Rights of Nature is an international movement dedicated to a paradigm shift from our current system, which views nature as property or resources to be used for human consumption, to one deserving of respect and rights similar to those of humans (and, in the United States, corporations). This means a river, mountain range, forest, watersheds, or ocean could have the right to exist and flourish without human-caused disruption, granting them legal standing so people and communities could defend those rights in court on behalf of the ecosystem. It recognizes that earth systems and humans are interconnected and dependent on each other.

RON laws shift environmental governance from an exploitative, human-centered (anthropocentric) approach to an eco-centric one. Rather than only regulating how much damage can occur, they aim to prevent environmental harm outright and prioritize the health of natural systems as equal to or above corporate interests.

Rights of Nature Western New York (RON WNY) is a group of people who are advocating for local and state-level ordinances, charters, policies, and constitutions to recognize the rights of ecosystems to flourish and thrive. Most importantly, they advocate for the paradigm and cultural shift from our current "business as usual" to affirming ALL life. If you are interested in joining us, please email [email protected].

Also, please share with us: What do YOU think WNY could look and feel like if we recognized the rights of nature, and treated Mother Earth with the dignity and respect that we extend to humans and corporations? Rights of Nature, while not new in the grand scheme of all of life, is new to our consumerist culture, and we are all part in shaping what it could look like. We are collecting inspiring futures to share on social media and with our communities as we work towards bringing this into reality.

WNYEA supports the Rights of Nature WNY group as they host events and dialogue around this topic, which you can learn more about from the links below:

What are the Rights of Nature?

Presentation you can use for a RON event

Great Lakes and State Waters Bill of Rights

RON WNY advocates for the Great Lakes and State Waters Bill of Rights (a.k.a. "Great Lakes Bill of Rights),  a bill proposed to the NYS Assembly to secure the right for the Great Lakes ecosystems, as well as the watersheds and ecosystems throughout NYS, to exist, flourish, regenerate when disturbed, and naturally evolve. Sign on to this letter of support or contact your assemblymember or state senator and ask them to support and co-sponsor Bill Number A05156: Great Lakes and State Waters Bill of Rights.

Great Lakes Bill of Rights FAQ

Video from assembly member burke

Letter from Assemblymember Patrick Burke

Information about CELDF, leaders in the Rights of Nature Movement

Presentation you can use for a GL&SWBOR event

The following news articles and newsletters all discuss the Great Lakes Bill of Rights:
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Common Dreams 
Native News Online 
Peter D’Errico Substack
Columbus Free Press 
Buffalo Fire
Max Wilbert Substack
Intercontinental Cry 
Tunica Biloxi Indians PAC
Katie Singer’s Substack
Blue Community
Great Lakes Now
Native America: A History
Ricochet (Canada)
Rolling Stone
Common Dreams
Pagosa Daily Post
One Earth Now Substack 
Salon
CounterPunch
Great Lakes Pulse
Inside Climate News  (article about an art exhibit inspired by the NY bill)

Podcasts about the Great Lakes Bill of Rights:

CELDF's Truth and Reckoning Podcast
Podcast Full Circle
Environmental Coffee House Podcast with Sandy Schoelles
Project Censored Interview

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