Nature and Land Defenders Form Self-Defense Units Against Increasing Murder Threats

The latest annual report published by Global Witness revealed that nature and land defenders fell victim to murder every three days last year. The rise in organized crime and drug trafficking has led indigenous communities to establish their own self-defense units.

Global Threats on the Rise

According to Global Witness data, 124 defenders working to protect forests, rivers, and other ecosystems were killed in 2025. Organized crime groups or professional hitmen were determined to be involved in more than a third of these deaths.

Since 2012, the total number of deaths and disappearances has reached 2,375. Although global figures have declined over the past two years, it is emphasized that these numbers may be underestimated due to the difficulty of gathering data in war zones and authoritarian regimes.

The Situation in Latin America and Asia

Eighty-five percent of the deaths last year occurred in Latin America. The highest loss of life was recorded in Colombia with 39 murders, followed by Brazil with 26 deaths and Honduras with 12 deaths.

In Asia, the most dangerous country for defenders was the Philippines with 12 murders. Some of these deaths occurred during operations by state security forces.

Indigenous Peoples and Farmers in the Crosshairs

Nearly three-quarters of the documented murders comprised indigenous peoples and small-scale farmers defending their lands. Environmental crimes such as illegal logging and illicit gold mining have increased the pressure in these regions.

Establishment of Self-Defense Units

With the decline in international support, defenders have been left increasingly alone to face organized crime threats, prompting communities to establish their own territorial defense mechanisms.