Framework Law for Mother Earth and Holistic Development to Live Well

Type of practice Reduce

Name of practice Framework Law for Mother Earth and Holistic Development to Live Well

Name of main actor Bolivian Government

Type of actor(s) Public authority

Location Bolivia

Stage of implementation Consumption, Farm, Processing

Year of implementation 2010

What was/is being done? This exceptional law is unique in that it confers legal rights upon “Mother Earth” as a collective subject of public interest [Article 4(1)(a)]. Besides the establishment of general principles of precaution, “environmental responsibility” of human beings, social and climate justice, and preservation of biodiversity and natural resources, the law promotes a change in production and consumption patterns, the sustainability and efficiency of agricultural practices and the development of best post-harvest practices in order to maximize the use of resources (thus decreasing the need for further land) and achieve food security for the whole population.

Outcomes and impacts Furthermore, the Law of Mother Earth encourages the recovery and reuse of food and energy, and promotes the adoption of institutional, technical and legal tools to prevent, minimize and reduce waste production.