ecocide

Imagine a world where our Earth's vital ecosystems are legally protected from the severest harms. This is the vision behind ecocide law: providing an enforceable framework to deter destructive practices, safeguarding the natural world and all our futures. Mauritius has become the latest country to introduce a domestic crime of ecocide. Classified by the United Nations as a Small Island Developing State, it faces significant environmental risks, including sea level rise and pressure on marine ecosystems that underpin key sectors of its economy such as tourism and fisheries. The provision, set out in an anti-money laundering and financial crimes law , defines ecocide as “an unlawful or wanton act committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term environmental damage” – language that closely reflects the definition proposed by the Independent Expert Panel convened by the Stop Ecocide Foundation in 2021. Professor Philippe Sands KC - "I’m absolutely convinced that this crime of ecocide will be adopted. The only issue is not whether, but when and in what form.” From key diplomatic figures to big names in law, academia, culture and the private sector, ecocide law is being called for, endorsed and supported. Our breaking news page tracks the remarkable progress of ecocide law around the world. From local cultural events to global UN conferences, sample the breadth of the conversation. Guest blog features international campaigns addressing grave environmental harms. Learn more about ecocide law and the countries discussing it; also about us, our associates and networks. Which nation states are leading this legal initiative? What is the procedure for criminalising ecocide? Who and where are Stop Ecocide International and how do we work to support it all? Explore methods to engage, whether you operate at policy, public, professional or personal levels. Discover the genesis of global progress on ecocide law: the Independent Expert Panel definition. Convened by our charitable Foundation, this international panel of top lawyers and jurists launched its consensus definition of ecocide as an international crime in June 2021. "Such recognition of environmental crimes, including the crime of ecocide, by international, regional, and domestic legal systems would strengthen accountability for environmental harms.” "History only moves forward when courageous people get up and act. That’s why I support this citizen’s initiative to recognise ecocide as the crime it is.” "I’m firmly in favour of seeing ecocide made an international crime over which the ICC has jurisdiction." "Stopping Ecocide through international criminal law is essential for the survival of our cultures and economies and decisive in order to safeguard global ecosystems with their species variety, as the collective life insurance of humanity." “It is time to make ecocide a crime against humanity and put the rights of people and Nature first to create a healthy and sustainable planet for all species." "I share the ambition… to ensure that this term is enshrined in international law so that leaders … are accountable before the International Criminal Court."