The International Rights of Nature Tribunal has unveiled a powerful declaration, “A New Pledge for Mother Nature,” at COP30’s side event, marking its 6th tribunal’s close.
Renowned Nigerian environmentalist Dr Nnimmo Bassey serves as Co-president and judge.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Miss Kome Odhomor Media/Communication Lead, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
The Tribunal urged governments and people to recognize nature’s rights equal to humans, ensuring ecosystems exist, thrive, and recover.
The Tribunal highlighted rapid species loss and urged an end to exploitation, calling for laws to protect rivers, forests, oceans, and to stop ecocide.
It emphasized support for Indigenous communities, recognized as exceptional land caretakers.
The pledge stated, “We are all part of the Earth, an indivisible, living community with common destiny but different rights.”
It linked current crises to economic, political, legal, and social systems shaped by industrial, growth-focused cultures, capitalism, patriarchy, sexism, racism, and anthropocentrism.
According to the Tribunal, Brazil’s hosting of COP30 symbolizes the Amazon’s importance, criticized for ongoing extractivism, deforestation, fossil fuels, and mining harming biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples.
The Tribunal insists the Amazon and its communities be recognized as rights-bearing subjects due to their ecosystems and vital cycles.
Co-president and judge Nnimmo Bassey declared defending Nature’s rights crucial to genuine climate action and climate justice.
The tribunal called for fossil fuel phase-out and a rapid shift to renewable energy to protect communities and ecosystems from false solutions.
It urged the United Nations to adopt the pledge as a global environmental law blueprint.
Judges included Ana Alfinito, Brazil, Nnimmo Bassey, Nigeria, Enrique Viale, Argentina), Shannon Biggs USA, and others from several countries.
