From March to October 2026, Ocean Space hosts Nature Speaks: Listening for Rights of Nature in Venice and Europe, a community-led initiative to recognize the Venetian Lagoon as a rights-bearing subject within Italian and European law. At the core of the initiative is a Policy Lab dedicated to advancing the Declaration of the Rights of the Venice Lagoon into a concrete legal proposal.

TBA21–Academy, in collaboration with NICHE Centre for Environmental Humanities and the grassroots network IDRA – Iniziativa per i Diritti delle Reti d’Acqua, is convening a Working Group to participate in the Policy Lab and support the next phase of the initiative, including drafting a law proposal based on the Declaration; designing its governance; and developing a civic campaign.

The Rights of the Lagoon Policy Lab brings together legal expertise, ecological knowledge, and interdisciplinary perspectives to transform a collective declaration into an actionable instrument for the recognition of the Venice Lagoon.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL TEXT OF THE OPEN CALL.

Please send a one-page document with a 250-word statement to research@ocean-space.org by February 27, 2026. Subject line: Rights of the Lagoon Policy Lab – Working Group Application
 

Your statement should briefly address:

1. Your interest in joining the Working Group and in the Rights of Nature process in Venice.
2. Any relevant experience or knowledge.
3. Your connection to Venice or the Lagoon.
4. Whether you are already involved in IDRA or have participated in previous related activities.

Applications will be reviewed with attention to the diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and generational balance within the group. Selected participants will be contacted by March 11, 2026.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL TEXT OF THE OPEN CALL.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES & FAQ.