About this Event
What if nature itself had legal rights? In Ecuador, it does.
SAMO Fund Field Institute proudly presents: an online + in-person conversation on a revolutionary piece of legislation: the Rights of Nature law. Afterward, we'll discuss the possibility of applying the concept right here at home.
In 2008, Ecuador became the first country in the world to enshrine the Rights of Nature in its constitution. This legal framework is galvanizing how nature is treated in Ecuador. Rather than being used only as a commodity or resource, nature is protected -- as Indigenous people see it, as an entity with its own rights.
The law was inspired by Indigenous peoples of Ecuador and the Quecha concept Sumak Kawsay or Buen Vivir, a philosophy that sees humans as an interdependent part of the natural world. It provides legal standing for the idea that an ecosystem has a right to exist, as does a river or an individual species.
Our conversation will feature Norman Wray Esq., former president of the governing council of the Galápagos Islands and a member of Ecuador’s 2008 Constitutional Convention, where he helped shape the country’s constitutional Rights of Nature provisions.
The evening will be facilitated by Melina Sempill Watts, author and environmental advocate.
Together, we’ll explore:
- What inspired the idea of the Rights of Nature?
- How is this legal framework functioning in the real world?
- Where else are Rights of Nature being incorporated into law?
- Can granting nature legal rights help protect biodiversity for generations to come?
Attendees who join in person will have the chance to take part in the first community meeting on a potential initiative to adopt the Rights of Nature in Southern California, led by SAMO Fund. If you’re interested in exploring and supporting the Rights of Nature in our region, we encourage you to join us in person for the entire evening.
“Once words become law, they are a potent force to remake reality itself.”— Melina Sempill Watts
Join us for a conversation with people whose work is helping reshape the relationship between law, society, and the natural world. Become part of the revolution.
RSVP required for in-person attendance and greatly appreciated for online.
The Santa Monica Mountains Fund Field Institute provides opportunities to learn from nature and explore the ecology of the Santa Monica Mountains and Greater Los Angeles Area! Programming blends science, art, stewardship, Indigenous culture, and community connection. Visit and follow @Samofundfieldinsitute on Instagram for updates.
Zoom Link:
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/82631880127?pwd=3VSzzcmCCo0L8XC6GkvsSjKae12rtv.1
Join and take noteshttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/82631880127?pwd=3VSzzcmCCo0L8XC6GkvsSjKae12rtv.1&mynotes=on
Meeting chat linkhttps://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/82631880127
Meeting ID: 826 3188 0127
Passcode: 606423---
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Join instructionshttps://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/82631880127/invitations?signature=tx3G797IELaH7TcPYUzO9vfBIVcZnBPkbMU0Bh7V9eA
Agenda
🕑: 05:30 PM
Doors Open for In-Person Attendees
Info: Please be in your seats before 6pm.
🕑: 06:00 PM
Conversation and Q&A
Info: Join us in person or online for a conversation with Norman Wray, Esq., followed by an audience-led Question and Answer session.
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Community Discussion
Info: Those joining us in person are invited to stay for the first local meeting on the Rights of Nature, with a facilitated discussion about the potential application of the legal framework in Southern California.
Event venue & nearby stays
1 Baxter Way, 1 Baxter Way, Westlake Village, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.