A Peruvian trial court's recent ruling acknowledged the Marañón River's rights to exist freely and without pollution, marking a historic recognition of nature's rights within the country.
Katie Surma reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The Marañón River in Peru has been legally granted the right to flow, exist, and be pollution-free.
- Indigenous groups and government entities are now recognized as the river's guardians, with legal authority to protect its interests.
- The decision could pave the way for future legal actions to safeguard the river and potentially other natural ecosystems from harmful activities.
Key quote:
This is a "transcendental milestone for the protection not only of the Marañón River but also of all rivers contaminated by extractive activities."
— Maritza Quispe Mamani, attorney for the Indigenous Kukama plaintiffs
Why this matters:
By recognizing the Marañón River's rights, this decision not only promises better protection for the river and its tributaries but also highlights a global shift toward acknowledging the intrinsic value of natural ecosystems. Read more about the emerging legal strategy termed "rights of nature."
