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In a global context marked by the severity of the climate crisis and ongoing violence against environmental defenders, the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 3) of the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Com -Public Participation and Access to Environmental Justice. Issues in Latin America and the Caribbean, known as the Escazú Agreement, have gained particular relevance. This event, which coincides with the celebration of International Earth Day, aims not only to promote the construction of more sustainable development, but also to address the protection of those who struggle to care for bring to our planet.
The Escazú Agreement, the first environmental agreement in the region, has brought together authorities, official representatives, experts and members of civil society in Santiago, with a clear objective: to strengthen environmental democracy and guarantee the protection of human rights in environmental matters. The opening of the event was marked by speeches focusing on the current challenges, especially the climate crisis we are facing as a society.
The President, Gabriel Boric, confirmed the crucial role of the Escazú Agreement in protecting those who protect the environment, clarifying that it is “the greatest challenge of our time to face the crisis of our own making: the climate crisis. This crisis affects not only the environment, but also the communities and people who depend on it for their livelihood and well-being.
During the introductory meeting, three fundamental pillars of the Escazú Agreement were addressed: access to information, public participation and access to justice in environmental matters. However, one of the most urgent and worrying issues is the protection of environmental defenders, who face serious risks and dangers in the exercise of their rights and activities.
The Deputy Executive Secretary of ECLAC, Javier Medina Vásquez, pointed out that “we live in the most dangerous region of the planet for environmentalists,” referring to the many cases of violence and murder that facing environmental activists in Latin America and the Caribbean. Protecting these defenders is not only about justice, but also about preserving the ability of our societies to move towards sustainable and equitable development.
In this sense, COP 3 of the Escazú Agreement aims to approve an action plan on the protection of environmental defenders, to provide them with tools and equipment to help them with their work and to ensure their safety guarantee This plan, which was developed in a participatory way, represents a joint commitment from the countries of the region to face the violence and threats that these brave activists face.
The call to action is clear: it is necessary to come together to support those who dedicate their lives to protect our planet. The effective implementation of the Escazú Agreement and the adoption of concrete measures to protect environmental defenders are fundamental steps in this regard. Only in this way can we build a sustainable and fair future for all, where respect for Mother Earth and the protection of those who protect her are unquestionable priorities.
