Introduction
Deep inside Honduras’ protected forests, a battle is taking place between environmental defenders and deforestation. Deforestation rates in the country are among the highest in the Americas, threatening one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. In 2024, the Honduran government launched a plan to eliminate deforestation by 2029, with a special focus on recovering land used by criminal groups for timber trafficking.
The Plan of Action
The “Zero Deforestation by 2029” plan, launched by the National Defense and Security Council in May 2024, declared a state of emergency for the country’s forests and set aside funds to retake control of protected areas where agriculture, livestock, mining, and other illegal activities have been thriving, often with the involvement of powerful criminal groups. Part of this plan involves building up an “environmental protection battalion” of 8,000 troops.
The Militarization of Conservation
The militarization of conservation has always been a controversial issue. “Militarization [...] is not a long-term solution,” says Professor Kendra McSweeney, Professor of Geography at The Ohio State University, who has been studying conservation in Central America. “Absent a larger investment in public policies, leadership, and legal regimes that will enforce the law in those areas, it cannot work.”
Challenges and Risks
With young civilian scientists now leading armed patrols into jungles with cartel activity, the question remains: can militarized conservation stop forest loss, or is it creating new risks for conservation, environmental protectors, and forests alike?
Conclusion
The battle against deforestation in Honduras is complex and multifaceted. While the militarization of conservation may be a necessary measure in the short term, it is essential to address the underlying causes of deforestation and invest in public policies, leadership, and legal regimes that promote conservation and sustainable development.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay