April 22nd marks the International Mother Earth Day. This day is a call for action, urging us to transition towards a more sustainable economy that harmonises the needs of both humanity and our planet. As this day is coming up, we want to highlight some documents and declarations that collectively advocate for recognizing the rights of the Earth.
First, we have the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth. A document that seeks to establish a set of rights for the Earth itself, acknowledging its intrinsic value and the need to protect its ecosystems and biodiversity. It emphasises the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of respecting and preserving the Earth’s natural balance.
Next, we’ve got the Hague Declaration on Earth Trusteeship. It builds upon this concept by advocating for the establishment of trusteeship over the Earth, where humans act as stewards responsible for safeguarding the well-being of the planet for present and future generations.
And then there’s the Earth Charter- a declaration of ethical principles and values aimed at guiding humanity towards a sustainable and peaceful future. It covers a wide range of topics, including environmental protection, social justice, human rights, and peace, providing a framework for building a more sustainable and equitable world.
Together, these documents reflect a growing global awareness of the need to shift towards more sustainable and equitable practices to ensure the well-being of both humanity and the planet.
Featured image: Carl Wang on Unsplash.