While media attention has largely focused on the impact to
Monarch butterflies, illegal deforestation is also having grave
effects on the lives of local villagers in Michocan, Mexico, who
are fighting against outside logging syndicates to protect their
resources and livelihoods. Indigenous communities are being
threatened and coerced by armed logging syndicates, after trying
to intervene and stop the logging. This issue is inciting civil
unrest and violence. Community leaders are trying to get the
attention of Mexican federal and state officials in a desperate
attempt to end the cycle of corruption initiated by illegal
deforestation. To date, the Mexican government has failed to
adequately address these illegal activities or to take action.
ECO-LIFE Foundation has created a website —
www.morethanmonarchs.org — to ensure the voices of the local
community are heard. Morethanmonarchs.org allows the full story
to be told, as it unfolds, without distortion or interference by
third parties, and broadcasts the pligh