Why Does Paris Want to Give the River Seine Legal Rights?

French authorities are pushing to give the River Seine legal rights—a move they hope will strengthen efforts to protect its delicate ecosystem. The proposal, backed by Paris’s local government, aims to recognize the river as a legal entity with its own rights, including the ability to defend itself in court.

French authorities are pushing to give the River Seine legal rights—a move they hope will strengthen efforts to protect its delicate ecosystem. The proposal, backed by Paris’s local government, aims to recognize the river as a legal entity with its own rights, including the ability to defend itself in court.

The Paris City Council officially adopted a resolution on Wednesday, calling on the national parliament to pass a law that would grant legal personhood to the Seine. If passed, this would allow an independent authority to legally represent the river and act on its behalf in cases of environmental harm.

“The Seine Must Be Able to Defend Itself”

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo made it clear that this move is about giving the river a voice.
“The Seine must be able to defend itself, as a subject of law and not as an object, because it will always be under attack,” she said.

For years, environmentalists have been calling for stronger protections for nature. One approach gaining popularity globally is granting rivers, forests, and other natural areas legal personhood—essentially treating them as living beings under the law.

Global Examples of Nature Gaining Legal Personhood

Paris is not the first to consider this kind of legal shift. In fact, the movement has been spreading around the world:

• In 2017, New Zealand recognized the Whanganui River, which is sacred to the Māori people, as a living entity under the law. This decision was praised for combining traditional beliefs with modern legal tools.

• In 2022, Spain gave personhood status to the Mar Menor, a large saltwater lagoon, in an effort to better protect its environment.

These cases inspired conservation groups in France, who now hope the Seine can become part of this growing global trend.

Citizens’ Convention Calls for the Seine’s Legal Rights

The Paris City Council’s resolution is based on findings from a citizens’ convention held earlier this year between March and May. Fifty randomly selected citizens came together to discuss the future of the Seine. Their main proposal: give the river basic rights.

Among the rights they suggested were “the right to exist, to flow and to regenerate.” The group stressed that no one should claim ownership of the river and that protecting life in and around the Seine should always come first.

Signs of Improvement, But Challenges Remain

There’s no doubt that the Seine is showing signs of recovery. Back in 1970, only four species of fish were found in its waters. Today, that number has jumped to around 40 species—a sign of better water quality and a more balanced ecosystem.

This progress didn’t happen overnight. In preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, French authorities invested around $1.5 billion to clean up the Seine. The 777-kilometre-long river, which flows through Paris and past famous sites like the Louvre and Notre Dame, has been the focus of a massive environmental effort.

Pollution, Climate, and Agricultural Threats Still Linger

Despite the improvements, the river is still under threat. The convention raised concerns about pollution, rising water temperatures, and chemical runoff from agriculture, especially pesticides. These issues continue to endanger the health of the river and its biodiversity.

There’s also concern about the upcoming plans to open parts of the Seine for public swimming. Starting July 5, just ahead of the Olympics, the public will be allowed to swim at three designated spots. While this is a milestone—fulfilling a major promise made by city officials—experts warn that swimming could introduce “additional risks” to the river’s recovery.

Whether or not the French Parliament will approve the legal personhood status remains to be seen. But if the law passes, it would mark a major shift in how France—and possibly other countries—treats nature.

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