The Escazú Agreement, formally known as the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean, is an international treaty aimed at promoting transparency and public involvement in environmental affairs. Signed in Escazú, Costa Rica, in 2018, this agreement holds significant importance in protecting the rights of Indigenous communities.
First and foremost, the agreement recognizes the importance of active Indigenous participation in decision-making related to projects and policies that impact their environment. Amazonian Indigenous communities are often affected by the extraction of natural resources from their territories, which harms both their way of life and the ecosystems they depend on. This treaty promotes their involvement in decision-making processes, granting them a voice in defending their lands and resources.
Secondly, the agreement emphasizes access to environmental information, which is crucial for Amazonian Indigenous communities. Having access to knowledge and data on activities affecting their territories allows them to make informed decisions and assert their rights. Transparency in the disclosure of environmental information empowers these communities to better monitor and manage the conservation of their lands and natural resources.
For Indigenous communities, land and the environment are deeply intertwined with their culture and spirituality. Environmental degradation and resource exploitation have devastating impacts on their cultural practices and traditions. The Escazú Agreement acknowledges the importance of protecting the cultural rights of these communities by allowing them to participate in decision-making processes on issues that may affect their surroundings—and thus, their cultural identity.
Indigenous communities generally possess deep traditional knowledge on the sustainable management of natural resources. The agreement encourages collaboration and information sharing between Indigenous communities and authorities, which can lead to more sustainable management practices in their territories. This not only benefits the communities themselves, but also promotes the long-term conservation of Amazonian ecosystems.
In summary, the Escazú Agreement represents a significant step forward in protecting the rights of Amazonian Indigenous communities by promoting public participation and access to environmental information. By giving them a voice and access to the information they need, their capacity to defend their lands and resources is strengthened, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in the Amazon and to the well-being of these communities.
Colombia is one of the signatory countries of the Escazú Agreement and has played an active role in its negotiation. The country’s ratification of the agreement could strengthen environmental protection mechanisms and the rights of communities in matters related to the environment. Its implementation could have a significant impact on environmental protection and promote greater transparency and democracy in environmental decision-making.
Camila Algecira Ospina
Environmental Professional, Human Forest