"Ecological Holocaust" Looms Over Rio 2016 -- Media Watch

(ATR)During the IOC Executive Board's meeting on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, a small group of environmental activists made their voices heard.

Protesting against ecological harm related to the 2016 Summer Olympics, at least two womenpushed their way into the lobby of the hotel where IOC members were meeting. Fox Sports describes the chaotic scene:

"One of the activists, who grabbed a five-ring Olympic flag and tried to wave it, shouted and blew on a whistle as security guards tried to restrain her.

"Other protesters outside the hotel held banners, including one saying 'Ecological Holocaust. IOC go home.'"

"Another read: 'Thomas Bach is a nature killer!'"

Some 100 journalists from around the world, waiting for the start of IOC president Thomas Bach's press conference, witnessed the scene.

Fox Sports says that a lack of progress made on promises to clean up Rio's waterways before 2016, and the decision to carve the Olympic golf course out of a nature preserve, have made environmental issues "a major issue."

The Associated Press dubbed the IOC Executive Board's meeting on Saturday the "Rio Ruckus."

During his press conference that followed the outbursts from activists inside the hotel, Bach said, "We are open for a dialogue with everybody."

The AP says the IOC chief emphasized how far Rio has come in its preparations for the Olympics.

"All of this without the Games would not have happened.

"So, again, it's clear evidence what a positive legacy these games are leaving in the infrastructure, the social, and in the environmental areas."

Brianna Lee, a writer for International Business Times, describes how the protest during the IOC's meeting on Saturday represents a bigger movement in Rio.

"Opposition to the planned Olympic golf course has coalesced into the so-called Occupy Golf movement, which has gained momentum in recent weeks."

Last month, Lee says aRio state prosecutor began investigating the relationship between Mayor Eduardo Paes' office and a developer close to the Olympic golf course project.

Allegations had surfaced that suggested the mayor's claims to the land near the golf course had been falsified.

Keely Levins, a writer for Golf Digest, also highlights the "Occupy Golf" movement as it gathers steam throughout Rio de Janeiro.

"Golf's first appearance in the Olympics since 1904 won’t happen without a few bumps along the way.

"Like the more famous Occupy Wall Street, this group is attempting to make its point--in particular about the environment and money--peacefully."

The golf course is not the only venue drawing criticism in Rio. According to Reuters, the British Sailing Team is concerned about water quality in Guanabara Bay--the sailing venue for the 2016 Games.

"The sailors are on various supplements to mitigate against it, but we can't do anything about the water quality," Stephen Park, British Sailing Team's manager, said.

Nick Thompson, one of Britain's top sailors, tells Reuters, "Water quality is my biggest personal concern.

"If you are sick during the Games, it's game over."

Last week, the AP reported Rio was looking into the recentfish die-off that left thousands of carcasses floating in the waters of Guanabara Bay.

USA Today's Christine Brennan hascompared concerns over water pollution in Rio to the criticism Barcelona faced prior to the 1992 Summer Olympics.

"During the Barcelona Games, garbage barges had to be sent out daily to clean up the mess," Brennan said.

"As infuriating as that sounds, Rio's Guanabara Bay is likely to be even more inhospitable to competitors in 2016."

Compiled byNicole Bennett

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