Every Transboundary River Should Own Its Rights

River Rights envisions a transformative political and environmental future by granting legal rights to the Danube River, potentially making it the first transnational river to be recognised in this way. Drawing on Bruno Latour’s ‘Parliament of Things’, the project advocates for the river and its ecosystems to be active stakeholders in governance, challenging the conventional human-centred decision-making process.

At the heart of this planetary initiative is a digital twin of the Danube, accessible in the Metaverse. This virtual environment enables communities along the river — both upstream and downstream — to engage and collaborate in new ways, blending physical and digital experiences. Users can access real-time data on water quality and pollution, fostering collective awareness and responsibility.

By merging environmental data with social interactions, the project promotes community-led stewardship and sustainable management of the Danube. Ultimately, this innovative approach highlights the potential for granting natural entities legal rights as a path toward greater environmental justice and conservation.