Earth Law Center (ELC) is thrilled to announce that a court in Peru has ruled that the Mara?on River is a subject of rights. This landmark decision also appoints Indigenous communities as the river’s guardians, defenders, and representatives. This is the first river in Peru to be declared as having rights!
The Mara?on River is a magnificent free-flowing river that runs for 1,600 miles from the snowy peaks of the Peruvian Andes into the heart of the Amazon.
For years, ELC and International Rivers, alongside many incredible partners in #Peru and beyond, have supported the Kukama Women's Federation, the case’s plaintiff, to protect this river and its communities from constant oil spills from the Norperuvian oil pipeline.
In addition to giving rights and a voice to the river (through guardianship), the Mixed Court of the City of #Nauta ordered the Regional Government of #Loreto and the pipeline operator, Petroperu, to take specific measures to address the oil spills and help restore the health of the #Mara?on.
The landmark decision codifies a series of specific #rights for the river, including the right to exist, to flow, to exercise essential ecosystem functions, to be restored, to representation, and many others.
Meanwhile, “Guardians of the Mara?ón River” will act on behalf of the River and its interests, having a seat at the table and being able to file legal and administrative actions and inform legislative, administrative, and executive decisions that could affect the Mara?on River, directly or indirectly. The river will have a formal voice!
“This historic decision is crucial for Peru and the international community that has closely followed the struggle of the Kukama people,” said Javier Ruiz, ELC Expert in Environmental Policy and Climate Change. “This groundbreaking decision vindicates the rights and culture of the Amazonian populations in Peru."
While many deserve congratulations, foremost we want to highlight the Kukama Women's Federation (full name: Federation of Indigenous Kukama Kukamiria Women of the Mara?ón River). These frontline #guardians represent 28 Indigenous communities and have dedicated their lives to defending the ecosystems of which they are a part. We are honored to have played a part in their victory and to have provided legal expertise, including with a trip to Iquitos, Peru.
This is just the beginning of a legal revolution to put Nature into the heart of the legal system. Congratulations to all!
Press release: https://lnkd.in/gJF6mRdK
Full decision: https://lnkd.in/gssxedjD
International Rivers, WCS Perú, Radio Ucamara Nauta-Loreto-Perú, Radio La Voz de la Selva, IDL Instituto de Defensa Legal, Forum Solidaridad Perú, Ríos Limpios y Libres, Federation of Indigenous Kukama Kukamiria Women of the Mara?ón River, Fospa of Smapa, Vicariato Apostólico de Iquitos, Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN)
Great work Constanza Prieto Figelist, F. Javier Ruiz, Monti Aguirre & many others!
