Who we are

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) exists to protect the natural world and defend our basic human right to a secure environment.

EJF works internationally to inform policy and drive systemic, durable reforms to protect our environment and defend human rights.

We investigate and expose abuses and support environmental defenders, Indigenous peoples, communities, and independent journalists on the frontlines of environmental injustice. Our campaigns aim to secure peaceful, equitable, and sustainable futures.

Our investigators, researchers, filmmakers, and campaigners work with grassroots partners and environmental defenders across the globe. Our work to secure environmental justice aims to protect our global climate, ocean, forests, wetlands, wildlife and defend the fundamental human right to a secure natural environment, recognising that all other rights are contingent on this.

Films and photographs can and do change the world. We use video, along with new technologies, to document threats to environmental security and human rights.

Producing hard-hitting reports and investigations we target decision makers and work to change laws and policies with a positive impact for people and planet.

By combining our investigations with bespoke training and community support we also help to build local capacity, give a voice to new environmental defenders and strengthen the global call for change.

With over 100 members of staff based in 16 countries, EJF is able to deliver dynamic, impactful campaigns. Our work is targeted, direct and effective.

We’ve exposed the modern-day slavery propping up Thailand’s seafood sector; provided irrefutable evidence of illegal fishing in West Africa; uncovered state-sponsored forced child labour in Uzbekistan’s cotton fields; secured protection for unique coastal forests in Brazil; and gathered powerful first-hand testimonials from those living on the frontlines of climate change.

Our dedicated team works across the globe, in some of the world’s toughest and most remote countries, to shine a light on the environmental and human rights abuses that too often go under the radar.

EJF was founded by Steve Trent and Juliette Williams in 1999, set up as a trust in 2000 and became a registered charity in England and Wales in 2001 (1088128). EJF’s team of researchers, campaigners, communications specialists and film-makers works in locations worldwide: Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, France, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Liberia, Senegal, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan and the UK.

All of EJF’s income is currently received in the UK and dispersed to overseas projects and offices. Annual audited accounts are produced for the EJF charitable trust in the UK (available online) and to meet local administrative requirements overseas.

EJF continues to be led by the founding directors and our work is governed and overseen by a UK board of trustees. Our work is supported by an advisory board and patrons who share our vision and are helping to build our impact.

"When the idea of EJF was born, it was to protect the natural environment and the people and wildlife that depend upon it, directly linking environmental security, human rights and social need. By looking at environmental security through a human rights lens, we can mobilise wider concern, greater support and more action to achieve our goals."
Steve Trent