Mother Earth is referred to as “Pachamama” by indigenous people. In 2008, the Ecuadorian Constitution recognized “ … the rights of Pachamama to maintain and generate its cycles, structure, functions and evolutionary processes”. Here was the “rights of nature” written into a constitution! Wow!
As a result of the Rights of Nature Movement, Ecuador has 9 nine national parks, including the Galapagos Islands. The goal of the movement is to recognize and protect ecosystems: rivers, forests, and to restore the connection between humanity and the environment. Ecuador has 25,000 plant species and 1600 known bird species.
I was fascinated learning about Mother Nature having the same rights as people while watching an Earthshot presentation on television. Spain, New Zealand and some USA local governments are also interested in reducing deforestation, protecting ecosystems, and have versions of that goal in their laws. More awareness is needed. If not for the “Rights of Nature” concept, then at least a realization this planet is our Mother Earth. We have no other place to go, in the foreseeable future, to escape our destruction of the land, air and water we need to survive.
Indigenous people have tried to protect their lands for centuries. They are our neighbors throughout the world. We might wish to protect the living world as they do too … with the belief animals and plants are equal to themself with the same rights as human rights.
I know some people reading this will probably wonder, what the heck!?! Same rights as humans? If you think about a plant and/or animal you eat, let’s say for discussion, corn and/or chicken. Do you not want to provide healthy soil/land, clean air and water for the corn and chicken to grow? They are the same rights you want for yourself … unpolluted land, clean air and clean water. Plus you’ll soon be eating that corn and/or chicken in some format of food.
It would be a gold standard if countries had it in their constitution; any actions to follow the “rights of nature” concept. In reality though, we each could speak up. Let’s require corporations, governmental agencies, businesses and each other to put our best effort into protecting Mother Earth. Younger generations wonder if we care about ourselves right now … yes, awareness is here, but actions need to be taken! We have one Earth … and we are here to care for all land, air and water now.
