In this era of ecological crisis, legislation can offer a new and much-needed perspective. Worldwide, an increasing number of natural entities – forests, rivers, mountains, even Mother Earth herself – are being recognised as legal persons. In this legal revolution, nature is no longer seen as an object to be exploited, but as a subject with intrinsic value and, more importantly, legally enforceable rights.

In *Rights of Nature – Case Studies from Six Continents*, Laura Burgers and Jessica den Outer outline, through one or two case studies per continent, how the rights of nature have been recognised. In doing so, they examine the worldview underpinning the legislation, as well as its implementation and enforcement. The edition in tradition Chinese includes a foreword by Harpo ‘t Hart and an article about the Confluence of European Water Bodies 2025 in The Netherlands.

Laura Burgers & Jessica den Outer on behalf of the Embassy of the North Sea.

Graphic design: Corine Datema

Translated by: Jean Szu-Yu Kuo

Publisher: Kelio Arts LTD.

Co-publisher: 2026 Mattauw Earth Triennial

Publication Date: 2026/09