In an unprecedented ruling on 7 July, Ecuador's Constitutional Court determined that pollution has violated the rights of the river flowing through the capital, Quito. This decision highlights Ecuador's unique legal framework, which recognises the rights of natural features to remain unpolluted and undegraded, Euronews reports.

The complaint was filed on behalf of the river by activists from the Kitu Kara group. At a press conference, their representative, Darío Iza, declared, " This is historic because the river runs right through Quito, and because of its influence, people live very close to it." The capital's authorities appealed the ruling, which is based on Ecuador's constitution. Nevertheless, the tribunal mandated that the government must submit a plan to clean up the Machángara during the appeal process.

The city of 2.6 million inhabitants discharges various forms of sewage and pollutants into the river, which originates high in the Andes. Even before it flows through Quito, the river faces issues such as an almost total lack of sewage treatment. The average oxygen level in the Machángara is 2%, which hinders the development of aquatic life.

Several international environmental groups celebrated the landmark ruling. The Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature wrote on Instagram: "Historic victory for #RightsofNature: The Machángara River in Ecuador is declared a subject of rights! This decision represents a breakthrough in the protection and decontamination of one of the most vulnerable rivers in the country."

In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution stating that every human being has the right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Of the 193 countries eligible to vote, as many as 161 supported this important initiative, with eight abstaining. This resolution has not yet been reflected in Polish legislation.

Source: euronews.com