Global Governance of the Environment, Indigenous Peoples and the Rights of Nature: Extractive Industries in the Ecuadorian Amazon

This book explores the obstacles facing indigenous communities, non-governmental organizations, governments, and international institutions in their attempts to protect the cultures of indigenous peoples and the world's remaining rainforests. It highlights the importance of indigenous peoples as guardians of the environment and the need for their inclusion in intergovernmental environmental negotiations. The expansion of ethical investment and the use of tax havens are also discussed as factors contributing to the continued expansion of the extractive frontier into indigenous territory in the Amazon. Solutions to loss of biodiversity and climate change are proposed, including the transformation of global financial and tax systems and efforts by states, intergovernmental institutions, and private foundations to protect wild areas through the designation of national parks and other sustainable investment strategies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the formidable challenges faced by indigenous communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governments, and international institutions in their valiant efforts to safeguard the rich cultural heritage of indigenous peoples and the precious remnants of the world's rainforests. Indigenous peoples, as the guardians of the planet's wild landscapes, hold immense importance in maintaining ecosystems and mitigating the devastating effects of climate change. The Amazonian/Andean indigenous philosophies of sumac kawsay/suma qamaña, which advocate for a harmonious coexistence with nature, served as the catalyst for the integration of the Rights of Nature into the constitutions of Ecuador and Bolivia in 2008 and 2009. Despite the establishment of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (2000) and the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007), indigenous peoples have been persistently marginalized from intergovernmental environmental negotiations. The lives of indigenous environment protectors are at risk as the Amazon rainforests continue to burn, underscoring the urgent need for action.

By the third decade of the 21st century, a transformative shift occurred, marked by the rise of "woke" capitalism and the proliferation of ethical investment. BlackRock emerged as a trailblazer in the "greening" of investment management, while Big Oil sought a transition towards sustainable energy production. The concluding chapters shed light on the intricate interplay of forces that have led to the ongoing expansion of the extractive frontier into indigenous territories in the Amazon, including areas inhabited by voluntary isolation communities. Among these forces are legal and extracurricular payments made to individuals within indigenous communities and state entities, as well as the utilization of tax havens to conceal unofficial payments made to secure public contracts. Solutions to the loss of biodiversity and climate change lie in a multifaceted approach, encompassing not only environmental conservation but also economic development, social justice, and cultural preservation.

The book highlights the critical role of indigenous communities in the preservation of their ancestral lands and the protection of biodiversity. It emphasizes the need for inclusive and participatory decision-making processes that respect the rights and livelihoods of indigenous peoples. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by NGOs in their efforts to support indigenous communities and advocate for their rights. Furthermore, the book explores the role of governments in implementing policies and regulations that promote sustainable development and protect the rights of indigenous peoples. It highlights the need for international cooperation and collaboration to address the global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists seeking to understand the complexities of protecting the cultures of indigenous peoples and the world's rainforests. It underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the marginalization of indigenous peoples in environmental negotiations, safeguard the lives of indigenous environment protectors, and promote sustainable development practices that respect the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities. By recognizing the intrinsic value of indigenous knowledge and wisdom, we can work towards a future where the cultures of indigenous peoples thrive, and the planet's ecosystems are preserved for generations to come.

Weight: 405g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030815219
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022