Nature and land defenders were murdered at a rate of one every three days in 2025, with 85% of deaths occurring in Latin America, prompting communities to establish self-defence units.
According to the independent watchdog Global Witness, 124 defenders were killed in 2025, with more than a third of these killings linked to organised crime groups or professional killers. These deaths were often tied to environmental crimes such as illegal logging and gold mining, as well as narco-trafficking activities overlapping with incursions into indigenous territories.
Colombia recorded the highest number of killings with 39, followed by Brazil with 26 and Honduras with 12. In Asia, the Philippines was the most dangerous country for defenders, with 12 killings, many linked to state security crackdowns. Since 2012, the total number of deaths and disappearances of defenders globally has reached 2,375, comparable to a small-scale war.
Why it matters
The high murder rate has forced communities to create self-defence units to protect themselves.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch for organised crime groups to continue targeting land defenders in indigenous territories.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.