From Maude Barlow and the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature – GARN:
🇨🇭Reuss Initiative submitted 5,460 signatures in Lucerne, Switzerland, launching a constitutional process to recognize the River Reuss and other waters as rights-bearing entities 🌊⚖️
Next: review by the cantonal council, parliamentary debate, and ultimately public vote. 🗳️
Fundamental rights and legal personality for bodies of water
The Reuss Initiative was launched on 26 April 2025. It was submitted on 15 January 2026 with 5,460 signatures.
The following text is to be included in the Constitution of the Canton of Lucerne:
§ 10 para. 3 (new)
The fundamental rights and legal personality of non-human nature are guaranteed in accordance with the cantonal constitution.
§ 10bis Fundamental rights and legal personality of bodies of water (new)
1 The public waters of the canton are endowed with fundamental rights in accordance with para. 2 and legal personality.
2 Water bodies have the right to existence and ecological integrity.
3 The law regulates the practical implementation. It must be designed in such a way that the effective and independent assertion and enforcement of the granted rights are ensured.
