The new Convention is the first international legally-binding instrument to address environmental crime, covering a broad range of criminal acts that aggravate the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

The term “ecocide” does not appear in the text of the Convention, but campaigners like Stop Ecocide International say most conduct described as “ecocide” will be criminalised under provisions dealing with particularly serious offences.

The Convention was developed over two years by experts and stakeholders from the 46 member States, alongside contributions from the EU, UN, INTERPOL, and civil society across Europe and beyond and approved by consensus at the Council of Europe committee of ministers meeting currently taking place in Luxembourg.

Council of Europe secretary general Alain Berset said: “This Convention is a game-changer for environmental protection. It tackles today’s urgent ecological threats head-on and taps into the strength of criminal justice to defend the planet.

“The Convention is one of the pillars of our new strategy on the environment. Together, they mark a bold step forward, linking environmental action with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.”