26-10-2026
ECNL joined 15+ organisations in calling for greater participation, recognition and protection of environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) to advance climate justice.
Although EHRDs are increasingly included in climate-related processes, many remain inaccessible to them, fail to recognise their contributions to climate action, or lack adequate safeguards for their participation and protection.
The upcoming COP31 taking place in Antalya, Türkiye from 9 to 20 November 2026, presents an important opportunity to address these deficits. This briefing provides an overview of the key gaps and puts forward recommendations to strengthen EHRDs' participation, recognition and protection across UNFCCC processes, focusing on five key areas:
- the Gender Action Plan;
- Global Stocktake;
- Action for Climate Empowerment;
- Just Transition and Action Mechanism (BAM); and
- Global Goal on Adaptation.
Download the briefing below: