A REDEFINITION OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE
"Ecological jurisprudence is to the discipline of law what quantum physics has been to the discipline of physics." – Alessandro Pelizzon
The rights of nature is the recognition that more-than-human beings and ecosystems have the right to existence and health. Rights of Nature recognises the ecological fact of human interconnectedness in a living world, and pairs it with the ethical perspective that all of life has inherent value, interests and needs that ought to be respected and protected by law. The understanding of nature as rights-bearing challenges a very old understanding of nature as a legal object, just a resource for humans. It thereby has a transformative potential as an idea, as well as practical potential as a legal tool.
Laws and court cases recognising legal standing of ecosystems are rapidly emerging in various context worldwide, with courts, parliaments and other administrative bodies in 40+ countries acknowledging the rights of nature to exist and thrive. Europe saw its first case in 2022 with a law protecting the rights of a saltwater lagoon, Mar Menor in Spain. Follow the development in the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor LINK https://ecojurisprudence.org
The Embassy of the Baltic Sea works for the recognition of the rights of the sea to thrive and evolve.
Rights
We recognise ecosystems and living beings in the Baltic Sea watershed as subjects with intrinsic value beyond human use. They have the right to thrive, evolve and perform their natural functions.
Representation
We recognise that living communities of the Baltic Sea have the right to be represented in decisions that may affect their health and wellbeing. Representation shall be based on the best available science as well as traditional ecological knowledge.
Interdependence
We recognise that humans exist as a part of nature within an inextricable and complex web of relationships in the Baltic Sea watershed. Human rights are embedded within and dependent upon the health, integrity and functioning of ecosystems.
Responsibility
We recognise that all humans have individual and collective (but differentiated) responsibility to care for the Baltic Sea, and to govern themselves in a way that supports the health, integrity and functioning of ecosystems.
Participation
We recognise that societies which acknowledge the rights of nature require human agency, dialogue and mutual understanding with respect for diverse perspectives, interests and ways of knowing.
Become part of our growing community to help save the Baltic Sea
Interconnected wellbeing of human society and nature in the Baltic Sea watershed, through recognition of the rights of the sea to flourish, and representation of its more-than-human voices in decision-making.