Dr. Yang Chao of our School recently participated in the "Ecocide" research initiative, submitting a comprehensive research report that has been proved by the "European Union Legal Research Institute." Titled "Ecocide: Model Rules for an EU Directive and a Council Decision," this report represents a significant milestone in the study of environmental crimes within European society. It delves into the topic through an examination of the historical evolution of environmental crimes, their constituent elements, international legal definitions, national case studies, political considerations, and proposed EU legislation, providing a systematic analysis of "the most serious environmental crimes" across several key areas.

The Ecocide project, sanctioned by the Council of the European Union Legal Research Institute in February 2021, embarked on a three-year investigative journey with Dr. Yang Chao playing a pivotal role in the research efforts. The report underwent rigorous refinement and enhancement, and the team successfully concluded the research within the allotted time frame, fulfilling the project's objectives. The culmination of this endeavor is a definitive research report that underscores the international community's legislative concern for grave environmental offenses, proposes a legal framework for the prevention and punishment of such crimes, and upholds the fundamental rights of all people.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the project team has conducted several discussions and workshops through online meetings over the past three years, and divided the project responsibilities. Dr. Yang Chao has participated in multiple online project discussion meetings, contributed to the drafting of the jurisdiction section, and submitted the national research content on environmental crimes. His academic contributions have been recognized by the project team.