The Civil Court of Loreto issued a ruling this week that upholds the rights of the Marañón River, marking a significant victory for environmental justice and Indigenous rights in Peru. Originating in the Andes and flowing into the Amazon, the Marañón is critical to biodiversity and Indigenous communities, particularly the Kukama people who have long defended it against contamination and exploitation. Despite appeals from Petroperú and state agencies, the court reaffirmed this week an earlier ruling that recognized the Marañón and its tributaries as legal rights-holders, establishing protections for their ecological health. This legal affirmation is the first of its kind in Peru – a recognition of the river’s right to exist, flow, and remain free from harm.

This landmark decision is a testament to the advocacy of the Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana Federation, a Kukama women’s organization that has tirelessly fought to safeguard the Marañón from repeated oil spills and environmental degradation. The ruling also sets critical legal precedents by mandating that Petroperú take immediate, comprehensive measures to protect the river from further contamination, and by establishing watershed councils to oversee sustainable river management. 

As a supporter of this collective effort, International Rivers celebrates this step forward for Indigenous-led environmental protection and for the growing recognition of rivers as legal entities essential to community resilience and ecosystem preservation.

“The fight for the rights of the Marañón River is not just a battle for water; it is a testament to the resilience of the Kukama people, who stand as guardians of their ancestral lands, protecting their culture, identity, and the lifeblood of the river. In unity, we honor our rights and the sanctity of nature, ensuring that the voices of those who truly belong to this land are heard,” added Monti Aguirre, Latin America Manager of International Rivers.

Read the full press release regarding the ruling below (Spanish version here)

Featured Photo: Members of Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana Federation at Marañón River (Miguel Araoz/Quisca)