The Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) gathered in Siena Italy at the 13th century monastery, Certosa di Pontignano, from October 15-18, and CELDF was there. CELDF’s Ben Price shared organizing experiences with representatives from Indigenous communities, as well as delegates from Ecuador, Germany, the Philippines, South Africa, Columbia, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, India, Canada, Brazil, Spain, and other nations.
The overarching purpose of the gathering was to solidify organizational structures and tools for advancing the Rights of Nature globally, and to review and enact an organizational constitution. GARN is neither NGO nor a non-profit organization, but an alliance of many who are working to elevate the legal status of Nature from that of mere property to an entity with fundamental rights.
A Declaration drafted and adopted by participants can be read here: The Seed of Siena Declaration from the GARN Rights of Nature Global Gathering – Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN)