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 →
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This page allows you to access the original legal documents and other information associated with initiatives in the Eco Jurisprudence Tracker. You may filter your search based on the parameters and search bar below. To access the legal documents, click the “Read More” button for an initiative and scroll to the bottom of the initiative summary.
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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 Linhares (Brazil) Law on the Rights of the Waves
In June 2024, the municipal council of Linhares in Brazil approved a bill that recognizes the waves at the mouth of the Doce River as entities with 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 →
Town of Serra de Outes (Galicia) Spain Declaration of the Rights of the Tins River
In March 2024, Serra de Outes in Galicia adopted a Declaration of the Rights of the Tins River—making it the first river in Spain to have its rights recognized.Read More →
Quebec, Canada Bill to recognize the rights of the Saint Lawrence River
On May 5, 2022, a bill was introduced in the National Assembly of Quebec to recognize the rights and special legal status of the Saint Lawrence River.Read More →
Town of Lyons, Colorado U.S. Resolution to Protect the St. Vrain Creek Watersheds and Ecosystems
On November 20, 2023, the town of Lyons, Colorado adopted a Rights-of-Nature like resolution to protect the St. Vrain Creek watersheds and their ecosystems.Read More →
Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands
A group of scientists and attorneys developed a proposed Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands that recognizes rights and personhood of all wetlands.Read More →
Town of Potsdam U.S Resolution on the Rights of the Raquette River
In November 2022, the Potsdam Town Council unanimously passed a resolution granting rights to the Raquette River, and will work on a local law to secure them.Read More →
North Country (U.S.) Citizen Ordinance and Declaration of the Rights and Responsibilities of the St. Lawrence River / Kaniatarowanénhne
In 2022, North Country (U.S) community members (Haudenosaunee Territory) drafted a sample Bill of Rights of the St. Lawrence River / Kaniatarowanénhne WatershedRead More →
Ecuador court case on the rights of the Alambí river
October 13, 2023, a protective action was approved against Ecuador's Ministry of Environment and Hidroequinoccio EP for violating the rights of nature.Read More →
New York U.S. Lake Erie Bill of Rights
In February 2019, a bill was introduced in the New York state legislature to create a Lake Erie Bill of Rights, but did not make it past the committee stage.Read More →
New York U.S. Great Lakes Bill of Rights
On February 14, 2023, a bill was introduced in the New York state legislature to create a Great Lakes bill of rights.Read More →
Spain court case applies legal personality of Mar Menor lagoon
August 31, 2023 – For the first time, a court in Spain applies the Law that grants rights to the Mar Menor and calls on its representatives to appear in court Read More →
Poland Citizen Draft Law on the Rights and Legal Personality of the Oder River
In 2023, citizens in Poland created a draft bill on the legal personality of Odra/Oder River aimed to stimulate discussion and possible legislative solutionRead More →