Movement to recognise and implement rights of nature for the Foyle catchment to be launched
Eamonn McCann and Zero Waste North West headlining The 20th Gathering
Derry journalist and lifelong political activist Eamonn McCann will be one of the headline speakers at a major environmental event in the North West, to launch a movement to recognise and implement rights of nature for the Foyle catchment.
Mr McCann will be joined by environmental group, Zero Waste North West (ZWNW) - a local initiative which advocates for and promotes the principles of zero waste.
ZWNW aims to reduce waste by encouraging the community, schools, and businesses to adopt sustainable practices; it emphasises the idea discarded materials should be designed to become resources for others to use, promoting a circular economy where resources are continuously reused and recovered.
Together they are taking part in the 20th Gathering, the theme of which is “From Colonisation to Community through the Rights of Nature”.
The event is taking place in St Eugene’s Hall in Moville, in Inishowen, on Saturday, May 17, from 10am to 5pm and the organisers have extended an open invitation to anyone who is interested in taking part; while registration is preferable it is not essential.
Speaking to The Derry News, The Gathering co-organiser Mary McGuigan, who hails originally from Bellaghy but now lives in Eglinton, said it would be an “uplifting and informative” day.
“Community members, environmental non governmental organisations, activists, and artists will come together to strengthen environmental action across the North and beyond,” she added.
“Local governments throughout the northwest of Ireland have issued rights of nature declarations but have failed to integrate a rights of nature approach into government practice or policies.
“At the Moville Gathering, attendees will be launching a movement to recognize and implement rights of nature for the Foyle catchment.
“The event will begin with the Meeting of the Waters, a ceremony at which water protectors from across the island will represent their water bodies as ambassadors. Participants are encouraged to bring water from their local water bodies, from streams, to loughs, to holy wells, and to commit themselves as ambassadors who will speak up for the health of our waters and ecosystems.
“The event will also feature a presentation from the Atrato River Guardians of Colombia who have been appointed as advocates and caretakers of their waterway. They began advancing the rights of nature due to the devastating impacts of gold mining within their communities and watershed. Guardians Bernadino Mosquera and Alexander Rodriguez Mena will speak of their experiences, including the challenges, of bringing a rights of nature approach into practice,” said Ms McGuigan.
Representatives from the County Tyrone Save our Sperrins will also be present at The Gathering, along with Save Inishowen from Mining, the Rivers Trust, and local fishermen.
According to co-organiser Rose Kelly from Moville music and poetry will also be integrated into the programme, including a performance from the Inishowen Harp Ensemble and the Henry Girls. A light lunch will also be served.
“The day will end with a discussion on pathways for advancing the rights of nature for the Foyle system,” said Ms Kelly.
A full schedule can be viewed at eventbrite: ‘The 20th Gathering - From Colonisation to Community through Rights of Nature’.
The Gathering is a grassroots collective of campaigns and individuals who take a citizen-led approach to environmental action.
In addition to regular monthly discussion groups on a variety of topics, The Gathering hosts a day-long, in-person event in a different community on at least an annual basis.
This will be the 20th convening of The Gathering. The main organisers of the Moville Gathering are the Donegal rights of nature group, Friends of the Earth NI, and Zero Waste North West.