Mari Luz Canaquiri Murayari, an Indigenous leader from the Peruvian Amazon, received the Goldman Prize for her pivotal role in a legal campaign that granted the Maranon River legal personhood. This victory is significant for the Kukama people, who regard the river as a sacred living entity. Following a three-year journey, a court ruling recognized the river's rights against contamination and mandated protective measures by the Peruvian government. Despite appeals, the ruling was upheld, highlighting the struggle against environmental degradation caused by decades of oil exploitation in the region.
The ruling declared that the Maranon River has the right to be free-flowing and free of contamination, directly aligning with Indigenous beliefs.
Canaquiri emphasized that the Kukama people see the river as a living entity, not merely a resource.
The court ordered the Peruvian government to take immediate action to prevent future oil spills and protect the river's ecosystem.
After decades of damage from oil spills, this landmark ruling represents a significant victory for Indigenous rights and environmental protection.
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