Victoria en segunda instancia: Sala Civil de Loreto ratifica sentencia que declara al río Marañón y sus afluentes como sujeto de derecho

Una nueva victoria para mujeres kukama y pueblos indígenas de la Amazonía. Pese a las apelaciones presentadas por Petroperú y otras entidades del Estado contra la sentencia que otorgó derechos al Marañón, la Sala Civil de la Corte de Loreto decidió ratificar el fallo en segunda instancia y confirmar las medidas de protección para el río Marañón​.

CONTACTO PARA PRENSA:

Alexis Revollé, Instituto de Defensa Legal (IDL), arevolle@idl.org.pe

Javier Ruiz, Earth Law Center, jruiz@earthlaw.org

29 de octubre de 2024 - La Sala Civil de la Corte de Loreto confirmó la emblemática sentencia emitida por el Juzgado Mixto de Nauta en marzo de este año, que otorgó derechos al río Marañón y sus afluentes. Se trata de un fallo histórico en la defensa de la naturaleza y su conexión con comunidades indígenas, ya que por primera vez en el Perú la Justicia reconoce a un río como titular de derecho, tomando en cuenta la cosmovisión del pueblo Kukama Kukamiria.

Con ello, la protección del río Marañón obtiene una nueva victoria gracias a los esfuerzos liderados por la Federación Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana (que se traduce al español como “mujeres trabajadoras”), conformada por un grupo de mujeres indígenas kukama kukamiria, arraigadas en el distrito de Parinari, región Loreto. Frente a los constantes derrames de petróleo del Oleoducto Norperuano, operado por Petroperú, ellas iniciaron una batalla legal en el año 2021, contra entidades del Estado para exigir la protección del río Marañón.

Esta nueva sentencia en segunda instancia ratificó al río Marañón como titular de derechos. La resolución detalla que dicha decisión obedece “a las crecientes presiones hacia los ecosistemas, los mismos que ponen en riesgo su existencia y función, ambiental, social y vital; (...) a los múltiples derrames de hidrocarburos (petróleo) de los que ha sido víctima el río Marañón durante los últimos años”.

Como se recuerda, luego de la sentencia en primera instancia, tres de las entidades demandadas en el proceso, el Ministerio del Ambiente, la Autoridad Nacional del Agua (adscrita al Ministerio de Desarrollo Agrario y Riego) y Petroperú, habían presentado apelaciones para revocarla.

La ratificación de este fallo es resultado, además, de una audiencia realizada el último mes de mayo, en la que intervinieron Emilsen Flores y Gilda Fasabi, integrantes de la federación Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana. En el acto judicial, ambas defendieron su lucha por la protección del río Marañón ante las juezas de la Sala Civil de Loreto, y solicitaron que se confirmen las disposiciones de la sentencia en primera instancia.

“Estamos contentas y agradecidas con las comunidades, los pueblos y los aliados por todo el trabajo conjunto que venimos realizando desde hace años. Este logro es para la Amazonía y el país, pero también para el mundo entero. Porque defender los ríos es parte de nuestras vidas, para dejar como herencia a las futuras generaciones”, dice Mari Luz Canaquiri, presidenta de la federación Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana, sobre la ratificación de la emblemática sentencia.

Reconocimiento histórico

En este nuevo fallo, se confirma la sentencia de primera instancia en todos sus extremos, y además ordena a Petroperú dar mantenimiento “efectivo, inmediato e integral” al Oleoducto Norperuano. Se considera también el reconocimiento de los derechos del río Marañón como una alternativa necesaria para protegerlo de los constantes derrames de petróleo. Así, la Sala establece que los derechos reconocidos deben enmarcarse en su protección, conservación, mantenimiento y uso sostenible.

Asimismo, la sala confirma el pedido de conformar los consejos de cuenca para el río Marañón y sus afluentes, y encarga al Gobierno Regional de Loreto la obligación de convocarlos e institucionalizarlos, con la participación de la Autoridad Nacional del Agua.

Sobre la designación de defensores y representantes, la Sala confirma la sentencia de primera instancia, considerando que ello se encuentra orientado a lograr una adecuada representación para quien no puede hacer valer sus derechos por sí mismo. 

Es importante destacar  el voto complementario de la jueza Roxana Carrión Ramírez en esta resolución, que reconoce la cosmovisión del pueblo Kukama con respecto al río Marañón: “Para el pueblo kukama, el río Marañón es su centro del universo, tienen una conexión profunda, una relación intrínseca entre ellos y el río es la fuente de alimento, agua y transporte del pueblo kukama”.

En definitiva, con esta nueva resolución judicial, de ahora en adelante se podrá cuestionar judicialmente toda actividad extractiva o de otra índole que afecten los derechos ya reconocidos al Marañón y sus afluentes.

“La lucha de las mujeres de la federación Huaynakana no ha sido en vano. Finalmente, los jueces de la Sala de la Corte de Loreto han entendido la necesidad no solo de ratificar la sentencia de la jueza de Nauta que reconoce derechos al río Marañón, sino también de proteger al río como un elemento de la naturaleza, y consecuentemente a la naturaleza como sujeto de derecho”, remarca la abogada Maritza Quispe Mamani, del Instituto de Defensa Legal (IDL), quien es parte del equipo que presentó y sustentó la demanda de las kukama.

“Aún hay un camino largo por recorrer, pues nos toca ahora solicitar la implementación de esta sentencia a través de la ejecución de la misma, a fin de que las autoridades del Estado cumplan con los mandatos ordenados, especialmente el mantenimiento del ONP, la actualización del IGA, la misma que debe ser consultada con los pueblos indígenas”, concluye la especialista.

Es importante recordar, finalmente, que este resultado es fruto de un esfuerzo colectivo gracias la articulación y apoyo de aliados por la defensa del río Marañón: Instituto de Defensa Legal; International Rivers; Earth Law Center; Forum Solidaridad Perú; Quisca; Instituto Chaikuni; Radio Ucamara; Radio La Voz de La Selva; Mirella Pretell; la Parroquia Santa Rita de Castilla; y el Vicariato de Iquitos, en particular el Obispo Miguel Ángel Cadenas y el P. Manolo Berjón.

Landmark Victory: Civil Court of Loreto Upholds Ruling Recognizing Rights of the Marañón River and Its Tributaries in Appellate Decision

The ruling marks a significant victory for the Kukama Women and Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon. Despite appeals by Petroperú and other state entities challenging the decision to grant rights to the Marañón River, judges from the Civil Court of Loreto upheld the original ruling and confirmed protective measures for the river.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Alexis Revollé, Instituto de Defensa Legal (IDL), arevolle@idl.org.pe (Spanish)

Javier Ruiz, Earth Law Center, jruiz@earthlaw.org

Peru - October 30, 2024 – The Civil Court of Loreto has confirmed the landmark ruling issued by the Mixed Court of Nauta in March, which granted intrinsic rights to the Marañón River—one of Peru's most vital water sources and the primary tributary of the Amazon River. This decision establishes the Marañón River and its tributaries as rights holders, recognizing a set of inherent rights that protect its ecological integrity.

This historic ruling, the first in Peru to recognize a river as a legal rights holder, highlights a deep connection between nature and Indigenous communities. The victory is also a testament to the efforts led by the Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana Federation, an Indigenous Kukama women's group from the Parinari district in Loreto province and region.

The Marañón River is one of Peru’s most important rivers and freshwater sources. Originating high in the Andes Mountains, it flows through a mountain valley before descending to the lowlands, where it merges with the Ucayali River to form the Amazon.

Since 1997, the Marañón has suffered over 60 oil spills from the Northern Peruvian Oil Pipeline and continues to face threats from proposed infrastructure projects, including hydroelectric dams and the Amazon Waterway, which multiple agencies, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature, have flagged as highly destructive. The river is also contaminated by mercury and other hazardous substances due to illegal gold mining, further endangering its ecosystems and the communities that depend on it.

Since 2021, the Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana Federation has led a legal battle against the Peruvian State and authorities, demanding protection for the Marañón River from ongoing oil spills linked to the Northern Peruvian Oil Pipeline, operated by the state-owned Petroperú. The communities within this federation are still grappling with the devastating impacts of the 2010 Saramuro oil spill, which contaminated the main water source of communities along the river near San José de Saramuro. The lawsuit targets major actors, including Petroperú, government ministries, and the National Water Authority, among others.

With this second ruling, and despite appeals by the Ministry of Environment, the National Water Authority, and Petroperú to overturn the initial decision, the protection of the Marañón River has secured another significant victory.

The new resolution specifies  that this decision is a response to "the increasing pressures on ecosystems, which threaten their existence and essential functions - environmental, social and vital; (...) to the multiple oil spills that the Marañón River has suffered in recent years.”

The ratification of this ruling also stems from a hearing held last May, where Emilsen Flores and Gilda Fasabi, members of the Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana Federation, represented their community. During the proceeding, both women passionately advocated for the protection of the Marañón River before the judges of the Civil Court of Loreto, urging them to uphold the measures set forth in the initial ruling.

“We are happy and grateful to the communities, the people, and our allies for all the joint work we have been doing for years. This achievement is for the Amazon and the country, but also for the entire world. Because defending the rivers is part of our lives, to leave as a legacy for future generations,"  says Mari Luz Canaquiri, president of the Federation Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana, regarding the confirmation of the landmark ruling.

In this new ruling, the initial judgment is fully upheld, and Petroperú is ordered to provide "effective, immediate, and comprehensive" maintenance for the Norperuano Oil Pipeline. The recognition of the rights of the Marañón River is affirmed as a vital step to shield it from ongoing oil spills. The Chamber specifies that these recognized rights must be framed within principles of protection, conservation, maintenance, and sustainable use.

The court also upholds the initial judgment on appointing defenders and representatives, deeming it essential to ensure proper representation for those unable to assert their rights independently.

In her supplementary opinion, Judge Roxana Carrión Ramírez underscored her respect for the Kukama people's worldview, stating, “For the Kukama people, the Marañón River is the center of their universe. They share a profound, intrinsic relationship with the river, which serves as their primary source of food, water, and transportation.”

From now on, any extractive or other activity impacting the Marañón River and its tributaries—whether infringing on their right to flow free from contamination or their right to protection, preservation, and restoration—can be legally challenged.

“The struggle of the women of the Huaynakana Federation has not been in vain. The Loreto Court has upheld the Nauta ruling, recognizing rights for the Marañón River and affirming nature as a subject of rights,” emphasizes Maritza Quispe Mamani, lawyer at the Legal Defense Institute (IDL), who helped present and support the Kukama case.

“There is still much work ahead; we must now ensure this ruling is implemented, compelling state authorities to fulfill their mandates, particularly the maintenance of the North Peruvian Pileline (ONP) and the update of the National Environmental Management Instrument (IGA), which must include consultations with Indigenous communities,” concludes the specialist.

This outcome is the result of a collective effort supporting the women of Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana in their defense of the Marañón River, with allies including the Instituto de Defensa Legal, International Rivers, Earth Law Center, Forum Solidaridad Perú, Quisca, Instituto Chaikuni, Radio Ucamara, Radio La Voz de la Selva, Mirella Pretell, the Parish of Santa Rita de Castilla, and the Apostolic Vicariate of Iquitos, particularly Bishop Miguel Ángel Cadenas and Father Manolo Berjón.

PR: Earth Law Portal Launch

Legal Templates & Advocacy Tools to Save the Planet: Earth Law Portal Launches to Inspire Governments to Achieve Harmony with Nature in the Wake of Environmental Crisis 

EMBARGOED UNTIL: JULY 31, 2023 

Contacts: 
Grant Wilson (gwilson@earthlaw.org, 510 566 1063)
Kelsey Leonard (kleonard@earthlaw.org)
Rachel Bustamante (rbustamante@earthlaw.org)

New York, NY (July 27, 2023), Earth Law Center and partners proudly announce the soft launch of the Earth Law Portal, a groundbreaking digital platform designed to empower environmental advocacy and drive action for the protection and restoration of the planet. 

The Earth Law Portal will serve as a dynamic hub, providing accessible legal models, letters, videos, podcasts, reports, and other tools to empower communities, governments, and everyone to take action for Nature and the well-being of local communities. This innovative platform, set for an official launch during Climate Week in September 2023, ushers in a new era of environmental legal innovation, inviting global participation to lead a generation of Earth-centered laws that protect, restore, and stabilize the ecosystems in which all humans live in and are part of.  

The Earth Law Portal specifically advances the movement towards “Earth Law”—an emerging body of ecocentric law across the world that includes movements such as the Rights of Nature, rights of future generations, the criminalization of ecocide, guardianship of Nature, and Indigenous legalities. Earth Law represents a visionary body of law that seeks to evolve legal and governance systems to recognize our human responsibilities and interdependent relationship with the environment. 

Grant Wilson, Executive Director of Earth Law Center, expresses excitement about the Earth Law Portal and its potential to be a powerful force for positive change. “This platform serves as a vital resource for policymakers and government officials to access and enact transformative legal templates into legislation. It is also an inclusive and accessible space for collaboration and knowledge sharing, breaking down barriers and inspiring everyone to get involved.” 

The Earth Law Portal serves as a platform that showcases transformative legal movements and scales efforts by providing access to robust and effective legal models. These templates, drafted in collaboration with partners and inspired by emerging legal actions worldwide, have the power to make a significant impact, particularly as a growing number of governments consider evolving their legal system to better protect Nature. 

“The Earth Law Portal is like a fusion of LegalZoom’s access to templates and Avaaz’s advocacy tools, but with a clear mission to transform the legal system, granting Nature and future generations a voice in law," says Jonathon Keats, Principal Philosopher at Earth Law Center. "Its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface empower individuals to actively participate and create a positive impact."

For instance, policymakers might download a template resolution on recognizing the rights of the Southern Resident Orcas, a step that has already yielded significant results with five cities and three counties in Washington State and one city in Oregon passing such resolutions. Additionally, advocates can access template advocacy letters advocating for the rights of Orcas to be recognized. This real-world impact exemplifies the potential of Earth Law in action.

“​​Through engaging videos and a comprehensive literature review, the Earth Law Portal keeps users informed and offers insights into the latest advancements in Earth Law worldwide," says Ciara Shea, Attorney at Earth Law Center. "Moreover, its research and development section acts as a laboratory for sparking innovation and exploring new ideas to address the systemic environmental issues of the planet."

As part of Earth Law Center’s commitment to supporting the leadership of Indigenous Nations and communities in protecting Nature and mitigating the impacts of human-induced climate change, the Portal features an Indigenous Circle. This dedicated section serves as a platform to showcase legal models and strategies developed by and with Indigenous Peoples, rooted in the Indigenous legal systems and inherent relationship jurisprudence. 

“Ultimately the Indigenous Circle is a wonderful resource for Indigenous Nations and leaders to have a dedicated set of tools that they can deploy in defense of the sacred,” says Dr. Kelsey Leonard, Indigenous legal scholar and Director of Water Advocacy at Earth Law Center. 

“We recognize that Indigenous Peoples are at the forefront of biodiversity protection and conservation and ensuring that they have the necessary tools to succeed is a task Earth Law Center is committed to supporting and collaborating with communities to achieve.”  

One goal of the Earth Law Portal is to help the United States catch up to other governments that have embraced Earth Law movements in recent years. The U.S. was once a leader in the environmental law movement, passing a series of laws in the late-1960s and 1970s to protect air, water, and lands. However, recent political stagnation and shifting priorities have caused a decline in environmental commitments. Notably, the U.S. stands as the only country in the world yet to ratify the Convention on Biological Diversity, underscoring the urgency to renew our dedication to global environmental cooperation and conservation efforts. By amplifying cutting-edge efforts and partnering with organizations and allies to make best practices and resources accessible to all, the portal aims to reignite the nation's commitment to environmental protection and conservation. 

This, in turn, represents a significant milestone in the global journey towards a sustainable future. "In particular, I am thrilled to see how the Earth Law Portal can serve as a powerful catalyst to amplify legal progress for the Ocean both in the US and internationally," says Rachel Bustamante, Ocean Science and Policy Analyst of Earth Law Center. "For example, a featured template resolution supports the Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights, which could be passed at any level of government. This critical initiative can help align global governance by expressing the fundamental values we all share about the Ocean, fostering better protection and restoration measures for this life-sustaining ecosystem on Earth.”

To explore the Earth Law Portal and join the global movement to advocate for all life on Earth, visit www.earthlawportal.org/. 

About Earth Law Center

Earth Law Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization working to advance Earth-centered laws and policies that restore Nature to health. We advocate for a transformation in our legal, governance and economic systems, and the relationships, values, ethics and beliefs that create their foundation. Earth Law Center is a member of the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, an expert and partner of the UN Harmony with Nature Initiative, and a member of the High Seas Alliance.