Aplicación y efectividad del marco jurídico ambiental en Ecuador: una revisión sistemática

Application and effectiveness of the environmental legal framework in Ecuador: a systematic review

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Introducción: El marco jurídico ambiental en Ecuador enfrenta limitaciones en su aplicación y efectividad, pese al reconocimiento constitucional de los derechos de la naturaleza, afectando la gestión ambiental y la protección de ecosistemas. Objetivo: Analizar la aplicación y efectividad del marco jurídico ambiental en Ecuador, identificando factores que facilitan u obstaculizan su cumplimiento. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática siguiendo PRISMA, con selección de 30 estudios publicados entre 2022 y 2026. Se evaluaron barreras, facilitadores, jurisprudencia y prácticas de gobernanza ambiental. Resultados: La efectividad del marco jurídico es generalmente baja, mostrando discrepancias entre la normatividad constitucional y su implementación práctica. El extractivismo constituye una barrera recurrente, mientras que la gobernanza comunitaria se identifica como facilitadora. La jurisprudencia constitucional contribuye a compensar vacíos legislativos, aunque sin fuerza vinculante plena. Conclusiones: Mejorar la efectividad del marco jurídico ambiental requiere superar el modelo extractivista, fortalecer las instituciones nacionales y articular estrategias con marcos internacionales de protección ambiental. La combinación de gobernanza comunitaria, legislación robusta y jurisprudencia estratégica constituye un camino para cerrar la brecha entre derechos reconocidos y su cumplimiento efectivo.
Introduction: The environmental legal framework in Ecuador faces significant limitations regarding its application and effectiveness, notwithstanding the constitutional recognition of the Rights of Nature. These challenges hinder environmental management and the protection of essential ecosystems. Objective: To analyze the application and effectiveness of Ecuador’s environmental legal framework, identifying the factors that facilitate or obstruct regulatory compliance. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, incorporating 30 studies published between 2022 and 2026. The review evaluated barriers, facilitators, case law, and environmental governance practices. Results: The effectiveness of the legal framework is generally low, revealing a disconnect between constitutional provisions and their practical implementation. Extractivism is identified as a recurring barrier, whereas community governance emerges as a key facilitator. Furthermore, constitutional case law helps address legislative gaps, although it often lacks full binding force in practice. Conclusions: Enhancing the effectiveness of the environmental legal framework requires transcending the extractivist model, strengthening national institutions, and aligning domestic strategies with international environmental protection frameworks. The integration of community governance, robust legislation, and strategic case law constitutes a viable pathway to bridge the gap between recognized rights and their effective enforcement.

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Pico Angulo, C. J., & Torres Lema, M. R. (2026). Aplicación y efectividad del marco jurídico ambiental en Ecuador: una revisión sistemática. Revista Tribunal, 6(16), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.59659/revistatribunal.v6i16.500
Número
Vol. 6 Núm. 16 (2026): Tribunal. Revista en Ciencias de la Educación y Ciencias Jurídicas. Julio – Septiembre 2026
Sección
Artículos de Revisión
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Esta obra está bajo una licencia internacional Creative Commons Atribución-NoComercial-CompartirIgual 4.0.

Cómo citar

Pico Angulo, C. J., & Torres Lema, M. R. (2026). Aplicación y efectividad del marco jurídico ambiental en Ecuador: una revisión sistemática. Revista Tribunal, 6(16), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.59659/revistatribunal.v6i16.500

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