Under the current system of law in almost every country, nature is considered to be property. Something that is considered property confers upon the property owner the right to damage or destroy it. Thus, those who “own” wetlands, forestland, and other ecosystems and natural communities, are largely permitted to use them however they wish, even if that includes destroying the health and wellbeing of nature. 

Rights of Nature would recognize that ecosystems and natural communities are not merely property that can be owned. Rather, they are entities that have an independent and inalienable right to exist and flourish. 

Laws recognizing the Rights of Nature change the status of ecosystems and natural communities to be recognized and rights-bearing entities.