Constitution

This page identifies initiatives that express ecological jurisprudence within a fundamental law governing the political and legal organization of a country (e.g., Federal Constitution) or of a State, Territory or Province within a Federal country (e.g., State Constitution).

Lucerne Switzerland constitutional amendment on the rights and legal personhood of the Reuss river

Country:Switzerland

Status:Drafted in 2023

The Swiss association, Rechtsperson Reuss, aims to enshrine rights and legal personhood for the Reuss River in the Constitution of the Canton of Lucerne.Read More →

Rappahannock Tribal Constitution recognizing the rights of the Rappahannock River

Country:United States of America

Status:Approved in 2024

On October 2024, the Rappahannock Tribe in Virginia became the first tribal nation in the U.S. to adopt a Tribal Constitution recognizing the rights of nature.Read More →

Brazil proposed constitutional amendment on the Rights of Nature

Country:Brazil

Status:Submitted in 2024

On June 4, 2024, a proposed amendment to the Brazilian Federal Constitution (PEC) was submitted to the National Congress to recognize the Rights of Nature.Read More →

Finland Citizens Initiative Constitutional Proposal on Animal Rights

Country:Finland

Status:Submitted in 2023

December 2023, a citizen's initiative was submitted to the Finnish parliament that proposes adding animal rights to Finlands constitution alongside human rightsRead More →

State of Mexico (Mexico) Constitutional Amendment recognizing Rights of Nature

Country:Mexico

Status:Approved in 2024

In April 2024, the State of Mexico approved an amendment to its local Constitution recognizing the rights of nature and biodiversity.Read More →

State of Bahia (Brazil) proposed constitutional amendment recognizing the Rights of Nature

Country:Brazil

Status:Submitted in 2023

On December 5, 2023, Hilton Coelho proposed an amendment to the Constitution of Bahia to recognize the Rights of Nature.Read More →

State of Santa Catarina (Brazil) proposed constitutional amendment recognizing the Rights of Nature

Country:Brazil

Status:Submitted in 2023

On April 20, 2022, congressman Pedro Baldissera proposed an amendment to the State of Santa Catarina (Brazil) constitution, recognizing the Rights of Nature.Read More →

State of Paraíba (Brazil) proposed constitutional amendment recognizing the Rights of Nature

Country:Brazil

Status:Submitted in 2022

On October 11, 2022, representative Estela Bezerra proposed an amendment to the State of Paraíba constitution, recognizing the Rights of Nature.Read More →