Nature’s rights bill initiative launched by campaigners
A proposal to change the legal status of nature has been launched the House of Lords. The UK nature’s rights bill initiative was launched by campaigners hoping to legally enshrine nature’s rights into law, and ensure that there cannot be economic progress or social justice without respecting the natural world, The Guardian reports. The aim is to change the legal status of nature from objects, property, and resources to a legal subject with its own inherent rights.
If it passes into law, according to those behind the bill, it would create a legal duty of care for nature. It would also bring about the creation of bioregional councils in order to bring about, monitor, and enforce the provisions of the bill. The aim is to promote sustainable and regenerative practices in every sector of society and the economy.
Prominent environmentalists, including Chris Packham, Dale Vince, and former Green party leader Natalie Bennet are among the supporters of the campaign.
It comes amid a rise in nature’s rights campaigns around the world. Ecuador, Bolivia, Uganda, the USA, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand, and Mexico, are among the countries with some recognition over the legal rights of nature, either in constitutions, national laws, or local regulations. Courts in India and Colombia have recognised rights of rivers and ecosystems, and the UN is examining the legal implications of nature rights.
“We’re in a biodiversity and climate emergency,” animal welfare campaigner Chris Packham said. “The nature’s rights bill is a practical step that embeds nature into everyday decision-making so we prevent harm rather than clean up after it. Giving nature a voice in law is beyond overdue and urgently needed.”
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