Pablo Fonseca Q. reports that according to the NGO statements, in 2015, Latin America had the dubious honor of being the region with the highest number of conservationist murders ... 122. Brazil took the lion share with 50 killings. The investigation found that conflicts mostly involved mining (42 cases), agro-business (20), logging (15) and hydroelectric projects (15).
Wetizner explained that the Cauca area has seen an increase in movements by armed groups who regard gold as an easy way to get cash. To compound the problem, the national government grants extraction concessions in places banned by traditional local authorities. Fernando death was a message to the entire local government, Weitzner says. In addition, despite the pressures, in this case there has been total impunity. When is the state going to do something? Continuous threats are sent against leaders who try to have their rights respected, and are accused of being anti-development, she says.
The demand for mineral products, wood and space is a continual pressure on communities, many of which are not willing to compromise on what they see as their rights. In Latin America the indigenous communities are especially vulnerable, and it is there where most environmental activists (and mining personnel as well) are killed.
The clash between the different viewpoints on how to achieve development is more often than not resolved with violence. Meanwhile governments are asked to extend a better protection to activists, to recognize their right to refuse to carry out projects, to give voice to community opinions on the issues that perceived to affect them and to combat illegal activities that damage natural resources.
Resource Portal for I2M Clients, Associates, and Geoscientists
Managed & Built by I2M Consulting, LLC | © 2010-
Managed & Built by I2M Consulting, LLC | © 2010-