The International Rights of Nature Tribunal raises a Rights of Nature alert over serious concerns for the rapid escalation of harm caused by the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve in South Africa.

Coal mining has begun despite unresolved legal challenges, unlawful authorizations under judicial review, and the collapse of critical water planning systems, with early signs of contamination already emerging. This case reflects systemic governance failure, where administrative dysfunction, legal delays, and weak enforcement are enabling irreversible ecological damage.

A High Court challenge to the project’s environmental authorization has been stalled for over three years due to state obstruction, while authorities have failed to act on serious compliance breaches. As production becomes imminent, the window to prevent irreversible harm is rapidly closing.

In its Belém judgment, the Tribunal concluded that MMSEZ constitutes a sacrifice zone, violating the fundamental rights of ecosystems, water sources, and the communities that depend on them.

At the same time, organizations like Living Limpopo continue defending this territory under extreme pressure, facing resource constraints while confronting prolonged legal obstruction.
In line with its commitment to the protection of defenders of Mother Earth, the Tribunal reaffirms that there are no Rights of Nature without those who defend them.

📢 The Tribunal calls for the immediate halt of the MMSEZ project, the protection of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, and urgent support for affected communities and environmental defenders.