Issue - meetings

Councillor Joanna Wright moved this motion, seconded by Councillor Sam Ross.  Following a vote, this motion was

NOT CARRIED

Council:

?  Recognises that nature has rights. By considering these rights in decisions, the Council can promote economies that renew resources and enhance communities' safety, strength, and resilience.

?  Understands that nature is a connected system where all living things depend on each other. The rights of others balance the rights of one living thing, and any conflicts between them should be resolved in a way that keeps nature healthy and balanced.

?  Acknowledges that all living things, including nature, have the right to live and be respected. This means nature has the right to renew itself, maintain its natural state, contribute to our ecosystem, and be free from harm.

?  Recognises that everyone is responsible for respecting and living in harmony with nature - human well-being aligns with nature's by protecting, conserving, and restoring ecological cycles and balances.

Council therefore Resolves:

?  To request Cabinet to commission officers to prepare a report to Council outlining how to integrate the "Rights of Nature" into the Council's day-to-day operations, planning procedures, and decision-making processes.

?  Following this report, to ask the Council’s Constitutional Working Group to recommend how the Council’s Constitution can be amended to incorporate the Rights of Nature.

?  To ask Council Leaders to write to the Government calling for the “Rights of Nature” to be made statutory.

[Notes;

1.  The above motion was lost, with 5 Councillors voting in favour, 39 against and 3 abstentions.]