The Rights of Nature paradigm transforms the human-wetlands relationship from one of exploitation, extraction, and depletion to one that recognises the rights and living beingness of wetlands, thereby embodying a relationship based on reciprocity, kinship and gratitude, and re-establishing a healthy, sustainable future aligning culture and governance with ecological and climate reality.
The theme of this year’s World Wetlands Day, ‘Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future’ recognises that only together - people working collectively with a common vision for Nature - can we ensure that wetlands are safeguarded. However, we are at a crossroads.
Wetlands in the Gran Sabana, Venezuela
Despite wetland conservation and restoration efforts, wetland loss and destruction continues, with 35% of global wetlands lost since the 1970s, contributing to climate change, biodiversity degradation and species extinction. Existing approaches to conservation, restoration, and sustainable development have failed to shift the human-Nature relationship or slow down consumption-oriented human exploitation. We have little time left to change course, so we must act now.
In a partnership of wetland scientists, Indigenous peoples, wetland managers and practitioners, and local communities, we have been advocating for and working on the Rights of Wetlands. Our current Darwin Initiative project is focusing on five countries - Sri Lanka, Kenya, Ecuador, Bolivia and Guyana - to build awareness on the Rights of Wetlands, to understand the ways in which these rights could be implemented and to work closely with Indigenous Peoples and local communities who are leaders in recognising the Rights and living beingness of Nature, and the role and responsibilities of humans as members of the Web of Life.
Find out more: https://cobracollective.org/projects/rights-of-wetlands-operationalisation-for-biodiversity-and-community-resilience