Derechos fundamentales trastocados por proyectos extractivos.

Abstract

The expected evolution and desired development in Ecuador could be summed up as increased profits for companies and investors, profoundly altering ways of life. Human rights violations, perpetrated in the name of progress, have increased in the countries where the raw materials that sustain it come from. In these territories, ways of life have been affected, as is the case with Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and local communities, who have inhabited these lands for centuries. The connection these peoples have with the lands they inhabit transcends the material; it is a deep relationship that encompasses the cultural and spiritual, and is an essential part of their identity and worldview. The law must act as an effective mechanism for the protection of these lands, which have been altered for decades by extractive projects. It is essential to implement measures to prevent the expansion of these impacts and establish safeguards for what remains, as it is still possible to protect these territories of great importance to the environmental balance and life on the planet. The impact of extractive projects is multidimensional, making it difficult to accurately measure their impact. They not only directly alter the areas in which they are carried out, but also generate global consequences, causing environmental imbalances that impact biodiversity and different forms of life. This paper proposes the implementation of efficient regulations that represent an opportunity to build a sustainable future, functioning as a protective shield for nature and ecosystems. Through a solid legal framework, it is possible to ensure the harmonious coexistence between humans, the environment, and the diverse species that inhabit the planet.