Main Environmental Movements Defending Nature

The Bishnoi Movement is fundamental to this ranking for its unwavering devotion to protecting wildlife and forests, a practice that dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in their religious beliefs. Their legacy of personal sacrifice to defend trees and animals exemplifies an exceptional commitment to defending nature.

• First documented ecological resistance in India

• Most impactful environmental defense action in history

• Based on natural conservation and respect for the environment

Founded by Wangari Maathai, this movement in Kenya focused on reforestation and empowering women to take charge of environmental conservation.

• Combats desertification and soil degradation.

• Improves air and water quality.

• Creates economic and employment opportunities.

• Promotes climate resilience.

The Environmental Defense Fund is a key player in nature advocacy due to its science-based, solutions-oriented approach to tackling complex environmental issues. They have been instrumental in promoting innovative policies and collaborating with industries to achieve significant advancements in ecosystem protection and the fight against climate change.

• Drives innovative solutions for environmental problems.

• Focuses on preserving and restoring critical ecosystems.

The Silent Valley Movement stands as a cornerstone in nature defense for its successful campaign to protect the Silent Valley rainforest in Kerala, India. Its fight against dam construction safeguarded a unique ecosystem and demonstrated the power of citizen action in preserving biodiversity.

• Territory defense.

• Activism in the face of the ecological crisis.

The Sierra Club stands out as a leading environmental movement due to its long history of tireless advocacy for nature and wildlife. Its commitment is demonstrated through grassroots campaigns, legal actions, and political lobbying to protect natural spaces and promote sustainable policies.

• Preserves natural spaces for future generations

• Oldest and largest environmental organization in the United States

• Strengthened the protection of Yosemite National Park

The Appiko Movement is a prominent example of nature advocacy due to its direct approach to forest conservation. Its acts of peaceful civil disobedience and commitment to protecting ancient trees demonstrate an unwavering dedication to the environmental cause.

• Grassroots forest conservation initiative

• Organization of decentralized grassroots groups

• Grassroots activism

Earth First! stands out as a principal environmental movement due to its radicalism and commitment to direct action in defending nature. Its focus on "deep ecology" and protecting nature "as it is" has inspired generations of activists to fight for the preservation of threatened ecosystems and species.

The Wilderness Society has been instrumental in defending vast tracts of wilderness in the United States, ensuring their long-term protection through policy advocacy and legal action. Their unwavering commitment has resulted in the preservation of critical ecosystems and the establishment of designated wilderness areas, demonstrating their leadership in nature conservation.

• Protects the last natural spaces

• Dedicated to the defense of nature and the environment

Known for its nonviolent resistance against logging by hugging trees, this movement in India highlighted the importance of community involvement in environmental protection.

• Empowerment of local communities

• Peaceful and non-violent resistance

• Awareness of deforestation

• Promotion of sustainability

Focused on organic farming and biodiversity conservation, Navdanya has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in India.

• Advocates for native seeds and organic farming.

• Combats genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

• Encourages sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

• Empowers farmers and local communities.