ROOTED IN ETHICS
Rooted in Ethics calls 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 TreeSisters, the Fountain and representatives from Indigenous Peoples and Nations, "Rooted in Ethics: The Community Tree Stewardship Framework" seeks to redefine ethical tree growing.
It challenges systemic power imbalances prevalent in the restoration sector, as well as our wider society, by providing guidelines and principles 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 and foster a more compassionate and sustainable future for all Earth’s inhabitants, before it is too late.
Rooted in Ethics is guided by its Pillars of Nature Relationships and Ethical Principles which have been agreed upon by representatives of Original Peoples and Nations, tree and community-focused organisations and our Restoration Strategy Partners.​
Whilst this guide is for anyone interested in ethical care for the earth, it has been designed specifically for those working in or with the reforestation and restoration sector, Original Peoples and Nations and community groups. .
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES.
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. 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 forests, restore ecosystems, and address the climate crisis must be guided by a deep respect for local communities and trees and the understanding that Earth is both conscious and intelligent. We cannot solve these challenges using the same mindsets, injustices, and systems that created them.
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Rooted in Ethics offers a non-market-based approach to forest and land restoration that prioritises the rights of both Nature and communities.
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At TreeSisters, we actively implement these ethics within our organisation and through our Restoration Strategy. The Rooted in Ethics' Practices Guide includes thought-provoking questions to help organisations and communities align with the systems of Nature—while promoting the freedom, responsibility, and agility needed to effectively care for ecosystems.
We see this framework as a global initiative—one that embraces an ecocentric, biocultural, and rights-based approach to ensure the long-term well-being of communities, cultures, trees, ecosystems, and the climate.
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Join us in reimagining restoration.
TIMELINE
THANK YOU TO OUR 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?
The future of Rooted in Ethics will bring new resources, events, and tools designed to be more accessible and useful for a broader audience.
Including (but not limited to!):
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Easy-to-use toolkits to help communities care for trees, embracing methods that respect and celebrate Nature.
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Hands-on training for businesses wanting to bring Rooted in Ethics into their daily work and decision-making.
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A community of practice for organisations to share their experiences incorporating Rooted in Ethics into their restoration work.
