The heavily polluted saltwater lagoon Mar Menor (Lesser Sea) on the Spanish Mediterranean coast has become the first ecosystem in Europe to be given its own legal status as a person with enforceable rights. This was decided by the Senate in Madrid with a large majority, after the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, had already approved it in April. As in April, only the far-right populist Vox party voted against it on Wednesday. With the conclusion of the legislative procedure and the publication in the official gazette, every citizen – even if they are not affected themselves – can now appe…