Defenders of Nature Form Self-Defence Units Amid Rising Threats
The Guardian · September 16, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
An independent watchdog reported that defenders of forests and rivers were murdered at the rate of one every three days. In response to this violence, many communities have established self-defence units. Over a third of the killings were linked to organized crime and environmental crime, including illegal logging and gold mining.
Why it matters
This issue highlights the dangers faced by individuals and communities working to protect natural resources and indigenous territories.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you live in Latin America?
You may be directly affected by the violence against environmental defenders, as a significant number of these killings occur in your region. This violence can disrupt local communities and threaten the safety of those advocating for the protection of natural resources.
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