The International Institute for Climate Action (IICA), as the first association of climate change and policy experts, held an IICA EKOCID panel event on Thursday, 3 September 2026, in the hall of the European Commission Representation in the Republic of Croatia, dedicated to one of the most important new topics in European environmental and climate policy: the criminalization and legal aspects of ecocide.

The event brought together representatives of Croatian institutions, legal experts, the business community and ambassadors to discuss the importance of recognizing ecocide as a serious criminal offense and the broader implications for environmental protection, climate action and accountability.

The panel was completed by lecturers, the Minister of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation Mr. Damir Habijan, a special guest from the United Kingdom, Mrs. Sue Miller, who holds the position of director of networks and partnerships in the organization Stop Ecocide International, where she works on building partnerships with the aim of introducing the public to the concept of ecocide laws and encouraging global discussion on the topic, and in the role of panel moderator as well as lecturer, president of IICA and special envoy/advisor for climate action of the Republic of Croatia, Ms. Marija Pujo Tadic.

In a stimulating atmosphere, the development of a legal framework for environmental protection and liability for the most serious forms of environmental damage was discussed, as well as how the law can and should respond to the challenges posed by climate change and the increasing pressure on our natural resources. Accordingly, the upcoming amendment to the Criminal Code aimed at successfully incorporating ecocide – as a particularly serious criminal offense against the environment – ​​into the Croatian legal framework was also mentioned.

The event served to inform and discuss the important topic of ecocide for all attendees, as well as the Croatian initiative related to issues of climate justice, environmental protection and responsibility, especially in terms of strengthening public engagement and encouraging citizens and organizations to take concrete steps to protect the climate and the environment. In addition, we thank all participants from the business, public and institutional sectors, and especially their Excellencies, ambassadors of friendly countries accredited to the Republic of Croatia, who actively contributed to the discussion with their questions. Their presence further emphasized the international importance of environmental protection and responsibility for preserving our planet.

The panel was concluded by the President of IICA and Special Advisor/Envoy for Climate Action of the Republic of Croatia, Ms. Marija Pujo Tadić, with the powerful words: “Soil, water and air are no one’s exclusive property. We have received them as a gift and we must pass them on to those who come after us, because the youth are our future!”

Together we can build a more responsible framework for the future.