Chinese officials are currently reviewing a situation involving the outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx following an apology for a fireworks display that took place in Tibet’s Himalayan region. The event, held on September 19, was intended to celebrate mountain culture and was executed by noted pyrotechnic artist Cai Guo-Qiang. Videos from the display showed a colorful fireworks show designed to resemble a dragon.
The campaign has received significant backlash online, with critics asserting that it was at odds with Arc’teryx’s conservation-focused brand identity and calling for boycotts against the company. In response, Arc’teryx stated that the fireworks display was “out of line with Arc’teryx’s values” and pledged to collaborate with an external agency to assess any potential environmental impact.
Although the firm maintained that all materials used for the display were biodegradable, concerns have arisen regarding the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem. Critics argue that the fireworks could disrupt local wildlife and are inappropriate for such delicate terrain. Additionally, some individuals questioned the approval process for a project of this scale, given the ecological and cultural sensitivities of the region.
Arc’teryx, founded in 1989 and popular for its high-quality sportswear and mountaineering gear, operates over 150 retail locations worldwide and is owned by Anta Sports, a Hong Kong-listed fitness company. The region in which the event occurred is known for its sacred mountains, particularly among Tibetans, who follow Buddhism.
Cai Guo-Qiang, who has also faced criticism, has apologized for his involvement and expressed willingness to assist authorities with recovery efforts. The incident raises broader questions about the evaluation processes for artistic expressions in environmentally sensitive areas.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1eddw19042o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss