Transforming Law and Policy to Accelerate Systemic Change
The EU Environment Agency calls for systemic change to meet 2050 goals. The Nature’s Integrated Rights Charter offers this by embedding Nature’s rights as foundational - balancing ecological, social, and economic needs, all whilst prioritising regeneration.
In 2015, we began advocating for Nature's rights in EU law and policy, presenting the Draft Nature’s Rights EU Directive to the European Parliament by 2017. This work inspired the European Economic and Social Committee to commission a landmark study. Nature's Integrated Rights Charter initiative builds on this foundation, using the Integrated Rights Framework to balance ecological, social, and economic priorities and drive a regenerative future for the EU and beyond.
The Integrated Rights Framework
The Integrated Rights Framework is based on a landmark study we conducted with 2 universities for the European Economic and Social Committee, Towards a Fundamental EU Charter for the Rights of Nature (the "EESC Study").
It sets out a law and policy blueprint for a thriving regenerative society, evolving our current sustainability framework to include integrated collaborative rights, planetary boundaries and the UN SDGs. This approach emphasises the interdependence of ecological health, human well-being, and economic stability.
The Problem
Why the EU is Unlikely to Achieve Its 2050 Goals
The EU is unlikely to achieve its 2050 goals because its current governance framework fails to address the root causes of ecological, social, and economic crises, lacking the systemic change needed to align policies with planetary boundaries.
We’re in Crisis: An EU Perspective
The EU faces interlinked ecological, social, and economic crises that stem from systemic issues that require transformative change. Despite ambitious goals, progress remains insufficient. Without a fundamental shift in how we approach governance and law these goals will remain unattainable.
Why Environmental Law Alone Won’t Deliver
Environmental law focuses on mitigating damage rather than root causes. Our legal and economic systems prioritise human and economic interests, excluding Nature from the framework of enforceable rights. This imbalance perpetuates unsustainable practices and undermines all sustainability efforts.
Changing the Game: A Nature’s Rights Approach
To meet its 2050 goals, the EU must adopt a Nature’s Rights framework that integrates human and economic rights within Nature’s rights. Aligning policies with planetary boundaries and the UN SDGs ensures actions today secure the future for all life, positioning the EU as a global leader in ecological governance.
Expert Voices
How the Charter Can Turn it Around
The Charter offers a transformative solution, embedding Nature’s rights into EU governance to address root causes, balance ecological, social, and economic priorities, and ensure the EU meets its 2050 goals with resilience and regeneration at its core.
A New Foundation for Sustainability
The EU Nature’s Rights Integrated Charter redefines governance by embedding Nature’s rights as the foundation of all policy and decision-making. By embedding the Integrated Rights Framework, the Charter aligns human and economic well-being with ecological integrity. This integrated approach ensures that the EU’s actions operate within planetary boundaries, creating a stable framework for long-term sustainability. By addressing the root causes of environmental, social, and economic crises, it provides a clear pathway to achieving climate neutrality and sustainability goals.
Transforming Governance for Regeneration
The Charter integrates ecological governance into every level of EU policy, bridging gaps between environmental law, economic development, and social equity. By shifting from reactive environmental measures to proactive, systemic change, the Charter collaboratively ensures that the EU’s governance supports thriving ecosystems, sustainable livelihoods, and equitable prosperity. This holistic approach simplifies complex challenges, accelerating progress toward the EU’s commitments with ease and clarity.
A Leadership Role for the EU
Adopting the Nature’s Rights Integrated Charter positions the EU as a global leader in systemic change and ecological governance. By prioritising Nature’s rights as foundational to realising human and economic rights, the Charter builds a regenerative society that thrives within the Earth’s limits. This transformative framework not only ensures the EU meets its 2050 goals but also sets a powerful precedent for other regions to follow, turning today’s crises into tomorrow’s opportunities and leading the way towards a thriving future for all life on Earth.
PATHWAYS FOR ADOPTION OF THE EU CHARTER
Along with extensive research and detailed proposals, the EESC study outlined 2 potential pathways for adoption.
1. Legal Route
The incorporation of the Charter into the EU Treaties, following art. 48 (2) TEU
This is the more powerful legal choice because it will be legally binding. However, it's a more challenging process as it requires political consensus from the Member States to revise the treaties.
2. Policy Route
Non Legislative Adoption of the Charter by the EU Institutions
This is not legally binding but can be adopted with a shorter decision making process. It would still influence decision-making and mainstream new norms. This could then lay the ground for adoption pathway 1 in the future.
Shape the Future of Europe
Partner with Us to Introduce the EU Charter for Integrated Rights
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the future of Europe. Partner with us to promote Nature's Integrated Rights Charter and help create a legacy that redefines how Europe governs, regenerates, and thrives.
Pioneering Leadership
Align your organisation with an initiative that places Nature’s rights at the core of EU governance, positioning you as a leader in driving systemic change and innovation for a thriving regenerative future.
Real Impact
By embedding ecological, social, and economic priorities into law, the Charter ensures measurable progress towards the EU’s 2050 goals, offering a clear path to solving interlinked crises.
Collaborative Influence
Join a powerful coalition of changemakers shaping policy at the highest levels, ensuring your voice is part of the movement to redefine how governance works for people, Nature, and the economy.
By working together we can consciously shape a thriving future for all life on Earth!
What legacy will you leave?
It makes no sense to destroy life's foundations for profit, only to fund disaster recovery later. Regenerative economies and cultures aren't just possible—they're necessary for a thriving future. Together, we can avert self-destruction and build a prosperous, regenerative society - if we act now. Unleash your power to shape our future consciously today!