ZTI Impact Report
Since the Zero Tolerance Initiative (ZTI) was created, it has become clear that the work it does is vital to supporting communities in defending their lands, enhancing their resilience, and ensuring their safety. The ZTI is now gaining real momentum, going from 38 members in 2019 to over 100 members today, covering 45 countries, 70% in the Global South.
Why does the ZTI exist
Environmental human rights defenders are key to upholding human rights, protecting the global environment and fighting against climate change. However, they face significant - and growing - violence, intimidation, criminalisation, and even killings for protesting the harmful impacts of agribusiness, extractive industries, logging, infrastructure, and energy projects. This must stop.
There is an urgent need to tackle the root causes of this violence. These actions need to be led by the human rights defenders and communities themselves, who are putting their lives at risk to defend their land and the future of our planet.
How does the ZTI work
A pioneering and participatory network, the ZTI was founded by rightsholders in 2019 in response to this ever-increasing wave of attacks and killings linked to global supply chains. ZTI is led by a Steering Group of organisations and communities from Asia, Latin America, and Africa that oversees strategic direction, supported by focal points from each region and a global coordination team.
The ZTI focuses on three strategic areas:
- improving public policies and corporate practices
- building global solidarity
- strengthening collective protection of indigenous peoples and communities at risk
To complement these strategies, in 2021 the steering group launched the ZTI Urgent Response and Prevention Fund - a flagship initiative, which provides rapid access to funding for both emergency situations and longer-term innovative prevention initiatives.
Building this vital network from the bottom up requires sustained financial support. To learn more about the ZTI please contact Adam Lunn, ZTI Global Focal Point and Facilitator [email protected]
Overview
- Resource Type:
- Reports
- Publication date:
- 25 June 2025
- Programmes:
- Supply Chains and Trade