Full Breakdown
Colombia: The Deadliest Country for Environmental Defenders
12/9/2025, 12:34:49 AM
The Risks Faced by Environmental Activists
Colombia has been identified as the deadliest country in the world for environmental defenders, with Global Witness reporting 48 killings in 2024 alone, accounting for nearly a third of all such cases globally. Activists like Jani Silva, a 63-year-old environmental advocate, face significant threats while working to protect the Amazon from oil and mining exploitation. Silva has not lived in her home on the banks of the Putumayo River for over eight years due to safety concerns, relying on bodyguards provided by Colombia's National Protection Unit (NPU). Despite these protections, many activists feel vulnerable, particularly in rural conflict zones where threats persist.
Community Initiatives and Environmental Protection
Silva is the president of ADISPA, a farming association managing the Amazon Pearl reserve, which spans 87 square miles and is home to approximately 800 families. The reserve is a hub for biodiversity, hosting reforestation projects, wetland protection programs, and agroecology initiatives. Under Silva's leadership, ADISPA has cultivated over 120,000 native seedlings to restore degraded areas and has organized community patrols to prevent illegal activities. Silva's efforts to challenge oil operations, particularly those linked to the Bogota-based company GeoPark, have drawn ire from armed groups that benefit from such activities.
Armed Groups and Their Impact
The region is controlled by armed groups known as Comandos de la Frontera, or Border Commandos, which emerged following the 2016 peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). These groups have filled power vacuums left by the demobilization of FARC, enforcing control through extortion and illegal taxation. Residents report that these groups compel communities to perform unpaid labor or face fines, further undermining local livelihoods. The presence of illegal coca cultivation has been documented near community projects, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by environmental defenders.
Official Responses and Criticism
While Colombian authorities assert that they are committed to protecting activists through the NPU, critics argue that mere provision of bodyguards is insufficient. Andrew Miller, head of advocacy at Amazon Watch, emphasizes the need for authorities to prosecute those responsible for threats and attacks against defenders. Despite the risks, Silva remains resolute in her mission, stating, “We have to continue defending the future, and we need more and more people to join this cause.”
The Next Generation of Activists
Silva's daughter, Anggie Miramar Silva, is part of ADISPA's technical team and has grown up witnessing her mother's dedication to environmental activism. While she admires her mother's commitment, she expresses uncertainty about following in her footsteps due to the sacrifices involved. The community's initiatives, however, are fostering new leaders, with over 600 families participating in conservation and agroecology projects, ensuring that the fight for environmental protection continues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel like I am needed … there is still so much to do.” — Jani Silva, Environmental Activist
- “We have to continue defending the future,” — Jani Silva, Environmental Activist
- “I don’t know if I would be willing to sacrifice everything she has.” — Anggie Miramar Silva, ADISPA Technical Team Member
Colombia's environmental defenders, exemplified by Jani Silva, continue to face grave dangers in their pursuit of protecting the Amazon, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced protections and accountability for those who threaten their lives.
