News

News

The Wild Law Institute is dedicated to pioneering laws and practices that ensure that people take responsibility for enhancing the health and vitality of Earth.

Webinar: Exploring legal personhood for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean

We’re excited to share the recording of our webinar on the Draft Antarctica Declaration, a groundbreaking step toward a Rights of Nature framework for the region.

Cormac Cullinan wins the prestigious Shackleton Medal for the protection of the Polar Regions

Cullinan's radical plan to protect Southern Ocean and Antarctica through Antarctic Rights Initiative wins recognition for courage and leadership.

How do we take Nature into account in decision-making?

Follow the discussion on the Rights of Nature as a legal and moral framework and explore how inclusive governance can bridge cultural and systemic divides.

Proposal to recognize Table Mountain as a ‘living’ entity with inherent rights

Environmental lawyers and activists propose initiative to recognize Table Mountain as a 'living' entity with inherent legal rights in South Africa.

Kukama community leader wins 2025 Goldman Prize for securing legal rights for Peru's Marañón River

Mari Luz Canaquiri Murayari fought decades of oil spills along Peru's Marañón River, winning historic legal personhood protection.

Antarctic Governance must adapt to dynamic continental changes

Antarctica requires governance structures that adapt in real-time as the continent undergoes rapid physical changes, not reactive governance.

Rights of Nature Tribunal finds Canadian miners guilty of violating Nature's Rights

The 6th International Rights of Nature Tribunal convened to assess the impacts of Canadian mining across South America and Serbia.

A New Zealand Mountain granted legal personhood. Here’s why that matters

New Zealand Parliament grants Mount Taranaki legal personhood, recognizing it as a living ancestor of deep cultural significance to the Māori people.

Ecuadorians vote to halt oil drilling in biodiverse Amazonian national park

In a historic decision, Ecuadorians voted on Sunday to stop the oil drilling of the protected area within Yasuní National Park in the Amazon.

Cormac Cullinan participates in online webinar on the Rights of Nature

On Wednesday 14 June, Cormac participated in the Daily Maverick's "should nature have rights?" webinar.

Gathering for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) in Siena, Italy

From 15-18 October 2022, Cormac and Katrina attended GARN's Global Gathering in Siena, Italy.

Ice Wide Shut: Inside the secretive world of the Antarctic Treaty (WEBINAR)

On 13 July 2022, Director Cormac Cullinan joined investigative journalist, Tiara Walters, and author, Mikaa Mered, as they shed light on the secretive world of the Antarctic Treaty.

Celebrate World Environment Day by joining the Rights of Nature movement

On 5 June 2022, the United Nations celebrated World Environment Day.

Harmonious Coexistence - A new vision for conservation in South Africa

The Wild Law Institute hosted a workshop to chart a vision for Harmonious Coexistence in South Africa.

Ecuador becomes first country to give legal rights to animals

Ecuador court recognises individual rights of wild animals in woolly monkey case.

Wild Law Institute presents to the Climate Justice Charter Movement

Cormac Cullinan and Katrina Lehmann-Grube presented on why we need to move towards Harmonious Coexistence with Nature.

Jane Goodall speaks in support of the Los Cedros protected forest in Ecuador

The renowned ethologist and conservationist expresses solidarity with Rights of Nature in the wake of the landmark case.

Ecuador's Highest Court Enforces Constitutional ‘Rights of Nature’ to Safeguard Los Cedros Protected Forest

The judgement is of great significance for the Rights of Nature all around the world.

Wild Law Institute Director voices opposition to Shell seismic survey

Nonhle Mbuthuma, representing the Amadiba Crisis Committee, has strongly condemned the destructive activity.

Declaration for the Rights of Antarctica - join the movement

In celebration of World Antarctica Day on 1st December 2021, Antarcticarights.org will be holding a webinar to introduce the drafting of a Declaration for the Rights of Antarctica.

Ecuador frog faces threat of extinction from mining project

Once thought to be extinct, the Longnose Harlequin Frog is now at the centre of a legal battle to stop a mining project in the Imbabura province in Ecuador.

Cormac Cullinan wins Eco-Leadership Award

On 4 November 2021, Cormac Cullinan received the Gold Eco-Leadership Award at the 2021 Eco-Logic Awards.

Toxic Mud in Mediterranean

The factory of Gardanne (Bouches du Rhône), is producing alumina or aluminum oxide, a material used to make electronic components, ceramics, and refractory material.

Rights of nature and future generations!

Earth Law Center and the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) Youth Hub led two sessions on “Youth and the Rights of Nature Movement: shifting the paradigm for all future generations” at the first IUCN Global Youth Summit April 7-9.

Legal definition of ecocide as a crime against the planet

An international panel has decided on a legal definition for ecocide as a crime against humanity as a whole, but above all, against the planet.