"On Monday, February 28, the newly inaugurated government of progressive President Xiomara Castro declared Honduras a country free of open-pit mining as a measure to protect its environment. In this regard, the government announced the cancellation of the approval of extractivist exploitation permits. According to a statement from the Ministry of Energy, Natural Resources, Environment and Mines (MIAMBIENTE), the decision was taken as a part of the 2022-2026 government program and in accordance with the principles of climate justice, respect and protection of natural resources. “The approval of extractivist exploitation permits is canceled, as they are harmful to the State of Honduras, which threaten natural resources, public health and limit access to water as a human right,” said the MIAMBIENTE. The initiative, which placed the protection of the environment above the interests of the transnational companies, was celebrated by environmentalists and social organizations across the country."