Climate Change and Eco-destruction: Impact and resistance led by peasant and fisherwomen in Honduras and Ecuador

About this Event

Honduras and Ecuador are two countries heavily affected by climate change, extreme weather events, and environmental destruction. These issues are largely driven by an industrial model of food production and distribution that relies on monocultures, extensive use of pesticides and chemicals, and global supply chains, all within a framework of weak national and international regulations. The most impacted are rural communities, particularly women, who not only depend on and care for the land, sea, and forests but also play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and preserving food culture in their territories.

This event, taking place in parallel to the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, will explore the specific impacts of climate change and environmental destruction on the lives of rural women in Honduras and Ecuador, including peasants, Indigenous women, fisherwomen, and small-scale entrepreneurs. We will examine how these challenges affect their ability to enjoy the right to adequate food and nutrition, as well as related rights such as the right to health and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The discussion will focus on the effects on traditional and artisanal ways of food production, collection, preparation, and exchange, and the broader implications for local food systems that feed and sustain these communities. In addition to highlighting the negative impacts, we will also discuss the diverse forms of resistance led by rural women and their concrete proposals and demands to governments and the international community for protecting and promoting food systems based on healthy, equitable, and sustainable practices.

Speakers

• Carmen MARADIAGA | Leader of Cedeño, Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras
• Lily MEJÍA | FIAN Honduras
• Alex NARANJO | FIAN Ecuador (video message)
• Rina KUUSIPALO | UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Environment and Climate Change Team
• Laura MICHELE | FIAN International | Moderator

Highlights