Summary
In 2017, the Earth Law Center wrote a draft law promoting a rights-based approach to ocean governance. It declared “that adopting the inherent rights of the ocean in law and policy will encourage a more holistic approach to ocean governance, the consideration of the impacts of our actions on both current and future generations of systems and people, and more protective and restorative activities, thus maintaining healthy and thriving ocean ecosystems.” The document noted that a shared vision of a healthy ocean must be rooted in values of connection, stewardship, and respect for the ocean’s well-being rather than for its utility to humans.