In Honduras, the pursuit of justice for slain environmental leader Berta Cáceres gains momentum, targeting the alleged architect behind her murder.
Fritz Pinnow reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Almost a decade after Berta Cáceres' murder, her community celebrates their environmental victories while still facing threats.
- Legal progress has been made with the conviction of three involved in Cáceres’ murder, amidst a backdrop of ongoing violence against environmental defenders.
- The case against Daniel Atala Midence, suspected of funding the murder, marks a significant judicial step, demonstrating potential shifts in Honduras' handling of such crimes.
Key quote:
"We reclaimed what is ours and are prepared, should they come and try to take it away again."
— Amos Sánchez, farmer
Why this matters:
In countries like Honduras, being an environmental defender is not just a commitment to protecting nature; it's a perilous undertaking, often fraught with danger. Honduras, rich in natural resources, has become one of the most hazardous places in the world for activists fighting against environmental degradation and land exploitation. These defenders are on the frontlines, battling against large-scale projects like mining, logging, and agribusiness, which threaten the environment and the livelihoods of local communities.
In late 2021, Peter Dykstra wrote a piece looking back at people we lost that year who left their mark on the planet (for better or worse).
