Italy's Constitution Amended to Protect Environment and Biodiversity

Italy's parliament approved a historic amendment to Article 9 of the Constitution on February 8, 2022, adding environmental protection, biodiversity, and ecosystems to the existing safeguards for cultural heritage and landscape. The modification, passed by the Chamber of Deputies with 468 votes, also revised Article 41 on economic initiative to include sustainability principles, stating that private economic activity cannot harm health, the environment, security, freedom, or human dignity. The process began in summer 2021 and was approved by the Senate in November 2021. The new text reads: "The Republic promotes the development of culture and scientific and technical research. It protects the landscape and the historical and artistic heritage of the Nation. It protects the environment, biodiversity, and ecosystems, also in the interest of future generations. State law regulates the methods and forms of animal protection." Reactions were positive on social media, with Democratic Party secretary Enrico Letta and Chamber President Roberto Fico praising the move as a historic step. The amendment aligns with growing environmental initiatives in the contemporary art world, such as the Coalition of Art Galleries for the Environment and the green sensitivity highlighted by Cecilia Alemani during the Venice Biennale press presentation.