Australian Earth Laws Alliance

What Australian Earth Laws Alliance does

Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) is a registered Australian not-for-profit charity founded around 2012-2013 and based in Narangba, Queensland, with 11-50 employees. The organization is focused exclusively on advancing Earth-centred, or ecocentric, governance in Australia by working across five intersecting domains: law, economics, education, ethics, and community participation. Its vision is an Australian society that operates within ecological boundaries while nurturing biodiversity and ecosystem health.

AELA delivers its mission through a portfolio of interconnected programs rather than a single product. Core programs include the Australian Earth Laws Centre (research and advocacy on Earth jurisprudence, Rights of Nature, legal personhood, ecocide, eco-governance, and eco-democracy) and the Australian Peoples' Tribunal for Community and Nature's Rights (a permanent civil society institution for environmental justice inquiries). These are complemented by thematic programs: Earth Arts, Earth Ethics (including an annual journal), Earth Economies, Future Dreaming (Indigenous-led cross-cultural learning), Human-Nature Connections, Greenprints (bioregional governance), the Ecologically Just Transitions Learning Network, and the Grasstree Fellowship (launching its first cohort in 2026). Internationally, AELA hosts the Ocean Rights and Kinship Alliance (ORKA) and co-developed the Declaration of the Rights of the Moon. AELA also facilitates international advocacy through its National Convenor's roles on the Steering Group of the Ecological Law and Governance Association (ELGA) and the Advisory Group of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN).

AELA's business model is donation- and membership-driven, supplemented by program services such as workshops, training, and professional development. Revenue streams are donations (individuals and organizations), recurring memberships, and program fees. The organization has no proprietary technology platform; its "technology" is essentially its program portfolio, research output, and convening capacity. Distribution is community-led through its website (earthlaws.org.au), newsletter, events, publications, social media, podcasts, and partnerships. Named institutional adoption outcomes include Blue Mountains City Council (first Australian council to embed Rights of Nature in 2021) and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, alongside advocacy supporting the first Rights of Nature Bill introduced in the Western Australian Parliament in 2019.

Name

Australian Earth Laws Alliance

Legal name

Australian Earth Laws Alliance

Website

https://earthlaws.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) is a registered Australian not-for-profit charity advancing Earth-centred, ecocentric governance through advocacy, education, and community programs in law, economics, ethics, and Indigenous knowledge. It serves communities, legal professionals, First Nations peoples, educators, and local governments across Australia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Advocacy and Ecocentric Governance Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Legal Services (8111), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental & Energy Law (BPAHAAAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Stakeholder Engagement, Indigenous/Tribal Consultation & Social Impact (SIA) (EUAHAAAH)

Keywords

• Environmental advocacy services
• Ecocentric governance education
• Rights of nature advocacy
• Earth jurisprudence research
• Community capacity building

Headquarters

HQ city

Narangba

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: AELA accepts donations from individuals and organizations to support their work on Earth-centred governance and systems change.
2. Membership: AELA offers membership options for individuals and organizations to support their mission and gain access to resources and networks.
3. Program Services: AELA provides educational programs, workshops, and events that may include professional development and training services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers education, advocacy, research, and community programs to advance Earth-centred (ecocentric) governance in Australia. Its core offering includes programs covering Earth Laws (rights of nature, ecocide, legal personhood, eco-governance), Future Dreaming Indigenous knowledge collaboration, Earth Arts, Earth Ethics, Earth Economies, the Grasstree Fellowship, and the Australian Peoples' Tribunal for Community and Nature's Rights, supported by donations and individual/organisational membership.

Product overview

Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) is a not-for-profit organisation offering a portfolio of interconnected programs and initiatives focused on Earth-centred (ecocentric) governance. The core programs include the Australian Earth Laws Centre (AELC) as a research and advocacy hub, the Earth Laws Program covering rights of nature and ecocide, and the Australian Peoples' Tribunal for Community and Nature's Rights as a citizen forum. These are complemented by thematic programs including Earth Arts, Earth Ethics, Earth Economies, Future Dreaming, Grass Tree Fellowship, Human-Nature Connections, and Greenprints. AELA also hosts the Ecologically Just Transitions Learning Network and manages international initiatives including the Declaration of the Rights of the Moon and the Ocean Rights and Kinship Alliance (ORKA). Together these programs provide education, capacity building, advocacy, and community engagement to transform Australian governance systems toward ecocentric approaches.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Australian Earth Laws Centre (AELC) Research and advocacy hub focused on Earth jurisprudence, rights of nature, ecocide law, and ecological governance frameworks, connecting international networks to Australian advocacy efforts. For lawyers, academics, policymakers, and community advocates.
• Earth Laws Program Core educational and advocacy program covering Earth Laws, Rights of Nature, Legal Personhood, Ecocide, Eco-governance, and Eco-democracy. For community members, legal professionals, and policymakers seeking to understand and apply ecocentric legal frameworks.
• Earth Arts Program Creative program using storytelling, visual arts, and cultural expression to foster Earth-centred cultural shift, including the biennial Rights of Nature arts exhibitions and the Earthwords & Artlings anthology. For artists, storytellers, and community members.
• Earth Ethics Program Program exploring ethical frameworks for Earth-centred governance, including publication of the Earth Ethics Journal (with a 2026 edition). For ethicists, educators, researchers, and community members.
• Earth Economies Program Program focused on new economy models including Doughnut Economics, Wellbeing Economics, and Steady State Economics, working in partnership with the New Economy Network Australia (NENA). For economists, policy advocates, and community organisers.
• Future Dreaming Program Cross-cultural program promoting Indigenous knowledge, Caring for Country practices, and collaboration between First Nations peoples and non-indigenous people on Earth-centred governance. For First Nations communities, Indigenous leaders, and non-indigenous partners engaged in cross-cultural learning.
• Grasstree Fellowship Australia's first fellowship designed to support people engaging in Nature-inclusive Governance (NG), helping individuals become voices for nature within organisations and communities. For emerging leaders across Australia. First cohort scheduled June–November 2026.
• Human-Nature Connections Program Program exploring Earth jurisprudence, Deep Ecology, and the interconnectedness of life to foster deeper human relationships with the living world. For educators, community members, and individuals seeking personal connection with nature.
• Greenprints Program Bioregional governance initiative focused on place-based systems change and developing place-specific governance frameworks aligned with ecological boundaries. For local communities, bioregional groups, and councils.
• Ecologically Just Transitions Learning Network Network connecting community members across Australia to learn, share, and support each other in transitioning from extractivism towards regenerative, ecocentric societies. For community members, researchers, and practitioners working on sustainability transitions.
• Australian Peoples' Tribunal for Community and Nature's Rights Permanent civil society institution enabling people to share concerns about environmental destruction, articulate visions for ecological justice, and develop ideas for building an Earth-centred society through public inquiries and ecological justice cases. For affected communities, lawyers, scientists, and the general public.
• Declaration of the Rights of the Moon Initiative Global initiative advocating for the Moon to be granted legal personality and rights, developed in collaboration with space researchers, archaeologists, and international partners to address ethical complexities of lunar resource extraction. For space researchers, lawyers, and international advocates.
• Ocean Rights and Kinship Alliance (ORKA) Pacific-wide network working to protect ocean rights, promote understanding of cultural kinship with ocean life, and normalise oceanhood as a basis for decision-making. Hosted by AELA within the Australian Earth Laws Centre. For Pacific communities, marine advocates, and cultural practitioners.
• AELA Membership Program Membership program with tiers for individuals and organisations providing access to resources, networks, and involvement in AELA's Earth-centred governance activities. For supporters and aligned organisations across Australia.
• AELA Education Program Education program delivering events, training workshops, and professional development courses on Earth-centred governance, ecocentric systems change, and related topics. For educators, students, professionals, and community members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Blue Mountains City Council became first government entity in Australia to embed Rights of Nature as a foundational principle
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and notable.

• Ecological Law and Governance Association (ELGA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 October 2017AELA's National Convenor serves on the Steering Group of ELGA, an international umbrella organization launched at University of Siena (Italy) in 2017 to transform current governance paradigms to Earth-centred approaches.
• Future Dreaming AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAELA worked to auspice the creation of Future Dreaming Australia in 2019, a new organization managed by Indigenous people and non-indigenous partners to offer space for everyone to work together as equal partners in cross-cultural learning and sharing of governance and ecological knowledge.
• New Economy Network Australia (NENA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAELA's National Convenor serves as Director of NENA, working in partnership with over 100 organizations building a new economy that supports people and planet.
• Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAELA's National Convenor serves on the Advisory Group of GARN, an international network promoting Rights of Nature globally.
• Greenprints ProgrammajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAELA partners with the Greenprints program for bioregional governance and place-based systems change initiatives in Australia.
• Ocean Rights and Kinship Alliance (ORKA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerORKA is a network around the Pacific working to protect ocean rights and promote understanding of cultural relationships with ocean life. AELA hosts ORKA within the Australian Earth Laws Centre.
• Declaration of the Rights of the Moon InitiativenotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerAELA's National Convenor collaborated with space researchers, lawyers, and international partners to create the Declaration of the Rights of the Moon, addressing legal and ethical complexities around lunar resource extraction.
• Moon Village Association (MVA)notableStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational NGO based in Vienna committed to ethical and sustainable engagement with the Moon, involved in discussions leading to the Declaration of the Rights of the Moon.
• Australian Peoples' TribunalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCitizens' tribunal for Community and Nature's Rights, created as a permanent civil society institution enabling people to address environmental justice issues. Managed by volunteers with First Nations Peoples, lawyers, and scientists on the Panel.
• Earth Arts CollectivemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Earth Arts Collective for biennial Rights of Nature arts exhibitions including RONA16, RONA18, and Voices of Nature 2020.
• The Ocean RacenotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerAELA's National Convenor contributed to developing the Generation Ocean learning programme by The Ocean Race, including a section about Rights of Nature for secondary school students.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• ClientEarth: Large environmental law charity using strategic litigation and advocacy globally. Shares the environmental legal advocacy axis with AELA but operates at vastly greater scale across pollution, climate, and biodiversity rather than ecocentric jurisprudence.
• Earthjustice: Largest US public-interest environmental law organization. Overlaps with AELA on environmental legal advocacy but focuses on traditional environmental statutes rather than Earth-centered/Rights of Nature frameworks, and operates at much larger scale.

Emerging players

• Future Dreaming Australia: Indigenous-led organization spun out of AELA in 2019 focused on cross-cultural learning and Caring for Country. Closely affiliated with AELA and overlapping on First Nations ecological governance, but now operates as an independent entity with its own programs.
• New Economy Network Australia (NENA): Australian network of 100+ organizations building new economy models (Doughnut, Wellbeing, Steady State economics). AELA partners with NENA on the Earth Economies program, and AELA's founder sits on NENA's board — overlapping on alternative-economy and post-growth policy advocacy.

Direct peers

• Earth Law Center: US-based nonprofit advocating for Earth-centered law, Rights of Nature, and ecocentric legal frameworks. Highly comparable in mission, programmatic focus (legal advocacy + education), and constituency (lawyers, activists, communities) to AELA.
• Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN): International network advancing Rights of Nature globally, on whose Advisory Group AELA's founder sits. Operates a comparable mission and constituency, but at a global rather than Australian scope.
• Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF): US nonprofit that pioneered Rights of Nature municipal ordinance work and drafted the first US Rights of Nature law. Directly comparable to AELA in core advocacy thrust (community rights + Rights of Nature + ecocentric governance) and target stakeholders (local councils, communities).
• Ecological Law and Governance Association (ELGA): International umbrella organization launched in 2017 to transform governance paradigms to Earth-centered approaches. AELA's founder sits on its Steering Group, and ELGA operates as a scholarly-practitioner peer in ecocentric law.
• Wild Law Institute: US-based organization promoting 'wild law' and Earth jurisprudence — the same philosophical foundation AELA draws on. Comparable in being a small, mission-driven nonprofit advancing ecocentric legal frameworks through education and advocacy.

Regional players

• Environmental Defenders Office (Australia): Australia's largest environmental legal advocacy NGO. Operates in overlapping thematic space (environmental law and rights) but uses a litigation and legal-aid model rather than AELA's Earth-centered jurisprudence and rights-of-nature advocacy framework.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/AustralianEarthLaws
• Xx.com/earthlawsaus
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/earthlaws

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Australian Earth Laws Alliance