Communities establish self-defence units amid threats to environmental defenders
The Guardian · September 16, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
According to Global Witness, environmental defenders were killed at a rate of one every three days, with a majority of incidents occurring in Latin America. Over one-third of the 124 reported deaths were linked to organized crime or hired killers, with activities such as illegal logging and gold mining affecting indigenous territories.
Why it matters
The high rate of violence against environmental defenders highlights the risks faced by individuals and communities working to protect natural resources.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you live in an indigenous territory?
The rise in violence against environmental defenders directly threatens your community's safety and ability to protect your land and resources from illegal activities like logging and mining. This could lead to increased conflict and instability in your area.
How does this story affect you if you are an environmental activist?
The escalating violence against defenders highlights the risks you face while advocating for environmental protection. This situation may deter you from engaging in activism, impacting efforts to safeguard natural resources.
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