Mapping
Source: DTE
Context: Belgium, often hailed as the cockpit of Europe, has become the first country on the continent to recognize ‘ecocide’ as both a national and international crime.
What is Ecocide?
Ecocide refers to unlawful acts that result in substantial, widespread, or long-term damage to the environment. Recognizing ecocide as a crime aims to hold individuals and corporations accountable for their actions that harm the planet, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. The term was invented by American Biologist Arthur Galston in 1970.
The countries with domestic ecocide laws are France (2021), Ukraine (2001), Kazakhstan (1997), Kyrgyzstan (1997), Russia (1996), Tajikistan (1998), Uzbekistan (1994), Vietnam (1990) etc. India is yet to make it an offence.
About Belgium:
It is a country in Northwestern Europe, bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and the North Sea. Belgium is known for its complex institutional organization, divided into three autonomous regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels-Capital Region. Linguistically diverse, it has a majority Flemish and minority French-speaking population, along with a small German-speaking community. It boasts a developed, high-income economy and is a founding member of the European Union, Eurozone, NATO, OECD, and WTO. Brussels serves as the de facto capital of the European Union, hosting key EU institutions and major international organizations.
