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The Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
‘If the reef had a voice, it would sing': could legal personhood help the Great Barrier Reef?
While patrolling the Great Barrier Reef, Gary Singleton was struck by an eerie stillness. The Coral Sea lay flat as glass beneath a heavy, windless sky. The heat was stifling, the water a little too warm. 'It was beautiful,' he says. 'But I remember thinking, 'I feel sorry for the reef.'' That moment stayed with him. A Yirrganydji traditional owner and land and sea manager in the Cairns-Port Douglas region, Singleton has spent more than 12 years working to protect the reef – as warming seas, sediment runoff, pollution and overfishing steadily erode its resilience. Just this week a report found a record drop in live coral in two out of three sections of the reef, prompting warnings that a tipping point for the ecosystem's future is approaching. 'My biggest fear is that we'll lose everything,' says Singleton, whose father, Gavin Singleton Sr, was also a sea ranger. 'It's a big part of our identity. We don't just think of the Great Barrier Reef as coral, we think of it as an entire system. A living thing.' As traditional owners like Singleton witness the reef's decline first-hand, some are beginning to ask a deeper question: what if the reef had the same legal rights as a person? Around the world, rivers, forests and mountains have been recognised as legal entities under a growing legal movement known as the 'rights of nature'. In the case of the Great Barrier Reef, the rights of nature model could recognise the world's largest coral system as a legal person: an entity capable of holding rights and having those rights defended in court. 'I've been quite interested in the concept of recognising the reef as its own living entity,' Singleton says. 'Like New Zealand, with some of the rivers and mountains being given[legal personhood] status. 'It's about separating the politics and all that outside noise and really giving the reef the respect it deserves as its own entity, its own being.' According to Dr Michelle Maloney, a lawyer and co-founder of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance, rights of nature laws could profoundly improve Australia's environmental governance system. 'Australian law, like most western legal systems, treats nature as human property: a collection of objects to be used, exploited or protected,' she says. 'In contrast, Aboriginal legal systems, some of the oldest continuous legal systems in the world, have always seen nature as alive. We have a lot to learn from Aboriginal law.' Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads Rights of nature encompasses different approaches to trying to extend new rights or protections to nature, through granting ecosystems or natural objects status as legal persons or living entities. Legal personhood is a legal construct that grants legal rights to entities. Living entity is a term that recognises something is in fact alive, not just an object, but being granted this status doesn't create a legal right. Maloney believes that granting the reef legal personhood could be relatively straightforward, if the political will were there. 'In theory, the government could pass a law that says the Great Barrier Reef is a legal entity and has rights to exist, thrive, evolve and continue its vital cycles,' she says 'And there are a number of different ways such a law could be implemented.' Under one model, guardians – including traditional owners and other stakeholders – would be appointed to act on the reef's behalf. 'It would mean a process that made sure all of the different First Nations people up and down the reef system could be guardians for their land and sea country.' she says. Maloney says this systemic change isn't just a tool for symbolism but for action: 'Let's say a container ship leaked oil. The reef's guardians could sue the company for damages on behalf of the reef. Guardians could also have a stronger voice in future planning to reduce activities that damage the reef.' The legal personhood model appeals to Victor Bulma, a Mandingalbay Yidinji man and marine park inspector who lives in Yarrabah, just south of Cairns. 'I would definitely support it,' he says. 'It is a great idea to give us some sort of rights and stuff. But yeah, that'd be a big hill to climb.' He has witnessed significant changes to the reef over his lifetime. But it's the changes to the coral he finds most alarming. 'Back when I was younger the reef was very, very colourful,' he says. 'It was paradise. Global warming plays a big part in the damage of it. Some parts of the reef are just grey.' Maloney believes legal personhood could give guardians like Bulma greater power to defend the reef from climate change. 'It's not just the elephant in the room, it's the elephant starting to crush us all,' she says. 'And we have a government that refuses to take it seriously and denies any duty of care.' She points to the federal court ruling in the Pabai case, which found the government has no duty of care to Torres Strait Islanders on climate change, as evidence of the system's failure. 'I'd like to think legal personhood would change things for the better. Because if the law says its guardians have a right to do all they can to protect the reef, then they should be able to force real change.' Internationally, the rights of nature movement is gaining momentum. Ecuador became the first country to enshrine the rights of nature in its constitution in 2008; since then, dozens of successful court cases have been brought on behalf of ecosystems. In Australia, Victoria passed legislation in 2017 recognising the Yarra River as a living entity, acknowledging its ecological value and cultural significance to the Wurundjeri people. Sign up to Five Great Reads Each week our editors select five of the most interesting, entertaining and thoughtful reads published by Guardian Australia and our international colleagues. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Saturday morning after newsletter promotion While New Zealand's Whanganui River was granted legal personhood as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement, the path is more complex in Australia. 'There are no treaties between First Nations people and the British or Australian governments, and Aboriginal people have fewer triggers in the law to insist on their rights,' Maloney says. 'That makes it a little harder. Not impossible, but harder.' For Singleton, who spends his days restoring coral and seagrass, monitoring marine life and planting trees along the coastline, the need to protect the reef is undeniable. 'The thing is, the reef's threats are cumulative … you can't single out one thing,' he says. 'The entire ecosystem needs protecting. Our elders have always seen the reef holistically.' He hopes the concept of legal personhood can help reframe public thinking, not just about damage, but about responsibility. 'As people, we are benefiting from the reef – socially, economically and culturally,' he says. 'But how does the reef benefit?' This year Singleton and Bulma joined a campaign to nominate the Great Barrier Reef for a UN lifetime achievement award; the first time a non-human entity has been put forward. The honour has previously recognised individuals such as Sir David Attenborough. In July the reef received a less celebratory distinction: the UN warned it could soon be added to the world heritage 'in danger' list, citing mounting threats from climate change and pollution. The Australian government has until early 2026 to show progress – or risk the reef's heritage status being downgraded. Singleton admits he initially questioned the intent behind the UN nomination. 'I did hear a comment somewhere about whether this was a media stunt,' he says. 'But I do think there is some genuine respect in there. It would be good to have more people speaking across the whole reef, to strengthen that voice.' That voice, he says, has always existed, if only we would listen. 'In our language, we call the reef Yurrbinji, which means 'song'. I've always thought, if the reef had a voice, it would sing.' Bulma shares that hope, especially for future generations. 'It's for our kids and grandkids. We've got to protect the reef, so they can see what we saw and feel that same connection.' 'We need to put this more on a global level,' he adds. 'I'll cross my fingers for that.'
West Australian
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
What's On: Your guide to events around Albany and the Great Southern, July 10-16
From the Albany International Folk 'n Shanty Festival to creative school holiday workshops, here's your guide to the week ahead in the Great Southern. THURSDAY Art After Dark , Vancouver Arts Centre, 5pm Albany Storylines Session , Albany Public Library, 5pm FRIDAY Albany Orchid Society Coffee Meet Up , Zhivago Cafe, 10am Coral Reef Sculpture School Holiday Workshop , Museum of the Great Southern, 10.30am Seasong and Shanty , Albany's Historic Whaling Station, 1pm RnB Soul Train , Wilson's Brewery Bar, 5pm Musical Mutiny Concert , Albany Town Hall, 7.30pm SATURDAY Folk 'n Shanty Fayre , Albany Town Square, 9am CWA Monthly Market , Albany CWA Hall, 9am Folk 'n Shanty Kids , Albany Public Library, 10am Found and Framed Creative Workshop , Albany's Historic Whaling Station, 10am Winter Warmers Cooking Class , Kirby's Atelier de Cuisine, 3pm Roaring 20s Murder Mystery Night , Elleker General Store and Tavern, 6pm Highland Thunder Concert , Albany Town Hall, 6.30pm SUNDAY Folk 'n Shanty Tug of War , Boatshed Markets, 9am The Captain's Cut Concert , Wilson's Brewery Bar, 1.30pm MONDAY Due South Surfing Academy Youth Surf Lessons , Middleton Beach, 9am Connect: Creative Ground Workshop , Albany Entertainment Centre, 9.30am TUESDAY Luminous Landscapes Art Workshop , Vancouver Arts Centre, 9am WEDNESDAY Mini Ocean Explorer School Holiday Workshop , Museum of the Great Southern, 10.30am Planning something? Let us know! Send details of your event to greatsouthern@
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida Condo Owners Given Unique Opportunity To ‘Swap' Their Unit for House Down Payment Amid State's ‘Condo Crisis'
Florida condo owners are battling a wave of housing issues, including rising HOA fees and skyrocketing insurance costs, with little to no relief from government officials. But Phil Thompson, owner of a luxury custom homebuilder and home-renovation company, is hoping to quell the concerns of millions of condo owners in the Sunshine State with an innovative housing solution. In a swap that seems too good to be true, Thompson is offering to take condos out of the hands of frustrated Floridians and use their value as a down payment for a home under his own company, Coral Reef General Contracting in Fort Pierce. 'As far as the rules of condos, we're entertaining every offer from sellers,' Thompson tells Despite a general shift toward single-family homes in Florida, real estate agents still have a vested interest in condos, which serve a clientele who prefer their convenience, lower maintenance, or specific lifestyles. The median list price of Florida homes in May was $439,999, and condo ownership has become less affordable, particularly for those on fixed incomes in Florida, and many are looking for a way out. In what Thompson claims is a first-of-its-kind 'condo-swap' in Florida, he says he's not worried if a condo appears battered, broken, or run down. With prior experience working with New York City's high-rises, he assures Florida owners that the sky's the limit when it comes to taking in a less-than-perfect condo. 'We'll take a look from the best to the worst conditions,' says Thompson. 'We're not adverse to taking condominiums that have structural problems. I'm not concerned with that because of my structural experience from Manhattan.' Thompson sympathizes with condo owners in Florida who are scrambling to sell their property and saw an opportunity to aid those looking to level up their housing situation. 'So we're not worried about any of these problems,' he adds. 'They're all fixable. Our main concern is to get our buyers here and take the burden off our buyers' backs and make it a nice, transparent, smooth transaction for them.' Coral Reef is offering housing options on South Hutchinson Island that range from $1,500,000 to $3,000,000—depending on the property's proximity to the coastline and other amenities. Thompson says the incentive to ditch an old condo has drummed up enough marketing by itself. Despite a small loss here and there, Thompson is satisfied with the program and its impact. 'On a case-by-case basis, I may lose a few dollars on the condo, but the fact is that we bring our buyer from a negative situation into a positive situation. And it's all about word of mouth—that's how you grow, and that's how you make it in this business,' he adds. In April, both chambers of the Florida Legislature voted unanimously to pass House Bill 913, addressing endless complaints over the rising fees for condominium owners, despite pushback from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Essentially, the bill would aid condominium associations in setting up credit lines and investing funds that would contribute to necessary building repairs instead of immediately looking to owners for the money. 'You had people that were going to be forced out of their condos potentially because of legislation that had come down the pipe,' DeSantis said during a May 20 appearance in Tampa, referencing recent safety laws, as reported by NBC Miami. Condo reform laws continue after a devastating collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo in Surfside in 2021, which killed 98 people. After the incident, there was a massive effort to improve safety conditions regarding condos over 30 years of age and three stories tall. The new safety laws called for 'milestone' inspections and sought to invest in reserve funds for repairs and maintenance. Lawmakers such as state Rep. Vicki Lopez (R-Miami) have backed the bill, claiming it balances the need for structural safety with financial flexibility, particularly in the context of the rising costs of repairs and insurance for Florida condos, as reported by the Florida Phoenix. 'This incredible bill addressing the condominium crisis we have all heard about for the last year gives a lot of financial relief,' Lopez says. The bill also introduces electronic voting, making it easier for condo owners to participate in decisions, which could be DeSantis' main point of objection. Despite some reservations, Florida lawmakers are confident that the governor will sign the bill, as he's spoken about the condo issue on several occasions in the past couple of months. 'We have this condo issue, that legislation that caused these crushing assessments,' DeSantis said during a press conference in Fruitland Park. 'We know people need relief from that. We've got to do it. The Senate's got a great product that can do it.' HB 913 has been sent to the governor's desk for his signature. Once signed, the bill goes into effect on July 1. 'Captain America' Star Chris Evans Puts L.A. Home on the Market for $7 Million as He Quits California To Move Back to East Coast Inside NBC 'Nightly News' Host Lester Holt's Property Portfolio as He Steps Down After a Decade Billy Joel Relists 14-Acre Main Portion of His Long Island Estate for $29.9 Million
Leaders
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia, China Foster Environmental Cooperation in Beijing
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley has discussed the bilateral cooperation with China's Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The meeting was an integral part of Alfadley's official visit to Beijing from May 12 to 14, to foster environmental relations between both countries. The visit sought basically to explore new opportunities for cooperation in environmental sustainability. During their meeting, both officials shared prospects for bilateral coordination in various areas such as environmental protection, pollution reduction technologies and ecosystem restoration. For the sake of an environmental partnership based on innovation and integration, both ministers exchanged expertise in sustainable environmental management. In this regard, Alfadley noted that the world is facing escalated environmental challenges. Therefore, it has become necessary to join forces and cooperate to achieve the goals of sustainable development. For example, Saudi Arabia has adopted a number of local, regional and international initiatives, including the following ones: Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to rehabilitate (40) million hectares of land and reach zero carbon neutrality by 2060. Green Middle East Initiative, which seeks to rehabilitate (200) million hectares of land in Asia and Africa. Riyadh Global Drought Preparedness Partnership Land and Coral Reef under the G20 umbrella All these initiatives align with a strategic vision designed to boost environmental sustainability and address environmental challenges. Related Topics: Jeddah's Coral Reefs Shine at Biennale Environmental Dialogue COP16 Darah Highlights Environmental Preservation Efforts Environmental Experts Highlight Saudi Initiatives at FAO Event Short link : Post Views: 21 Related Stories
Miami Herald
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Nationally-ranked Doral Academy softball team moves closer to state final four
Doral Academy's softball team has taken things to a higher level this season. The Firebirds are 28-1 following Tuesday's 10-0 mercy-rule win at home over Coconut Creek Monarch in a Region 4-6A semifinal. They are ranked No. 4 nationally by MaxPreps. And just how dominant have they been this postseason? Since the district playoffs began, Doral has even allowed a hit. Senior Meagan Villazon, who stepped up and became the team's ace in the pitching circle this season, pitched her fifth no-hitter in a start of four or more innings this season on Tuesday, striking out 10 of the 15 batters she faced. She also hit a two-run double to help Doral break open a close game with five runs in the third and three more in the fourth. Alondra Aldebol-Borrero went 3 for 3 with a triple and an RBI while Anabela Abdullah went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBI. Sarah Breaux went 2 for 2 with a home run, a triple and an RBI. On Thursday, the Firebirds will next host the winner of the South Plantation-West Boca Raton semifinal which will be played on Wednesday night, in the Region 4-6A final at Doral. MORE RESULTS ▪ Region 4-2A semifinal - Westminster Christian 9, Oxbridge Academy 8: The Warriors (19-7-1) rallied from an 8-1 deficit after five innings to keep their season alive and advance to the region final. Gigi Khoury led the comeback, finishing with a home run, two doubles and six RBI. Mya Rodgers also had a two-run double and Jasmine Armenteros went 2 for 4 with an RBI. Westminster Christian will next host Florida Christian on Thursday in the Region 4-2A final. ▪ Region 4-2A semifinal - Florida Christian 4, Fort Pierce John Carroll 3 (10): Sienna Gillen pitched all 10 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out nine to lead the Patriots (19-8). Kianny Gil had two RBI and Shaun Fernandez had two hits. ▪ Region 4-5A semifinal - St. Thomas Aquinas 8, Pembroke Pines Charter 7: The Raiders (15-12) hung on for the win at home and will host Stuart South Fork on Thursday night in the regional final. Yenisett Yescas finished with five RBI for Pines Charter (12-15) and hit a bases-clearing double with one out in seventh to cut Aquinas' lead to 8-7. But the Jaguars were unable to drive Yescas home as the rally fell short. ▪ Region 4-7A semifinal - Western 3, Lake Worth Park Vista 0: Ali Solo gave up four hits over seven shutout innings, striking out five and walking one to lead the Wildcats (19-5-1). Analie Diaz hit a two-run home run and Katarina Kuma had an RBI. ▪ Region 4-7A semifinal - West Broward 11, Coral Reef 1 (6): Alivia Artanis went 2 for 4 with four RBI and Natalia Solorzano hit a three-run home run to lead the Bobcats (18-7) to the mercy-rule win over the top-seeded Barracudas (20-7) on Tuesday at Coral Reef. Ava DiFato and Victoria Carmona each had two hits and scored three runs for West Broward. DiFato also had two stolen bases. Sierra Johnson and Brianna Fields each hit doubles and Marley Blanco went 1 for 2 for Coral Reef. Sophomore Cheyanne Chaffin gave up one run in six innings, struck out six and walked three. The Bobcats will next face defending state champion Western on Thursday in the regional final. ▪ Region 4-4A semifinal - American Heritage 6, Somerset Academy 5 ▪ Region 4-4A semifinal - Key West 2, Archbishop McCarthy 1 ▪ Region 4-3A semifinal - Coral Springs Charter 12, St. Brendan 0 (5): Gio Gurgel went 2 for 2 with a home run and five RBI to lead the Panthers (23-3) over the Sabres (15-12). Mia Rodriguez and Addi Brown each had two RBI. Courtney Wahlbrink had two hits and an RBI triple and threw four no-hit innings, striking out seven. Coral Springs Charter will host Somerset Silver Palms on Thursday in the regional final. ▪ Region 4-3A semifinal - Somerset Silver Palms 5, Cardinal Gibbons 1 ▪ Region 4-1A semifinal - Schoolhouse Prep 12, AIE Charter 2 (5): Valeria Vazquez had three hits including two doubles and an RBI. Michelle Dominguez had a three-run double as well for the Wolfpack (14-9), who will host Miami Christian (15-8) in Thursday's regional finals. ▪ Region 4-1A semifinal - Miami Christian 7, Westminster Academy 0
