Ecuador has taken a groundbreaking step with the launch of Makipura, the first official tribunal in the world to unite two legal systems: the state judicial system and the ancestral Indigenous justice system. While both are recognized under Ecuador’s Constitution, they had never before worked in coordination. This historic initiative closes a critical gap in the country’s legal framework—one that has long allowed environmental crimes in Indigenous territories to go unpunished.
Why Makipura Matters
Ecuador is one of only four countries globally that legally recognizes ancestral Indigenous law. Its 14 Indigenous nationalities have spent decades defending their territories against environmental harm caused by mining and oil companies. Though Indigenous justice systems have issued major rulings—seven significant guilty verdicts in the last decade alone—none were enforced. The reason: the lack of connection between Indigenous and state legal systems, which allowed companies to stall and avoid consequences.
Makipura changes this. The new tribunal is composed of 28 members:
Together, they issue binding rulings that merge Indigenous worldviews with legal rigor, creating a unified front for environmental and social justice.
A Collaborative Journey
The development of Makipura was the result of months of preparation, including meetings with Indigenous leaders, legal roundtables, and training sessions for lawyers to understand ancestral perspectives. The Guayaquil Chamber of Commerce, traditionally linked to the business sector, played a key role in leading and supporting the initiative.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders:
Real Impact, Real Change
Makipura ensures that Indigenous justice rulings are now enforceable within the national legal system. This is already creating tangible protection for Ecuador’s natural resources—80% of which lie within Indigenous lands.
The initiative has also sparked reactions across social, political, and business sectors. It proves that a justice system can be inclusive, equitable, and effective when it respects cultural diversity and prioritizes environmental sustainability.
A Movement, Not Just a Tribunal
Makipura is more than a legal institution. It’s a movement that challenges how justice is understood and delivered. The communication campaign surrounding the initiative focused on real stories, inspiring messages, and a powerful narrative: two worlds coming together to protect the Earth.
In a world increasingly fragmented by differences, Makipura stands as a rare and radiant symbol of unity. It is more than just a place—it is a movement, a vision realized. As people walk its streets and witness the collaboration between its institutions and communities, they often find themselves thinking, “Makipura, the best example of how institutions and society should evolve.”
Once deeply divided, the people of Makipura chose a different path. They chose to come together—for each other, and for the planet. As one resident powerfully stated, “In a divided society, Makipura gives us hope. It proves that we can all work together to protect the planet.”
At the heart of Makipura’s story lies a simple but profound truth: “What unites us is stronger than what divides us.” It’s this belief that has turned Makipura into a beacon for a better tomorrow—a place where unity is more than an idea; it’s a way of life.
Makipura is a bold example of how constitutional rights—for both nature and Indigenous peoples—can become reality. It sets a precedent not just for Ecuador, but for the world.
Media ContactCompany Name: Maruri Contact Person: Santiago Crespo Email: Send EmailPhone: +593 99 924 6700Country: EcuadorWebsite: https://maruri.com/
