The concept of Rights of Nature is over fifty years old and is closely connected to the community and human rights for clean air, pure water, free-of-toxics food, healthy environment, climate and soil and more.
“The concept of Rights of Nature challenges the way many human beings see the world, a mindset of the natural environment being seen, either actively or passively, as a commodity to be dominated and exploited for the sake of profit or consumption. This idea is deeply encoded in global institutions, including our anthropocentric legal systems. Rights of Nature proposes a shift in our way of thinking about the complex interrelations between humans and nature.
Rights of Nature is a legal instrument that enables nature, wholly or partly, i.e. ecosystems or species, to have inherent rights, and states that these entities should legally have the same protection as people and corporations; that ecosystems and species have legal rights to exist, thrive and regenerate. It enables the defense of the environment in court – not only for the benefit of people, but for the sake of nature itself – and ultimately, to give nature locus standi in court.”
Rights of Nature Law and Policy has a list of RON laws globally
“Rights of Nature – a Global Movement” presentation by SCCR
Draft of Ohio River Watershed Ecosystem Bill of Rights
Snohomish County Community Rights 