Colombia law on the rights of the Rancheria River
On August 8, 2024, the Congress of Colombia passed a law declaring the Rancheria River a subject of rights.Read More →
Freshwater Ecosystem
This page identifies ecological jurisprudence initiatives in which the subject of the initiative is a freshwater ecosystem. Examples include watersheds, rivers, lakes, freshwater aquifers, or any type of freshwater wetlands (e.g., ponds, marshes, swamps, etc.).
Nigeria River Ethiope Rights Act
In 2019, the Earth Law Center and River Ethiope Trust created the River Ethiope Rights Act – a draft law to grant legal rights for the River Ethiope in Nigeria.Read More →
Black Mountain U.S. Town Ordinance for Rights of the Swannanoa River
In 2024, residents of Black Mountain, North Carolina drafted a proposed amendment to the Town Charter to recognize the rights of the Swannanoa River.Read More →
Local Rights of Nature Tribunal: Yesah 2024
In June 2024, the International Rights of Nature Tribunal held its 12th local hearing, the Yesah Tribunal brought against the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP).Read More →
Ecuador court case on the rights of the Machangara river
In July 2024, a court in Quito, Ecuador ruled that the Machángara River is a subject of rights and the municipality of Quito has breeched said rights.Read More →
Municipality of Goiás (Brazil) law on the rights of the Vermelho River
On June 13, 2024, the Goiás City Council in Brazil unanimously approved a bill granting legal rights to the Vermelho River in Brazil.Read More →
North Carolina U.S. Rights of the Dan River Ecosystem Act
May 1, 2024, a bill was introduced in North Carolina’s state legislature to grant legal rights to the Dan River, including the right to be free from pollution.Read More →
Hawaii U.S. Bill on the Rights and Legal Personhood of Watersheds
In January 2024, Hawaii introduced a bill to recognize legal personhood and rights of watersheds, in reflection of native Hawaiian traditional beliefs.Read More →