Rights of Nature: The current state and potential of implementation of an ecocentric environmental management approach in an anthropocentric society. A comparative case study of the Atrato River in Colombia and the Whanganui River in New Zealand

Abstract: This thesis exists within the debate of sustainable environmental management, examining the potential of rights of nature in overcoming problems caused by the current neoliberal conservation paradigm such as inequalities in power, lack in indigenous inclusion, as well as using contextually inappropriate approaches. In examining this a qualitative comparative case study research design is applied on the cases of the Atrato River in Colombia and the Whanganui River in New Zealand. The cases examined show notable inclusion of indigenous populations, with limited obvious discrepancies in power. Both legislations are scientifically supported and developed in a seemingly contextually appropriate manner with incorporations of indigenous knowledge and traditions. It is concluded that RoN could have great potential in developing appropriate and effective environmental protection, but its success is dependent upon the adequate definition of the scope of rights, as well as the means of enforcement in practice.