Advancing and defending

The rights of Nature worldwide

The Wild Law Institute is dedicated to pioneering laws and practices that ensure that people take responsibility for enhancing the health and vitality of Earth.

Rights of nature

Like human rights, these are conceived of as inherent, inalienable rights

That arise from the mere existence of the rights holder. This means that every being or aspect of Nature (including people) must, at a minimum, have the right to exist.

Wild Earth
Self-Determination

A system of democratic
self-determination

People aim to live well by contributing to the integrity and health of the ecological communities within which they live, and in which local communities have the right to decide how to do so.

Earth Jurisprudence

A legal philosophy that prioritises the health of the whole Earth Community

Imposes legal duties on humans to respect the legal rights of all members of that community to participate in maintaining its integrity, functioning, health and evolution.

Mission & Vision

Mission

Our mission is to develop governance systems for ecologically sustainable and just societies by pioneering the application of Earth jurisprudence and advancing the recognition of the rights of Nature.

Vision

We envision legal and governance systems in Africa and around the world that guide people to live fulfilling lives and enhance the health and vitality of Earth by living harmoniously with, and respecting the rights of, every member of the Earth community.

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Initiatives

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The Rights of Table Mountain / Hoerikwaggo

We are catalyzing an inclusive community-driven initiative that advocates for Table Mountain to be recognized as a living “more-than-human”

Declaration for Antarctica Rights

We are part of a movement to recognise Antarctica, and its associated and dependent communities, as an autonomous, rights-bearing community.

Biodiversity Law Centre

Series on Earth Jurisprudence

GARN African Hub

News

News

The Wild Law Institute is dedicated to pioneering laws and practices that ensure that people take responsibility for enhancing the health and vitality of Earth.

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Cormac Cullinan wins the prestigious Shackleton Medal for the protection of the Polar Regions

Cullinan's radical plan to protect Southern Ocean and Antarctica through Antarctic Rights Initiative wins recognition for courage and leadership.

How do we take Nature into account in decision-making?

Follow the discussion on the Rights of Nature as a legal and moral framework and explore how inclusive governance can bridge cultural and systemic divides.

Proposal to recognize Table Mountain as a ‘living’ entity with inherent rights

Environmental lawyers and activists propose initiative to recognize Table Mountain as a 'living' entity with inherent legal rights in South Africa.

What would a world that applies Earth jurisprudence look like?

FIND OUT MORE

A useful 'starting point' for mapping out what Earth centred governance can look like, is a bioregion.

Thomas Berry

Partners and Allies