Remembering Environmental Martyrs: A Bold Statement from Youth
In a heart-wrenching yet inspiring act of remembrance, a band of spirited young university students from Mexico has taken the initiative to honor those glorious guardians of our planet — the environmentalists tragically lost to violence. Imagine, if you will, the scene in Cali, Colombia, where these ambitious students gathered to set up an altar of the dead during the UN’s summit on nature, boldly declaring, “Hey, government, plant more than just words into the ground!”
Now, let’s talk numbers because apparently, numbers do talk — albeit in a rather grim tone. According to Global Witness, at least 18 brave souls advocating for the earth have been murdered in Mexico alone, while Cemda (the Mexican Center for Environmental Law, for those not in the know) reports even higher figures. Twenty lethal attacks! You’d think they were trying to win some sort of horrible award for most environmentally unfriendly nation.
The altar they created was adorned with offerings reminiscent of any good Mexican celebration — chopped paper, seeds, candles, and, of course, the inevitable companion of every serious environmentalist’s gathering: poignant drawings aimed at evoking not just tears but perhaps a few guilty chuckles. This altar stood proudly in the Youth Pavilion at the much-anticipated COP16, catching the emotional attention of panelists and participants alike. It’s the kind of artwork that screams, “We’re alive, we care, and we demand attention!“
Belonging to the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), these students are not just setting up altars; they are laying down the gauntlet. They’re here to say that youth aren’t just passive observers but active players ready to tackle the eco-crisis head-on. Imagine them, armed with seeds instead of swords, ready to fight for a greener planet while delivering cheeky punchlines all the way!
As candles flickered against the dark backdrop of violence that envelops many environmental defenders, this creative offering at COP16 poignantly illustrated a powerful message — the violence experienced by environmental advocates must end. It’s as if the altar itself was a clarion call echoing through the blue zone, punctuating the air like Lee Evans’ punchy one-liners, but much less likely to leave you rolling on the floor.
And here you have it — a significant push from the future stewards of the planet, not just to participate, but to insist on being part of the decision-making processes within the framework of the esteemed United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Because let’s face it, if the youth aren’t stepping up, we might as well hang a “Closed for Business” sign on the Earth.
As we bid farewell to the environmental heroes commemorated in this striking display, let’s hope their spirits stir deep reflections within those who govern and guide our world. Perhaps, just perhaps, they might realize protecting the environment is as crucial as profiting off it. But hey, if not, at least the youth are here, altar and all, ready to remind them with each flickering candle and every hand-drawn eco-artwork that the planet deserves better!
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Cali, Colombia.— With a strong message to governments to defend and protect those who dedicate their lives and work to caring for the environment, a group of young Mexican university students set up an altar of the dead within the framework of the parallel activities of the summit on nature led by the United Nations and held in this city, in honor of environmentalists who are victims of violence.
The organization Global Witness counted for Mexico at least 18 people related to environmental causes murdered, although the Mexican Center for Environmental Law (Cemda) recorded 20 lethal attacks against environmental activists and defenders last year.
With these figures present, a Day of the Dead altar was set up in honor of the environmentalists murdered in Mexico and the extinct species in the country and the world, which captured the attention of panelists and participants from the different countries attending the summit. COP16 taking place in this South American city.
The young university students belong to the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), Mexico chapter or Global Youth Network for Biodiversity, an organization that has national coverage and participates in the framework of the conference organized by the United Nations. .
It is an offering with chopped paper, seeds, candles and drawings that promote an environmental message and make us reflect on the violence suffered by environmental defenders, many of them murdered.
It was captured in the Youth Pavillion, in Quebec Square, in the so-called blue zone of COP16.
It is a platform of young environmentalists that promotes the participation of this sector of the population in decision-making within the framework of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
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