In a historic vote for the country, Italy's parliament approved a law that recognizes the protection of the environment, the ecosystem and biodiversity as part of the country's core values.

Under the new law, which was approved with a strong majority by both parliament and senate, Italy will have the ability – and indeed the responsibility – to prevent any future private economic initiative that could potentially damage people's health or the environment, including animals.

The new bill modified two articles in the Constitution of Italy that was drawn up in 1947.

Article 9 certifies Italy's resolution to promote the country's cultural development as well as fostering scientific and technical research and protecting the historic heritage and landscape of the country. The new addition states the country must "protect the environment, biodiversity and the ecosystem in the interest of future generations."

Article 41 establishes that "private economic enterprise is free," as long as it doesn't cause damage to the safety, freedom and dignity of people. In the amendment, private economic initiative is also forbidden when it causes damage to the environment.

READ MORE

The psychological toll of Ukraine's conflict

Infrastructure becomes a target

Civilians train in preparation for escalation

Ecological Transition Minister Roberto Cingolani called the bill "an essential step" for the country, as Italy moves to increase green investments to transform the economy under the European Union's post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery fund.

"It is right that the protection of the environment, biodiversity and ecosystems become a founding value of our republic, it is an essential step for a country like Italy which is facing its own ecological transition," Cingolani said in a statement following the Parliament's decision.

The new legislation was welcomed by environmental groups and activists who have been calling for such a change to the Italian constitution for years.

"Finally, environment protection has become a fundamental principle of the republic, which future legislation must be inspired by and past legislation adapted to," Italian WWF president Donatella Bianchi said in a statement.

It will now be up to legislators and politicians to turn this broad legislation into concrete, everyday action that achieves protection of the environment.

What else does Italy's constitution protect?

Italy's constitution was introduced to protect basic human rights, including personal liberty, freedom of expression, belief and faith, the right of asylum from undemocratic countries, the right to work, and the right of dignity and equality before the law.

It also establishes that the home is "inviolable," that Italians can travel and reside wherever they want within the country, and that citizens can freely form associations as long as these don't violate any law.

Until now, animals were not protected under Italy's constitution. Animal rights activists believe that the new bill will enable the country to step up its fight against animal abuse.