ETHICAL PRINCIPLES.
What are the 7 Ethical Principles?
Rooted in Ethics' seven ethical principles are rooted in scientific research and cultural best practices for land and forest restoration. They serve as a guiding framework to ensure that restoration efforts are ethical, effective, and community-centered. Below is a summary of these principles, with a more detailed exploration available within the Rooted in Ethics Framework.
1. Honouring of Trees
Trees are at the heart of ecosystems and cultures worldwide. Honouring this principle means nurturing, protecting, and respecting trees, ensuring that those with cultural and ecological significance are safeguarded for future generations.
2. Ecosystem Integrity & the Rights of Nature & Mother Earth
Nature has an inherent right to exist—trees, forests, rivers, mountains, plants, animals, and people all belong to the interconnected web of life. Upholding this principle means honouring Nature’s rights and integrating traditional wisdom with the best scientific research to protect and care for the Earth.
3. Collaboration & Ongoing Relationships
Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) ensures that local communities are fully informed, have the right to say no, and choose to participate in projects that impact their land. Upholding this principle goes even further—it means deep listening, respect, and valuing Indigenous and local knowledge as essential to restoration. By embracing community-led processes, we enable space for local expertise to shape decision-making, transform organisational approaches, and shift traditional systems—recognising communities as the true guardians of the land.
4. Community Rights, Land Tenure & Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Communities have the right to access, care for, and protect the lands and cultures they are deeply connected to. Upholding this principle means honouring their role as stewards and respecting their knowledge, traditions, and ways of life, both in the physical and digital world around us. This also includes Indigenous Data Sovereignty, which ensures that Indigenous communities own, control, and determine how their cultural and ecological knowledge is shared, stored, and used.
5. Human Rights & Sovereignty
We all have the fundamental right to connect with the Earth as our home. Access to land, traditional practices, and collective decision-making are human rights, not privileges. Upholding this principle means honouring and protecting these inherent connections, ensuring everyone can engage with, care for, and make decisions about the landscapes that sustain them.
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6. Gender Equity & Including Women in Community Decision-Making
All genders have the equal right to participate in community decision-making. Research consistently shows that when women are actively included, outcomes are stronger, more just, and more sustainable for everyone. Upholding this principle means centring women’s leadership, supporting gender equity, and ensuring that all voices are heard, valued, and empowered to shape the future of their communities and ecosystems.
7. Eliminating Harm, Promoting Harmony & Balance
Past and present human systems and behaviours have - intentionally or not - harmed trees, ecosystems, and communities. Upholding this principle means recognising these impacts, taking responsibility, and actively working to repair and prevent further harm. It calls for ethical reflection, meaningful action, and a commitment to choosing practices that support and regenerate Earth’s living systems.
