Uravía Valley Case Faces Judicial Obstacles in Ecuador

Why this is here: The case file was found to be missing specific pages—including pages 54, 55, and 99—and a CD containing vital audio evidence from a site inspection.

Alfonso López J. describes ongoing issues with a legal case concerning the Uravía Valley in the Checa parish, Ecuador. In 2024, a legal action began to protect the valley—a historically spiritual and ecologically important area—from a municipal project. The case stalled for nearly two years before a complaint to the Council of the Judicature led to its rediscovery, misfiled in a judicial office.

The file itself appeared damaged, with pages 54, 55, and 99 missing. Crucially, the CD containing audio from a site inspection of the valley also disappeared.

López argues this loss undermines the court’s ability to assess the land’s condition. The original judge recused themself and sent the case back to a judge in Mariscal Sucre parish, despite having already conducted the initial hearing and site inspection.

López views these actions as a threat to the valley and a denial of effective legal protection. He cites Article 71 of the Ecuadorian Constitution, which recognizes rights for nature, as a guiding principle in the case. The legal battle continues, seeking to secure the valley’s future.