Bolivia grants nature same rights as humans

Politics

11 April 11 by Olivia Solon

Bolivia is to pass a law -- called la Ley de Derechos de la Madre Tierra (The Law of Mother Earth) -- which will grant nature equal rights to humans.

The law -- the first of its kind -- aims to encourage a major shift in attitudes towards conservation and to reduce pollution and exploitation of natural resources. It sees a range of new rights established for nature including the right to life; the right to water and clean air; the right to repair livelihoods affected by human activities and the right to be free of pollution.

Bolivia is one of South America's poorest countries and is seeing its rural communities suffer with failing crops due to climatic events such as floods and droughts. Temperatures are set to rise by up to four degrees celsius over the next 100 years, while most of its glaciers are likely to melt within 20 years.

The Bolivian government -- under president Evo Morales -- will establish a ministry of mother earth and commit to give communities the authority to monitor and control the industries and businesses that are polluting the environment.

The belief is that industrial entities can learn from the traditions of indigenous populations who have a deep-rooted respect for the environment. The notion of "Pachamama" or the spiritual entity similar to the idea mother earth, is increasingly being referred to in governmental discussions and documents.

It is not clear at this stage how the somewhat abstract legislation would be implemented. The state will need to be careful to balance the rights of nature with the regulation of industries (such as mining) that contribute a significant chunk of the country's GDP.

Bolivia has been extremely forthright in the global arena and has called for developed countries to contribute one percent of GDP to help poor and vulnerable nations. Bolivian Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca has been quoted saying that western development has created a "deathly wound to our Pachamama".

If you are interested, you can check out the law (in Spanish) here

Edited by Nate Lanxon

Comments

i wish the rest of the world would think this way..... this is beautiful and it's about time!

dana

Apr 12th 2011
BRAVO, wish the rest of the world would see it that way, the ONLY way it should be!

trixie

Apr 12th 2011
A step in the right direction no doubt, but what is the actual plan to enforce conservationism?

----

Apr 13th 2011
No se dan cuenta que esto también vale para expropiar tierras e industrias, alegando un atentado contra la madre tierra. Que por cierto, el termino "pachamama" solo es acuñado en la zona occidental del pais la palabra misma lo dice, viene del dialecto aimara y quechua.... que no se habla en todo el pais.

qath

Apr 13th 2011
No se dan cuenta que esto también vale para expropiar tierras e industrias, alegando un atentado contra la madre tierra. Que por cierto, el termino "pachamama" solo es acuñado en la zona occidental del pais la palabra misma lo dice, viene del dialecto aimara y quechua.... que no se habla en todo el pais.

qath

Apr 13th 2011
1. In reply to qath
  
  Pachamama está por todas partes, porque Pachamama es Pachamama, él no importa si la gente dice la palabra. Pachamama todavía está por todas partes.
  
  LorriAnne
  
  Apr 13th 2011
This is rediculous. So after earth dishes us out an earthquake, killing people, do we take it to court? "we should learn from the indiginous?" Do they eralize that the indiginous killed and gutted animals with blades? Think people, think. If one is for this, maybe one should live in a tent by themself, eat animal flesh cooked over an open fire and woodlant plants. This is a religion, and it is being forced on all.

Concerned

Apr 15th 2011
1. In reply to Concerned
  
  You spelled "ridiculous," "realize," and "woodland" incorrectly.
  
  Rachael
  
  Apr 15th 2011
2. In reply to Concerned
  
  You spelled "ridiculous," "realize," and "woodland" incorrectly.
  
  Rachael
  
  Apr 15th 2011
3. In reply to Concerned
  
  I accidentally clicked that I support your comment, which I do NOT. Because the indigenous are not vegetarians we have nothing to learn from them? Do you have any idea the way animals are treated and killed according to the normal practices of industrial farming? It is only logical that the earth, on which we all depend for life, is granted rights because that seems to be the only way we will accept that we need to fight for them. What good are human rights to clean air and water if there are none left on the planet for us to breathe and drink? Or do you not need air to breath and water to drink? Your racism is disgustingly obvious and your ignorance as well.
  
  Sarah
  
  Apr 21st 2011
Journalists need to be more responsible & get facts right: ECUADOR DID IT FIRST GIVING LEGALLY ENFORCEABLE RIGHTS TO NATURE IN THEIR CONSTITUTION IN 2008 - approved by 2/3 majority of the country.

Anni

Apr 15th 2011
There is no way to reconnect the pieces of how to live in harmony with the earth without first considering the wilderness in all that we do. Wilderness needs should be a priority, even before human needs, because humans have lost their way and live outside of natural law. Bolivia is to be commended for taking this step. Hopefully all will follow suit. if anyone wants to know more about living with wilderness search for 'wilderness skills' on a search engine. Many schools are available now and they are excellent for educating children to be 'real' and responsible individuals. Fingers crossed that more of this will take place, soon.

Lorraine Herschkorn Arts

Apr 16th 2011
1. In reply to Lorraine Herschkorn Arts
  
  "Wilderness needs should be a priority, even before human needs,"See what I mean?And hey about spelling something wrong..I would love to hear comments about the content and not two spelling errors.
  
  Concerned
  
  Apr 18th 2011
Fuck yeah Bolivia rules! Evo Morales for US president! Anyone who doesn't understand how amazing this is are just ignorant and brainwashed by global capitalism.

Nyx

Apr 20th 2011
Sure enyone who disagrees with you is ignorant. lol. There are some very grown up points of view in these comments I see.

Concerned

Apr 21st 2011