Finland citizens’ initiative: constitutional proposal for animal rights
December 2023, a citizen's initiative was submitted to the Finnish parliament that proposes adding animal rights to Finlands constitution alongside human rightsRead More →
Animal
This page identifies ecological jurisprudence initiatives in which the subject of the initiative is an individual animal, an animal species, or animals in general.
Germany court case: seals in the North Sea (1988)
In 1988, for the first time, "seals in the North Sea" sued the Federal Republic of Germany over dumping of toxic waste in the North Sea.Read More →
He Whakaputanga Moana (Whale Protection and Legal Personhood Declaration)
In March 2024, Pacific Indigenous leaders ratified the He Whakaputanga Moana (Declaration for the Ocean), which recognizes whales as legal persons with rights.Read More →
Rugvin Foundation (Netherlands) Nature Governance: Sedna the porpoise on the board
In February 2024, Sedna the Porpoise joined the board of the Rugvin Foundation, a Dutch NGO that researches and monitors whale species in the North Sea.Read More →
Basel (Switzerland) Constitutional Referendum: rights of primates
In 2022, Basel Switzerland held a public referendum on adding fundamental rights to primates in the canton's constitution, which was not approved.Read More →
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Declaration: rights of herring
On April 26 2023, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe adopted a resolution on the Rights of Herring, recognizing their right to exist, migrate freely and reproduce.Read More →
Arcata (USA) Proclamation: rights of the southern resident orca
July 19, 2023, the City of Arcata (CA) signed a Proclamation declaring the rights of the Southern Resident OrcasRead More →
Depoe Bay (USA) Proclamation: rights of the southern resident orca
On June 6 2023, the City of Depoe Bay (OR) signed a Proclamation declaring the rights of the Southern Resident OrcasRead More →