Environmental advocates from 16 countries in the Asia-Pacific region gathered at Mount Purro Nature Reserve (MPNR) in Rizal, Philippines, for a three-day assembly to formally launch the Asia-Pacific Hub for the Rights of Nature (RoN) movement.
Held from April 27 to 29, the event brought together 73 delegates from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the Philippines. It marked a significant milestone in expanding the movement’s reach to over 60 countries in the region.
The gathering opened with an Earth-honoring ritual recognizing the sacredness of creation and the venue. Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Chairperson of the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI), welcomed the participants with a call for ecological justice.
“We are here to restore justice for all of creation, as we also mourn the death of Pope Francis, a global champion for nature,” he said. “We may be diverse, but we have a shared dedication to come together… Systems have failed to protect nature and have enabled the exploitation of it. We are here to strengthen the Rights of Nature movement and especially its Asia Pacific Hub, as one of the most vulnerable to ecological collapse.”
Natalia Greene, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN), delivered the keynote address. Greene, who hails from Ecuador—the first country to recognize nature’s rights in its constitution—urged legal reforms rooted in ecological consciousness.
“This family has grown a lot, and I am extremely happy that this is happening in the Asia-Pacific because the idea is that this will allow us to get together… To bring people who are thinking that this separation [between humans and nature] doesn’t make sense, and that we need to change our legal structures to include the rights of nature,” she said.
Throughout the event, delegates shared their respective country experiences, highlighting grassroots efforts, achievements, and the unique challenges they face in advancing RoN principles. In-depth discussions led to a collective affirmation of the need for stronger regional collaboration.
The assembly concluded with the adoption of a joint statement committing to defend the rights of Mother Earth. “We sincerely pledge that we will collaborate and work together with institutions, communities, and individuals committed to the Rights of Nature, building on the success stories that the members have achieved so far in formal and informal regimes as appropriate,” the statement read.
On the final day, participants trekked through Tinipak River, visiting sacred Dumagat sites, including a cave used by ancestors during disasters—areas under threat from the proposed Kaliwa Dam project.
A dialogue with indigenous women leaders from Kababaihang Dumagat ng Sierra Madre (KGat) deepened the participants’ resolve. “You need equipment to fight, and that equipment is information. Have courage and don’t feel hopeless on this,” one Dumagat woman told the group.
PMPI National Coordinator Yoly Esguerra urged delegates to stay committed. “Let’s transform society. Rights of Nature is a call to a radical transformation. Let’s make a revolution—but one carried out with joy, even as we take on the hard but vital work that lies ahead.”
