Latin America

This page identifies ecological jurisprudence initiatives that exist in Latin America and the Caribbean. This includes Mexico as well as the countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Peru constitutional court case recognizing the rights of the wild Andean Fox “Run Run”

Country:Peru

Status:Approved in 2024

In June 2024, Peru's Constitutional Court granted rights to a wild Andean fox, and ruled that the state must respect the rights of nature, including animals.Read More →

Colombia court case on rights of jaguars, macaws, and tropical dry forest

Country:Colombia

Status:Submitted in 2024

In July 2024, a lawsuit was filed in Colombian court to recognize the rights of jaguars, macaws, and the nation’s tropical dry forest.Read More →

Colombia law on the rights of the Rancheria River

Country:Colombia

Status:Approved in 2024

On August 8, 2024, the Congress of Colombia passed a law declaring the Rancheria River a subject of rights.Read More →

Brazil proposed constitutional amendment on the Rights of Nature

Country:Brazil

Status:Submitted in 2024

On June 4, 2024, a proposed amendment to the Brazilian Federal Constitution (PEC) was submitted to the National Congress to recognize the Rights of Nature.Read More →

Ecuador court case on the rights of the Machangara river

Country:Ecuador

Status:Approved in 2024

In July 2024, a court in Quito, Ecuador ruled that the Machángara River is a subject of rights and the municipality of Quito has breeched said rights.Read More →

Municipality of Linhares (Brazil) Law on the Rights of the Waves

Country:Brazil

Status:Approved in 2024

In June 2024, the municipal council of Linhares in Brazil approved a bill that recognizes the waves at the mouth of the Doce River as entities with rights.Read More →

Municipality of Goiás (Brazil) law on the rights of the Vermelho River

Country:Brazil

Status:Approved in 2024

On June 13, 2024, the Goiás City Council in Brazil unanimously approved a bill granting legal rights to the Vermelho River in Brazil.Read More →

State of Mexico (Mexico) Constitutional Amendment recognizing Rights of Nature

Country:Mexico

Status:Approved in 2024

In April 2024, the State of Mexico approved an amendment to its local Constitution recognizing the rights of nature and biodiversity.Read More →