On the South Korean island of Jeju, a group of environmental activists is leading an unprecedented campaign: recognizing the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) as an ecological legal person, granting it the same legal status as human beings.
This initiative is part of the growing global movement for the rights of nature, which seeks to protect ecosystems and species through innovative legal tools.
A unique and threatened species
The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin is a small coastal species with a more slender body and an elongated snout that gives it its characteristic name. Its distribution is limited to certain areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and it is currently estimated that only about 120 individuals inhabit the waters surrounding Jeju.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as an endangered species due to its low population and the multiple threats it faces.
Jeju: environmental leadership and community commitment
The island of Jeju has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental protection. It was the first province in South Korea to implement a deposit system for disposable cups, and in 2022 it announced its goal to become a plastic pollution-free territory by 2040.
In recognition of these efforts, the United Nations chose Jeju as the host for World Environment Day 2025.
Actions to protect the dolphin and its habitat
The campaign for the dolphin’s rights is complemented by concrete actions such as:
- Beach and seabed cleanups
- Promotion of responsible tourism
- Reduction of plastic use and waste collection
- Global dissemination through social networks and educational activities
Main threats to the bottlenose dolphin:
- Incidental capture: they get caught in trawl and gill nets
- Hunting and trade: historically hunted for their meat and for shows
- Habitat degradation: chemical and plastic pollution and maritime traffic
Conservation strategies underway
- International cooperation: inclusion in the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and regional agreements
- Marine protected areas: such as in the Gulf of Saint Vincent (Australia) and Menai Bay (Tanzania)
- National laws: countries like Canada have banned the captivity of cetaceans for recreational purposes
- Fishing mitigation plans: to reduce harmful interactions with nets
- Regulated tourism: observation from a distance and limited times to avoid stress
- Support for NGOs: fighting against hunting, captivity, and promoting healthy oceans
- Pollution prevention: avoiding the dumping of plastics and chemicals into the sea
A precedent for ecological justice
The legal recognition of the dolphin as a rights-bearing entity not only seeks to ensure its survival but also to redefine the relationship between humans and nature. If successful, this proposal could set a global precedent in the defense of vulnerable marine species.
