RIVERS & FORESTS
Rivers and forests exist in a vital dance of interdependence—Earth law seeks to protect these awe-inspiring ecosystems.
Rivers and forests are biodiversity hotspots, carbon sinks, and refuges for humans and wild species alike.
Deforestation, damming, and pollution continue to threaten ancient forests and free-flowing rivers around the world.
ELC is at the forefront of the movement to win rivers and forests rights, and to develop innovative guardianship models for them.
From the Elwha in Washington State to the Marañón in Peru and many other cases around the world, we are standing up for watersheds in legislatures and courts—and winning!
Our Campaigns
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Elwha Legacy Forests
We are working to protect the Elwha River Watershed’s last remaining legacy forests.
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River Ethiope, Africa
An initiative to establish legal rights for the River Ethiope in Nigeria.
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The Marañón River
In a case brought by Indigenous Kukama women, a Peruvian court ruled to protect the rights of the Marañón River.
Downloadable resources related to Rivers & Forests
Support ELC’s work with the rivers and forests.
Header Photo: Unsplash / Jon Flobrant
Campaigns (left to right): Unsplash / Jeremy Bishop; forest2sea.com; Miguel Araoz
Resources Photo: forest2sea.com