Rights of Wetlands

Through Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) meetings and the SWS Climate Change and Wetlands Initiative, a group, including wetland scientists, a climate scientist and attorneys, has developed the proposed Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands and has formed the Rights of Wetlands Initiative.

​

We are calling for wetlands to be given legal rights, similar to how humans have rights. This initiative builds on many Indigenous peoples' knowledge that recognises nature as a living entity. We hope that universal recognition of the Rights of Wetlands would help reduce the destruction of wetlands.

 

The initiative offers an opportunity for improved cross-cultural understanding, respect, and collaboration between Indigenous peoples and other communities.

​

We view the Declaration as an opportunity to promote a paradigm shift and step-change in the human-wetlands relationship that could lead to a fundamental change in the trajectory for global wetland ecosystems.

​

The full text of the Declaration can be read here.

​

We are reaching out to the public, non-government and government organisations to endorse this approach and we welcome your views and comments. Please contact us if you would like further information.

​

This website contains information on how to Support the Rights of Wetlands Initiative, how to take Action and provides Resources to help you understand and implement Rights of Wetlands.