Rights of Nature News

Recent developments in rights of nature law, policy, and advocacy from beyond Standing for Nature’s own work. This section highlights notable news, legal shifts, and movement activity in Washington, across the United States, and around the world.

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Quebec Town Recognizes Rights of Trees

A town of 2,000 west of Montreal has recognized trees as living beings with rights to life, growth, integrity, and regeneration, the first municipality in

River Wye Rights Charter Marks a UK First for River Protection

The River Wye has become the first full river catchment in the UK to be recognized under a rights charter. It is a notable new

Rivers Have Rights: What a New UK Parliamentary Briefing Means for the Global Movement

A new research briefing from the UK House of Commons examines the growing global and domestic movement to grant rivers legal standing. From New Zealand's

A River Deserves More: The Push to Recognize the Roaring Fork’s Rights

An Aspen activist is asking a simple but radical question: what if the Roaring Fork River had legal rights of its own? As Colorado communities

Alderville First Nation Recognizes Rice Lake as Ontario’s First Legal-Person Water Body

On November 17, 2025, Alderville First Nation recognized Rice Lake as a legal person, making it the first water body in Ontario to receive that

The World’s First Insect with Legal Rights Is a Bee You’ve Never Heard Of

In October 2025, an insect received legal rights for the first time in history. The Amazonian stingless bee — a pollinator of over 80% of

One of the World’s Highest Courts Has Declared That Nature Has Rights

On July 3, 2025, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights declared that ecosystems have the right to exist, regenerate, and maintain their life cycles, and

Legal Battle Over Watershed Rights: What You Need to Know

In a groundbreaking move, Everett has granted the Snohomish River legal standing rights, igniting a fierce legal battle with local developers. As the Master Builders

Indigenous advocates take mining to a “Rights of Nature” tribunal in Canada

At the sixth International Rights of Nature Tribunal, held in Toronto in February 2025, Indigenous advocates and environmental leaders brought cases against Canadian mining companies

Rights of Nature Laws Take Root in the West: Everett Leads the Way

In a groundbreaking move, Everett, Washington, has become the first city in the Western U.S. to recognize the legal rights of a river's watershed with

A Legal Voice for Nature: Everett’s Groundbreaking Initiative for the Snohomish River Watershed

In a bold move to protect the environment, the political action committee Standing for Washington has launched a signature-gathering campaign for a local rights of

This Saltwater Lagoon is Legally a Person. Here’s Why That Could Help it Survive.

In an inspiring victory for environmental justice, Teresa Vicente has been awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her relentless campaign to protect the Mar

Cape Cod Town Adopts Resolution Recognizing The Rights Of Nature

In a landmark decision, the town of Falmouth, Massachusetts has officially adopted a resolution that recognizes the rights of nature, marking a significant shift in

Protecting Herring, a Beloved Fish: The Mashpee Wampanoag Youth’s Quest

In the heart of Mashpee, a group of determined Wampanoag youths are championing a cause that is both a return to their ancestral stewardship and

Empowering Nature: The Deschutes Watershed Rights Initiative

In a groundbreaking move, the political action committee Standing for Washington has launched a citizen-led initiative to recognize legal rights to the Deschutes Watershed. This

Grand Traverse Band Could be First Michigan Tribe to Give Nature Legal Standing

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians is poised to become the first tribal nation in Michigan to formally recognize the legal rights

With States Banning Rights of Nature laws, Activists Need to Move Fast

In a striking turn of events, as the Great Salt Lake faces an ecological crisis, Utah has enacted a law that bans the recognition of

A Glacier for President? Iceland’s Chilling Political Campaign

In a move that's as refreshing as a crisp Arctic breeze, Iceland's political scene is witnessing an unprecedented campaign: a glacier is being nominated for

Indigenous principles inspire Rights of Nature movement to combat environmental threats

In a compelling blend of ancient wisdom and modern legal frameworks, the Rights of Nature movement is gaining traction, inspired by Indigenous principles. A recent

Whales Gain Legal Personhood in Pacific Nations

In a landmark decision, whales and dolphins have been recognized as "legal persons" in a new treaty formed by Indigenous leaders from the Pacific. This
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