“Ms. Mar Menor”: How Rights of Nature Entered Into Europe: Völkerrechtliche Tagesthemen: Spotlight (Episode 30)

This lecture explores how the “Mar Menor” lagoon in Spain became the first ecosystem in Europe to be legally recognized as a subject of rights. It highlights the pivotal role of civil society in driving this legal innovation through a successful popular legislative initiative. The talk outlines the interaction between grassroots movements and environmental lawmaking, presents key legal arguments behind the lagoon’s recognition, and considers the broader international implications. Positioned within a global trend that includes constitutional and judicial approaches across various countries, the “Mar Menor” case marks a significant moment in the growing rights of nature movement.