Abstract

This paper explores the evolving concept of ecocide—the large-scale destruction of the natural environment—and the rising global advocacy for its recognition as an international crime. Rooted in the environmental devastation witnessed during the Vietnam War, the term ecocide has gradually gained legal and moral traction over the decades. Initially conceptualized as a broad ethical concern, it has now become a subject of serious legal reform, with increasing support from environmentalists, scientists, and legal scholars worldwide. The paper traces the historical background of ecocide, examining how its meaning has evolved and the growing momentum for its criminalization under international law, particularly through the proposed inclusion in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). It further analyses the pioneering steps taken by countries such as Ecuador, France, and New Zealand, which have granted legal personhood to nature or formally recognized ecocide within their national legal frameworks. These examples highlight a shift from anthropocentric to ecocentric governance, where nature is seen not just as a resource, but as a rights-bearing entity. The paper also critically assesses India’s position, highlighting its rich biodiversity and environmental legislation, while pointing to the lack of a defined legal stance on ecocide. India's potential role in shaping global ecocide jurisprudence is discussed, along with the need to align its legal and policy frameworks with emerging international norms. The paper offers suggestions such as incorporating ecocide into domestic law, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, raising public awareness, and advocating for international cooperation. Recognizing ecocide as a crime is not only a legal necessity but a moral imperative—one that offers a pathway to environmental justice, accountability, and sustainable development for present and future generations.

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