Environmentalists criticize choice of Earthshot prize venue owned by fossil fuel firm
Mumbai facility is part of Reliance Industries, owner of world’s biggest oil refinery and funder of controversial mega-zoo
TL;DR
- The Earthshot Prize ceremony will be held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on November 17.
- The venue is owned by Reliance Industries, a conglomerate linked to fossil fuel businesses and a controversial mega-zoo, Vantara.
- Conservationists criticize the choice, stating it could lend environmental credibility to a questioned corporate group.
- The Cites committee has requested reports from India regarding concerns about protected species imports to Vantara.
- Earthshot states they are paying a commercial rate for the venue and selected it for its practical suitability and experience in hosting environmental events.
- Vantara denies allegations of wildlife trafficking and claims its purpose is to rescue, treat, and rehabilitate distressed wild animals, also breeding select endangered species.