Beyond Formalization: Legal Empowerment Strategies for Strengthening Indigenous and Afro-descendant Land Tenure in Ecuador

Abstract

This paper examines the intricate challenges surrounding land tenure faced by Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in Ecuador, exploring the critical role of legal empowerment strategies in addressing historical injustices. Through a qualitative analysis of the socio-political landscape, the study evaluates existing legal frameworks and their effectiveness in safeguarding ancestral lands. Emphasizing the need for inclusive governance, the paper proposes community legal empowerment strategies that empower Indigenous and Afro-descendant populations to assert their rights. By drawing on case studies of ECOLEX organization in Ecuador and legal precedents, the research shows the potential impact of Community Paralegals as strategies on strengthening land tenure security and fostering sustainable development. Ultimately, the paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on social justice and Indigenous rights, advocating for a transformative approach to legal empowerment that not only recognizes the cultural significance of ancestral lands but also bolsters the autonomy and resilience of marginalized communities.