Press Release: Marañón River Declared a Person, Paving the Way for Environmental Justice in Peru
October 2024
In a historic decision, Peru’s Marañón River has been granted legal personhood, marking a significant victory for environmental advocacy and indigenous rights after a decade of activism led by Mari Luz Canaquiri Murayari from the Kukama community.
This milestone follows Canaquiri Murayari’s relentless fight against oil contamination in her community’s water supply, which has resulted in over 80 documented oil spills from 1997 to 2022. The spills have devastated both riverine wildlife and the health of local residents, who have suffered from elevated levels of toxic metals due to pollution.
Her journey began in 2000, during which she mobilized the Asociación de Mujeres Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana, advocating for community rights through strikes and dialogues. In collaboration with the Legal Defense Institute (IDL), her efforts culminated in a landmark federal court ruling in favor of the Kukama people, formally recognizing the river’s rights.
Canaquiri Murayari’s exceptional leadership earned her the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, awarded annually to grassroots environmental champions. She asserts that the battle is far from over; this legal designation equips the Kukama community to challenge activities that harm the river’s integrity.
The designation of the Marañón as a person not only affirms its right to exist and be free from pollution but also directs attention to sustainable resource use and wildlife conservation. Under the Earthwatch project, ongoing research has documented vital species and their roles within the ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of integrating indigenous wisdom with scientific data for successful conservation practices.
This groundbreaking recognition of the Marañón serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of community, environment, and justice, providing hope for future endeavors to safeguard the Amazon and its remarkable biodiversity.
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