Nearly 200 environmental defenders killed in 2023 globally

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🗞️ Driving the news: A total of 196 environmental defenders were killed globally in 2023, with Colombia ranked as the deadliest country for the second consecutive year, according to a Global Witness report
• Colombia alone accounted for 79 murders, followed by Brazil, Honduras, and Mexico

🔭 The context: Latin America remains the most dangerous region for environmental activists, with 85% of the global killings happening there
• Socio-environmental conflicts, linked to drug trafficking and extractive industries, drive much of the violence, especially in Colombia’s southwestern regions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The continued targeting of environmental defenders undermines global efforts to protect biodiversity, combat climate change, and ensure sustainable development, especially in critical ecosystems like the Amazon

⏭️ What's next: Governments are urged to take stronger measures to protect environmental activists and address the root causes of violence, while international pressure builds for accountability and reforms

💬 One quote: "Governments cannot stand idly by; they must take decisive action to protect defenders," said Laura Furones, lead author at Global Witness

📈 One stat: 85% of environmental defender killings in 2023 occurred in Latin America

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