In New Caledonia, turtles and sharks have become the first animal species to be granted rights. Like humans, they will now be able to be represented in court.
Formed by an archipelago of four islands and part of the province of New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands have passed a law granting legal rights to turtles and sharks. Since June 29, these species have enjoyed unprecedented protection and can now be defended in court. They will be represented by a spokesperson, who may be an approved association, a local legal group, or even the Loyalty Islands province itself.
The aim of this new law is to protect these species, which are very important in Kanak culture, from anthropogenic threats. Victor David, a researcher in environmental law at the IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement), comments: "The criminal penalty for violating their rights is modeled on the crime of ecocide introduced at the national level in 2021." Stemming from the articulation of French law and Kanak customary law, this measure constitutes a new step forward in the right of nature to be protected.
