In 2022, the reform of Articles 9 and 41 enshrined the protection of the environment, biodiversity and ecosystems among the fundamental principles of the Italian Republic for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On 2 June, Italy celebrates Republic Day, the anniversary of the 1946 constitutional referendum in which Italian citizens chose the republican form of government. This anniversary is part of the country\u2019s collective history and, every year, invites us to reflect on the fundamental values upon which the Republic is built.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since 2022, nature has also been included among those values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 2022 Constitutional Reform<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Through Constitutional Law No. 1 of 11 February 2022, the Italian Parliament approved amendments to Articles 9 and 41 of the Constitution, introducing for the first time in the history of the Republic an explicit reference to the protection of the environment, biodiversity and ecosystems among the fundamental principles of the State. Why it matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The constitutional amendment is not merely a symbolic gesture. Enshrining the protection of the environment and biodiversity among the fundamental principles of the Constitution means granting these values the same legal standing as personal freedom, equality and human dignity. It means that every law, every administrative act and every public policy must take these principles into account and may not conflict with them. From theory to practice: the role of natural history museums<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Biodiversity conservation is not achieved through legislation alone. It is built day by day through knowledge, scientific research, education and public outreach. This is where institutions such as the Efisio Noussan Regional Museum of Natural Sciences in Saint-Pierre play a role that goes beyond the preservation of collection.
Article 9, which has protected the nation\u2019s landscape and historical and artistic heritage since 1948, now includes the following paragraph: \u201cThe Republic protects the environment, biodiversity and ecosystems, also in the interests of future generations. State law regulates the methods and forms of animal protection.\u201d
This is the first time the word \u2018biodiversity\u2019 has appeared in the Italian Constitution. And it is the first time a European constitution has explicitly included the protection of animals among its fundamental principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, it means that protecting nature is a constitutional duty of the Italian Republic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Studying the biodiversity of the Aosta Valley, analysing the DNA of Alpine species, preserving the seeds of native plants in the Germplasm Bank, and educating schoolchildren and visitors about mountain ecosystems: these are activities that give concrete form to the principles enshrined in Article 9 of the Constitution.
Understanding the territory is the first step towards protecting it. And protecting nature, from 2022, is a commitment enshrined in the Republic\u2019s fundamental law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n