In this interview with Rachel Bustamante and Diwigwi Valiente, we uncover:

• How the Rights of Nature movement is transforming our approach to nature
• How the Guna indigenous community in Panama perceives Nature
• Why recognizing Rights of Nature benefits both Nature and humans
• What role Indigenous communities play in safeguarding biodiversity
• How Rights of Nature are recognized and implemented worldwide

Rachel Bustamante is Conservation Science & Policy Analyst at Earth Law Center, which is building a force of advocates for Nature’s rights at local and international levels. They partner with local organizations to create new laws that recognize Rights of Nature to exist, thrive and evolve, including specific ecosystems, like rivers or the ocean. Rachel’s research and advocacy focuses on the intersections of biodiversity conservation, Ocean policy and global environmental governance and justice.

Diwigdi Valiente is an Indigenous climate activist from the Guna people in Panama, social entrepreneur and the Director of Tourism Planning and Development at the Panamanian Ministry of Tourism. He specializes in the blue economy, regenerative tourism and the rights of indigenous people. In 2020, he was selected as one of the 10 young leaders of the future in Panama. 

Links:

• Earth Law Center
• Community Toolkit for Rights of Nature
• Rights of Nature in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
• Harmony with Nature (UN’s website)
• Diwigdi Valiente’s Instagram