Civil rights alliance calls for ecological justice, flags climate crisis, democratic concerns

By A Representative 

The National Alliance for Climate and Ecological Justice (NACEJ) has issued the “Karwar Declaration” at the conclusion of its first All-India conclave held in Karwar, Karnataka, from March 26 to 29, 2026, outlining a broad agenda on climate, environmental governance, and social justice while raising concerns over global conflicts, ecological degradation, and shrinking democratic space.

The four-day conclave brought together more than 50 participants, including activists, researchers, scientists, students, and lawyers, to deliberate on climate and ecological challenges. The alliance, an initiative of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), said it has grown over the past 18 months to include more than 120 members working on issues related to environmental and climate justice.

In its declaration, NACEJ linked the outcomes of the conclave to the broader context of Earth Day and International Workers’ Day, emphasizing what it described as an “ecological and social justice approach” to addressing the climate crisis. “We are committed to addressing the climate crisis through an ecological and social justice approach, upholding human rights and coexistence of all species,” the alliance stated.

The declaration situates environmental concerns within a wider global and political context, expressing concern over ongoing conflicts and their ecological consequences. It noted that wars and military actions have “immediate impacts on access to safe water, air and food” and contribute to long-term environmental and health risks, including increased greenhouse gas emissions and exposure to toxic contaminants.

Highlighting global environmental trends, NACEJ stated that “the climate crisis is rapidly unfolding,” pointing to biodiversity loss, pollution, and desertification, and noting that “seven out of nine planetary boundaries have been breached.” The alliance argued that marginalized communities bear the brunt of these crises while contributing the least to environmental degradation.

The declaration also raised concerns about environmental governance in India, alleging increasing deregulation and dilution of environmental laws and reduced public participation in decision-making. It cited amendments to laws such as the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, and Forest Conservation Act as examples of policy changes that require scrutiny. The alliance further opposed what it termed “false climate solutions,” including expanded reliance on fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and certain carbon market mechanisms.

On public health, NACEJ highlighted the impact of rising temperatures and pollution, noting reports of increased heat-related illnesses and deaths. It cited data indicating a significant mortality burden linked to air pollution and pointed to emerging research connecting pollution with neurological conditions, calling for stronger preventive and healthcare systems.

The declaration also addressed concerns about restrictions on civil society and environmental activism. Referring to data from Reporters Without Borders, it stated that journalists covering environmental issues face increasing risks and alleged that legal frameworks are sometimes used to target activists.

A significant focus of the conclave was on regional issues in Uttara Kannada district, where participants expressed concern over port expansion projects in Karwar, Keni, and Honnavar. NACEJ stated that such developments could affect marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of small-scale fishers. It also referred to the long-term ecological and social impacts of damming in the Sharavati river basin.

Reaffirming its engagement with grassroots movements, the alliance noted its involvement in campaigns related to forest protection, anti-mining struggles, and disaster-affected communities across regions including the Himalayas and Odisha. It said these efforts have included fact-finding missions, policy advocacy, and solidarity initiatives.

Outlining its future course of action, NACEJ said it would continue to support nature-dependent communities, strengthen alliances across social movements, and undertake research, advocacy, and mobilization on environmental issues. “We recognise that nature-dependent communities are the frontline defenders of our natural ecosystems and we affirm our full support to them,” the declaration stated.

The Karwar Declaration concludes with a commitment to building broader coalitions across environmental, labour, feminist, and social justice movements, and to advancing what it describes as a “people-centred” approach to ecological governance.