Here's How Environmental Democracy Can Help Peace in Latin America

Jun 3, 2022 | Antonia Urrejola
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In the last few decades, Latin America and the Caribbean has faced significant challenges in its development, associated with the sustainable use of its natural resources. This has resulted in a considerable number of social and environmental conflicts, which usually result in fractured communities and weaker frameworks for investment. As a consequence, our region is where, more often, environmental defenders are subject to discrimination, harassment, threats, intimidation, and killings. Statistics show that tragically three out of four environmental defenders killed in 2019 came from Latin America and the Caribbean.

In one of its most salient features and contributions, the Escazú Agreement also recognizes the role of human right defenders in environmental issues, and offers them the necessary conditions to work freely, preventing any type of harassment or persecution.

The agreement represents an opportunity for building an agenda of peace and collaboration, to increase our social cohesion and the resilience of our development. It is a step towards more democracy and a renewed social contract among ourselves and with nature.