Antonio Vercher, a prosecutor from Tavernes de la Valldigna, was a fundamental figure in the development of environmental law in Spain. After an initial career in Bilbao, he joined the Prosecutor's Office of the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community in 1989, where he began to forge his legacy.
His vision was crucial for interpreting and applying Article 347 bis of the Penal Code, which sanctioned polluting emissions and discharges. Vercher served as the environmental coordinator for the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community, a pioneering role that allowed him to address issues such as land infill in the Albufera.
I remember Antonio saying that the famous article was a blank page that needed to be filled, and that's what the prosecutor from Tavernes de la Valldigna dedicated himself to as Coordinator for environmental issues at the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community, a pioneering position in Spain born from Vercher's enthusiasm.
Thanks to his work, the first convictions for land infill were achieved, equating them to polluting discharges, and the prosecution of illegal landfills began, which were a major cause of forest fires. This work led many municipalities to take measures to comply with regulations.
Later, Vercher moved to Madrid, where he promoted the creation of specialized environmental and urban planning prosecutor's offices nationwide, coordinating them as a Chamber Prosecutor. He also secured the protection of all wetlands in Spain under the Penal Code, regardless of their official status.
His professional prestige led him to preside over the Consultative Council of European Prosecutors, being re-elected in 2022. His dedication to environmental law left an indelible mark on the protection of natural heritage and awareness of the importance of environmental justice.
