In 1986 ECO²TERRA was officially registered and in 1987 recognised as NGO, NGHA and charity, at first in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Though ECO²TERRA has its roots as European NGO still in various states of the European Union, nodes were established in most of those developing countries, where ECO²TERRA operates. This process continues as people in a growing number of countries join ECO²TERRA or receive ECO²TERRA co-operation, assistance and/or support.
The basic constitution and mandate of ECO²TERRA as international CSO applies for all countries of operation, and differs only in some administrative matters, required legally by the respective country. Within the task countries ECO²TERRA Intl. creates its local ECO²TERRA groups and nodes, which assist in the programmes and projects, while receiving support and training to become a locally registered and recognised NGO, an associate and later a full member of ECO²TERRA International.