Indigenous and Environmental Defenders Risk Their Lives as the Last Line Protecting the Planet
From The Observatory
Indigenous peoples around the world play a crucial role in protecting forests, rivers, wildlife, and natural ecosystems. Although they make up less than 5 percent of the global population, they safeguard about 80 percent of the planet’s remaining biodiversity. Yet their work often puts them in danger. Many Indigenous leaders, land defenders, and community activists face intimidation, violence, or even death for standing up to powerful interests, such as mining companies, fossil fuel corporations, illegal loggers, and government forces. In many regions, protecting the environment has become one of the world’s most dangerous jobs.
The threats come from several sources. Some governments weaken environmental laws or allow destructive industries to operate on Indigenous lands without consent. In other cases, criminals tied to illegal mining, logging, or land grabbing attack Indigenous defenders who resist. Because many countries fail to investigate these crimes, perpetrators often act with impunity. This lack of accountability encourages more violence and makes it difficult for communities to protect their territories.
Despite these dangers, Indigenous communities continue their work because their identities, cultures, and survival are deeply connected to the land. They use traditional knowledge—passed down through generations—to manage natural resources in ways that support both people and ecosystems. Many scientific studies show that areas under Indigenous stewardship have lower rates of deforestation, healthier soils, and higher biodiversity.
To improve safety, experts argue that governments must strengthen legal protections, honor land rights, and support community efforts to monitor and defend their territories. International pressure, global agreements, and greater public awareness can also help. Protecting Indigenous land defenders is essential not only for human rights, but also for addressing climate change, conserving biodiversity, and creating a more just, sustainable world.
Read the full article “Indigenous and Environmental Defenders Risk Their Lives as the Last Line Protecting the Planet” by Reynard Loki
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
