Developing ecocide law.

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.

We develop global conversations around recognition of ecocide as a serious crime, working at diplomatic level and across all sectors of civil society to share knowledge and inspire positive legislative change.

31st October 2024
DRC Joins Pacific Island Nations In Call For An International Crime Of Ecocide

DRC becomes first African nation to formally endorse the creation of an international crime of ecocide. This support follows a September 2024 proposal from Pacific nations to add ecocide to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Read about other recent developments:

Pope Francis - "This is a fifth category of crimes against peace, which should be recognised."

Princess Esmeralda of Belgium - “It is time to make ecocide a crime against humanity."

Antonio Guterres - It is "highly desirable" to include ecocide as a crime at the International Criminal Court.

Paul McCartney - "The idea is clearly catching on... and not before time if we are to prevent further devastation of the planet."

Tarja Halonen - "Stopping Ecocide through international criminal law is essential".

Cara Delevingne - "Mass damage and destruction of nature is called Ecocide and it should be an international crime, just like genocide."

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.”

Dr Jane Goodall - “The concept of Ecocide is long overdue. It could lead to an important change in the way people perceive – and respond to – the current environmental crisis.”

Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights - “recognition of environmental crimes, including the crime of ecocide … would strengthen accountability for environmental harms”

Pope Francis - "This is a fifth category of crimes against peace, which should be recognised." Princess Esmeralda of Belgium - “It is time to make ecocide a crime against humanity." Antonio Guterres - It is "highly desirable" to include ecocide as a crime at the International Criminal Court. Paul McCartney - "The idea is clearly catching on... and not before time if we are to prevent further devastation of the planet." Tarja Halonen - "Stopping Ecocide through international criminal law is essential". Cara Delevingne - "Mass damage and destruction of nature is called Ecocide and it should be an international crime, just like genocide." 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.” Dr Jane Goodall - “The concept of Ecocide is long overdue. It could lead to an important change in the way people perceive – and respond to – the current environmental crisis.” Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights - “recognition of environmental crimes, including the crime of ecocide … would strengthen accountability for environmental harms”

Featured
So many people support ecocide law across all sectors of society.
So many people support ecocide law across all sectors of society.

From key diplomatic figures to big names in law, academia, culture and the private sector, ecocide law is being called for, endorsed and supported.

See supporting businesses, organisations, funding partners and sector-specific networks.

Read more >>

Stay up to date with developments, events and listen to podcasts.
Stay up to date with developments, events and listen to podcasts.

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.

Read more >>

Learn more about ecocide law and the countries discussing it; also about us, our associates and networks.
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?

Read more >>

Featured
Explore methods to engage, whether you operate at policy, public, professional or personal levels.
Explore methods to engage, whether you operate at policy, public, professional or personal levels.

Find links, reports, digital tools, information and resources that will help you research, raise awareness, involve your sector or declare your support..

Read more >>

Discover the genesis of global progress on ecocide law: the Independent Expert Panel definition.
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.

Read more >>

SupportersQuotes
Volker Turk

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

"Such recognition of environmental crimes, including the crime of ecocide, by international, regional, and domestic legal systems would strengthen accountability for environmental harms.”

Sylvia Earle

Co-founder of Mission Blue

"There is a real case to be made for recognising ecocide in the International Criminal Court right along with genocide. Our existence is on the line."

Kumi Naidoo

Former Executive Director Greenpeace International

"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.”

Chile Eboe-Osuji

4th President of the International Criminal Court

"I’m firmly in favour of seeing ecocide made an international crime over which the ICC has jurisdiction."

Tarja Halonen

Former President of Finland

"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."

Paul McCartney

Singer, songwriter, co-founder Meat Free Monday

“[This] idea is clearly catching on... and not before time if we are to prevent further devastation of the planet.”

Princess Esmeralda of Belgium

Journalist, author and activist

“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."

Pope Francis

Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church

"This is a fifth category of crimes against peace, which should be recognised as such by the international community.”

Dr Jane Goodall

UN Messenger of Peace

“The concept of Ecocide is long overdue. It could lead to an important change in the way people perceive – and respond to – the current environmental crisis.”

Antonio Guterres

UN Secretary General

“[We] need to establish a crime of ecocide at the international level”

Emmanuel Macron

President of France

"I share the ambition… to ensure that this term is enshrined in international law so that leaders … are accountable before the International Criminal Court."

Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa

7th Prime Minister of Samoa

"We call on all leaders to join us as we explore pathways for addressing ecological destruction and climate breakdown… with the proposal of an amendment to the Rome Statute as a concrete first step.”

Nikenike Vurobaravu

President of Vanuatu

"We call on states to join the group of nations proposing to include the crime of ecocide in the Rome statute. Acting with the knowledge of severe and widespread or long-term damage to the environment can no longer be tolerated."