Widespread and systematic environmental destruction has revealed the inadequacy of traditional legal mechanisms in providing effective criminal protection for the environment. In this context, the concept of ecocide has emerged as an innovative approach within criminal law and international law, aiming to address severe and large-scale environmental harm. This article adopts an analytical and critical approach to examine the feasibility and necessity of criminalizing ecocide at both national and international levels. The study first clarifies the conceptual foundations of ecocide and distinguishes it from conventional environmental crimes. It then analyzes the legal elements of ecocide in light of fundamental principles of criminal law. Furthermore, by examining international legal instruments and recent normative developments, the article evaluates the opportunities and challenges associated with recognizing ecocide as an independent crime. The findings indicate that, provided it’s material and mental elements are carefully defined and core principles such as legality and proportionality are respected, the criminalization of ecocide is not only compatible with criminal law foundations but may also significantly enhance effective environmental protection. The article concludes that ecocide should be understood as a complementary concept within contemporary criminal law rather than a merely moral or political slogan.