A month ago, Storm Chandra left flood-hit East Devon & Exeter underwater as rivers burst their banks across the region. Whilst we were struggling to cope, the question was also being asked: How is the flooding affecting our river wildlife?
Looking beyond the immediate impacts from these events and how we might protect both people and nature, we are now asking more fundamental questions around giving England’s rivers legal rights.
This debate has now come to our own waters, with the decision in East Devon to recognise the rights of rivers – as reported by the area’s Local Democracy Reporter, Bradley Gerrard:
A bid to better protect a Devon district’s rivers has secured unanimous backing and made the council behind it at the forefront of such efforts.
The decision means that greater focus will be put on considering rivers as a crucial factor in a range of council decisions, ultimately recognising the “intrinsic ecological value” of all rivers and streams.
It also embedded a commitment to work with various agencies and to lobby government via local MPs on the issue, which could include calls for better environmental protections via beefed-up statutes or new laws.
The move makes East Devon District Council only the 12th council nationally to recognise the “rights of rivers”, essentially considering them as a legal entity with rights.
As the council’s press release says, councillors have pledged to recognise and protect the rights of rivers in East Devon
“Our rivers are fundamental to the character, wildlife and wellbeing of East Devon. This pledge reflects the strength of feeling across the council and our communities that rivers must be better protected for current and future generations. Recognising the rights of rivers is about working together – locally and across Devon – and turning our shared commitment into meaningful action,” said Councillor Paula Fernley, Assistant Portfolio Holder for Environment Operations.
With a lot of support coming from the wider public in East Devon on social media:
East Devon is standing up for its rivers… – East Devon District Council | Facebook
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