We need to join forces and keep up the momentum

Every autumn, Trouw publishes the ‘Sustainable 100’, a list of 100 organisations that have distinguished themselves through their commitment to a sustainable future. In 2024, Stichting Rechten voor de Natuur was in 1st place. A good reason to have a chat with alumnus Keelin O' Connor (Biology, 1995), who chairs the foundation board.

What does the Rights of Nature Foundation do?

Our ultimate mission is for nature to be included as a legal entity in the Dutch constitution, so that its rights can be defended and protected in the same way as with a human being. Currently, while some large multinationals have legal entity status, nature does not. This is striking, as we are all part of nature. Nature is not something that exists outside us. A legal change like this will not be  easy to implement; the process will take many years. We are now working mainly on the path towards it, creating public support and mobilising a citizen movement. Stichting Rechten van de Natuur has been in existence for less than a year. Thankfully, we don't have to start from scratch; several people and organisations  have been working on rights for nature for years. For example,  Tineke Lambooy (Professor of Business Law, Nyenrode) who is researching the growing appeal for rights for mountains, forests or rivers. And Jan van de Venis, who promotes human rights in relation to the environment and climate change. There is an Embassy for the North Sea and there are rights for nature initiatives in  Limburg, for the Wadden Sea and the river Maas. Our foundation does not focus on just one nature area, locally, regionally or even nationally. Our task is overarching. We aim to be a supporting, connecting body and interlocutor for governments and citizens, whom we can help give a voice and, in time, legal rights to the landscape they live in.

How did you celebrate the foundation being ranked 1st in the Trouw Sustainable 100?

Actually, we haven't done that yet. We all feel the enormous responsibility that now rests upon us. Within a very short time we have been rewarded with a top prize, which is wonderful. We have to keep that momentum while meeting the huge expectations that winning the award has raised. We went very quickly from ‘Oh, this is fantastic!’ to ‘So what now? We have to listen carefully to all the people who have been working on rights for nature for years and learn from all they have done and achieved. This is the time to join forces.

Do you notice any difference after the award, as an organisation?

We have received a lot of positive feedback and attention to the cause, and many new followers on social media and newsletter sign-ups. At the same time, we are aware that not everyone shares our views. It is important to listen to the voices asking ‘Why rights for nature? We can't even guarantee the rights of all people yet'. These are important questions and it is our responsibility to open and lead the discussion. Rights for all people, including women and children, rights for animals: in all these areas, we are far from finished. Processes likes these take a long time, are never really finished but are in need of constant attention. The fact that these very important goals have not yet been fully achieved should not stop us from starting additional initiatives  and breaking new ground.

Working to connect people and nature is in my blood.

Why did you want to join the foundation's board?        

Until 2023, I was director of NatuurWijs, a foundation for nature education for children, linked to Staatsbosbeheer, and although I have reached retirement age, I am not really ready to retire yet.
Working to connect  people and nature is in my blood. I met Jessica (den Outer, Director Rechten van de Natuur) at a meeting and I was so impressed by her. We felt a connection and kept in touch. She convinced me of the importance of rights for nature. When she called and asked if I wanted to become board chair of the foundation, I immediately said yes. It is a wonderful club of committed young people with enormous energy and concern for the earth. Commendable. In my own children, I also see that awareness reflected in every choice they make, constantly asking themselves how they can contribute to a better world.

What was your dream as a student?

My dream was to graduate. After studying Medical Laboratory Science in Ireland and several years of development work in Lesotho, Southern Africa, I ended up in the Netherlands. I was eager to continue my studies here. As a 32-year-old part-time Biology student and mother of a three year old, I was back in the classroom with young students. During that period, I also had two more children. I studied developmental biology for my masters and got a fantastic offer to do my graduation research at the Hubrecht Institute. But that meant I had to be prepared to work late on experiments and I was pregnant. My study mentor in Biology, who was a great support, kudos to the university, asked ‘what do you want most?’ And I said ‘to graduate’. Being pragmatic, I switched to Didactics of Biology. An incredibly interesting field, which turned out to suit me. I am very glad I had to reinvent myself at that point. And I succeeded, graduating just before the age of 40, with two babies and a nine-year-old. All three have now completed studies at Utrecht University. And I am busier than ever. My work for the foundation is so interesting and I enjoy mentoring young people immensely. I still take responsibility for my natural environment.