Understanding the Scope of Adoption, the Fifteen Commitments for Local Authorities, and the Procedure to Be Followed
On June 9, 2026, the Municipal Council of Terrasse-Vaudreuil, Quebec, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2026-06-111, by which the municipality formally adopted the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights and committed to incorporating its principles into its policies and management practices.
Within the framework of this international initiative, that decision constitutes the first formal adoption of the Declaration by a local authority. It marks the beginning of a new phase: the implementation of the Declaration’s principles through local public policy.
The Fifteen Commitments for Local Authorities already formed part, in principle, of the implementation framework developed by La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus before the adoption of the Terrasse-Vaudreuil resolution. They were not, however, annexed to or formally incorporated into Resolution No. 2026-06-111. Their subsequent public presentation and integration into the formal adoption procedure made this existing framework fully accessible to all interested authorities, including Terrasse-Vaudreuil.
Since that adoption, local and regional authorities, elected officials, legal professionals, researchers, associations, and members of the public have sought information regarding the scope of this process, the procedure for adoption, and the commitments it entails.
This article sets out the framework applicable to local and regional authorities wishing to join the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights initiative.
Any local authority’s adoption initiative must comply with the Official Framework of the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights, which defines its institutional stewardship and governance, as well as the conditions governing its representation and use.
I. The Universal Declaration of Tree Rights: A Declaration of Principles
The Universal Declaration of Tree Rights sets forth fundamental principles intended to guide the recognition, respect, and effective protection of Trees.
It affirms, in particular, that the Tree is a sentient living being, a source of Life, and a common good of humanity; that life on Earth depends upon its existence; and that human beings must act toward Trees in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity.
The Declaration constitutes an ethical, scientific, political, and legal reference instrument. It is intended to inform public policy, institutional practices, collective decision-making, and the future development of law.
At this stage, however, the Declaration is not:
- a statute;
- a regulation;
- a judicial decision;
- an international convention currently in force;
- or an instrument that, by itself, possesses legally binding force equivalent to any of the foregoing.
Accordingly, the Declaration does not automatically amend the national or local law applicable within any given jurisdiction.
Nor does it, by itself, confer general legal personhood upon Trees or transfer any powers or responsibilities to an organization external to public institutions.
Rather, it establishes a common foundation of principles from which public policies, governance mechanisms, protective measures, and, where the competent authorities so decide, new legal instruments may be progressively developed.
II. What Is the Scope of Adoption by a Local or Regional Authority?
The adoption of the Declaration by a local or regional authority constitutes a formal political, ethical, and institutional act.
Through that decision, the authority publicly affirms:
- its endorsement of the principles set forth in the Declaration;
- its intention to incorporate those principles progressively into the exercise of its powers and responsibilities;
- its commitment to strengthening the protection of trees;
- and its participation in a national and international framework of cooperation.
The precise legal effect of an act adopted by a local or regional authority will always depend upon:
- the law applicable to that authority;
- the scope of its powers;
- the nature of the legal or institutional instrument used;
- the wording of that instrument;
- and the concrete measures adopted for its implementation.
A deliberation, resolution, motion, or other act of adoption has legal and institutional existence within the authority’s own legal order. It may guide public policy, structure the authority’s commitments, and serve as a reference point for future decisions.
It may not, however, amend a higher-ranking legal rule, enlarge the authority’s statutory powers, or, by itself, create a general legal regime applicable beyond the authority’s territory and jurisdiction.
The adoption of the Declaration must therefore be understood as the starting point of a progressive process, implemented in accordance with applicable law and within the powers vested in each authority.
III. What a Local or Regional Authority Adopts
Under the procedure now publicly formalized, a local or regional authority adopts jointly:
- the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights, which sets forth the fundamental principles;
- and the Fifteen Commitments for Local Authorities, which provide the roadmap for their progressive implementation.
Adoption of the Declaration therefore includes adoption of the Fifteen Commitments. The two documents constitute a unified and indivisible framework.
To ensure the clarity and legal certainty of the decision, it is recommended that the instrument adopted by the authority:
- state the full official titles of both documents;
- identify precisely the versions being adopted;
- attach the texts to the deliberation or resolution, where permitted under applicable local law;
- authorize the competent representative to complete the required formalities;
- and, where appropriate, specify the initial arrangements for implementation.
Such precise identification prevents the decision from referring to an outdated, incomplete, or subsequently amended version of either document.
Under this procedure, a local or regional authority does not accede to the International Convention on Tree Rights. The Convention belongs to a different legal and institutional level.
IV. The Fifteen Commitments for Local Authorities: Operational Implementation of the Declaration
The Declaration sets forth the principles. The Fifteen Commitments for Local Authorities provide a method for translating those principles progressively into local and regional public policy.
They are organized around five complementary stages:
- Govern: establish the institutions required to give practical effect to the principles of the Declaration;
- Understand: identify, assess, understand, and enhance the value of tree heritage;
- Act: translate the principles into concrete public policies;
- Preserve: recognize and protect the living world as a common good;
- Pass On: ensure continuity of action and uphold responsibility toward future generations.
The Commitments provide for:
- the establishment of an Assembly of the Tree;
- the appointment of a Tree Advocate;
- the recognition of Guardian Trees;
- the creation of a Guardian Tree Passport;
- the identification and inventory of trees located within the territory;
- the development and expansion of the tree canopy;
- the involvement of residents and members of the public;
- the preservation of the vital environment upon which trees depend;
- the regulation of tree removal;
- the provision of ecological compensation;
- the assessment of the impact of proposed projects;
- the protection of the right to shade;
- the preservation of the living common good;
- the evaluation of progress achieved;
- and the transmission to future generations of a living common good that is at least equivalent in quality and, wherever possible, enhanced.
The Fifteen Commitments are not a collection of unrelated or independent measures. Together, they form a coherent and progressive governance framework through which local and regional authorities may implement the principles of the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.
A Common Framework, Adapted Implementation
The text of the Fifteen Commitments is common to all signatory authorities. This common text safeguards the unity and consistency of the international initiative.
The practical arrangements for implementation may, however, be adapted to:
- the powers vested in the authority;
- its size and organizational structure;
- its human, technical, and financial capacity;
- the ecological characteristics of its territory;
- its existing tree heritage;
- the national or regional legal framework applicable to it;
- and the public policies already in place.
Such adaptation does not consist of deleting or unilaterally rewriting any of the Commitments.
Rather, it concerns the implementation timetable, the instruments used, the resources allocated, and the institutional arrangements selected.
An authority may, in particular, specify the manner in which the Commitments will be implemented through an action plan, a local charter, a multiyear program, internal rules of procedure, or any other document appropriate to its powers and institutional framework.
V. Progressive Implementation
Adoption of the Fifteen Commitments does not mean that every measure must be fully implemented on the date of adoption.
The process is founded upon the principle of progressive implementation.
Each authority is expected to:
- determine its priorities;
- establish a realistic timetable;
- mobilize its departments and partners progressively;
- establish the mechanisms contemplated by the Commitments;
- assess the results obtained at regular intervals;
- and report on the progress achieved.
The progressive nature of implementation does not, however, deprive the adopted Commitments of their significance.
The authority formally declares its intention to implement them and must be able to translate that intention into an identifiable, monitored, and evolving process.
VI. The Assembly of the Tree
The Assembly of the Tree is one of the participatory institutions forming part of the Declaration’s overall architecture.
Two complementary dimensions must be distinguished.
1. The International Assembly of the Tree
At the international level, the Assembly of the Tree constitutes a forum for dialogue, reflection, cooperation, and the exchange and circulation of knowledge.
It may bring together, among others:
- members of the public;
- scientists;
- legal professionals;
- local and regional authorities;
- elected officials;
- associations;
- professionals;
- educators;
- artists;
- and representatives of civil society.
It contributes to the development of recommendations, tools, pilot initiatives, action programs, and proposals intended to strengthen the effective protection of trees.
2. Territorial Assemblies of the Tree
The first of the Fifteen Commitments provides that each signatory authority shall establish its own Assembly of the Tree as a permanent consultative body.
Such an Assembly may include:
- elected officials;
- public departments and services;
- experts;
- associations;
- members of the public;
- professionals;
- and stakeholders involved in the management and protection of trees.
It supports local implementation of the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments.
Through its observations and practical experience, it may also contribute to the progressive development of the proposed International Convention on Tree Rights.
An Advisory Body
The Assembly of the Tree is a forum for dialogue, reflection, and informed proposals.
It is not:
- a court or tribunal;
- an administrative or regulatory authority;
- an independent administrative agency;
- a parallel municipal or regional council;
- or an institution intended to replace the competent public authorities.
Its recommendations, proposals, and resolutions are advisory in nature.
Decisions remain vested in the institutions upon which applicable law confers the relevant authority.
In its current form, the proposed Convention also specifies that Assemblies of the Tree are not intended to replace the competent authorities or the Standing Committee contemplated by the Convention.
VII. The Proposed International Convention on Tree Rights
The International Convention on Tree Rights currently exists in the form of a draft text that has been prepared and published.
It is intended to provide, at the level of States, an international legal framework through which the protection of trees may be progressively strengthened and the principles of the Declaration translated into a treaty-based instrument.
It is not, however, currently an international treaty in force.
At this stage, it has not been adopted, signed, and ratified by States through an international procedure conferring binding legal force upon it. It therefore does not yet create international treaty obligations.
In its current form, the draft provides that the Convention would be open for signature by States recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, as well as by international organizations competent in environmental matters.
It further provides that the Convention would enter into force at the international level once ten States had deposited an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession.
Local and Regional Authorities Do Not Become Parties to the Convention
A local or regional authority that adopts the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments:
- does not sign the Convention as a contracting party;
- incurs no international obligation under the proposed Convention;
- does not act in place of the State to which it belongs;
- and retains the full scope of its institutional powers and responsibilities.
It may, however, contribute to the reflection and territorial experimentation accompanying the development of the proposed Convention.
The observations of local and regional authorities, the policies they implement, and the results they achieve may provide valuable practical experience capable of informing the progressive development of the international framework.
VIII. An Architecture Comprising Four Complementary Instruments
The initiative is based upon four closely interconnected components.
1. The Universal Declaration of Tree Rights
It sets forth the fundamental principles.
2. The Fifteen Commitments for Local Authorities
They translate those principles into an operational and progressive roadmap for local and regional authorities.
3. The Assembly of the Tree
It facilitates dialogue, participation, the exchange of knowledge, and the formulation of proposals at both the international and territorial levels.
4. The Proposed International Convention on Tree Rights
It proposes a future international legal framework intended for States and competent international organizations.
These four components perform distinct functions and must not be confused.
The Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments are the documents adopted by local and regional authorities.
The Assembly of the Tree supports their implementation and promotes participation, dialogue, and the development of proposals.
The proposed Convention belongs to a future international process to be conducted at the level of States and competent international organizations.
The White Paper on the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights, which is currently being finalized, is a doctrinal and explanatory document. It presents the origins of the initiative, its scientific, ethical, and legal foundations, and its overall architecture. It does not constitute an additional condition for adoption by local or regional authorities.
IX. The International Register of Signatory Authorities
Once the adoption procedure has been completed, the authority is entered in the International Register of Signatory Authorities.
The purposes of the Register are:
- to maintain an official record of the authorities that have joined the Declaration;
- to ensure the traceability of adoptions;
- to give visibility to territorial commitments;
- to facilitate cooperation among authorities;
- to encourage the sharing of experience and good practices;
- and to contribute to the development of an international network.
Entry in the Register has declaratory and institutional significance.
It certifies that the authority has adopted the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
Registration does not, by itself, create any new power, special legal personality, or additional international obligation.
The legal effects of the local decision remain those arising from the instrument adopted by the authority and the law applicable to it.
X. Procedure for a Local or Regional Authority to Join the Declaration
Step 1 — Contact La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus
The interested authority contacts La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus.
This initial exchange makes it possible to identify:
- the authority concerned;
- its representatives;
- its institutional framework;
- its expectations;
- and any measures or initiatives it has already undertaken for the benefit of trees.
Step 2 — Conduct a Preliminary Dialogue
A preliminary dialogue is organized with La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus in order to present:
- the Declaration;
- the Fifteen Commitments;
- the Assembly of the Tree;
- the proposed Convention;
- the International Register;
- the legal and institutional scope of adoption;
- and the arrangements for progressive implementation.
This dialogue prevents confusion, particularly between the adoption of the Declaration by a local or regional authority and the future accession of a State to the International Convention on Tree Rights.
It also enables the authority to raise questions and prepare a fully informed decision.
Step 3 — Identify the Competent Authority
In accordance with its applicable law, the authority identifies the body legally empowered to adopt the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments.
Depending upon the institutional system concerned, this may include:
- a municipal council;
- a communal council;
- a departmental, provincial, or regional council;
- an equivalent deliberative body;
- or any other legally authorized authority.
The form of the instrument depends upon applicable law and may consist of a deliberation, resolution, motion, decision, or equivalent institutional act.
Step 4 — Jointly Adopt the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments
The competent body jointly adopts:
- the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights;
- and the Fifteen Commitments for Local Authorities.
These two documents form the basis of the authority’s adoption.
It is recommended that the exact versions of the texts be attached to the instrument of adoption or identified with sufficient precision to prevent any ambiguity.
Step 5 — Formalize and Transmit the Adoption
Following adoption, the authority transmits to La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus:
- the official instrument adopted;
- confirmation of the adoption of the Declaration;
- confirmation of the adoption of the Fifteen Commitments;
- and the information required for entry in the International Register.
Where the authority’s institutional framework so provides, adoption may also be formalized through the signature of its duly authorized representative.
The precise documentary requirements are determined during the preliminary dialogue in order to accommodate the diversity of legal and administrative systems.
Step 6 — Registration and Progressive Implementation
Following verification of the documents by La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the authority is entered in the International Register of Signatory Authorities.
It then begins the progressive implementation of the Fifteen Commitments, including:
- establishing its Assembly of the Tree;
- appointing a Tree Advocate;
- assessing and documenting its tree heritage;
- developing its initial measures and programs;
- and regularly evaluating its progress.
XI. Why Is a Preliminary Dialogue Necessary?
The preliminary dialogue is not a formality intended to permit the arbitrary selection of authorities.
It serves several purposes:
- ensuring an accurate understanding of the Declaration;
- explaining the indivisible relationship between the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments;
- presenting the actual legal status of the proposed Convention;
- preventing confusion regarding the legal scope of adoption;
- ensuring the use of the current versions of the documents;
- preparing a sound institutional decision;
- and determining the practical arrangements for cooperation.
It protects both the authority concerned and the integrity and consistency of the international initiative.
Adoption must not be based upon an approximate presentation or upon the erroneous belief that the authority would thereby become a party to an international treaty.
It must result from a free and informed decision made in accordance with the authority’s legal framework.
XII. A Process Open to All Local and Regional Authorities
The Declaration is intended for adoption by authorities of differing sizes, powers, institutional structures, and legal traditions.
Depending upon the organization of each State, eligible authorities may include:
- communes and municipalities;
- cities;
- intermunicipal or metropolitan authorities;
- departments;
- provinces;
- regions;
- autonomous territories;
- and local authorities or governments vested with environmental, heritage, urban-planning, land-use, or territorial powers.
Each authority acts within the scope of its legally conferred powers.
The diversity of legal systems does not preclude adoption of a common foundation of principles.
On the contrary, it justifies adapting the arrangements for implementation to each territory while preserving the unity of the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments.
XIII. International Cooperation Founded upon Territorial Experience
Local and regional authorities play a decisive role in the protection of trees.
They exercise direct responsibilities in numerous fields, including:
- land-use planning;
- urban planning;
- roads and public infrastructure;
- parks and public spaces;
- soil management;
- climate-change adaptation;
- public health;
- biodiversity;
- the protection of the common good;
- education;
- and public participation.
Their adoption of the Declaration makes it possible to move its principles from the realm of general affirmation into territorial experimentation and public action.
Experience gained locally may then be shared with other authorities.
It contributes progressively to the development of a body of practices, methods, and standards capable of informing national policies and the future development of international law.
Conclusion
The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights by a local or regional authority is neither a merely symbolic gesture nor accession to an international treaty already in force.
It marks the beginning of an organized political, ethical, and institutional process.
By jointly adopting the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments for Local Authorities, the authority:
- formally recognizes the fundamental principles set forth in the Declaration;
- commits to their progressive implementation;
- establishes an appropriate territorial governance framework;
- involves members of the public, experts, and local stakeholders;
- evaluates the progress achieved;
- and joins an international network of committed authorities.
This process respects the powers, resources, and legal framework of each territory.
It is founded upon a shared ambition: to make the protection of trees an enduring principle of public action and to pass on to future generations a living common good that has been preserved or enhanced.
Joining the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights
Any local or regional authority that shares the principles of the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights may contact La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus in order to initiate a preliminary dialogue.
La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus assists the authority with:
- understanding the initiative’s overall architecture;
- reviewing the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments;
- preparing its instrument of adoption;
- formalizing its adoption;
- entering the authority in the International Register of Signatory Authorities;
- and progressively implementing its Commitments.
Adoption is based upon a free and informed decision by the authority, made in accordance with its applicable law and within the scope of its powers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Was the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights Created?
The Declaration arose from the recognition that trees play an essential role in the functioning of ecosystems, biodiversity, the climate, soils, water systems, landscapes, public health, and quality of life.
It provides a common foundation of principles intended to advance their recognition and effective protection.
2. Why Speak of Tree Rights?
Speaking of Tree Rights means recognizing that trees possess intrinsic value and vital needs that justify protection founded upon fundamental principles.
It does not mean that trees are equated with human persons or automatically acquire legal personhood.
3. Is the Declaration Legally Binding?
The Declaration does not, by itself, possess the legally binding force of a statute, regulation, or international treaty in force.
The instrument through which an authority adopts it nevertheless has institutional and legal existence, the effect of which depends upon applicable law and the wording of that instrument.
4. Does Adoption Automatically Confer Legal Personhood upon Trees?
No.
The Declaration does not automatically confer general legal personhood upon trees.
In certain legal systems, legal personhood may constitute one possible instrument for protecting particular natural entities. It is neither a prerequisite for nor the exclusive legal foundation of the Declaration.
5. What Must an Authority Adopt?
It jointly adopts:
- the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights;
- and the Fifteen Commitments for Local Authorities.
6. May an Authority Adopt the Declaration Without the Fifteen Commitments?
No, not under the procedure currently established for signatory authorities.
The Fifteen Commitments constitute the operational roadmap associated with adoption of the Declaration.
7. Are the Fifteen Commitments the Same for All Authorities?
Yes.
Their text is common to all signatory authorities in order to ensure the consistency of the initiative.
The practical arrangements for their implementation are then adapted to the powers, resources, and circumstances of each territory.
8. May an Authority Amend the Text of the Commitments?
The common text is not intended to be rewritten unilaterally.
The authority may, however, specify its timetable, priorities, resources, and implementation arrangements in a supplementary local document.
9. Must All Commitments Be Implemented Immediately?
No.
They are implemented progressively. The authority establishes an appropriate timetable while maintaining the objective of implementing the roadmap in its entirety.
10. Is the Establishment of an Assembly of the Tree Required?
Yes.
The establishment of an Assembly of the Tree is the first of the Fifteen Commitments.
Its composition and operating arrangements may be adapted to the authority concerned, but it remains an advisory body and does not replace the competent public authorities.
11. Does a Local or Regional Authority Accede to the International Convention on Tree Rights?
No.
The Convention is currently a proposed instrument intended to be advanced at the level of States and competent international organizations.
A local or regional authority adopts the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments. It does not become a contracting party to the Convention.
12. Is the International Convention on Tree Rights Already in Force?
No.
The draft has been prepared and published, but it is not yet an international treaty that has been adopted, signed, ratified, and brought into force.
13. What Is the Purpose of the International Register?
The Register records the authorities that have formally adopted the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments.
It ensures the traceability of adoptions, gives visibility to territorial initiatives, and facilitates cooperation among signatory authorities.
14. Why Is a Preliminary Dialogue Conducted?
It enables La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus to present the documents, explain their scope, answer the authority’s questions, and assist in preparing a fully informed institutional decision.
It also ensures that adoption concerns the current versions of the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments.
15. What Type of Instrument Must an Authority Adopt?
The form of the instrument depends upon the authority’s applicable law.
It may consist of a deliberation, resolution, motion, or any equivalent instrument adopted by the competent body.
16. Is the Signature of the Mayor or Other Representative Sufficient?
A signature does not replace an act of the competent body where applicable law requires a prior deliberation or resolution.
The signature may formalize adoption once the documents have been institutionally approved.
17. What Documents Must Be Submitted?
At a minimum, the authority submits to La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus the official instrument evidencing adoption of the Declaration and the Fifteen Commitments, together with the information required for its entry in the Register.
The precise requirements are determined during the preliminary dialogue.
18. May an Authority Propose New Initiatives?
Yes.
It may develop innovative projects compatible with the Declaration and share its experience with other authorities and with the Assembly of the Tree.
19. May an Authority Located Outside France Join the Declaration?
Yes.
The initiative is international in scope. The procedure is adapted to the legal and institutional framework of the territory concerned.
20. How Is the Procedure Initiated?
The authority contacts La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus in order to arrange an initial discussion and receive the current versions of the relevant documents.
Publication date: July 6, 2026
Last updated: July 11, 2026
