Rights for the Ruhr!

The Ruhr as a legal entity — with its own rights, represented by a governing body. What is already being explored elsewhere in the world (e.g., through a draft bill in Berlin that aims to recognize the Spree River and its ecosystem as a legal entity with its own rights) could also be discussed in the Ruhr region.

Join the discussion!

We cordially invite you to join us on July 26, 2026, starting at 2:30 p.m., at the Theater an der Ruhr to reflect on this idea together with representatives from environmental organizations, experts, and engaged citizens — in an open, non-conclusive, and collaborative exchange.

The focus will be on the question of whether an initiative called “Rights for the Ruhr” could be a meaningful and forward-looking approach. Can recognizing the Ruhr as a legal entity make a new contribution to the river’s protection? And could such an initiative also help to bring the issues of climate change, nature conservation, and the value of the Ruhr as a shared ecosystem back into the public consciousness?

We have invited experts from various fields to provide insights:

• Christa Schragmann, an environmental educator, will speak about the Ruhr River and its current condition. 
• Christine Ax, a board member of the Rights of Nature Network, presents the work of the organization, which advocates for enshrining the rights of nature in the Basic Law and provides expert guidance to local initiatives.
• Dr. Bernd Söhnlein, an attorney, also a board member of the Rights of Nature Network and author of the book *Nature in Law. Vision of an Ecological Legal System (2024), reports on current legal developments. In 2025, he contributed to the drafting of a model contract for the “ecological person” of the Pader River, which explores new avenues for the legal representation of natural habitats.
   

The event will be moderated by experienced facilitators Mirja Anderl and Uwe Reineck from MaiConsulting Heidelberg. Following a welcome and introduction to the project, the experts will offer brief insights into ecological, legal, and practical issues.

Afterward, we’d like to engage in conversation with you in a World Café setting. In moderated small groups, we’ll discuss the opportunities, challenges, and possible perspectives of a “Rights for the Ruhr” initiative. This format provides space for diverse perspectives, networking, and open dialogue—all united by a common cause: the future of the Ruhr.

This event marks the conclusion of our theater and art island UTOPIE 3. Together, we’d like to envision a utopian project for Mülheim and the region and explore whether it could lead to a concrete process.

We look forward to your participation and your perspectives!

Participation in the workshop is free!