Environmental Ethics Statement
Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) supports the principle that ecosystems and the biotic and abiotic components and processes they comprise have intrinsic value and are therefore worth conserving, regardless of their utility to humans. Humans, of course, are part of and not separate from nature. As conscious beings capable of discerning the causes and consequences of our actions and of modifying our behavior to achieve desired future outcomes, humans have the capacity and unique responsibility to protect and restore Earth’s ecosystems, thus ensuring their perpetuation into the future. We believe that conditions conducive to sustaining life are a prerequisite for the realization of the basic rights to which all humans are entitled, be they civil, political, economic, or cultural.
Consistent with the notion that all living things have intrinsic value and recognizing the undue influence and frequently adverse impacts that humans have on the environment, conservation of Earth’s ecosystems is EcoWB’s highest priority. As ecologists, we have a profound, albeit imperfect, knowledge of the complexity of natural ecosystems, the interconnectedness of their components and processes, and the dependencies and effects that humans have upon them. We strive for a deeper understanding of the natural world, to minimize the adverse impacts our actions might cause, and to promote the sustainable use of natural resources at local, regional, and global scales. We do this by assisting underserved communities around the world that have been affected or are imminently threatened by the loss or degradation of environmental components or processes. We strive to improve the human-nature relationship by ensuring that the environment is capable of sustaining life and that basic human needs are met both now and in the future.
Equity Statement
Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) endeavors to treat everyone equitably and with respect regardless of gender, race, color, nationality, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, or other expression of individual or group identity. In carrying out its mission to protect and restore Earth’s ecosystems, EcoWB strives not only to treat all people fairly and impartially, but also to protect and involve the most vulnerable in its conservation efforts. We value and respect traditional knowledge and beliefs, and seek to involve local residents, communities, and partners in all that we do.
As an international scientific and non-profit organization, EcoWB relies on the efforts of many volunteers to accomplish its mission and goals. We recognize and encourage the valuable, diverse, and enriching contributions that people from all backgrounds and experiences bring to the organization. Our volunteers are committed to the highest standards of professional, responsible, and ethical behavior.
EcoWB has implemented policies to protect volunteers and the people they serve from discrimination, injury, or other abuses. Internally, EcoWB strives to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable working environment for its volunteers, staff, clients, partners, and contractors. We offer equal opportunity and fair treatment to all who come within our sphere of activity. Our projects, programs, and training sessions are designed to foster inclusion, diversity, and equitable access to resources.
The concept of equity also encompasses a commitment to ensuring that everyone everywhere has access to clean air, water, sanitation, nutritious food, and other resources required for survival, growth and reproduction. These needs are best met when the ecosystems people live in, and upon which they depend, exist and function adequately over time and space. In this regard, EcoWB is committed to helping underserved communities around the world overcome environmental challenges that threaten their basic needs and continued existence. Many of the people we assist live under conditions of poverty, unequal opportunity, and various forms of exploitation. We strive to not only avoid perpetuating these conditions, but to actively contribute to efforts to eliminate them in the communities in which we work.
