River Wye formally recognised as living ecosystem with intrinsic rights
The River Wye has been officially recognized as a living ecosystem with intrinsic rights, marking a significant milestone in environmental protection. This charter aims to address pollution and restore the river's health, which has been severely impacted by industrial farming practices. Local councils are collaborating to implement the charter across the river's entire catchment area, highlighting a growing movement for the rights of nature.
- ▪The River Wye's catchment has been recognized as a living ecosystem with intrinsic rights in a UK-first charter.
- ▪The charter includes rights such as the right to flow, biodiversity, and freedom from pollution.
- ▪The initiative is part of a global rights of nature movement, with similar legal recognitions in countries like Ecuador and New Zealand.
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The Wye looking downriver from the Brockweir Bridge spanning Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire. Photograph: Nick Jenkins/AlamyView image in fullscreenThe Wye looking downriver from the Brockweir Bridge spanning Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire. Photograph: Nick Jenkins/AlamyRiversRiver Wye formally recognised as living ecosystem with intrinsic rightsCharter to be adopted along river’s entire catchment from Cambrian mountains to Chepstow and Bristol ChannelBethan McKernan Wales correspondentSun 24 May 2026 08.55 EDTLast modified on Sun 24 May 2026 08.56 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe entire catchment of the River Wye has been formally recognised as a living ecosystem with intrinsic rights in a charter, a UK first that campaigners hope will help save the highly polluted river.The…
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