Rights of Nature and Ecocentrism in Chile’s Constitution

Earth Law Center (ELC) and partner Defensa Ambiental, amongst many others, are proud to be working in Chile to provide legal support on the Rights of Nature and ecocentrism. In February 2022, our coalition received the necessary 15,000 signatures for our proposal to consider the Rights of Nature within Chile's Constitution in a campaign called "15,000 Hearts for the Earth - For the Recognition and Defense of the Rights of Nature."

Within the subsequent draft constitution, two articles reflected elements of the proposals from ELC and Defensa Ambiental: Article 4 on the Rights of Nature and Article 26 on various Earth-centered principles. The Rights of Nature recognized in Article 4 included the right to have its existence protected and respected, to regeneration, and to the maintenance and restoration of its functions and dynamic balances, which includes natural cycles, ecosystems, and biodiversity.

However, the proposed constitution did not receive the requisite public support for its adoption (due in large part to issues unrelated to the Rights of Nature and ecocentrism), with the process starting anew.

Now, we are starting the process again with additional knowledge and partners from the first campaign. We are confident that we will have success this time around. ELC's staff is also thrilled, particularly with several core members of ELC's Latin America Legal Team being from Chile!

Read the proposed articles in Spanish

Read the proposed articles in English (unofficial translation)