This European Citizens’ Initiative seeks to recognise Rights of Nature in European law via a legal act such as a directive or a regulation to strengthen the protection of ecosystems.

Ecosystems across Europe are in crisis despite existing environmental law, demonstrating the need for an integrated legal and governance framework that complements existing protections while addressing their structural fragmentation. We seek to move from treating nature as property to recognising ecosystems as living entities with intrinsic value and fundamental rights. These rights include the rights to exist, to regenerate their biocapacities and vital cycles, and to be restored. Ecosystems should also be granted legal personality, similar to companies. The aim is also to empower citizens and communities to act as stewards and representatives of ecosystems, both to prevent harm and to support protection, restoration and regeneration. Thus, these representatives should have legal standing and additional legal measures when defending ecosystems’ rights, building on Mar Menor’s example in Spain.

Links:
European Citizens’ Initiative : Rights for Nature: Empower Citizens to Represent and Protect Ecosystems

Rights for Nature

Zet de natuur in de Europese wet