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Indigenous principles inspire Rights of Nature movement to combat environmental threats Indigenous Wisdom Fuels the Rights of Nature Movement In a compelling blend of ancient wisdom and modern legal frameworks, the Rights of Nature movement is gaining traction, inspired by Indigenous principles. A recent article highlights how this movement is taking shape in North Carolina and beyond, with a focus on the Haw River. The Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights has collaborated with 7 Directions of Service to draft legislation aimed at recognizing the rights of the Haw River. This initiative is deeply rooted in the Occaneechi-Saponi homelands and reflects a profound respect forRead More →

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Whales Gain Legal Personhood in Pacific Nations In a landmark decision, whales and dolphins have been recognized as “legal persons” in a new treaty formed by Indigenous leaders from the Pacific. This historic treaty, known as He Whakaputanga Moana, is a declaration that acknowledges these majestic creatures of the sea as legal entities, allowing humans to take legal action on their behalf. The treaty, signed by leaders from New Zealand and the Cook Islands, is grounded in tikanga Māori (customary law) and marks a significant departure from previous legal frameworks. It aims to protect the rights of whales, known as tohorā, ensuring their ability toRead More →

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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 seaRead More →

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CBS Saturday Morning Explores Rights of Nature Gaining Traction Around the World CBS News, a mainstream television network, had a great story on their popular Saturday Morning show about the growing movement around the world acknowledging that nature has the same rights as humans. This movement has led to new legislation in some countries, notably Panama, which has implemented a country-wide rights of nature law. The law was instrumental in shutting down one of the world’s largest copper mines, highlighting its effectiveness. Marine biologist Callie Veelenturf, a Massachusetts native and National Geographic explorer, was a key advocate for the law. After experiencing sexual harassment andRead More →

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Pope Francis Gives a Nod of Support to the Rights of Nature In the article, “Pope Francis: ‘Irresponsible’ Western Lifestyles Push the World to ‘the Breaking Point’ on Climate,” Pope Francis urges for stronger action on climate change. He discusses the latest climate science and his disappointment with the lack of progress on the Paris Agreement. He also criticizes the denial of climate science. The pope calls for binding commitments to reduce emissions and to help those who are already being affected by climate change. In addition, Pope Francis nods to the rights of nature movement, affirming that humans are part of nature and thatRead More →

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Florida Voters Could Get the Chance to Vote on a Right to Clean Water Amendment Florida voters could have the chance to vote on a right to clean water amendment in the 2024 election. The Florida Rights of Nature Network (the main inspiration for the Rights of Nature Initiative) is collecting signatures to get the amendment on the ballot. The amendment would create a fundamental right to clean water for all state residents and allow individuals, businesses, and other organizations to take legal action against any state agency that fails to protect water resources. The amendment was proposed in response to a 2021 law passedRead More →

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By Jerome Tuaño A group of environmentalists is working to enact “Rights of Nature” laws for Washington rivers across the state. Olympia-based Rights of Nature Initiative (RONI) Coalition is pushing for an ordinance that recognizes the rights of the Deschutes River. RONI is in its early stages and started its outreach last week when it pitched its vision to the Local Good Governance Coalition.  They also held a webinar this week and talked to interested residents about the concept of the rights of nature. During the webinar, Thomas Linzey, a legal counsel from a partner organization working with RONI Coalition, said that rights for the natural environmentRead More →

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by Clifford Heberden, July 7, 2023, Salish Current Tired of constantly battling to protect nature, Abi Ludwig, cofounder of the Olympia group Rights of Nature Initiative (RONI) said they’re “going on the offense.” “We’re at that point where nature has to fight back and we’re ready to take that on from the community level,” said Rachel Kurtz, president and cofounder of RONI. Kurtz and Ludwig are part of a growing movement to establish rights for nature to exist and thrive. The idea has picked up support around the state where local governments including Jefferson County, San Juan County and the cities of Burien, Port Townsend and Gig Harbor have issuedRead More →

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Nature Lawyers Up:A growing number of countries and courts say the environment should be endowed with legal rights. In a groundbreaking shift in environmental law, the concept of granting legal rights to nature is gaining traction. A recent New York Times article delves into this transformative movement, exploring its implications and the growing number of cases where natural entities are being recognized as legal persons. This legal renaissance is not just a theoretical exercise; it has practical consequences. By recognizing the rights of rivers, forests, and ecosystems, we are witnessing a fundamental change in how nature is protected and preserved. The movement is rooted inRead More →

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The Ohio River Bill of Rights petition was submitted to shift the legal view from nature as property, to one that acknowledges the rights of the river’s ecosystem, giving the watershed a right to thrive and exist on its own. httpss://www.alleghenyfront.org/a-cincinnati-group-thinks-the-ohio-river-should-have-rights-of-nature/Read More →