He recognizes how difficult it is to build peace and create a democracy in such a delicate, highly politicized context. The best course for NGOs like ProPet n is to leave decisions in the hands of the communities. But even following this course, setbacks can be serious and tragic. Last year, Sosa had to deliver the eulogy at the funeral for a community leader who was murdered, probably because of his role in getting the government to recognize an extractive reserve where local people could harvest forest products. Now more than ever, conservation means working with people.
People have to take ownership.