• Belgium has become the first country in the European Continent to recognise ‘ecocide’ as a crime.
• The Federal Parliament of Belgium voted in favour of a new penal code which makes ecocide a national and international crime.
• Nationally, the new crime, which is aimed at preventing and punishing the most severe cases of environmental degradation (such as extensive oil spills), will apply to individuals in the highest positions of decision-making power and to corporations.
• The punishment for individuals may include up to 20 years in prison, while corporations could face fines of up to €1.6 million.
• In addition, Belgium now recognises ecocide as a fifth ‘international crime’ after war crimes, crimes of aggression, crimes against humanity and genocide.

 DEFINITION

• Ecocide means unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts.