“Colombia stands as one of the most critical battlegrounds for environmental defenders, where the struggle to protect biodiversity and natural territories meets fierce resistance and grave danger. The country holds the tragic distinction of being the deadliest place for environmental activists worldwide, with 79 defenders murdered in 2023 alone, representing about 40% of global killings in this category. These defenders face threats not only from armed groups and organized crime but also from interests tied to extractive industries such as mining, logging, and agribusiness, which fuel ongoing conflicts over land and resources. Violence against them extends beyond physical attacks to include intimidation, criminalization, forced displacement, and surveillance, all aimed at suppressing their efforts to protect the environment and uphold social justice. Despite these extreme risks, Colombian environmental defenders continue to play a vital role in advancing peacebuilding and sustainable development. Their work reveals the deep connections between environmental protection, human rights, and the pursuit of peace, especially in a country still grappling with the legacies of armed conflict and inequality. Recent government efforts, including the election of environmental activists to prominent political positions and commitments made at international forums like COP16, signal progress in acknowledging and supporting these defenders. However, systemic challenges persist, such as ongoing support for extractive economic models and harmful practices like aerial coca fumigation with glyphosate, which threaten both ecosystems and communities. Colombia’s rich biodiversity, spanning from the Amazon to the Andes and coastlines, is under unprecedented threat from deforestation, climate change, and economic pressures. In this context, environmental voices from diverse communities—including Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant groups, and rural farmers—are leading innovative actions to confront these crises. They advocate for policies that balance ecological health with social equity, aiming to safeguard culture, livelihoods, and the integrity of ecosystems. Their resistance, resilience, and leadership continue to spotlight Colombia as a central arena where environmental justice, peace, and human rights intersect with global environmental challenges. The courage and impact of these defenders remind us that protecting nature in Colombia is impossible without protecting those who stand for it.”