Summary
Ecuador included articles in its penal code criminalizing ecocide, such as “crimes against the environment and nature or Pacha Mama and crimes against biodiversity” (98), wild flora and fauna, water, soil, and nonrenewable resources. The penal code also criminalizes the abuse of pets or companion animals; dog fights; air pollution; unauthorized products, residues, waste, and dangerous substances; starting fires in native forests, planted or moorland; genetic erosion and loss; false concealment of environmental information; and illegal activities involving hydrocarbon, hydrocarbon derivatives, liquefied petroleum gas, and biofuels. It also establishes the obligation of restoration and repair and bans the illegal activity of mining resources.