The competition for natural resources is fierce in Latin America. According to researchers, indigenous peoples have a key role to play in halting the loss of nature and climate change.
The decision affects all 14 indigenous areas in Ecuador – 70% of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador. NGO According to Amazon Frontlines (switch to another service) the area is teeming with oil and minerals.
According to the decision, the state could still run projects in special cases, despite opposition from local populations, as long as they do not require “excessive sacrifices in terms of communities and natural rights.”
– The decision is significant for the right of indigenous peoples to self-determination and the important work they are doing in Ecuador and the rest of the world to stop climate change and environmental degradation, Academy Research Fellow, Global Development Research, University of Helsinki Eija Ranta says to over the phone.
According to Ranta, the principle of consent is often used as an eyeball in Latin America: indigenous peoples have been consulted in the design of natural resource projects, but views have not been taken into account.
– The decision demonstrates the rule of law in Ecuador.
President Guillermo Lasso has wanted to significantly increase oil production and mining to improve the country’s economic situation.
Last moments for protection
World market prices for raw materials rose in the 21st century. In Latin America, the economies of many countries began to rely more heavily on the oil and mining industries, dissertation researcher Anna Heikkinen He tells about the University of Helsinki. At the same time, economic growth helped fund various social programs and eradicate poverty.
– On the other hand, the utilization of natural resources accelerated, especially in areas inhabited by indigenous peoples, Heikkinen says in a video interview about Peru.
The green transition has contributed to increased demand for raw materials required by the battery industry, such as nickel, copper and cobalt, University of Helsinki Assistant Professor of Global Development Research Markus Kröger tells in a video interview from Brazil.
Much of Latin America’s natural resources are located in indigenous areas and the Amazon rainforest.
Indigenous peoples play a key role
According to researchers interviewed by , indigenous peoples play a key role in halting deforestation and biodiversity loss. Biodiversity loss means shrinking biodiversity. Studies show that indigenous peoples protect 80 percent (switch to another service) the world’s remaining biodiversity.
– Indigenous peoples are united by the worldview that man and nature are not separate, Heikkinen says.
– At the Glasgow climate summit, indigenous peoples were involved in decision-making, which is a really good thing.
Globally, biodiversity loss is highest in South America, Kröger says.
– There are currently critical moments to prevent the Amazon from becoming a savannah.
Only a small portion of the Amazon rainforest is located in Ecuador, also known as a pioneer, where strongly organized indigenous peoples have relatively strong legal rights. According to Heikkinen, the Supreme Court’s policy may not instantly revolutionize natural resource policy in Latin America, but it will serve as an enforcing precedent.