Four officials in Tibet have been removed from their positions following a fireworks display organized by the outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx. The event, which took place in the Himalayas last month, featured fireworks designed by Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang and was intended to promote local mountain culture. However, it faced significant backlash due to environmental concerns, leading to criticism on social media and calls for a boycott of the brand.
Videos from the event showed fireworks resembling a “rising dragon” over a Tibetan landscape and raised concerns regarding their ecological impact. Authorities in Shigatse city noted that the fireworks had affected approximately 30 hectares (74 acres) of grassland. While they indicated that the short-term damage was limited, they stated that ongoing monitoring would be necessary to evaluate potential ecological risks. Concerns were also expressed regarding the remnants and plastic debris left behind, as well as the temporary disturbance of local wildlife due to the noise produced by the display.
The four officials dismissed included the Communist Party secretary of Gyantse county, the public security chief, and two senior members of environmental agencies. In light of the incident, Arc’teryx and Cai Guo-Qiang have issued apologies and committed to providing compensation and assisting in environmental restoration efforts.
Arc’teryx, founded in 1989 and now owned by Anta Sports, a Hong Kong-listed fitness company, has stated that it intended for the display to align with its values but acknowledged that it fell short. The company mentioned that they utilized biodegradable materials for the fireworks and will collaborate with an external agency to assess the impact of the event.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1lq4305336o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss