Global

International rights of nature developments, examples, and legal innovations from around the world. This section brings together stories that show how different communities, governments, and courts are approaching the relationship between human law and the natural world.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

Indigenous leaders want to protect whales by granting them legal personhood

In a groundbreaking initiative, Indigenous leaders from New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and the Cook Islands have come together to sign a treaty granting legal personhood

Every Citizen Can Be A Voice For Nature: Aruba Could Become 2nd Country to Recognize Rights of Nature in Constitution

Aruba is on the verge of a historic environmental milestone with the proposed constitutional amendment to recognize the Rights of Nature. This initiative, led by

CBS Saturday Morning Explores Rights of Nature Gaining Traction Around the World

CBS News, a mainstream television network, had a great story on their popular Saturday Morning show about the growing movement around the world acknowledging that

Pope Francis Gives a Nod of Support to Rights of Nature

Pope Francis urges for stronger action on climate change. He discusses the latest climate science and his disappointment with the lack of progress on the

Yarra River, Australia

Sussex River, England

Whanganui River, New Zealand

Ganges and Yamuna Rivers, India

Atrato River, Colombia

Magpie River, Canada