Rights of Nature

Since the separation of humans from and their elevation above nature, we have increasingly jeopardised earth as a complex and holistically networked basis of existence - not only of our lives - through short-term, but in the long term irresponsible actions (or non-actions). In order to prevent this development from progressing, civilisation needs to shift from an anthropocentric view of nature back to an encounter with nature on a level-playing-field, this time also in legal terms. Recognising the legal personality of nature and/or its parts as a pre-condition for this is essential. There are already more than 100 legislative projects at various stages of the legislative process in over 30 countries around the world - from citizens' initiatives to constitutional laws. This must also be implemented in Austria.