The Wisconsin State Legislature has introduced Senate Joint Resolution 107, which recognizes the inherent rights of nature and reaffirms the state's commitment to environmental stewardship. The resolution highlights Wisconsin's diverse ecosystems and its historical leadership in conservation, referencing influential figures in the environmental movement and the deep ecological knowledge of Indigenous communities. It emphasizes the need for a rights-based approach to nature, acknowledging that ecosystems and species possess intrinsic value and the right to exist, evolve, and regenerate. This approach is seen as essential in addressing pressing environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
The resolution calls for the development of policies and legislation that protect the rights of nature, engaging Indigenous communities, environmental scientists, and the public in this process. It encourages local governments to adopt rights-of-nature laws and principles in their planning and conservation efforts, while also committing to not hinder such local initiatives. The resolution aims to create a legal framework that reflects both traditional ecological knowledge and modern science, ensuring the protection of Wisconsin's natural heritage for future generations. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the governor, relevant state agencies, Tribal Nations, and environmental organizations.