Switzerland court case on the rights of wolves
In 2024, a Swiss citizen filed an appeal against a hunting permit for wolves, claiming the wolves have a right to judicial procedures in their own right.Read More →
Europe
This page identifies ecological jurisprudence initiatives that exist in Europe. For the purposes of delineating boundaries, we define Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan as constituting the Eastern boundary of Europe.
Switzerland Supreme Court Case on voting rights of minor children and wild bees
On October 2, 2024, the Government of Zurich, Switzerland rejected a plea arguing that minor children and wild bees should be holders of voting rights.Read More →
German District Court ruling recognizing Rights of Nature via the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
In August 2024, the District Court of Erfurt in Germany set a legal precedent by recognizing the rights of nature in a court ruling.Read More →
Municipality of Groningen, Netherlands Initiative Proposal for Rights of Nature
In September 2024, an initiative proposal was presented to investigate in the Municipality of Groningen, Netherlands whether nature can be granted rights.Read More →
Finland Citizens Initiative Constitutional Proposal on 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 →
Nijmegen, Netherlands Motion for the Rights of Nature
In April 2024, a 'Rights for Nature' motion was submitted to the Nijmegen city council in the Netherlands to recognize rights and legal personality for Nature.Read More →
Germany court case on behalf of 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 →
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 →