Two more local authorities have formally recognised the rights of rivers in their areas to live, thrive and evolve.
COUNCILS in Hampshire and East Sussex are among the latest to commit to considering the health and legal rights of rivers and streams in future decision-making.
As reported, the growing Rights of Rivers movement in the UK, backed by nature writer and activist Robert MacFarlane among others, seeks to recognise rivers as living systems with inhererent rights.
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council has approved a new Declaration on Rights of Rivers, welcomed by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust as a milestone in safeguarding the borough’s waterways.
Inspired by the international Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers, the charter sets out six fundamental rights for rivers within the borough. These include the right to flow freely, to perform essential ecological functions, to be free from pollution, to connect with sustainable aquifers, to support native biodiversity, and to regenerate and be restored.
The formal adoption follows a landmark vote by the full council in May last year when councillors first committed to recognising legal rights for rivers. The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust worked closely with the council throughout the process, helping to shape the declaration through community engagement and legal consultation, including hosting a Rights of the River Forum ahead of the original motion.
This new step is especially significant for the River Loddon and River Test headwaters, which rise in the borough. With only about 200 chalk streams in the world, their protection is critical.
Lorna Selby, policy & advocacy officer at the trust, said: “This is a powerful next step for nature in Hampshire. Our chalk streams are globally unique, and this approach gives them the recognition and protection they urgently need.”
In East Sussex, Barcombe Parish Council has formally recognised the rights of the River Ouse to live, thrive and evolve, becoming the latest local authority to support the Ouse Rights Charter. Councillors described the charter as an important and hopeful initiative, adding that they hope the model will be replicated around the country.
The Love Our Ouse campaign group said the momentum is encouraging and shows growing public appetite for stronger environmental protections at a local level. Read more at https://loveourouse.org/rights-of-rivers
