The starting point is the current discourse on the shift in human-nature relations in the Anthropocene in general and the discussions that the Rights of Nature (RoN) movement has provoked. With its unexpected entry into various legal systems, this concept has suddenly achieved international relevance.

In our research project, we are investigating the possibilities in this respect using the example of the Pasterze glacier. This is the longest glacier in the Eastern Alps and lies at the heart of a national park. It is obvious that the legal protection of a national park is not sufficient to "protect" the shrinking glacier. We are investigating whether and how the legal subject of the Pasterze can be implemented in the Austrian legal system, whether and which changes in legal enforcement this enactment would entail, and what conclusions can be drawn for the further development of nature conservation in the 21st century, the concept of national parks and protected areas in general. This project is focused on the elaboration of socially robust knowledge and will be implemented using a consistent transdisciplinary research approach.

Project duration: January 2025 – December 2026.

Financed by: Austrian Science Fund (FWF)