We are thrilled to announce the launch of Ecological Jurisprudence, a landmark contribution to the Rights of Nature movement by Alessandro Pelizzon, co-founder and Executive Committee Member of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN), co-founder of the GARN Academic Hub, and an expert member of the UN Harmony with Nature Program. Join us and GARN’s Academic Hub for this special event on Earth Day, Tuesday, 22 April at 20:30 (Cape Town time) (14:30 NY, 13:30 Quito, and 04:30am in Australia) as the author will discuss his new book alongside Wild Law author and GARN Executive Committee Member Cormac Cullinan.
🆓 Read the book here: Ecological Jurisprudence 🌿 Explore the series here: Contemporary Environmental Law and Policy
With over 15 years of fieldwork and an additional decade in legal anthropology, Pelizzon’s book reflects a deeply comprehensive exploration of ecological jurisprudence—a theory that intertwines legal practice with ecological principles. It is both a culmination of his extensive experience and a profound theoretical tool aimed at advancing the Rights of Nature movement.
Alessandro explains, “This book is the culmination of over 15 years of work directly in the field, plus another 10 years in the related field of legal anthropology, with a particular attention to Indigenous legalities and legal philosophies. It feels like the culmination of these experiences and thoughts, providing these movements with a comprehensive theoretical tool to push forward.”
Ecological Jurisprudence builds on the foundational work of Wild Law by Cullinan, but Pelizzon takes it a step further, expanding the field of ecological jurisprudence. “After Stone’s 1972 milestone, Cormac’s book represents a watershed moment in the discussion on the Rights of Nature, moving from the hypothetical to the practical,” says Pelizzon. “What I wanted to do was complement Cormac’s seminal work with a comprehensive review of the theoretical literature. I aimed to capture the many theoretical considerations advanced by different movements and scholars into a single, cohesive text.”
Pelizzon’s work also draws heavily from his involvement with GARN and its Academic Hub, where his experiences have shaped much of the book’s core themes. “The foundation of GARN, and later the Academic Hub, has been a key impetus for this book,” he shares. “Much of its soul is shaped by those experiences, and I hope the book reflects that connection to the broader movement.”
For those new to the Rights of Nature movement, Pelizzon defines ecological jurisprudence as “the theory and practice of law informed by ecological considerations, aiming to bridge the gap between human social norms and the physical norms that emerge from observing the natural world. It’s not a single theory but a trend within legal theory and practice, united by a desire to establish a dialogue between human behavior and the ecosystems we inhabit.”
In the face of widespread anthropocentrism, Pelizzon’s book challenges traditional legal thinking. He dedicates a significant portion of his work to unpacking the concept of anthropocentrism, revealing the complexities of its origins within Western philosophical traditions. “I show that there isn’t a simple, monolithic idea of anthropocentrism,” Pelizzon explains. “Instead, it’s a genealogy of ideas that have come together over time to create our current predicament. At the same time, I explore the many alternative ways of being in the world that have existed within and outside Western traditions.”
Looking to the future, Pelizzon imagines a world where ecological jurisprudence is widely adopted, with legal systems grounded in an understanding of Nature as a web of interconnected relations. “To those who see the world as a web of relations—especially Indigenous scholars and thinkers—the regulation of human behavior must occur within the web of relations that those behaviors impact,” he says. “Ideally, we would shift the focus from individual rights to collective responsibilities and relationships with Nature.”
In a world where legal systems increasingly prioritize the rights of corporations and individuals over the Earth itself, Pelizzon’s book offers a bold vision of a more Earth-centered approach to law. His advice to young lawyers and scholars eager to contribute to the Rights of Nature movement? “I’m constantly amazed by the depth and enthusiasm of younger lawyers and scholars in this field. I hope they continue along the path that’s been opened to us all over the last two decades. I don’t know what that journey will look like, but I am eager to follow their lead!”
Pelizzon also emphasizes the importance of accessibility, which is why Ecological Jurisprudence is available as an open-access resource. “Academic publishing is often placed behind paywalls, but research funded by the public should be available to the public,” he argues. “I wanted to ensure that anyone with internet access could download the work, regardless of their financial situation or access to libraries.”
If there’s one key message Pelizzon hopes readers take away from his book, it’s a deep recognition of the law-making power of Nature itself. “I hope readers will see that every breath of wind, every growing tree, and every wave crashing on the shore is a law-maker. The law we imagine could be so much wider, greater, and more inspiring if we listen to them all.”
Join us April 22nd to celebrate Earth Day and the launch of Ecological Jurisprudence and dive deeper into the conversation that’s shaping the future of law and Nature. The book is freely available online, and we encourage all interested readers—whether academics, activists, or those simply passionate about the environment—to explore its profound insights.
