Summary
Representatives of the Waorani Nation, an indigenous group of Ecuador, presented a protection action related to shortcomings in conducting prior consultation in the framework of the bidding for block 22, which overlaps the territories of various nationalities. The plaintiffs alleged non-compliance with national and international standards, particularly those related to intercultural considerations, and claimed that rights of nature had been violated. The protection action was accepted by the constitutional judge, but the judge declared that rights of nature were not violated since no hydrocarbon activity was undertaken within the 12 communities that inhabit block 22 at the time of the case. On appeal, the violation of the constitutional rights of self-determination and prior consultation was declared. The threat to the rights of nature was alleged by the plaintiffs, in both instances.