Indigenous leaders want to protect whales by granting them legal personhood

In a groundbreaking initiative, Indigenous leaders from New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and the Cook Islands have come together to sign a treaty granting legal personhood to whales. This historic move, led by the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Initiative, aims to provide whales with rights that include freedom of movement, natural behavior, and a healthy environment.

Māori conservationist Mere Takoko, who spearheaded the treaty, emphasizes the importance of whales, or tohorā, in the marine ecosystem and their role as sacred ancestors in Polynesian culture. The treaty lays the groundwork for future legislation to protect these sea giants and is a testament to the combination of tikanga Māori and scientific knowledge.

The treaty also addresses the impact of climate change on migratory species like whales, which are vulnerable to marine heatwaves and other environmental changes. Marine biologist Heidi Pearson and economist Ralph Chami highlight the ecological significance of whales, noting their role in carbon capture and storage. Chami estimates that a single whale could be worth about $2 million in terms of the carbon it removes from the atmosphere.

While there are debates about the valuation of whale carbon and concerns over monetizing it, the consensus is that granting legal personhood to whales could significantly benefit conservation efforts. It’s a shift towards valuing non-human lives and recognizing their intrinsic right to exist on Earth.

Hear the story by Julie Depenbrock from NPR’s Morning Edition at Indigenous leaders want to protect whales by granting them legal personhood, April 8, 2024.