Carchi Verde: environmental rights for the population based on a student project

Abstract

In Ecuador, progress has been made in the recognition and guarantee of environmental procedural rights, such as access to information, citizen participation and access to justice. At the same time, there is an increase in the exploitation of natural resources by people dedicated to mining, both legal and illegal, without complying with the requirements established by environmental and mining legislation. However, the population is not fully aware of how the environment is being affected by the impact of illegal mining, which has directly violated environmental rights. However, illegal mining in Ecuador has caused serious environmental damage. The objective of this study was to establish a student project for the study of environmental law, emphasizing illegal mining in the Carchi region. This is intended to prepare the population and students of the Regional Autonomous University of the Andes, on the subject of environmental law and illegal mining. A quantitative methodology was used through surveys and interviews to assess the knowledge about the impact of illegal mining among the population and jurists of the Montufar canton, in the province of Carchi. The project "Carchi Verde: Restoration, Education and Environmental Justice" was presented. Environmental education for university students is essential to raise awareness among the population about the importance of protecting nature and the rights that assist them, as well as preparing them to assert their rights.