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The Rights of Nature (RoN) promote a new understanding of the human environment, where natural entities are conceived as subjects with intrinsic value independent of human interests. The implementation of this idea gained momentum in the United States in 2006. One decade and a half later, the idea has spread all over the world. Despite some efforts, a sophisticated geographical inventory of the movement is missing. Building on Kauffman (2020), we identified and analysed 409 initiatives in 39 countries, creating the most comprehensive database of RoN initiatives to date. We developed a taxonomy that may guide further research. We also present two detailed maps which can help policymakers, legislators, judges, researchers, and the public at large to evaluate and compare initiatives. The findings of this investigation directly help the UN Harmony with Nature Programme and have contributed to the launch of the Eco-Jurisprudence Monitor, an online database of RoN initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes that the Dutch Wadden Sea, a tidal wetland, can be protected by recognizing that it can own itself, in keeping with the emerging international trend of granting rights and legal personality to important ecosystems. Under Dutch law, legal personality could be granted to the Wadden Sea in the form of a 'natureship' (natuurschap), a legal form that perfectly fits into the Dutch legal system. The legal objective of the Wadden Sea Natureship could be to focus on maintaining the ecosystem in a healthy condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private companies and investors can profit from the enhancement of nature in general and from specific investments allocated to improve biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES). The question is: What is the incentive, from a private sector point of view, to invest in nature, and what are the barriers and opportunities? This article demonstrates that new markets and business models are developing which are based on BES, thereby offering investment opportunities and contributing to nature conservation at the same time. Emerging BES markets include (i) sustainable forestry; (ii) ecotourism; (iii) carbon sequestration through forestry, agricultural projects and REDD (Reducing Emissions through Deforestation and Forest Degradation); (iv) watershed management; and (v) nature conservation and restoration such as wetland banking and biodiversity offset programmes. This article gives an analysis of the various business models and the factors that support a proper functioning thereof, including the dependence on public regulation and the necessity to collaborate with local communities, authorities, NGOs or other stakeholders. In the analysis, barriers for attracting mainstream capital from institutional investors into ‘BES business’ are identified and addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Freshwater scarcity is no longer limited to sub-Saharan developing countries; also in Western society, access to unlimited amounts of freshwater is not assured at all times. It has been argued – and laid down in many national legal systems – that access to freshwater is a basic human right. What if corporate freshwater use threatens to interfere with this human right? The main focus of the article is to explore the role of today’s companies in relation to freshwater. A number of tools have been developed to attend to the necessity to reduce corporate use of freshwater. The article discusses specialised water reporting instruments such as the 2007 Global Water Tool and the ‘water footprint’ calculation method. In addition, attention is paid to a revealing that the majority of the 100 world’s leading companies in water-intensive industries still has weak management and disclosures of water-related risks and opportunities. To obtain concrete information about corporate water strategies and practices, an explorative analysis was conducted on 20 Dutch multinational companies. The article highlights various innovative practices. In sum, it is demonstrated that companies are expected to bear responsibility for their impact on water resources, in particular when it influences public access to water in areas with freshwater scarcity and/or weak government. Notwithstanding the critical conclusions of the CERES report, it is interesting to see an evolution in corporate research concerning sustainable water use and the development of greener products and greener ways of production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article states that non-judicial grievance mechanisms play a significant role in improvement of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The value of non-judicial grievance systems is emphasized by United Nations' Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Information is provided on Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises Guidelines or Guidelines of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.