Ecuadorian court shuts down mining plans in Cloud Forest, citing constitutional rights of nature
Quito, December 9 (RHC)-- In a landmark ruling, Ecuador’s Constitutional Court said plans to mine for copper and gold in a protected cloud forest were unconstitutional and violate the rights of nature.
The case involved mining permits that were issued in Los Cedros — a protected area in northwestern Ecuador — which the high court argued would harm the precious and unique biodiversity of the forest.
Los Cedros also stretches into parts of Peru and Colombia. The rights of nature are enshrined in Ecuador’s constitution.
