Rights of Nature
Stephen Posner, PhD, Garrison Institute’s Director of Pathways to Planetary Health, is coauthor of a research article recently published in the Earth System Governance journal titled, “Frogs, Coalitions, and Mining: Transformative insights for planetary health and Earth system law from Ecuador’s struggle to enforce Nature’s rights.”
The article highlights Ecuador’s pioneering legal recognition of the Rights of Nature. This approach has led to significant environmental protections, such as halting large-scale mining projects that threatened biodiversity hotspots such as the Intag Valley, a region in the Andes mountains of northern Ecuador.
This approach aligns closely with our Pathways to Planetary Health initiative, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human and ecological well-being. The Pathways initiative advocates for regenerative approaches that honor the intrinsic value of nature, promote biodiversity stewardship, and integrate diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous wisdom and contemplative practices.
Ecuador’s legal framework exemplifies the practical application of these principles, demonstrating how legal systems can evolve to support planetary health. It underscores the potential for communities worldwide to adopt similar models, fostering a global movement towards ecological integrity.
Stephen is also an affiliate with the Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont, which supported this research scholarship.
Photo Credit: Carlos Zorrilla