Defending Mother Earth: Community Initiatives in the Face of Environmental Destruction

 A look at the environmental defenders successfully defending our planet, and how you can help

On World Environment Day 2023, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the environmental defenders and communities protecting our planet, combating climate change, and preserving biodiversity. These courageous individuals and collectives play a pivotal role, but often face immense challenges and risks. Peace Brigades International (PBI) works to keep climate activists safe, as well as mobilising global support. At the foot of the article you will find three easy actions you can take to help.

Since 2012 over 1733 land and environmental rights defenders have been killed trying to protect their land and resources: that’s an average of one defender killed approximately every two days. Land and environmental rights defenders also face imprisonment, criminalisation, intimidation, surveillance, sexual violence, and death threats against them and their families.

Despite these risks, from the dense forests of the Colombian Amazon to the rugged terrains of Mexico's Sierra Tarahumara, communities have risen to protect their lands, livelihoods, and the environment. Their innovative, collective actions have demonstrated the power of local solutions for a sustainable future.

This article explores four inspiring case studies that highlight the community-led triumphs of environmentalists who PBI works to protect, and how you can support by demanding the UK government do more.

Community-led conservation in the Colombian Amazon

In the lush Amazon rainforest of Colombia, the Reserva Campesina Perla Amazónica stands as a grassroots initiative to protect those communities that, in the midst of the armed conflict, are preserving the region’s impressive biodiversity. Led by inspiring figures like Jani Silva, the community has stood up to the environmental damage caused by oil companies in the region including Amerisur Resources. Local activists have documented devastating water and land pollution, as well as the forced displacement of communities - all associated with the arrival of oil companies.

Community conservation efforts have led to the repopulation of wild animals and endemic species. Furthermore, a collective decision means that, for every parcel of cultivated land within the reservation, another must be dedicated to conservation.

PBI supports the Perla Amazonica as part of our protective accompaniment to the Inter-Church Commission for Justice and Peace (CIJP). Despite having faced threats, the community remains resilient and the fight continues. As well as preserving vital ecosystems, these brave environmental defenders have worked with communities to assert their land rights rights, revive cultural practices, and sustainably manage their resources.

When mining threatened their rivers, Guatemala's Maya Ch'orti' fought back

For the last 30 years, extractive industries have polluted the rivers and accelerated deforestation in the lands of Guatemala’s Maya Ch'orti'. Yet the Indigenous Authorities of Olopa have organised to defend their ancestral lands against destructive mining practices. Driven by their deep-rooted connection to the land, these Indigenous leaders embarked on a journey to demand the closure of the mining project and the restoration of their environment.

And with significant milestones. Now, 14 of the 22 local Indigenous communities have been legally registered. Their relentless efforts led to an injunction from the highest court in the country in 2019, which provisionally suspended the company’s mining licence.

However, their resistance has not been without consequences. Community leaders have faced threats, intimidation, and legal persecution, which is why PBI provides them with bridges legal and advocacy support, as well as protective accompaniment. The struggle of the Maya Ch'orti' in Olopa continues to raise awareness about the environmental damage caused by mining companies and, as they advocate for the authorities to implement the court’s rulings, they have also inspired other communities across the region to join the struggle to protect their lands for future generations.

From landfill to memorial park in Nairobi's informal settlements

Amidst the challenging conditions of Nairobi's Mathare slum, grassroots organisations have embarked on an extraordinary journey to transform a former landfill site into a vibrant memorial park. Confronted with limited access to green spaces and adverse living conditions, community groups - including the PBI-supported Mathare Social Justice Center - took matters into their own hands, reclaiming the land and creating a community space that celebrates life and honours their history.

A symbol of waste and neglect is now a symbol of resilience and hope. The park will serve as a gathering place for community activities, environmental education, and cultural events. By reclaiming and revitalising their environment, these grassroots groups are improving the quality of life for slum residents and inspiring others to take action across the city.

Inspired by the legacy of Kenyan Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai, the act of planting a tree takes on a deeper, symbolic meaning as it becomes a powerful platform to advocate not only for environmental rights but also for social justice, women's rights, and confronting enforced disappearances and police violence. Park volunteers include mothers of victims of police violence who have planted trees in memory of their murdered sons. Through their actions, they shed light on the systemic issues that impact their lives, and foster a sense of empowerment within the community.

Defending Indigenous Communities in the Sierra Tarahumara, Mexico

In the spectacular landscapes of the Sierra Tarahumara, Mexico, PBI provides protection to a group of dedicated environmental lawyers called Community Technical Consultancy (CONTEC), who are on the front lines, defending the rights of Indigenous communities against powerful vested interests. They provide legal representation, advice, and advocacy initiatives to Indigenous communities facing threats from mining, logging, and tourism projects, as well as organised crime groups.. 

The Sierra Tarahumara is part of the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico's longest mountain range and one of the most biodiverse areas in North America. But with the arrival of illegal loggers, about two thirds of the standing timber available in Mexico is now found in the Sierra.

By challenging legal frameworks and holding corporations accountable, CONTEC strives to ensure that the rights of the communities in the Sierra are respected and that their territories remain protected.

What can be done in the UK to help support environmental defenders at risk? 

Call on the government to better protect defenders and regulate UK business behaviour!

In 2019 the UK Government launched a policy to support human rights defenders, highlighting those working on environmental issues as some of the most threatened, and promising to take actions to protect them. But in reality, efforts by the FCDO and UK embassies abroad are sporadic, inconsistent and ad-hoc. The lack of a comprehensive strategy  and budget often render the policy ineffective.

The UK also lags behind when it comes to tackling the big business interests that lie behind a lot of these threats to defenders, as well as the environmental harms communities are standing up to. Last week, the European Parliament approved legislation to make it mandatory for large companies to check for environmental and human rights abuses in their supply chains. Yet in London, the Government continues to resist calls from companies, consumers, investors and civil society to develop their own law to ensure UK business isn’t fueling violence in communities like those described above.

Given the extreme threats facing environmental defenders and the crucial role they can play as allies in combating climate change, it is high time the UK Government enhanced their policy on human rights defenders and committed to make human rights and environmental due diligence mandatory for UK companies. With a General Election looking, opposition parties should make clear commitments on both fronts.

You can help!

• Please write to your MP and let them know you want to see defenders protected and business regulated! You can find your MP here and use our handy template to send them a letter. 

• Please also sign the petition making clear your support for a law to ensure business prevents environmental and human rights abuses in their supply chains!

• Please help PBI protect environmentalists on the front line by donating here if you are able. Thank you!