RONSUS - Rights of Nature and sustainable development - Jagiellonian University

Why RONSUS?

Proponents of the Rights of Nature concept (RoN) argue that nature is not merely a resource or an aspect of our surroundings, but a value in itself – a being which should be treated as a subject of law. According to them, this approach would provide a better standard of protection of nature. But is it feasible, and can it be reconciled with other rights? How does it interact with other concepts, such as the Sustainable Development Goals adopted in UN's Agenda 2030?

We look at the concept of Rights of Nature through the lens of sustainability (SUS), to assess the adequacy, indispensability, and practicability of RoN. In doing so, we examine legal issues from an interdisciplinary perspective – and vice versa. The RoN-focused research is supplemented by projects and events related to sustainability in the broader sense.

This website will serve as a source of information about our research and the ways we interact with the society. Feel free to reach out to us at sustainability@uj.edu.pl!

Content

News

Discussion on Rights of Nature at Universidad San Francisco de Quito

As part of a research visit to Ecuador, Piotr Szwedo delivered a work-in-progress presentation at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (11 July 2025).

11.07.2025

Read More o Discussion on Rights of Nature at Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Call for papers

Studia Iuridica invites submissions for its upcoming special issue (No. 108 or 109), focusing on the legal and theoretical dimensions of recognizing nature as a subject of law. The issue will explore questions around legal personhood, the subjectivity of environmental entities, and comparative perspectives on legislative practices worldwide.

15.01.2025

Read More o Call for papers

Research trip to New Zealand and the Cook Islands

Thanks to funding from the National Science Centre, Poland, our PI participated in a research trip to New Zealand and the Cook Islands earlier this year. He had the opportunity to exchange thoughts with several local actors and stakeholders.

12.02.2024

Read More o Research trip to New Zealand and the Cook Islands