Call for papers - 3rd Annual Colloquium on Animal Welfare, Human Rights, Rights of Nature, and Human-wildlife Coexistence

This call for papers invites scholarly and practical contributions that explore the dynamic interplay between these interconnected themes. We seek submissions that delve into the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations arising at the nexus of animal welfare, human rights, the legal and philosophical concepts akin to the rights of nature, and the practical realities of human-wildlife coexistence.

Theme: The relationship between human societies and the natural world, including the diverse array of animal life, is undergoing profound changes

We welcome interdisciplinary perspectives from fields such as environmental law, ethics, conservation biology, veterinary science, sociology, human rights, and related disciplines. Papers should engage critically with the complexities and offer insights for fostering sustainable and just relationships between humans and the natural world.

Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:
• Evolving Legal and Policy Frameworks: Analysis of the implications of new or proposed legislation (such as the draft National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Bill) for animal well-being, human rights, concepts of State trusteeship of biological diversity, and managing human-wildlife interactions. This includes examining provisions related to species listing, permitting, emergency interventions, and the management of invasive species or
wildlife trafficking.
• The Concept and Implementation of Duty of Care: Exploring the practical, ethical, and legal dimensions of a duty of care towards biodiversity and the well-being of wild animals in contexts of human-wildlife interactions and broader ecosystem management.
• Balancing Conservation Goals and Individual Animal Welfare: Analysing the ethical and management challenges of achieving conservation objectives (often focused on populations or ecosystems) while respecting the well-being and individual needs of animals involved in conflict or management interventions. This includes discussions on different moral perspectives. Read more
 

Abstracts
Please submit your abstracts (limited to 300
words), to niel.lubbe@nwu.ac.za by 15 August
2025 Registrations for attendance will close on
1 September 2025.

Registration fee
R1800 (R900 for students)
and includes the Colloquium dinner.