs. In a recent Instagram post, she criticized the government led by Donald Tusk for not taking stronger steps to safeguard nature.
Known for her radical stance on nature conservation and animal rights, Rusin expressed frustration on social media with what she perceives as insufficient measures to curb logging under the current administration.
Rusin referenced statistics in her message but did not provide any specific sources, footnotes, or links.
The Coalition of October 15 is accused of abandoning its own voters when it comes to protecting Polish nature, especially Poland’s forests. Subsequent data and developments allegedly support this critique. Rusin stated that Poland sent more wood to China this year than last, despite public promises to curb draconian logging and reduce exports.
– wrote Rusin on Instagram.
Bizarre arguments
Following her established style, she criticized the previous government, arguing that Poland’s forests were damaged under its watch, with the Białowieża Forest cited as a key example.
She urged those in power to regain their senses, expressing continued hope that they would act to protect Polish forests, including Białowieża, rather than merely offering rhetoric before elections.
– she noted.
Rusin emphasized that forests are a national treasure, though her assertion that only 1 percent of forests are protected has drawn questions. For context, a report from Dziennik Gazeta Prawna notes a narrowing window for obtaining wood, contradicting other statements about reductions in logging. Statistics from the State Forests indicate that Poland’s forest cover is increasing overall.
Rusin added that Polish forests form a national treasure, with protected areas accounting for a very small fraction of the country’s surface. She implied that the Ministry should not accept plans by the State Forestry Service and the Institute for Environmental Protection to expand logging areas in Białowieża, warning this could threaten centuries-old stands and priceless oaks.
– wrote Rusin.
Additionally, she referenced a photo from the United States showing a Russian woman near a tree, suggesting that Westerners perceive Poland as not taking forest protection seriously, a claim she contrasted with American efforts.
Ps 2. In the photo, Rusin says she appears among the giants of Redwood National Park. She described historic battles between loggers and conservationists there and noted that a prudent government placed the area under strict protection, acquiring large tracts of land to restore the forest in the 1970s. She mentioned that restoration is a long process, potentially taking centuries, and highlighted extremely old trees like those in the park, including the tallest tree in the world. The message emphasized the importance of steadfast protection.
– the journalist concluded.
It is noted that Rusin’s view of the West and the United States as the benchmark for standards may overlook historical Polish policies. During the era of the Polish People’s Republic, the state acquired land for afforestation and recultivation of native species, as seen in the Kampinos forest area, where villages still testify to forest growth replacing marginal farmland. This approach, Rusin suggested, continues to shape forest policy.
In political commentary, the piece positions Donald Tusk’s supporters and commentators as engaged in a broader debate about forest policy and national heritage. The content reflects ongoing discussions in Poland about how to balance conservation with economic and logistical realities, including logging policies and land management practices.
Source: wPolityce