The council of Terrasse-Vaudreuil, west of Montreal, unanimously adopted a resolution declaring that trees are entitled to protection, including rights to life, natural growth, integrity and regeneration.

The town of about 2,000 people has also signed the Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Tree, an international initiative promoted by environmental groups. The declaration states that trees are living beings, that life on Earth depends on them and that humans have a duty to act in solidarity with them.

Mayor Michel Bourdeau said the move was inspired by a documentary by Quebec filmmaker André Desrochers and reflected the community’s close relationship with its natural environment.

Under the new policy, the municipality will review bylaws to ensure trees are protected or replaced when removed and will introduce measures to expand the local tree canopy.

Environmental advocates said the decision forms part of a broader international movement seeking legal recognition for elements of the natural world, including rivers and ecosystems.

Karine Peloffy, a lawyer with Ecojustice, said: “What do trees do if not standing? If anything has standing, it’s a tree.”