The article discusses the alarming condition of rivers in modern society, emphasizing that they are often seen solely as resources rather than vital ecosystems. It highlights the impact of pollution, regulation failure, and a lack of respect for the life force rivers represent. While rivers deteriorate, the narrative surrounding them has become privatized, leading to a crisis of imagination regarding our responsibility towards them. The author calls for a reconsideration of our relationship with rivers, advocating for their recognition as entities deserving rights and protection in our legal systems.
A dying river is one who does not reach the sea. A dying river's fish float belly-up in stagnant pools.
We have forgotten that our fate flows with that of rivers, and always has. Our relationship with fresh water has become intensely instrumentalised, privatised and monetised.
It is unremarkable that a company registered yesterday is, in the eyes of the law, an entity with legal standing and a suite of rights, including the right to sue - but that a river who has flowed for 10,000 years has no rights at all.
The crisis is one of imagination as well as of legislation.
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