What is Earth Trusteeship?
Earth Trusteeship requires the present generation to hold the Earth in trust for future generations.
Where are we now?
Who owns the Earth? None one does. Earth belongs to itself and all life depends on its flourishing. It is essential for humans to live and according to this reality. Yet, existing laws, policies and practices continue to ignore the needs of the Earth and the needs of future generations. Both can be summarized as the need to restore preserve the integrity of the Earth system.
Where do we need to go?
Caring for the Earth is a moral imperative. Responsible people of all cultures have been acting as custodians or guardians of the Earth. In law, caring for the benefit of others is expressed as trusteeship. Earth trusteeship therefore defines the legal duty to preserve the integrity of the Earth system. This duty must find its expression in national and international law and local, national and international governance institutions.
Call for action
The Earth Trusteeship Initiative is a consortium of citizens, activists and experts committed to human rights, ecological integrity and associated responsibilities. Their commitments and the practices of many people all over the world have been expressed in the Hague Principles. To further action these principles, the Earth Trusteeship Initiative calls on interested individuals and organisations to help transforming law and governance at local, regional and global levels. We share case studies and practices, provide guidance for action and engage with governments and the United Nations.