Are you ready to embark on a journey that redefines our relationship with the natural world? Welcome to Conversations with Mother Nature, where each episode invites you to dive deep into the transformative and inspiring world of the Rights of Nature.
The Rights of Nature movement is more than just a legal concept; it’s a global call to recognize that ecosystems—rivers, forests, mountains, and all living beings—have inherent rights. These rights are not just abstract ideas; they are being put into practice in communities and tribunals worldwide, challenging the status quo and offering new pathways for ecological justice.
Through Conversations with Mother Nature, you’ll meet the pioneers, visionaries, and grassroots leaders who are driving this movement forward. Each episode is a unique opportunity to learn from their experiences, understand the challenges they face, and gain insight into the groundbreaking work being done, all around the world.
We invite you to listen, reflect, and become part of this global conversation. Whether it’s the story of a saltwater lagoon in Spain fighting for its survival or the Indigenous wisdom that sees rivers as living beings, each episode will open your eyes to the profound and essential shift that the Rights of Nature represents.
Flowing conversations
Episode length
Periodicity
Two-year journey
Whether you’re a dedicated advocate or simply curious to learn more, these episodes will keep you informed, inspired, and connected to this growing global movement!
We explore a key moment in environmental history: Ecuador, the country that made the difference.
Join us as we talk with leading experts and activists who participated in the historic milestone in which Ecuador became the first country in the world to enshrine the Rights of Nature in its Constitution. Economist Alberto Acosta, biologist and lawyer Esperanza Martínez, and environmental activist Natalia Greene explore how Ecuador was the forerunner of this legal and ethical vision that recognizes the inherent rights of Mother Earth, and how this has influenced the protection and preservation of its natural environments. In addition, we will learn about the keys to two crucial public consultation campaigns in Ecuador: “Quito without mining” and “Yes to Yasuní”, courageous efforts to protect Nature from mining exploitation.
Download the transcript in English and Spanish.
Ecuador’s 2008 Constitutional Recognition of the Rights of Nature
Ecuador became the first country in the world to recognize the Rights of Nature in its Constitution, granting ecosystems legal standing. This milestone was heavily influenced by Indigenous worldviews and environmental advocacy.
Chevron-Texaco Case (“The Trial of the Century”)
A landmark legal battle against Chevron-Texaco for environmental devastation in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Indigenous communities and activists sought justice for one of the world’s worst oil-related environmental disasters.
Yasuní-ITT Initiative & 2023 Referendum
A global campaign initially aimed at leaving oil reserves untapped beneath Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Ecuador’s 2023 referendum allowed citizens to vote on stopping oil extraction in Block 43.
Bosque Protector Los Cedros Case
A historic Ecuadorian Constitutional Court ruling recognizing the Rights of Nature and stopping mining in Los Cedros cloud forest, setting a precedent for conservation.
Piatúa River Case
A legal victory in Ecuador where Indigenous communities defended the Piatúa River against a hydroelectric project, citing the Rights of Nature.
Estrellita Case (Animal Rights Precedent in Ecuador)
The Ecuadorian Constitutional Court ruled that animals are subjects of rights under the Rights of Nature framework, extending legal protections to wildlife.
Río Dulcepamba Case
A legal battle over water rights in Ecuador, where communities used the Rights of Nature framework to challenge corporate water extraction.
The Atrato River Case (Colombia)
A Colombian court granted legal rights to the Atrato River, inspiring Rights of Nature cases worldwide, including in Ecuador.
Eduardo Galeano’s “Nature is Not Mute”
Referenced in the episode, Galeano’s work critiques environmental destruction and capitalism’s impact on Nature.
We discuss the Rights of Nature, a movement that recognizes ecosystems—including trees, oceans, animals, and mountains—as having inherent rights.
In this introductory episode, we discuss the Rights of Nature, a movement that recognizes ecosystems—including trees, oceans, animals, and mountains—as having inherent rights. Natalia Greene, a member of GARN’s Executive Committee, and Marie Toussaint, a French Member of the European Parliament, share the origins, evolution, and future prospects of this transformative global initiative.
Download the transcript in English and Spanish.
“Should Trees Have Standing?” by Christopher Stone
This seminal work by Christopher Stone, first published in 1972, argues for extending legal rights to natural objects like trees, rivers, and ecosystems. It is one of the foundational texts in the Rights of Nature movement.
Notre Affaire à Tous
This French NGO, founded by Marie Toussaint, focuses on climate justice. It led L’Affaire du Siècle, a groundbreaking case that held the French government accountable for its inaction on climate change.
Philippe Descola’s Work on Nature and Culture
Philippe Descola is a renowned anthropologist whose work challenges Western dualism by exploring how different cultures perceive and relate to Nature. His book Beyond Nature and Culture is widely acclaimed.
Mar Menor Lagoon Legal Case
This citizen-led initiative in Spain seeks to recognize legal rights for the Mar Menor lagoon, heavily polluted due to agricultural runoff. The Spanish Parliament is considering the proposal, marking a milestone for environmental protection in Europe.
Parliament of the Loire (France)
A creative project where artists and urban planners work to amplify the “voice” of the Loire River, advocating for its legal rights and sustainable management.
Embassy of the North Sea (Netherlands)
An experimental project in the Netherlands that seeks to give the North Sea a voice through creative representation, combining art, science, and policy.
Rights of Nature Cases in Ecuador (e.g., Los Cedros)
Landmark cases like the protection of Los Cedros cloud forest showcase Ecuador’s progressive legal recognition of Nature’s rights. The Constitutional Court halted mining activities to protect biodiversity.
Intergenerational Pact for the Life of the Colombian Amazon
A groundbreaking initiative that aligns legal rights for the Amazon with intergenerational responsibility, ensuring protection for future generations.
“We know that our planet is sick. We know that our planet needs to be changed and we need a new paradigm of how we relate to Nature. And all of these initiatives that are happening around the world, I see them as this sort of acupuncture where we’re healing the world with this transformation and this understanding that Nature is a subject of rights.”
Natalia Greene
“For me, the recognition of the Rights of Nature is based on three different pillars: The first one is to recognize and acknowledge the Rights of Nature, that Nature already has the right to flourish and not be polluted. The second is to establish a way to defend Nature in front of the courts, which Ecuador has but we are a long way to go in Europe. The third pillar is also defending Nature in court after it has been damaged, or when someone wants to damage it.”
Marie Toussaint
We explore how Indigenous knowledge and practices are integral to the Rights of Nature.
This episode explores how Indigenous knowledge and practices are integral to the Rights of Nature. Casey Camp Horinek, of the Ponca Nation and chair of GARN’s Indigenous Council, and Tom Goldtooth, Executive Director of the Indigenous Environmental Network, discuss the vital role of Indigenous perspectives in fostering a harmonious relationship with Mother Earth.
Download the transcript in English and Spanish.
International Indigenous Women’s Treaty on the Rights of Nature
This groundbreaking treaty, shaped by Indigenous women leaders like Casey Camp-Horinek, advocates for the protection and recognition of Nature’s inherent rights from an Indigenous perspective.
Ponca Tribe’s Rights of Nature Statute
The Ponca Nation established this statute, embedding Indigenous principles into legal frameworks to protect Nature. It includes elements like free, prior, and informed consent from the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Ponca Nation recognized the rights of their rivers, affirming the natural law that these ecosystems inherently hold the right to exist and thrive.
Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN)
Led by Tom Goldtooth, IEN works globally to empower Indigenous communities to defend environmental justice and promote sustainable living.
Ecuador’s Rights of Nature Constitutional Inclusion (2008)
Ecuador became the first country in the world to enshrine the Rights of Nature in its Constitution in 2008.
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
UNDRIP ensures the rights of Indigenous peoples, including provisions like free, prior, and informed consent. This principle is foundational to the Ponca Tribe’s Rights of Nature statute.
Turtle Island Indigenous Nations and the Rights of Nature
Hundreds of Indigenous nations in North America (Turtle Island) have been exploring and incorporating Rights of Nature frameworks into their governance.
“We’re not separate from Nature… virtually every breath we take, every bite that we eat, every drink that we take, is just one more way of physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally connecting us with all that is.”
Casey Camp-Horinek
“What is this phenomenon of a lot of people who are not Indigenous studying this issue of recognition of the Rights of Nature? In ceremony, they answered: This is part of the prophecy, of people coming back to understand who they are.”
Tom Goldtooth
Dive into the paradigm shift from human-centered thinking (anthropocentrism) to life-centered thinking (biocentrism) and its implications for the Rights of Nature.
Dive into the paradigm shift from human-centered thinking (anthropocentrism) to life-centered thinking (biocentrism) and its implications for the Rights of Nature in this thought-provoking episode. Experts Miriam Lang and Carlos Larrea examine the historical roots of anthropocentrism, the environmental consequences of the Anthropocene, and how life-centered values can lead to a more sustainable coexistence with Nature. Discover how concepts like Buen Vivir and planetary boundaries are essential to addressing the climate crisis we face today.
Download the transcript in English and Spanish.
The Anthropocene
A proposed geological epoch defined by the significant impact of human activity on Earth’s geology and ecosystems, particularly since the Industrial Revolution. It highlights issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and the crossing of planetary boundaries.
Planetary Boundaries
A scientific framework developed by the Stockholm Resilience Centre, identifying nine planetary boundaries critical to Earth’s stability. Human activity has already exceeded six of these boundaries.
Biocentrism
A philosophical paradigm that places all life forms and ecosystems at the center of value and moral concern. It contrasts with anthropocentrism by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the intrinsic value of Nature.
Buen Vivir (Good Living)
A concept rooted in Indigenous Andean cosmovisions, promoting a harmonious coexistence between humans and Nature. It advocates for collective well-being over material growth and development.
Karl Polanyi’s “Homo Economicus”
Polanyi critiques the concept of Homo Economicus, which depicts humans as rational agents always seeking to maximize self-interest. This notion underpins modern capitalism and contrasts with Indigenous values of community and balance.
Financialization of Nature
A critique of market-based environmental solutions, such as carbon trading and treating natural resources as financial assets, which prioritize profit over ecological well-being.
Jeremy Bentham’s Utilitarianism
Bentham’s philosophy, which prioritizes actions that maximize happiness and minimize suffering, serves as a foundation for modern capitalism’s focus on utility and profit.
“Putting the conservation of the mere conditions of reproduction of life at the center would be the priority politics we would need in our times.”
Miriam Lang
“We are approaching a very deep paradigmatic shift… We are facing a very deep change in the notion of value. The notion of value is strongly linked with the notion of rights. We value Nature as well as we value ourselves as a part of Nature. That is Biocentrism (…) We cannot regard ourselves as the only intelligent species, with that kind of intrinsic superiority over Nature, conceiving Nature as a thing that can be destroyed, appropriated, transformed, or even extinguished. That is why Biocentrism is based on equilibrium, an equilibrium between human civilization (…) and the intrinsic mechanism of existence and evolution of ecosystems.”
Carlos Larrea
This episode discusses the need to prioritize harmony with nature over economic growth. Cormac Cullinan, an environmental lawyer, and Felicio Pontes, a Brazilian prosecutor, explore how the Rights of Nature can offer a new path forward in addressing ecological and social injustices.
Download the transcript in English and Spanish.
“Wild Law: A Manifesto for Earth Justice” by Cormac Cullinan
This groundbreaking book introduces Earth Jurisprudence, advocating for a legal and philosophical framework where Nature is treated as a rights-bearing entity. It serves as a foundational text for the Rights of Nature movement.
Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth
A pioneering international declaration recognizing Nature as a rights-bearing entity, drafted with the leadership of Cormac Cullinan and adopted in 2010 during the World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth.
Case Study: Belo Monte Dam Project, Brazil
A controversial hydroelectric project on the Xingu River in the Amazon, often criticized for its social, environmental, and economic impacts on Indigenous communities and ecosystems. Prosecutor Felicio Pontes has been an outspoken advocate against the detrimental effects of such projects.
Rene Descartes’ Philosophy
The mechanistic worldview introduced by 17th-century philosopher René Descartes, which conceptualized Nature as a machine devoid of intrinsic value, is cited as a critical root of contemporary ecological crises.
Xingu River and Indigenous Perspectives
Highlighting the insights of Indigenous leaders like Chief Raoni, the podcast discusses the importance of traditional ecological knowledge and rights of the Xingu River, a tributary of the Amazon, as a personified entity.
Nature-Based Solutions Critique
Criticism of financial mechanisms like carbon credits and ecosystem credits, labeled as “false solutions” to climate change due to their focus on commodification over systemic change.
“In other words, if Nature has rights, then we humans have certain duties to act respectfully and to respect the freedoms and the rights of all the other beings, whether they be other species or rivers or mountains. This is very important because it changes the focus to maintaining good relationships, and takes it away from commodification. You can’t trade rights. You can’t sell your human rights or trade them for money. They are inherent, and they must be respected.”
Cormac Cullinan
We dive into the landmark recognition of the Rights of Nature in Mar Menor, Spain.
Recorded in Siena, Italy, this episode dives into the landmark recognition of the Rights of Nature in Mar Menor, Spain. Eduardo Salazar and Teresa Vicente discuss the challenges and successes of this movement, which culminated in the historic Law 19/2022, granting legal rights to Mar Menor.
Download the transcript in English and Spanish.
“Ecological Justice in the Age of the Anthropocene” by Teresa Vicente, Eduardo Salazar and more
A publication introducing ecological justice as a legal and philosophical framework in response to environmental crises, highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity and Nature. The book references key legal frameworks like the Aarhus Convention and critiques traditional environmental law’s effectiveness.
“Ecological Justice and the Rights of Nature” by Teresa Vicente
Teresa Vicente explores the philosophical and legal underpinnings of Rights of Nature and their applicability in modern law.
Rights of the Mar Menor (Spain)
The landmark legislative initiative granting legal rights to the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, which suffered severe ecological damage due to eutrophication. This effort mobilized hundreds of thousands of citizens and set a precedent for Rights of Nature laws in Spain and Europe.
The Aarhus Convention
A vital international treaty granting public access to information, participation in decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters, referred to as Europe’s counterpart to the Escazú Agreement in Latin America.
Río Atrato case (Colombia)
A court ruling granting legal rights to the Atrato River, inspired by Indigenous perspectives and ecological justice, to protect its ecosystems from environmental harm.
Whanganui River (New Zealand)
Recognized as a legal entity in 2017, the Whanganui River is protected under New Zealand law, representing the world’s first such recognition of a natural entity.
Mumta Ito and the Rights of Nature Philosophy
A leading proponent of ecological justice and the Rights of Nature, Mumta Ito promotes a holistic view where human rights and ecological rights are interdependent.
“Should Trees Have Standing?” by Christopher Stone
This seminal work by Christopher Stone, first published in 1972, argues for extending legal rights to natural objects like trees, rivers, and ecosystems. It is one of the foundational texts in the Rights of Nature movement.
Stockholm Declaration (1972)
A historic declaration from the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, emphasizing sustainable development and environmental protection.
Rights of Nature Tribunal
A grassroots initiative to hold corporations and governments accountable for ecological destruction, reflecting the urgent demand for systemic change.
“[The movement for Mar Menor] has been a spontaneous social movement (…) The people felt tied to an ecosystem that was very sick, and they have felt responsible for this sickness and this death threat and this cry for help, and have turned it into a cry for the right to life, for ecosystem protection.”
Teresa Vicente
We explore the intersection of the Global Tapestry of Alternatives and the Rights of Nature Tribunals.
In this episode, we explore the intersection of the Global Tapestry of Alternatives and the Rights of Nature Tribunals. Ashish Kothari, an Indian environmentalist, and Francesco Martone, an activist and jurist, discuss how these initiatives are driving systemic change and fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
Download the transcript in English and Spanish.
“Pluriverse: A Post-Development Dictionary”, edited by Ashish Kothari, Alberto Acosta, amongst others
A comprehensive resource compiling diverse perspectives on sustainable alternatives to mainstream development. It explores concepts like radical ecological democracy, buen vivir, and the Rights of Nature within the framework of a pluriverse.
“Radical Ecological Democracy” by Ashish Kothari
A philosophical and practical framework for fostering ecological resilience, recognizing humanity as part of Nature, and advocating for Nature’s intrinsic rights to thrive.
Rights of the Whanganui River (New Zealand)
This groundbreaking recognition of the Whanganui River as a legal entity established a new paradigm for environmental protection, embracing the Māori perspective of the river as an ancestor.
Rights of Nature Tribunal
A grassroots initiative to hold corporations and governments accountable for ecological destruction, reflecting the urgent demand for systemic change.
Global Tapestry of Alternatives (GTA)
A collaborative platform connecting local and global movements seeking systemic change through alternative practices like degrowth, buen vivir, and ecological democracy.
Vikalp Sangam (India)
Ashish Kothari, co-founder of Vikalp Sangam, advocates for sustainable alternatives to destructive development through collaborative initiatives that celebrate cultural and ecological diversity.
Crianza Mutua (México, Colombia)
Crianza Mutua is a network process that take place in México and Colombia. It’s inspired by Zapatismo and emerged within the autonomous Universidad de la Tierra in Oaxaca, Mexico. It seeks to identify, document and connect groups through communal webs which are actively dismantling hierarchies in everyday life, putting principles of sufficiency into practice and constructing and extending their autonomy from the market and the State.
Buen Vivir and Sumak Kawsay (Latin America)
Indigenous concepts from the Andes that promote living well in harmony with Nature, forming a foundation for rights-based ecological movements.
Ubuntu (Southern Africa)
An African philosophy emphasizing interconnectedness, community, and respect for all beings, resonating with the values of ecological justice.
50th Anniversary of the Stockholm Conference (1972)
A pivotal UN conference highlighting the need for sustainable development and environmental protection, laying the groundwork for Rights of Nature frameworks.
30th Anniversary of the Rio Earth Summit (1992)
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) emphasized global cooperation for environmental and developmental sustainability.
“Not all humanity is responsible for the systemic crises. There are spaces of resistance and alternatives where new worlds are being made, and these are the spaces where the Rights of Nature comes into play.”
Francesco Martone
“Arguing for the legal Rights of Nature becomes one way of trying to begin to heal that rift [between humans and Nature]. But eventually we need to move even beyond the notion of the Rights of Nature to: How do we bring back respect to all of Nature, including ourselves?”
Ashish Kothari
Learn about the Eco-Jurisprudence Monitor, an innovative project that compiles global ecological jurisprudence into an interactive online platform.
Craig Kauffman and Alessandro Pelizzon introduce us to the Eco-Jurisprudence Monitor, an innovative project that compiles global ecological jurisprudence into an interactive online platform. This episode highlights how this tool is empowering activists, lawyers, and policymakers to take action for environmental justice.
Download the transcript in English and Spanish.
Eco-Jurisprudence Monitor
An online, open-access platform documenting ecological law initiatives worldwide, including the Eco Jurisprudence Tracker and Legal Toolkit.
“The Politics of Rights of Nature” by Craig Kauffman and Pamela Martin
This book provides an analysis of the global movement for the Rights of Nature, presenting data on its growth and exploring the creation of a transnational governance system outside the traditional treaty framework.
“Ecological Jurisprudence” by Alessandro Pelizzon
This groundbreaking open-access book delves into the theoretical foundations of ecological jurisprudence and applies these principles to real-world legal initiatives.
“Should Trees Have Standing?” by Christopher Stone
This seminal work by Christopher Stone, first published in 1972, argues for extending legal rights to natural objects like trees, rivers, and ecosystems. It is one of the foundational texts in the Rights of Nature movement.
Rights of Nature in the Ecuadorian Constitution (2008)
The first Constitution in the world to recognize the Rights of Nature, marking a significant moment in ecological jurisprudence.
UN Harmony with Nature Program
A United Nations initiative that integrates the Rights of Nature into global policies, fostering harmony between humans and the environment.
Te Urewera Act (2014, New Zealand)
Landmark legislation recognizing Te Urewera, a former national park, as a legal entity with its own rights.
“Wild Law: A Manifesto for Earth Justice” by Cormac Cullinan
This groundbreaking book introduces Earth Jurisprudence, advocating for a legal and philosophical framework where Nature is treated as a rights-bearing entity. It serves as a foundational text for the Rights of Nature movement.
Thomas Berry and the Rights of Nature
In 2001, Thomas Berry published The Origin, Differentiation, and Role of Rights in which he described how all members of the Earth community possess inherent rights.
“My hope is that the [Rights of Nature] initiatives will become so widely accepted within the general discourse that it won’t be necessary to track them anymore…like human rights cases.”
Alessandro Pelizzon
“Nature is infinitely more complex than we could ever comprehend, so it is not only arrogant but extremely naive to think that we could control or manage Nature in any effective way.”
Craig Kauffman
We discuss paraecology, the paramedic response to biodiversity and climate crises.
In this episode, Dr. Mika Peck from the University of Sussex discusses paraecology, a field he describes as the paramedic response to biodiversity and climate crises. He shares stories of how community action and scientific knowledge are coming together to protect ecosystems.
Download the transcript in English and Spanish.
“Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World” by Jason Hickel
This book explores the concept of degrowth, examining how neo-capitalism and its push for endless growth contribute to environmental crises, and how alternative systems can lead to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Los Cedros Case (Ecuador)
A landmark case in Ecuador in which the Constitutional Court upheld the Rights of Nature by protecting the Los Cedros Forest from mining activities. It emphasized the importance of preserving biodiversity and ecosystem functions under Ecuador’s Constitution.
EcoForensic
A community non-profit organization founded by Dr. Mika Peck, focusing on “ecological forensics” to connect law with ecological science. EcoForensic supports communities in gathering data required for defending their ecosystems under the Rights of Nature framework.
Tesoro Escondido Reserve (Ecuador)
A 20-square-kilometer reserve established to protect critically endangered species such as the brown-headed spider monkey. The reserve serves as a model for integrating paraecology and community engagement.
Paraecology Training Program
A program pioneered by the University of Sussex to train community members as paraecologists—individuals acting as first responders to biodiversity and climate crises by collecting critical ecological data.
Women Make Science (Al Jazeera)
A short film highlighting the role of women in science and conservation, featuring efforts in Tesoro Escondido to empower women through paraecology.
Upstream Podcast
A podcast series exploring the root causes of social and environmental issues, featuring discussions on alternative economic systems, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable practices.
Ecological Forensics
An emerging discipline combining ecological science and legal requirements to provide data needed for defending Nature under the Rights of Nature framework.
Paraecology
A concept introduced by Dr. Mika Peck, likened to paramedics for Nature, where trained community members monitor and protect biodiversity and ecosystems under threat.
“As a network that works in communities in the Philippines, we saw and we are seeing how the environment is being destroyed by big corporations and supported by policies of our government that somehow allow this kind of destruction. Of course, those who are affected are the poorest people in the country. A paradigm shift such as the Rights of Nature will both protect people and the planet.”
Dr. Mika Peck
We examine the role of faith and grassroots movements in the Philippines’ Rights of Nature advocacy.
This episode examines the role of faith and grassroots movements in the Philippines’ Rights of Nature advocacy. Yolanda Esguerra and Candy Hidalgo from the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. share their experiences in spearheading national legislation to protect Nature’s rights.
In 2022, GARN’s Asia-Pacific Hub was created as a dynamic platform uniting organizations, individuals, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing the Rights of Nature (RoN) movement in the region.
Download the transcript in English and Spanish.
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
This book interweaves Indigenous traditions, scientific ecology, and personal storytelling to explore humanity’s relationship with the natural world, emphasizing reciprocity and sustainability.
“The Dream of the Earth” by Thomas Berry
A foundational text in ecological spirituality, this book advocates for humanity’s return to a deeper connection with the Earth and emphasizes the shared rights of all beings.
“Our Permaculture Life”, a podcast by Morag Gamble
Morag Gamble hosts discussions on permaculture, sustainable living, and the Rights of Nature, featuring global thinkers and change-makers.
Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI)
A coalition of 250 organizations advocating for the Rights of Nature in the Philippines. PMPI works to integrate faith-based approaches and grassroots initiatives to protect the environment and promote sustainability.
SALAKYAG (Sakay, Lakad, Layag)
A nine-day grassroots caravan that traversed the Philippines, raising awareness of environmental and social issues while advocating for the Rights of Nature. The initiative engaged local communities and faith leaders.
HIRAYA Youth Camp
A youth-centered initiative aimed at educating and inspiring over 120 participants across 13 regions in the Philippines to adopt the SAPAT lifestyle and advocate for the Rights of Nature.
SAPAT Lifestyle
Derived from the Filipino word for “enough,” this concept promotes a sufficient, non-excessive lifestyle that aligns with ecological and social sustainability.
“Paraecology has a different number of meanings I think through time. For me, it’s defined as the equivalent of a paramedic for the biodiversity and climate crisis. It’s somebody who’s living in an environment that’s biodiverse, rich, or suffering some sort of climatic impact and can do something about it (…) I’d love to see that every citizen suddenly realizes that they can defend Nature, that they can take on a cause.”
Yolanda Esguerra
Discover how the UK Rights of Nature network is weaving together lawyers, poets, landowners, and everyday guardians of Nature to reimagine a world where rivers, forests, and ecosystems hold rights of their own.
Journey to the hidden beauty of the River Roding in London, where Lucy Gavaghan sits down with Paul Powlesland, a barrister, activist, and founder of Lawyers for Nature. Against the backdrop of rushing water and towering reeds, Paul shares how his deep connection to this urban oasis inspires his fight for ecological justice. Discover how the UK Rights of Nature network is weaving together lawyers, poets, landowners, and everyday guardians of Nature to reimagine a world where rivers, forests, and ecosystems hold rights of their own. With heartfelt stories, innovative ideas, and a call to action, this episode will leave you inspired to see Nature not as a resource to be used but as a living entity to be respected and cherished.
Download the transcript in English and Spanish.
“Rights of Nature: A Legal Revolution That Could Save the World” by David R. Boyd
This book explores the global Rights of Nature movement, presenting case studies, legal frameworks, and the cultural shift required to protect ecosystems as legal entities.
“Is the River Alive?” by Robert Macfarlane
This book by renowned author Robert Macfarlane delves into the cultural and ecological significance of rivers, exploring the idea of rivers as living entities deserving of rights.
“Wild Service: Why Nature Needs You” by various authors, including Paul Powlesland
A collection of essays by activists and thinkers advocating for the Right to Roam in the UK, exploring humanity’s relationship with land and Nature through themes of ownership, guardianship, and access.
Lawyers for Nature
A collective of legal professionals dedicated to transforming the relationship between law and Nature, advocating for the Rights of Nature, and providing support for grassroots environmental initiatives.
Faith in Nature
The first UK company to appoint Nature as a director, embedding ecological interests into corporate governance.
Garden of Tomorrow Festival
A London-based event exploring progressive ideas around Nature, governance, and sustainability, featuring panels and discussions on integrating Nature into economic and legal systems. Lucy Gavaghan, who interviews Paul Powlesland in this episode, participated in this festival in 2024, where she highlighted the innovative Rights of Nature Tribunal model, sharing the tribunals’ transformative impact worldwide.
Nature on the Board
An initiative to include Nature as a legal director in corporate governance, ensuring environmental considerations are part of business decision-making.
We Are Nature Campaign
A cultural initiative to redefine Nature as inclusive of humans, emphasizing interconnectedness and the rights of all living beings.
Roding Interspecies Council
Organized by Moral Imaginations, this event invites participants to embody beings from the Roding River, fostering empathy and collaboration across species for ecosystem restoration.
Whanganui River (New Zealand)
Recognized as a legal entity in 2017, the Whanganui River is protected under New Zealand law, representing the world’s first such recognition of a natural entity.
“Rights of Nature everywhere, all at once. In a country with this political, cultural, social, economic, legal distance from Nature, we need to push on every door.”
“Landowners in the UK have a lot of power, so what if landowners were voluntarily to use legal mechanisms to give self-ownership in person to their own bits of land? It shows that it’s possible and drives the conversation forward.”
“The current system is akin to Nature to what slavery was for humans – the idea that you have absolute ownership over Nature and that you can largely destroy it at will is one of the most damaging concepts in our society.”
“I had no permission when I first came here to start doing this, and yet I just took it upon myself to act as a guardian and anyone can do that. It’s a very powerful way for ordinary people to challenge the current status quo. We may not get an act of Parliament that abolishes ownership or even moves towards guardianship of Nature in the next 10 years, but we don’t need to wait for that: Anyone can just start acting as a guardian of Nature right now – even if you don’t own the land, even if you have no official right to be there.”
Paul Powlesland
Useful links resources assets reads after listening
Learn everything about the Rights of Nature movement through its most frequently asked questions, with clear and concise answers to help you understand this growing global initiative.
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Discover the work of the International Rights of Nature Tribunal, where cases addressing ecological and social justice are presented and adjudicated based on Earth Jurisprudence principles.
Learn about the Tribunal.
Josefina Mösle
Creation, production & script
Juan Diego Valdivieso
Post-production & voice in Spanish
Lucy Gavaghan
Voice in English & script
Radha Jaramillo
Art & Illustration
Galo Chiriboga
Technical support
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September 3, 2025Episode 7 of Conversations with Mother Nature spotlights a question many communities face: how do we make sense of scattered legal breakthroughs—and deploy them where they’re needed most? Our guests, legal scholar Alessandro Pelizzon and political scientist Craig Kauffman, introduce...
Weaving A Path to Ecological Justice: Episode 6 of Conversations with Mother Nature, GARN’s podcast
August 19, 2025In our sixth episode of our podcast Conversations with Mother Nature, Weaving A Path to Ecological Justice: The Global Tapestry of Alternatives and the Rights of Nature Tribunals, we bring together two leading voices from complementary movements who, from different...
