"Bolivian environmental defender Marupa murdered: ‘they killed a defender of nature’", 21 February 2025

...Francisco Marupa, defender of the Madidi National Park in Bolivia, was known for his lifelong effort to protect nature, his people and their territory against illegal activities. Last week, he was killed in his own home. Multiple sources connect the murder to criminal groups involved in illegal mining and land grabbing activities.

‘Extractive activities are fuelling violence in some of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Protecting these communities is crucial, yet this killing sends a clear message: profit is being placed above life. It is essential to document these threats closely and expose the dangers faced by those defending their land,’ says Mariel Cabero, expert environmental justice at IUCN NL...

Due to its biodiversity and cultural significance, the Madidi National Park is a protected area. Mining or other extractive operations should not be performed in this area, but unfortunately this is not the reality. Indigenous peoples face the consequences of these activities...

...[T]he death of Fransisco Marupa is not an isolated phenomenon...

The lack of action from the Bolivian authorities to protect the Leco Indigenous peoples and their territorial rights, further facilitates the violence against environmental defenders. Local institutions in Bolivia mention that the death of Francisco Marupa highlights the need to implement effective measures to protect human rights and environmental defenders...