A Call for Change in the Faroe Islands Campaign

Protecting whales and dolphins has always been at the heart of Sea Shepherd‘s mission. It’s more than just a cause—it’s a responsibility that requires deep reflection, humility, and a willingness to adapt to circumstances and time. The Faroe Islands hold a unique place in this work, where tradition meets change and global advocacy intersects with local realities. As we continue to strive for an end to Faroese whaling, it’s crucial to acknowledge both the progress made and the flaws in the past, while striving to build a future rooted in effective collaboration.

Evolving Tactics: The End of “Us vs. Them”

The days of aggressive takeovers and divisive narratives of “them vs. us” are long gone. If those tactics ever truly worked, their effectiveness faded decades ago. Perhaps this realization has been absent from the public conversation surrounding Sea Shepherd and the Faroe Islands. Internally, however, we’ve been grappling with it for many years and have adjusted our work accordingly.

It’s time to bring these reflections and changes into the open and start paving the way for meaningful, effective activism for the whales and dolphins in the Faroe Islands. This activism must be rooted in the Faroe Islands, led by Faroese activists, and supported by the broader ocean protection community worldwide. There is no other solution—it must be collective.

Historically, the grindadráp—the traditional Faroese practice of driving pilot whales and other cetaceans onto shallow waters for slaughter—has been deeply embedded in the local culture. However, societal values evolve, and this practice is increasingly questioned, both within and beyond the Faroe Islands. Today, global environmental awareness and shifting perspectives within Faroese society present an opportunity to challenge and transform long-standing practices. It’s time to shift the focus from an international outcry to a loud, local demand for change. It’s crucial to recognize that change of this magnitude requires a nuanced and inclusive approach.

The Grindadráp: Cultural Context and Legal Reality

While it is undeniably horrific and brutal, the legality of the Grindadráp is a fact. Instead of wasting valuable time and energy disputing this, the focus must be on changing Faroese laws and encouraging the Faroese community to commit to international agreements protecting whales and dolphins.

Rather than fostering animosity, our role as ocean protection advocates and activists must be to support and empower local voices. Change will be driven most effectively by Faroese individuals and communities who share the vision of ending the Grindadráp. International efforts will continue to provide vital resources, amplify messages, and build global solidarity, but they cannot substitute for the essential leadership of those embedded in the community and engaged in the issue.

The grindadráp does not exist in isolation. It is part of a broader context of cultural identity, past experiences and encounters between whalers and activists, loud international public scrutiny and the effects of it all on Faroese society’s perception. Effective activism must account for these layers of complexity. By oversimplifying the issue or framing it as a battle between external forces and local traditions, past campaigns have unintentionally contributed to entrenching resistance rather than fostering collaboration. To dismantle this cycle, there is an indispensable need for partnership.

Fostering Local Leadership & Global Partnerships

Local engagement is not a passive process; it involves listening, learning, and adapting. For years we have worked to build relationships with Faroese residents who oppose the grindadráp. Now, we must find ways to create an environment where these individuals feel confident to speak out publicly, despite the challenges of close-knit community dynamics and hostile global messaging.

While international efforts can spotlight the issue and mobilize public opinion, they must support without overshadowing local voices. Our past confrontations have often alienated those who are crucial for real change. The grindadráp will not end through anger or blame; it will end through shared purpose and the involvement and leadership of Faroese individuals. It is their voices, their courage, and their vision that will ultimately lead to change.

By fostering an inclusive and supportive space where local voices feel safe to speak up directly and honestly, we take a crucial step toward building a sustainable movement for change.

Redefining Our Commitment

While Sea Shepherd has been highly effective in creating international awareness and global outrage about the Grindadráp, we need to acknowledge that we have not succeeded in fostering local engagement to the extent needed. This is a gap we are actively working to address, and it has become a top priority for us.

Sea Shepherd’s commitment to this vision reflects an evolving understanding of our activism in the Faroe Islands. We have learned from missteps and embraced the responsibility to grow. This year’s campaign embodies a new chapter—one focused on building bridges, fostering trust, and empowering local voices. It is a campaign that acknowledges the interconnectedness of global and local efforts, the complexity of cultural change, and the shared responsibility to protect our oceans.

From May to October, as always, we will return to the Faroe Islands to honestly document the cruelty of this practice, while engaging in meaningful dialogue with the community. We have long since set aside hostile tactics, focusing instead on constructive collaboration, and take responsibility for changing the narrative surrounding Sea Shepherd’s presence in the Faroe Islands.

The sea and the whales need your help, and we look forward to giving you the space and platform to lead the change

This article was first published by Sea Shepherd on 23 January 2025. 

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