Berta Cáceres was a force of nature, a fearless defender of indigenous lands and a tireless champion of environmental justice. Her brutal assassination on March 2, 2016, at the age of 44, sent shockwaves around the world, but her legacy as a global citizen and thought leader lives on.

New York, N.Y. Berta Cáceres was a force of nature, a fearless defender of indigenous lands and a tireless champion of environmental justice. Her brutal assassination on March 2, 2016, at the age of 44, sent shockwaves around the world, but her legacy as a global citizen and thought leader lives on.

Her courageous stance against the Agua Zarca dam earned her the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 2015, solidifying her status as a thought leader in the fight against corporate exploitation and environmental degradation.

As a member of the Lenca indigenous community in Honduras, Berta was deeply connected to the land and its sacred rivers.

Her unwavering opposition to the Agua Zarca hydroelectric dam project, which threatened to displace her people and desecrate their ancestral territories, made her a target for powerful corporate interests and corrupt officials.

Despite constant threats and intimidation, she remained resolute, leading peaceful protests and garnering international support for her cause. Berta’s activism transcended borders, inspiring a global movement to protect the rights of indigenous communities and safeguard the environment.

What truly set Berta apart was her unwavering commitment to nonviolence and her deep spiritual connection to the land.

She believed that the struggle for environmental justice was inextricably linked to the struggle for human rights and dignity. Her words resonated with people from all walks of life, reminding us of our collective responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.

In the wake of her assassination, Berta’s legacy has only grown stronger.

Her family and the Council of Indigenous Peoples of Honduras (COPINH) continue to carry the torch, demanding justice and accountability for her murder while advocating for the rights of indigenous communities worldwide. Her name has become a rallying cry for environmental defenders across the globe, a symbol of resistance against corporate greed and state-sanctioned violence.

As global citizens, we stand in solidarity with Berta’s vision of a world where indigenous rights are respected, where the voices of marginalized communities are amplified, and where our planet’s precious resources are protected for generations to come.

Her life and her ultimate sacrifice serve as a powerful reminder that the struggle for environmental justice is a struggle for human rights, and that we must all be willing to stand up and fight for what is right, no matter the cost.

In Memoriam: Berta Cáceres, Honduran Martyr for Environmental Justice (June 14, 2016)

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