What it means in practice
In many areas of law, governments, companies, and individuals can be held responsible if they act negligently and cause predictable harm. In rights-of-nature frameworks, the concept often shows up as a practical duty: take reasonable steps to avoid foreseeable damage to ecosystems, especially where risks are known.
Why it matters for rights of nature
It reframes environmental protection from an optional policy preference into a responsibility. When nature is recognized as a rights-holder, “reasonable care” can become an enforceable expectation rather than a voluntary best practice.
See also
Fiduciary duty; Guardianship; Prevention; Violation
