The global trend of granting nature rights on par with humans is gaining momentum, as more countries and localities are passing laws and others are contemplating similar measures.
Panama, Ecuador and Bolivia have all moved to recognize the rights of nature with national legislation, a movement that has gained traction around the world and in the United States, with 10 states having some form of legal protections for nature, according to a report by CBS News.
In a significant development, Panama has become the latest country to join the movement. Utilizing the new law, authorities have successfully closed down one of the largest copper mines globally.
Leading the charge in that nation was Callie Veelenturf, a 31-year old marine biologist hailing from Massachusetts. With a career dedicated to the study and preservation of sea turtles, Veelenturf has become a prominent advocate for their protection. In 2018, Veelenturf found herself in a legal battle to protect herself from sexual harassment. This experience became a significant turning point for her, as she came to the realization that nature does not possess the same legal protections as humans.
Veelenturf explained to CBS News that the defense of nature’s rights is not as straightforward as defending human rights, due to the lack of legal recognition for nature in our current legal systems.
A marine biologist expressed how a book titled “The Rights of Nature: A Legal Revolution That Could Save the World” played a significant role in shaping her perspective. This book inspired her to take on a mission to promote this concept worldwide. “It prioritizes the needs of the ecosystems and not the needs of humanity,” Veelenturf said.
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A marine biologist presented the idea to Panama’s first lady and parliament, receiving extensive support and ultimately leading to its enactment as law.
A $10 billion copper mine, which opponents argued would pose a threat to tropical jungles and water supplies, has been shut down by the country’s Supreme Court.
Seattle in the U.S. has recently acknowledged the importance of allowing salmon to pass through the city’s dams, as reported by CBS News. Meanwhile, North Carolina is currently contemplating granting rights to the Haw River ecosystem.
Veelenturf finds the trend encouraging as it supports the idea of humans needing “a different way of interacting with nature.” “It’s always an exhilarating experience.” “It never gets old,” Veelenturf said. “The current approach seems to be ineffective, prompting the exploration of an alternative method for engaging with the natural world.” There seems to be a growing consensus that it may be worth giving it a try.
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