(FILES) This file photo taken on August 17, 2016 shows peasants holding an image of indigenous environementalist Berta Caceres, during a march in Tegucigalpa demanding justice for her murder. AFP / ORLANDO SIERRA
Cancun, Mexico: Berta Caceres, a Honduran activist murdered early this year, was posthumously awarded Friday one of the UN's top prizes for the inspiration she gave in standing up to powerful interests.
The UN Environment Programme made Caceres one its "Champions of the Earth," which honors figures who fight for sustainable development.
The award was among six given by the UN agency's executive director Erik Solheim at the world body's conference on biodiversity in Cancun, Mexico.
Caceres, who led an indigenous association fighting the construction of a hydroelectric dam in Honduras, was killed on March 3 by two gunmen who burst into her home.
Six people are in custody in relation to the crime, including an employee of the company building the dam.
Caceres's death brought international attention to bear on the threats and intimidation faced by environmentalists and rights activists in the Central American nation.
"Our family hopes this award will make sure that Berta's wonderful life, and that of the Lenca people's struggle, will not be forgotten and will inspire all those who fight for environmental rights in the world," her brother Roberto Caceres said upon accepting the UN award on her behalf.
