Could Rights of Nature save Britain’s disappearing wildlife?

Across the UK, efforts to reverse declining biodiversity continue to fall short. This reality has prompted some campaigners to call for the adoption of a Rights of Nature approach. Such a shift would fundamentally change how we protect wildlife by recognising natural entities. A river could be granted the right to flow free of pollution, or a forest the right to naturally regenerate.

Comparable approaches already exist elsewhere. Ecuador’s 2008 constitution recognises the Rights of Nature, and in Aotearoa New Zealand the Whanganui River was granted legal personhood in 2017.

What could this approach mean in a country as nature depleted and heavily shaped by human activity as the UK? What role should ecology and ecological science play within this movement? And might strengthening and enforcing existing laws for priority habitats and protected species deliver more immediate benefits?

This event will bring people together to explore these questions through an interactive panel discussion followed by a drinks reception.

Who should attend?

Debates about the Rights of Nature are gaining momentum among campaigners and legal thinkers, yet their practical implications for the United Kingdom remain underexplored by ecologists and related professionals. These discussions are increasingly linked with growing interest in stronger private sector responsibility and investment in biodiversity. Many people also see community groups and local nature guardians as the foundation of the Rights of Nature movement.

We aim to bring together a wide range of people with an interest in this emerging field. This includes researchers, practitioners, campaigners, policymakers, businesses and community groups. The goal is to map out both the potential and the pitfalls of this ambitious and evolving approach.

If you are interested in attending but are unable to join due to cost, please get in touch with [email protected] as we may have additional funds available to facilitate you joining us – but please note that we cannot guarantee funding.

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Host or Publisher British Ecological Society