In a world where nature is often seen as a resource to be used, a new movement is changing the game—giving legal rights to natural places. Known as environmental personhood, this approach recognizes rivers, mountains, and forests as legal entities, protecting them from harm and ensuring they can “speak” in court. This movement is not just about conservation; it’s also reshaping the way we think about travel, tourism, and our relationship with the natural world.
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel: Smart Choices for the Environment and Your Wallet
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What is environmental personhood?
Environmental personhood is a legal concept that gives nature the same rights as a person. That means rivers, forests, and mountains can be defended in court if they’re harmed by pollution, deforestation, or other destructive activities. Instead of being treated as lifeless objects, these natural places are now recognized as living entities with a right to exist and thrive. This legal status allows conservation groups and local communities—especially Indigenous groups—to step in and protect these landscapes in ways that governments and corporations cannot ignore.
How does it work?
When a natural entity is granted personhood, it receives specific legal rights, including:
- The Right to Exist and Thrive: Ensuring the entity’s continued existence and ecological health.
- The Right to Restoration: Mandating rehabilitation efforts if the entity is harmed.
- The Right to Defend Its Interests: Allowing legal actions to be taken on behalf of the entity to prevent or address environmental harm.
These rights are typically enforced by appointed guardians—often a mix of local communities, Indigenous groups, and government representatives—who make sure the place is respected and protected. This movement is rapidly gaining traction worldwide. Read below for a list of nine places that have already been granted legal personhood!
Natural Entities Granted Legal Personhood
1. Whanganui River, New Zealand
![File:Whanganui River.jpg - Wikimedia Commons](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Whanganui_River.jpg)
Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
New Zealand made history in 2017 by granting legal personhood to the Whanganui River. For centuries, the Māori people have considered the river their ancestor, and this recognition legally acknowledges their deep cultural and spiritual connection. Now, the river has two official guardians—one from the Māori iwi (tribe) and one from the government—to ensure its well-being.
Also read: New Zealand’s Hidden Gems and New Things To Do in 2025
2. Mount Taranaki, New Zealand
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Image credits: Ganjaa | GoodFon
Another sacred site in New Zealand, Mount Taranaki is the most recent addition to this list that was granted legal personhood in 2025. The Māori believe the mountain is an ancestor, and the new status helps protect its ecosystem while respecting cultural traditions. Sustainable tourism is a key focus, with visitors encouraged to treat the mountain with reverence and follow conservation-friendly guidelines.
3. Magpie River, Canada
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Image credits: J. Stephen Conn | Flickr
In 2021, the Magpie River in Quebec became the first river in Canada to be granted legal personhood. The Innu people, who have lived along the river for generations, fought for this status to prevent future dam projects and industrial development. The river now has legal protections to maintain its natural flow and biodiversity, making it a model for future conservation efforts.
4. Atrato River, Colombia
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Image credits: Anthony Mendoza | Flickr
In 2016, Colombia’s Constitutional Court recognized the Atrato River as a legal entity, granting it rights to protection and restoration. The ruling came after years of damage from illegal mining and pollution, which devastated local ecosystems and Indigenous communities. Now, the river has official guardians who work to keep it clean and healthy.
5. Ganges and Yamuna Rivers, India
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Image credit: Neil Palmer | Flickr
The Ganges and Yamuna, two of India’s most sacred rivers, were granted legal personhood in 2017. This status was meant to curb pollution and protect them from further harm. However, the ruling has faced legal challenges, making enforcement difficult. Still, it highlights the growing global conversation around recognizing the rights of nature.
6. Te Urewera Forest, New Zealand
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Image credits: Aroha Pounamu | Flickr
Once a national park, Te Urewera became the first ecosystem in the world to be granted legal personhood in 2014. This forest, deeply significant to the Tūhoe people, is now managed by a board that includes both Indigenous representatives and government officials. The goal is to balance conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism.
7. Mar Menor Lagoon, Spain
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Image credits: eutrophication&hypoxia | Flickr
In 2022, Spain granted legal personhood to the Mar Menor Lagoon, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon. Years of agricultural pollution and urban development had severely damaged the ecosystem, but now, legal protections allow citizens to take action against harmful activities. The lagoon is now a symbol of how legal rights can help restore fragile environments.
Also read: New Travel Rules for Spain: What You Need to Know
9. Turag River, Bangladesh
![legal personhood](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Turag_River_in_2022.06.jpg)
Image credits: Captain Raju | Flickr
In 2019, Bangladesh took a bold step by granting legal personhood to all its rivers, including the Turag and Buriganga Rivers. This decision aims to combat pollution and protect waterways from illegal encroachment. With legal status, these rivers now have a stronger chance of survival, helping to preserve Bangladesh’s natural beauty and support eco-friendly tourism.
What Does This Mean for Tourism?
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The rise of environmental personhood is reshaping tourism by making sustainability a priority. When a natural place is legally protected, stricter regulations often follow to ensure that visitors do not harm the environment. This can mean controlled access, eco-friendly accommodations, and new guidelines that encourage respectful tourism.
For travellers, this shift is an opportunity to experience nature in a more meaningful way. Instead of mass tourism that depletes resources, visitors are encouraged to appreciate and support the ecosystems they explore. Indigenous-led tours, conservation-based travel experiences, and eco-lodges are becoming more popular as people seek out responsible ways to connect with nature.
Also read: Japan’s Overtourism: Is It a Double-Edged Sword?
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The environmental personhood movement is a game-changer for conservation and sustainable tourism. While it may sound strange, these legal rights are important in changing the way we see nature. It forces us to acknowledge that nature isn’t just a backdrop for human activities—it’s a living entity that deserves protection. As more destinations adopt this approach, travellers can expect to see a growing emphasis on responsible tourism, making it easier than ever to explore the world while respecting and preserving its natural wonders.