In landmark move, Spanish lagoon gets personhood status, can sue its polluters now
The Mar Menor Lagoon
The Senate in Madrid has granted the Mar Menor lagoon on Spain's southeast coast personhood status, allowing for legal action on behalf of the endangered ecosystem against polluters. The new law, which grants such rights to a natural area for the first time in Europe, was passed after more than 640,000 Spaniards signed a petition demanding that the lagoon be regarded on par with people.
The largest saltwater lagoon in Europe, Mar Menor, has recently been severely harmed by agricultural runoff from surrounding fields, with dire effects for the native animals. For example, contamination from fertilisers has repeatedly led to algal blooms that decrease the water's oxygen content and cause massive die-offs.
A critically endangered species of fan mussel has virtually disappeared from the lagoon as a result of such incidents, and several seahorses, crabs, and eels have also perished. Millions of dead fish began washing up on the coast, and the locals, many of whom rely on tourists for a living, decided enough was enough, as reported by IFL Science.
Also read |Scientists predict the formation of new supercontinent 'Amasia' when Pacific ocean disappears
The 1,600 square kilometre (618 square mile) region covered by the citizen-led project includes the lagoon and the nearby coastline. Three senators abstained, leaving 230 senators in favour of the new law. The far-right Vox party was the only organisation to oppose the measure by petitioning for a veto, which was ultimately refused.
As a result, Mar Menor's ability to exist, develop naturally, and be restored is acknowledged by law. The ecology will now be represented by a committee that will serve as its legal guardian, just like a person. This committee has the power to file lawsuits and pursue other legal actions on behalf of the lagoon against people who violate its basic rights.
)
Lift accident? Maintenance, builders & makers are ALL liable now, rules Supreme Court: 3 major regulations | WION Decodes
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Delhi Consumer Court fines Indian Railways Rs 25,000 for making RAC passengers share one blanket
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
August 2025 movie release calendar: Toxic, Batwara 1947, Awarapan 2 and all big-ticket films hitting theatres
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why do iPhones have fewer megapixels than many Android phones?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How the S-400 turns the sky into a no-fly zone
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
Trump, Putin kissing in Amsterdam? Pride parade’s ‘couple’ goes viral | WATCH
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
At least 3 killed in mass shooting at Idaho restaurant, shocking video of gunman open firing with AR-style rifle surfaces
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Ancient DNA reveals mix of Tibetan and North Indian ancestry
)
India-China reopen Nathu La route, reviving historic Silk Route trade corridor
)
‘Satanic’ chainsaw-wielding rescue bot leaves internet divided: ‘Those eyes are horrifying’
)
‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy defends putting Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance
)
US offers $15mn reward to dismantle alleged IRGC drone funding network
)
Ariana Grande's Petal video fuels debate as fans voice concern over her appearance
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Did Araghchi agree to open Hormuz to stop Trump’s planned US strikes on Iran? What we know
)
Kim Kardashian shares sweet moment with boyfriend Lewis Hamilton during summer vacation
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Nick Jonas' July photo dump featuring Priyanka Chopra and Malti Marie leaves fans gushing over family bond
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Tom Holland-Zendaya to Blake Lively-Ryan Reynolds: Actors who met on sets and fell in love and married
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
)
Hrithik Roshan reacts to 'sorry Hrithik' trend, Kangana Ranaut slams him, mentions Saba Azad: 'You are in a committed relationship'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter pilots wear blue flight suits compared to US pilots
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
)
‘US is locked and loaded’: Trump calls off Iran attack but sets THESE conditions
Although such a rule has never been enacted in Europe, other regions have already adopted comparable regulations. In 2017, the New Zealand government recognised the Whanganui River as having personhood rights, formally recognising the claims of the area's Indigenous populations to the waterway as one of their ancestors and acknowledging that their well-being was intimately connected to the ecosystem.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE: