APAMO condemns violence at Ya’axché Conservation Trust office
Last week, the Minister of Forestry, Lisel Alamilla, disclosed that someone had shot at the offices of the Ya’axche Conservation Trust in Golden Stream. Today, the Association of Protected Areas Management Organization joined the minister in condemning the violence. APAMO expressed disappointment that anyone would attack the organization which is dedicated to achieving conservation goals and the well-being of surrounding communities. APAMO strongly believes that such action is regrettable and trusts that the safety of the staff is not further compromised.
1. We need a competent, diligent police investigation of the crime. It was potentially deadly, and certainly is a threat.
2. Deploy BDF to protect the organizations that try to protect natural resources.
3. Villagers should organize their own legally armed patrols, and make citizen’s arrests if they uncover lawbreakers.