The Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) proudly recognizes Pietro Consolandi as this month’s Outstanding Member of the Month for his work advancing the Rights of Nature through art, research, and citizen-led governance in Europe.
Based in Venice, Pietro is a researcher, artist, and curator whose work explores how ecosystems can become active subjects within political and legal systems. His practice is rooted in the Venice Lagoon, and he is also a facilitator for GARN’s European Hub.
Through the research project River Running Free / You Know How I Feel, developed with the NICHE Centre for Environmental Humanities and TBA21–Academy, Pietro has helped build a compelling argument for biocentric governance in Europe. This work culminated in the creation of the Declaration of the Rights of the Venice Lagoon, developed through a nearly two-year participatory process under the IDRA initiative. The declaration recognizes the lagoon as a legal entity and outlines fundamental rights, including ecological integrity, biodiversity, and regeneration.
Now, through Nature Speaks, a public Policy Lab in Venice, Pietro and his collaborators are working to transform this declaration into a legal proposal and citizen-led campaign, supported by assemblies and public engagement processes.
Beyond Venice, Pietro contributes to the Confluence of European Water Bodies, a growing network connecting more than 25 water bodies and organizations working toward Rights of Nature across Europe.
As Pietro reflects:
“Being part of a global alliance makes me feel that change is possible, there’s a whole community fighting for the same thing.”
GARN celebrates Pietro Consolandi for his visionary approach, bridging disciplines and communities to advance a future where ecosystems are recognized as subjects of rights.
