Exploring Rivers and Waterway Rights – Australian perspectives.

Co-hosted by AELA and TEC, this workshop explores the international movement to recognise rivers, waterways and ecosystems as holders of rights, and invites discussion about how rights of nature approaches might support environmental protection in Australia.

Participants will examine the philosophical, legal and practical foundations of river rights, including the shift from viewing nature as property or a resource towards recognising rivers as living systems with intrinsic value and inherent rights. The workshop will consider international examples of rights of nature laws and river guardianship models, alongside their relevance and challenges within the Australian legal and cultural context.

The workshop will explore questions including:

• What does it mean to recognise a river as a living entity or holder of legal rights in western law?  

• What type of legal rights could be recognised for rivers and waterways in Australia?

• How are first nations peoples’ first laws and cultural obligations respected in the rights of nature movement and how might Australians build shared approaches to law reform?   

• Who should speak for a river, and what legal mechanisms could give rivers representation?

• What are the opportunities and limitations of using rights of nature as a tool for protecting waterways in Australia? 

Through discussion, case studies and practical exercises, participants will critically examine whether rights-based approaches can address gaps in current environmental governance and support stronger relationships between communities, governments and the living systems upon which we all depend.

The workshop is designed for community groups, environmental organisations, Traditional Owners, policy makers, researchers and anyone interested in innovative approaches to protecting Australia’s rivers and waterways. 

Light refreshments will be provided.