Summary
The Afro-Ecuadorian community “La Chiquita” with members of the Awá nationality proposed an action for damages to their health, the environment, and nature due to the cultivation of African palm in the San Lorenzo canton, Esmeraldas province. The plaintiffs presented themselves as representatives of nature and condemned the violation of their rights contained in articles 71 and 73 of the Constitution. They argued deforestation was being created through clear-cutting carried out in the area for palm cultivation, which is wiping out the existing vegetation in the La Chiquita Wildlife Refuge. The action was accepted by the court and a series of repairs and compensations were thusly ordered. A horizontal appeal for extension was filed, which was accepted and processed. It was annulled because it was not filed in time. The court continues to request the execution of its orders.