Ontario Chapter
Resolution
Rights of Nature :
what are we referring to ?
- Ecocentrim
is the basis for the Rights of Nature movement.
This philosophy is inspired by Indigenous traditions.
It recognizes the intrinsic value and dignity of Nature: there should be a right that protects the existence of various species and ecosystems.
Ecocentrism also considers humans as part of Nature. When seen as such, Nature is not merely a resource to be exploited, but rather a living environment to be protected.
- By making Nature a subject of law, it is recognized that it can be harmed and therefore legal action can be taken on its behalf.
Why give
the St. Lawrence River
legal personhood?
- We must act urgently!
- Act as a voice for the River and make decisions in its best interest;
- Demand that any legal or physical person responsible for an injury be sued for reparation.
- The Guardians could come from various backgrounds: First Nations, communities along the River, municipalities, etc.
Some international
recognitions
Click the points to expand them.
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Some international
recognitions
Ecuador
In 2008, Ecuador incorporated the recognition of the rights of Nature in its Constitution.
Bolivia
In 2010, Bolivia passed a law on the rights of Mother Earth.
Colombia
In 2017, the Constitutional Court of Colombia declared the Atrato River a subject of law.
New Zeland
In 2017, New Zealand recognized the Whanganui River and the Te AwaTupua National Park as legal entities.
India
In 2020, the court declared both the Ganges and the Yamuna River as legal persons.
Bangladesh
In 2019, the court declared all the rivers of Bangladesh as a living entity with rights.
Canada
On February 17, 2021, the Conseil Innu d’Ekuanitshit and the Municipalité Régionale de Comté (MRC) de la Minganie recognized the legal personality of the Magpie River.
On April 19, 2023, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador recognized the legal personality of the St. Lawrence River.
Timeline
Join us
The St. Lawrence River Watershed is one of the largest freshwater bodies in the world, but so many of its diverse aquatic ecosystems and habitats are vanishing. Threatened by development, pollution, and resource extraction, not only are species such as the St. Lawrence River’s redfish and right whales on the brink of extinction, but the water itself is reaching levels of irreparable damage. While there has been some concern for protecting the various species that share the St. Lawrence’s habitats, rarely has the River itself, as a whole, been considered a source of life worthy of its own protection, except among the indigenous peoples of Canada. Recognizing an ongoing international movement in which communities around the world have granted legal personhood to natural entities, the IORN, in partnership with local stakeholders, is committed to granting legal personhood status to the St. Lawrence River.
Join the St. Lawrence River Alliance in our mission for recognition of its legal personhood and rights by adding your name to the Declaration of the St-Lawrence River Rights:
1. The St. Lawrence River and its watershed is considered a living entity subject of rights.
2. The St. Lawrence River and its watershed have fundamental rights set out in this Declaration as follows:
- a) the right to exist and to flow;
- b) the right to respect for its life cycles;
- c) the right to maintain its natural biodiversity;
- d) the right to maintain its integrity;
- e) the right to preserved riverbanks and floodplains;
- f) the right to perform essential functions within its ecosystem;
- g) the right to nourish and be nourished by aquifers and tributaries;
- h) the right to be free from pollution;
- i) the right to regeneration and restoration;
- j) the right to take legal action.
These rights are inherent and derive from the existence of the River and its tributaries on Earth.
3. The St. Lawrence River and its tributaries form an indivisible and living subject encompassing the aquatic animal and plant species, as well as the natural elements that constitute it.
4. Guardians from riparian communities, First Nations and other stakeholders will act in the name and in the best interest of protecting and enhancing the rights of the St. Lawrence River and its watershed.
5. The government is committed to developing public policies of prevention and protection that ensure respect for the rights of the River as well as the fundamental human rights to water, sanitation, health and a healthy environment before serving other interests, on the recommendation of the River Guardians.
6. The government is committed to setting up a model of participatory governance considering the River and its tributaries in a holistic way.
7. The government is committed to putting in place financial mechanisms to ensure respect for the fundamental rights of the River and its tributaries.