Who Are We And Why We Exist
Who We Are
Rights and Roots was born from a simple conviction: the best way to protect Nature is to stand with those who have been protecting it all along.
We are a women-led, youth-led organisation based in Spain, acting as a regional alliance bridging Latin America and Europe. We partner with Indigenous Peoples, frontline defenders, and local communities facing environmental and climate injustices, co-designing initiatives that strengthen territorial rights, environmental justice and stewardship.
Our work is guided by a rights-based approach, centred on Indigenous and human rights and the rights of Nature. We believe meaningful change happens not through imposing solutions, but through listening, collaboration, and collective action.
Because protecting ecosystems means protecting the people, cultures, and knowledge systems that make them possible.
Our Vision
We envision a world where:
Those most affected by environmental injustice have the power, resources, representation, and right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent to shape the decisions that affect their territories and futures.
What Do We Do
Our work is grounded in a rights-based approach.
Why It Matters
- Deforestation rates are significantly lower in Indigenous-managed lands
- These territories store vast amounts of carbon
- Secure land rights are directly linked to biodiversity conservation
Yet, these solutions remain critically underfunded.
- Prevent deforestation before it happens
- Keep carbon in the ground
- Protect biodiversity hotspots
- Support ways of living rooted in care, dignity and sovereignty
This is climate action through rights — not offsets.











