|
By: Kevin Munoz, Research Associate at the Council on Hemispheric Aff
|
June 8 marked a decisive policy shift for Bolivian President Evo Morales' government: lawmakers passed legislation allowing for increased hydrocarbon exploration in the country's few remaining "protected areas," most notably the Madidi National Park.[1] Transnational and foreign petroleum concessions already overlap 75 percent of Madidi National Park, prompting fears over increased environmental degradation in the country.[2] The controversial implications of such a law have precipitated a debate over whether President Morales has prioritized economic growth over a previous emphasis on environmental and indigenous preservation.
The unprecedented growth and stability under the administration of Morales and his party, Movement for Socialism (MAS), give legitimacy and support for such environmentally dangerous legislation. Most noteworthy, extreme poverty has shrunk from 35 percent of the population to just 18 percent since Morales took office in 2006.[3] Still, his conflicting economic and environmental policies have led to devastating environmental consequences for Bolivia. A policy both environmentally sustainable and economically promising may be challenging to implement, but is by no means impossible and by all means necessary.
The (Almost) Championing of Mother Earth
Bolivia-President Morales in particular-used to be a beacon of environmental activism. At the 2009 Copenhagen Summit, Morales arose as a much-needed voice for environmentalists worldwide, making ardent calls to limit temperature increases in the next century to just 1°C.[4] Furthermore, Morales demanded that an international court on climate change be established-one whose primary function would be to prosecute the "greatest" criminals against the environment.[5] Moreover, in 2010, Bolivia's proposal to make access to water a universal right was approved by the United Nations (UN), situating Bolivia as a model of environmental activism.[6] The UN General Assembly went so far as to name Morales the "World Hero of Mother Earth," a grandiose title that precipitated the 2010 "Law of Mother Earth," a historic bill passed by Morales' government guaranteeing rights for the Earth itself.[7] The law specifically enshrines seven rights to Mother Earth: life, environmental diversity, water, clean air, equilibrium (or the right to a natural balance in the ecosystem), restoration, and pollution-free living.[8] Perhaps most groundbreaking is the right of an individual to bring forth an issue to court on behalf of Mother Earth.[9] However, the track record for this innovative legislation is less than stellar, making the so-called "World Hero of Mother Earth" an inconsistent environmental champion.
|
