Lara State residents protest illegal logging in Santa Lucía

Community leaders in the Iribarren municipality of Lara State, Venezuela, are protesting indiscriminate logging in the Santa Lucía mountain range. Residents report that unauthorized interventions are threatening the area's last forest reserve, which serves as a vital ecological barrier and water recharge zone for northern communities including Agua Negra, Santa Lucía, Buenos Aires, and El Guamito.

Environmentalist Francisco Cañizalez noted that the deforestation risks local water sources and ecological balance. Although formal reports have been submitted to the Ministry of Ecosocialism (Minec), residents claim they have received no inspections or responses. The community is demanding an immediate halt to irregular activities, sanctions for those responsible, and a reforestation plan.