Ecocide refers to the ‘devastation and destruction of the environment to the detriment of life’, but no legal definition has yet been agreed on by European Union Member States. It is also the topic of a current ELI project.

Several speakers were present at the above event that was attended by over 50 registrants from Europe, the United States, United Arab Emirates, and India. The panellists were:

• William McKechnie (Hub Chair; Retired Judge, Irish Supreme Court)
• Robert Bray (ELI Ecocide Project Reporter)
• Elaine McGoff (Dr, Natural Environment Officer, An Taisce)
• Duncan Stewart (an award winning architect, environmentalist, and television producer).

Robert Bray meticulously outlined the current position of Ecocide and the avenues one might take in determining a legal definition between Member States.

Elaine McGoff posited that recognising the issue of ecocide is an advancement in the protection of the environment, one to be complemented by other measures. She proceeded to examine how this may apply in Ireland and the need for protection of environmental defenders.

Stewart stressed the need to protect the environment for further generations and that recognising the issue of ecocide is an important measure. He outlined biodiversity safeguards and how green technologies can be used in protecting the environment.

Presentations were followed by a lively Q&A session.