The Impact of Environmental Crime and Biodiversity Loss on Women in Rural and Indigenous Communities

This article examines the detrimental effects of environmental crime and biodiversity loss on women in rural and indigenous communities, highlighting the challenges posed by illegal extractive activities that disrupt daily life and safety. Despite patriarchal constraints, women are increasingly partaking in resistance movements to protect their rights and environment, showcasing their critical role as environmental defenders. Case studies from diverse locations illustrate the varied impacts and adaptive strategies women employ in response to these challenges.

The ongoing challenge of defining environmental crime has been exacerbated by the pervasive issues of human-induced environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. In rural and indigenous communities that inhabit biodiverse regions, such as forests and marine ecosystems, the adverse effects of these dual crises are pronounced, with local populations, particularly indigenous groups, being among the first to experience their consequences. The encroachment of illegal extractive activities, including mining and logging, has resulted in an influx of male labor from outside regions, effectively transforming these territories into predominantly male-dominated spaces. This shift disrupts the daily lives of community members and jeopardizes the safety of women, who must often venture into potentially dangerous environments to fulfill their domestic responsibilities. The repercussions of these changes are variable and are intrinsically tied to established gender roles and patriarchal structures, often leading to increased instances of physical violence. As part of the Resilience Fund’s commitment to understanding women’s responses to organized crime, this exploratory policy brief provides insights into how women are confronting, adapting to, and managing the challenges posed by environmental degradation and biodiversity loss—issues stemming primarily from illegal extraction activities in their surrounding environments. Women in indigenous communities, who maintain socio-cultural and economic connections to natural resources, are increasingly affected by the encroachment of illegal extractive economies, with differing impacts on men and women dictated by their distinct roles, priorities, and domestic responsibilities. The report features case studies from four forest ecosystems: the Arajuno forests of the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Sierra Tarahumara forests in Mexico, the Yabassi forests in Cameroon, and the rainforests of North Sumatra in Indonesia. The findings illustrate a common theme: while local indigenous communities often mobilize to protect their territories from illegal operations, entrenched gender norms and patriarchy significantly hinder women’s ability to voice their concerns and participate actively in resistance efforts. Nevertheless, there is a notable trend of increasing female participation in environmental activism, particularly against large-scale state concessions, with many women emerging as prominent defenders of their environments. Motivated by a profound desire to safeguard their livelihoods, women are increasingly vocal in opposing dominant narratives that marginalize indigenous perspectives. Their resilience strategies, while sharing similarities, vary significantly across the diverse contexts of the four ecosystems examined in this brief.

This article addresses the impact of environmental crime and biodiversity loss on women living in rural and indigenous communities, particularly within the context of illegal extractive activities like mining and logging. As these activities proliferate, they herald increased threats to the safety and well-being of women who traditionally engage with their natural surroundings for domestic needs. The situation is further compounded by the entrenched gender norms and patriarchal systems prevalent within these communities, which often restrict women’s agency and involvement in environmental advocacy. The brief draws on case studies from diverse forest ecosystems across the globe, illustrating the nuanced responses of women to these challenges and their emergence as critical defenders of the environment.

In conclusion, the exploration of the impact of environmental crime on women from rural and indigenous communities reveals significant insights into the challenges they face amidst the degradation of their ecosystems. While traditional gender roles often limit women’s engagement in resistance activities, the increasing acknowledgment of their essential roles in environmental conservation signals a shift. Women are not only adapting their survival strategies in response to environmental threats but are also gradually taking their place as influential figures in the fight against illegal extraction, advocating for their rights and the protection of their natural resources.

Original Source: reliefweb.int