On Sunday, September 7, 2025, over 300 University of Vermont (UVM) students and faculty joined hundreds of other community members to celebrate the silver anniversary of the Earth Charter in the Breeding Barn at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont.

Representing four classes from within the Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), these students participated in every aspect of the event, which featured music, puppetry, dancing, art, and lots of thoughtful conversation. 

Created with input from world leaders and sustainable development experts from across the globe and formally launched in 2000 in The Hague (in the Netherlands), the Earth Charter is a document that lays out the 16 values and principles that are key to achieving sustainable development. These tenets are contained within four pillars that define the very core of the Charter’s intention: Respect and Care for the Community of Life, Ecological Integrity, Social and Economic Justice, and Democracy, Nonviolence, and Peace.

Amy Seidl, a senior lecturer in RSENR who helped organize the 25th anniversary event, is no stranger to Earth Charter celebrations. A quarter century ago, she volunteered alongside a host of other UVMers at Vermont’s first Earth Charter event, which was held in the same location. In her opening remarks as MC of this year’s anniversary event, she spoke to the deep significance of the Charter. “When we value tolerance, we behave as better listeners to difference. When we value sustainability education, we teach its importance in our classrooms. When we value Earth’s beauty and abundance, we protect forests for migratory birds and mushroom harvests. And when we promote the equitable distribution of wealth, we insist on limitations so that all humans can secure a livelihood,” she said. 

In the 25 years since it came into being, the Earth Charter has played an integral part in the decision-making of many nations and institutions, been integrated into the curriculums of numerous schools and universities (including here at UVM), and inspired the work of countless artists. Originally seen as an “ethical compass for global transformation,” the Earth Charter has only become more critical and relevant in the ensuing years.

Toward the end of her remarks, Seidl spoke of the importance of acting collectively to create positive change in the world. She urged everyone present to honor the Earth Charter and commit themselves “to a reverence for life, a resolve to achieve sustainability, a quickened progress toward peace and justice, and, as importantly, a joyful celebration of life.”  

That joyful celebration was in evidence throughout the day, with UVM students and faculty from two Natural Resources classes, an Environmental Studies class, and even a Film and Television production class enthusiastically participating in the event from start to finish. The images and quotes below offer a glimpse into the momentous occasion.

Three UVM students walking along a road lined with colorful banners that people are holding with earth charter principles on them
As participants arrived at the event they were invited to begin with a walking meditation, passing through the Earth Charter principles, written on colorful banners. 
A group walking together in silent meditation, some are students, some are older community members
Upon entering the Breeding Barn attendees were welcomed by a live musical performance by the Paul Winter Consort.

“I was intrigued by this event because it was advertised as a celebration. I think a lot of the times when you see events about the environment, they are more focused on a demand or the need for more action. The Earth Charter event had different emotional undercurrents. It was a lot more hopeful and lyrical. I thought the music in the beginning was really beautiful. And it was all visually stunning.” – Bea Debo, a first-year student in the Rubenstein School.

Four people on a stage, one is standing at a podium, the rest are sitting, behind the stage is a large painting
Throughout the day speakers were framed by an intricate backdrop—an original painting by Cameron (Cami) Davis, a Senior Lecturer, Emerita in the Department of Art and Art History at UVM and an organizer of the Earth Charter event.

“There were key considerations in planning the event. How do we reflect grounded hope and realistic frameworks for making our way through our present ecological-cultural emergency. The metaphor of a murmuration became that framework as a reminder of the transformational potential that arises when individuals act in harmony with each other and their surrounding environment.” – Cami Davis, Senior Lecturer, Emerita in the College of Arts and Sciences.

A group of dancers wearing white shirts and holding long sticks with flapping prop birds on them
 The theme of murmuration was present throughout the day, including through a beautiful piece of choreography by Laurel Jenkins, Associate Professor of Dance at Middlebury College.
The Ark of Hope, a large wooden structure painted with many illustrations
The Ark of Hope was designed and painted by Sally Linder, a Vermont-based artist as the home for the Temenos Books project created in collaboration with Cami Davis for the original Earth Charter celebration held at Shelburne Farms in 2001.

“I was impressed by the amount of art. I was admiring the Ark of Hope, and the way art from a lot of different cultures is incorporated. I thought it was really neat how it included children on the top of it. It was very beautiful, I’m glad I signed up.” – Nico Johnston, a first-year student in the Rubenstein School.

Temenos books, all handmade and colorful affirmations of love of earth
The Temenos Books that are housed in the Ark of Hope were on display at the event. The handmade books combine artistic expression with the inspirational principles of the Earth Charter.
Amy Seidl, senior lecturer in the Rubenstein School at UVM on the stage at the Earth Charter event speaking with one hand raised
Amy Seidl, senior lecturer in the Rubenstein School at UVM and one of the event organizers served as master of ceremonies throughout the day.
A crowd of people seated in the Breeding Barn at Shelburne Farms in VT
The event focused on intergenerational problem solving, with attendees and panelists spanning five generations. 

“It was amazing to hear from so many people who have a large impact in the field that I'm majoring in. And to hear their experience and talking about passing it down to the younger generation to take the next steps in the Earth Charter. The goals and principles are inspiring.” - Fred Ogrinz, first-year College of Arts and Sciences student

A UVM student sitting at an event and listening

Many UVM students shared reflections during the event and in their classes the following week. They spoke and wrote about experiencing a sense of community with people who shared their values for environmental conservation and sustainability. 

“There’s something special about studying the environment in a place like Burlington, Vermont, where you have access to wonderful natural resources. It’s similar to what they were talking about at the event, you can really learn from the earth, and we can work beside it.” – Gianna Gravina, first-year Rubenstein School student. 

Learn more about the Earth Charter

Photos by Suman Thapa