Precedent setting Rights of Nature case in Ecuador | Land Portal

The Condor Highland in South-eastern Ecuadorian Amazon, which is abundant in biodiversity and life, is threatened by copper mining. The open pit mine - Mirador - is the first of a potential 6 mines which has been granted a license even though socio-environmental studies show irreversible impacts on biodiversity and water.

If the mine goes ahead the present and future generations will inherit toxic rivers, extinct wildlife, degraded Sacred Natural Sites, and a destroyed culture and spirituality of indigenous peoples who have been living in the territory for thousands of years. 

In response, local communities and environmental and human rights organisations in Condor are filing a lawsuit under the Ecuadorian Constitution 2008, arguing that mining will violate the Rights of Nature and of communities. This Constitution was the first in the world to recognise the Rights of Nature to exist and fulfil her evolutionary cycles.

The Gaia Foundation is passionate about regenerating cultural and biological diversity, and restoring a respectful relationship with the Earth. The African Biodiversity Network (ABN) is a regional network of individuals and organisations seeking African solutions to the ecological and socio-economic challenges that face the continent. 

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