Ecuador Court Upholds Rights of Nature, Rejects Copper Mine in Intag Valley

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Source: Mongabay

A court in Ecuador has upheld the rights of nature and blocked a proposed copper mine in the Intag Valley. The ruling comes after years of legal battles between mining company SolGold and local communities, who argued that the mine would have devastating impacts on the environment and their livelihoods.

The court’s decision is based on Ecuador’s Constitution, which was amended in 2008 to recognize the rights of nature. Under this legal framework, nature has the right to exist, persist, and regenerate, and communities can act as guardians of nature to ensure its protection.

The court found that the proposed mine would violate these rights by causing significant environmental damage, including the destruction of forests and water sources. It also noted that the project would harm the livelihoods of local communities, who rely on agriculture and tourism.

The ruling is a significant victory for environmental and indigenous rights groups, who have long fought against mining projects in the region. They argue that mining not only harms the environment but also threatens the cultural heritage and land rights of indigenous peoples.

SolGold has not yet commented on the court’s decision, but the company has previously defended the project, saying that it would bring economic benefits to the region.

The Intag Valley is known for its rich biodiversity and has been designated a “hotspot” by the World Wildlife Fund. It is also home to several indigenous communities, who have been fighting against mining in the region for decades.

The court’s decision sets an important precedent for the protection of nature and indigenous rights in Ecuador and beyond. It shows that legal frameworks that recognize the rights of nature can be used to challenge destructive development projects and ensure that the environment and local communities are not sacrificed for economic gain.

However, the battle is far from over. Mining companies continue to push for projects in other parts of the country, and communities and activists will need to remain vigilant to protect their rights and the environment.