18th Jun 2024 Gemini 1.5 Pro
Natalia Greene, Global Coordinator for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN), recounts her journey into the world of Rights of Nature, beginning in 2008 with the Ecuadorian Constitutional Assembly. Tasked with advocating for various environmental protections, Greene and her colleagues introduced the then-radical concept of Rights of Nature, inspired by the writings of Cormac Cullinan and the small town of Tamaqua Borough in the US, which had passed a Rights of Nature ordinance. Though initially met with skepticism, the idea gained unexpected traction, culminating in a historic vote: 94 out of 160 assembly members voted in favor of enshrining Rights of Nature in Ecuador’s constitution.
Greene emphasizes that this victory was not solely about legal technicalities but about incorporating the indigenous worldview into a traditionally Western legal framework. The concept resonated deeply with indigenous communities who saw it as a long-overdue recognition of their intrinsic relationship with nature. This landmark achievement positioned Ecuador as a global pioneer, sparking conversations and inspiring similar movements worldwide.
Greene explains that while Ecuador's constitutional recognition of Rights of Nature represents a significant milestone, the movement embraces diverse approaches tailored to specific contexts. She highlights the importance of creativity and adaptability, citing examples of national laws in Bolivia and Panama, city ordinances in Mexico, and legal personhood granted to ecosystems in New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Colombia.
"First, we need to be very creative, but it can be applied to any sort of experience and any context," Greene asserts, underscoring the movement's flexible framework that allows for diverse implementations while upholding the core principle of nature's legal standing.
Greene passionately argues that beyond legal victories, the most profound impact of the Rights of Nature movement is the shift in societal consciousness. She draws parallels to historical civil rights movements, arguing that enshrining rights in law ultimately transforms how people perceive and interact with the world.
"So what I like the most about Ecuador is that 15 years later, you have, for example, a 20-year-old that is just like starting to study law, it’s his second year of law. And he’s not questioning if nature should have rights. He has it. He has. He understood that nature has inherent rights," Greene explains. This generational shift, she emphasizes, signifies a profound change: the internalization of an ethical framework where respect for nature is not a radical notion but a fundamental truth.
Greene shares inspiring victories in Ecuador: the protection of the Los Cedros protected forest from mining, the successful lawsuit on behalf of two endangered frog species against a multinational mining corporation, and the public referendums that halted oil extraction in the biodiverse Yasuni National Park and banned metal mining in the Choco Andino region. These wins, achieved through strategic litigation and public mobilization, demonstrate the tangible power of Rights of Nature to protect ecosystems and uphold the rights of future generations.
Recognizing the crucial role of youth, GARN has established a dedicated youth hub to nurture the next generation of Rights of Nature advocates. Greene emphasizes the importance of intergenerational dialogue and collaboration, enabling youth to learn from seasoned activists and contribute their unique perspectives.
"The power of future generations, the power of having a youth hub and getting them together and saying… and teaching kids about the rights of nature is extremely powerful," Greene states, underscoring the movement’s commitment to empowering young people. She shares heartwarming anecdotes of children celebrating legal victories for frogs as if they were personal triumphs, highlighting the innate understanding of interconnectedness that children possess. Greene believes that nurturing this inherent understanding and providing tools for action is crucial for a future where humans live in harmony with nature.
Despite its growing momentum, the Rights of Nature movement faces significant challenges. Greene identifies powerful corporate interests invested in maintaining the status quo and benefiting from the exploitation of nature as a primary obstacle. She also expresses concern about the slow pace of change within international institutions like the UN, emphasizing the urgent need for bolder, more decisive action.
"Countries and corporations, if they understand the power of the Rights of Nature, they’re going to try to limit it," Greene warns, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and strategic action. She calls for increased funding and support from philanthropic organizations, highlighting the severe resource constraints faced by Rights of Nature organizations.
Greene concludes with a powerful call to action: to embrace a holistic, systemic approach to the climate crisis, moving beyond narrow solutions and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life. She urges a fundamental shift in our relationship with nature, from one of exploitation to one of respect, reciprocity, and reverence. Greene believes that the Rights of Nature movement offers a vital pathway to achieve this transformation, ensuring a just and thriving future for all beings.
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