The Municipality of Terrasse-Vaudreuil, Quebec, has officially recognized trees as sentient living beings with their own rights, marking what is believed to be a first in the province and Canada. The decision was announced in a news release on June 10 and follows a citizen-led initiative inspired by a screening of the film Des arbres et des arts (Trees and the Arts), directed by André Desrochers.
Initiative sparked by film and public debate
The film screening sparked a broad public debate on the legal status of trees and the possibility of recognizing them as living beings rather than mere objects. Following discussions, a formal request was submitted to the municipal council through the Terrasse-Vaudreuil Environment Committee, leading to the adoption of the resolution.
Desrochers stated in the release: “With this film, I took on the challenge of helping to transform our ‘egocentric’ vision into an ‘ecocentric’ community, where humans recognize themselves as an integral part of life rather than its centre.”
Resolution supports Universal Declaration of the Rights of Trees
The municipality will adopt a resolution to sign the petition in support of the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Trees, a global initiative launched in 2018 in response to “the immense loss of forests on the planet.” The petition has garnered more than 87,000 signatures worldwide. Its three fundamental principles state that trees are sentient living beings and a common human good, that life on the planet depends on their existence, and that humans must act toward them “in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity.”
Mayor Michel Bourdeau said: “This recognition will be accompanied by concrete programs aimed at protecting our tree canopy, planting trees, and raising public awareness of their importance.” Bourdeau added that by adopting the resolution, “Terrasse-Vaudreuil affirms its commitment to building a sustainable future.”
International Observatory of Nature’s Rights applauds move
Yenny Vega Cárdenas, president of the International Observatory of Nature’s Rights, said in the release: “This resolution demonstrates the strength of municipal government and its capacity to act according to the principles of sustainable development, showing boldness in protecting the territory. We hope that Terrasse-Vaudreuil will be the first of many municipalities to commit to this path.”
Terrasse-Vaudreuil is not the first location in Canada to grant legal rights to nature. In 2021, Quebec’s Magpie River was granted legal personhood by the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit and the regional municipal council of Minganie, giving the waterway nine rights, including the right to evolve naturally, be free from pollution and maintain its natural biodiversity.
