Channel Foundation helped organize an Environmental Defenders Dialogue about how to address attacks on environmental human rights defenders around the world on Sept. 27, 2017. The Dialogue featured Channel grantee partners Central American Women’s Fund/FCAM, Front Line Defenders, Global Greengrants Fund, Urgent Action Fund, and many others who protect human and environmental rights.

People around the world are being are being harassed, attacked, criminalized, and killed in increasing numbers for protecting the land they depend on for survival. According to reports by Global Witness and The Guardian, 98 environmental defenders were murdered in just the first half of 2017. These threats particularly target women and Indigenous peoples.

Peer funders and Kumi Naidoo (Former Executive Director, Greenpeace International) discussed and engaged with experts and frontline defenders about what is being done to protect environmental defenders, prevent attacks, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The workshop was co-hosted by Channel, the Mize Family Foundation, Grassroots Climate Solutions Fund (Thousand Currents), and Trust for Mutual Understanding and held at the Motif Seattle, directly after the close of Environmental Grantmakers Association’s Annual Retreat.