Adopted on April 22, 2010, in Cochabamba, Bolivia, during the World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth, this civil society declaration recognizes Mother Earth (Pachamama) as a living entity with inherent rights. It also outlines the corresponding responsibilities of States, peoples, and institutions toward the Earth community.

Although non-binding, the Declaration serves as a normative framework for Earth-centered governance and a cornerstone for global environmental advocacy.

It provides the legal and ethical foundation for the International Rights of Nature Tribunal, whose judges use it to evaluate and deliberate on cases involving violations of Nature’s rights.

The International Rights of Nature Tribunal operates under a set of constitutional documents that define its existence, structure, and procedures.

A judgment represents the final outcome of a Tribunal session. It consolidates testimonies, evidence, and the judges’ deliberations into an official record, including resolutions, exhortations, and recommendations.

When a session does not conclude with a formal judgment, the Tribunal may issue a hearing resolution or statement.

*Note on terminology: Since 2025, the Tribunal has adopted the term “Judgment” for these official documents, distinguishing them from the oral verdict announced at the close of each session. Earlier documents may still use the term verdict.