In 2011, the Purépecha people of Cherán in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, declared their autonomy and formed their own government to defend their lands from not only logging but large-scale monocrop farming of cash crops, especially avocado. The market demand for avocados, especially in the United States, has made intensive avocado cultivation very lucrative, even for smaller-scale farmers. But the social and environmental costs of avocado production are high, including deforestation, draining of local water supplies, and attracting both cartels and corrupt law enforcement eager to cash in on this industry by extorting growers and/or serving as armed guards or mercenaries for them when resistance arises. The people of Cherán have prohibited growing avocados on lands within their territory, other than for family consumption. They are reclaiming their ancestors’ insistence that they care for the earth, for the land and water and the forests, because these gifts are life itself. You can learn more about their story in the Spanish-language podcast, Mujeres de Fuego, and in the videos below.