Colombia, the host nation for this year’s United Nations COP16 biodiversity conference, faced a grim reality in 2023. The country recorded the highest number of environmental and land rights defenders killed, with a staggering 79 deaths, as reported by UK advocacy group Global Witness.
This marks the highest annual death toll for a single country since Global Witness began monitoring in 2012, according to its report published on Monday.
Laura Furones, senior adviser to Global Witness’ land and environmental defenders campaign, described the data as “chilling,” noting that the actual numbers could be higher due to incomplete data. Globally, 196 environmentalists and land activists were murdered in 2023, with Latin America accounting for 85% of these killings.
Despite promises from President Gustavo Petro’s administration, which began in 2022, to end Colombia’s long-standing conflict and promote environmental justice, the contrast remains stark.
Peace processes with various armed groups, often implicated in these killings, have stalled. Although deforestation reached a 23-year low last year, the environment ministry has forecasted an increase in 2024.
Colombia was also the deadliest country for environmentalists in 2022, with at least 60 killings reported. Astrid Torres, coordinator for the Colombian human rights group Somos Defensores, expressed shame over the figures, emphasising the responsibility extends beyond the current government to include state institutions like prosecutors and local authorities. A spokesperson for the Colombian government stated that they are working on a response.
A Reuters investigation last year revealed that the murders of environmentalists in Colombia had long-term negative impacts on conservation efforts. Municipalities where activists were killed experienced significant spikes in deforestation.
In July, during the launch of the COP16 agenda in Bogota, Vice President Francia Marquez, a 2018 Goldman Environmental Prize winner, dedicated the conference to the memory of the slain activists. She expressed deep emotion, stating that the event honours the dreams of environmental leaders, many of whom were tragically murdered.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Reuters reports that Colombia has been the deadliest country for environmentalists in 2023, with 79 fatalities, and the situation is deeply concerning, as the actual numbers are likely higher.(read more)
- Japantimes.co.jp reports that Colombia was the deadliest country for green activists in 2022, with 60 murders, and the situation has not significantly improved despite efforts to boost protection under new leftist President Gustavo Petro.(read more)
- BBC News reports that Colombia is the deadliest country for environmental activists, with 60 murders in 2022, out of 177 worldwide.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How many environmentalists were killed in Colombia in 2023?
79 environmentalists were killed in Colombia in 2023.
Who reported the number of murdered environmental activists in Colombia?
The UK advocacy group Global Witness reported the numbers.
What percentage of global environmentalist killings occurred in Latin America in 2023?
85% of global environmentalist killings occurred in Latin America.
What did Colombia’s vice president say about the COP16 conference?
Colombia’s vice president said the conference would honor those killed.
How did the murders of environmentalists affect conservation in Colombia?
Murders of environmentalists led to long-lasting negative effects on conservation.