IEG Global Statutes

Preamble

Prevalence of Life

Life, in all its manifestations, precedes and transcends any human ordinance. It is the origin, foundation, and horizon of all existence. Consequently, its care, defense, and continuity constitute a superior, non-negotiable, and prevalent mandate over any normative, economic, or political interest.

Centrality of Mother Earth

Mother Earth is not a commodity or an object: she is a living being, a subject of rights, the matrix of existence, and the primary authority. Every collective decision, every form of organization, and every exercise of government must arise from the recognition of her word, her cycles, and her balances. Legitimate governance does not exist if it is not woven in correspondence with the rhythms of nature and the spirituality of the territory.

Ancestrality at the Service of Humanity

The ancestral sciences of Indigenous Peoples, alive in the long memory of time and in the respectful relationship with Mother Earth, constitute a living source of guidance for humanity. They are not a vestige of the past, but current paths of collective solution, capable of contributing to global balance from reciprocity in the care of life.

Article 1Name, Nature, Definitions, Purpose, Principles and Duration

1.1 Name

The organization shall be called the International Environmental Guardianship (IEG).

1.2 Nature of the Organization

IEG is a member-based organisation of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), Local Communities (LCs), and Afro-Descendant peoples (ADs), committed to promoting the conditions for trust and elevating community- and nature-based rights and approaches in present-day nature markets for the benefit of future generations and nature itself.

1.3 Seven Regions

IEG operates and provides its services in a fully equal manner, free from any form of discrimination, through seven Regional Hubs corresponding to the following socio-cultural regions:

• Africa
• Arctic
• Asia
• Europe and Russian Federation
• Latin America and Caribbean
• North America
• Pacific

1.4 Governance Bodies

The governance bodies of IEG are:

• Regional Hubs
• General Assembly
• Governance Assembly
• Council
• General Secretariat
• Ombudsperson
• IEG Data Trust

In the event of overlap or ambiguity in roles or decision-making, governance bodies shall work in good faith to resolve matters collaboratively. Where resolution is not reached, the Governance Assembly shall provide guidance to ensure alignment with the Statutes and the overall purpose of the organisation.

1.5 Purpose

The mission of IEG is to promote ethical, equitable, and sustainable stewardship of nature through robust global, regional, local and participatory governance frameworks.

1.6 General Objective

To strengthen territorial governance from the guardianship of nature, according to ancestral knowledge and in complement with the new challenges associated with nature markets, ensuring ethical practice, transparency, and the primacy of the community and their rights; to dignify life in all its forms and ensure well-being for future generations and practice nature rights.

1.7 Specific Objectives

IEG shall pursue the following specific objectives:

a. To strengthen own government structures and community capacities for the exercise of human rights, nature rights, self-determination and territorial guardianship, through processes of formation, transmission of ancestral knowledge, and autonomous mechanisms of governance and vigilance over interventions in nature.

b. To implement integral actions for the restoration, regeneration, and conservation of territories, guided by ancestral knowledge and complemented with pertinent technical tools, that ensure the continuity of life cycles and ecological balance.

c. To influence the formulation, regulation, and application of initiatives related to nature markets in the territories of peoples and communities, guaranteeing that they are developed under principles of ethics, transparency, FPIC, and primacy of the community, with direct and equitable benefits.

d. To consolidate scenarios of articulation and own diplomacy at national and international levels that position the guardianship of nature as a political and ethical benchmark; promoting strategic alliances that strengthen the defense of the rights of nature and of the peoples.

1.8 Key Activities

IEG’s key activities include:

a. Leading high-trust, human rights, and nature rights-based pathways for community representation and participation in nature markets

b. Advocating for transparent time accounting in nature markets

c. Showcasing community market leadership by members

d. Stewarding member data and intellectual property related to nature markets

e. Establishing and maintaining decentralized and inclusive member governance systems

f. Developing and monitoring standards for valuation in nature markets

g. Supporting capacity-building and empowerment of Members.

h. Establishing and approving community-based and human rights-based standards for nature markets through participatory and democratic processes with the communities themselves, and issuing certification to projects that operate in accordance with these standards.

1.9 Duration

IEG is established for an unlimited duration.

Article 2Legal Form and Headquarters

2.1 Legal Form

IEG is a non-profit international association registered under the legal framework of New Zealand, as determined by the Governance Assembly, with the flexibility to review and amend this jurisdiction where required to best serve the organisation’s purpose and global mandate.

2.2 Headquarters

The headquarters of IEG shall be located in New Zealand, with the flexibility to establish regional offices as necessary to advance its mission.

Article 3Membership

3.1 Membership Categories

Membership is open to organisations and entities that align with IEG’s purpose and values, including Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, Local Community organisations, and Afro-Descendant organisations.

IEG does not provide membership to states/governments, political parties, or commercial actors whose primary purpose conflicts with IEG’s mission.

3.2 Rights of Members

Members shall have the following rights:

a. Voting rights as Members of the General Assembly

b. Participation in decision-making processes through their Regional Hub.

3.3 Membership Criteria, Rights and Obligations Framework

IEG shall develop and maintain a dedicated framework setting out membership criteria, rights, obligations, ethical requirements, participation standards, and related procedures. Such framework shall be developed under the oversight of the Governance Assembly and implemented through the General Secretariat and Regional Hubs.

3.4 Admission Process

Membership admission shall follow the process below:

a. Membership applications shall be submitted to the General Secretariat, which shall serve as the central intake point for all applications.

b. The General Secretariat shall forward applications to the relevant Regional Hub for review and recommendation, ensuring alignment with regional context, relationships, and membership criteria.

c. Following regional review, the General Secretariat, in consultation with the Governance Assembly, shall make the final determination on membership approval, taking into account the recommendation of the Regional Hub.

d. Where a Regional Hub raises substantive concerns, these must be formally considered and addressed prior to a final decision.

e. Membership applications are reviewed by Regional Hubs and approved by the General Secretariat in consultation with the Governance Assembly.

3.5 Termination of Membership

Membership may be terminated in cases of non-compliance with IEG’s ethical framework or failure to meet membership obligations.

3.6 Initiation of Termination

Termination of membership may occur due to non-compliance with IEG’s ethical framework or failure to meet membership obligations via:

a. A petition by at least five Members in the same Regional Hub

b. A written request by at least two Governance Assembly Members submitted to the Secretariat.

3.7 Termination Procedure

Upon initiation, the General Secretariat shall notify the relevant Regional Hub and the member concerned.

The Ombudsperson shall be engaged to review the process, ensure fairness, and assess whether the grounds for termination align with IEG’s ethical and governance frameworks. The Ombudsperson may issue a formal recommendation, which shall be considered in the final decision-making process.

The Regional Hub shall review the matter and provide a recommendation, taking into account regional context and relationships.

The member organisation shall be given the opportunity to respond to the concerns raised.

3.8 Final Decision on Termination

Final decisions on termination shall be made by the Governance Assembly, taking into account:

a. The recommendation of the Regional Hub

b. The findings of the Ombudsperson

c. Any response provided by the member.

All termination decisions and their rationale shall be documented and maintained by the General Secretariat.

Article 4Regional Hubs

4.1 Composition

Regional Hubs represent the seven socio-cultural regions and include members from each region.

Each Regional Hub is coordinated by Regional Coordinator/s and shall be categorized as Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and/or Afro-Descendant peoples selected by the Regional Chairs from the Governance Assembly, who act as the primary liaison between the region and the global governance structures of IEG.

4.2 Term

Regional Coordinators shall serve a three-year term, renewable upon re-nomination and approval by the related Chair from the Governance Assembly.

4.3 Responsibilities

Regional Hubs shall have the following responsibilities:

a. Implement nature market initiatives at the community level in accordance with, and subject to, the global policies, strategies, and Statutes of IEG.

b. Retain autonomy over regional priorities and implementation approaches, provided alignment with IEG principles and Statutes is maintained.

c. Facilitate communication and coordination among Member Organizations within the region.

d. Represent regional interests and concerns at the global governance level, including the General Assembly.

e. Ensure regional contributions to IEG’s strategic initiatives, including the Vision 2030 strategy, the 8 billion hours pledge, all five-year Vision Strategies, and nature market standards.

f. Support capacity-building efforts and promote inclusive and effective participation from regional Member Organizations.

g. Assist in the identification and onboarding of new Member Organizations within the region.

h. Present two interim regional reports during General Assembly meetings, facilitating the integration of regional priorities into global decision-making.

4.4 Powers of Regional Hubs

Regional Hubs shall have the authority to:

a. Facilitate regional coordination and ensure regional perspectives are integrated into global decision-making processes.

b. Support the implementation of IEG’s policies, programs, and initiatives at the regional level.

c. Act as conduits for communication and reporting between regional Member Organizations, the General Secretariat and their related Regional Chairs.

d. Organize regional meetings and consultations to address specific regional issues or projects.

4.5 Meetings

Regional Hubs shall hold at least six bi-monthly meetings with their regional Member Organizations’ focal persons, either virtually or physically, to discuss regional priorities and submit reports.

4.6 Reporting

Regional Coordinators shall submit regular reports to the General Secretariat, the Governance Assembly, and the General Assembly, summarizing regional activities, challenges, and progress toward strategic objectives.

Article 5General Assembly

5.1 Nature and Composition

The General Assembly is the sovereign voice of the membership and one of the internal decision-making bodies of IEG. It is composed exclusively of representatives from Member Organizations, in accordance with the Terms of Membership.

5.2 Responsibilities

The General Assembly shall be responsible for:

a. Approving the organization’s five-year strategic plans

b. Approving IEG’s annual financial statements and reports

c. Approving the nominations of Regional Coordinators submitted by the related Regional Chair from the Governance Assembly

d. Reviewing and addressing regional reports and recommendations submitted by Regional Hubs.

5.3 Meetings

The General Assembly shall convene twice annually, either physically or virtually.

5.4 Quorum and Decisions

Quorum and final decisions shall be achieved with the participation of at least fifty percent plus one of the members, and decisions shall be adopted by a simple majority of those present and voting. All Members shall have equal voting rights, and each Member organization shall have one vote. No decision taken at the regional level shall be inconsistent with, or in contradiction to, the spirit, mission, and principles of IEG.

Article 6Governance Assembly

6.1 Composition

The Governance Assembly includes seven Regional Chairs and shall be categorized as Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and/or Afro-Descendant peoples, representing the seven socio-cultural regions and serves on an equal basis.

All regions are equal, and no region or Regional Chair shall enjoy any preferential status or authority over another; otherwise, it would be both unethical and a breach of commitment.

Regional Chairs are democratically elected for a five-year term, starting from May 2026, renewable upon re-nomination and approval.

To ensure continuity, Governance Assembly membership shall be structured so that terms are staggered, and no more than five Regional Chairs are replaced in a single election cycle.

Regional Chairs may serve a maximum of two terms, consecutive or not.

6.2 Responsibilities

The Governance Assembly shall be responsible for:

a. Approving IEG’s Statutes and governance principles

b. Overseeing the development of the organisation’s members’ policies and criteria

c. Overseeing membership onboarding

d. Approving budgets, strategic plans, and policies during the initial phases

e. Drafting, approving, and monitoring standards for member participation in nature markets

f. Promoting safe and human rights-based data sharing amongst members

g. Approving major expenditures

h. Structuring and overseeing their related regional governance and projects

i. Overseeing IEG data governance in alignment with IEG’s data governance principles, the CARE/TRUST/FAIR framework, and Indigenous Data Sovereignty standards

6.3 Meetings

The members of the Governance Assembly shall convene at least once a year in person and ten times a year through virtual monthly meetings.

6.4 Decision-Making Framework

Decisions require consensus. In case of non-consensus, a quorum of fifty percent plus one shall be required, and decisions shall be passed by a simple majority.

6.5 Conflict of Interest and Recusal

Members of the Governance Assembly who have active or prospective financial, operational, or other material interests in nature market projects must declare such interests.

Where a conflict of interest exists, the member shall recuse themselves from all related deliberations, decision-making processes, and the development, approval, or monitoring of relevant standards, policies, or projects.

In cases where a conflict of interest is disputed, not disclosed, or where there are concerns regarding compliance with recusal requirements, the matter may be referred to the Ombudsperson.

The Ombudsperson shall review the matter and provide an independent assessment to support resolution in alignment with IEG’s ethical and governance frameworks.

Declarations of interest shall be recorded and maintained by the General Secretariat.

6.6 Removal of a Governance Assembly Member

A member may be removed before the end of his/her five-year term if such removal is proposed by at least four Members through a written notice addressed to the Governance Assembly and circulated to all members of the Assembly.

The proposed removal shall be placed on the agenda and discussed at the first subsequent meeting of the Governance Assembly.

Removal may be decided on the following grounds:

a. Breach of the ethical framework, including the Governance Assembly Members Criteria; and/orb. Breach of the commitment framework under the current Statutes.

6.7 Resignation

A Regional Chair may resign before the end of their term by providing written notice to the Governance Assembly. A notice period of three months is recommended to support transition.

6.8 Confirmation of Regional Chairs

The appointment of Regional Chairs shall be subject to confirmation by the Governance Assembly to ensure alignment with IEG’s Statutes, values, and eligibility criteria.

Confirmation shall not override the outcome of the regional nomination process, except in cases where the nominated candidate(s) are found to be in breach of IEG’s ethical framework or eligibility requirements according to the Regional Chair’s criteria.

Where confirmation is not granted, the matter shall be referred back to the respective region for reconsideration and re-nomination.

6.9 Vacancy, Removal or Resignation

In the event of removal or resignation, the vacant position shall be filled by a representative from the same Region, nominated and elected in accordance with established procedures. The appointed replacement shall serve the remainder of the original term.

Priority shall be accorded to candidates originating from the same socio-cultural region, provided they are formally nominated by their respective Regional Hubs in an inclusive and transparent process involving their member organizations. Each Regional Hub shall submit a shortlist of at least three candidates. The final appointment shall be determined at the global level, through a selection process conducted by the remaining Regional Chairs.

If no suitable candidate exists, the Secretariat shall issue a call for nominations from IEG Members within the same region.

Regional nomination processes shall be subject to approval at the level of the Governance Assembly. The Governance Assembly Members shall elect a new member through a consensus-driven process. In case of non-consensus, a quorum of fifty percent plus one shall be required, and the decision shall be passed by a simple majority.

Article 7Council

7.1 Nature

The Council is the integrity and standards body of IEG.

7.2 Composition

During the first two years, members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governance Assembly.

Subsequent Council members shall be nominated and elected as follows:

a. Each socio-cultural region nominates one candidate based on the regional governance process and the nominees shall be categorized as Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and/or Afro-Descendant peoples

b. Nominations are submitted to the Governance Assembly via the Secretariat

c. Elections prioritize consensus; in its absence, a two-thirds majority vote of the Governance Assembly applies.

Council members shall serve a three-year term, renewable upon re-election.

7.3 Responsibilities

The Council shall be responsible for:

a. Ensuring adherence to IEG’s Statutes and policies

b. Convening General and Extraordinary Assemblies

c. Overseeing organizational policies and procedures

d. Proposing amendments to the Statutes to the Governance Assembly Members

e. Assigning and publicizing the IEG approval label for rights-based nature market projects.

7.4 Meetings

The Council shall meet at least twice a year, physically or virtually.

7.5 Decisions

Decisions shall be made by consensus; in its absence, a majority vote applies.

7.6 Removal

A member of the Council may be removed through:

a. A petition by at least five Member Organizations

b. A written request by at least three Governance Assembly Members submitted to the Secretariat.

The Secretariat shall engage the Ombudsperson for resolution. If the matter remains unresolved within one month, a call for nominations shall be issued for a replacement from the same region.

Article 8General Secretariat

8.1 Nature and Composition

The General Secretariat is the operational body of IEG.

The Secretary-General leads the General Secretariat and shall be categorized as Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and/or Afro-Descendant peoples. The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the Governance Assembly Members.

8.2 Responsibilities

The General Secretariat shall be responsible for:

a. Managing day-to-day operations, including General Assembly member organization communication, record-keeping, and execution of decisions by other bodies

b. Executing decisions from the General Assembly, Governance Assembly, and Council

c. Developing membership frameworks, onboarding, and outboarding organizational members

d. Preparing financial reports and coordinating with the Governance Assembly.

e. Facilitating all relevant monthly and annual meetings through online platforms (including Zoom), and, where feasible, providing simultaneous interpretation; and, for in-person meetings, ensuring all necessary logistical arrangements and coordination.

8.3 Removal or Re-choosing of the General Secretariat

The General Secretariat may be removed under the following conditions:

a. Grounds for removal: breach of the ethical and commitment framework

b. Decision process: agreement of five out of seven Governance Assembly Members during the annual performance review meeting.

8.4 Replacement

In the event of removal:

a. Priority shall be given to candidates nominated by the Governance Assembly Members

b. If no suitable candidate exists, and in the absence of the existing Secretariat, the Council shall issue a call for nominations from IEG Member Organizations.

Article 9Office of the Membership Conduct Ombudsperson

9.1 Nature and Composition

The Ombudsperson is an independent authority and shall be categorized as Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and/or Afro-Descendant peoples tasked with dispute resolution and ensuring adherence to IEG’s Member Code of Conduct.

The Ombudsperson shall be appointed by the Governance Assembly for a renewable three-year term.

9.2 Responsibilities

The Ombudsperson shall be responsible for:

a. Investigating complaints related to governance and decision-making processes

b. Providing recommendations to the Governance Assembly, Council, or General Assembly

c. Mediating disputes within IEG.

Article 10IEG Data Trust

10.1 Nature and Legal Form

The IEG Data Trust is the data governance instrument of IEG.

The IEG Data Trust shall be established as an independent legal entity under IEG’s jurisdiction to ensure transparency, accountability, and a human rights-based approach to data governance.

10.2 Purpose

The purpose of the IEG Data Trust is to:

a. Oversee the application of IEG’s data governance principles, the CARE/TRUST/FAIR framework, and Indigenous Data Sovereignty standards to the governance, security, and management of data and intellectual property related to IEG’s activities

b. Ensure equitable access to digital systems and fair and equitable benefit-sharing for Member Organizations

c. Facilitate innovation and collaboration through responsible data management under IEG’s data governance principles, the CARE/TRUST/FAIR framework, and Indigenous Data Sovereignty standards and/or equivalent regional principles

d. Ensure that data governance is grounded in Indigenous Data Sovereignty, including collective ownership, authority to control, responsibility, and ethics, with decision-making retained by the communities from which data originates.

10.3 Governance

The IEG Data Trust shall be managed by a Data Governance Board appointed by the Governance Assembly for three years, with representation from Members and shall be categorized as Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and/or Afro-Descendant peoples, considered from all seven socio-cultural regions.

Monthly reports on operations and compliance shall be presented to the Governance Assembly and General Assembly.

10.4 Responsibilities

The IEG Data Trust shall be responsible for:

a. Developing and enforcing policies for data collection, access, and security

b. Supporting Members with technical assistance and biocultural capacity-building for digital engagement

c. Maintaining compliance with data protection laws, rights of nature, human rights, and ethical standards within IEG and Regional Hubs.

10.5 Removal of a Member of the Data Trust

A member of the Data Trust may be removed if found in breach of the ethical and commitment framework.

Removal shall require the agreement of at least three out of seven Governance Assembly Members.

10.6 Penalty for Intellectual Property Violations

If an assessment investigation by the Ombudsperson determines that a Data Trust member has violated the data ownership rights of an individual, community, or group, they shall be subject to a penalty equivalent to the material and moral damages resulting from the infringement.

The amount of the penalty shall be determined by the designated Ombudsperson, and the violating party shall be obligated to compensate for the damages accordingly.

Article 11Financial Oversight and Accountability

11.1 Financial Resources

IEG’s resources include resources made available under separate MoUs and may include:

a. Grants, donations, and philanthropic contributions

b. Membership fees from organizational members

c. Revenue from initiatives such as the Vision 2030 strategy

d. UNDP resource allocation through specific Nature Market fundraising, SGP, GEF, and other relevant mechanisms

e. TOHA Network resource allocation through the 8 Billion Hour Pledge and other relevant mechanisms.

f. Any other resources that are consistent with the spirit, purpose, and principles of IEG, subject to approval by the Governance Assembly in accordance with its ordinary decision-making procedures.

11.2 Transparency

Annual financial statements shall be prepared by the General Secretariat, independently audited, and presented to the Governance Assembly for approval.

11.3 Expenditure Authorization

Major expenditures shall require prior approval from the Governance Assembly. All expenditures shall be undertaken in accordance with available budgetary resources, prioritizing the operationalization of IEG at the international level in the first instance, and subsequently at the regional level, without any form of discrimination for the time compensation. In applying this principle, the level of activity and engagement of each region may be duly taken into consideration for other expenses. The Governance Assembly shall bear full responsibility for the oversight and management of such expenditures.

11.4 Allocation of Project-Based Contributions and Compensation

a. Allocation for General Management and Secretariat

A fixed allocation equivalent to eight percent (8%) of the total value of all projects, initiatives, or financial arrangements that accrue to IEG through any mechanism, modality, or funding source shall be earmarked for the General Management and Secretariat (GMS) of IEG.

This allocation shall be used exclusively to cover the core operational and administrative costs of IEG, including but not limited to coordination, governance support, financial management, reporting, and institutional continuity.

b. Time Compensation and Remuneration of Mandate Holders

Time-based compensation and remuneration for individuals serving IEG in an official capacity, including but not limited to members of the Governance Assembly, Council Members, Secretary-General, Regional Hub representative/s, and Ombudsperson, shall be financed through:

i. Projects and initiatives directly accruing to IEG at the global level

ii. Where applicable, a designated portion of projects and initiatives accruing to the respective Regions.

c. Determination and Oversight

The principles, eligibility criteria, modalities, and allocation mechanisms for such compensation and cost coverage shall be defined, approved, and periodically reviewed by the Governance Assembly, in accordance with the principles of transparency, accountability, and equity.

Article 12Amendments to the Statutes

12.1 Proposal of Amendments

Any member of the Governance Assembly or Council Members may propose amendments to these Statutes.

12.2 Circulation of Proposals

Proposals must be circulated by the General Secretary to all Governance Assembly Members thirty days before the vote.

12.3 Approval

Amendments shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the present Governance Assembly Members.

12.4 Decision-Making Forum

It must be specified whether the amendment proposal will be discussed and decided upon in the Governance Assembly or, if a decision is needed sooner, through a timely virtual assembly.

A timely virtual assembly may take place if at least five out of seven Governance Assembly Members approve participation or participate in the process.

Article 13Dissolution

13.1 Conditions

Dissolution of IEG shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the Governance Assembly.

13.2 Asset Distribution

The remaining assets shall be transferred to non-profit organizations with similar objectives by the vote of two-thirds of the Governance Assembly.

Article 14Entry into Force

These Statutes, consisting of Preamble, 15 Articles and 65 clauses, in English and Spanish, both texts being equally authentic, shall enter into force immediately upon approval by the Governance Assembly in May 2026.

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