Environmental activists in Latin America are not trying to prevent development of “remote lands.” These lands are theirs. Many indigenous peoples and local communities, including Cáceres’s Lenca people, have lived on their lands for generations. When their lands are threatened, courageous leaders such as Cáceres often refuse to give in to intimidation and threats, and end up paying the ultimate price. It is no mere coincidence that 40 percent of environmentalists murdered in 2014 were indigenous people protecting their lands and livelihoods.

It is critical that governments bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice, but they also must solve the root issue: Indigenous and community activists will continue to be murdered until governments recognize their rights.

Omaira Bolanos, Washington

The writer is the Latin American program director for the Rights and Resources Initiative