Environmental Activist Killed in Honduras
An anti-mining environmental activist, Juan Lopez, was tragically killed in Tocoa, Honduras, over the weekend despite warnings about his safety. Lopez, a member of the Libre party and an advocate for preserving tropical forests and rivers, was gunned down as he left church in the northeastern town.
Environmental Organization Faces Retaliation
Lopez belonged to an environmental organization in Tocoa that had already lost three members to violence the previous year. The group had been threatened and harassed for years due to their efforts to protect natural resources from mining and hydro-electric companies in the area. Despite these challenges, Lopez remained committed to his activism.
High Risks for Activists in Latin America
Honduras has been identified as one of the most dangerous countries for environmental activists, with Latin America accounting for a majority of activist deaths globally. The United Nations resident coordinator in Honduras condemned Lopez’s murder and commended his bravery in standing up to powerful interests.
It is a tragic loss for the environmental community in Honduras, but advocates like Juan Lopez will continue to inspire others to fight for the protection of our planet.