Rights of Nature: The Next Step

Building on October’s conversation, help us determine the next step in a community-led iniative for a Rights of Nature framework to support the Santa Monica Mountains and their ecosystems.

In 2008, Ecuador enshrined the Rights of Nature in its constitution, inspired by Indigenous Quechua principles. This approach to environmental law and advocacy is spreading around the world, including here in Southern California. This framework recognizes nature and ecosystems as having inherent rights, such as the right to exist, thrive, regenerate, and be restored. Rather than protecting nature solely as a resource, this approach seeks to recognize the natural rights of ecosystems and explore new ways to represent and defend their well-being.

This conversation follows our event Rights of Nature: How to Change the World In Two Pages, with Ecuadorian contributor to the Rights of Nature, Norman Wray, Esq.

Now, we invite you to join us for the next step: the second in-person community conversation exploring the possibility of a Santa Monica Mountains Bill of Rights of Nature.

We’ll explore what needs to take place for a shared declaration that community members, organizations, and other partners could develop, test, refine, and endorse together.

Such a framework could offer a common vision for caring for this interconnected landscape, helping connect efforts across a landscape managed by multiple agencies and jurisdictions.

Your voice matters. Whether you joined us in October or are new to the Rights of Nature movement, we welcome your ideas, questions, and participation as we explore the possibilities for a collaborative, community-driven initiative.

Join SAMO Fund in helping imagine greater protection for the future of the Santa Monica Mountains and how we can work together to support the resilience of this remarkable landscape for generations to come.

Santa Monica Mountains Fund Field Institute provides opportunities to learn from nature and explore the ecology of the Santa Monica Mountains and Greater Los Angeles Area! Programming blends science, art, stewardship, Indigenous culture, and community connection. Visit https://samofund.org/samo-institute/ and follow @Samofundfieldinsitute on Instagram for updates.