Berta Cáceres, a hugely influential indigenous and peasant leader, grassroots feminist, environmental activist and winner of the 2015 Goldman Environmental was murdered in her hometown of La Esperanza, Honduras, on 2 March 2016.
It is a tragic ending to the life of this courageous woman. Bertha Cáceres was the co-founder and general coordinator of the National Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH). Bertha had been repeatedly threatened with her life for her peaceful but persistent opposition against the Agua Zarca Dam on the Gualcarque River. This dam threatens local people’s major source of water and food. COPINH demands an end to this dam and a full, independent investigation of Berta Cáceres’ assassination. Many people worldwide are joining these calls, demanding an end to the repression of indigenous and peasant movements in Central America.
Bertha Cáceres has inspired many people as an indigenous woman raising her voice in the defense of community territory, land and water. Our condolences go to Bertha’s family, to her community, and to all who joined her in this struggle.
Take action
- Sign an international petition to the financiers of the Agua Zarca Dam demanding that they withdraw from the project
- Send a letter to the Honduran President to call for an independent investigation into the murder of Bertha Cáceres, a safe return to Mexico for eye witness Gustavo Castro, and protection of environmental and human rights defenders in Honduras
