<
https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-call-for-the-ocean-to-be-recognized-as-a-living-being-with-inherent-rights>
'The ocean covers most of our planet's surface, accounts for the majority of
our oxygen production, and provides a significant amount of resources by way of
food, minerals, and energy.
Yet our oceans are shockingly underrepresented when it comes to environmental
conventions on an international scale.
The deep blue yonder is often reduced to footnotes and passing mentions in
international accords that aim to unite our world in sustainable practices.
To move beyond token efforts and develop guidelines that truly ensure future
generations can continue to reap the benefits of functioning marine systems,
our relationship with the oceans needs to change on a fundamental level.
In a recent editorial published in
PLOS Biology, a team of researchers lays
out their argument for a new framework that aims to do just that.
"Maintaining the status quo of environmental law equates to the legalized
destruction of Nature," states the commentary, written by ocean policy
researchers Michelle Bender and Rachel Bustamante from the US-based Earth Law
Center, and water scientist Kelsey Leonard from the University of Waterloo in
Canada.
"International law needs to evolve to reflect the Ocean's inherent rights to
exist, flourish, and regenerate. Ocean health is human health."
That capitalization of Nature is no typo, reflecting a philosophical approach
that elevates our natural environment to a position of equality with humanity
rather than a separate domain of exploitation.
This "mutual enhancement" is a key part of a set of principles encompassed by
the emerging field of Earth law – an umbrella term for initiatives that aim to
recognize the interdependence that exists between humans and their environment
via our institutions and laws.'
Via Rixty Dixet.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
