THE EARTH
CHARTER
Introduction
The Earth Charter is available on the
following website: www.earthcharter.org
The sixteen principles of the Earth
Charter are summarised in the following list.
Earth Charter Principles
I. RESPECT AND
CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF LIFE
1. Respect
earth and life in all its diversity.
2. Care
for the community of life with understanding,
compassion, and love.
3. Build
democratic societies that are just, participatory,
sustainable, and peaceful.
4. Secure
Earth’s bounty and beauty for present and future
generations.
II. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
5. Protect and restore the integrity of Earth’s
ecological systems, with special concern for biological
diversity and the natural processes that sustain life.
6. Prevent harm as the best method of environmental
protection and, when knowledge is limited, apply a
precautionary approach.
7. Adopt patterns of production, consumption, and
reproduction that safeguard Earth’s regenerative
capacities, human rights and community well-being.
8. Advance the study of ecological sustainability and
promote the open exchange and wide application of the
knowledge acquired.
III. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE
9. Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social and environmental imperative.
10. Ensure that economic activities and institutions at all levels promote human development in an equitable and sustainable manner.
11. Affirm gender equality and equity as prerequisites to sustainable development and ensure universal access to education, health care and economic opportunity.
12. Uphold the right of all, without discrimination, to a natural and social environment supportive of human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well-being, with a special attention to the rights of indigenous peoples and minorities.
IV. DEMOCRACY, NONVIOLENCE, AND PEACE
13. Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, and provide transparency and accountability in governance, inclusive participation in decision making, and access to justice.
14. Integrate into formal education and life-long learning the knowledge, values, and skills needed for a sustainable way of life.
15. Treat all living beings with respect and consideration.
16. Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence, and peace.