What is Ecologistas en Acción

When you hear "Ecologists in Action" we are not talking about a few people with banners, eh? I speak from experience: I have been following and working with these people for years, and if something is clear to them, it is that they are going all out. In Spain, they are practically synonymous with environmental activism. And not only that, but they seek to integrate in their campaigns a unique combination of social struggle and environmental protection.

Ecologistas en Acción was created more than 20 years ago and is a reference in political ecology, environmental defense, and denunciation of injustices. I'm going to tell you everything I've seen and what I've learned with them in this time, because believe me, there is much more here than just "protecting trees". We're talking about transforming society from within. It's that clear!

Origins and Ideology of Ecologists in Action

This group emerged in the late 1990s and since then they have maintained a very clear focus: a grassroots activism, glued to people's reality and to the social problems that often accompany environmental crises. What has impressed me most about them is how their ideology combines ecology with feminism, anti-capitalism and social justice.

They call it social ecology, and it basically means that it's not enough to protect the planet; you also have to change the system that damages it. Because, in the end, the model of mass consumption and resource exploitation not only affects us, but also marginalized communities, biodiversity, and the planet's own climate.

Action Areas and Campaigns

If you're curious, let me tell you about some of the areas they focus on. Ecologists in Action is like an octopus, with tentacles in every environmental crisis you can imagine. From transgenics to climate emergency, through air pollution, waste and urbanism, each of these areas represents a different struggle, but they all point toward the same goal: a more sustainable and just future.

To give you an idea:

• Air Quality: In places like Madrid or Barcelona, where pollution is sky-high, they fight to reduce emissions and defend people's right to breathe clean air.
• Biodiversity and Nature: These people don't mess around. From protecting species to fighting for entire ecosystems. There they are, defending what's left.
• Waste and Consumption: They focus a lot on reducing waste and criticizing the throwaway model. Plastics, toxic waste, landfills...they don't let anything go.

Best of all is how they manage to reach every corner of Spain. They have a presence in almost every community, from Andalusia to Galicia, Aragon and Castilla y Leon. It is impressive to see how they unite to fight from the local to the global.

Ecofeminism and Social Ecology

Something that distinguishes them is the ecofeminist vision, a current that Ecologists in Action has promoted a great deal in recent years. For them, ecofeminism goes beyond fighting against machismo; it implies questioning an economic and social model that oppresses both women and nature. And this is where I tip my hat: not only do they care about plants and little animals, but they also put the focus on the well-being of people, especially those most vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation.

Public Complaint and Legal Strategy

One of the most powerful things this organization does is legal action. They don't stop at protesting; when they have to go to court, they go all the way. I'll give you an example: a few years ago, they fought against the illegal use of water in protected areas of Doñana, and achieved a tremendous impact by exposing how one of the largest natural parks in Europe was drying up.

And not only that. At Ecologists in Action they hold nothing back. If they see an abuse, they denounce it to the full extent of the law, and that has a lot of merit. Because believe me, confronting large corporations and the judicial system itself is not easy, but they do it and, in many cases, they win.

The Sailing Ship Diosa Maat: A Platform for Marine Activism

Since a few years ago, the sailing ship Diosa Maat has become a floating platform for activism. This ship is dedicated to touring the Spanish coastline, doing research and denunciating marine pollution, which is a tremendous problem. In addition, they organize awareness activities, beach cleanups and, of course, collecting samples to study water quality and the impact of plastic waste.

The best part? That you can participate in these expeditions, learn and see firsthand how marine activism works. I did it and it's an experience you don't forget. It's when you realize that Ecologists in Action is not just theory or protests; it's people who get right down to the bottom of every struggle, even in the sea.

Ecologists in Action's achievements

If we look at the results of these years, the numbers speak for themselves. They have managed to stop destructive projects, push through laws to protect nature and educate a generation of young people who now see environmentalism not only as an alternative, but as a necessity for survival.

They have won important battles, such as halting urban development plans in protected areas, limiting dangerous pesticides and reducing emissions from polluting factories. It is an organization with a great capacity to influence public policy, and that is because they have created a solid structure and a movement that continues to grow.

Final Reflection: What can we learn from Ecologists in Action?

After all, what is it that really makes Ecologists in Action so special? Well, it's simple: its vision. It's not just about protecting the environment, it's about fighting for a society that respects the limits of the planet and the dignity of all people. Their motto is clear: change the world from the local, with a global perspective.

So if you have a minimum of ecological concern or simply want to live on a livable planet, keep an eye on them, join their campaigns, collaborate. The thing is to act. It is not enough to watch from the couch. They are demonstrating that something can and must be done.