Global Action Plan International

On July 7, the Ecuador Constitutional Assembly voted to approve articles that recognize rights for nature and ecosystems. If they are adopted, Ecuador will become the first country in the world to codify a system of environmental protection based on rights.

Here is a summary of the proposed articles

• Art. 1. Nature or Pachamama, where life is reproduced and exists, has the right to exist… Every person, people, community or nationality, will be able to demand the recognition of rights for nature.
• Art. 2. Nature has the right to an integral restoration…
• Art. 3. The State will… promote respect towards all the elements that form an ecosystem.
• Art. 4. The State will apply precautionary and restrictive measures in all activities that can [damage] … species, … ecosystems or … the natural cycles.
• Art. 5. [Individuals,] communities and nationalities will have the right to benefit from the environment and form natural wealth that will allow wellbeing. Environmental services cannot be appropriated…