In the Norwegian village of Oppdal, a unique gathering has taken place: an interspecies council where humans speak for non-human beings such as bats, reindeer, and birch trees. The council, part of a growing movement for nature-centric governance, aims to integrate the perspectives of flora and fauna into decision-making processes.
The concept builds on the Council of All Beings, developed in the 1980s by environmentalists John Seed and Joanna Macy. Phoebe Tickell, a scientist and activist, adapted the practice into a decision-making methodology for governance, where facilitators identify multispecies stakeholders and assign human representatives to advocate for their interests.
Oppdal's council was organised by Common Ground, a research project exploring integrated land management. Participants included local residents representing various species, from a spider to a purple saxifrage flower. The mayor even represented a cloudberry. The day-long event featured briefings, icebreakers, and discussions aimed at producing a manifesto for ecological decision-making.
The initiative comes at a time of transition for Oppdal, a mountain village balancing tourism growth with conservation. With development plans for additional tourist accommodation, the council sought to cut through conflicts and prioritise ecological health. The event reflects a broader international trend: in the UK, 13 councils have recognised river rights since 2023, and a nature's rights bill is gaining support.
Facilitators and ecologists assign representatives randomly or based on expertise, and the process concludes with an impact evaluation. While some participants were initially sceptical, they supported giving nature a voice. The council is part of a larger effort to reimagine stewardship, with similar assemblies held in London and plans for international expansion.
