The Rights of Nature movement is gaining traction across the globe: more than 200 laws and policies in over 40 countries already recognize the inherent rights of rivers, forests, mountains, and ecosystems to exist and thrive.
Motion 055 brings this vision to Antarctica — ensuring it is seen not just as a resource or backdrop, but as a living system with the right to continue evolving.
What Motion 055 calls for
If adopted at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, this motion will:
🔹 Recognize the inherent rights of Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, and Antarctic beings to exist, be wild, and evolve.
🔹 Establish legal representation of Antarctica in forums where decisions affect its well-being.
🔹 Advance a Declaration of the Rights of Antarctica, alongside clear human duties to respect and protect it.
🔹 Ensure accountability through biennial reporting to IUCN Members on progress.
Alignment with global commitments
Motion 055 strengthens delivery of the 2030 Agenda and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while reinforcing the Antarctic Environmental Protocol’s recognition of Antarctica’s intrinsic value. It builds on past IUCN resolutions on Antarctica, fisheries, protected areas, and Rights of Nature.
A voice for Antarctica
Antarctica cannot represent itself. This motion seeks to ensure that its voice is heard — in governance, conservation, and decision-making spaces crucial to its survival and the stability of our planet.
How you can support
IUCN Members: Vote for and support Motion 055.
Governments & stakeholders: Endorse and join the Alliance for the Rights of Antarctica.
Civil society: Stand with us to recognize and defend the inherent rights of the Earth’s last great wilderness.
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