With debates that discussed the relationship between man and the environment, focusing on the protection of traditional peoples, the energy transition and the relationship between nature and the Constitutional State, the Judiciary of the State of Tocantins and the Superior School of the Judges of the State of Tocantins (Esmat), in partnership with Fadisp, promoted the International Seminar on “Derechos de la Naturaleza: Paz, Interculturalidad y Derechos Ambientales” (Natural Rights: Peace, Interculturality and Environmental Rights) on Tuesday (November 5th). The hybrid event, which was broadcast online via the Esmat portal, brought together renowned experts to discuss the need for a new paradigm in the relationship between humanity and nature.
The Seminar focused on the rights of nature, with special attention to the protection and appreciation of traditional peoples, such as indigenous peoples and quilombolas, the preservation of ecosystems and the energy transition. The State of Tocantins, with its rich cultural and environmental diversity, could be the focus of future academic research. The event also represented an important step towards building a fairer and more sustainable future, bringing together experts and promoting the exchange of knowledge in search of solutions to urgent socio-environmental challenges.
At the opening, Justice Marco Villas Boas, General Director of Esmat, highlighted the importance of the Brazilian Constitution of 1988, which recognized the rights of native peoples in conjunction with environmental protection, influencing debates on the relationship between man and nature around the world. The Justice stressed the need to rethink the current development model, which exploits natural resources in an unsustainable way “We can no longer think of single command and control systems based on the best technology. We need to think about developing systems in which environmental education, discussion of environmental problems, a deeper understanding of nature and respect for all beings occupy a fundamental place in our lives,” he said.
A change of paradigm in environmental protection
Renowned Professors from the national and international academic community, such as Andrea Pisaneschi, Giorgia Pavani, Elena Bindi, Giammaria Milani, Marina Faraco and Lauro Ishikawa debated their academic research on the change of paradigm from anthropocentrism, which idealizes the belief that humans are the most important species on the planet and that all other life forms and natural resources exist to serve their needs and purposes, to the recognition of the intrinsic value of nature. The need to rethink the current development model, which exploits natural resources in an unsustainable way, was also a central theme.
For Professor Lauro Ishikawa, General Coordinator of the Alfa Education - Unialfa/Fadisp School of Law courses, the search for a single “reversal point” for the environmental crisis is illusory, as it faces a complex chain of consequences of the current unsustainable model. “Responsibility, therefore, is collective and requires an interdisciplinary approach, with each area contributing to guarantee environmental protection and the well-being of future generations, as advocated by the Federal Constitution. The central issue is not simply to protect for the sake of protecting, but to ensure a viable future for generations to come,” he said.
The seminar also addressed the importance of sustainability and the values of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in the business world. The growing demand for information on the performance of the companies in relation to environmental, social and governance issues was one of the highlights. Another important topic was the change of paradigm in urban policies, with a focus on the growing importance of citizen participation and citizen assemblies in formulating climate and energy policies.
