Nature and land defenders were murdered at the rate of one every three days in 2025, prompting communities to form self-defence units, according to watchdog Global Witness.
Key facts
- 124 nature and land defenders were killed in 2025, one every three days
- 85% of deaths occurred in Latin America
- Organised crime groups or professional killers were implicated in more than a third of the killings
- Communities are setting up self-defence units in response
- Figures come from watchdog Global Witness's annual death toll
Nature and land defenders were murdered at the rate of one every three days in 2025, according to the latest annual death toll compiled by the independent watchdog Global Witness. The scale of the violence has prompted many communities to establish their own self-defence units, the report found.
In total, 124 defenders of forests, rivers and other natural resources were killed during the year, the watchdog said. The overwhelming majority of these deaths, 85%, took place in Latin America.
Organised crime groups or professional killers were implicated in more than a third of the killings, according to Global Witness. The watchdog linked the violence to narco-trafficking activities that increasingly overlap with intrusions into indigenous territories.
The report also pointed to environmental crime as a driver of the killings, citing illegal logging and wildcat gold mining as activities that bring criminal groups into conflict with those seeking to protect land and natural resources.
Faced with these threats, communities have responded by forming self-defence units, the watchdog said, reflecting the growing danger for people who work to defend nature and land rights.
Why it matters
The figures highlight the deadly risks faced by people who defend forests, rivers and indigenous land, particularly in Latin America. The overlap between organised crime and environmental destruction shows how efforts to protect nature can put communities directly in the path of violence.
Frequently asked questions
How many nature and land defenders were killed in 2025?
According to Global Witness, 124 nature and land defenders were killed in 2025, equivalent to one every three days.
Where did most of the killings take place?
Global Witness reported that 85% of the deaths occurred in Latin America.
Who was responsible for the killings?
Organised crime groups or professional killers were implicated in more than a third of the 124 killings, often linked to narco-trafficking, illegal logging and wildcat gold mining.