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Protecting Environmental Defenders in the Climate Crisis: Why Regional Solidarity and Policy Action Matter

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Written by: Fardosa Mustafa, Network Coordinator Environmental Rights Organisation (EROG)

Across East Africa, communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis are increasingly facing environmental destruction, shrinking civic space, and threats linked to powerful private and political interests. Land and Environment Defenders (LEDs) who speak out against pollution, unsafe extractive activities, land grabbing, and environmental degradation continue to face intimidation, harassment, digital surveillance, and, in some cases, physical harm.

For almost a decade, the Environmental Rights Organisation (EROG) has worked to strengthen solidarity among Land and Environment Defenders across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Through annual convenings, peer learning spaces, and grassroots advocacy initiatives, EROG has supported defenders to build collective strategies for environmental justice while amplifying community voices often excluded from climate and development conversations. The climate crisis has intensified existing inequalities and vulnerabilities in many communities. In East Africa, large-scale development and extractive projects are increasingly being implemented in ways that overlook environmental safeguards, public participation, and community wellbeing. Defenders challenging these injustices frequently operate with minimal protection and limited access to emergency support systems.

The climate crisis has intensified existing inequalities and vulnerabilities in many communities.

Advancing Safety and Solidarity for Environmental Defenders

Through support from the Haki Ni Yetu (HNY) programme, EROG strengthened coordination and rapid response mechanisms within its regional network. One of the key milestones was the successful convening of the 9th Annual Land and Environment Defenders Workshop in September 2025, which brought together 60 defenders from across the region. The workshop created a safe space for sharing frontline experiences, strengthening advocacy skills, and building collective protection mechanisms for defenders working in high-risk environments.

The HNY support also enabled EROG to improve emergency and non-emergency response coordination for defenders facing threats. This became particularly important during the post-election violence period in Tanzania, where defenders experienced heightened insecurity and communication shutdowns. Through regional solidarity and rapid mobilisation of resources, EROG was able to support 11 affected defenders and their families with medical assistance, internet access, and VPN connectivity to maintain communication and safety. At the community level, the strengthened coordination also contributed to grassroots advocacy efforts against environmental injustices. In Kericho County, community-led advocacy and engagement with county and national regulators contributed to the shutdown of illegal lead casting operations in Kapsuser ward, which had raised serious concerns around environmental pollution and public health risks.

“Grassroots defenders remain among the most important actors in advancing environmental accountability”

Protecting Environmental Defenders as a Foundation for Climate Justice and Accountability

These experiences demonstrate that protecting environmental defenders is central to climate justice. Communities cannot effectively participate in environmental governance or climate action when defenders are silenced, criminalised, or left without protection. Stronger support systems for defenders are therefore necessary not only for human rights protection, but also for sustainable environmental governance and accountability.

There is an urgent need for governments, regional bodies, development partners, and civil society actors to strengthen legal and policy protections for Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs). States must improve accountability mechanisms for attacks and intimidation targeting defenders and ensure timely investigations and remedies. In addition, investment in rapid response systems, psychosocial support, and digital and physical security for defenders is critical.

Regional solidarity must also continue to be strengthened. Climate and environmental injustices often cut across borders, and defenders benefit greatly from shared learning, coordinated advocacy, and collective protection networks. As the climate crisis deepens, grassroots defenders remain among the most important actors in advancing environmental accountability and community-centred climate solutions. Protecting them is therefore not optional — it is essential.

EROG receives funding through the 2nd open call of the Rights, Governance and Accountability Grants (Large Grants) of the Haki Ni Yetu project. The Haki Ni Yetu project is funded by the EU Delegation to Kenya. You can learn more about the project here: https://kios.fi/en/haki-ni-yetu/

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This page is funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of  of the KIOS Foundation & The Haki Ni Yetu project and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.