A Saanich, B.C., councillor put forward a motion this week for the municipality to implement the Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Tree.
Its three main core articles state that trees are living beings and a common human good, that life on Earth depends on their existence, and that humans must act in “fraternity and solidarity” with them.
It recognizes that trees must be considered subjects of law when council makes development and zoning decisions.
A small town west of Montreal adopted the motion in June, officially recognizing trees as living beings with rights of their own.
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Saanich councillor Nathalie Chambers put forward the motion, which was voted down, but she said she is pledging to raise it again if she is re-elected this fall.
“We are a biodiversity hotspot within the province of British Columbia with the highest amount of endangered species,” she said.
“So we have every reason to consider our trees as a very important asset.”
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Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said the idea of the motion was supported.
“I think all of us felt like the concept was a good one, but it was not at all clear what would be involved and what the implications are of bestowing those rights on a tree,” he said.
–with files from The Canadian Press
Rights for trees, but none for unborn babies, who can be killed at any point for any reason or none.
We are going to loose , potentially up to 60 percent of city canopy trees due to a 30 year drought, and this year’s el nino, which may cause the draught now, to run into winter. If you love trees, pour a bucket of water on the roots once a week to keep them alive until winter. ( if you have water ).
When they do damage do the rights protect them, I for one would not want a large tree in my space
You’ve got to be kidding. Could you get anymore ridiculous?
So many more important issues and problems to be addressing.