abstract
| - Ecotage is a portmanteau of the "eco-" prefix and "sabotage". It is used to describe (usually) illegal acts of vandalism and violence, committed in the name of environmental protection. As a term it goes back to 1972 and predates the more recent neologism eco-terrorism. Ecotage is also referred to as ecodefense or monkeywrenching. The Earth Liberation Front (ELF), Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and Earth Liberation Army (ELA) claims that ecotage requires neither aggression nor any direct confrontation with police, politicians, or other authority, as the actions are carried out in secret and at times of day where the risk to life is nil. However, certain types of ecotage (e.g., tree spiking) can cause injury or death after the act has been committed. Many environmentalists see non-destructive forms of civil disobedience, such as tree sitting, as more effective, particularly if the goal is to influence public opinion. According to its detractors, the reverence for life professed by those who perform ecotage is not reflected in their disregard for property rights or willingness to risk the lives and safety of humans to make a political point. Supporters believe this type of criticism puts more value on property than on life. Furthermore, most groups and individuals who engage in ecotage say they take all necessary precautions to avoid causing injury or death to any humans.
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