ACKNOWLEDGING NATURE’S INTRINSIC RIGHTS THROUGH BIOPHILIC CONSTITUTIONALISM

Ul Azam, Rawnak Miraj

doi:10.69648/DEWO1699

Abstract

This research explores Biophilic Constitutionalism, a framework in tegrating biocentric/eco-centric values into legal orders to recognise nature’s intrinsic rights. While existing literature extensively debates the philosophy of nature’s rights, it lacks practical guidance for imple mentation, particularly internationally. This study investigates: (1) How can Biophilic Constitutionalism be effectively integrated into legal frameworks? and (2) What institutional mechanisms can balance human needs with nature’s rights? Using a mixed-methods approach, this research combines legal doctrinal analysis, comparative case studies (e.g., Ecuador, New Zealand), and environmental ethics theory. It exam ines legal instruments, case law, and governance structures, identifying best practices and implementation challenges. The study analyses the potential of “Guardians for Nature” and explores the feasibility of an International Environmental Court. Findings reveal uneven imple mentation of nature’s rights due to conflicting human interests. Key challenges include defining nature’s rights, establishing representation, and reconciling ecological needs with development. The study proposes a Biophilic Constitutionalism framework, emphasising comprehensive legal standing for nature, participatory governance, and the “principle of ecological necessity.” This research contributes a comprehensive framework for implementing Biophilic Constitutionalism nationally and internationally, offering practical guidance for policymakers and activists. Its findings have significant implications for environmental law and policy, potentially improving biodiversity and ecosystem protection.

Keywords

References

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[1] Constitutional Court of Colombia. (2016). Sentencia T-622 de 2016.

[2] Daly, H. E., & Farley, J. (2004). Ecological economics: Principles and applications. Island Press.

[3] Descartes, R. (1637). Discours de la méthode.

[4] Ecuador Constitution. (2008). Constitución de la República del Ecuador.

[5] Ecuadorian Court. (2011). Caso Río Vilcabamba.

[6] EPA. (n.d.). Laws and regulations. Retrieved January 25, 2025, from https://www.epa.gov/ laws-regulations

[7] Grant Township Ordinance. (2017). Ordinance recognizing the rights of nature in Grant Township.

[8] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2021). Climate change 2021: The physical science basis: Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (V. Masson-Delmotte, P. Zhai, A. Pirani, S. L. Connors, N. Péan, S. Berger, ... B. Zhou, Eds.). Cambridge University Press. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/

[9] Kolbert, E. (2014). The sixth extinction: An unnatural history. Henry Holt and Company.

[10] Leopold, A. (1949). A Sand County Almanac. Oxford University Press.

[11] Maine, H. S. (1861). Ancient law. J. Murray.

[12] Mann, C. C., & Plummer, M. L. (1995). Noah’s choice: The future of endangered species. Knopf.

[13] Merchant, C. (1980). The death of nature: Women, ecology, and the scientific revolution. Harper & Row.

[14] Naess, A. (1973). The shallow and the deep, long-range ecology movement: A summary. Inquiry, 16(1-4), 95–100. https://doi.org/10.1080/00201747308601902

[15] NASA. (n.d.). Climate change: Vital signs of the planet. Retrieved December 26, 2023, from https://climate.nasa.gov/New Zealand Parliament. (2017). Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Act 2017.

[16] Rolston, H., III. (1988). Environmental ethics: Duties to and values in the natural world. Temple University Press.

[17] Sands, P. (2003). Principles of international environmental law (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

[18] Sierra Club v. Morton, 405 U.S. (1972).

[19] Stone, C. D. (1972). Should trees have standing? Law and Society Review, 6(2), 451–457. https:// doi.org/10.2307/3053593

[20] Stone, C. D. (1974). Should trees have standing? Law, morality, and the environment. William Kaufmann, Inc.

[21] Taylor, P. W. (1986). Respect for nature: A theory of environmental ethics. Princeton University Press.

[22] Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill, 437 U.S. (1978).

[23] United Nations. (2000). Earth Charter.

[24] Watts, J. (2019, January 26). Brazil dam collapse: Hundreds missing as mine waste engulfs com munity. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/26/brazil-dam-col lapse-hundreds-missing-as-mine-waste-engulfs-community

[25] White, L., Jr. (1967). The historical roots of our ecological crisis. Science, 155(3767), 1203–1207. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.155.3767.1203