In Bourges, the Rights of Nature at the Heart of a Day of Collective Reflection

How can we give the living world a place in our legal systems and societies?
On 19 November, this question will be at the heart of the first edition of the Academy of the Rights of Nature and the Symbiocene (ADNs), taking place in Bourges as part of the George Sand Month. A day dedicated to bringing different perspectives together and exploring new ways of thinking about our relationship with nature.

As the rights of nature enter parliamentary debate and new initiatives emerge to recognise ecosystems as entities that can be legally represented and protected, these discussions are also finding resonance in Bourges.

On 19 November, Bourges will host the first edition of the Academy of the Rights of Nature and the Symbiocene (ADNs). Bringing together legal, scientific, educational, cultural and civic perspectives, this initiative aims to question our place within the living world and explore new ways of caring for our environment.

ADNs: a nod to George Sand
The Academy’s name was no coincidence. Rearrange the letters of ADNs and you will discover SAND, a reference to George Sand, a major literary figure whose work was deeply connected to nature and who is being celebrated throughout 2026.

This play on letters creates a link between cultural heritage, local identity and the protection of the living world. It also reminds us that our relationship with nature is rooted in a history, a culture and the places we inhabit.

“Natural history museums have a vital role to play in shaping how we relate to the living world. Beyond understanding and preserving biodiversity, we also have a responsibility to question the place we give to other forms of life in our societies. With this first Academy of the Rights of Nature and the Symbiocene, we want to create a space for dialogue between disciplines and citizens, where we can collectively explore new ways of recognising and protecting the living world.” –  Sébastien Minchin, Director of the Bourges Natural History Museum

A day to bring perspectives together and open up the debate
Throughout the day, a series of events will explore the rights of nature from different angles:

A mock trial and public speaking competition;
A village of exhibition and information stands;
Readings of texts by George Sand;
A round table discussion on the rights of nature and today’s major environmental challenges.
These different formats will provide opportunities to bring disciplines into dialogue, share experiences and open up the discussion to new audiences.

A reflection that resonates with Bourges 2028’s projects
Rethinking our relationship with the living world, the ways we inhabit our territories and the connections we maintain with ecosystems: these issues are closely aligned with the reflections and ambitions of Bourges 2028.

The European Capital of Culture is particularly pleased to see L’Internationale des rivières, one of the flagship projects in its programme, taking part in this collective initiative alongside the Bourges Natural History Museum and many local stakeholders.

Practical information
Thursday 19 November 2026 – Bourges Conservatoire

Programme:

1.45 pm – 4.45 pm: Mock trial / Public speaking competition (fully booked)
1 pm – 6 pm: Village of exhibition and information stands in the main hall of Bourges Conservatoire
6 pm – 6.30 pm: Reading session – texts by George Sand, read by Georges Buisson
6.45 pm – 8.30 pm: Discussion on the rights of nature and contemporary environmental challenges, featuring Camille de Toledo, Amélie Chrétien, Thomas Fabre and Pascal Ferren. The round table will be moderated by Ninon Bardet.
The round table is open to all, without prior registration, subject to availability.

Photo credit: AD2T