ROOTED IN ETHICS.
We are calling for land and forest restoration that respects the rights of Nature, communities and cultures.
ABOUT THE FRAMEWORK.
Developed over five years and co-published by a Western environmental NGO (TreeSisters) and representatives from Indigenous Peoples and Nations (The Fountain), "Rooted in Ethics: The Community Tree Stewardship Framework" seeks to redefine ethical tree growing.
It challenges systemic power imbalances prevalent in the sector and wider society by providing guidelines and principles in land restoration that honour the rights of Nature, women, communities, and cultures.
The Framework is a call to action. It urges organisations, businesses, and local governance bodies to adopt principles that honour the intrinsic value of ecosystems. It asks us to redefine our relationship with Nature before it is too late and foster a more compassionate and sustainable future for all Earth’s inhabitants.
Rooted in Ethics, promotes Pillars of Nature Relationships and Ethical Principles agreed upon by representatives of Original Peoples and Nations, tree and community-focused organisations and our Restoration Strategy Partners.​
This guide is for everyone, but it has been designed specifically for those working in or with the reforestation and restoration sector, Original Peoples and Nations, community groups and anyone interested in ethical care for the Earth.
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES.
You can learn more about the 7 Ethical Principles here.
Honouring of Trees
Ecosystem Integrity & the Rights of Nature & Mother Earth
Collaboration & Ongoing Relationships
Community Rights, Land Tenure & Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Human Rights & Sovereignty
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Gender Equity & Including Women in Community Decision-Making
Eliminating Harm, Promoting Harmony & Balance
READ OUR CASE STUDIES AND SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK.
You can read about some of our ethics in action case studies here. And please share your feedback and questions through our online questionnaire or by emailing learning@treesisters.org.
WHY DO WE NEED THIS FRAMEWORK?
The drive to protect Nature, forests, and the climate needs to be guided by a deep understanding of local communities, trees and the recognition that the Earth is conscious and intelligent. We will never effectively address the challenges faced in these areas using the same mindset, injustices, and systems that created them. Rooted in Ethics provides a non-market-based approach to support forest and land restoration prioritising the rights of both Nature and communities.
TreeSisters has trialled working with these ethics and practices within the organisation and through our Restoration Strategy. The Practices Guide includes questions to support organisations and communities to align their human systems with Nature's systems; whilst promoting the freedom, responsibility and agility needed for communities to care for Ecosystems.
We see this framework as a global initiative, offering an ecocentric, biocultural, and rights-based approach for the enduring well-being of communities, cultures, trees, ecosystems and the climate.
TIMELINE SO FAR.
THANK YOU TO ALL THE PARTNERS AND CONTRIBUTORS.
TreeSisters and the Fountain thank the many contributors and editors, including, but not limited to, representatives of the Mother Earth Delegation of United Original Nations, International Tree Foundation, WeForest and Trees for the Future. We would also like to thank our regular donors and funders, Be The Earth and the Tedworth Trust.
For a complete list, please see the acknowledgements and appendices of the Community Tree Stewardship Framework document.
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The Fountain is a U.S.-based non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Sacred Economics, Territories and Cultures and advising and educating organisations and individuals based on Original Principles and ancestral wisdom. Our partnership brings together deep knowledge of original principles and protocols with the best scientific research practices.
SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS.
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"The forest is a living entity with many connections... Losing it is like losing a language of Good Living."
Mindahi Bastida, Otomi-Toltec Nation and co-author of Rooted in Ethics.
WHAT'S COMING NEXT?
Following feedback from this first launch, future editions and events will focus on the needs of wider audiences.
These include:
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A practical toolkit for anyone looking to establish community projects with a limited background in land care.
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Regionally specific toolkits celebrating the forest and land care aligned to Nature.
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Businesses and funders report looking to explore eco-centric funding models through non-market-based mechanisms.
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A science, policy and education paper to support a deeper analysis of outcomes and practices.
