Maori king calls for whales to have equal rights with humans

New Zealand's Maori King – the country that has recognized the river as a living entity – on Thursday called for whales to be given legal rights similar to those enjoyed by humans, to protect the vulnerable marine species. Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau te Wherowhero VII called for cetaceans to be given the right to live in a healthy environment, in order to allow their numbers to recover. “The song of our ancestors has been weakened and their environment is threatened, which is why we must act now.”The King said the greeting in a statement.

They are considered their ancestors

In 2017, New Zealand granted legal personality to Mount Taranaki and the Wanganui River, which Māori consider to be their ancestors and have special spiritual significance to them. This situation has since been used to slow down or cancel many development projects and require those concerned to consult with local residents. The Maori, an indigenous Polynesian people, represent 17% of New Zealand's population, or about 900,000 people.

The rare intervention by King Tuhetia, also signed by Cook Islands chieftain Travel Tu Ariki, also calls for better consideration of the knowledge of indigenous peoples through science, with the aim of 'A more holistic approach' To protect whales. “We can no longer turn a blind eye”Grand Chef Travel to Ariki said. “Whales play a vital role in the health of the entire ocean ecosystem. Their decline disrupts the delicate balance that supports all life in Te Moana (the sea, editor's note).”. “We must act urgently to protect these magnificent creatures before it is too late.”He insisted. Six out of 13 whale species are classified as “in danger” Endangered or vulnerable, according to the environmental NGO WWF.