Looking at nature differently
About the Rights of Nature Foundation
The Rights of Nature Foundation (Stichting Rechten van de Natuur) is the national organisation dedicated to advancing the Rights of Nature in the Netherlands. Through legal expertise, practical tools, international collaboration and public engagement, we work to strengthen nature's position in law, governance and decision-making.
Who we are
Founded in 2024, the Rights of Nature Foundation is an independent Dutch foundation dedicated to advancing the Rights of Nature. As the national platform for Rights of Nature in the Netherlands, we believe that the way we see nature shapes the way we treat it. That's why we work towards a future in which nature is meaningfully represented in the decisions that shape our societies. We connect legal expertise, practical experience and public engagement to help turn the principles of Rights of Nature into practical action. Our aim is to make the Rights of Nature understandable, practical and relevant for governments, professionals and society as a whole.
Why Rights of Nature
Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of our lives. Clean water, fertile soils, biodiversity and a stable climate are not separate from society, they make society possible. Yet nature is often considered only after important decisions have already been made. We believe it should be part of the conversation from the very beginning.
Rights of Nature offers a different perspective. By recognising that nature has its own rights and interests, we can make decisions that better reflect our dependence on healthy ecosystems and create a stronger future for both people and nature.
Our three pillars
Pillar 1
Public engagement
We build public awareness and support for the Rights of Nature by sharing knowledge, telling stories and bringing people together. Through campaigns, media, events and public dialogue, we help the movement grow from the ground up.
Pillar 2
Mobilisation and community
We support (local) governments, organisations, professionals and bottom-up initiatives that want to put the Rights of Nature into practice. By developing practical tools, guidance and resources, we help turn ideas into action and encourage better decision-making.
Pillar 3
Legal development
We work to strengthen the legal foundations of the Rights of Nature. Together with legal experts, governments and policymakers, we explore how nature's interests can already be represented within existing legal frameworks while helping to shape the future development of Rights of Nature in Dutch law.
Connected to an international movement
According to the United Nations, Earth Jurisprudence is the fastest growing legal movement of the 21st century. As the Dutch focal point within this international network, we work closely with organisations and experts across the world. We helped shape the Ocean Rights Declaration, supported the Earth Law Center in developing a Reef Rights Toolkit, and support the Antarctic Rights Coalition.
Nature does not stop at national borders, neither do the solutions.
Get in touch
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with organisations, governments, researchers, funders, civil society organisations and initiatives from around the world. Whether you're interested in sharing knowledge, developing projects together or exploring new partnerships, we'd love to hear from you!
