PEN International launches its Manifesto on the Defence of Nature
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“The Manifesto on the Defence of Nature is not only about the environment; it is about the survival of language, culture, and imagination. Writers know that the stories of humanity cannot exist without the stories of the Earth. By launching this manifesto, the PEN movement affirms that defending nature cannot be separated from the defence of freedom of expression.” Burhan Sonmez, PEN International President
18 September 2025: At PEN International’s 91st Congress in Kraków (2–5 September 2025), hosted in partnership with Polish PEN, writers from across the world launched the PEN International Manifesto on the Defence of Nature. It was signed by Nobel Laureate and PEN International Vice Presidents J. M. Coetzee and Olga Tokarczuk, and award-winning author and activist Naomi Klein, among other distinguished writers.
Download the Manifesto on the Defence of Nature
The manifesto is both a declaration and a call to action. It affirms that, just as literature knows no borders, neither does nature. A river, a bird, or a breath of air cannot be contained by walls or checkpoints. Writers bear witness to this truth and, through their words, must defend nature as an inseparable part of our shared humanity. It recognises that nature has always been humanity’s first companion and greatest muse, inspiring poetry, storytelling, and imagination across cultures and generations. To harm nature is to harm our greatest muse; to defend it is to defend the essence of our creativity, freedom, and existence.
At a time when ecosystems are collapsing, and those who speak out against exploitation and destruction are threatened or silenced, PEN International calls on writers everywhere to act as witnesses, protectors, and visionaries. By reimagining our relationship with the natural world, writers can help foster the empathy and awareness necessary to confront the climate crisis.
In parallel, the Assembly of Delegates adopted a Resolution on Climate Justice, recognising the escalating environmental “polycrisis” and affirming that the climate emergency is a profound human rights issue. The resolution urges writers to raise their voices to inspire collective action, and calls on governments to phase out fossil fuels, honour climate agreements, and protect freedom of expression as a cornerstone of the struggle for climate justice.
Together, the manifesto and resolution strengthen PEN International’s message: literature must be a force for conscience, empathy, and transformation. To defend nature is to defend life, language, and freedom itself.
Signatories
Burhan Sonmez
Jennifer Clement
Rick Bass
Olga Tokarczuk
J. M. Coetzee
Naomi Klein
Yann Martel
Anthony Doerr
Sofi Oksanen
Vida Ognjenovic
Viv Groskop
Lemn Sissay
Note to Editors:
For more information and media queries, please contact Sabrina Tucci, PEN International Communications and Campaigns Manager, [email protected]