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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Rights of Nature at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress

The Rights of Nature framework will be at the center of critical motions that call for recognizing ecosystems as living entities with inherent rights to exist, thrive, and regenerate.

Earth Jurisprudence, Legal Personhood & African Indigenous Perspectives shape conservation dialogue

North-West University's Faculty of Law hosted its 3ʳᵈ colloquium on the intersections of animal welfare, human rights, Rights of Nature...

Reflecting on the Public Consultation of the Table Mountain Rights Initiative

"Table Mountain could gain legal rights,” the focus of a public consultation in Cape Town, exploring recognition of the mountain as a living entity

RIGHTS OF NATURE

Resources

CATEGORIES

What would a world that applies Earth jurisprudence look like?

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

Thomas Berry

Partners and Allies