Bolivia’s Law of Mother Earth

photo by César Angel. Zaragoza

In a bid to curb climate change and growing destruction to the natural world, Bolivia is set to be the first country in the world to pass a law giving NATURE the same legal rights as humans, including the rights to pure water, clean air and freedom from contamination.

Bolivia has suffered major environmental problems resulting from the mining of tin, silver, gold and other raw materials, and as one of the countries most significantly affected by climate change, it has endured rising temperatures, melting glaciers and extreme weather conditions, including flooding, droughts and frosts. With temperatures in Bolivia steadily rising for 60 years, there is now a real threat that much of the country could turn into desert.

The proposed ‘Law of Mother Earth’ – which ensues the complete overhaul of the Bolivian legal system following a change of constitution in 2009 – has been inspired by the revival of the indigenous Andean spiritual world view which perceives Pachamama, ‘the Mother Earth spirit’, as central to all life.

The law, which embraces the wider principles of living in balance with the Earth, holds at its heart the understanding that the Earth is sacred, and represents a shift away from the western development model to a more holistic vision. ‘It makes world history, Earth is the mother of all,’ said Bolivia’s Vice-President Alvaro García Linera. ‘It establishes a new relationship between man and nature, the harmony of which must be preserved as a guarantee of its regeneration.’

The Law of Mother Earth is expected to be passed within the next few months without any significant opposition, since the ruling party, the Movement Towards Socialism, has a substantial majority in parliament.

Further information about Bolivia’s Law of Mother Earth can be found in this recent article from Positive News.

Tags: news, Sustainability

Category: News, Spotlight