On September 22, 2026, Law No. 15,512 was enacted in Brazil, amending the Statute of Children and Adolescents (ECA) to establish the fundamental right of children and adolescents to access nature. It is nicknamed... \u201cEnvironmental ECA<\/strong>\u201d<\/a> The new legislation was celebrated by the board and the entire environmental education team of... Copaiba Environmental Association<\/strong>, which has been working for years on connecting children and teenagers with nature as a way to transform society.<\/span><\/p>\n The new legislation goes against the principles of comprehensive protection and absolute priority foreseen in article 227 of the Federal Constitution and in the ECA itself, whose article 4 now expressly includes nature among the rights that must be guaranteed to children and adolescents.<\/span><\/p>\n Children's rights Recent scientific research confirms the urgency of this measure. A 2024 study published by the University of Glasgow revealed that children who spend at least one hour a day outdoors have a 50% lower risk of developing mental disorders, while researchers at McGill University (Canada) demonstrated that just two hours a week of learning activities in nature is enough to significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and hyperactivity levels in elementary school students.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>THE Environmental ECA, <\/strong>The new law defines the right to nature as encompassing access to healthy environments, free play in green and blue areas, the strengthening of socio-affective bonds with the environment, and nature-based education. The law also establishes priority access and accessibility to squares, parks, Conservation Units, and public green areas near residences and schools for all children and adolescents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n