Rights of Nature

From Salish Sea Wiki


Rights of Nature is a legal movement focused on enshrining specific rights for non-human entities in local, state, or federal law. This builds on the concept that corporations (which are entities made of humans) have distinct rights. Under a rights of nature scenario, humans may assume guardianship or trusteeship and sue for the purpose of Protection, Regulation or make a claim of damages and demand Restoration,. Because ecosystems cannot advocate for themselves, the body and interests of natural entities are largely to-be-defined.

International and National Examples[edit]

  • Equador?
  • New Zealand?

Efforts in the Salish Sea[edit]

Questions[edit]

  • How do these efforts define the interests of a river? What defines existance, thriving, or wellbeing which can be harmed?
  • How do these efforts define the body of the river--that which can be harmed? Does it have physical or biological boundaries?
  • How do these efforts define a legal standard for proof of harm?