The Last Defenders

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Why we made this

Murders of environmental defenders in the global south have reached a record high. It is hard to find an emotion to feel for that sentence when we are muddled with anxiety and fear for ourselves and our loved ones. We wanted to tackle the apathy and disinterest in the grave statistics of plunder, deforestation, wildlife trafficking, mining and environmental abuse that eventually affects us all.
We felt an urgent need to speak of the staggering number of activists and indigenous people killed during the time we were all collectively held in lockdowns and hence we embarked on ‘The Last Defenders’.
We have chosen six local filmmakers who are passionate about the environment. They have embedded themselves with the defenders and risked their own lives to tell these compelling stories. Our hope was that by stepping into the shoes of the people who risk their lives for their surroundings, we would discover the awe and beauty of nature and maybe find our own motivation to save and protect the natural world.

- Aditya Thayi (Executive Producer)


The epoch of the anthropocene has radically altered the planet we call home - humanity’s chosen models of development have often resulted in the profound destruction of the natural world. When we set out to make The Last Defenders, we looked for the opposite. These are stories of people who have dedicated their lives to the defence of the few remaining areas of natural wildness. Their motivations vary; for some, it’s part of their identity, for others, a passion, for others still, a good livelihood. But as we got to know these remarkable individuals, it became clear the awareness this work had imbued in them - all had come to a similar realisation; nature’s prosperity is also our own. We hope that when you watch The Last Defenders, you see the stories of people who have made that realisation their life.

- Simon Hipkins (Executive Producer)
How to help

Season 02

The Last Defenders of Vietnam

Anti-poaching officers Lam and Julong risk their lives facing violent poachers and the unpredictable elements to protect the wildlife of Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam from possible extinction.
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The Last Defenders of India

In the Indian Himalayas, Deepa Devi and Kiran Bhandari lead a group of women fighting against the building of a stone crusher plant in their village by a powerful local mafia.
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The Last Defenders of Malaysia

Honorary Wildlife Wardens Edwin Alberto and Dr Achier Chung face off fishing intruders and fish bombers in the high seas to protect the fragile marine ecosystem of the Sugud Islands in Malaysia.
MORE DETAILS

Accolades

• Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards 2023 Category: Environment, Ecology and Sustainability

What people say about us


This is a very moving tribute to the people fighting the war for their environment. It deserves our encouragement and support. Let us know how we can be involved.
@mariettacole4076
This is a beautiful production featuring people who are passionate about environmental protection.
@trian1231
Thank you to the producers of this informative and thought-provoking film. My heart goes out to the rangers who are risking their lives everyday to protect the forest and the watershed.
@nonarefi594
Excellent documentary and story telling.
@reggiecordial
I will do my part to help support these defenders.
@ngdelcastillo
This documentary is an eye opener. The forest rangers are nature's heroes.
@joannal3364
Salute to our brave forest rangers! Let's help protect our forest.
@lovepurple473
A complex matter, tactfully presented. Well done CNA and team.
@wh6055