EARTH JURISPRUDENCE
Honoring the laws of Nature and the sacred responsibilities of humanity
In 2013, one hundred Indigenous Elders from across the Americas gathered in Colombia to seek guidance from Mother Earth. From this gathering emerged the Five Earth Mandates—a sacred blueprint for protecting life on Earth. This was the genesis of the Earth Elders and the foundation of Earth Jurisprudence.
What is Earth Jurisprudence?
Earth Jurisprudence is a legal and cultural shift that recognizes nature as a living being with inherent rights—not just a resource to be owned, extracted, or commodified. It redefines our relationship with the Earth based on reciprocity, respect, and responsibility.
Across the globe, our Earth Elders are bringing this message to the world stage. At the 2025 World Economic Forum, Earth Elders Founder and Convenor Mindahi Bastida stood before global leaders and asked:
“How is it possible that we live in a world where corporations have more rights than rivers, mountains, or the sea?”
For Original Peoples, nature is not separate from us—it is kin, it is life itself. Honoring the rights of nature is not only about passing laws; it’s about remembering an ancient sacred agreement: take only what you need, and give back in return.
From the UN to COP30, and from local tribunals to global summits, Earth Elders are advocating for a new legal paradigm—one that places Mother Earth at the heart of governance and ensures future generations inherit a living planet.
The Legal Imperative
Why Now
Despite Indigenous peoples stewarding 80% of the world’s biodiversity, their land rights are under threat.
Our Response
We're advancing a legal framework that recognizes the sovereignty of Indigenous territories, the rights of nature, and the personhood of ecosystems.
Global Reach
Already adopted in 23 countries; we seek to expand Earth Jurisprudence into 52 biocultural regions.
Join us in creating a legal framework that reflects the sacred truth: Earth is alive.
The Earth Elders participate in global gatherings to share Indigenous perspectives on climate, biodiversity, and Earth-centered law. If you're hosting a conference, panel, or policy dialogue and would like to feature one of our leaders, we welcome your invitation.
