Could the Loire River Be Granted Legal Personhood? Two Events to Advance the Rights of Nature

What if the Loire River were recognised as a legal entity in its own right? Such a move could mark a major milestone in the recognition of the rights of nature and open up new possibilities for protecting rivers and waterways.

On 12 and 13 November 2026, this debate will take a further step forward in France, with two events dedicated to advancing the recognition of the rights of rivers.

A bill to recognise the legal personhood of the Loire
On Thursday 12 November, a bill seeking to grant legal personhood to the Loire River will be presented publicly for the first time at the French National Assembly.

Submitted in June 2026 by Member of Parliament Charles Fournier, the bill is the result of several years of reflection and citizen-led mobilisation. It builds in particular on the work of the Parliament of the Loire and the Towards an International of Rivers project, to which Camille de Toledo, writer and artist associated with Bourges 2028, has contributed.

This initiative is part of a broader international movement. In Colombia, New Zealand, Canada and Spain, several rivers and natural entities have already been granted legal recognition. These precedents reflect an evolving legal landscape and invite us to rethink how we understand, value and protect the living world.

The Parliament of the Loire continues the debate in Tours
On Friday 13 November, the Parliament of the Loire will meet again in Tours to continue the discussion. The programme includes a walk along the river in the afternoon, followed by an open discussion in the evening exploring the future of the rights of nature.

These two events are also part of a wider European movement. A campaign bringing together 14 partners is currently underway as part of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) Rights of Nature, with the aim of bringing the recognition of the rights of nature into the European legislative debate.

In the face of an international movement driven by reactionary forces, the ambition is to build an international movement of natural forces and forms. It is an invitation to change the way we look at the living world, rethink our relationship with rivers and imagine new ways of protecting them.

Be part of the movement!
On Thursday 12 November, at the French National Assembly, everyone is invited to take part in this important step towards recognising the rights of rivers. Attendance is open to the public, subject to registration.

To attend the presentation of the bill at the French National Assembly: Registration link

To support the European campaign, sign the Rights of Nature European Citizens’ Initiative: Petition link

Photo credit: AD2T