Legal Personality of Nature Elements as a New Instrument of Environmental Protection. Introductory Issues
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The article examines the concept of giving legal personality to the elements of nature as an innovative instrument of environmental protection. It presents the evolution of this idea, from the theoretical considerations of Christopher D Stone in the 1970s to specific legal solutions currently operating in various legal systems. The Spanish legislative solution for the Mar Menor lagoon, which is the first example in Europe of recognizing an element of nature as a legal entity, is analyzed in detail. It also discusses a citizens’ legislative initiative to give legal personality to the Oder River in Poland, which was created in response to the 2022 environmental disaster. The article distinguishes between two main approaches to the concept of rights of nature: the ‘indigenous’ approach, based on the traditions and beliefs of indigenous peoples, and the ‘legal’ or ‘pragmatic’ approach, aimed at increasing the effectiveness of environmental protection. The author argues that giving legal personality to the elements of nature, despite some controversy, can be an effective legal tool to complement existing environmental protection mechanisms, responding to the challenges of today’s environmental crisis.
Source: Studia Iuridica
Author: Jerzy Bieluk
Language: English
Topic: Environmental law and policy
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7167897510