Berkeley to Vote on Rights of Nature Resolution-3/29/2021
Interview with the Sponsor: Former City Councilmember Cheryl Davila
On Tuesday, March 30, the City Council of Berkeley, California, will consider a resolution recognizing the rights of nature. That Resolution would recognize the City’s commitment to act in ways that respect that the “natural living world has a right to exist, thrive, regenerate and evolve its life cycles.”
Former City Councilmember Cheryl Davila sponsored the resolution, and CDER interviewed her recently to uncover the genesis of the resolution and next steps toward the adoption of local laws in California that create legally enforceable rights of nature and ecosystems.
CDER: What was the genesis of the idea for the resolution?
Former Councilmember Davila: This idea began as being open and willing to listen and honor the requests of the community. In 2017, indigenous leaders approached me to support the Canoe Journey of 2019 (an indigenous-led canoe procession commemorating the 50th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz), and that led to a meeting in which we discussed recognizing the rights of nature. Open doors lead to other doors opening. I’m grateful and thankful that my term led to the City of Berkeley changing their City limits signs to “Welcome to the City of Berkeley Ohlone Territory” in 2018, and I now hope that the Council will recognize the rights of nature.
CDER: What would the resolution do?
Former Councilmember Davila: Through the resolution, the City of Berkeley would recognize the rights of our local ecosystems to exist, flourish, and generate their natural capacities. Recognizing these rights places obligations on the City to live within, not above, the natural world – of which we are only one part – and to protect and replenish the ecosystems upon which our mutual well-being depends. In essence, it is necessary to transform our human relationship with nature from property-based to a legal rights-bearing entity. Although this is not an ordinance, it’s a start and incentive for others to follow.
CDER: Do you see other steps to implement the resolution in the future?
Former Councilmember Davila: When and if the City of Berkeley passes this resolution, we can push other cities to follow their lead utilizing a more binding resolution to recognize the rights of nature specific to their community.
CDER: If people want to support the passage of the Berkeley resolution, how would they do that?
Former Councilmember Davila: They can do two things – first, e-mail the City Council and urge them to place the resolution (Item #31) on the “consent calendar” and pass the resolution “as is,” by e-mailing council@cityofberkeley.info.
Second, you can speak live in support of the Resolution by using this zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81872119058 for the meeting which will begin at 6:00 p.m. (Pacific) on Tuesday, March 30th. You can also submit a written comment by e-mail which will be read aloud during the public comment period by e-mailing clerk@cityofberkeley.info. Again, your e-mail should ask for the passage of Item #31 (the rights of nature resolution) “as is.”