MTS Women Leadership in Marine Science and Technology Webinar Series: Rights of Nature

In July 2024, the city of Linhares, Brazil, became one of the first in the world to recognize its waves as living beings, granting them legal status. The innovative measure was created to preserve the waves at the mouth of the Rio Doce, protecting their physical form, ecological cycles and chemical composition. The legislation also appointed guardians to represent these waves in public decisions, ensuring the integrity of one of the region's greatest environmental assets. Join us for a conversation with the pioneers who made the initiative a reality.

Date/Time:

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | 2:00pm-3:00pm EDT

Panelists:

Vanessa Hasson de Oliveira, Executive Director of Methods of Support for Environmental and Social Practices (MAPAS)

Dr. Hasson holds a PhD in Nature Rights; master and is a specialist in Environmental Law. She is specialist in the UN Harmony with Nature Program; a lawyer and educator, and founder of the OSCIP MAPAS, where she articulates, through advocacy, the proposed law that recognizes the rights of Nature in Brazilian legislation.

Hauley Valim

Hauley is a sociologist and local surfer in Regência, affected by the collapse of the dam that released mining waste into the Rio Doce. He is dedicated to the development of social technologies at the Regência Surf Association, where he is a former president and serves as First Deliberative Councilor. He is the guardian of Jardim Regenera, a space for Natural and Human research and development based on alchemical processes.

 Reserve your spot!