On 11 March 2025, the Paris Administrative Court of Appeal delivered a landmark ruling regarding the use of the pesticide chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique—two Caribbean islands under French governance. Chlordecone was used extensively on banana plantations between 1972 and 1993, leading to the long-term contamination of soil and water supplies, with grave consequences for public health.
The court found the French state to be at fault for granting licences for the sale and prolonged use of this highly toxic substance. Consequently, it has ordered compensation for individuals who can prove they have suffered psychological harm or "anxiety-related damage" linked to long-term exposure.
How did the authorities fail to manage the chlordecone crisis?
Despite being banned in the United States as far back as 1976 on toxicity grounds, chlordecone remained in use across the French Caribbean until 1993. French officials repeatedly extended its authorisation. The court held that the government failed in its duty by allowing its ongoing sale and by failing to act with sufficient urgency to assess or contain the resulting pollution.
Authorities also faced criticism for failing to properly investigate the health implications and for not adequately informing affected communities. This ruling is a significant step forward, as it recognises the mental distress caused by living with long-term environmental hazards. However, claimants must still provide rigorous evidence of exposure and prove a significant risk of developing a serious illness.
In this particular case, of the 1,300 claimants involved, only around ten individuals were awarded compensation after providing medical tests and environmental data confirming their exposure.
Reactions from local communities and campaign groups
Legal representatives for the residents welcomed the judgment as an essential piece of legal recognition, though they expressed disappointment at the small number of people who actually qualified for a payout. They argue that the decision does not fully reflect the well-documented public health crisis caused by chlordecone.
Several environmental and civil society groups also voiced their frustration, stating that the sheer scale of the ecological and bodily damage has not been fully reckoned with. Chlordecone contamination remains a pervasive issue, affecting soil, groundwater, and coastal ecosystems across both islands.
- Public health experts estimate that over 90% of adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique have traces of chlordecone in their systems.
- Men in these territories suffer from some of the highest recorded rates of prostate cancer in the world.
The path toward fair and comprehensive compensation
Decades of pollution have forced local farmers to overhaul their methods, including a shift to soilless farming and heavy investment in specialised livestock housing. The court’s decision is a major milestone in acknowledging the harm inflicted on communities exposed to chlordecone over several decades.
- The low success rate of current claims underscores the need for ongoing legal pressure to ensure broader and fairer compensation packages.
- Lawyers and advocacy groups are now considering taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights.
- The goal is to secure equitable recognition and support for everyone affected.
While this ruling officially admits governmental failings and provides redress for a handful of victims, further action is vital to ensure justice, transparency, and long-term care for all communities living with the legacy of this environmental disaster.
