Ecological Integrity

Quick definition

Ecological integrity is the health of an ecosystem as a whole: its structure, processes, and ability to recover and thrive over time.

What it means in practice

Integrity is about whether the system is functioning: enough water at the right time, habitat complexity, clean and cool conditions, connectivity for migration, and resilience to disturbances. It’s often assessed using indicators (like temperature, dissolved oxygen, flow, species presence, habitat condition, and connectivity).

Why it matters for rights of nature

Ecological integrity provides a practical “north star” for what the rights-holder needs. It also helps translate broad rights (like “flourish” or “regenerate”) into measurable outcomes for restoration and prevention.

Related Terms

Balancing of Interests

Balancing of interests means nature’s interests are included and weighed as legally cognizable interests – without assuming nature automatically wins every conflict.

Beneficial Use

Beneficial use is a water-law principle that ties water rights to recognized uses, rather than allowing water to be hoarded.

Cause of Action

A cause of action is the specific legal claim that lets a court hear your case, what law was violated and what the plaintiff is entitled to ask for.

Declaratory Judgment

A declaratory judgment is a court decision that clarifies legal rights and duties, declaring what the law means and how it applies, without necessarily ordering immediate action.

Due Process

Due process is the legal requirement that government actions affecting rights follow fair procedures, and in some contexts, be substantively fair.

Duty of Care

A duty of care is a legal obligation to act reasonably to avoid causing foreseeable harm.

Related updates

No related updates yet – check back soon.

The Wye looking downriver from the Brockweir Bridge spanning Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire. Photograph: Nick Jenkins/Alamy

River Wye Rights Charter Marks a UK First for River Protection

June 3, 2026

Educational tables at the Tulalip Tribes’ Earth Day celebration highlighted the importance of wetlands for clean water, flood protection, salmon habitat, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Thank You, Tulalip Tribes, for a Powerful Earth Day Gathering

April 23, 2026

Harper's Valley, West Virginia, where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converge.

2026 Most Endangered Rivers Report: Key Threats to U.S. Watersheds

April 14, 2026

Keep exploring

Browse all terms

Explore the full glossary of rights of nature, water law, and ecology – organized for quick scanning and deeper dives.

Learn the basics

New here? Start with the core ideas: rights-holders, guardianship, standing, remedies, and how laws protect ecosystems.

Support this work

Your donation helps fund public education and legal defense for nature.

Ask a question or suggest a term

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Tell us what term you want defined, or ask a question about rights of nature, water law, or watershed protection. We’ll use your ideas to expand the glossary.

No legal advice – just plain-language education and helpful links.