This is a first in metropolitan France, environmental associations proclaim the Declaration of the Rights of Tet, the first step towards recognition of the Catalan river as a “legal person”, in the same way as associations, States or companies. Giving rights to the Têt, according to the associations “In common 66” and “Our common concern”, would better protect the river when development projects put it in danger.
Precedents around the world
Several ecological initiatives around the world, and in particular in Corsica, have already tried to give rights to nature. “_There are three ways to recognize the rights of nature_“, indicates Marine Yzquierdo, lawyer and member of the association “Notre affaires à tous”. “It can be, as in Ecuador, in the constitution; but I do not think that we will arrive at that in France; it can be by legislative means, as we had the case in New Zealand, it can also be in a jurisprudential way by judges who will have the courage to recognize in court decisions the legal personality of natural entities. And then we do it through the citizen channel, with this declaration that we hope to make then legally binding“, specifies the lawyer.
Towards a local referendum?
Now that the Tet Bill of Rights has been proclaimed, “In Common 66” has posted a petition in support of the project. The association hopes unite local elected officials and citizens to eventually initiate a local referendum on the legal status of Tet. Giving the status of “legal person” to the river will allow “guards are appointed“, explains Marine Yzquierdo.”They will be able to defend these rights in court. This does not mean that Tet will win each time, but at least we can put on the same level opposing interests: those of Tet and human interests.“, specifies the lawyer.
A river in danger
The “Declaration of the rights of the Têt” is also already symbolic, in order to sensitize the greatest number on the threats which weigh on the river, one of the main water resources of the Pyrénées-Orientales. “This river is in danger because of climate change which modifies its flow, which dries it up and also because of human activities.“, analyzes Nicolas Berjoan, environmental councilor of opposition in Prades.”In particular the construction of the RN 116 which affects its base, note the chosen one. These disturbances associated with periods of drought, cause the bed of the Têt to widen and wash away the water tables.“.