In 2008, Ecuador recognised the rights of Mother Nature “Pachamama” in its constitution. In 2017, New Zealand’s parliament attributed to the Whanganui River the rights of ownership of its fish, plants, water and ground. Nature is no longer just surrounding us, nature is now with us. Ecosystems can become legal entities and they will claim their due: Ecocide as a criminal offence. We can observe the same steps being taken in Columbia, Bolivia, Spain and Ireland. At some point in the future, we will not be able anymore to take advantage of our planet’s buffet of raw materials. At eye level with flora and fauna: What does this mean for biodiversity, for our lifestyle, for our looting growth-driven economy? For our role in this world in the light of a fundamental change of paradigm?
Claus Biegert
author and filmmaker, co-founder of the Nuclear-Free Future Award,
has been associated with the indigenous people of North America for 50 years
Christine von Weizsäcker
Biologist, environmental activist, President of Ecoropa
Tilo Wesche
Practical philosopher, University of Oldenburg
Author of fundamental work “Die Rechte der Natur” (Nature’s Rights)
Hosted by:
Biancka Arruda Miranda
Political scientist, environmental and human rights activist
From Mato Grosso, Brazil, based in Germany