Agenda

11 Mar 2026 16:00

Open Call Working Group | Rights of the Lagoon Policy Lab

Ocean Space

The Open Call to participate in the Rights of the Lagoon Policy Lab, connected to the Nature Speaks: Listening for Rights of Nature in Venice and Europe initiative is now open!
The program supports the next phase of the Declaration of the Rights of the Venetian Lagoon, aiming to transform a collective process into a concrete legislative proposal that recognizes the Lagoon as a rights-bearing subject within Italian and European law.

Promoted by TBA21–Academy in collaboration with NICHE, IDRA – Iniziativa per i Diritti delle Reti d’Acqua, and the Confluence of European Water Bodies network, the Policy Lab will take place at Ocean Space, Venice, from March to October 2026.
Here, the Working Group’s processes, materials, and reflections will be made public and shared with the community.

The Policy Lab will bring together an interdisciplinary Working Group to work along three main axes:

  • Drafting a Law Proposal based on the Declaration of the Rights of the Lagoon.
  • Designing Governance and Legal Pathways for implementation.
  • Developing a Civic and Communication Campaign to carry the proposal into public institutions.

The Open Call is addressed to all residents and citizens with situated knowledge of the Venetian Lagoon.
Applications are invited from individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including fields such as law, research, ecology, activism, communication, and the arts.
The work will be structured through monthly meetings, workshops, and two Citizen Assemblies open to the community.

  • Participation is voluntary and in person
  • Working language: Italian.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Please send a one-page document with a 250-word statement to 
  • research@ocean-space.org 
  • Deadline: 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.

  • Read the Call (PDF below)

Organized by

TBA21–Academy, NICHE, IDRA

Downloads

Call [ITA] 584 KB
Call [ENG] 753 KB

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