Milwaukee County grants nature equal rights to humans.
Milwaukee County Grants Nature Equal Rights to Mankind
In a groundbreaking move, Milwaukee County has passed a resolution granting nature equal rights to mankind, making it the first of its kind in the state.
The resolution, known as the “Rights of Nature,” focuses on protecting bodies of water in the county and originated from an indigenous-led movement advocating for legal protections for nature. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emphasized that the resolution not only honors indigenous beliefs but also aims to enhance conservation efforts.
“This effort recognizes the legal rights of natural areas and waterways to exist and thrive without interference from human activity,” said Crowley. “It’s important for us to appreciate the outdoor environment that Milwaukee County resides on and acknowledge the Indigenous people whose deep relationships with these lands pre-date our own.”
I joined tribal leaders & local advocates at @urbanecology to sign the #RightsOfNature resolution, making #MKE County the first in Wisconsin to do so.
This effort recognizes the legal rights of natural areas & waterways to exist & thrive without interference from human activity. pic.twitter.com/2HDagqMAWa
— David C. Crowley (@DavidCrowleyWI) October 27, 2023
The county removed draft language from the resolution that considered the indigenous “rights of nature” perspective as merely symbolic, affirming its factual nature.
“Milwaukee County recognizes the ‘rights of nature,’ which was initially enacted by the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin, as a sacred idea and policy to protect Southeastern Wisconsin’s waterways and bodies of water from human harm,” stated the resolution.
The broader “rights of nature” movement advocates for granting all of nature the same rights as humans. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), established by the United Nations, describes the rights of nature as a means to achieve environmental protections by affording ecosystems the same legal protections as people and corporations. IPBES considers the rights of nature, or “RoN,” as one of their public policy instruments.
The Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin initially enacted the “rights of nature” in a January 2020 resolution, which served as a model for Milwaukee County’s latest resolution. The tribe’s resolution aimed to prevent the proposed Back Forty Mine, an open-pit metallic sulfide mine.
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“[T]he tribe recognizes that environmental laws which regulate the use and exploitation of nature are incapable of protecting the Menominee River and Mother Earth,” states the resolution. “[T]he tribe recognizes to protect the Menominee River, it must secure the highest protections for the river through the recognition of the river’s inherent and legal rights.”
The tribe declared that the river has the right to naturally exist, flourish, regenerate, and evolve. It also has the rights of restoration, recovery, and preservation, as well as the right to abundant, pure, clean, and unpolluted water. The river has the right to natural groundwater recharge and surface water recharge, a healthy natural environment and natural biodiversity, natural water flow, and the ability to carry out natural ecosystem functions. It should be free from activities or practices that interfere with or infringe upon these rights.
Furthermore, the tribal resolution designates the Menominee River as the literal “origin of life” for the Menominee people. According to the tribe’s beliefs, the first Menominee human was originally a supernatural bear, emphasizing the river’s significance.
“It is there that the Creator transformed the bear, a supernatural being who came from below the ground, into the [first] Menominee human being,” states the tribal government’s website.
How does Milwaukee County’s resolution align with the broader “rights of nature” movement and the global recognition of the need for environmental protection and sustainable development
On and sustainable development. By recognizing the rights of nature, Milwaukee County joins other regions around the world that have implemented similar measures to ensure the protection of the environment.
The resolution in Milwaukee County specifically focuses on the preservation of water bodies, highlighting the significance of these natural resources for both human and ecological well-being. Water is essential for life, and by granting it equal rights to mankind, Milwaukee County is acknowledging its intrinsic value and the need for its preservation.
The indigenous-led movement played a crucial role in advocating for the “Rights of Nature” resolution. Indigenous communities have a deep connection with the land and understand the importance of living in harmony with nature. By incorporating their perspectives and wisdom, the resolution not only pays homage to indigenous beliefs but also incorporates their knowledge in conservation efforts.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the natural environment on which the county resides. By acknowledging the Indigenous people who have long-standing relationships with the land, the resolution seeks to promote cultural understanding and respect.
Removing draft language that considered the indigenous “rights of nature” perspective as symbolic was a significant step. This decision reaffirms the factual basis behind the indigenous belief system and strengthens the resolution’s intent to protect waterways and bodies of water from harm.
The broader “rights of nature” movement aims to grant all of nature the same rights as humans. It aligns with the growing global recognition of the need to address environmental degradation and ensure the sustainability of natural resources. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) supports the rights of nature as a means to achieve environmental protection and sustainable development.
Milwaukee County’s resolution is groundbreaking and serves as an inspiring example for other regions to follow. By granting nature equal rights, the county takes a significant step towards safeguarding the environment and ensuring a sustainable future. It recognizes the interdependence between humans and nature and strives to create a harmonious relationship that benefits both.
The “Rights of Nature” resolution in Milwaukee County sets a precedent for environmental governance and conservation. It demonstrates the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives, particularly those of indigenous communities, in decision-making processes. By upholding the rights of nature, Milwaukee County is championing the protection of natural resources and inspiring others to follow suit in their efforts to preserve the environment for generations to come.
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