The natural state of rivers is extremely diverse habitats that provide refuge and resources to an astonishing amount of biodiversity. Today, most water bodies are no longer in their natural state as the intensification of agriculture and development continues to degrade our natural ecosystems. Historically, human settlements were shaped by proximity to rivers.
Alternate approaches on rivers from settlers resulted in the river being carved up to be owned and governed by separate legal entities. In a prolonged litigation battle, the local Māori fought to express their grievances and have their views – that the river is a singular and indivisible entity – recognised. In 2017, the Whanganui River became the first in the world to be granted environmental personhood status. The river was bestowed the same rights, protection and privileges as a legal person.
We must recognise that nature’s rights come first because, in the absence of living systems and ecosystem services such as clean water and fertile soils, there is no human life. TRCRC planting trees with the local Temuan community from Kampung Kemensah along the Klang riverbank. -Photo by TRCRC team.
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