KIOS and Siemenpuu join ALLIED Coalition

Screenshot from the ALLIED front page.

KIOS and its sister Siemenpuu Foundation recently joined the Alliance for Land, Indigenous and Environmental Defenders ALLIED. ALLIED is an international alliance of organisations, which works to support and enhance the protection of environmental defenders.

The Coalition membership includes international actors, as well as regional and national defenders of land, indigenous and environment and their organisations, who join forces for cross-sharing and learning, and for maximizing support to defenders.

Support for land, indigenous and environmental defenders is key for both Siemenpuu and KIOS. The Foundations are committed to long-term support to defenders working for social and environmental justice. And the support is well needed.

As stated by ALLIED, “Land and environmental defenders face growing threats around the world. Over the last three years, approximately 200 individuals defending the right to a healthy environment and territory have been killed each year. Defenders continue to be criminalized and subjected to violent attacks – including murder – within a shrinking operating space for civil society.”

Siemenpuu and KIOS are thankful for the membership and look forward to fruitful engagements as part of the ALLIED Coalition.

Main point of contact for ALLIED membership at KIOS Foundation:

Maarit Roström, Expert, maarit@kios.fi

Main point of contact for ALLIED membership at Siemenpuu Foundation:

Hanna Matinpuro, Executive Director, hanna.matinpuro@siemenpuu.org