Rights of Nature – Nature as a Person and not as Property

What would happen if our legislation recognized nature as a person and not

as property? Around the world, there are efforts to

grant "ecological entities," such as trees, rivers, animals, and

landscapes, personality rights. On this year's

Equinox, on September 23, 2026, the "Rights of

Nature Day" took place in Vienna for the first time. The "Day of Rights of Nature" was declared by Eva

Vesovnik, Norbert Mayr, and Julia Balasch, and celebrated together with

many allies in the Orangery Kagran. There were

lectures, discussions, rituals, and readings. In this broadcast, you will hear

a snippet from the program: The "Declaration of Dependence on Nature"

is read aloud. Manuel Liendo talks about the understanding of nature of the

indigenous community in Bolivia, where he grew up. Dominique

Zimmermann speaks about the protection of wilderness areas and reads the

Insect Manifesto. Thomas Wallentin provides insights into the legal

foundations, the history of law, and current developments

around the law of nature. Sithara Pathirana advocates for the

Citizen Donau.

 

All information about the now annually celebrated "Day of Rights of Nature" can

be found here: https://rightsofnatureday.earth/

 

Program design: Julia Grillmayr for Radio Orange/OpenUp

Music by Andreas Neumeister