Declaration of the Rights of the Moon

Declaration of the Rights of the Moon

The Moon has a hypnotic hold on humanity, pulling our oceans, illuminating our travel, heralding the time of feasts, and helping to shape cultures and even mystical beliefs: it is no wonder then that humankind feels a sense of ownership over this celestial being. 

Since the first flags were thrust into the lunar surface, there has been a growing question over humanity’s relationship with the Moon and who it belongs to. Does it belong to who landed there first? Does it belong to those who seek to profit from it: corporations and extraction entities? Or does it belong to itself? 

In 2020, Thomas Gooch, Director of the Office of Other Spaces led a forum where it was considered whether the Moon could be recognized as possessing legal rights as a celestial entity with a dynamic environment and an existence of its own separate from human involvement. This resulted in Thomas joining Michelle Maloney and Mari Margil of the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights, space archeologist Dr. Alice Gorman and research/author Ceridwen Dovey to collaborate together on the drafting of the Declaration of the Rights of the Moon.

If we are to honor the rights of nature and to fully seek its protection, we must have a holistic understanding that all life and all ecosystems are intertwined. Our sea levels and even the length of our growing seasons rest upon our relationship with other celestial bodies. The Moon experiences its own environmental changes and requires the right to exist, persist, and maintain the ability to regenerate as a complete ecosystem. This Declaration is the first step in recognizing the Moon as an entity with inalienable rights against exploitation.

We invite you to show your support for this initiative here and to be a part of this movement for change.