{"id":57857,"date":"2019-06-05T17:34:00","date_gmt":"2019-06-05T16:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/?p=57857"},"modified":"2021-11-04T17:47:47","modified_gmt":"2021-11-04T16:47:47","slug":"infographic-why-are-environmental-defenders-under-attack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/news\/infographic-why-are-environmental-defenders-under-attack\/","title":{"rendered":"[Infographic] Why are environmental defenders under attack?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Every week, four people are killed because they defend nature. Moreover, these attacks against environmental defenders have increased year after year. But why is this happening? To explain the situation, we developed an infographic.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Header photo: Infographic \u00a9 IUCN NL<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\u201cThe graphic maps out the underlying causes of this increasing violence against conservationists,\u201d says Liliana Jauregui. \u201cBasically, it is driven by the increasing global demand for natural resources.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Drivers<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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This is how it works: the growing world population with increasing consumption creates an increasing demand for raw materials, such as minerals, timber and palm oil, which are often extracted in an unsustainable way. In countries rich in natural resources, there is an increasing demand for land. \u201cThis demand is growing so rapidly, that developers are now starting to enter pristine natural areas\u201d, Jauregui points out. \u201cConservationists are putting a stop to this. These people want to protect their land, forest and water against these  destructive industries. But in doing so, they find themselves in the frontline of the battle.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Enabling factors<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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On top of this, we identified enabling factors that allow these dynamics to exist. Often, land rights are poorly acknowledged. In those cases, it is unclear that the land belongs to the indigenous community, making it difficult for them to claim their rights. \u201cBut even when rights are  in place, this does not guarantee any certainty for the community\u201d, Jauregui explains. \u201cCompanies often bribe corrupt governments to gain access to the protected area. Or governments simply adjust the laws whenever they like.\u201dThese companies and governments can do this because there is often a high level of impunity in these countries. \u201cThey have a relative freedom to violate the legal system and human rights, without facing any real consequences\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Still committed<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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So how come these defenders are so committed to continue their battle? \u201cThe land is a valuable part of their identity\u201d, Jauregui explains. \u201cIt is the place where their ancestors have lived and have taken care of for centuries.\u201d In addition, the community is dependent on their forest for their livelihood: \u201cit provides them with food, water, medicinal herbs and shelter\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Action required<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Over the last few years, IUCN NL has, with support of the Dutch Postcode Lottery, been working on improving the safety of environmental defenders. \u201cWe need to take action to identify, prevent and convict this violence, and to provide shelter for innocent victims.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Links & downloads<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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