A locality in Canada recognizes trees as living beings with their own rights.

The local council of Terrasse-Vaudreuil, located 65 kilometers west of Montreal, adopted on June 9 a historic resolution that recognizes trees as living beings with rights, including the right to life, natural growth, and regeneration. This decision, unanimously approved, will underpin future green space protection policies, ensuring that trees are protected and replaced in the event of cutting.

Mayor Michel Bourdeau emphasized the importance of trees in combating the effects of climate change, stating that they are "our greatest ally." The initiative was inspired by a documentary that presents trees as living organisms that communicate through their root systems.

Terrasse-Vaudreuil thus becomes the first municipality in Canada to adhere to the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Trees, an initiative supported by international environmental organizations. Environmental law specialists observe a global trend towards recognizing the rights of nature, with examples such as the Magpie River in Quebec, which received special legal status in 2021. The city's decision could serve as a model for other communities concerned about environmental protection.