At least 124 environmental advocates were killed globally in 2025, according to a report published Wednesday by the non-governmental organization Global Witness. The report highlights the ongoing risks faced by those working to protect natural resources, with Indigenous people and small-scale farmers among the most frequently targeted.

The victims often campaigned against activities including mining, logging, agriculture, poaching, and energy projects, which can pose significant threats to local ecosystems and communities. The report underscores the continued vulnerability of environmental defenders, who are increasingly caught in conflicts over land and resource rights.

Colombia remained the deadliest country for environmental defenders for the fourth year in a row, recording 39 killings. Brazil ranked second, with 26 deaths, followed by Honduras and the Philippines, each reporting 12 fatalities. Together, these four countries accounted for a significant portion of the global total.

Latin America continues to be the most dangerous region for those defending the environment, responsible for 85% of all such fatalities worldwide in 2025. This trend has persisted since Global Witness began releasing its annual report in 2012, pointing to deep-rooted issues related to land disputes, illegal resource extraction, and weak law enforcement in the region.

The report calls attention to the need for stronger protections and legal measures to ensure the safety of environmental activists, many of whom play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Authorities and international bodies face growing pressure to address the systemic factors that enable violence against these advocates and to hold perpetrators accountable.