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Introductory Note: I struggled to decide where to place this thread. The subject runs deeper than just another odd current news story. It's not quite the same as personal experiences of nature (cf. the 'How we relate to the planet' thread). It seems to reflect / resonate with some of the retrospective / historical themes in Earth Mysteries, though it's emerging in the present day ...
SOURCE: http://time.com/4703251/new-zealand-whanganui-river-wanganui-rights/
New Zealand's Whanganui River Has Been Granted the Same Legal Rights as a Person
In what's believed to be a world first, New Zealand's government has granted a river the same rights as a living person.
The Whanganui River, considered part of the living landscape by the indigenous Whanganui Iwi people associated with it, has been granted legal personhood under a parliamentary bill, reports local news service Newshub. Two representatives from the local indigenous community — one appointed by the government, another elected by the community — will be entrusted with acting in the river's interests.
The Whanganui Iwi have fought for this day for over 160 years, an indigenous MP told Radio New Zealand. "From a Whanganui viewpoint the wellbeing of the river is directly linked to the well-being of the people," said Adtian Rurawhe, "and so it is really important that's recognized as its own identity "
" I know some people will say it's pretty strange to give a natural resource a legal personality," Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson said, according to Newshub. "But it's no stranger than family trusts, or companies, or incorporated societies. " ...
SOURCE: http://time.com/4703251/new-zealand-whanganui-river-wanganui-rights/