UNEP chief condemns killing of Mexican environmentalist, Lopez

The United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director, Erik Solheim has condemned the killing of anti-logging activist Isidro Baldenegro Lopez, of Mexico’s Chihuahua state.

Isidro Baldenegro López, 51, a leader of the Tarahumara people and fervent environmentalist was shot dead Sunday at his uncle’s home in the town of Coloradas de la Virgen in the state of Chihuahua, according to Mexican state-run news agency Notimex.

Solheim, in a statement following the killing of Latin American environmentalis, Lopez described the incident as ‘shocking and appalling’.

He said “This is shocking and appalling. Isidro Baldenegro López was a passionate and courageous man who stood up to protect his community’s ancestral forests. It looks like he has paid the ultimate price for his peaceful convictions,” said Solheim.

“His murder tragically highlights the mortal dangers faced by environmental defenders in Latin America and across the planet, and the links between organized crime and environmental destruction. No one should ever have to die to protect nature.”

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Baldenegro’s family, and hope that justice will be done.”

In 2005, Baldenegro López won the Goldman Environmental Prize for his dedication in organizing peaceful protests against illegal logging.

“He was a fearless leader and a source of inspiration to so many people fighting to protect our environment and indigenous people’s rights,” the Goldman Environmental Foundation said in a statement Wednesday.

Foundation President Susan R. Gelman sent her condolences to his family. She called on authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and asked the international community to “come together to protect his legacy.”