[HacktionLab] River Wye granted rights

[Patrice Riemens]

Resend, hence >

> Hola Aloha,
>
> Good news for those who remember the BarnCamps!
>
> Happy June to all!
> p+7D!
>
> -------
>
> The River Wye’s entire catchment has been granted intrinsic rights in a new charter – the first full river‑catchment charter in the UK. Adopted by Herefordshire and Powys councils and expected soon in Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire, it recognises the Wye’s rights to flow, biodiversity, freedom from pollution, regeneration, and representation. The move aligns with the global rights of nature movement, echoing similar protections in New Zealand, Ecuador and Canada.
>
> The Wye has suffered severe ecological decline, largely blamed on nutrient pollution from intensive poultry farming and sewage. More than 4,500 residents have joined a high court claim against Avara Foods and Dŵr Cymru, who deny responsibility.
>
> Jackie Charlton, the county council’s cabinet member for a greener Powys, said: “This is about working together with partners and communities to restore the river and safeguard it for generations to come.”
>
> (from The Guardian's good news feed)
>