The first river in the world is recognized as human

The New Zealand government has just recognized the Whanganui River as a living entity and has the legal status as a human being, having the right to sue anyone who affects it.

According to Sydney Morning Heard, the New Zealand parliament has passed the bill and recognized the Whanganui River as a living entity . This is the first river in the world to be granted the legal status as a human being, from March 15.

Prince Harry was sailing on the Whanganui River.This is the third longest river in New Zealand, located on the North Island.It is one of the most tourist attractions in the country.The tourists come here often organize camps, rowing along the river for sightseeing.(Photo: Sacbee).

A person from the Maori tribe and a government member and a legal representative for this river. Now, the river has the right to sue anyone who affects it.

Accordingly, the government agreed to pay $ 56 million in financial compensation, $ 21 million to renovate and preserve the river.

Attorney General Chris Finlayson said: "I am sure many people will find it strange to give legal human rights to a natural resource. But this is nothing strange."

The Maori community is very happy with this government decision. For nearly 170 years, they have struggled for the Whanganui River to be recognized as humans. For them, Whanganui is sacred, an important spiritual support and believes that the river has a mind, a soul like a human being. The Maori has a famous saying: "I am the river (Whanganui) and the river is me".

This is not the first time New Zealand has recognized its legal status as a natural resource. In 2013, the government also granted human rights to Te Urewera National Park.