The concept of granting legal personhood to rivers, known as “Personhood Rights of Rivers,” involves recognizing rivers as entities with legal rights similar to those of human beings. This movement, gaining momentum globally, has seen various countries pass laws to acknowledge rivers as living beings with rights that should be protected by law, just as human rights are. These laws are inspired by the understanding that rivers, like humans, have an inherent value and are integral to the natural balance of ecosystems.
The framework of personhood rights for rivers draws parallels to the rights of individuals, emphasizing their role in sustaining life and biodiversity. Just as the life of a human is sacred in many religions and cultures, with murder being considered a grave crime, rivers are now being seen as deserving of protection from harm, such as pollution or other disruptive activities.
One significant example of this is the legal recognition of the Magpie River in Quebec, Canada. In 2021, the river was granted legal personhood and nine specific rights, which include: