Raising awareness for the violence faced by environmental activists in the Amazon Basin
THE URGENT PROBLEM: A CRISIS ON THE FRONT LINES
The Amazon rainforest faces a dual crisis: rapid ecosystem destruction and escalating violence against Amazon activists and other courageous defenders. These challenges are deeply connected.
Illegal mining, logging, agriculture, and infrastructure projects drive deforestation and fuel violent conflicts over land and resources. Weak governance, corruption, and impunity create a dangerous environment where environmental and land defenders face threats, attacks, and even murder for protecting their homes and the planet.
These defenders, particularly Indigenous Peoples, are essential guardians of biodiversity and play a vital role in combating climate change. Their knowledge and commitment are invaluable. Protecting them is not just a human rights imperative; it’s crucial for the survival of the Amazon and the health of our planet.
Latin America, specifically the Amazon basin in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, is the global epicentre of this crisis. The need for urgent action is clear.
Through this campaign, we directly confront these interconnected issues. We aim to protect vital ecosystems, stand with courageous amazon activists, and promote a more just and sustainable future for the Amazon.
THE GURDIANS OF THE FOREST: VOICES FROM THE FRONT LINES
At the heart of the fight to protect the Amazon are the environmental defenders – brave individuals and communities, predominantly Indigenous Peoples, but also riverine communities, small farmers, and local activists. For generations, they have lived in harmony with the rainforest, holding invaluable traditional knowledge and acting as its primary stewards.
Living directly within and alongside the forest, these defenders are the first to witness illegal incursions by loggers, miners, and land grabbers. Armed with deep territorial knowledge, they monitor their lands, document destruction, and speak out against powerful, often violent, interests. Their methods range from traditional patrols and community surveillance to using modern technology for monitoring and sharing information.
This vital work comes at an immense personal cost. As highlighted in the previous section, environmental defenders in the Amazon basin, particularly in Brazil, Colombia, and and Peru, face constant threats, intimidation, and violence. They risk their lives, their families’ safety, and their homes simply by standing in the way of destructive activities. Yet, despite the danger, their resolve remains powerful.
Protecting the Amazon is intrinsically linked to protecting the rights and safety of these guardians. Their presence and their actions are often the most effective barrier against deforestation and environmental crime. Standing in solidarity with them is crucial for both human rights and the ecological future of our planet.
Hear about the importance of Indigenous Peoples protecting and safeguarding the Amazon here. This video, created by a Brazilian Indigenous advocacy group, Instituto Socioambiental, offers a glimpse into the unwavering determination of the people dedicating their lives to defending the Amazon:
WHY ACTIVISTS WITHOUT BORDERS IS INVOLVED
At Activists Without Borders, our mission is clear: we stand with human rights defenders facing danger worldwide. The courageous environmental defenders on the front lines of the Amazon crisis – risking everything to protect their territories and our shared planet – are precisely the activists our organisation is dedicated to supporting. This campaign is a direct expression of our commitment to those at gravest risk for defending fundamental rights, including the right to a healthy environment.
The destruction of Latin America’s forests fuels violence faced by environmental defenders, including the murders of 166 defenders in the region in 2023, despite supposed legal protections. This must stop.
What We Want to Achieve to Support Amazon Activists
Build a knowledgeable, engaged supporter community
We’re building a core group that understands the link between deforestation and violence against activists — and is ready to lead advocacy.
Raise awareness of violence against environmental defenders
We aim to shine a light on the violence faced by defenders in the Amazon through thoroughly researched campaign materials that inform and inspire.
Strengthen grassroots networks for greater impact
We’re working to build a coalition of allied Amazon basin organisations, laying the foundation for stronger, more ambitious future campaigns.
Standing in Solidarity with Our Campaign Partners
A grassroots-led campaign driving support for the Climate & Nature Bill, which seeks to enshrine ambitious environmental protections into UK law to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.
A coalition of environmental organisations and activists calling for urgent government action to halt biodiversity loss and invest in large-scale nature restoration across the UK.
We’re building a powerful movement of campaign groups and NGOs committed to stopping violence and defending the Amazon. To get involved and collaborate, please contact: Tom Holmes, Our Campaigns Manager via campaigns@activistswithoutborders.org.uk
Learn about the defenders risking their lives to protect the Amazon.
Understand the connection between deforestation and the Amazon crisis.
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