In July 2026, the Total Environment Centre (TEC) and the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) co-hosted our first community workshop Exploring Australian perspectives on River and Waterway Rights at the Canva Space cafe in Sydney. We were joined by community groups, river guardians, and passionate individuals keen to learn more about the international movement to recognise rivers, waterways and ecosystems as holders of rights, and discuss ways these mechanisms could operate in Australia.

Indigenous academic and philosopher Dr Mary Graham joined the workshop via video link to provide insight into key indigenous traditions and philosophies focused on first laws, obligations to country and the relationist ethos. Noting there are a multitude of indigenous perspectives, the importance of consulting local indigenous groups must be prioritised early in any place-based exploration of rights of nature. Dr Michelle Maloney provided historical context to the classification of the natural environment as “property” in western law, rather than as potential rights bearing entities; and the failure of our laws to recognise the moral rights of nature to exist, regenerate and flourish. Flagship examples of instruments adopted to recognize these rights around the world were provided, with particular focus on the application to rivers and waterways, and guardianship models.  

Participants were invited to share their insights, current and emerging projects and the barriers and opportunities they saw locally and across the state to recognise the moral rights of nature. There was widespread support for NSW based action that was both sensitive to, and informed by, Indigenous perspectives. It was hoped that action would focus on catchments, corridors and waterways. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to increase community connection with nature and the importance of storytelling. There was also a strong interest in modifying the Universal Declaration on the Rights of Rivers to fit the Australian landscape.

Given this high interest in advancing real action, TEC and AELA are launching a NSW based working group to promote ecocentric solutions and legal recognition of the moral rights of Nature. This group will connect interested parties, identify opportunities and help build momentum across NSW and Australia. A further workshop to draft a declaration on the rights of rivers and waterways is planned to take place in September.

If you are interested in being involved in either the working group, or the workshop to draft an Australian based declaration for river and waterway rights, please contact TEC Campaigner - [email protected]