New Zealand wants to equate whales with humans to save them from extinction

King Tuheitia Potatau Te Ferofero VII of the New Zealand indigenous Maori people advocated granting whales the same rights as humans. The historic declaration, drawn up by Polynesian community leaders, aims to protect these vulnerable mammals and save the species from extinction.

The document, called the "Declaration of the Sea", contains a call to recognize whales as individuals and grant them legal personality. "The sound of our ancestor's song has become weaker, and her habitat has been threatened, so we must act," said the Maori elder.

According to him, majestic marine mammals must be granted inalienable human rights, such as the right to a healthy environment, to ensure that their populations can be restored. In addition, the Declaration of the Sea speaks of the need to grant whales the right to free movement and expression of their unique culture. In order to implement the tasks set, it is proposed, in particular, to create protected marine reserves.

New Zealand has previously passed laws granting legal status to natural features such as rivers and mountains. Located on the North Island of New Zealand, the Taranaki volcano and the Wanganui River are considered by the Maori to be their ancestors. Therefore, these objects, which have great spiritual significance for the indigenous peoples of New Zealand, were granted personality status in 2017. Subsequently, this made it possible to cancel or slow down some infrastructure projects in these areas that could harm natural sites.