Violence and repression against environmental activists continue to rise, with nearly 200 campaigners murdered last year alone. South America has been particularly affected, according to rights group Global Witness. These attacks on environmental defenders highlight the dangers they face in their efforts to protect the planet. Here, we share the stories of three individuals who have confronted violence while fighting against wildcat gold mining, illegal shrimp farming, and a controversial oil project.
Daniel Frits Maurits Tangkilisan, an Indonesian activist, has faced assault, arrest, and prosecution for his activism in protecting the Karimunjawa Islands National Park. Tangkilisan fell in love with the park on his first visit and decided to make it his home. He witnessed the devastating impact of illegal shrimp farms on the marine ecosystem and fishing communities. His #SaveKarimunjawa movement aimed to ban shrimp farms through local zoning laws. However, his activism made him a target, leading to threats, assault, and legal battles. Tangkilisan remains undeterred, recognizing the price that must be paid for defending the environment.
Abdulaziz Bweete, a young Ugandan activist, experienced the harsh realities of environmental change while growing up in Kawempe, a shanty town in Kampala. His concern intensified after witnessing the Uganda government’s response to climate protests. Bweete, along with other student organizers, protested against a multi-billion-dollar oil project that posed a severe threat to the environment. They were subsequently arrested, charged with illegal assembly, and imprisoned in Luzira prison. Bweete believes that good leaders are essential for effective climate policies and remains determined to continue his struggle.
Alex Lucitante, a leader of the Cofan Indigenous people in Ecuador, won a legal victory against mining companies in the Amazon in 2018. However, the destruction of their land continues, with gold prospectors and armed groups disregarding their territory. Lucitante emphasizes the critical situation faced by Indigenous communities, where authorities often turn a blind eye to illegal activities. He calls on global leaders to heed the voices of Indigenous communities and protect life.
The stories of these activists shed light on the immense challenges faced by environmental defenders worldwide. Their courage to confront violence and repression serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for all.
FAQ:
1. How many environmental activists were murdered last year?
– According to rights group Global Witness, nearly 200 campaigners were murdered last year alone.
2. Which region has been particularly affected by violence against environmental activists?
– South America has been particularly affected by violence against environmental activists.
3. Who is Daniel Frits Maurits Tangkilisan and what has he faced?
– Daniel Frits Maurits Tangkilisan is an Indonesian activist who faced assault, arrest, and prosecution for his activism in protecting the Karimunjawa Islands National Park.
4. What was Tangkilisan’s #SaveKarimunjawa movement about?
– Tangkilisan’s #SaveKarimunjawa movement aimed to ban illegal shrimp farms through local zoning laws.
5. Who is Abdulaziz Bweete and what did he protest against?
– Abdulaziz Bweete is a young Ugandan activist who protested against a multi-billion-dollar oil project that posed a severe threat to the environment.
6. What happened to Bweete and the other student organizers after their protest?
– Bweete and the other student organizers were arrested, charged with illegal assembly, and imprisoned in Luzira prison.
7. Who is Alex Lucitante and what legal victory did he win?
– Alex Lucitante is a leader of the Cofan Indigenous people in Ecuador who won a legal victory against mining companies in the Amazon in 2018.
8. What challenges do Indigenous communities face in Ecuador?
– Indigenous communities in Ecuador face the destruction of their land by gold prospectors and armed groups, with authorities often turning a blind eye to illegal activities.
Definitions:
– Global Witness: Rights group that monitors violence against environmental defenders.
– Wildcat gold mining: Unregulated or illegal mining for gold, often causing significant environmental damage.
– Illegal shrimp farming: Unlawful farming of shrimp, resulting in negative impacts on marine ecosystems.
– Environmental change: Alterations in the environment, such as climate change or ecosystem degradation.
– Luzira prison: A prison in Uganda where Abdulaziz Bweete and other student organizers were imprisoned.
Related links:
Global Witness – Official website of Global Witness, the rights group mentioned in the article.