Protect and repair: nature has its rights
” Human beings are born and remain free and equal in rights ”. For two centuries, this phrase has been the foundation of our democracy and the rule of law. But in the face of the climate emergency and the destruction of biodiversity, this anthropocentric vision needs to be overtaken. It's time to put ourselves back among the living and recognize nature's rights.
Rivers, forests, soils... must be considered as entities with rights of their own to guarantee their protection. This change calls into question our utilitarian relationship with the environment, and raises a crucial issue of justice: how can we balance human needs with those of ecosystems?
Recognizing these rights means going beyond current laws, towards a genuine ecological justice that protects nature as an essential player in our common future.
Rivers, forests, soils... must be considered as entities with rights of their own to guarantee their protection. This change calls into question our utilitarian relationship with the environment, and raises a crucial issue of justice: how can we balance human needs with those of ecosystems?
Recognizing these rights means going beyond current laws, towards a genuine ecological justice that protects nature as an essential player in our common future.
Mathilde BORD-LAURANS , Head of the Climate and Nature Division, French Development Agency (AFD)
Antonio DE SOUSA ABREU , Director of Ecological and Earth Sciences division, UNESCO Natural sciences Sector
Charles FOURMAUX , Director of Police and Hunting Licenses at the French Biodiversity Agency
Léo MAGNIN , Researcher at the CNRS
Moderation: Juliette QUEF, Journalist and President of Vert
