Hey everyone!
I’m so excited to share today’s topic with you because it’s a term that I recently learnt and I’m so eager to find out more about it. This is inspired by the TEDxPortofSpain presentation by Mr.Justin Sobion, an environmental lawyer. He introduced me to an interesting legal term known as “Rights of Nature”. Essentially, Rights of Nature is a legal term that refers to giving the ecosystems and bodies of water rights just like humans!
According to the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, recognizing natural entities as legal persons would mean that unlike property, the rights of nature
“acknowledges that nature in all its forms has the right to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles”*
By doing this, legislative authorities have the power to show us the way in which humans and nature are inextricably connected. Ecosystems are delicate structures that should not be polluted not only because it disturbs local species, but also has drastic implications for humans. This is not a new term and it has been the basis for many movements around the world including North America, New Zealand and Nigeria.
For instance, in March 2017, The Whanganui River in New Zealand was recognized as a legal person. This river holds great significance for the Maori people of New Zealand and is a major entity in all spheres of their lives. It is considered to be the “central bloodline of their one heart”**.
I think when you consider this inextricable link that we as human beings have with nature, it’s so simple to see why various ecosystems and natural entities should be treated with respect.
If you’re interested in finding out more about rights to nature, the various movements as well as the The Whanganui River in New Zealand, feel free to check out the links below. :)
*https://therightsofnature.org/what-is-rights-of-nature/
**https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/2019/04/maori-river-in-new-zealand-is-a-legal-person/
http://www.harmonywithnatureun.org/rightsOfNaturePolicies/
I want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on this term and which natural entities or ecosystems at home or within the Caribbean region would you like to see gain recognition as a legal person?
-Caron D.