In 2008, Ecuador became the first country to codify Rights of Nature (RoN) in its Constitution, holding that “nature, or Pacha Mama, where life is reproduced and occurs, has the right to integral respect for its existence and for the maintenance and regeneration of its life cycles, structure, functions and evolutionary processes”.
In this talk, Dr Mika Peck will draw on his over thirty years of experience in wildlife conservation to explain how the use of Rights of Nature has helped to protect areas of unique rainforest habitat in Ecuador.
About the speaker
Mika Peck's work is dedicated to wildlife conservation through scientific research and grassroots action, in the UK, Southeast Asia and South America.
His work includes the establishment of the Tesoro Escondido Reserve in Ecuador, with an objective to bring one of the top twenty most endangered primates, the brown-headed spider monkey, back from the brink of extinction.
Booking information
- Advance booking for this event is required. In order to book you will need an account on our website. If you already have an account you will be prompted to log in when you click 'book now'. Please create an account if you do not have one yet (you do not need to be a member of the Society to create an account).
- Tickets are £5, and free for RGS-IBG members. Students can book free tickets by entering the code Student at checkout. Please book by midday on 1 May.
- We do not issue tickets (electronic or physical) for this event. Instead your name will be on a list at the door.
If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please email events@rgs.org
This event has been organised by the East of England committee.
Venue information
This event will be held at The Leys School, Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB27AD.
Doors open at 7.00pm. There will be a welcome drink before the lecture. The lecture will begin at 7.30pm.
Only limited parking available on-site. Please use nearby on-street parking.
- Lecture
Coral reefs: from Darwin to doomsday
How little corals build enormous reef structures has fascinated marine scientists for almost 200 years. Tom Spencer takes us on a journey from the voyage of The Beagle to modern insights into reef growth and loss, and discusses what the future may hold for these remarkable ecosystems.
Norwich SchoolOpen to allWednesday 19 March 2025 - Field visit
Understanding Horsey’s past, present and future
Robin Buxton will lead a walk around this unique location on the East coast of Norfolk. The fascinating amalgamation of the North Sea, the Broads, marshes and rivers has long been Norfolk’s secret, known only to a few holidaymakers and serious sailors.
Open to allThursday 27 March 2025 - Lecture
Reimaging our urban spaces as future green spaces
Chris Rodgers will explore the different legal and cultural concepts of an urban common, illustrated by examples from research that includes Mousehold Heath in Norwich.
NorwichOpen to allThursday 10 April 2025