It is from the pockets of American leader and philanthropist Robert O. Anderson that they took the $200,000 to fund the launching of Friends of the Earth (FOTE). It was in 1969 that the organization started their advocacy to protect Mother Earth from further destruction.

The organization is now an international network of environmental organizations that cover more than 70 countries. This not for profit organization now has over 5,000 local activist groups that started as an anti-nuclear group with David Brower, Jerry Mander and Donald Aitken. Their main objective is to prevent further development and lock up nuclear energy. The international network of the organization was forged in 1971 with the meeting of various representatives from several countries, including UK, France, Sweden and the United States.

Under the context of political, human and social rights, the organization continues to fight environmental issues. Their advocacy has transcended the arena of the conservation movement and has evolved into a quest for the development and economic aspect of sustainability. From Europe and in the North America the organization is now heavily concentrated in emerging countries. They have categorized their campaign priorities into four arenas, namely climate justice and energy, food sovereignty, economic justice and resisting neoliberalism and forests and biodiversity. Their international networks are incorporated into three core themes: protecting the planet’s disappearing biodiversity, protecting human and environmental rights and the repayment of ecological debt owed by rich countries to those they have exploited.

The organization has become a multi-tiered network that has varied representations in every country. Their networks range from individual activists up to the national pressure group. These parties have lobbied for sustainable and environmentally progressive policies. They also carry research and educational activities that help the less fortunate in the region. The majority of these national groups are not only focusing on their local issues but are also openly participating in the international campaigns of FOTE.