Caring for Nature: Values, Principles, Rights, and Duties

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The Research Unit of the University of Trieste is organizing the online seminar "Caring for Nature: Values, Principles, Rights, and Duties", which will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (CET) via MS Teams. The event, under the scientific responsibility of Prof. Serena Baldin from the University of Trieste and Silvia Bagni from the University of Bologna, is part of the PRIN PRR 2022 LUMEN project.

The seminar will explore the protection of the environment from the perspective of nature restoration measures, the ecosystem approach, legal principles, collective responsibilities, and nature’s rights, all within a constantly evolving legal and ethical framework. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the discussion will highlight the need for more effective tools to ensure a responsible and participatory environmental governance, capable of addressing the specific needs of local territories and communities.

Silvia Bagni, project coordinator from the University of Bologna, will open the event with a presentation on "LUMEN – Law of natUre and huMan Ecosystem approach: modelling a traNscultural eco-legal framework." Following this, the seminar will feature contributions from leading experts in environmental law and ecological policies. Dr. Marco Onida, Directorate-General for the Environment – European Commission, will focus on the EU regulation for nature restoration. Prof. Andrea Crismani, University of Trieste, will analyze challenges and opportunities in Italian environmental regulations. Dr. Silvia Zanini, University of Trieste, will provide an in-depth analysis of the legal and jurisprudential evolution of the ecosystem approach. Prof. Davide Monego, University of Trieste, will discuss the "Do No Significant Harm" (DNSH) principle in European law and the NRRP. Dr. Maurizio Tondolo, Ecomuseum of the Waters of Gemonese, will present a case study on a contract for the Ledra River. Prof. Giulia Sajeva, University of Palermo, will address rights for ecosystem services and the exchange of duties for local nature protection. Prof. Serena Baldin, University of Trieste, will propose ideas for drafting a river contract aligned with nature’s principles.

The event is sponsored by the Ecomuseum of the Waters of Gemonese, the Interdepartmental Center for Energy, Environment, and Transport Giacomo Ciamician, and Comparative and European Public Law. Furthermore, it is accredited by the Italian National Bar Council, allowing lawyers to earn 1 ordinary training credit.

The seminar will be held online via MS Teams. Participants are invited to connect 5-10 minutes before the start using the link provided in the official program. For information, please contact Silvia Zanini at silvia.zanini@dispes.units.it.