How might animals have a stake in democratic processes? How do we truly hear what they want? This project aims to find out
What would change if forests, waterways and wildlife were recognised as more than just resources? The idea has been debated ever since Prof Christopher Stone posited in a 1972 issue of the Southern California Law Review that trees should have legal rights. The concept is now gathering pace, with advocates calling for the more-than-human world to be granted legal protection, a voice in decision-making and even recognition for its creativity. Is this slow revolution finally coming of age?
In this mini series, we highlight five initiatives that are igniting action across the globe. Here, we focus on Animals in the Room
How might animals have a stake in democratic processes? How do we truly hear what they want?
While philosophy plays a big role in attempting to answer these out-there questions, Animals in the Room (AITR) is grounding its work in reality by studying and gathering data on non-human animals to explore how they can be part of the political and environmental decisions that impact them.
“Other living beings are subjects of justice that can communicate their interests to us: we just haven’t experimented with democracy to figure out how to include them and to understand how to do it well,” says founding AITR member Melanie Challenger.
Originally conceived as an international consortium of academic partners, including philosophers, scientists and welfare specialists, this year will see AITR launch a non-profit spin-off. It aims to encourage tech and creative partners to lend a hand devising decision-making processes in which non-human voices can be heard.
It’s a daunting task, says Challenger, one that’s often complicated by the unwillingness of human communities to listen to their animal neighbours. “People have formidable barriers to really listening to other species and taking on their points of view,” she says.
'2025 is going to be a big year for Animals in the Room,' says founding member Melanie Challenger
One major piece of work is focused on conflict resolution between bear and human communities in Europe, with the ultimate goal of fostering peaceful coexistence.
Says Challenger: “What we offer is an experimental but very context-sensitive process which brings the perspectives and interests of both humans and non-humans into the room to deliberate on positive ways forward.”
Visit: animalsintheroom.org
Photography: Alice Little
