Holy Week Consumption: Environmental Impacts and Ethical Concerns Surrounding Endangered Species

In recent years, many people have followed the tradition of abstaining from meat on Holy Friday without realizing that this practice is based on the Vatican code of canon law, which states that Catholics over the age of 14 must refrain from eating meat on this day. As a result, during Holy Week, there is an increase in the consumption of chicken, fish, and seafood.

While this custom may benefit certain sectors like fishing, it also poses environmental challenges. The indiscriminate capture and consumption of endangered species can have detrimental effects on their populations and the ecosystems they inhabit. For example, traditional dishes consumed during Holy Week often involve meat from hicotea turtles in regions like the Caribbean coast. The demand for turtle meat drives illegal wildlife trade and leads to the mistreatment and trafficking of these animals.

Despite efforts by authorities like the National Police and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development to combat animal trafficking and protect endangered species during this time, challenges remain. Efforts to rescue and rehabilitate trafficked turtles face obstacles due to their physical conditions and potential exposure to pathogens during trafficking. Despite enforcement actions by authorities and awareness campaigns, the number of animals recovered from wildlife trafficking continues to rise each year, with reptiles being particularly affected.

It is essential to raise awareness about the environmental impact and ethical concerns surrounding the consumption of endangered species during Holy Week. Conservation efforts and enforcement of wildlife protection laws are crucial in preventing further harm to vulnerable species and their habitats. By making informed choices about what we eat during this time, we can help protect our planet’s biodiversity for future generations to come.