Empowering Nature's Voice

Environmental group pushing for ‘Rights of Nature’ law for Deschutes River

by Abi LudwigRONI in the News, US News, Washington NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

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.

Nature Lawyers Up: A growing number of countries and courts say the environment should be endowed with legal rights.

by Rachel KurtzGlobal News, US NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

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 in the belief that nature has intrinsic value and should have a voice in our legal system.

Cincinnati group files petition to give Ohio River rights

by aludwigUS NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

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/

Lake Erie granted Rights

by aludwigUS NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In 2019 the citizens of Toledo Ohio passed a resolution establishing a bill of rights for the Great Lake and granting it legal standing in suing polluters. httpss://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/toledo-ohio-just-granted-lake-erie-same-legal-rights-people-180971603/

Yarra River, Australia

by aludwigGlobal NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

A law setting out to protect Victoria’s Yarra River has been identified by the United Nations as a legislative example of the rights of nature and signifies a shift in the way the government thinks about protecting the natural environment. httpss://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2023/03/03/1385376/australias-rights-of-nature-push-flows-from-the-yarra-river

Sussex River, England

by aludwigGlobal NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

Sussex RiverSussex River could be first in England to get Legal Rights 3/2/23 For the first time, a river in England could be granted the legal right to good health, writes Isabella Kaminski. A motion passed by Lewes district council states that the river Ouse’s wellbeing could be secured by recognising its right to flow, …

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Whanganui River, New Zealand

by aludwigGlobal NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

On March 20th, 2017, the New Zealand government enacted legislation recognizing the Whanganui River as a legal person, holding rights and responsibilities equivalent to a person. httpss://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20200319-the-new-zealand-river-that-became-a-legal-person httpss://www.wcel.org/blog/i-am-river-and-river-me-legal-personhood-and-emerging-rights-nature httpss://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/16/new-zealand-river-granted-same-legal-rights-as-human-being

Ganges and Yamuna Rivers, India

by aludwigGlobal NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

March 23, 2017The high court in the city of Nainital in Uttrakhand declared that the Ganges and Yamuna were “legal and living entities having the status of a legal person with all corresponding rights, duties and liabilities,” reports Michael Safi at The Guardian. They appointed three officials as custodians of the rivers and ordered that a management board be …

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Atrato River, Colombia

by aludwigGlobal NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

in May 2017, the Colombian Constitutional Court publicly issued its ruling that the Atrato River, along with its tributaries, is a legal subject and has rights relating to its protection and conservation.  httpss://www.ncronline.org/news/earthbeat/colombias-choc-region-river-guardians-protect-rights-rio-atrato