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Juan M. Guayasamin, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA,Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto Biósfera, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
Roo Vandegrift, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
Tobias Policha, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
Andrea C. Encalada, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA,Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto Biósfera, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
Natalia Greene, Coordinadora Ecuatoriana de Organizaciones Para La Defensa de La Naturaleza Y Cedenma and Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, Ecuador
Blanca Ríos-Touma, Grupo de Investigación En Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente Y Salud (Biomas), Universidad de Las Américas, Ecuador
Lorena Endara, Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
Rafael E. Cárdenas, Museo de Zoología QCAZ, Laboratorio de Entomología, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica Del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
Fred Larreátegui, Larreategui & Larreategui Abogados, Quito, Ecuador
Luis Baquero, Grupo de Investigación En Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente Y Salud (Biomas), Universidad de Las Américas, Ecuador
Inty Arcos, Mancomunidad Del Chocó Andino, Consorcio Para El Desarrollo Sostenible de La Ecoregión Andina (CONDESAN), Fundación Imaymana, Ecuador
José Cueva, Estación Científica Los Cedros, Cotacachi, Ecuador
Mika Peck, Ecology, Behaviour and Environment, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
Felipe Alfonso-Cortes, Fundación Naturaleza Y Arte, Proyecto Washu, Quito, Ecuador
Daniel Thomas, Eichendorffring 86, Bayreuth, Germany
José DeCoux, Estación Científica Los Cedros, Cotacachi, Ecuador
Elisa Levy, Estación Científica Los Cedros, Cotacachi, Ecuador
Bitty A. Roy, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA

Abstract

In 2008, Ecuador recognized the Constitutional Rights of Nature in a global first. This recognition implies a major shift in the human-nature relationship, from one between a subject with agency (humans) and an exploitable object (nature), to a more equilibrated relationship. However, the lack of a standard legal framework has left room for subjective interpretations and variable implementation. The recent widespread concessioning of pristine ecosystems to mining industries has set up an unprecedented conflict and test of these rights. Currently, a landmark case involving Los Cedros Protected Forest and mining companies has reached the Constitutional Court of Ecuador. If Ecuador’s highest Court rules in favor of Los Cedros and the Rights of Nature, it would set a legal precedent with enormous impact on biological conservation. Such a policy shift offers a novel conservation strategy, through citizen oversight and action. A ruling against Los Cedros and the Rights of Nature, while a major setback for biodiversity conservation, would be taken in stride by the active social movement supporting these goals, with the case likely moving into international courts. Meanwhile, extractive activities would continue and expand, with known consequences for biodiversity.

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