Czech Republic: An Antropocentric Approach to Environmental Protection
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| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Chapter of a book |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | The chapter analyzes the concept of the rights of nature within the Czech legal framework. It argues that Czech environmental law remains predominantly anthropocentric, protecting nature mainly as a value connected to human rights (i.e., right to a healthy environment), rather than as an independent rights-holder. The chapter examines constitutional provisions, statutory law, and case law to show that while elements resembling rights of nature exist, they are indirect and dependent on human interests and procedural standings. Further, it captures academic debates and recent initiatives aimed at promoting rights of nature, concluding that Czech law does not currently recognize nature as a subject of rights per se, and that any shift toward such recognition would require significant conceptual and legislative change. |