Between Regulations and Realities: The Challenge of Protecting the Rights of Nature in the Montañita Community
Abstract
This research focuses on evaluating the responsibility of the Ecuadorian State for the contamination of the Chicharrón estuary in Montañita, seeking to identify a legal mechanism for a comprehensive reparation that respects the rights of nature. The lack of effective implementation of constitutional regulations for environmental protection is highlighted. The methodology combines socio-legal approaches, interviews, direct observation and documentary analysis to understand the legal and social situation. The results of the interviews highlight the economic pressure and limitations in the enforcement of environmental laws. They point out the need to strengthen legal mechanisms, resources and citizen participation to protect the rights of nature. The conclusions highlight the paradigm shift in considering nature as a subject of rights, seeking to balance environmental protection with human needs. Recommendations include constitutional amendments, specific laws, incentives for sustainable practices, and promotion of citizen participation and environmental education to improve the protection of the rights of nature in Ecuador.
How to Cite This Article
Andrés Alejandro Zuleta Araque, Pedro Álvarez Betancourt, Wendy Wasbrum Tinoco, Wilfrido Wasbrum Tinoco (2025). Between Regulations and Realities: The Challenge of Protecting the Rights of Nature in the Montañita Community . International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation (IJMRGE), 6(2), 988-992.